“Oh, that You would bless me indeed…” – 1 Chronicles 4:10Jabez prayed, “Oh, that You would bless me indeed.” We sometimes water down the word “bless.” We say, “Bless the food,” or “Bless the missionaries,” or even, “Bless you” after someone sneezes. But Jabez’s prayer was personal and specific. He cried out for God’s favor in his life.It’s okay to ask for God’s blessing. Deuteronomy 28 describes t...  Read More

“And Jabez called on the God of Israel saying, ‘Oh, that You would bless me indeed, and enlarge my territory, that Your hand would be with me, and that You would keep me from evil, that I may not cause pain.’ So God granted him what he requested.”     - 1 Chronicles 4:10Is there a desire in your life to be great? Oftentimes, I’ll hear men and women talk about their goals, their aspirations, and th...  Read More

Acts 10:38 - "How God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power, who went about doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him."A missionary pastor traveled to Haiti to learn about the work being done there and to start a church where needed. When word spread that a church was going to be started in a particular village, this pastor was approa...  Read More

Genesis 1:26 - "Then God said, 'Let Us make man in Our image, according to Our likeness; let them have dominion...'"When God created this world, He made it for you. He created all the things you see, feel, touch, and enjoy - the mountains, the oceans, the sand, all the different animals, the beautiful wonders of His creation. He created all these things for man, as gifts for man. Then, finally, He...  Read More

Ephesians 1:19 - "And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe..."Just before World War II, in the town of New London, Texas, there was a tragic school explosion that claimed the lives of 295 children and teachers. After the war, when they rebuilt the school, the community was determined that such a tragedy would never happen again. They installed what they believed was t...  Read More

“[Jesus said] Most assuredly, I say to you, he who believes in Me, the works that I do he will do also; and greater works than these he will do, because I go to My Father.” - John 14:12 What could be greater than healing the sick or feeding thousands? Jesus was pointing to the work of salvation. Through His death and resurrection, the door was opened for people to experience the new birth, to be t...  Read More

“And she said, ‘I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.’”  -  Genesis 24:19Rebekah is a great example of diligence and a servant’s heart. When Abraham’s servant asked for a drink of water, Rebekah didn’t just stop there. She offered to draw water for his camels as well - his was no small gesture. Drawing water for a group of camels likely took an hour or more of ...  Read More

"And they said to one another, 'Did not our heart burn within us while He talked with us on the road, and while He opened the Scriptures to us?'" - Luke 24:32 (NKJV)Paul also prays for "revelation" (Ephesians 1:18), or what we might call spiritual sight. This is the ability to see when others are blinded. Second Corinthians 4:4 tells us that "the god of this world has blinded the minds of those wh...  Read More

“He who has a slack hand becomes poor, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.”  -  Proverbs 10:4A man went to his doctor, complaining that he was constantly tired, lethargic, and unable to work like he used to. He said, “Doctor, please check me out. I just don’t have the drive I once had.” The doctor examined him, ran some tests, and found nothing physically wrong. Finally, the man said, “Give i...  Read More

"And what is the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who believe, according to the working of His mighty power" - Ephesians 1:19 (NKJV)When God answers this prayer for spiritual wisdom, spiritual sight, and experiential knowledge, what happens? Paul describes the "victorious power" that becomes available. In verse nineteen, he speaks of "the exceeding greatness of His power toward us who be...  Read More

“Go to the ant, you sluggard! Consider her ways and be wise, which, having no captain, overseer, or ruler, provides her supplies in the summer, and gathers her food in the harvest.”  -  Proverbs 6:6-8The Bible often uses practical and vivid illustrations to teach us spiritual truths, and the ant is one of the most powerful examples of diligence and hard work. Ants are tiny creatures, yet their beh...  Read More

"Therefore, I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints" - Ephesians 1:15 (NKJV)In Ephesians 1:15, Paul gives us what I call the visible proof of our Christian experience: "Therefore, I also, after I heard of your faith in the Lord Jesus and your love for all the saints..."He gives two specific tests to show whether you are one of God's children. I'm so g...  Read More