WMA: God Gives the Increase

We were preparing for our yearly revival at church and, after selecting our evangelist (Larry Markin), we were excited to hear what the Lord would send through our revival. There were only 10 more than our usual attendance the first night, but Larry preached with much vigor and anticipation. I couldn’t help but enjoy what the Lord had to say that evening.

On Tuesday night, there were 20 more in attendance. And Larry, as he had done the night before, preached a very uplifting and encouraging message.

Wednesday came and Larry was having dinner with us before the service. With our normal dinner conversation, I put the question to Bro. Larry, “Do you ever get discouraged driving so far just to preach to under 50 people?” He replied “Oh no, I prepare to preach to 500 every time I preach, then I am ready for as many as show up.”

That was a great encouraging time in my life because, from then until now when I prepared to speak, I prepare for 500 and I am ready for ever how many show up. It’s amazing the feeling you get by just being ready for whatever God is going to do. If few show up and you see nothing happen, don’t forget the promises in I Corinthians and Isaiah:

• “So then neither is he that planteth any thing neither he that watereth; but God that giveth the increase” (I Cor. 3:7).We see from eyes on earth, but He sees from eyes with a view of heaven and His glory.

• “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing wherto I sent it” (Isa. 55:11).

The Lord has a message. It’s not our message. We are called to speak, and He will accomplish that which He pleases with it and it will not return to Him void. It will prosper.

His Eye Is On The Sparrow — “Why should I feel discouraged, Why should the shadows come, Why should my heart be lonely, And long for Heav’n and home, When Jesus is my portion? My constant friend is He; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.”

Let not your heart be troubled,” His tender word I hear, And resting on His goodness, I lose my doubts and fears, Tho by the path He leadeth, but one step I may see; Whenever I am tempted, whenever clouds arise, His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.

When song gives place to singing, when hope within me dies, I draw the closer to Him; From care He sets me free; His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me; Chorus: His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He cares for me. I sing because I’m happy. I sing because I’m free For His eye is on the sparrow, and I know He watches me.” (Lyrics by Civilla Durfee Martin)

It’s so important to read His Word because it contains a map for us to follow. God is a communicating God, speaking words to me as I am attentive to Him. He is available at all times, and He is unchanging. Sounds to me like a safe person to follow.

How many people do you know that are unchanging, accessible at all times and died that you might live?

By studying His Word, we learn to recognize His voice and His patterns for living and serving. We develop deeper faith and confidence, and it changes us more and more into His image from one degree of glory to another.

“Thy word have I hid in mine heart, that I might not sin against thee” (Psalm 119: 11).

May I be a joy to you Lord.

— These articles are shared via the National WMA web page blog that can be accessed at nationalwma.org/blogs.