Have you ever considered the paradox, “Less is more?” The scriptural reference for that lesson is found in John 3:30, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” But what does it mean? Where there is more of Christ, there will be less of us. The world tells us we need more education, more money, more followers, and more stuff; but what does God want us to have more of? HIM!

In 1 Chronicles 4:9-10, we are introduced to Jabez, whose name means pain. Lord knows, he didn’t ask for more of that, and I would venture to say you won’t ask for more pain either. Surprisingly, the prayer of Jabez is tucked into the Bible between long lists of genealogy and gives us a front-row seat to his request for MORE: blessing, territory, power, and protection. This year, as we seek to be MORE Devoted to Christ, we will be challenged to pray boldly and to expect “God to grant our request.” In doing so, we can look forward to a more abundant life in Christ.