Wednesday, June 5, 2019

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

6 thoughts on “Wednesday, June 5, 2019

  1. So wonderful to hear of a man not wanting to cause pain to another. Afraid I missed that in my reading of Chronicles today as I just run thru it quickly. Praise the Lord for teachers, like David Mainse:-)!

    Billy Graham explained his life simply: “My home is in Heaven. I’m just traveling through this world.” C. S. Lewis believed that “our life on earth is the first page of a never-ending story.”

    Blessings on all saints today and forever. So thankful to hear of High Level people returning to their homes. Raining today in w.c. Alberta and cooooool. My reporting job keeps me sooooo busy and our wee town has 34 events going on in it this week for Seniors Week. Love to see all the seniors out and enjoying these great get- togethers for them, with loved ones and friends. God bless them all:-)!

  2. I frequently tell others that this life is just a school/battleground where God can see our character grow (or whither) so that maybe He will know just where we can serve Him best,both here and in ‘the real life’.This world is artificial,created by God,but temporary.If He gave us eternal life immediately,some might rebel before their characters could produce fruit (as 1/3 of the angels did with their leader).
    I switched to the full interview with Bruce Wilkinson,and ordered the book…still available,and would like us all to pray his Jabez prayer for Crossroads today,for David’s memory
    That interview helped me to finally get it through my head that asking for blessings (not necessarily riches) is not selfish..God bless

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