(I just thought I would share a few thoughts that are running through my head and heart this morning. . . . .)
Abundance— an ample quantity, profusion, lavish expenditure, extravagance, exceeding the limits of reason or necessity, extremely or excessively elaborate. . . . .
I remember once, hearing a man try to explain God’s generosity as sort of like a “baker’s dozen”, when you ask for 12 but get 13. . . .I wonder how often we all get caught up in this human sort of thinking. We just cannot seem to fathom the abundance of God’s spiritual gifts to us, but the Bible is full of verses that prove God’s lavishishness.
The Holy Spirit has been giving me the desire to learn more about God’s abundance, and so this morning I sat on my porch and looked up verses that contained the word abundant. This is what I have found so far (there are a lot more verses that I didn’t have time to look up). . . .
“For all things are for your sakes, that the abundant grace might through the thanksgiving of many redound to the glory of God. For which cause we faint not.” 2 Cor. 4;15,16
“And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 1:14
God doesn’t just give us grace, He gives us ABUNDANT GRACE.
“How excellent is thy lovingkindness O God: therefore the children of men put their trust under the shadow of thy wings. They shall be abundantly satisfied with the fatness of thy house; and thou shalt make them drink of the river of thy pleasures. For with thee is the fountain of life: in thy light shall we see light. O continue thy lovingkindness unto them that know thee; and thy righteousness to the upright in heart.” Ps. 36:7-10
He doesn’t just satisfy our souls, He ABUNDANTLY SATISIFIES
“Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: let him return unto the Lord, and he will have mercy upon him; and to our God, for he will abundantly pardon.” Is. 55:7
He doesn’t just forgive our sins, HE ABUNDANTLY PARDONS THEM.
“I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly. I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for his sheep.” John 10:10, 11
He doesn’t just give us a new life in Him, HE GIVES US AN ABUNDANT LIFE.
The more I study these beautiful verses, and meditate on them, the more my heart is warmed and thrilled toward my Savior. He gives us everything we need, in abundance, because He loves us. Sometimes we try to earn His good gifts, but when we do that it takes away the overwhelming humility that we feel, when we realize that “I don’t deserve a single beautiful blessing from God’s hand, but look! He has given me so much, too much!” An attitude like that is lovely and deep. . . . .the kind of spirit which is broken and thankful and causes us to want to give our life to Jesus, and to love Him, and worship Him.
“. . .eat, O friends; drink, yea, drink abundantly, O beloved.” Song of Solomon 5:1
“Lord, I crawled across the barreness to You with my empty cup uncertain in asking any small drop of refreshment. If only I had known You better. . . .I’d have come running with a bucket.” Amy Carmicheal
(I don’t think God’s generosity is like a baker’s dozen….I think it’s dozens upon dozens of baker’s dozens!)
Good to be Home 
I think He’s speaking to both of us at the same time!!! My heart is full this morning of the greatness and eternity of His love. He’s beautiful.
Very lovely post, Shanda. 🙂
Have an ABUNDANTLY BLESSED DAY! 🙂
I was just thinking of this last night during my quiet time….how I try to “fill my cup” with little bits of this, little bits of that….but if I just go to HIM FIRST my cup overflows and I am ABUDANTLY satisfied…it is something I constantly have to remind myself of…
great post! have a fabulous day my friend!
So lovely to share this time with you…I am drinking my coffee as you share with us what the Lord has been showing you. Such refreshment ….loved being on that porch with you this morning! May God Abundantly bless you and yours today. love, Jenny
I loved the “baker’s dozen” analogy! And the seashore picture???? Surely not from your backyard!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts and your heart on what the holy spirit has given you think on. It helped me see how good God is to me. God bless you
Kelly
I am so blessed by His abundance! In all the things that really matter, I have a bucketful!
I am so thankful that He abundantly provides for us… above all that we ask or think. Isn’t that amazing to think about? Even when we don’t ask for things or even think to ask for things, He provides. What an amazing God we serve.
Great meditation. Isn’t it amazing how God gives so abundantly to us, even though we DO NOT deserve it.
Eph 4:20-21– Now to him who is able to do immeasurably [abundantly] more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generation, for ever and ever! Amen.
Our minds can not even begin to grasp the love of the Father.
Thank you for your thoughts and the scripture.
Oh WOW! I needed this message on His abundance! This morning the only thing I thought of in a grateful mode was that as I sat outside, the sky looked so huge and so blue! It’s God’s sky! The chirping birds were in a nearby tree and their singing was so happy and cute. They are God’s birds! Yes, He gives abundantly. I will go through the rest of my day pondering the abundance of God and what all that is about! You are so dear. Thank you so much for that beautiful beach picture. I really, really wish I could be there! love, Gail
So true and so very good to really meditate on. Thank you for sharing! My cup runneth over. The music and the photo is great too! Love, Elisha
Beautiful words to start the morning.
What a wonderful devotional! Thanks for sharing.
it is always so meaningful to read your posts. thank you for sharing with us what God is showing you. God’s abundance is amazing. I needed that reminder. He has been abundant to me lately, but I haven’t been especially aware of it. I am working on that. You have the gift of encouragement in xanga land!! I have missed reading your stuff on my bloggy break and look forward to catching up on your thoughts in October.