prayer of jabez

The Prayer of Jabez

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In the sermon, Pastor Walker dove into the obscure genealogy within 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, where we discover the remarkable Prayer of Jabez. This is a lesson found in one of the least-read books of the Bible, yet it’s a gem. We know little about Jabez himself, but what’s remarkable is that he is known more for what he prayed than what he did. The key to his honorable standing among his brothers and sons of Judah was faith – looking up to God, believing in His existence, and earnestly seeking His rewards. It’s time to rely on God, pray in faith, and embrace the special nature of the Prayer of Jabez.

The Prayer of Jabez opens our understanding to a life of honorable prayer and righteous faith. It’s about looking up to the great God of love, seeking His blessings, and trusting Him with our needs, desires, and struggles. We must recognize that true spiritual righteousness is in being weak and relying entirely on God. Jabez’s name signified a destiny of pain and suffering, but his faith found a way to overcome it. Luke 11:5-10 teaches us the secret and power of prayer in serving others with love and pain, getting ourselves out of our selfishness, and embracing the love that sets our hearts honorably before God. Praying with deep love and pain allows God’s unlimited blessings to flow into our lives.

In 1 Chronicles 4:10, we are reminded not to limit our prayers to our own boundaries but to trust in God’s desire to expand our territories for His glory. Jabez’s prayer wasn’t selfish; it was about the heart and God’s Kingdom. We must transcend our limits and ask God to make a great impact for His Will. Jabez also prayed for God’s hand to be with him and to keep him away from harm. We must recognize our weaknesses and humbly ask for the Holy Spirit’s guidance and protection from evil.

Especially for students who are embarking on a new school year, may the Prayer of Jabez inspire us to embed its words into our hearts, to pray earnestly for God to expand our boundaries, and to open ourselves to the abundant blessings that God, the Creator of this whole universe, wishes for us.

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Young Members Grow Through Teaching Bible & Evangelism

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The young members of Gratia are growing through teaching the Bible and evangelism. On September 7, Pastor Julia and Dany held campus evangelism at USF and made six contacts who are interested in Bible study, with one of them joining its afternoon Bible study. Dany was very happy to see that many of them responded very well today and felt the work of the Holy Spirit.

In the afternoon, brother Larry led the Bible study with 3 students and he felt that he was the one receiving more grace and strength through the teaching. He was very thankful that God sent these students who are ready to receive the Word of God. We pray that the Gratia mission continues to improve and brings revival to save many souls through these young leaders.

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Surely the Lord was Fighting for Israel

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In the sermon, Pastor Walker spoke Joshua and the Israelites, under the threat of a combined force of five Amorite kings. News of their victories in Jericho and Ai, and the subsequent peace treaty with the Gibeonites, had spurred these kings into action against Israel. Yet, in the face of what seemed like insurmountable odds, Joshua remained unshaken. Why? His name, meaning “God is salvation,” echoed the core of his faith and the source of his strength. His conviction was rooted in God’s assurance that the victory was already theirs. Akin to us in our moments of trial, when spiritual, emotional, and financial battles seem to attack from all fronts, Joshua faced his opponents head-on. He marched his army all night, surprising the enemy forces, and stood firm in his belief that God’s promise of victory was immutable, unshakeable.

In the midst of this fierce battle, as daylight waned and the enemies began to regroup, Joshua boldly called upon the Lord for the unthinkable – to make the sun stand still in the sky. His faith was not confined to his understanding or the physical limitations of the world; it was centered on God, the transcendent One, capable of the extraordinary. When we, like Joshua, face challenges that seem to defy resolution, how often do we look within our sphere, trying to solve problems with our limited human capacities? Joshua teaches us to look beyond ourselves, to God – the source of all solutions. Miraculously, the sun did stop, giving the Israelites the time they needed to secure complete victory over their enemies.

Yet, the true miracle of this narrative lies not in the physical suspension of the sun, but in the underlying message of God’s transcendence and fidelity. It’s a lesson in faith – faith that goes beyond our abilities and perceived realities. The journey of Joshua teaches us that, regardless of the battles we face – the incessant whispers of doubt, the persistent trials, the sin that seems to resurface – victory is assured if we, like Joshua, place our faith in God. Just as the sun stopped for Joshua, God will provide us with the time, strength, and wisdom we need to overcome our trials.

As we confront the battles in our lives, may we, like Joshua, remember to look beyond ourselves and our limitations, to God, the One who truly fights for us and brings us victory.

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Joshua 7-8:Achan’s Sin

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In the sermon, Pastor Walker spoke about Achan’s sin, as narrated in the book of Joshua, and serves as a stark reminder of how our personal actions, however minor they may seem, can have far-reaching effects on our community, particularly the Church. Achan’s transgression was in the wake of the Israelites’ victory at Jericho. It’s important for us to reflect on our actions and their potential influence on the wider body of believers. We must also remember to surrender our missteps to God, opening ourselves up to the redeeming grace of Jesus Christ.

Achan’s sin was committed amidst the euphoria of victory, a moment when the Israelites had just experienced a significant triumph at Jericho. Achan, swayed by temptation, went against God’s command not to take spoils from Jericho, hiding some for himself. This seemingly minor disobedience resulted in a surprising defeat at Ai, the next battleground, shaking the Israelites’ confidence. God’s revelation to Joshua about Achan’s sin and the resulting consequences for the entire community highlights the significant impact of individual transgressions. Even when we bask in the glow of blessings and victory, we remain susceptible to pride, greed, and sin, which can cause harm beyond our immediate understanding. The tale of Achan urges us to maintain a constant, sincere alignment with God, particularly during good times.

The confession of Achan illuminates how a minor personal sin can drastically affect an entire community. Despite the relative insignificance of what Achan stole from Jericho, his actions led to the devastating defeat at Ai. His story serves as a sobering reminder that no sin is inconsequential in God’s eyes, and our actions can deeply affect those around us. This lesson is reiterated in the New Testament story of Ananias and Sapphira (Acts 5:1-11) whose deception led to their immediate death. These narratives call us to a life of transparency, obedience, and generosity, continually self-evaluating and seeking God’s grace. As we move forward, let us remember that we are not isolated believers, but part of a larger body – God’s family. Our actions and behaviors can have significant implications for this community.

Let’s strive to live transparently, always seeking forgiveness when we falter, and endeavoring to move forward in God’s grace.

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Gratia Sunday Service: The Parable of the Sower

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On August 27, 2023, Gratia Church held a graceful Sunday service, full of God’s word, praise, worship, and fellowship. The sermon delivered by Pastor Walker Tzeng, was on Matthew 13:1-9 entitled “The Parable of the Sower”.

In the sermon, Pastor Peter spoke about the Parable of the Sower, which serves as a deeply spiritual guide on how to listen to the Word of God. More than mere knowledge that can become stale over time, the Word should be viewed as a deep well of living water, where one can always find fresher insights by going deeper.

The parable starts with seeds that were scattered and fell outside the soil, perhaps onto a path. Jesus explains in verses 18-19 that the seeds represent the Word and the field symbolizes the heart. When we find the Word foreign or irrelevant, it’s because it’s not entering our hearts but landing somewhere else in our minds. This often happens when we go to church for the first time; the Bible may seem like a collection of myths or mere moral lessons. The key to overcoming this is opening our hearts and accepting with the heart of faith.

The parable then talks about seeds falling on rocky soil, where the roots couldn’t take hold, resulting in weak plants that get scorched. Jesus clarifies that this represents those who listen to the Word with initial joy but without forming strong roots, leading to a fleeting faith. The Word might seem exhilarating at first, but if we don’t allow it to take root in our lives, we are setting ourselves up for failure when difficulties arise. The solution to this issue is right in the parable itself, it is addressing the “rocks” in our hearts. Sometimes it’s a difficult upbringing, experiences of bullying, or emotional wounds that form these rocks. We need to address these issues, speak about them, and allow God’s Word to heal us. It’s not just about preaching but also about listening and sharing, creating a deep-rooted relationship with God and each other.

Next, there are the seeds that took root but were choked by thorns before they could bear fruit. Jesus interprets these thorns as the worries of life and the deceitfulness of wealth that consume us. Many of us, including myself, have lost sleep over such worries. But as Matthew 6:25 advises, worrying doesn’t help solve our problems. It’s a deceit that draws us away from what is meaningful. The key to overcoming this is faith in Christ and a focus on seeking righteousness and God’s Kingdom.

Finally, the parable ends on a faithful note, describing seeds that fall on good soil and yield an abundant harvest. This serves as a reminder that the Word of God has the power to transform our lives and guide us toward something much more meaningful and eternal. It challenges our worldly measures of success—money, fame, power—and urges us to seek a deeper, more eternal sense of value in God’s Kingdom. In this way, the Word of God is not just a set of teachings but a transformative force that brings vibrancy and movement into our lives.

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God Has Made Me Fruitful in the Land of My Suffering

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In the sermon, Pastor Walker spoke about the story of Joseph through Genesis 41. Joseph was one of the twelve sons of Jacob and a favored son who was sold into slavery in Egypt but eventually rose to prominence as the interpreter of Pharaoh’s dream. Joseph’s trials, temptations, and sufferings, including being in jail, showed his determination to stay pure and true to God. Despite the difficulties, God used Joseph’s circumstances to deliver his messages and Joseph was able to remain faithful, pure, and persevere, allowing him to be in the right place at the right time to fulfill God’s purposes. This serves as an example for us to learn from, reminding us to remain faithful, pure, and persevere, so that we can better understand the messages God is trying to convey in our lives.

Joseph interpreted Pharaoh’s dream about 7 years of abundance followed by 7 years of famine, and guidance to prepare for the famine. Joseph was able to interpret God’s Will because he was pure, not asleep in sin, and in tune with God and the message and guidance. Joseph’s deep relationship and understanding of God’s will allow him to accurately interpret the dream and gain wisdom from God. By being faithful to God’s will and surrendering to Him like clay to a potter, Joseph was carried through all his experiences, both good and bad, and God was able to fulfill His purpose.

Pharaoh put Joseph in charge of the whole land of Egypt and he solved the famine problem during 7 years of abundance by storing grain. God used Joseph’s difficult circumstances to further His purposes and bless others. Joseph’s name choice for his children shows that God can help us forget our past troubles and make us fruitful in a way that blesses others. To be like Joseph and have victory, we need to remain pure and faithful, store up spiritual food (the Word), and trust in God’s power. The victory of Joseph resonates with the victory of Jesus on the cross and can be experienced by us now.

May we always remain faithful to God and become victors like Joseph, no matter the circumstances of joy and hardship, as God is the one who overturns everything and gives us victory.

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Gratia Sunday Service: I Have Seen the Lord

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On April 23, 2023, Gratia Church held a graceful Sunday service, full of God’s word, praise, worship, and fellowship. The sermon delivered by Pastor Peter Tzeng, was on John 20:1-18 entitled “I have seen the Lord”.

In the sermon, Pastor Walker spoke about Mary, one of the women recorded visiting Jesus’ tomb after His crucifixion. Interestingly, each Gospel records a different number of women at the tomb, with John focusing on Mary alone, emphasizing her great love for Jesus. Mary goes to the sealed tomb with a longing heart filled with sadness, but even in death, her love for the Lord remains strong. When she discovers the stone has been rolled away, she informs Peter and John, both of whom also loved Jesus deeply. John’s account emphasizes the love these individuals had for Jesus, and how that love compelled them to honor one another. The Bible captures real people with strengths and weaknesses, and it is through their love that they bear witness to the empty tomb, a testament to Jesus’ victory over death.

Despite their love, Mary and the disciples did not initially understand the meaning of the empty tomb. Love brings them to the tomb, allowing them to overcome the power of death, but something is still missing. In their faith, they have love for God and for their fellow believers, but they need to go further and witness the resurrected Jesus Christ. It is through understanding the Scriptures and meditating on the meaning of the cross that believers can move beyond the tomb and embrace the fullness of resurrection.

Mary encounters the resurrected Jesus but fails to recognize Him at first, as her sorrow prevents her from seeing the truth. As she converses with Jesus, her tears are wiped away, allowing her to recognize her Lord and exclaim “Rabonni!” This moment symbolizes the true meaning of Easter – not just the crucifixion, but the resurrection that follows. Jesus’ resurrection transcends the limits of earthly understanding, as it involves the transformation of the perishable into the imperishable. This resurrection is not only a future promise but a present reality, as believers can become witnesses to the resurrected Lord through the proclamation of the Word and the sacraments. 

As Mary testifies, “I have seen the Lord!”, let us also strive to be witnesses to the resurrected Jesus Christ, embracing the transformative power of the cross and resurrection in our lives.

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Be strong and Courageous

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In the sermon, Pastor Walker explained how the book of Joshua begins with the passing of leadership from Moses to Joshua, after 40 years in the desert following the Red Sea crossing. The Israelites were unable to enter the Promised Land due to their disobedience and lack of faith. Joshua and Caleb were the only ones who had faith, but the other ten leaders with their bad report caused the Israelites to fall into despair. The lesson is that anger, disobedience, and lack of faith won’t get us to the finish line and prevent us from receiving God’s glory.

God gives encouragement to Joshua as he becomes the new leader of the Israelites. He commands him to be strong and courageous, keep the Law, and not turn to the right or left. God’s presence is with Joshua, guiding him straight. The Israelites wandered aimlessly for 40 years, but God was always with them, providing for their needs and giving them guidance. This reminds us that we need God in our walk of faith and should trust in His Word as our foundation, which provides guidance and wisdom in times of uncertainty.

Joshua’s firm faith can be understood in light of the parable of the two sons, helping us understand the importance of authentic faith in leadership. It is not enough to simply obey outwardly while having doubts inwardly. Rather, leaders must have genuine faith and show positivity even in difficult situations. The parable in Matthew emphasizes the importance of following through on one’s commitments, even if the path seems hard. Ultimately, Jesus provides an example of true strength and courage in faith through his obedient walk towards the Kingdom of God.

The faith of Joshua reminds us to have strength and courage to finish the task as God is guiding us towards Kingdom of God.

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He Has Risen

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In the sermon, pastor Walker spoke about the resurrection of the Jesus. Comparing the recording in Matthew with Paul’s explanation on the resurrection in 1 Corinthians 15, Pastor Walker exhorted the members to live with faith and power of resurrection in their lives.

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