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I CHRONICLES 4: 9, 10

"JABEZ"

Intro: His name means "born of sorrow". The birth of a son was the
       occasion of joy. Perhaps  she had a difficult labor or
       occcisioned great sorrow during pregnancy, or perhaps he
       was born with a birth defect. Depth of character is often born of
       sorrow or handicap.

I. JABEZ PRAYED "AND JABEZ CALLED UPON THE GOD OF ISRAEL"
        A. In the listing of the names of the family of Judah suddenly
           one names stands out.
                1. Jabez, a man of prayer.
                2. Men of prayer always are noteworthy, they make
                   things happen.
        B. Upon whom did he call?
                1. This is so vital to prayer.
                2. There are many gods and many lords.
                        a. When a man says "my god" you are not always
                           sure who he is talking about.
                        b. "Let them call upon the gods they have been
                            serving and see if they will deliver them."
                        c. Some have been worshipping the dollar.
                                1. You cap pray all year to a dollar
                                   bill and it will never hear you.
                3. "Called upon the God of Israel."
                        a. He is the only true God.
                        b. He created the universe.
                        c. He is interested in you.
                        d. "He is able to do exceeding abundantly....'

II. THE FOUR PETITIONS OF JABEZ.
        A. "Bless me indeed."
                1. You may say "how selfish."
                2. There isa pseudo humility that is inspired by satan.
                        a. "I do not want to trouble God with my
                            problems."
                        b. "I don't believe in asking God for anything
                            for myself."
                        c. "God bless the universe, God bless the
                            birds, and God bless America.
                3. Call it what you will, I want and need for God to
                   bless me.
                        a. Personal petition is not wrong.
                        b. Your Father wants you to lean on Him.
        B. "Enlarge my coasts."
                1. Broaden my horizons.
                        a. We often have tendencies to narrow our
                           horizons.
                                1. Narrow circle of friends.
                                2. Narrow interests.
                2. Help me to see beyond my own needs.
                3. Help me to possess all my possessions.
        C. "Let your hand be with me."
                1. How I desire the hand of God upon my life.
                2. God's hand will be with you if:
                        a. You walk in harmony with His will.
                3. Mose said: "If you will not go with me, then
                   don't send me."
        D. "Keep me from evil."
                1. It will rob me of His blessings.
                2. It will cause Him to remove His hand from me.
                3. Jesus incorporated this petition in what is
                   commonly called "The Lord's Prayer." "Deliver us from
                   evil."
                4. The evil one is ever seeking to ensnare.
                5. "That it may not grieve me."
                        a. This is always the end result of evil.
                                1. The fjrstfruits may be exciting,
                                   seemingly prosperous.
                                2. Satan never waits you with grief.
                6. The wise man considereth the end of a matter.

Ill. THE RESULT OF HIS PRAYER, "AND GOD GRANTED HIM THAT WHICH HE
     REQUESTED."
        A. "Ask and ye shall receive." "If ye ask anything."