52 Days of Increase

It's been a little over a week since I ended the 52 Days of Encouragement, and I've only posted like twice since then.  As I prayed about what it was going to take to keep me committed to my blog, I heard, "Increase!"  So, I am starting a new 52 day challenge to myself that I hope will be a blessing to you, also.  52 days of the Word concerning INCREASE.  You are going to want to be in on this.  God has something for you!

Day 1

He must increase, but I must decrease. [He must grow more prominent; I must grow less so.]

John 3:30 AMP

I believe the key to all increase is this verse.  The scriptures talk about increase in finances, joy, love, peace, faith, fruit, learning, knowledge, wisdom, thanksgiving, strength, and glory.  God is a God of increase!  He is a God of progression, forward movement, and promotion.

We all want (at least I don't anyone who doesn't want) an increase in our finances, our joy, and our love.  Many of us want an increase in our knowledge, our wisdom, and our thanksgiving.  Most of us ask regularly for an increase in our peace, our faith, and our strength.  How many of us want or ask for an increase of Him?

Sure, it's easy to say we want an increase of Him, but there is an aspect of increase that we often forget.  In order for something, or someone, to increase, something, or someone, must decrease.  More of Him means less of me.  Ahh ohh!  You mean I have to let go of more of my thoughts, more of my opinions, and more of my wants, in order to get more of Him?  Ouch!

I don't know about you, but I often ask for something without having a full understanding of what it will take in order for my prayer to be answered.  In order to accomplish the desires of the Lord for my life, I must be willing to do what it takes.  Many times we desire to have a business, a family, or a ministry after the fashion of someone else who has it "bigger and better," but are we really ready and willing to do what it takes to get it?  Are we really willing to "sacrifice" ourselves in order to live the life of Christ?  Do we truly understand that it is no longer we who live, but Christ Who lives in us?

Increase is something that gets me excited!  It's important to remember, however, that in order for increase to happen, decrease must also happen.  Join me for 52 days of exploring INCREASE in the Word of the Lord.  I'm ready for INCREASE!

Scriptures for reference and study: 2 Corinthians 9:6,10; Deuteronomy 8:18; Isaiah 29:19; 1 Thessalonians 3:12; John 14:27; Luke 17:5; 1 Corinthians 3:6-7; Proverbs 1:5; Proverbs 9:9; Colossians 1:10; 2 Corinthians 4:15; Psalm 84:7; 2 Corinthians 3:18; Galatians 2:20