In what ways can we "increase their families like flocks" in our community? The Promise in Psalm 107:41 “ ‘But He lifts the needy from affliction and increases their families like flocks.’ ” God delights to turn scarcity into abundance and to multiply people who look to Him. The goal is not merely bigger numbers, but strong, healthy, God-honoring households that fill a community the way sheep once filled the hills of Israel. Seeing the Shepherd’s Heart • God rescues (“lifts the needy”), then restores (“increases their families”). • Flocks grow under attentive care (Psalm 23:1-3); families thrive the same way. • The multiplication is visible and communal—“flocks,” not isolated animals (Ezekiel 34:14-16). Key Principles for Increase 1. Receive children as a blessing, not a burden (Psalm 127:3-5). 2. Anchor marriage in covenant faithfulness (Malachi 2:15; Matthew 19:4-6). 3. Pass faith from one generation to the next (Deuteronomy 6:6-9; 2 Timothy 1:5). 4. Protect life from conception to natural death (Psalm 139:13-16; Proverbs 24:11-12). 5. Practice mutual care so no one is “needy” for long (Acts 2:44-47). Concrete Steps for Our Community Spiritual • Teach the whole counsel of God on marriage, sexuality, and family. • Mentor young believers in practical discipleship—Bible reading, prayer, obedience. Relational • Pair newlyweds with seasoned couples for year-one coaching. • Host monthly family dinners that mix ages and backgrounds, reducing isolation. Practical Support • Build a “barn-raising” culture: meals for new parents, home repairs for single moms, babysitting swaps. • Create a benevolence fund that targets family-stabilizing needs—rent, utilities, counseling. Life-Affirming Initiatives • Partner with crisis-pregnancy centers; offer ultrasounds, parenting classes, gospel counseling. • Promote adoption and foster care; start a support network for families who step in. Education & Formation • Launch or strengthen Christ-centered schooling options—homeschool co-ops, tutoring, scholarships. • Equip parents to guard their children’s media intake and worldview (Philippians 4:8). Public Witness • Advocate for policies that honor marriage, protect life, and enable parents to raise children in freedom. • Host community events—family fairs, sports leagues, holiday outreaches—that showcase joyful, multigenerational life. Removing Hidden Hurdles • Confront materialism that delays or discourages child-bearing (Luke 12:15). • Address pornography and sexual sin that undermine marital intimacy (1 Thessalonians 4:3-5). • Offer financial stewardship courses to break debt cycles and free households to grow (Proverbs 22:7). Scriptures to Stand On • Genesis 1:28 – “Be fruitful and multiply…” • Psalm 128:3-4 – “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine… your children like olive shoots…” • Isaiah 54:2-3 – “Enlarge the place of your tent… your descendants will possess the nations.” • John 10:10 – “I have come that they may have life, and have it in all its fullness.” When we align with God’s design—honoring marriage, welcoming children, discipling the next generation, and caring for the needy—He is pleased to “increase their families like flocks,” filling our neighborhoods with vibrant, Christ-centered homes. |
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