Our Pastor has begun a new series finishing the one called ‘the time is now’ and moving into a new one called ‘the increase.’
We are growing as a church and each week I see the ‘fruit’ of a good leadership surrounding us.
Our Pastor is a man of integrity as well as his ‘circle’ who pray over and protect him.
It’s not easy being a Pastor and also keep a family and lead a growing group of people.
He began with identifying what is the increase.
It is a season to unpack, and discover how we experience it together.
In the new testament book of 2nd Peter 1:3 {His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.}
God has given us everything we need for a godly life.
In relationship with God we can have every access to His gifts and benefits. It is a blessing to walk with him, because of His love we have choice and certainty.
We access our increase by trusting in the promise of his provision for us.
Trust is always a foundation of all relationships.
Proverbs 3:5-6
{5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not rely on your own insight.
6 In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your path}
Pastor said this kind of a trust is similar to leaning in. Resting on… allowing His direction.
Trust with all of your heart. Heart is everything about you anchored into Who He IS.
And lean not on your own understanding which can block your trust. Your understanding of Who He Is will always minimize God, for you are not that smart.
In the new testament book of Philippians it says:
{4 Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.
5 Let your gentleness be known to everyone. The Lord is near.
6 Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God.
7 And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.}
Sometimes we will receive a deep and abiding peace which doesn’t match what we are going through.
That is what it means, when it says ‘surpasses all understanding.’
We don’t see the how, or why but we trust in the outcome of what we experience.
It transcends our ability to know.
In the book of Romans there is a verse that is often misquoted.
{8:28 We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.} The good in this verse means no hassle for us, it is the presence of God.
The all things is the fullness of God. His power, His voice and His goodness.
Therefore, ALL things work for good as we lean in and trust. Then trust increases our peace.
It is a quiet tranquility and freedom from the disturbances around us.
The solution to our ‘lack of increase or deficit’ is peace.
Isaiah 32:18 {My people will abide in a peaceful habitation, in secure dwellings, and in quiet resting places.}
What an amazing and wonderful promise for us to hold onto.