The word for this week is "increase". There are many Greek and Hebrew words in the Bible translated increase. We will be looking at the Greek word "auzano" or "auxano". Strong's Concordance says: to grow; enlarge; give the increase. Kittel's Theological Dictionary says: to grow to the extreme limit; to attain very great power or authority. We find this word in John 3:30 where John the Baptist is speaking of himself and Jesus:
30 He must increase, but I must decrease. 31 He that comes from above is above all: he that is of the earth is earthly, and speaks of the earth: He that comes from heaven is above all.
John's ministry was to prepare the hearts of the people to receive Jesus when He came. The same is true of our own ministries in that people should begin to see more and more of HIS character in us, and less and less of who we USED to be! The more we get to know Jesus through His Word, the more we will think and speak and act like Him! I believe THAT is when we will do those works and greater works that Jesus mentioned in John 14:12! Those will be the evidence of HIS great power and authority working through us! We see "increase" again in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7:
6 I planted, Apollos watered, but God [all the while] was making it grow and [He] gave the increase.
7 So neither he who plants is anything nor he who waters, but [only] God Who makes it grow and become greater.
When we sow the Word of God into the lives of our families, and then other people, the power and authority of God causes that Word to come to pass! Then HE gets all the credit! We also see this word in 2 Corinthians 9:10-11 concerning our giving:
10 And [God] Who provides seed for the sower and bread for eating will also provide and multiply your [resources for] sowing and increase the fruits of your righteousness [which manifests itself in active goodness, kindness, and charity]. [Isa 55:10; Hos 10:12.] 11 Thus you will be enriched in all things and in every way, so that you can be generous, and [your generosity as it is] administered by us will bring forth thanksgiving to God.
Here we can see that our seeds sown will not only be multiplied back into our lives, but HE will cause increase (growth) in our character! The first time we met you we were impressed with your character, the way that you carried yourself and cared for Kristine. That "impression" has only "increased" since then! We love and appreciate you and your family so much and are honored to be a part of your lives! Here is a song from Hillsong London called "In You I Stand". I could only find one video and the I can't figure out why they have a dog picture, but the words are good! I've listed them after the video!
Verse:
I will praise You Lord (with all I have now)
Praise You Lord (I'll sing and shout Your Name)
For all my days
You are Holy Lord (I bow my knee and)
Holy Lord (I pray to You and)
Worship You My King
Chorus:
And I will sing a new song
Songs of hope, songs of love
Enlarge my heart
Increase in You, decrease in me
Let Your grace be my guide
With peace, like new wine
Saving my soul, letting me know
That my life is in Your hands
In You my God I stand
Bridge:
And my hope is in You
And all I want to do
Is to know You more, Jesus
I will praise You Lord (with all I have now)
Praise You Lord (I'll sing and shout Your Name)
For all my days
You are Holy Lord (I bow my knee and)
Holy Lord (I pray to You and)
Worship You My King
Chorus:
And I will sing a new song
Songs of hope, songs of love
Enlarge my heart
Increase in You, decrease in me
Let Your grace be my guide
With peace, like new wine
Saving my soul, letting me know
That my life is in Your hands
In You my God I stand
Bridge:
And my hope is in You
And all I want to do
Is to know You more, Jesus
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
