JABEZ’S PRAYER: Devotion for Saturday August 1, 2015

JABEZ’S PRAYER         Saturday August 1, 2015

Text: 1 Chronicle 4:10     Memory verse: v 10

In these two verses that say something about Jabez, he is remembered for a prayer request rather than his heroic acts which made him honourable. This prayer is what people love to pray always. In his prayer, he asked God to (1) bless him, (2) help him in his work (extend my lands), (3) be with him in all he did, and (4) keep him from trouble and pain. Jabez acknowledged God as the true center of his work. Do you acknowledge God as source of your being and all that you have?

Most times we pray about God’s blessings. However, when we pray for God’s blessing, we should also ask Him to take His rightful position as Lord over our work, our family time, and our recreation. It is only when we have God at the centre of whatever we do that such can prosper in our hands. Obeying Him in daily responsibilities is heroic living. Do you obey God in all you do?

Food for Thought: Jabez got an answer because he loved God.

Prayer: O Lord, my God, help me to love you as much as you love me. 

WHAT IS YOUR NAME? Devotion for Friday July 31, 2015

WHAT IS YOUR NAME?   Friday July 31, 2015

Text: 1 Chronicles 4:9          Memory verse: v 9

Here the author of this book praised Jabez for his sincere and fervent piety, as well, perhaps, as for some public and patriotic works which he performed and where not mentioned. The Jewish writers affirm that he was an eminent doctor in the law, whose reputation drew so many scribes around him that a town was called by his name (1 Chronicles 2:55) and this passage bears ample testimony to the piety of his character – he was honourable. How honourable are you? What is your own testimony within your neighbourhood?

His mother gave him the name Jabez because of the memory of the critical circumstances which marked his birth. This troubled him and he sought the face of God in this regard. He knew that the name he bears was affecting him in so many ways. This led to the prayers in 4:10. The chronicler seems to be teaching us that God listens to and acts on behalf of those who sincerely implore him. What is your own name? Does the name you bear influence the kind of character you exhibit? Do you answer the name of a god or goddess and thus behave wild? Think about your name. However remember that God answers us when we call upon Him.

Food for Thought: Does your name have any influence on your character?

Prayer: God make me and my name honourable in your sight in Jesus name.