"Then shall the Earth yield her Increase"

It is only God, God alone who causes the earth to produce. The increase of the earth comes from the good hands of our loving, giving Heavenly Father. This summer (2011) we have experienced many extra hot days - weather from mid 90s to 100 degrees. Add the humidity index to that and the number increases. Just when it seems unbearable, with crackling grass underfoot and wilting plants to the right and left, the storm clouds gather and there's a downpour. The results: everything is fresh and green. That cloud is evidence of God's tender mercy, causing the dew and the rain to make our "earth yield her increase."

Looking at Psalm 67, we see how the blessings He gives affect so many areas of our lives! This very short Psalm has wonderful lessons for us to lean upon. Take a moment to read and meditate.

God be merciful unto us, and bless us
And cause His face to shine upon us;

That thy way may be known upon the earth,
Thy saving health among all nations.

Let the people praise thee, O God;
Let all the people praise thee.

O let the nations be glad and sing for joy:
For thou shalt judge the people righteously,
And govern the nations upon the earth.

Let the people praise the, O God;
Let all the people praise thee.

Then shall the earth yield her increase,
And God, even our own God, shall bless us

God shall bless us;
And all the ends of the earth shall fear Him.

"I will give thee for a covenant of the people" Isaiah 49:8

Covenant: A binding and solemn agreement made by two or more individuals, parties. An agreement among members of a church to hold to points of doctrine, faith, practice. In theology, the promises made by God to man, as recorded in the Bible.

Ultimately, Jesus Christ is the fulfillment of God's covenant that he made with Abraham, Isaac, Jacob. Our heavenly Father gave us a perfect Christ as the foremost expression of His love to worthless and fallen man. Jesus Christ through His spotless, sinless life redeemed us by His death on Calvary's cross.

God's promise was spoken as early as Genesis 3:15 "her seed shall bruise" the serpent who is seeking to destroy God's creation - man - Adam and Eve. His promise to overcome the worldly kingdom where Satan dwells is true. That happened when Jesus was given as the sacrificial lamb on the cross. Jesus kept the law perfectly, something man cannot do. Jesus, only Jesus, could be an acceptable gift to appease God's wrath and satisfy God's judgement. For this we can only be grateful for He keeps His covenant with His people.