Discern is not a term that is generally used today. To discern means to discover or know the difference between. Good and evil are two such forces that we need to discern between because evil can have the veneer of good disguising it.

Scripture Reference: 1 Kings 3:9

Increase does not always mean financial increase. Financial increase is usually a byproduct of increase. Increase usually comes to you in the realm of more responsibility, more work and more favour. You can look at any number of people in the Bible to find how increase changed them. Joseph, David, Solomon Jesus, the Apostles and Paul all had increase in their lives.

As David was promoted by the Lord, increase happened. He did not have mighty men with him when he defeated Goliath. David obtained multi-billionaire status because he sought God. Silver was worthless by Solomon’s reign because there was so much gold. The total cost of reproducing the Temple would be in the range of about 50 billion dollars. David’s personal donation was in the neighborhood of 15 billion.

Daniel moved through the civil service and eventually became the First Satrap (Minister).

Daniel 2:48-49 NLT
(48) Then the king appointed Daniel to a high position and gave him many valuable gifts. He made Daniel ruler over the whole province of Babylon, as well as chief over all his wise men.
(49) At Daniel’s request, the king appointed Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego to be in charge of all the affairs of the province of Babylon, while Daniel remained in the king’s court.

Jesus promoted Paul to take the Gospel to the Gentiles and God’s family increased mightily.

Acts 26:13-18 NLT
(13) About noon, Your Majesty, as I was on the road, a light from heaven brighter than the sun shone down on me and my companions.
(14) We all fell down, and I heard a voice saying to me in Aramaic, ‘Saul, Saul, why are you persecuting Me? It is useless for you to fight against My will. ‘
(15) “‘Who are You, lord?’ I asked. “And the Lord replied, ‘I am Jesus, the One you are persecuting.
(16) Now get to your feet! For I have appeared to you to appoint you as My servant and witness. You are to tell the world what you have seen and what I will show you in the future.
(17) And I will rescue you from both your own people and the Gentiles. Yes, I am sending you to the Gentiles
(18) to open their eyes, so they may turn from darkness to light and from the power of Satan to God. Then they will receive forgiveness for their sins and be given a place among God’s people, who are set apart by faith in Me.’

The key to lasting promotion is to be different. Accepting the responsibilities that come your way will set you apart from the masses that do not have any desire to achieve. David chose to be responsible for Israel as did Solomon. Daniel chose to serve in the Public Service as did Joseph.

Be different.