Hi Brian!
The word for this week is "fame". We will be looking at these verses:
Matthew 9:25 But when the people were put forth, he went in, and took her by the hand, and the maid arose. 26 And the fame hereof went abroad into all that land. KJV
Luke 4:14 And Jesus returned in the power of the Spirit into Galilee: and there went out a fame of him through all the region round about. 15 And he taught in their synagogues, being glorified of all. KJV
These are both the Greek word "pheme". Strong's Concordance says: a saying. Thayer's Greek Lesxicon adds: a rumor. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: originally "a divine voice, an oracle", a saying or report, to shine, to be clear. Then we have this in Matthew 9:30-31:
Matthew 9:30 And their eyes were opened; and Jesus straitly charged them, saying, See that no man know it. 31 But they, when they were departed, spread abroad his fame in all that country. KJV
This is the Greek word "diaphemizo". Strong's Concordance says: to report thoroughly, i.e. divulgate {to make something secret known, to divulge}. Thayer's Greek Lexicon says: to spread abroad, blaze abroad. Vine's Expository Dictionary says: to spread abroad a matter. These verses are all speaking about the people telling others about what Jesus was doing. We've looked at this word before in other verses in the New Testament using different words, but saying the same thing. What I believe Holy Spirit wants us to realize and understand is that when WE do something that gets the attention of other people, especially when they know that we acknowledge JESUS as Lord and Saviour, THIS also brings HIM Glory! You and Kristine have taught, trained and been examples for your girls to pour themselves into what they do. To learn, practice, work hard and perform at a high level. When others take notice, GOD will use their success to point others to Himself! Like Cooper Kupp giving GLORY to GOD for his success and even telling how the Lord had shown him this would happen! It will be very exciting to see how these little shining stars continue to develope in their chosen sports and activities! We LOVE watching them! Here is Hillsong with an older song called "Shout Your Fame":
Love and Shalom from the Swoveys!
