Morning by Morning, May 20, 2025 - “Increase.”
Good morning, Lord Jesus. I welcome You here in my heart and every moment of my day. ...
As I wait for Your leading, the word “Increase” comes to mind. ...
And this Word from the story of the children of Israel who had gone down to Egypt during the famine in their land. While they were there, You multiplied them and increased them:
“The descendants of Israel were fruitful and increased greatly; they multiplied and grew exceedingly strong; so that the land was filled with them” (Exodus 1:7).
Even in the midst of a culture with very different beliefs, values, and religious faith, You increased them. Even knowing the hardships they would endure because of their faith and identity, You increased them. There would come a day when You would set them free from Egypt and lead them toward their Promised Land. Not all would make it themselves, but their children and their children and their children would, as You made them to become a great nation.
One of our pastors at our local, home base church was sharing very encouraging reports of the increase of faith, increase of Bible reading, increase of Christian commitment currently taking place in our nation. According to a current study of American Bible Society, there’s evidence of a great move of Your Holy Spirit taking place now. Especially among the young people. There’s been a 29% increase in Bible usage among “millennials,” a 19% increase in Bible usage among men. 54% of “Gen Z” adults report that the Bible has “transformed” their lives. Barna Group says one in six adults affirm they read the Bible most days during their week. Now that sounds like “increase!” That sounds like Revival!
There’s “increase” not just here at home, but around the world! Sometimes we see it, but most of it is happening often times underground and unreported. On my recent ministry trip to Pakistan, I was amazed at how the Christian faith is growing and increasing even in the face of a very different culture of religion. A leader of that religion in the little village where we minster and have started a school for the poor is even coming to our discipleship training classes we just began. Praise God!
I’m remembering the interpretation of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream that spoke of the days to come. Despite all the opposition and persecution, despite all the resistance and dominance of the cultures, religions, and kingdoms of this world, there will come a day when “the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed!” (Daniel 2:44). That kingdom shall increase and fill “the whole earth” (Daniel 2:35). And that kingdom “shall stand forever” (Daniel 2:44).
That kingdom, “the kingdom of God,” is not just increasing in the nations. It’s also increasing in us. In all of us who are called by Your name, pursuing Your Presence, surrendering to Your character, as You make us more like You by transforming our lives, You are increasing in us. The kingdom of God is a moving of Your Spirit in our hearts: “For the kingdom of God is ... righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit” (Romans 14:17).
“And the kingdom and the dominion and the greatness of the kingdoms under the whole heaven shall be given to the people of the saints of the Most High; their kingdom shall be an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey them” (Daniel 7:27)
One day, Your Word will be fulfilled throughout all the nations of the earth: “The kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our Lord and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever!” (Revelation 11:15).
Come, Holy Spirit. Come, continue the “increase.” Continue the revival. In our hearts. In our homes. In our nations of this world! In Jesus name I pray. Amen.
Be encouraged today. In the love of Jesus, Tommy Hays
My friend, may you increase and the kingdom of God increase within you with His righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit, as His kingdom increases in our world, in Jesus' name. God bless you, my friend! And you have a great day!
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Tommy Hays | Messiah Ministries 502 North Milam Street Fredericksburg, Texas 78624
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