I Chronicles 4-6

We see something here. As all of the names are listed, we stop at one: Jabez. Remember the book, The Prayer of Jabez? A few years ago, many were reading this little book – all based on two verses – I Chronicles 4:9-10.

Doesn’t it astound you as you are reading, that one man gets so much attention? I am reminded of the verse in II Chronicles 16:9 “Now the eyes of the Lord move to and from throughout the earth that He may strongly support those whose heart is completely His.”

Jabez stands out from the crowd, because his heart is completely the Lord’s. He is a true believer in the midst of the crowd,  “more honorable than his brothers.” (4:9)

When he calls upon the Lord, “Oh that Thy hand wouldst bless me indeed and enlarge my border. and that Thy hand might be with me, and that Thou wouldst keep me from harm, that it may not pain me.” (4:10), the Lord grants his request.

That’s our Father. He doesn’t just look at the crowd; He looks at the individual. We may be in the middle of a crowd of scoundrels, but if our hearts are truly His – and if we have the nerve to believe Him, we will certainly see our prayers being answered.

It makes you want to dig in more to be closer to Him, doesn’t it? Do you want to be like Jabez – to have your borders enlarged and God’s hand with you?

I want that. I want to stand out from the crowd – not for men to see me, but for God to notice me. And He does indeed notice each person who is committed to Him.

John 6: 1-21

The supply is sufficient.

We see once more this story of multiplication. As the crowd of five thousand men (plus women and children) need food, Jesus takes the five loaves of bread and two fish and He divides them up for the crowd. Amazingly all are fed and there are twelve baskets left over.

Twelve baskets full remain – for the twelve disciples. I think He is saying something here.

Of course, we have the miracle of multiplication for the crowd, but there’s more. After their ministry of feeding the crowd, each disciple has a basketful left over.

He is saying that when we take His Word and break it to share with others, there is plenty left over for ourselves. As we meet the needs of others, our needs will be met. As we pray for others, our prayers will be answered. As we share the Word, our understanding will be increased.

It is a privilege to share with others whatever we have available – whether it is food, or prayer , or the Word – whatever we have. And as we share, we know that our needs will be met also. He is looking out for us.

“Give and it shall be given unto you – good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over.”(Luke 6:38)

That’s the Lord’s way of doing things. Makes me want to be a giver!