Holding Grace - A Blog From the Heart
Generous. Poured Out. Refreshed.
 "Remember this - a farmer who plants only a few seeds will get a small crop. But the one who plants generously will get a generous crop. You must decide in your heart how much to give. And don't give reluctantly or in response to pressure. For God loves a person who gives cheerfully. And God will generously provide all you need. Then you will always have everything you need and plenty left over to share with others... For God is the one who provides seed for the farmer and then bread to eat. In the same way, he will provide and increase your resources and then produce a great harvest of generosity in you." (2 Cor. 9:6-10)
It's funny how exactly a year ago, we put this blog out to you. It is fitting for where we are in the world today. Generosity is uncommon; yet, the U.S. still remains the most known generous nation in the world.
If we are going to live true generous lifestyle, the first thing we should ask God to help us to have is this frame of heart. When we determine to live a generous life, God allows our lives to be transformed! If we ask Him to renew our minds, He will. If we ask Him to allow us to see the way He does, He will.
Secondly, we need to find out what God says about living a generous life and learn why He cares about it so much. Some of my favorite scriptures to do with generosity are: James 2:14-15 and Matt. 25:35-40.
Lastly is to cultivate a life that is in need of NO THING. We put a lot of emphasis on material possessions. Rest assured, this is not a "sell all you have and follow God" message; although that can be very justified. I am simply saying that a life of contentment comes through a relationship with Jesus and knowing that all of your needs, great and small, He has made provisions for. Joy is found in our identity with who Christ made us to be. He created us to be full of generosity, life giving, and content in Who He is alone.
My prayer for you today is that you would experience the richness of allowing Christ to be the center of your life. Through Him we do all things because He gives us strength. If you feel hardened to give the way you know Christ is leading you to, ask Him to invade that area of your life with His love. Love is the perfect weapon that will cast off all restraints within. Love will cause us to flourish and through love are we able to live generous, poured out, and refreshed by God! Enriched by His love, Meg | 
