Grace bestowed in Abundance

Everything indeed is for you, 

so that the grace bestowed in abundance 

on more and more people 

may cause the thanksgiving to overflow 

for the glory of God.

(2 Corinthians 4:15)

When the LORD restored our fortunes, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongue with shouts of joy; "The LORD has done great things for us." The LORD has done great things for us; we are glad. He that goes forth weeping, bearing the seed for sowing, shall come home with shouts of joy, bringing his sheaves with him. (Ps 126:1-3,6)

Lord, restore our fortunes like the watercourses! May those who sow in tears reap with shouts of joy! (Ps 126:1-4-5). Thank you so much for the abundance of grace that truly makes my joy full and complete. With much love and thanksgiving I pray, in Jesus Name. Amen.


Pericope:
THE PARADOX OF THE MINISTRY - 2 Corinthians 4:7-18
THE REVERSAL OF ZION'S FORTUNE - Psalm 126:1-6 

Published:

July 25, 2018, 8:22 AM
July 25, 2014, 8:59 AM

BY THE GRACE OF GOD

But by the grace of God I am what I am, 

and his grace to me has not been ineffective. 

Indeed, I have toiled harder than all of them; 

not I, however, 

but the grace of God that is with me. 

1 Corinthians 15:10

Published:

May 3, 2017, 6:08 AM

GRACE IS CHRIST'S GIFT

Grace was given to each of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift. 

 (Ephesians 4:7)

Therefore, it says: He ascended on high and took prisoners captive; he gave gifts to men.

What does “he ascended” mean except that he also descended into the lower regions of the earth? The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, that he might fill all things.

And he gave some as apostles, others as prophets, others as evangelists, others as pastors and teachers,to equip the holy ones for the work of ministry, for building up the body of Christ,until we all attain to the unity of faith and knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the extent of the full stature of Christ. -- Ephesians 4:8-13



Pericope:
DIVERSITY OF GIFTS - Ephesians 4:7-16

SCANDALOUS GRACE

He said to them, “There is no need for them to go away; give them some food yourselves.” (Mt 14:16)

Do not get what you deserve but trust and claim the scandalous grace of God. Put yourself under His mercy, grace and generosity. For sure, He will give you much more than what you deserve. -- Feast Talk

Lord, you are more than enough for me. With you, there is no need for anything for in you, there is no such thing as shortage. Whatever I have today, you can multiply them at an instant to answer for any need. This is the kind of grace that is available to me at any given time, a scandalous type of grace that all I have to do is trust in you and believe that you are my Lord and Saviour. With much thanksgiving and praise I pray in Jesus Name. Amen.

GRACE COMES AFTER TRIBULATION

Our Lord and Savior lifted up his voice and said with incomparable majesty: "Let all men know that grace comes after tribulation. Let them know that without the burden of afflictions it is impossible to reach the height of grace. Let them know that the gifts of grace increase as the struggles increase. Let men take care not to stray and be deceived. This is the only true stairway to paradise, and without the cross they can find no road to climb to heaven." When I heard these words, a strong force came upon me and seemed to place me in the middle of a street, so that I might say in a loud voice to people of every age, sex and status: "Hear, O people; hear, O nations. I am warning you about the commandment of Christ by using words that came from his own lips: We cannot obtain grace unless we suffer afflictions. We must heap trouble upon trouble to attain a deep participation in the divine nature, the glory of the sons of God and perfect happiness of soul." -- St. Rose of Lima

God is Gracious

Praise the LORD! For it is good to sing praises to our God; for he is gracious, and a song of praise is seemly.

• The LORD builds up; he gathers the outcasts.
• He heals the brokenhearted, and binds up their wounds.
• He determines the number of the stars, he gives to all of them their names.
• The LORD lifts up the downtrodden, he casts the wicked to the ground.

Great is our LORD, and abundant in power; his understanding is beyond measure.

-- Psalms 147: 1 - 6

Justified by His Grace

For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by men and hating one another; but when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that we might be justified by his grace and become heirs in hope of eternal life.

-- Titus 3:3-7