It is time to increase! To increase means to become or make greater in size, amount, intensity, or degree. When we think of increase, we often think of finances, but there are many areas of our lives that we can believe God for increase.
We can increase in favor which includes approval, acceptance, or special benefits or blessings. In Luke 2:52 we read that even Jesus Himself increased in FAVOR with God and man. How much more do we need it! Psalm 5:12 says, “The Lord surrounds the righteous with favor as with a shield.” When we experience God’s favor, we just KNOW that we are His favorite. We see His hand in everything we do. He does things we cannot do in ourselves. People like us and sometimes they don’t even know why!
The knowledge of God is another area where we can increase. Paul prayed in Colossians 1:9-10, “We have not ceased to pray for you and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. We do this primarily through studying, meditating, and applying the Word of God.
Love is another area we can increase. In I Thessalonians 3:12 (NASB), Paul said, “May the Lord cause you to increase and abound in LOVE for one another.” Jesus said the world will know we are His followers because of our love for one another. We also can grow in our love for Jesus. The more we know Him, the more we will love Him.
We can increase in INFLUENCE. I believe we all want to make a diffence in this world. Jesus said we would do greater works than He did (John 14:12). Isaiah 54:2-3 (NLT) says, ““Enlarge your house; build an addition. Spread out your home, and spare no expense! For you will soon be bursting at the seams.” God will open doors no one can shut!
Of course, we can’t leave out increasing in FINANCES. Luke 6:38 (NLT) says, “Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.” We are blessed to be a blessing!
Pray and believe for increase not just for yourself but for your children and grandchildren. “God himself will fill you with more. Blessings upon blessings will be heaped upon you and upon your children from the maker of heaven and earth, the very God who made you!” (Psalms 115:14-15)
May you, your children, and grandchildren increase in favor, the knowledge of God, love, influence, and finances!
