As we embark on this journey of divine increase in the year 2024, we must delve deep into the understanding of God's nature. Our ability to receive His prophetic word hinges upon two crucial factors: knowledge and understanding, coupled with unwavering faith.
Firstly, to receive and profit from God's prophetic word, we must know what He has said. Scripture reminds us in John 8:32 that knowing the truth sets us free, while Ephesians 4:18 warns us of the dangers of ignorance. Secondly, faith in His word is paramount. Hebrews 4:2 emphasizes that the word is activated through faith, and Leviticus 9:6 teaches us that the glory of God manifests through obedience to His revealed will.
Why then did God find it necessary to reintroduce Himself to the Israelites? Affliction has a tendency to cloud our remembrance of God, as seen in John 1:29-36. Moreover, a meaningful relationship with God necessitates a special understanding of His character. So, what should we understand about God? Firstly, God is spirit (John 4:24), and we too must connect with Him in spirit. He is unchanging (Isaiah 46:9-11), Almighty (Genesis 17:1), faithful, and dependable (Deuteronomy 7:9). Now, let us turn our attention to the vessels for increase, as outlined in 2 Kings 4:1-7 and 2 Timothy 2:1-2, 19-21. We are called to be vessels for God by purifying ourselves and personalizing our work with Him.
We must borrow vessels, shut the door behind us, pour, set aside every full vessel, and go out to excel. Behind every success and anointed individual lies real works. Let us set ourselves aside, maintaining success through grace and hard work, as exemplified in Genesis 15:7-12, Romans 12:6, 1 Corinthians 15:10, and 1 Samuel 28:8-13, 23-25. Just as Abraham's faith was credited to him as righteousness, let us not allow our affairs to hinder our spiritual life.
Embrace the measure of grace given to us by God, laboring diligently in prayer and in our endeavors. In conclusion, let us labor to keep the grace of God working in our lives, not allowing anything to hinder our walk with Him. May we be vessels for divine increase, embodying the faith, diligence, and grace required for the journey ahead.
We are a jolly congregation that started as a feeding program for less fortunate children and grew into a family of believers.