Breath of Power - Week 29/06

Week 29: July 17 - 23, 2006

I MUST DECREASE

Key Passage: John 3: 26 - 27, 29 - 30

And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.”

Some people often find it difficult to rejoice at other people’s successes. That is because of a worldly spirit that is envious and self-centered that takes hold of the hearts of many. John was not influenced by such egocentric spirit, but was rather happy at the success of the One he baptized. He saw himself as the best man and forerunner of the Savior whose joy was in the success of Jesus’ mission. His unselfish attitude as a true servant of God is epitomized in his humble response, “He must increase, but I must decrease.”

What goes on in your mind when you see others receive what you have desired but have not received, or when people share testimonies of victories in areas where you have failed? Such moments sometimes expose the fleshly side of many of us who are tended to grumble in our hearts as if God is not good to us. That is a sign that there are parts of us that are not yet “crucified with Christ” (Rom 6:6), and they could lead us to stumble in our walk with God.

God’s Word says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited” Rom 12:16 NIV. When we are so doing, we are showing that we are the true children of God and we are sowing the seeds for our own victories and celebrations.

O how wonderful it would be if we all would emulate the humble and unselfish attitude of John in our dealings with one another! What wonderful atmosphere of love and unity it would generate in the body of Christ as we learn to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and celebrate the victories of others.

Prayer: Grant me, Lord, the grace to rejoice at other people’s joy and let me decrease while Christ increases in me.

Written by – Evangelist Oguazi Onyemobi



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	Week 29: July 17 - 23, 2006 I MUST DECREASE Key Passage: John 3: 26 - 27, 29 - 30 And they came to John and said to him, "Rabbi, He who was with you beyond the Jordan, to whom you have testified—behold, He is baptizing, and all are coming to Him!” John answered and said, "A man can receive nothing unless it has been given to him from heaven. He who has the bride is the bridegroom; but the friend of the bridegroom, who stands and hears him, rejoices greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice. Therefore this joy of mine is fulfilled. He must increase, but I must decrease.” Some people often find it difficult to rejoice at other people’s successes. That is because of a worldly spirit that is envious and self-centered that takes hold of the hearts of many. John was not influenced by such egocentric spirit, but was rather happy at the success of the One he baptized. He saw himself as the best man and forerunner of the Savior whose joy was in the success of Jesus’ mission. His unselfish attitude as a true servant of God is epitomized in his humble response, “He must increase, but I must decrease.” What goes on in your mind when you see others receive what you have desired but have not received, or when people share testimonies of victories in areas where you have failed? Such moments sometimes expose the fleshly side of many of us who are tended to grumble in our hearts as if God is not good to us. That is a sign that there are parts of us that are not yet “crucified with Christ” (Rom 6:6), and they could lead us to stumble in our walk with God. God’s Word says, “Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited” Rom 12:16 NIV. When we are so doing, we are showing that we are the true children of God and we are sowing the seeds for our own victories and celebrations. O how wonderful it would be if we all would emulate the humble and unselfish attitude of John in our dealings with one another! What wonderful atmosphere of love and unity it would generate in the body of Christ as we learn to “rejoice with those who rejoice” and celebrate the victories of others. Prayer: Grant me, Lord, the grace to rejoice at other people’s joy and let me decrease while Christ increases in me. Written by – Evangelist Oguazi Onyemobi

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