Good day to ya everyone. This is the day the Lord has made. We will rejoice and be glad in it. Just let that marinate in your spirit for a while. Today’s message concentrates on the favor of God.
Today’s Prayer
(This is personal)
Father, I have heard that you are never late, seldom early, but always on time. When I think back through the experiences of my life, I can see the truth in that statement. Thank you for always being on time. Thank you for the lessons you have taught me through waiting, through suffering, through the storms and valleys and for your faithfulness always. Thank you for the rays of sun that peaked through the clouds in the way of a praying spirit and helping hand from other believers. Thank you for the sun that shines brightly after the storms and cloudy days, and for your son who is my sun and shield, the Lord Jesus Christ. If you had always been on my time schedule, I wouldn’t have learned much in life, so I’m thankful that you are always on time according to your schedule. I praise you for who you are and all you’ve done. May I be found worthy in your sight through the blood of the Savior. In His name I pray, Amen.
Enlarging Your Territory
– …”Oh, that You would bless me and enlarge my territory!….” 1 Chronicles 4:10
The above request came from a man named Jabez. He is mentioned only once in a brief description in the Old Testament, yet what he says and what his life portrays could fill volumes. He was a man whom God saw as worthy of a request that had significant consequences for him and his family. Here is how the Scripture describes him:
Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother had named him Jabez, saying, “I gave birth to him in pain.” 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 4:9-10).
When you think of territory, you probably think of land or some area in which you have dominion. Jesus often spoke about giving responsibility based on what we do with the little things first. Jabez must have been a very responsible person. God describes him as honorable. Jabez must have understood what it really means to be blessed by God. He was a man who knew what it meant to press into God and ask for God’s favor with passion. God saw the heart of this man and gave him his request. His borders were enlarged! He lived a life free from pain. Imagine that!
The only reason God will enlarge a person’s territory is that He knows that person will use it responsibly. He will steward what is given in light of God’s Kingdom. God truly wants to increase our territory to have greater influence in the world around us. That territory can mean personal influence and/or physical territories. It’s rare to have a life without pain. Pain is often necessary to mold us and shape us. This is the only exception I have seen in Scripture. Jabez must have been quite a man with incredible integrity and purity of heart.
Are you this kind of person?
Can God enlarge your territory and entrust you to use it for His purposes?
Ask God today to enlarge your territory. Ask Him to make you the kind of man or woman who is worthy of such trust.
Quote of the Day
I choose kindness… I will be kind to the poor, for they are alone. Kind to the rich, for they are afraid. And kind to the unkind, for such is how God has treated me.
Max Lucado
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REV. ELDER G E STERRETT
FOUNDER
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James H. Taylor Sr. – Kankakee City News has published my Daily meal message for a decade.