God's Extravagant Generosity

Romans 11.33-36

(The Message)

God's Extravagant Generosity


 

"Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God, this deep, deep wisdom? It's way over our heads. We'll never figure it out.

Is there anyone around who can explain God?

Anyone smart enough to tell him what to do?

Anyone who has done him such a huge favor

that God has to ask his advice?

Everything comes from him;

Everything happens through him;

Everything ends up in him.

Always glory! Always praise!

Yes. Yes. Yes."

What a convicting piece of scripture.  I was introduced to this translation at the Women of Faith conference last weekend.  The conference centered around Romans 11.33a focusing on the 'extravagant generosity of God.'  Since this translation was new to me, I looked up the same verse (Rom. 11.33a) in NASB, which state, "Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God..."

I have been meditating on the "extravagant generosity of God."  God sprinkles blessing on us without asking  us for anything in return.  Or does He?  We are to be the hands and feet of Jesus, His Son, loving all the people He has put on our path.  Am I doing this?  Unfortunately, no. 

The verses go on reiterating God's sovereignty in all things.  Really, who am I to think I know more than the God of the universe?  Even though there are times I don't understand what God is doing in my life, I must trust and believe that He is who He says He is. He will accomplish what He will in my life with or without my help.  I can look back over my life and see where God has truly brought beauty from the ashes of my life.  Thank you GOD!

The section of scripture ends with reminders of who God is... our Provider, the source of all things (including me), and He rules the world with perfect wisdom, justice, and love.  In all things, we are to bring glory to Him.  Praise the Lord! 

Ellen

This Post is linked to Mustard Seed Planting. 

Women of Faith

"Have you ever come on anything quite like this extravagant generosity of God...?"  ~ Romans 11.33

God loves us more than we know. He gives us more than we can ask or dream. He's unrestrained... excessive... outrageous... Over the Top.

This past weekend I had the privilege of going to the Women of Faith Conference in NC with my mom and sister.  We had a great time being together and hearing God through the amazing speakers.  What a refreshing time for us as a group and for me personally.  What would God have me hear in my heart?  Are there changes in my very near future present?  What have I withheld from God?



Patsy Clairmont



 Patsy Clairmont was able to speak to all the moms who have prayed for God to heal their child.  She shared the dark days last year when her adult son battled the H1N1 flu to the point of coma.  By God's grace, he is alive today, but still fights chronic pain.  She is witty, hilarious and is transparent in her love for GOD.  From Patsy I was reminded to TRUST God in everything, not just what I think I can't handle.





The Chapmans







Mary Beth Chapman really spoke to my  mother's heart as she shared the devastating loss of her daughter last year.  My parents buried my brother in 1986; Dad had a very hard time after his death.  Steven Curtis Chapman and his band gave a concert... WOW!





Lisa Welchel



Lisa Welchel described her challenge in forming lasting adult friendships.  During the time most teenagers learn about healthy friendships, she was filming The Facts of Life.  All of her "friendships" were written in by the writers.  So when she became an adult, she didn't know how to reach out to others and form healthy, safe friendships.  She reminded us all how important our girlfriends/moms/sisters are to our overall well-being.  From Lisa I was reminded how important our girlfriends are!  They are confidants, encouragers, truth-tellers, and accountability partners.



Sandi Patty



 Sandi Patty moved us not only with her beautiful singing voice, but also with her testimony.  Her voice is unmatched; it leaves you breathless.  She even "signs" some of her songs with and for the hearing impaired.  She shared her struggle with weight throughout her life.  I had no trouble relating to her story.  Her courage to undergo GI surgery and talk about it give me the courage to try the weight-loss thing one more time.  Thanks, Patty!



Marilyn Meberg regaled us with her wit, laughter, honesty, and such wonderful Biblical insights.  She walked us through issues that are holding us back from a 'vibrant relationship with God.'  We were challenged to invite God into our dark places and give our cares/fears/guilt/shame to Him.  She is one of my favorite speakers because she brings her teaching down to my level!  You  have to realize, she has 2 Master Degrees behind her name!



Anita Renfroe



My all-time favorite is Anita Renfroe.. Need I say more!  Christian, comedian, mother, wife (pastor's), singer.. all rolled into one fun-filled lady!  I have 3 DVD's and when I'm feeling down, I'll put them in and laugh all over again.  Her insights into human nature are amazing and she doesn't shy away from the hard issues like.... mammograms, caffeine, and underwire!  She is my all-time pick-me-up!

Dramas are always life-changing. Deborah Winans' were no different. She touched on the issue of abortion and the need for counseling. She opened the door for those experiencing the loss of a child by abortion to seek help and healing. Her other skit touched on our desires to get our way, anyway we can. We put our "hook" in others to get them to do our bidding. A timely reminder especially while raising 3 teenagers!



I have looked forward to the Women of Faith Conferences each year because I was able to spend time with just my mom.  This year, my sister was able to join us.  We were away from all our daily activies and stress and had a ball!  I wonder what next year will bring!

Ellen





God has smiled down on me!

Can  you say Happy Dance?

Since Saturday, I have enjoyed many blessings.  I have danced the "happy dance" six times now!  Why?  I hoped you would ask...

Happy Dance #1 - My front brake work was FREE on Saturday.  I was 150 miles from the end of the warranty period with brakes squealing so bad I had to get to the shop.  So, new brakes on the front of the van.. did I say FREE!

Happy Dance #2 - I have the best husband in the world.. just celebrated 18 wonderful years! We are celebrating with dinner at Blue Orleans on Wednesday night!

Happy Dance #3 - I received the Women of Faith tickets for their November conference today in the mail.  I am going with my mom and sister --- girl time!

Happy Dance #4 - Michael and I had a smooth transition to new World Geography program Around the World in 180 Days!

Happy Dance #5 - Lifeway had the student book for Around the World in 180 Days!

Happy Dance #6 - Today has been a GREAT Monday! Introduced new US History program (US History Through Our Country's Presidents) to Matthew and Melissa.  It is a go! Actually heard, "It sounds like fun!"

God is so good!  It has been a very stressful and overwhelming couple of weeks.  Thank you, LORD!

The Body of Christ is amazing!

I know it isn't Thursday, but today I was so humbled and overwhelmed by the love of friends.  The real estate business has been unusually slow and we have had to use our savings and other monies to keep the bills paid.  Yesterday I had an impromptu conversation with a good friend about gardening, couponing, shopping, bills, teens, schooling, etc.  It was great catching up with her as it had been a couple of months.

This morning, her and her husband brought us at least 2 weeks of groceries!  How humbling is that!  Rod and I were both speechless and grateful.  In Acts 2.42-45 we learn about true fellowship of believers in Christ.  Acts 2.45b states, "they gave to anyone as he had need."  These wonderful friends of ours are living and breathing God's Word in their lives.  We are the recipients of Jesus' love through them!

God Bless our friends now and always!

Maundy Thursday

Today I remember all that Jesus Christ did to save me from myself.  He was betrayed, beaten, mocked, and hung on a tree to die in my place.  His belongings were taken by lot and his mother watched Him die... for me.  He died, was buried, then.......... on the third day He resurrected to conquer death once and for all.  This is the God who loves me.  This is the God who chose me to be in His eternal family.  Thank you, God, for never giving up on me even when I did.

Do not fear, for I (God) am with you...."

It has been a rollercoaster of a week.  I had been monitoring a lump in my b***** for about a month and decided it wasn't going away or getting any smaller; I needed to see the doctor and have further tests.  I informed my wonderful husband before church Sunday morning.  Needless to say, he was taken completely by surprise. 

I saw my doctor on Thursday morning and had my mammogram and ultrasound that afternoon.  By God's great mercy and grace, both tests came back "normal." 

For all the women who have walked this path before me, I applaud you.  It isn't easy to acknowledge a lump and then have to call it by name.  The fear is overwhelming.  I kept mentally singing the song from Isaiah 43 (You are Mine).  "Do not fear, for I (God) am with you; I have called you by name, you are Mine...."

I am thankful for...

~  the ability to get a new car
~  more family time since our major commitments have come to an end
~  for my husband who loves me unconditionally
~  driving with my teens and Mom to Atlanta so they can page for the State of Georgia Senate

What are you thankful for today?