Jabez

Prayer did not come easy to me. I grew up in a church where the elders could pray down heaven. I was often intimidated by the way the Mothers and Elders prayed. As I grew in God, I began to understand that people pray to God based upon their understanding of God or based on who God has been in their lives. God may be a “Genie” God to you. You know….the God “pay my rent, pay my bills, bless me God.” God may be a “make this happen, open this door” God to you. Your personal experiences with God tend to make all the difference.

The prayer of Jabez helped me understand the simplicity of prayer. Prayer is my way of talking to God. I can express my fears, my regrets, my hopes and dreams. I can reverence God for who he is in my life. I can express my disappointment and confusion. I can express my gratitude, and I can share my concerns.

Ask yourself the following questions?

Who are you praying to?

• Jabez knew God as his Lord and the God of Israel.

What are you praying for?

• Jabez asked God to bless me him and enlarge his territory.

Why are you praying?

• Jabez knew that he needed God’s help to accomplish what he asked.

How do you want God to help?

• Jabez wanted God to keep him from evil.

Trust that God hears your prayers

• God answered Jabez’s prayer.

1 Chronicles 4:10 (KJV) And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested.

Jericho

Every battle isn’t meant to be fought. Some just require trust and faith that God will show up on your behalf. Joshua followed very specific instructions from God. I can only imagine how stupid they must have felt walking around the walls of Jericho everyday. Nothing happened. Nothing changed. Then after six days passed, they were told to march around seven times, blow their horns and shout. I’m sure someone asked, “why are we marching instead of strategizing?” They were soldiers not musicians. This is not how battles are fought, and definitely not how they are won. Heed God’s specific instruction in your life. No matter how idiotic. No matter how much it doesn’t make sense. Trust God in all things. Watch the walls of Jericho fall in your life. The battle is not yours to fight, anyway.

2/12

Moses sent out twelve scouts into the Promised Land. Of the twelve, only two came back with a good report. How is it that all twelve went to the same place and saw the same things, but only two saw things differently? Perspective. How are you viewing your current situation? Are you focusing on the obstacles? Are you seeing your current challenges as momentary setbacks? Do you see the glass half full? A positive outlook on a negative situation can change your life. How are your current struggles preparing you? Are they building character or perseverance? Maybe, God is building your faith. No matter what you are currently experiencing, try to have 2/12 vision. See things from God’s point of view.

Zion

The first time I heard anything about Zion was in reference to the city of God. Then, it was Lauryn Hill. Next, it was Bob Marley. Lastly, it was the Matrix. All were references to a sacred place or thing. For David, it was Jerusalem. For Lauryn, it was her son. For Bob, it was Ethopia. In the Matrix, it was the last human city. Where is your piece of heaven on Earth? Where is your sacred place? Where is your place of worship? Where is your Promised Land? Where is your Zion?

Zen

There are two places in my home that I automatically deem as my place of peace. These two rooms are my bedroom and bathroom. There are the two places where I can always hear and call on God. Zen despite its mystical connotations is your place of meditation, your place of peace. For some, it may be the basement or the kitchen. Make sure that you have some place in your home where you can seek and hear from God. Make sure that you have a place where you can be free and transparent with your creator. Make sure that you make time and space for zen in your life.

Zealous

What do you have an active interest in? What are your hobbies? What do you enjoy doing in your downtime? Where would you volunteer? What cause would you donate to? What organizations do you support? The answer to these questions is where your passion lies. Your passion is a byproduct of your purpose. Pursue your passion until your passion pursues you. Be zealous!

Yoke

Most of us could use some rest. We carry the weight of responsibility, positions, and expectation on our shoulders. We all need to take a break and rest our weary souls. How do we lay our cares on God? We pray and leave our concerns on the altar. How do we rest? Have faith that God will take care of you. Allow the peace of God to infiltrate your heart and mind. When we trust God, it’s easy for Jesus to take the wheel.

Matthew 11:28-30 (NIV) “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”