Author: admin

“There is a way that seemeth right unto a man, but the end thereof are the ways of death.”
‭‭Proverbs‬ ‭16:25‬ ‭KJV‬‬. One of the most tragic results of man’s fall, of sin coming into this world is, that we assume we know what is right for our own lives. We assume we know the way we should go. And how the enemy of our souls has used this ungodly world to present to us, so many ‘ways’ that seem to be right. We look around at things that appeal to our flesh, or our own mind, and that ‘way’ seems to be the right ‘way’ to bring us what we desire. But well should we remember these words of the wise man! The ‘way’ that seems right to us, only leads to spiritual death! And it’s because there is only one way that leads to life. That is God’s way. May God help us to realize, His way is always best! His way is the only right way. We don’t know how, in ourselves, to choose the right way. So let us humble ourselves and allow our loving Father to choose our way. As the songwriter says, “Who am I that I should choose my way? The Lord shall choose for me!”

“Grace and peace be multiplied unto you through the knowledge of God, and of Jesus our Lord,” 2 Peter‬ ‭1:2‬ ‭KJV‬‬. These words remind us that God’s grace and peace reaching our lives can be increased, that we can have more. Too often people rest in the fact that they are saved by grace, and they have peace in regards to where they will spend eternity. But the reality is, we need an abundance of grace to live victoriously in this evil world. We need overcoming grace to carry us through every battle and over every temptation. We need peace that keeps our spirit steadfast in the midst of life’s storms. And here we learn how God’s grace and peace can be multiplied in our lives. It is as we draw closer to the One Who is the Source of all good. This word ‘knowledge’ doesn’t mean simply the gathering of mental concepts. It means that we actually experience Who God is through a close personal relationship with Jesus Christ. It means spending time with Him, depending on Him, and proving His promises true in the tests of life. Do you need more grace or peace? Draw close to Jesus.

“Behold, what manner of love the Father hath bestowed upon us, that we should be called the sons of God…” 1 John‬ ‭3:1‬ ‭KJV‬‬. Could we but realize that the Creator of this universe, the God of all glory, He is the One Who has poured out His great love upon us! He is the One Who loves us unconditionally, with an everlasting love. If we could better understand and rest in His love, so many things we go through would be seen in a different light. The Bible tells us that ‘faith works by love’, so as we believe His love, then our faith becomes stronger. Then we would realize that our struggles in this life are not because God is cruel or overbearing, as some people wrongly imagine. Then we would believe that the One Who loves us truly is working all of these things for our eternal good. We would always know, as God’s children, that we are loved even when we struggle. We’re loved even when we try and fail. We are loved, not because of what we do, or how good we are, but because of Who He is! We would realize that everything He calls us to, every command He gives us, is qualified by His great love. We would understand, that because of His love, He always seeks for what is best for our lives. And then, we would love Him more, because He first loved us.

“…and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!” So God granted him what he requested.” I Chronicles‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭NKJV. Here in Jabez’s prayer we truly see his inward character. He knows that his name means ‘sorrow’, and yet he is determined to live so that he does not cause sorrow to the God he loves, nor to those around him. He pleads with God to keep him from personal sin, and from the evil and sorrow that sin brings. ‬‬In this, Jabez shows a characteristic that is common in every true child of God. We do not want to wound nor grieve our Father Who loves us. This is so much more than a selfish request to be kept from the personal sorrow that comes from sin. This is a heart desire to please God! This is a longing to be kept from doing evil by the only power that can keep a person from it, the power of God! A Christian may fall short for many reasons, but let us be clear, no true Christian wants to sin against God. May this be the cry of our heart. Keep me Lord, from all sin and evil.

“…and that Thine hand might be with me…” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬. As Jabez called upon God, he did not ask for the kind of help that most people do. He did not ask for some strong or wise men to join him, or even for some great man, like a king to assist him. He knew already what the Psalmist would later write, that “vain is the help of man”. So he asks God that His own Mighty Hand would be with him. God’s hand represents His divine presence and power. Jabez knew that what he needed most was the presence of God Himself with him! He knew that no other power could accomplish what the power of God can. May we understand today, how desperately we need God with us! That in this spiritual battle that we are in, no other power will be sufficient for us to be able to stand for what is right. No other power will be enough to help us to overcome the enemies that are against us. But thank God, Jesus Christ did come to be our Emmanuel, God with us! And He wants to dwell with us. And then, may we live every day so that our Holy God is content to dwell with us.

“And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast,…” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬. As we read Jabez’s prayer, we are reminded that “these things were written for our example”. We see that his desire and request for more land physically, should be our desire spiritually. While it is true he was living in the good land, the land of promise, yet he would not be content with just a little. He wanted more so he could be more fruitful to be able to bless God and others. One of the things the church needs today is a ‘holy discontent’ about spiritual things. We need to hunger and thirst for more of what God has for us! We need to have this desire like Jabez, for more of the good land spiritually. No matter where we are spiritually, God has so much more for each of us! Let us ask God today, To fan the flame of holy desire in our souls! Lord, enlarge our hearts with more of Your love. Enlarge our prayer lives till we become true intercessors. Enlarge our service and influence for Thee. Enlarge our outreach to needy souls. Let us not become content with just a little when our God has so much more to give.

“And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that Thou wouldest bless me indeed…” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭4:10‬ ‭KJV‬‬. When Jabez prayed that God would bless him ‘indeed’, he was not asking for those things that may appear to the natural eye to be a blessing. He was not asking for what seemed good in his own eyes. He was asking for the things that only God knows are real blessings. Too many times in praying we ask God for what we want, rather than what we need. We seek for blessings that will make our physical life easier, or more pleasurable, when God is more interested in what makes our heart pure. James 4:3 describes this type of selfish asking. How we are prone ask with wrong motives so that we may spend it on our pleasures. But let us learn to humble ourselves and come to God with the Spirit of Christ saying, “Not my will, but Thine be done”. Then we will discover, that our Heavenly Father loves to bless His children. But His blessings are always things that benefit us spiritually and draws us closer to Him. Sometimes the valley we are praying to get out of, is the very blessing we need to draw us closer to God.

“And Jabez was more honourable than his brethren: and his mother called his name Jabez, saying, Because I bare him with sorrow.” 1 Chronicles‬ ‭4:9‬ ‭KJV‬‬. We do not know the circumstances of Jabez’s birth, which caused his mother to give him this name ‘sorrowful’. She may have suffered great loss or been going through something very painful. But what a surprise it must have been to her, to see in the years to come, that this ‘son of her sorrow’ would prove to be an honorable man of God! That her sorrow would be turned to joy! In our lives we often regard our troubles and sorrows much like she did. We see them as things that are against us, meant to bring harm to us. But what a difference it makes when we keep our faith in God! To know that He turns those very things for our good and for His glory. To realize that even though weeping does last for the night, yet joy comes in the morning. Perhaps in our life, there is something we have called ‘Jabez, a sorrowful thing’. We’ve done this because we cannot see how anything good can come from it. But let us rise up in faith, believing that what the enemy meant for evil, our Gracious Heavenly Father will work for good.

“Where the word of a king is, there is power…” Ec.‬ ‭8:4‬ ‭KJV.‬‬  “Let the word of Christ dwell in you…” Col.‬ ‭3:16‬ ‭KJV‬‬. What a wonderful promise that the Word of our King, can dwell in our hearts. That when we choose to believe His Word, and receive it into our hearts, we will have the spiritual power we need to be able to stand against the forces of evil. The Bible tells us that all power belongs to God. And Jesus Christ is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:24). We know that there is power in His Word. The Hebrew writer says “…He upholds all things by the Word of His power…”(1:3). But the question for us is, will we allow the Word of King Jesus to dwell in us? Will we allow it to transform us and give it the rightful place in our lives? Will we love it, cherish it, and give it preeminence over every word of man, and over our own thoughts? This is how the power of God’s Word works in and through our lives. In this day when God’s people so desperately need spiritual power, let us prepare our hearts to be that good ground, which can receive the seed of God’s Word. And let us know, when the words of King Jesus have their rightful place in us, we will have His power at work in our lives.

“But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.” Luke‬ ‭8:15‬ ‭KJV‬‬. In Jesus’ Parable of the Sower, the 4 types of ground represent the various conditions of people’s hearts. One of the common mistakes people make in thinking about this is, that the type of ground can’t be changed. But in reality, good ground doesn’t simply appear, it has to be prepared. It has to be cleared of rocks and weeds, and broken up so as to be ready to receive the good seed. While it’s true, we all have sinned, God has also given each of us a choice, as to whether or not we will remain as we are. He calls us to make the necessary changes to prepare our hearts. Too many are waiting for God to do, what He has told us to do. 1 Samuel 7:3 “…prepare your hearts to the Lord…”. Let us make the choice to become that ‘good ground’ in which God’s Word can become fruitful.