Enlarging Your Territory (Understanding)

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.             I Chronicles 4:10 (KJV)

 What we have not been exposed to we do not perceive.  However, the Lord desires that we be exposed to all of Him and the sweet fellowship between Christians when they share the fruit of the spirit love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness and temperance (Galatians 5:22a).

I had the sovereign hand of God on me when I visited the home of a Christian family in my neighborhood at the age of eight.  They were preparing dinner and the smell was so inviting!  Everyone participated and had a job.  They laughed, touched each other in a loving way, encouraged each other and were genuinely joyful!

 I was astounded, is this the way other families behave?  I had never known such harmony and happiness.  I believed all families functioned as mine did until I was exposed to something better.  This experience set me up to yearn for what secret this family had to produce the results I saw.

I instinctively knew that each member was incredibly valued for just who they were at this place in time. That kind of encouragement is part of God’s plan, purpose, and destiny for every human being.  The Lord gives each of us a “gift set” to be discovered, matured, and used for His glory.   In an environment of unconditional love and acceptance strengths and gifts blossom and true supernatural joy results!

Prayer: Most merciful Lord assist us in pondering the wonderful experiences you expose us to in light of your love.  Reveal to us more of your character.

Thought for the Day: Ponder the experience the Lord is exposing you to in knowing more of Him.

Prevenient Grace – The Divine Initiative

 No man can come to me, except the Father which hath sent me draw him: and I will raise him up at the last day.

John 6:44 (NIV)

The definition of prevenient is going before; preceding; anticipating; expectant.  Grace is the unmerited love and favor of God, so prevenient grace is God watching, hovering, and brooding over us as individuals before we are aware of Him.  As a very young child I felt disturbed by the chaotic negative emotions constantly displayed in my home.  I was very sensitive to the tense atmosphere and would escape to various “playhouses”.  I never understood the peace and calm in those solitary places where no one disturbed me.  There was a presence that watched over me and always wooed me back to my quiet refuge. 

 I have a distinct memory of one occasion when we had a record snowfall and I found a large hedge covered with snow and ice.  The sunlight sparkled through the leaves and the wind made a rustling sound through the icy limbs of the hedge.  I could almost hear a comforting voice calming and soothing my ragged emotions.  I recognize now that voice, that presence was the Lord hovering over His blood bought daughter before I had any concept of who He was! 

Prayer: Gracious Heavenly Father help us recognize your prevenient grace.

Thought for the Day: Read I John 4:9-10, and know God has provided a way for personal relationship with His son and the price Jesus paid for that provision.