The Grace That Meets Us

And God is able to make every grace overflow to you, so that in every way, always having everything you need, you may excel in every good work. – (2 Corinthians 9:8, HCSB)

And God can give you more blessings than you need, and you will always have plenty of everything. You will have enough to give to every good work. – (2 Corinthians 9:8, ERV)

God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done. – (2 Corinthians 9:8, MSG)

God is ready to overwhelm you with more blessings than you could ever imagine so that you’ll always be taken care of in every way and you’ll have more than enough to share. – (2 Corinthians 9:8, VOICE)

When we give generously of our time, talents and resources, God is able to bless us beyond what we need. He does this so that we are equipped to do what needs to be done, and can share and give, knowing that all that we have is because of Him. In my life, I have experienced this over and over again. As I have chosen to continue to be faithful to give, He has provided all that I have needed and more. God, who made all that is with the work of His hands, is able to supply all that we need. Just this week I have seen this each day. My job has been exhausting, and it has been compounded this week as my husband has been out of town for work. Incredibly, I have gotten better sleep this week than I have in years, despite my intentional choice to continue to rise early to spend time with Him. Additionally, He is providing the help I need to move forward in an assignment that I am ill-prepared to do. It is not by my strength, but by His, and through His loving kindness that He is granting me all that I need and more. May we ever seek God to be our strength and source, so that we may do the good that He is calling us to do.

With goodness and grace,

My sweet, loyal, loving boy, Thor. ❤

The Lord will come near;

He meets all our needs,

And calms all our fears.

Ever He calls us,

To be and do more;

Not in our own strength,

He opens new doors.

Often in a way,

That we have not seen;

So we count on Him,

To learn new routines.

His grace is enough,

For He’s our supply;

To keep pressing on,

He hears ev’ry cry.

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You bless us in amazing ways as we choose to keep giving of ourselves as You call us to do. Thank You that You have more than enough of what we need to keep us moving forward in the direction to which we are called. Forgive us for our fears and doubts when we cannot see how there is a way. Teach us to ever lean into You, and to continue to pour out to those around us. Show us how to love those around us best, so that they too may experience the overflowing goodness of Your kindness and grace. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we thank You and praise You for who You are and how You meet our needs with Your abundance. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Grabrick and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

You will be enriched in every way for all generosity, which produces thanksgiving to God through us. – 2 Corinthians 9:11

Provided to Share

And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others. – (2 Corinthians 9:8, NLT)

And God can give you more blessings than you need, and you will always have plenty of everything. You will have enough to give to every good work. – (2 Corinthians 9:8, ERV)

 

God’s economy is not logical by the world’s standards. When we give, we end up gaining more. Sometimes, we feel compelled to give of our time, talents or resources when it appears that we have nothing to offer. However, I find that each time I extend myself from this very space where I have to trust, God comes in and multiplies my little to more. If it is time, I somehow find I have more than I thought I had; if it is offering something of myself – He meets me in the moment and does more than I ever could. When the gift is monetary, my budget always works out – even when it logically should not. A reimbursement check here, a random refund there, a gift, an error in billing… The overwhelming ways in which He works to provide are so inspiring, that I find I am quicker to obey when He asks that I give. May we remember Who is ultimately our Provider, and trust that He is true to His word. Let generosity be our mode of operation, as Jesus modeled a life of generously giving of Himself wherever He went.

 

And God shall provide,

For each of our needs;

At times we’ll be called,

To generous deeds.

For we all have gifts,

That we’re meant to share;

Time, talent, resource,

To show that God cares.

As we choose to give,

Obediently;

The Lord blesses us,

Most abundantly.

To see a need met,

Know God’s faithfulness;

Brings confident joy,

His love is expressed.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You generously and abundantly provide all that we need, so that we may share with those around us. Thank You that You ask us to give of ourselves, not because You need us to, but because You desire to bless us with the benefit of seeing Your faithfulness for both the recipient and ourselves when we watch how mightily You move. Forgive us for the times that we have hesitated or avoided giving where You asked us to give because in our own minds we could not figure out how to make it work. Teach us to trust You more, so that we would say yes to You, whenever You ask us to give of ourselves. Help us to hear You clearly. Show us how to love those around us well, with our time, talent and resources. May many come into a lasting relationship with You. Be glorified O God, as we share with others, that which You have so lovingly provided unto us. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present

Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. – Hebrews 4:16

Pouring of Plenty

“God can pour on the blessings in astonishing ways so that you’re ready for anything and everything, more than just ready to do what needs to be done.” – (2 Corinthians 9:8, The Message)

 

Paul was speaking to the people of Corinth about being generous with what God had given them. He asked them not to give out of obligation, but cheerfully, from a heart that had determined to give, because God had so graciously given unto them. We are meant to give what we determine in our hearts, cheerfully. This is not just of our wealth, but of our time and our talents – the very gifts of God that He has placed in us for His purposes, to bless others for His glory. What is such a divine mystery to me, is that each time we step out in faith and offer our time, talents and/or resources, we seem to be the recipients of His blessing. The joy in knowing His pleasure, is beyond a reward one could measure. Additionally, I find that when I give anyway, my own needs somehow are met, regardless of the seeming lack of time, energy or resources. God has a way of multiplying the miniscule, when we are faithful with what we do have.

 

God pours out His grace,

abundant to us;

when we call on Him,

our Savior, Jesus.

As we choose to give,

from all that is ours;

God uses our gifts,

to reach near and far.

When others are blessed,

we become blessed too;

for we see Him work,

as lives are made new.

Generously give,

as He’s given us;

all unto the Lord,

our Savior, Jesus.

 

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You that You have given us the ultimate gift – Your Son, so that we may have eternal life with You. Thank You that You are generous and kind, never withholding anything from us, as You supply our every need. Forgive us for our reluctance to give – be it of our time, talents or resources. Please show us how we are meant to give unto You, and help us to do so with cheerful hearts. May many be moved toward a relationship with You, as a result of the giving unto which we are called. Help us to love others as You so generously love us. Be glorified through our generosity today. Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present.

The Lord is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. – Psalm 145:8

 

 

 

 

Gratitude Grows through Generosity

photo by Brooke

What God grants as seed,

when tended in love,

gives meals to many,

a gift from above.

For what we’re given,

is not meant to keep.

All for the sharing,

for feeding His sheep.

The miracle found,

in giving away,

is what is returned,

as we choose to obey.

Rich in His blessings,

aware of His grace,

heart full of praises,

there’s no greater place.

(Responding to 2 Corinthians 9:10-15)

Dear Heavenly Father, thank You so much for the countless blessings and abundant gifts that we have been given in You.  First and foremost, thank You Jesus, for exchanging Your life for ours, so that we have the hope to hold that we will one day dwell with You in heaven forever!  Thank You too, for sending Your Spirit to dwell in us, as our Comfort, our Companion, our Grace and our Guide.  Forgive me for not always being quick to share the blessings that I have been given.  Teach me to be ever aware of how You are leading me to love like You.  May many come to know Your comfort and provision as they come to call You their personal Prince of Peace.  Amen.

© Shannon Elizabeth Moreno and Revelations in Writing, May 2011 – present