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The ABCs of God's Love Letter: Increase

10/6/2020

14 Comments

 
The ABCs of God's Love Letter: Increase

Welcome to
​The ABCs of God's Love Letter
25 Weeks. 25 Writers!

​We will use the alphabet as an acrostic and study topics like: Abide, Beloved, Calling, Delight, Endure, Faithful, Garment, Hunger, Increase, Justice, Kindness, Light, Manna, Name, Ordain, Path, Quench, Ransom, Salt, Testify, Upright, Vanity, Wait, Yield, and Zeal.

Every week, we’ll discover a different topic. Each topic is accompanied by five Scripture verses—one for each weekday. The Bible study has a page for each verse. Those spaces will invite you to write the verses out and journal what you’ve learned.

Every time I read God’s Word I learn something new. I also find that Scripture writing really helps me meditate, and as I meditate, God always shows me just what I need for that day—it’s AMAZING!
I pray you’ll join us and learn new and exciting things too from His Word.
The ABCs of God's Love Letter Bible study
buy now on amazon

This Week We're Looking at Increase

If you could pick one thing to have MORE of in your life, what would it be?
An increase in: 
  • Money?
  • Time?
  • Rest?
  • Health?
  • Better relationships?
  • Material possessions?
  • Knowledge?
  • Power?
As a young mom, I can remember all I ever wanted was more sleep. Now as a mom to four kiddos, ranging from preschool to middle school, the thing I feel desperate for is more time. And I’m sure most of us would say more money would be nice. 

There are many things we may want more of and likely this will change depending on our current season of life. God is faithful to give us an increase in different areas and in different seasons, but the Bible has two very clear reminders for us when it comes to seeing an increase:
​
  1. Who that increase comes from. 
  2. The only increase that always satisfies is more of God Himself.
Who That Increase Comes From
Increase comes from God alone. Regardless of what area of life God allows us to see an increase, we must fight to remember that it is from Him alone. We tend to place our hope and trust in everything and everyone but God, yet Scripture reminds us that all increase comes from Him. ​
Here are a few examples: In Psalm 62:10, David is clear that we shouldn’t put our trust in money. An increase in money may be a wonderful thing, whether to pay a bill, meet another financial want or need, or even to use for ministry. However, we should always be careful not to set our hearts on an increase in wealth. Our hearts should be set on God alone.

Scripture is also clear that it’s good when a follower of Christ is placed in a leadership position where their potential influence may increase. Proverbs 29:2 points to this reality. However, we cannot set our hearts on a position of influence alone. We must remember to trust solely in God and not in our own strength, power, circumstances, or position (or even those of our Christian leaders).

Ironically, a third area where we tend to believe we’re self-sufficient is in ministry itself. We can easily fall into the trap of thinking we can take credit for the spiritual growth of others. God may allow us to plant seeds of truth, or even come along later to water those seeds, but it is God who can bring those seeds to life. He is the only true source of this increase, as Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 3:6.
The Only Increase That Always Satisfies is More of God Himself
Proverbs 1:5 tells us that we should desire an increase in wisdom and knowledge of God above all else. Solomon urges us that wisdom is worth our hard pursuit. James 1:5 goes on to confirm that God gives generously to anyone who asks for wisdom.

Psalm 138:3 tells us that God answers our cries for help with an increase in strength of soul and renewal of spirit. 

God is so faithful to answer our prayers and He truly is the giver of all good things.

While there may be specific things we want more of in our current season of life (for me the wish list is long at times), may we remember that more of God is the ultimate increase worth pursuing. And it is the one pursuit that will always satisfy. ​
This week I will be asking myself these questions: 
  1. How can I increase my time with Him each day?
  2. How can I increasingly set my heart and mind more on God than anything else? 

If you’re looking for a fresh way to increase your time spent with God, I'd love to tell you about a few of my favorite free online Bible study resources.
Katie

​Katie Mills is a wife, mom of four (bio and adopted) kiddos, and pastor’s wife in Georgia. She is also a Christian blogger at The Joyfully Imperfect, where she writes about faith, family, and lifestyle topics. Katie and her husband have a newly published marriage book available, Why Toothpaste Matters, as well as an e-devotional for tweens, Wisdom for Tweens. 
Katie Mills headshot
​FOLLOW HER HERE
​WEB | FACEBOOK | INSTAGRAM | PINTEREST

​Why Toothpaste Matters: Ten Truths and Six Weeks to a Better Marriage

​Most of us have bought into the lie that marriage is easy. To have your happily ever after, all you have to do is meet the right person. If he or she is “the one” then you should never have any serious issues in your marriage, right? Right? Happily ever after is certainly ideal, but it’s just not reality.
Why Toothpaste Matters addresses ten truths about marriage; truths we often fail to recognize. Additionally, this book contains a section with discussion questions around the most common areas of conflict between couples. While toothpaste may not fix every problem in your marriage, the conversations generated will be invaluable for helping you and your spouse understand the expectations you have of one another. 

Through humor and stories of their own struggles, Kevin and Katie Mills offer practical insights into overcoming challenges in marriage. 
Why Toothpaste Matters cover
This book is an ideal read for engaged couples preparing for a life together as well as married couples looking for better ways to communicate with one another. The goal of Why Toothpaste Matters is to help your marriage not simply survive, but thrive. ​
Also, Katie and her husband Kevin have spoken at marriage events and their church used this study as a small group marriage study. They'd be thrilled to speak at your church and/or small group, either in person or in a virtual setting. Feel free to contact Katie here, or via her website, and let her know if you're interested in having them speak.

"We truly do believe that our marriages are the most tangible picture of the Gospel to the world so we definitely have a heart for seeing marriages strengthened—especially in a year like 2020 where there are so many marriages struggling." —Katie Mills

​The ABCs of God's Love Letter Scripture Memory Cards

The ABCs of God's Love Letter Bible Study is accompanied by a collection of 25 5 X 5 Scripture Memory Cards. We'll utilize this great tool to help us memorize a Scripture verse once a week that goes with the topic we're studying that week. Hiding God's Word in our heart is so important!
The ABCs of God's Love Letter Scripture Memory cards
These square press prints are printed on thick, high-quality, matte art paper and include a small white border. They are available here in our Etsy shop. But WAIT, there's more! Just for you —> ​Use code SAVE50 at checkout for 50% OFF your entire order. FREE SHIPPING on orders $35 or more, otherwise, shipping is just $2.00, as always! ​
CHECK OUT THESE SCRIPTURE MEMORY CARDS

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​What does Increase mean to you?
Please Share
14 Comments
Barbara Harper link
10/6/2020 09:31:53 am

It's so true. Whatever we want or think we need more of, nothing truly satisfies but God.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
10/6/2020 11:42:11 am

Absolutely, Barbara. This is such a great reminder this week!

Reply
Michele Morin link
10/6/2020 12:22:53 pm

Katie, this is a wonderful reminder that the only safe focus for my my heart's affection and my mind's attention is God and his deeply satisfying provision.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
10/7/2020 04:26:27 pm

I totally agree, Michele. Katie nailed it!

Reply
Donna link
10/6/2020 03:51:54 pm

Fantastic post! So true, only with God am I truly known and only He can bring complete peace and contentment to my heart! Thank you!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
10/7/2020 04:28:16 pm

Donna, I am so very, very grateful to be truly known, and so thankful for that complete peace and contentment, no matter the season of life, no matter the circumstance!

Reply
Jed link
10/7/2020 08:48:28 am

"We tend to place our hope and trust in everything and everyone but God, yet Scripture reminds us that all increase comes from Him." Very well said and thank you for this reminder.

Thank you for hosting a great link-up too!

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
10/7/2020 04:29:22 pm

Jed, there were so many great, thought-provoking quotes in this post! Thanks for sharing!

Reply
Susan Shipe link
10/7/2020 09:56:59 am

The older I get my increase desires change. No longer wanting things - I desire an increase in peace and joy. 3 John 4

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
10/7/2020 04:31:35 pm

Funny how that happens, Susan. I am right there with you! Each season has it's wants for increase, but that increase is different now than it was when I was in my 20s, or 30s, or 40s... I'm just going to stop right there! LOL

Reply
Lauren Sparks link
10/7/2020 12:16:33 pm

What a great contribution to this series. Thank you for sharing your words with us.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
10/7/2020 04:32:39 pm

I am just so loving this series, Lauren!!! Each writer brings something new and fresh to the table. It's so exciting!

Reply
Sharon Hazel link
10/7/2020 03:36:59 pm

A heart after God - the only pursuit with lasting worth! Great reminders, thank you.

Reply
Patsy Burnette link
10/7/2020 04:34:53 pm

So true, Sharon! Reminds me of David—a man after God's own heart. May my heart pursue God as David did. Great reminders this week!

Reply

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