Increase from the Father

Now he who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

2 Corinthians 9:10‭-‬11 NIV

I was impressed with the verbs "increase", "enlarge", and "enrich".  Our Father is abundant towards us because His heart overflows towards us.  And He is delighted when we live a lifestyle of overflow, like Him.

I was sharing this with Brandi last night, and she reminded me that it is like Jesus's parable of the talents.  Exactly.  If I invest His resources in enterprises that profit the Kingdom of God, then He will supply more resources.

Father, thank you for your heart of favor towards us.  Thank you for the opportunity to cascade your blessings and favor into others. Jesus, thank you for your example. Holy Spirit, thank you for your presence.  I want to be a superconductor.  I love you.

Hearing God

In our Sunday gathering, Peter kicked off our new series on Hearing God.  At the end of his message, he gave some time for folks to be quiet and listen.  I was with Katelyn in the preschool group, but Brandi was able to listen.  First, they were instructed to listen for themselves, and Brandi heard that she is worthy of His love.  Then they were instructed to listen for someone else, so Brandi asked God to share something for me.  She heard, "I am so proud of that kid!".  (Brandi was really touched as she shared this with me later.) He said that He is proud of my childlike faith and believing and trying for more.

Father, thank you for speaking to Brandi.  Thank you for encouraging us.  We want to hear you more often and in greater detail.  I love you.

Following Christ

Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ.

1 Corinthians 11:1 NIV

I want to be able to invite people to follow me as I follow Christ.  So, I need to learn to walk in the anointing of the Holy Spirit to allow Him to use me to heal the sick, raise the dead, cast out demons, and cleanse the lepers because those actions were integral to Christ's example.

Father, thank you for the hope of growing to look like Jesus.  Jesus, thank you for your example.  Holy Spirit, thank you for your presence and power.  I love you, and I want to be a faithful and mature disciple of Jesus.