News - 01292008

Wow! It is 2008 already! In some ways little has changed, but in many other ways, things are changing at a very rapid rate. Man’s kingdoms are rising and falling and God’s Kingdom is advancing at the speed of light.

As we enter this New Year, there are many questions, concerns, and opportunities. Many of the questions about politics will be answered by the end of this year. Many of our concerns will continue to linger on. The opportunities, however, are great!

What will you and I do with the opportunities that are before us? It is so easy to miss many opportunities because they are disguised in hard work, or due to our lack of interest and lack of faith.

In “The Word for Today,” the prayer of Jabez is revisited. It has become popular in the past few years. The name Jabez means “a cause of pain,” but it was a label he refused to wear and a prophecy he refused to fulfill. And so should you and I. Many times people have discouraged us with statements of failure, illegitimacy, or just sighting our weaknesses. I will never forget when still at home with six of my eight siblings, a man said that we would never amount to anything!

The man was wrong on nine counts as each one of us committed our lives to Christ and our ambitions to His plans and purpose. The story is still unfolding!

So who are you going to believe? Jabez wouldn’t let his beginnings dictate his end. He refused to allow his family to keep him down and his borders to keep him in. Listen to his prayer, “Oh that you would bless me and enlarge my territory! Let your hand be with me, and keep me from harm...and God granted his rest.” 1 Chronicles 4:10

In 2008, it’s time to break out and become a boundary-crosser! Instead of settling for less, we need to start believing God for more - more wisdom, more strength, more victory, more character, more favor, more blessing, more LOVE.

Only twice in the New Testament do we read that Jesus “marveled.” Both times it was over the dogged, determined faith of two unnamed, unsung people who asked for, and believed, that He could turn things around for them. God has something He wants to show you this year concerning your future - so get into His presence with prayer and the Word and stay there until you see it.

Thank you for all your prayers and support in 2007. Now, we anticipate an even greater year in 2008. Enjoy the blessings with us as Helping Neighbors Worldwide Ministries makes even greater strides in partnering with wonderful ministries helping a hurting world.