Prayer

24
Aug
2024
Prayer of Jabez: Asking Big, Believing Bigger

Prayer of Jabez: Asking Big, Believing Bigger

Have you ever felt like you’re stuck in a rut, unable to move forward in life? Maybe you’ve been afraid to ask God for more, thinking you don’t deserve it or that it’s selfish.

Well, let me introduce you to a guy named Jabez from the Bible. His story might just change your perspective on prayer and what God wants for your life.

Who Was Jabez?

Jabez shows up in a pretty unexpected place in the Bible – right in the middle of a long list of family trees in 1 Chronicles. But his brief mention is quite notable.

The Bible tells us that Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, and his mom named him Jabez because she gave birth to him in pain. Talk about a rough start!

Power-Packed Prayer

Here’s what 1 Chronicles 4:10 (NIV) says:

Jabez cried out to the God of Israel, “Oh, that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm so that I will be free from pain.” And God granted his request.

1 Chronicles 4:10

Let’s break this down and see what we can learn from Jabez’s prayer.

1. Don’t Be Afraid to Ask for Blessings

Jabez starts by asking God straight-up for a blessing. He’s not beating around the bush or being super humble about it. Sometimes we feel guilty for asking God to bless us, but Jabez shows us it’s okay to be direct.

2. Dream Big

“Enlarge my territory” – Jabez wasn’t content with the status quo. He wanted to grow, to expand, to have a bigger impact. What’s your “territory”? Your skills, your relationships, your influence? Don’t be afraid to ask God to help you grow in these areas.

3. Seek God’s Presence

Jabez asks for God’s hand to be with him. He knows that true success comes from having God by his side. It’s not just about getting stuff from God; it’s about experiencing His presence in our lives.

4. Ask for Protection

Lastly, Jabez asks God to keep him from harm and pain. He’s not pretending life is all sunshine and rainbows. He knows there are challenges out there, and he’s asking for God’s protection.

The Result: God Said Yes!

Here’s the kicker – God granted Jabez’s request! This short verse packs a powerful punch. It shows us that God listens to our prayers and that He’s not offended when we ask for big things.

Applying Jabez’s Prayer to Our Lives

So, how can we take this ancient prayer and make it relevant to our lives today?

  1. Be specific in your prayers: Don’t just ask for general blessings. What exactly do you need God to do in your life?
  2. Dream bigger: What would it look like if God really expanded your “territory”? In your job, your family, your community?
  3. Invite God into every part of your life: Ask for His presence in the good times and the tough times.
  4. Acknowledge your need for protection: We all face challenges. It’s okay to ask God to shield us from harm.
  5. Believe that God wants to bless you: Jabez’s story reminds us that God is a generous Father who delights in blessing His children.

Conclusion

Jabez’s prayer might be short, but it’s packed with faith, courage, and a big vision. It challenges us to approach God with boldness, to dream big, and to trust that He wants to bless us and use us in mighty ways.

So, why not give it a try? Take a page from Jabez’s book and start praying bigger prayers. You might just be surprised at how God responds when you ask Him to expand your territory and keep His hand on your life.

Remember, it’s not about becoming rich or famous. It’s about growing in your faith, expanding your influence for God’s kingdom, and experiencing more of His presence in your life. That’s a prayer worth praying every single day.

Pray Upside Down: 15 Week Bible Study

 You Have Been Seated with Christ in the Heavenly Realms

God’s great hope for us is not simply the forgiveness of sins and a place in heaven when we die; but rather, He wants us totally restored, in heart, mind and soul . . . NOW!

As we enter into this amazing adventure with God, we soon recognize that we are a part of something tremendous, something that is beyond our earthy perspective, and we are transported into the heavens with Christ; we live, breathe, and find our being in Him!

This Bible study will help you rediscover how it all began, what happened in the Garden of Eden, who is the Devil really, and what is he up to today.

  • Head into the heavenly realms and discover profound truths concerning your relationship with God, and His incredible plan for you.
  • Search your heart, preparing for a fresh baptism of the Holy Spirit. In this study, you will enter into God’s armory, suiting up with the whole armor of God.
  • Discover the Keys to the Kingdom given to you, and learn what they unlock; discovering your true nature in Christ, the authority given, the Sword of the Spirit, the covering armor, and the mission ahead, you will truly learn to pray . . . Upside Down!

Get your copy today! – Pray Upside Down

Posted by onthesolidrock
26
May
2024
Repentance and Restoration, Returning to God

Repentance and Restoration, Returning to God

Life can lead us down paths that take us away from God. We may feel distant from Him and wonder if there’s a way back. But the good news is, God is a God of forgiveness and restoration.

“Therefore tell the people: This is what the LORD Almighty says: ‘Return to me,’ declares the LORD Almighty, ‘and I will return to you,’ declares the LORD Almighty.”

Zechariah 1:3

This verse is a call to repentance and a promise of restoration.

God desires us to return to Him, and He promises to welcome us back with open arms.

Experiencing Restoration in Your Relationship with God:

  • Acknowledge your distance from God. The first step towards restoration is admitting your shortcomings; tell Him everything; hold nothing back!
  • Repent of your sins. Ask God for forgiveness and turn away from anything that separates you from Him.
  • Seek God wholeheartedly. Spend time in prayer, worship, and reading the Bible.

Remember, God’s love for us is unfailing (Psalm 103:8). He longs for a relationship with you, and He will meet you with open arms when you choose to return to Him.

Further Exploration:

  • Read Luke 15:11-32 for the parable of the prodigal son, illustrating God’s forgiveness and love.
  • Consider writing a prayer of repentance, expressing your desire to return to God and asking for forgiveness.
  • Talk to a trusted friend, pastor, or counselor about your desire to deepen your relationship with God.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Humility, Prayer
13
May
2024
Standing Strong: Facing Persecution with Faith and Joy

Standing Strong: Facing Persecution with Faith and Joy

Life as a follower of Christ isn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Jesus himself warned his disciples that they would face opposition, even violence, for their beliefs.

They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God.

(John 16:2)

This can be a scary thought. Why would anyone be persecuted for their faith? And how can we stay strong when things get tough?

Why Does Persecution Happen?

The truth is, the world doesn’t always understand or embrace what Jesus represents. He challenges the status quo, exposes darkness, and offers a different way of living (John 7:7).  This can feel threatening to those who cling to worldly values and priorities.

Here’s the thing: persecution isn’t a sign of weakness or failure. It’s a sign that you’re living faithfully and making a difference.

Responding to Persecution

So, how do we react when faced with persecution? Here are some key takeaways from Jesus’ teachings:

  •     Don’t be surprised. Jesus warned us about this reality, so we shouldn’t be caught off guard

If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first.

John 15:18
  •     Don’t be afraid. Our physical safety might be threatened, but our eternal soul belongs to God

Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.

Matthew 10:28
  •     Don’t be ashamed. Standing up for your faith, even in the face of opposition, is something to be proud of

Whoever is ashamed of me and my words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his glory and in the glory of the Father and of the holy angels.

Luke 9:26

The core response to persecution is unwavering faithfulness. No matter the cost, we continue to:

  •     Obey Jesus’ commands and follow His example.
  •     Share the message of the gospel with love and compassion.
  •     Remain rooted in Him and allow His teachings to guide us.

Finding Strength in the Midst of Trials

Even the most courageous person can feel overwhelmed.  The good news is, we’re not alone!  Here are some promises from Jesus that offer strength and hope:

    The Holy Spirit is with us. We have a powerful comforter, advocate, and counselor by our side

And I will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever— 17 the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. 18 I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.

John 14:16-18

    We have a purpose. Our trials can refine our faith and produce perseverance (James 1:2-4).

Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, 3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. 4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

James 1:2-4

    Eternal life awaits. The temporary hardships we face pale in comparison to the joy and reward that awaits us in Heaven

 Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die; 26 and whoever lives by believing in me will never die. Do you believe this?”

John 11:25-26

Standing Firm in Faith

Persecution can be a difficult reality, but it doesn’t have to define us.  By remembering the reasons behind it, responding with unwavering faith, and clinging to the promises of God, we can face any challenge with courage and hope. 

Commit to following Jesus, no matter the cost, knowing that He is always with you.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Prayer
28
Mar
2024
Power of Prayerful Hands

Power of Prayerful Hands

“I want the men everywhere to pray, lifting up holy hands without anger or disputing.” (1 Timothy 2:8, NIV)

Importance of Prayer

Prayer is a fundamental aspect of the Christian life. It is the means by which we communicate with our heavenly Father, express our gratitude, make our requests known, and seek his guidance.

In his wisdom, God has chosen to involve us in his work through prayer, inviting us to participate in the unfolding of his plan.

Posture of Prayer

The apostle Paul emphasizes the importance of lifting up “holy hands” when we pray. This is not a literal instruction but a metaphor for the attitude and disposition of our hearts.

We are to approach God with reverence, humility, and a desire for reconciliation with him and with others.

Anger and Disputing

Paul warns against praying with anger or disputing in our hearts.

Anger and conflict cloud our judgment and distort our perspective, making it difficult to discern God’s will.

When we harbor resentment or bitterness towards others, it can hinder our ability to pray effectively.

Power of Unity

Instead, Paul encourages us to pray in a spirit of unity and harmony.

When we come together as a community of believers, lifting our voices in prayer, there is a power and effectiveness that transcends our individual efforts.

As we lay aside our differences and focus on our common purpose, God is pleased to work through our collective prayers.

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“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Prayer
18
Mar
2024
Keeping Calm in Chaos

Keeping Calm in Chaos

Unavoidable Turmoil

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. Such things must happen, but the end is still to come.” – Matthew 24:6 (NIV)

In this verse, Jesus warns His disciples about the inevitable turmoil and chaos that will come upon the world. Wars, conflicts, and upheaval are an unavoidable part of the human experience.

Temptation to Fear

When confronted with such distressing news and events, our natural response is often one of fear and anxiety.

We may feel overwhelmed by the chaos, uncertain of what the future holds, and tempted to give in to panic or despair.

Call to Trust

Yet, Jesus offers a profound and comforting message: “See to it that you are not alarmed.”

He urges us not to be consumed by fear, but to trust in the sovereignty and control of God, even in the midst of turmoil.

Source of Peace

By anchoring our hearts in the knowledge that God is still in charge, we can find a deep and abiding peace that transcends our circumstances.

We can choose to focus not on the temporary upheavals of this world, but on the eternal promises of our Heavenly Father.

As we navigate times of chaos and uncertainty, cling to the truth that God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in times of trouble. (Psalm 46:1)

In Him, we can find the courage to face whatever comes our way, and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

~ Check Out ~
“One Minute with God”

Posted by onthesolidrock in Daily Inspiration, Faith, Prayer, Trust