BLESS ME INDEED
Suggested Reading: 1 Chronicles 3-4
Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion).
A shepherd directs his sheep along a ridge in Sardis, Turkey (a region of one of the seven churches of Revelation).
GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.
Key Verses: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10
Now Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, “Because I bore him in pain.” And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.
In the midst of names, names, and more names, our key verses are like discovering gold. Remember 2 Timothy 3:16, “All Scripture is…for instruction in righteousness.” Let’s mine the prayer of Jabez. (1) He prayed for something besides wealth and worldly acclaim. (2) He asked for greater responsibility. (3) His petition to God was for God’s hand to guide him. (4) While his name actually means, “pain,” Jabez now prayed that he would not be the cause of pain to others.
What is our “instruction in righteousness?” (1) God said “yes” to Jabez’ prayer. (2) God recognizes an honourable person when He finds him. (3) It’s not selfish to pray for God’s blessing on our lives. (4) We must never be jealous of the advantages that others have. (4) Have no fear; we are not being cheated. (5) Our main goal should be to be the best we can be with God’s help.
PRAYER FOR TODAY:
Lord God, I join Jabez in his prayer…(I’m praying now the prayer in our key verses for today, not just reading them)…AMEN!!!!!
100 PERSONAL WORDS:
In fact, I’m praying that prayer several times with increasing fervency. I’m reminded that “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much.” That’s found in James chapter 5 (click here for James 5:13-20). This is NOT self righteousness; it’s the righteousness of Christ which has been deposited in my account with God (Romans 4:1-6).
Crossroads has the powerful life-changing book called, The Prayer of Jabez in our e-store (you can order it here). When the author, Bruce Wilkinson, appeared on 100 Huntley Street television, it created quite a stir. I began to notice signs appearing around the Crossroads Centre building with that prayer on them. It was one of our monthly book offers and thousands of copies were ordered. It’s not too late to get a copy. I gave my copy away and I intend to order another for my personal “instruction in righteousness.”
When I meet an author, I want to know if their writings changed their personal lives. Bruce Wilkinson’s life was dramatically changed. He launched a powerful ministry in Africa and beyond. His territory was truly enlarged! He is blessed indeed! Here’s a video of one of Bruce’s appearances on 100 Huntley Street (2001) regarding his Prayer of Jabez book (click here).
Yours for blessing from God, enlargement of our territory, God’s hand upon us, to be kept from evil, and to not cause pain,
David
“The Bible is not an end in itself, but a means to bring men to an intimate and satisfying knowledge of God, that they may enter into Him, that they may delight in His Presence, may taste and know the inner sweetness of the very God Himself, in the core and center of their hearts.” – (A.W. Tozer)
“Lord, bless me!” It makes sense as God’s vessels to pray this prayer and set aside any belief that it is selfish to do so. It reminds me of instruction we are given on aircraft with younger children, that if in an emergency of sudden decompression, we are to first put the oxygen mask on ourselves. That way, we are better able to help without passing out! It was interesting how this prayer was embedded in several lines of genealogy! Truly a blessing for us all this day!
David I use to say that prayer, and have the book but at sometime forgotten in
it thank you for reminding me I should pray the prayer myself and see what
happens . Have a good day everyone
Lianne Hogg
Ahhh, amen, David Mainse! Your facial expressions in the clip with Bruce Wilkinson were priceless! I really enjoy when you include old clips from 100 Huntley Street in the blog. It adds so much more to the great teaching you always bring! Praying the prayer of Jabez, indeed! God bless you!
Thanks for the wonderful reminder, this morning. Here is a small part of a prayer I wrote several years ago based on scripture:
I call on you, oh God of Israel, and pray that you would bless me, indeed, and enlarge my territory, Lord!
That your hand would be with me, and you would keep me from evil, so I will be free from pain. (1 Chr 4:10)
Let me lead the life you have assigned and called me to, God (1 Cor 7:17)
For as your child, I keep your words and store up your commandments.
I keep your commandments and live.
I keep your teachings as the apple of your eye. (Pro 7:1-3)
For I hear, as you speak noble things.
And from your lips I know will come what is right. (Pro 8:6)
I take your instruction, Lord, instead of silver,
And knowledge rather than choice gold (Pro 8:10)
And now, as your child, I listen to you,
And know that happy are those who keep your ways.
I hear your instruction and am wise, and I do not neglect it.
I am happy as one who listens to you, God.
Watching daily at your gates, I am waiting beside your door,
For in finding you, I have found life.
And I know I have obtained favour from you, Lord. (Pro 8:32-5)
Living with chronic pain, is a struggle, but I know it is God’s gift to me and I give thanks for it because, ultimately, it serves His Glory. Praying for all saints, today, that God blesses us, beyond measure, in Jesus Holy name, I pray, amen, amen and amen!
Amen, Beverlee!
AMEN & AMEN!!!
Thank you Beverlee and may God richly bless you as you struggle through your pain each day, but knowing God’s hand is upon you, and considering it a gift from God….a great example to all if us who suffer in one way or another.
Thanks Rev. Mainse and thanks Beverley for the beautiful and powerful prayer with the use of 1 Chron 4:9-10 and other scriptures. Amen to the prayers!
Thanks for that prayer, Beverlee. I will attempt to print it off. Thanks again!
The Prayer of Jabez is a wonderful prayer indeed and prayed it with increasing fervency as you David. Thanks. Played the video, have a plaque and the book which I must peruse again. Thanks Beverlee for your poem and the thought that your pain is a gift from God. So much blessing today. Trust you saw my late entry last night. God bless.
I would like to back track to yesterday’s reading. Through it and David’s explanation, the Holy Spirit showed me something wonderful. I have struggled all my life with the fact that I was not taught to have faith but rather fear and anger. It was like a revelation that I have been adopted into God’s family and therefore do not need to follow the path that my ancestors chose nor do I need to be influenced by their choices anymore. The family of God is love and joy and peace.
What freedom that knowledge brings.
Bless you Denise….that is a great revelation sister in The Lord!!!
Hello David and greetings to those who have been blessed on this daily site. I saw your recent interview with Moira and was delighted at the fresh and wonderful story of God touching the little girl. Your tender heart and compassion does transmit over the air David, as we touch the Hem of His garment together, we touch His love and hear his heartbeat together… and somehow beyond our understanding, restoration (resurrection) takes place. Soaring and seeking His face, what a beautiful Saviour – Jesus name above all names. Amen
Carolyn – Molly’s daughter….smiles
I just finished watching the video clip of the interview with Bruce Wilkinson and I feel the presence of God so powerfully and I sang the following:
I need Thee
Oh, I need Thee
Every hour I need Thee
O, Bless me now my Saviour
I come to Thee
Praise the Lord, Hallelujah!!!!!
Just finished the video with Bruce Wilkinson and brought me to tears.
You are a JABEZ David and the explanation of that prayer fills my heart to overflowing today, especially in the midst of all the genealogy.
God bless each one today ad they ask God to bless the, and increase their territory. PTL.
I was one of the many people you mentioned who ordered that book when it was offered on Huntley Street. At the time I was living a very isolated life because of my anxiety disorder. I prayed that prayer and Lord did enlarged my territory by delivering me from a number of life confining phobias—ie. for some people going to grocery store might not seem like a grand feat, by for me at the time, to finally be able to go without fear was a great blessing.
Over the years, my faith walk has been enhanced and blessed by so many of the guests that have appeared on Huntley Street that words fail me to express how grateful I have been to God for always bringing me the right person and right teaching for whatever situation I was facing.
I believe tomorrow is Huntley Street’s anniversary, so let me be first to say congratulations on finishing another year of service to our Lord through this ministry. God bless you and your team
Hi David, You have inspired us all with choosing to highlight “The Prayer of Jabez” again. We also bought the book and it is now collecting dust on our bookshelf, but for sure now will be retrieved and reread. l remember praying that prayer along with others in our church. My husband had a small office in the basement, his quiet place where he prayed and prepared to teach. One day our son asked if he could have the room for his bedroom, instead of upstairs. To my surprise my husband agreed and moved everything out. He moved his desk etc to an open part of the basement which left him with a much larger space, but no door to close himself off from the rest of us. l remember standing there looking at the re-arrangement and feeling somewhat glum,when l got the distinct impression the Lord saying to me, not to worry he was enlarging our territory. Some time later we were in the unexpected position to pray for thousands of people in a revival for many years. It was truly an amazing experience, and all God!
Thank you for your faithfulness to God each day, David. I don’t want to start my day at work without reading what God wants to say to me through your blog. I, too, am praying this prayer fervently this morning…that God would not only make me a blessing but make my family a blessing, keep us from evil and from causing pain to others. I am inspired again today. May God strengthen and heal you, dear brother!
Yes, David M. After reading about names and more names, it is such a treat to come upon the prayer of Jabez! 🙂 This has long been one of my favorite prayers, along with the book.
Wonderful prayer Beverlee. Thank you for sharing. I often ‘read’ my prayers using various scripture, but have never thought of writing them out as you have done.
Thank you Rev. Mainse for the clip showing your interview with Bruce Wilkinson. Your prayer together is very moving. I prayed along and was in tears…
“Yes, Lord! please bless me indeed and a lot! I pray that it’s not too late for you to bless me eventhough I have late stage cancer now…. Oh, Lord! For your glory, please bless me abundantly and yes, extend, extend, extend my territory, allowing me to be fully used and unlimitedly used by you, empower and overflow me by your Might and wisdom so that You will manage my territory through me. For your glory, Lord! May many more & many more others will see You through your blessings on me. I only desire your blessings in a way others may recognize that they could only be originated from You alone. I desire only your blessings so that I and many of my family and friends may give you the praise, glory, honor and thanks which only You deserve! In Jesus name, I ask, Amen!!”
Beautifully said Janet….and I pray with you dear sister in the Lord.
OUR GOD IS ABLE. Bless you!!!
Dear David M. and precious fellow bloggers
Amen Amen Amen to Jabez prayer to enlarge our territory and crush the enemy under our feet.
Thank you so much Beverlee for sharing with us your beautiful prayer like you I ve been praising the Lord through chronic pain for many years being made stronger each day by becoming more Christ and less and less of me .
Have a blessed day
PS. Heading now for a gorgeous two hours of adapted sailing sharing this fun time with my Jesus on a beautiful lac st. louis. in Pointe Claire Quebec. Montreal.
Please pray that I will be capable to witness to my young skippers about Jesus with the guidance of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
XXXX Carole.
I to have read The Prayers of Jabez. It was a more resent edition. It was a gift to me from a friend back in 2009 .I loaned it to some one. Now I have a renewed
interest in the little volume of The Prayers of Jabez. I do recall hearing from God
profoundly at that time and since . Thank you Lord for answered Prayer.
Thank you Lord for blessing David Mainse and all of his God fearing God loving tender hearted family . And all that they do to honor you.
Better late than never 🙂
Marla