BLESS ME INDEED
Today’s 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
Dear David Thank you for this inspiring interview with Bruce Wilkinson regarding his book on the Prayer of Jabez, and his personal testimony of how his son came and asked him for his Blessing with such urgency of heart. What an amazing anointed interview, so natural yet supernatural in content. Lorna, are you listening!? Some of these early programs you did David are so God-Breathed. l love Lorna’s heart to dig into the very heart of God’s touch on people’s lives and the current affairs programs she produces! You are both such warriors in the kingdom!
Very meaningful blog, Pastor David. Dug out my plaque and placed it in front of me to remind me to pray it often. Goes along with message of “Steams in the Desert” for today. “Cannot the same wonders be done now as of old? Where is the God of Elijah? He is waiting for Elijah to call on Him?” Dr. Goulburn, dean of Norwich. Local town of my maternal grandmother. My heart and prayers reaches out to the people of London. What sorrow and grief they must be experiencing. Blessings saints.
Amen Ger, Amen!
Amen Amen!!
Thank you Pastor David. I so enjoyed your interview with Bruce Wilkinson. I will ask The Lord fervently to bless me.
I want to thank everyone who prayed for my husband Ted. He had two stints put in last Wednesday and is doing alright. It was a very long day as there were 3 emergencies that went before him. They kept him over night my son and I picked him up at 6am on Thursday morning.
Blessings to all. Eleanor M.
Lord You bless marriages! You have blessed Eleanor’s husband with good results from his surgery! We thank you Lord for this precious miracle and we ask that You Lord will continue to heal her husband Ted; bring him back to excellent health; bring him back to where he can go about his daily life enjoying everything that YOU LORD have provided; everything that we are; that we have everything in our life; everything is from You Lord; thank you in Jesus Name we pray amen
What a magnificent photo of “A shepherd directing his sheep…!” thank you Reynold:)
Thank you Pastor David for the link of your interview with Bruce Wilkinson! I had the privilege of seeing him on TV at the time when he was being interviewed and the stir it created.
Our church family prayed through it. I also received a copy of it, and prayed that prayer quite frequently at that time. Also prayed it together with you today.
During my quiet time this morning, I prayed.. Psalm 55:16-17: “As for me, I will call upon God, and the Lord shall save me. Evening and morning, and at noon I will pray, and cry aloud, and He shall hear my voice.
Psalm 55:22…Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall. Amen!! Thank you Lord!!
The Jaybez prayer seems daunting to me @ my age now! I find it hard to get through the day quite often. My prayer would have to include “strength” as well! I know – “the joy of the Lord IS my strength.”
I just have to give thanks to God!
I am so thankful I attended a Praise and Worship service last night at a church; it was Terrific!!!!!
Tonight I went swimming! I thank God for giving me swimming 22 years ago!
Tomorrow night I am going to a community supper! I thank God for all His goodness and mercy towards to me!
I am planning to go to a concert on July 28th with a group! I praise and thank God for all that He has done for me.
Praying for my friend Eva, that the Lord will heal her and she can come home from the hospital!
Praying for the Lord to send me a suitable room mate! I need a single bed in good condition for the back room.
I thank God for everything amen amen