“Jabez was more honorable than his brothers. His mother named him Jabez and said, “I gave birth to him in pain.” (1 Chronicles 4:9)In Jesus’ time, people often named their children a particular name because it sounded like another word, and names were very intentional. We read in 1 Chronicles chapter 4 that Jabez’s name was given to him because his mother was in extreme pain when she gave birth to...  Read More

“Don’t neglect to do what is good and to share, for God is pleased with such sacrifices” (Hebrews 13:16)When we are in the middle of a rough season, it’s very easy to have a misery mentality. We get the blues. It can be difficult to give our time and attention to others and their needs when we are struggling.Taking care of yourself is important, but it’s also important not to neglect others during...  Read More

“You rejoice in this, though now for a short time you have had to struggle in various trials so that the genuineness of your faith—more valuable than gold, which perishes though refined by fire—may result in praise, glory, and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ” (1 Peter 1:6-7).Making weaponry and tools by hand is a fine art, and it would have been a much-needed service back in Jesus’ time. A...  Read More

“Look, I am about to do something new; even now it is coming. Do you not see it? Indeed, I will make a way in the wilderness, rivers in the desert” (Isaiah 43:19).In 2007, Lake Okeechobee in Florida experienced a severe drought. This lake is the second largest lake in the state, but it was dangerously low, and people were in a panic because it hit a record drypoint.The dry season ended up being a ...  Read More

“So she proceeded to do according to the word of Elijah. Then the woman, Elijah, and her household ate for many days. The flour jar did not become empty, and the oil jug did not run dry, according to the word of the Lord He had spoken through Elijah” (1 Kings 17:15-16)Most of us would agree that we want to be people of great faith. We want to be like Elijah and become strong, faithful prophets who...  Read More

“Then the word of the Lord came to him: “Get up, go to Zarephath that belongs to Sidon and stay there. Look, I have commanded a woman who is a widow to provide for you there’” (1 Kings 17:8-9)In the middle of a desert season, you might feel like the enemy is bearing down on you. Sometimes, in the midst of our most difficult seasons, we end up in the place where the enemy’s attack is most prevalent...  Read More