My Word for 2015!

I have noticed that several of the bloggers I follow select a word for their new year.

I have never done this but have admired that these ladies are sensitive to God's leading in this respect.

Several weeks ago I listened to a TV preacher as I was getting ready for church one Sunday morning.  He kept mentioning the word "Increase" in his message.

It really struck a cord with me and I began to pray about it and search the scripture regarding how God might want to use this in my life.

In my study, I discovered this word is used quite frequently in the Old Testament but in most occasions, it regards the "increase of numbers" such as offspring and flocks and harvests.

Yes, the Lord promises to bless and He has most definitely blessed and multiplied in abundance in our lives.  But, this wasn't what I felt God was wanting me to relate to my life right now.  He certainly doesn't want to give us more children or herds.  Lots of great grandchildren one of these days would be wonderful though.

As I studied, I began to see a pattern emerge as the scripture used the word and promise of increase.

For example in Deuteronomy 8:1;

"You must carefully follow every command I am giving you today, so that you may live and increase, and may enter and take possession of the land the Lord swore to your fathers."

The increase promised by God is conditional to my faithfulness and obedience.

Deuteronomy 30:15-16

"See, today I have set before you life and prosperity, death and adversity.  For I am commanding you today to love the Lord your God, to walk in His ways, and to keep His commands, statutes, and ordinances, so that you may live and multiply (increase), and the Lord your God may bless you in the land you are entering to possess."

Oh God, increase my faith and willingness to be obedient so that I will be ready to "possess" the challenges You lead me to!

David cried out to God from the depths of despair and assurance that even in that state, God would increase his honor and bring him comfort.

God, when my heart is broken and discouraged, increase my honor and comfort for Your glory!

"The apostles said to the Lord, "Increase our faith."  Luke 17:5

Father, without You I cannot believe. Please, increase my faith as you did for your disciples.

2 Corinthians 9:10 tells us The One who provides everything we need will also

"increase the harvest of your righteousness.  You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us."

 Please increase Your righteousness in my life that I might be a blessing to others.

"May the Lord cause you to increase and overflow with love for one another and for everyone, just as we also do for you.  May He make your hearts blameless in holiness before our God and Father at the coming of our Lord Jesus with all His saints.  Amen!"  1 Thessalonians 3:12-13

   Father God, please increase and overflow my love for others just as you love me!

  

Yes,

INCREASE

is my word for

2015.

May God bring increase to your life this year as well.