A new prayer to Claim for the new year; The Prayer of Jabez

 

Read: 1 Chronicles 4:9-10

Now to Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that works in us Ephesians 3:20

 

Good Morning!

Understanding and appreciating who you are and where you come from is made possible by knowing your identity. A sense of belonging can be derived from one's identity. Some of us were named by our parents, after relatives, as well as after other people, places, and things. During biblical times, mothers frequently chose names for their children based on the challenges or hardships they may have experienced, thereby perpetuating a sense of "negativity" within the child. Powerful are the words that come from our mouths. Even when we do not intend to, the power of our tongue can speak life or death.

  Jabez, a member of the family lineage of Judah, is highlighted in 1 Chronicles 4:9-10. Jabez, born out of negativity, was his name. Jabez was named by his mother due to the pain she experienced giving birth to him. In a negative sense, Jabez is starting his life by hearing himself being called a pain. The words we speak can have the power to bring either life or death upon us.

  Despite his negative name, Jabez was more honorable than his brothers, as the word indicates. Does this sound familiar to you?  Do you constantly find yourself striving to do good and honorable things, only to be attacked, ridiculed, or talked about negatively?

  Refusing to accept his negative fate, Jabez took a stand. In search of blessings, he turned to God in prayer. Just like Jabez, there is nothing wrong with us praying and asking God for blessings. In his petition, Jabez asked God to protect him from evil and prevent him from causing pain.

  Daily, we confront evil. Regularly, we will face trials and tribulations, as even the Bible tells us. The difference is determined by how we respond to our evils. Jabez's request was to enlarge his territory. This implies that God's blessings extend beyond us. It is the actions we undertake for God's honor and glory that surpass our impact on others.

  Take time this year to seek God's blessing. Ask him to help regain your identity in him. 

  For a deeper understanding of this concise yet impactful prayer, I recommend exploring the book The Prayer of Jabez available on Amazon.

 

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Good fruit or bad fruit?

In the midst of an argument, people tend to say words to either verbally hurt someone or fulfill their personal gratification. The fruits of the mouth can fill your belly (Prov. 18:20), but the outcome can cause a lifetime stomach ache. Be mindful of the words you speak. 

Many relationships and even lives have been forsaken because of the bad fruits that flow from the mouth. What comes out of the mouth, often comes from what’s in the heart. If hurtful and vindictive words flow off the tongue with ease, they have been brewing in the heart (spirit) for some time. In all things strive to be Christ like. A man's belly shall be satisfied with the fruit of his mouth; and with the increase of his lips shall he be filled. Chose your words wisely.

Verbal abuse is still abuse

During my impressionable years in Catholic School I heard negative prophesying from nuns and other adults stating, I was bad and wouldn’t amount to nothing. Despite my parents motivating and encouraging efforts, sticks and stone didn’t break my bones but the words differently effected me! When negative words are ingested, the mind can visualize, accept, and ultimately squeeze life out of you. Be careful what you say to children. Though you boast of never being an abusive parent, you failed to realize your words can hurt more than a fist or belt. Death and life are in the #power of the tongue (Prov. 18:21). When disciplining, choose words wisely. A heart filled with anger will produce harsh #negative words. Express your disappointment, but speak words that build up, #encourages, and express Your #love. In all things seek God and pray. God’s love and written word can resolve all problems. #God can restore life! 

Words are like fire

Harsh words hurt. When sowed in the spirit, they can harvest hatred and anger.  “You are just like your father”, you are dumb, a failure, no good, an idiot.” Words reverberate in the spirit like an echo. The bible tells us the tongue is fire; it is evil and can corrupt the whole body (Jas 3:1-6). Be mindful of the words you speak. Your words can ruin a person for life! In anger, people say damaging expressions. Once spoken the words echo in the recipient’s mind planting seeds of doubt and disbelief. Watch the words that you say. They can be a matter of life or death. 

Good Morning! - Guard Your Mind

Good Morning! - Your biggest Naysayer is you