Praying Like Jabez

• Printable Version - Share on Facebook - Posted by Dion Todd June 11, 2019 - Filed in Devotional - 7,112 views
  Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, 'Oh that you would bless me indeed, and enlarge my border! May your hand be with me, and may you keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain!' God granted him that which he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10 WEB
  
  We need balance in prayer. Some people are too ashamed of their past to ask God for anything. They feel that they have messed up so bad that they are lucky to be saved at all. Others tend to think that God is the great Santa Claus in heaven, or a pet to command. Their life centers around themselves, instead of God. Neither view is correct and balance is one of the keys to a happy life. The enemy will always try to get you out of balance in order to hinder your prayers. Either you do not pray at all, or you pray for the wrong thing, or with the wrong motive. James wrote:
  
  'You don't have, because you don't ask. You ask, and don't receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it for your pleasures' (James 4:3 WEB).
  
  There is nothing wrong with asking God to bless you, prosper you, and keep you safe, just as Jabez did. When you come to the Lord, your past is forgiven and you become a child of God with all the benefits and perks that entails. You are not a second class citizen in His family, and you get to sit at the table with everyone else.
  
  If anyone on earth has a right to ask God for something, you do. 'Sister Bertha Better-than-you' is actually not better than you. For you are forgiven and you can pray for the things that you need. Jesus told us to pray: 'Give us today our daily bread.' So don't be afraid to ask God for the things that you need. When Jabez asked, God granted his request. Sure there needs to be balance, but what if Jabez had not prayed at all? Pray like Jabez did.
  
  Prayer: Heavenly Father I thank You for all of Your blessings on my life. I pray that You extend my borders and means to help others. Please give me Your wisdom to manage my life, family, work, relationships, and time. Lead me and never let me stray from Your path, in the name of Jesus Christ I pray.
  
  Note: For those following our Creation Photographers group, here is the theme of the week: Good Morning Creation Photographers!! School is out as of Thursday, for the grandkids and Summer has officially begun for us. That makes me smile!! Psalm 126:2-3 'Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; then they said among the nations, 'The LORD has done great things for them.' The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad.'- 'What Makes You Smile' will be our next fun theme and is open for interpretation as always. You are also encouraged to post anything that inspires you as well! My photos today (in the group) reflect some of the birding shots that made me smile yesterday. A baby hawk, an eagle with a fish on, and the osprey feather and heart blessing he left behind for me...that made me actually giggle! May your hearts be forever filled with laughter and your shouts of joy be to our Lord & Grand Creator! Here is the link: Creation Photographers
  
  
  

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