Text: Romans 5:12-21, 1 Timothy 1:12-17, Hebrews 7:23-25
Newly married and setting up house with his young bride, Haldor Lillenas wondered how he was going to provide for his family after barely pulling together enough money to finish building their home. Music composition was his passion, but he didn’t have a piano in his tiny new abode.
When a neighbor offered a dusty organ with cracked leather and stiffened stops for the price of five dollars, Haldor eagerly bought the wheezy organ and set about composing. As he settled into family life, he wrote many songs on that first, imperfect instrument.
One of the early compositions Haldor wrote on that five-dollar organ was “Wonderful Grace of Jesus,” which he, in turn, sold for five dollars (Brown 117). This small investment helped him write more songs, better songs—over 4,000 hymns in his lifetime—and he went on to found his own music publishing company.
“Wonderful Grace of Jesus” is a triumphant song about the abundant grace of Christ (1 Timothy 1:14), one that is deeper than the sea and higher than the mountains. It is a beautiful picture of God’s mighty grace in our times of want and His generous mercy in seasons of blessing.
Wonderful Grace of Jesus
Haldor Lillenas
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Greater than all my sin;
How shall my tongue describe it,
Where shall its praise begin?
Taking away my burden,
Setting my spirit free;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Refrain:
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea;
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All-sufficient grace for even me!
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
Oh, magnify the precious Name of Jesus,
Praise His Name!
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven
For all eternity—
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Brown, Robert, and Mark R. Norton. The One Year Great Songs of Faith. Tyndale House Publishers, 2005.
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198 thoughts on "Wonderful Grace of Jesus"
Good morning she’s, today I am reminded by the Holy Scriptures that there are many manners of work, that are built layers and layers upon the work of our Lord Jesus and His ultimate sacrifice. But there needs to be more of our work upon His work. And there is the type of work that might burn up, and that the worker might suffer loss, and also there are many variations of good quality types that are compared to precious metals silver & gold and precious gemstone. I listened to a podcast on business strategies recently and the importance of focus and single mindedness (for focus sake) was greatly emphasized for success. It suggested that you choose one thing to focus and perfect that, until then, do not branch out trying different implementations. It is an overload. Just focus on one thing. You can’t be everything to everyone. Multitasking will decrease efficiency by 40%. That reminds me of the body of Christ, we are made for specific functions, the eyes, the hand, the feet, and we are not to compare our gifts and talents. As the fire will one day reveal, may it hay, wood, straw,.., those won’t survive the burn and the revelation. May we put quality work (which usually takes time) into the lives, the ministries God has gifted to each of us and our different realms of influence.
This Friday I will have an interview with a potential offer, I am in the dark of what will unfold. But I have joy and some odd sparks of excitement. There is thrill in the unknown and I thank God that I could put on such outlook- which is totally different from whom I used to be (a worry wart lol). I would appreciate your prayers for God’s grace and mercy for more clarity, successful interview and any appropriate upcoming decisions. Thank you dear she’s.
@MOLLY: prayers for healing. We all got stomach bugs once and it was awful.
@LYNN FROM AL: thank you for your encouragement. Prayers for you and Jack for good medical results.
@GRAMSIESUE: for 14 month old Brooks and his many health issues, and continued prayers for Nahla as her body is recovering from liver transplant.
@TERESA DONLEY: prayers for healing and supernatural grace for a supernatural testimony. By His stripes we are healed. Thinking of you. Hugs.
@LAURA: prayers for your children, especially your dear daughter. I believe she will return, wholeheartedly I do, your sweet daughter as you once remembered her before the world took her. God will win her back from the wrestle against the dark force.
@TRICIA: prayers against the bullies and their threats, for God’s protection over Robby (his safety, his emotion and his peace), and to cleanse the whole school environment of any demonic influence. Geez. The devil got to leave our kids alone, in Jesus’ Name.
@ALEIDA: touched by your prayers for Victor, joining you for complete freedom and soon victory over him and your whole family. Rejoice. Like Paul said, rejoice since it’s the promised work, the domain of the cross that He comes to set all the captives free from chains of evil.
Be blessed dear sisters.
Praying for the requests I see here ❤️
I love this song so much. I grew up in a tiny, tiny house church of about 10 people, but this song sounded big and magnificent when everyone took parts. I love reading the story of its composition.
Teresa Donley- praying that you will be seen quickly and that proper care and treatment will be given. Praying for wisdom for the medical team as they care for you.
ADRIENNE – Thank you for sharing about Caring Bridge. It is wonderful to see Leo’s picture! Big prayers continue for healing for him, housing for his family,and wisdom for those in charge of his care.
Sweet sisters… I just found out today that Leo has a Caring Bridge account, if you would like to read more and put a name with the face of the one you are praying for. You can search for “Leopold Studier” at the CB site. His recovery is back on track, it seems. (Of course, the recovery will be loooooong!) Thank you for prayers for my friend’s nephew.
TERESA DONLEY – joining in prayer with your other sisters here, for proper care and treatment, wisdom and guidance for the medical team to get things straightened out for you. ❤️
Heavenly Father, we lift up our sister Theresa to you. Be with her, help the doctors treat the problem, and heal our friend. Comfort her and take away anxiety, casting her burden on you Lord. In Jesus name, amen.
TERESA DONLEY – Jesus be with you and help you in your time of need. May His mercy be abundant.
TERESA DONLEY – Oh, sweet sister!!! I am praying right now for treatment and relief very soon, wisdom and compassion on the part of the care team, and peace while you wait. Your earlier comment and prayers were so beautiful!
Update: I’m in the waiting room of the emergency room. My kidneys aren’t working very well and I’m bloated up to look like I’m pregnant. The ER is very crowded, so I’m praying I’ll get to be seen soon.
This Scripture and hymn has put such peace in my heart today, oh what assurance they give. Something we all need today.
Every once in awhile, my church will hold a hymn sing and this is an old favorite that comes up often. I can see in my mind, some who have passed, singing this hymn with gusto. His grace is indeed more that I’m worthy to receive, and more grateful then I can put into words. Concerns lifted in prayer.
So wonderful to be here with you ladies. Appreciating the Wonderful Grace of Jesus. What would we do without his Mercy and Grace?
ALEIDA I am praying now for Victor and also for you.
ERB so good to “see” you.
DAWN I am keeping your husband, and you in prayer.
LAURA I am praying for your daughter. I have three children who don’t want anything to do with the Lord. I feel your heart.
SHARON, thank you for the book suggestion. I will be looking into that.
ALL SRT SISTERS if I did not mention you, please know I am praying. God’s got us and our loved ones. We just need to keep praying. My Grandma did for me and now I can’t get enough of Jesus. Now she is in heaven praising the Lord.
EVERYONE thank you so much for your prayers for Robby. He got his tooth fixed yesterday. He has ADHD and is close to being on the spectrum so this was a challenge. He did so great. His tooth looks good but he will need to be careful.
Can I ask that you continue to pray for him? He is being bullied at school and threatens to be hurt if he tells the teacher. Thank you.
From 1Timothy 2:17- “All glory to God forever and ever!” Amen
How many thanks to those of you who are praying for me and my possible diagnosis situation.
The hymn this morning has lifted me more than anything in a long time. I can see the faces and hear the voices of my home church growing up. It’s wonderful to think of many who were so instrumental in helping to form my faith, many of whom who have gone on to be with the Lord. I truly love the modern praise songs, and find many of them speaking the very words I need to praise God. Ah, but the good old hymns. They truly have a place in my memory and my heart. When I worked as a hospice chaplain, many of my patients or families ask for me to sing an old, beloved hymn as they died. Not one asked for a modern praise song. Those were special, holy moments to share with some of God’s saints.
I’m lifting all requests in prayer, even those not mentioned today:
ALEIDA – joining you in prayer for Victor, and for you, too
DAWN PRENATT – lifting y
our husband in prayer that he will soon come to Jesus in belief and acceptance. Praying that the Holy Spirit will break the stronghold the demons have on him. PRAISE GOD. – Our Savior is stronger than all the demons of hell.
LAURA – joining you in prayer for your daughter, that the Holy Spirit will convict her of her lifestyle and bring her victoriously home to Him, and to you.
Erica – Amen!
I, too, have wonderful memories of this song from the church I grew up in. There is no way to listen to it or sing it without truly praising the Lord. I’m listening to it now with a smile on my face and praise in my heart.
RHONDA J – Same here. It is beautiful.
Love hearing (reading) this old favorite again. In my head I hear all the voices of my home congregation harmonizing, echoing verses and rising in strength to agree in chorus about the wonderful grace we experience in Jesus. A nice moment of early morning worship.
As Believers we all have so many reasons to be grateful.
14 and the grace of our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus. – 1 Timothy 1:14. @LAURA – praying for your daughter!
Wonderful grace of Jesus! It says it all! I am thankful that He is interceding for us to the Father! Praying for all the requests. Hayley, praying for your hurting heart.
25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. – Hebrews 7:25
“Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus, Deeper than the mighty rolling sea…” Ahh – Yes! This song brings back SO many memories of growing up in my home church – which is about to celebrate it’s 250th anniversary!! At my current church, that my husband pastors we used to sing hymns only. But as the years went on (November will be our 30th anniversary here!) we gradually switched to more contemporary praise songs although we do throw some hymns in there quite regularly, just sung by a worship team and with instruments so it sounds a little more modern. I love the new praise songs but there’s something to be said about those old familiar hymns – I love those too!…Nothing can match the grace of Jesus Christ – though my sins are many, His mercies are more!!
@Aleida – Yes and Amen! to your prayer for your son Victor. I will join you in that prayer – He is able to do exceedingly, abundantly above all that we ask or think! (Ephesians 3:20)
I just started reading a book titled, “Praying The Scriptures For Your Adult Children” by Jodie Berndt. I’m only a few chapters in but it is so encouraging – I highly recommend it!
@Laura – Praying the same for your wayward daughter – check out the book I mentioned to Aleida. It is so encouraging and hopeful!
@all my SRT sisters – continued prayers for each of you! May the love of Jesus shine through you today!
So glad to see so many of you here in this study — @Rhonda J, I am also 0-2. I did not grow up in the Protestant church, though.
:) Love to learn the history behind each hymn though, as we go! It gives it more richness.
@Mercy & @Searching – definitely getting some direction from the Lord about recording music in the near future. It is a process, but I will one day be able to send you a link to the song. :)
God bless all you ladies. Running a little late today, but praying peace over all of you. May Jesus be near to you and keep you focused on Him as you step into all He has for you. <3
From Romans 5:21b – “grace will reign through righteousness, resulting in eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord.”
From 1 Timothy 1::14 – “the grace of our Lord overflowed, along with the faith and love that are in Christ Jesus.”
Where would we be without the wonderful, marvelous, COMPLETE, AND ETERNAL grace of Jesus. So thankful and humbled!
Out of a cast off, imperfect instrument came a beautiful work – a masterpiece that would transcend time.
Ephesians 2:10 For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.
ALEIDA – Continuing to join you in prayer for Victor and agreeing with RACHEL S in prayer for you!
KELLY NEO – Amen!
SEARCHING – thanks for the study notes and great comment!
KRISTINE LOUGHMAN – love your comment and glad Violet is better!
LAURA – So sorry for the discouragement this new situation is trying to brew! Continued prayers for breakthrough for your daughter!
RHONDA J – Lifting Braden and Riley to their Creator and you as you love them from afar.
THERESA DONLEY – Praying the doctor will release results to you as soon as they are available. I understand the long wait for the office visit but don’t think that means waiting that long for results. My doctor recently had me make a follow-up appt. to discuss my CT results, but the nurse called me and read the notes from my doctor. Praying that will be the way it goes for you! Psalm 16:8 … “I will not be shaken…”
Not to get off track, but the last verse in the Romans passage reminded me of another great hymn! Immortal, Invisible, God only wise.
Love and prayers to and for all SHES!
Wow, I’m 0-2 so far, as for knowing the hymn! But like I said yesterday, I do love old church songs I grew up on, and will sing them often, or go to them on my saved list on youtube. There’s something about their simplicity, and piano accompanists. It takes me right back to sitting in the wood pews, family around and singing to the Lord.
Have a wonderful day, I’m off to church for our Enduring Chronic Pain group!
This is not a hymn I knew, but oh-so-nice. I love that there are some I know, and some I do not. But it seems like the ultimate message is that He loves us and saves us… Amen! He loves YOU, sweet she’s. Share that love with others today.
As I read the lyrics of this hymn this morning, I can hear it being sung at my childhood church. My mom was a good singer, and on the chorus, she would really belt it out! We had a major set-back last night with our wayward daughter and it has rattled me this morning. Some days, I feel like I am barely hanging onto hope for her to ever leave her lifestyle and come back to the Lord. Yesterday, as I was reading my Bible, I was reminded that Paul was not searching for God, yet God called him from his sinful life in a supernatural way and Paul was obedient. I pray the same for my daughter. ALEIDA, I appreciate the prayer you prayed for your son Victor, and join you in that prayer for him and my daughter as well.
The wonderful, matchless, incomparable saving grace of Jesus Christ – thank you, Lord God. In reading through the verses of this familiar hymn (remembering that old country church of my aunt) and listening to a couple of renditions, there is such comfort in knowing He gave His all to save me, you, all that will come to Him – to the uttermost.
Hebrews 7:24-25 But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. NKJV
The NKJV footnotes define uttermost as completely or forever. Vocabulary.com’s attempt at defining it was better to me than some of the dictionary sites I saw. It says to the greatest possible degree or extent.
Another comment on the hymn – my path to salvation, and surely many others, is the reverse order of the verses. I was the most defiled and He reached me, transformed me, saved me, pardoned me, destroyed the chains of sin and set me free, HALLELUJAH!!! Acknowledging and Praising His Holy name through the first verse and chorus.
So happy to see such a large number of sisters who wanted to do this study, and praying all sisters are drawing closer to the Lord regardless of what they were led to study during this grace weeks break.
LYNNE FROM AL – praying for you and Jack, and your sister – so sorry to hear the diagnosis news. I loved CEE GEE’s suggestion of sharing recipes or whatever Donna wants to with others. Really a good idea for any of us to consider – share/teach now what we want to pass along.
NANCY S and LINDA FROM NC – praying for each of you and your husbands
KARRIE – praying for your aunt in relief of side effects from her treatment
ADRIENNE – thankful for the good news on Leo, praying for his healing & housing for parents
MICHELLE PATIRE – love that you’ve been able to share Jesus with family recently, and your reminder that waiting doesn’t equal idleness. Your inspired song – would love to read/hear!
LAURA – praying for you and your husband as you show God’s love to your children, for wisdom and guidance on the best way to do that, that your children would turn back to the Lord.
LINDAK – praying for relief of sciatic pain. I’ve dealt with it before and there is no explaining it unless someone has felt it themselves.
GRAMSIESUE- praying for Nahla and her transplant recovery, and for the donor’s family
KERRY RAWLEY – congrats on grandson!
MARTHA HIX ❤️
MOLLY R – praying for your family’s health
RHONDA J – keeping Brayden and Riley on my prayer list!
TERESA DONLEY – praying for peace as you wait for the results of your memory testing, and for an earlier appointment to become available.
COLLEEN DEVEAU – praying for your daddy and his recovery, for the health of your family
MERCY – praying for total resolution of all tech issues
CEE GEE – love the Zephaniah reference!
ALEIDA – continuing to pray for Victor
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – great find on the more in-depth info yesterday, thanks! Praying for your friends, their miscarriages and infertility struggles
KELLY (NEO) so true, praying for our strength of faith to resist those sinful inclinations
This song is such a wonderful memory for me…in one of the church’s I grew up in, we had a beloved song leader who, when he would lead this song, it would just rouse everyone into such beautiful worship. He would get so into it and lead so well! I can hear it even though it has been more than 20 years, and he has since went to be with Jesus! One day we will sing this all reunited and together! Hallelujah! Jesus, thank You for Your wonderful grace!!!
ALEIDA – agreeing with you in prayer for Victor. Asking Jesus to intercede on his behalf and break the strongholds of addiction and mental illness in his life.
RHONDA- praying this morning for Brayden and Riley!
Aleida, praying for not only Victor but your heart as well. I’m sure your momma heart feels ever so weary at times, threadbare from worry, tattered but still strong enough to hold fast. I pray for you to feel refreshment in the Lord. To find rest in His comforting arms. He will help you to remain strong. This battle is already won but He will uphold you in the fight.
Good morning! This hymn study reminds me of my dad. He’s been a lifelong musician serving the Lord both here and all over the world. He is also a collector of hymnals and loves to pull them out at family gatherings to share the stories behind the songs. Thank you all for your prayers for Violet, she appears to be on the mend! ALEIDA – standing with you in your prayers for Victor. You have been so faithful in lifting him up and giving him into the hands of the Lord. ALL OF US – praying a blanket of healing mercy and boundless grace over our day. ❤️
[Jesus] is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to interced for them” (Heb. 7:25).
Between Jesus’ prayers before the Father and the Spirit’s prayers from within, you would think my sinful inclination would not stand a chance!
The lyrics to this hymn are lovely
ALEIDA – agreeing with your prayer for Victor.
TRICIA CAVANAUGH – prayers that Robby’s tooth repair goes well.
GRAMSIESUE – prayers for Nahla’s full recovery. Praying as well for the family of the organ donar in their loss.
SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – prayers for comfort and peace for your friend and her husband as they mourn. Such heartbreak.
COLLEEN DEVEAU – continued prayers for you daddy and your family
ADRIENNE – thankful Leo’s recovery has moved into a positive direction.
ERB – so glad you found us ❤️
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching to all the lost,
By it I have been pardoned,
Saved to the uttermost;
Chains have been torn asunder,
Giving me liberty;
For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Wonderful grace of Jesus,
Reaching the most defiled,
By its transforming power,
Making him God’s dear child,
Purchasing peace and heaven
For all eternity—
And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me.
Jesus, May Your grace be sufficient to reach my son Victor who is lost and has been defiled by this world and the lies of the enemy! Please break those chains of addiction and mental illness once and for all. Give him liberty and freedom that can only be found in You.Transform and renew his mind and his heart towards You again Lord. Remember he is Yours. And I ask that you let us witness this miracle very soon
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So good
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A challenge to think that this Grace is not just open for me, but for those who persecute me!
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I enjoyed the verses that were used for this devotional. Learned new and wonderful things of the grace of Jesus.
Thank y’all for the prayers yesterday! By the Wonderfull Grace of Jesus , my daughter just had a stomach bug . The Wonderful Grace of Jesus !!!!
“What a beautiful picture of God’s mighty grace in our time of want and His generous mercy in seasons of blessing!”
Thank you Lord for this beautiful period of time in our lives! Thank you for giving us a precious daughter to grow and raise. Thank you for placing our son in the preschool of our dreams! Thank you for our house that is becoming a home! Thank you for our health and safety. I love You, Lord. So very much. May I take these extraordinary blessings and pay it forward.
❤️I love these stories!! So heartfelt
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I was moved to make a iTunes playlist for this Bible study of all the hymns we are studying. If you’d like to check it out it’s titled: She Reads Truth: Worthy of Praise Bible Study.
Thanks so much Brittany! This is exactly what I needed. God bless you!
Genius!! Thank you so much for sharing!!
Is it public? I can’t find it.
Thank you, Brittany. What a great idea.
God’s grace is unlimited!
Heartfelt song!
beautifully written
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I’ve recently been dealing with the heartache that our very loved family dog will be leaving us soon. I’ve been praying for her healing but it appears it is not in Gods plan. Last night I was feeling angry about it and was reminded when I prayed the same for my late father. As I was feeling angry about my let down, I was immediately reminded of all the other amazing blessings in my life, many I’m sure I am not even aware of. This was the perfect message and song this morning to remind me of Gods grace, even when I get upset with him, he still loves me and has better plans than I know.
THANK YOU JESUS! His grave covers my sin, where I fall short, ALL my shame, and I do NOT deserve it!!!
Praise him for his grace and mercy.
Thank you Jesus.
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I love so much Hebrews 7:25 and the idea that Jesus saves the uttermost of me…… every single part of me. Hallelujah!
Praise His name! For the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches and rescued me too :)
One of the early compositions Haldor wrote on that five-dollar organ was “Wonderful Grace of Jesus,” which he, in turn, sold for five dollars (Brown 117).
This quote is evidence of someone who has received grace, passing that grace on by living graciously in one of its simplest forms. Let us learn from this example.
Loooove the story behind that hymn
when it comes to tv fashion shows, i really love Project Runway because it shows some new talents in the fashion industry**
http://www.edsheeran.co.uk
Love this hymn, and the story behind it!
God bless ladies
Love this ❤️❤️
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If anyone wants to listen to a lovely worship version of this song, Nicol Sponberg has a beautiful rendition ❤
Jesus’ grace is matchless – we will never find anything like it in this world!
Purchasing peace and heaven For all eternity…. Amen
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Me too Isabella
Gods grace is amazing!!!
Amazing! ❤️
Excellent site you’ve got here.. It’s difficult to find
good quality writing like yours these days. I really appreciate people like you!
Take care!! http://haramambaru.ru/blog/4294.html
❤️ it! We are all so blessed to be able to worship Jesus!
We are blessed.
Are you working on third devotion right now too?. i agree
I love the imagery used to describe the grace of Jesus. Wonderful words.
Grace big enough for everyone. Defeating death itself by offering everlasting life :) definitely a reason to praise our Lord!
God’s grace is an amazing gift! I love to see how people use their talents to praise the Lord. What a blessing his music is.
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Reading stuff like this makes me proud my name is Grace, God bless you all.
❤️ Jesus.
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It’s so comforting to know that to our God, the God of all, we are always enough.
B ml
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I am always speaking reminding others of God’s grace in their lives but I tend to forget that the grace of Jesus reaches even me. What a reminder that when I have no grace for my own failings God’s grace is sufficient.
Love this
just a beautiful devotional!
We sing this song very frequently at church, and I’m so happy to now know the story behind it!
This is so good!
Beautiful. Thank you!
I have always loved this song. Well written and such good theology. And so much fun to sing!
https://open.spotify.com/track/6sAf6x9ct289tyiOGk5BMA
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This morning I wrote a poem inspired by this devotional especially Romans 5:20-21. I pray it blesses you. … “All The More”
On this gloomy rainy morning
I hear you say to me
“As it comes down pouring
My grace I give for free”
I smile as I remember
The day my life began
You promised me forever
I gave you all I am
Your grace is like the air
I breathe in everyday
Your grace is like the rain
All sins are washed away
Your grace is like the sun
The light for all to see
Your grace is like the ocean
A depth unknown to me
On this cold and lonely evening
I hear you say to me
“As the stars continue shining
In you I’ll always be”
I smile as I remember
As many mistakes I make
Grace is more than ever
There to make it all ok
In my weakness, all the more
Grace increases, all the more
that is great!
Wow, beautiful
Beautiful Epi!
Thank you
the “God’s mighty grace in our times pf want” stood at to me! it’s a good reminder that even when I am in want of something, he loves me through it all!
His grace is deeper than the sea and higher than the mountains! This is good!! Run in His grace! He has great things to come.
“All-sufficient grace even for me!”
So touching.
God’s grace is unfathomable. He saves me from my sin even though I am the WORST of all sinners. His grace overflows and how I love to be bathing in it, in his love and in his mercy. What a gift to have faith in our triumphant King!
We are so sinful yet he continues to forgive and love us. We are so spoilt with such an amazing God.
Hello all! My name is Lisa. I am new here with SRT, and wanted to introduce myself. I look forward to walking on this journey with you! Praise God for His grace and undeserved favor over those who believe, calling us out of darkness into His light.
Hi Lisa, I am semi new here with SRT! I have completed one study and am now on my second study. His grace truly is amazing and so clear. Look forward to journeying with you and the other ladies as we all seek to know Him better through the Word!
Jesus thank you for the abundance of your love and grace in every corner and cranny of my life. You know all that proceeds me, because you are before me and behind me. Sufficient, abundant, triumphant. Thank you Lord.
I love thinking about the phrase “grace upon grace”… In 1 Timothy where we read about how God’s grace was sent through one obedient man to cover the sins of many so that we can now be seen as righteous, by first thought was this phrase… We didn’t receive just grace like we hear about in Sunday school, we recorded grace upon grace upon grace… As we keep sinning within our walk with Jesus, He continuously covers our failures with His promises. Grace upon grace.
“Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus, Deeper than the mighty rolling sea; Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain, All-sufficient grace for even me! Broader than the scope of my transgressions, Greater far than all my sin and shame; Oh, magnify the precious Name of Jesus, Praise His Name!” All sufficient grace for even me… my favorite line in this song! so encouraging! God’s grace will always show up!!
Thank you Jesus for your grace and mercy. The only thing that is saving us
So all consuming is His great grace and mercy toward us all, thank you Father, thank you dearest Jesus.
I think about people who don’t even have to do anything to me. Just being in the same room as them works my nerves. There I go sinning again. How much anxiety and frustration could I eliminate from my life by showing grace like Jesus to these people? Or when my kids just won’t listen, instead of sinning and showing anger, what if I showed grace like Jesus? I’m gonna work on this. “Grace like Jesus” is my focus for this week.
Same struggle here with my kids! Thank you for sharing. “Grace like Jesus” will be my focus as well.
The perfect way to begin this day. I’m grateful, so very grateful for His grace.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufaAhvk6oXk
Thank you so much for the YouTube link. I had never heard this hymn before. I think I will be singing it all day!!
as I absolutely love this hymn, the scripture reading (1 Tim. 1:12-17) really touched me. Paul’s life is just such an encouragement to me. I think of how he used to mock Christians and do terrible things, but Christ saved him and Paul did a 360. before Paul used his fire and persistence for bad and when he became saved that same fire and persistence was used for God’s glory! in the same way Paul is giving all the glory to God and telling of his grace and mercy in the text, so should we. we should be singing and proclaiming the words of this hymn to everyone because God has all shown us grace and mercy. amen & praise his holy name
Consequently He is able to save to the uttermost… the uttermost. I have never before considered Grace like that. Amazing! Thank you Jesus!
Love this hymn, it’s been a while since I’ve heard/sung it and this was such a wonderful reminder. I love how God tells us to speak to ourselves in, “…psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord.” Eph 5:19 These songs lift me up on those difficult days! Praise him for his matchless grace!! ❤️
One of my favorites from church as a kid. ❤️
This hymn speaks so strongly to me and my current season. “Taking away my burden, setting my spirit free, for the wonderful grace of Jesus washes over me.” What beautiful words! If I sit back and close my eyes, I can hear the ocean and imagine the soft wind against my face and the waters running over me, takin away negativity, discontent, fear and shame. this analogy to me is freeing and refreshing. May I walk through today with a renewed spirit and gratefulness for his incredible grace.
The work started in us starts by faith and so must continue by faith. A way to participate in this work, by trusting rather than striving, is to meditate on the Scriptures specifically regarding the change you seek. We know that we are promised God will answer our prayer when we pray according to his will. So start each day asking him to help you to follow his pattern in that area of your life whether it’s how you speak to others or anything else. Then, little by little, collect verses and passages that directly speak to you. What I have found works for me is to put them on index cards and have them with me through the day to refer to. Another thing you can do is highlight of a bookmark them in the you version app with a specific tag so that you can easily find them later on. The method isn’t so important just find something that works for you so that you can meditate and get these words really embedded in your mind. And then you’ll find after a while, when those temptations arise, the word of God will rise too, and you’ll be able to change your habit.
I am trying to come back to faith, and these verses struck me as I was catching up this morning. God is able to save at all times – even when I am doubting, even when I am unsure, and especially when I feel far from him. I love the idea of “perfect patience,” it was very comforting as a person who is searching that god is not going to disappear or leave – he is there always.
I love this. Yes, he is always waiting, like a father keeping watch for a child’s return. He will not force us, but he can compel us. I’m glad you’re in a time of searching, and praying you find peace and reward from it
I love hymns that talk about the wonderful grace of the Lord! They take the focus off me and all my short comings and put it on the One who deserves all my attention.
Love to be reminded that His grace is abounding. I am 16 years old and have such a hard time controlling my tongue and being gentle. I am striving to be more like Christ every single day and have been praying that the words of my mouth and meditation of heart will be pleasing to Him for the past two years, but my growth in this area is tiring which leads me to be discouraged. I desire to continue to grow and to remind myself that His grace is sufficient.
Kristen, the only way to change is not to try harder but to continue to look to Jesus and meditate on His grace all the time. We are changed as we behold His wonderful face. We are nothing but He is our everything.
The work started in us starts by faith and so must continue by faith. A way to participate in this work, by trusting rather than striving, is to meditate on the Scriptures specifically regarding the change you seek. We know that we are promised God will answer our prayer when we pray according to his will. So start each day asking him to help you to follow his pattern in that area of your life whether it’s how you speak to others or anything else. Then, little by little, collect verses and passages that directly speak to you. What I have found works for me is to put them on index cards and have them with me through the day to refer to. Another thing you can do is highlight of a bookmark them in the you version app with a specific tag so that you can easily find them later on. The method isn’t so important just find something that works for you so that you can meditate and get these words really embedded in your mind. And then you’ll find after a while, when those temptations arise, the word of God will rise too, and you’ll be able to change your habit.
This was so helpful and encouraging to me as I am also 16 and struggling with jealousy and inward thoughts and it’s good to know just to bring it all to God, thank you
Meanwhile, remember that focusing on your failures works against you. Give thanks for mercy and remind yourself that grace is empowerment to grow more like the Lord. You are growing even when you don’t feel it.
Kristen – that has been a verse I have prayed over my mouth since I was a little girl. I am 30 now and STILL need the Holy Spirit to shush me quite often. One of the most powerful ways He has grown me in the area is through the tough love of good friends and through my spouse, who tell me when I have been unkind. Make sure you seek out friendships that will encourage and lovingly push you to Jesus! Much love!
I’ve been reading SRT regularly, but I’m always too shy to even comment. I feel like through these recent plans God has been trying to show me to let go of the guilt of my past sins. Still, I hold onto the thought that I am guilty and not worthy of forgiveness. I have made a lot of bad decisions in my past that hurt a lot of people. Now as an adult, my past sins haunt me. I understand that God has forgiven me but I still I can grasp it in my life. I ask that whoever reads this may keep me in prayer. I am currently suffering anxiety over it and I desperately want things to change.
Honored to pray for you daily, Eleni. Your sins are covered by the cross. They are no more. It is a trick of the devil to make you think otherwise. There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. This is the Truth. The honest, from God Himself, Truth. Don’t beat yourself up anymore. You are His Beloved!
thank you churchmouse, I’m always blessed by your words.
I get where you are coming from. I too am very bad about beating myself up for past mistakes. Like churchmouse said, those are lies from Satan. He loves to keep us thinking about our weakness and what’s wrong with us because then our focus is off of God. Don’t let him keep you in that place! I know it’s hard, but with the God’s help you can make Satan flee. And it is so good that you asked for prayer. We cannot fight this battle alone, and I love the community that SRT has created where we can come and ask for prayer at any time.
Hi Eleni,
I just want you to know that I have delt with the same kind of feelings of guilt leading to horrible anxiety. I knew I was forgiven and was desperately turning to God, but I was an emotional wreck. I heard a sermon at church a few weeks ago that really helped to give me some perspective. We were reading in Genesis 42 about Joseph and his brothers. I had never thought about that story being so full of guilt before. The brothers lived in fear and guilt for years over what they had done to Joseph, but how wonderful was the reconciliation at the end! The Lord wants to reconcile us to Him. Guilt is not fun to feel. This quote really struck me: guilt changes your perspective so that it poisons your present. That’s exactly what I felt it was doing. I knew I was so stuck on me and my past that I wasn’t happy in my present. I pray that you will continue to seek the Lord and tell yourself His Truth over and over. These trials are hard. But you are doing the right thing by keeping on running to Him. Praying for the renewal of your mind and that His Truth will be spoken in your life.
A friend told me once that if we have sincerely asked God for forgiveness from our heart then God is done with it and doesn’t ever want to talk about it again. This really put in perspective for me to believe that I have been forgiven and to trust in the Lord and his grace for me. Praying with you tonight.
I pray God will help you to see that you are carrying condemnation from the devil that is not of Him. That only conviction comes from God to help us repent and return to the way everlasting. I pray God will help you turn over your anxiety and show you where the devil has set up strongholds in your mind to keep you captive. And I pray as you meditate on His love, the Truth of His mercy and grace will permeate you. That when Christ said He came to set the captives free, He meant from all forms of bondage, including this that you are suffering in your mind and heart. And that when He said He came to give us life more abundant and free, you will know that promise is for you personally, to walk in Liberty and grace as a forgiven daughter of God. I pray you will come to know the reality of “the Truth will set you free!” Many blessings. This good work He has begun in you, He promises to see through. Keep seeking His face… He has you even in the midst. ❤️
I had a great time singing along to this video in my kitchen as I ate lunch today. Thanks for the reminder of a great hymn today! https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ufaAhvk6oXk
“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” I wanted to know the tune to the hymn and found it on YouTube. Had a special worship time this morning with The Cathedrals. https://youtu.be/006whgC2njE
“The WONDERFUL GRACE of Jesus reaches me!” What a great song to get stuck in my head first thing in the morning. This is a super fun version of the hymn — https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=ufaAhvk6oXk
So thankful my childhood involved me singing all these old hymns on Sunday’s. Makes me sad churches do not teach them any longer. I can’t tell you how many times the old hymns come to my mind as comforting theology!
Same here. I was amazed that as I read it the tune came to me right away!! So happy I grew up in a fundamental church. The church I’m in now still has at least one or two hymns each Sunday. But sad my kids don’t know the hymns like I do. This makes me want to revive those old hymns. Thanks for Sharing
Yes Kathleen, I feel the same way. I have several hymn stations on Pandora and play them so my kids can at least hear them if they don’t get to sing them at church.
Oh my! I love the resources of this amazing community. I love hymns and I had never thought of a Pandora station. Thank you!
I did not grow up in a hymn-singing traditional church but these days I am drawn more to hymns that contemporary music. Age? Haha
Thankful that his grace is made perfect in our weakness!
http://www.in-due-time.com
To the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
I haven’t heard this hymn since I was a girl growing up in my parents’ Lutheran church. It makes me a little teary to ponder on the lyrics now. Jesus, you are so sweet and good to us!
I am unable to speak of or read about grace without tears. That God’s grace covers all of my sins, past, present and future…that Christ loved me so very much that before I was even thought of he chose to die for me to cover my sins, there are no words adequate enough to express how that touches my heart….”And the wonderful grace of Jesus reaches me”…
Amen. Me too. To God be the glory.
Amen. ❤️
I just have to give a huge shout out of appreciation for the SPIRAL bound study book!!!! so much easier to write all over it and memory verse journal/doodle :) Thank ou!!!
Yes!!!!
I love hymns so I love that I’m getting to learn some new one’s in this study :) This line is my favorite, “Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame;
Oh, magnify the precious Name of Jesus,
Praise His Name!”
What an amazing and humbling reminder!!!
http://www.littlelightonahill.com
Beautiful as I read I felt like I was being wrapped in a blanket of Jesus love. Thankful
Singing this hymn reminds me of my childhood and my dad playing the keyboard in our living room…and isn’t that the wonderful grace of Jesus right there? :)
This is such a fine old song and I haven’t heard it in forever. What a great story to match!
I haven’t heard this song in years and forgot all about it! Thanks for the reminders, SRT, of the hymn and God’s glorious grace. Happy Tuesday!
So thankful for His grace!
I am so thankful for grace.
I went through yesterday and made a Spotify playlist with good renditions of each hymn. Feel free to use it! https://open.spotify.com/user/1273596543/playlist/39c4GqC2J8uFh9tkgOF5Ux
Listening now. Thank you so much! ❤️
Thank you, Jacki!!
Thank You so much!!!!! Listening to today and yesterday’s.
Amazing. Just Amazing.
Wonderful Grace of Jesus https://youtu.be/Lk1ortLJPBU
Thank you so much Ann!! I didn’t think I knew the song until I clicked on your link!! Absolutely beautiful!! Have a Bless Day full of God’s Love SRT Friends!
THANK YOU for including this hymn! As a little girl, this was one of my favorites. It was happy, fast, and had that fun bass line! I clearly remember my Dad’s voice and looking up at him on the chorus. He’d wiggle his eyebrows at me on “higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain…”
And then we’d slow that last line waaay down: O magnify the precious name of Jesus, PRAISE HIS NAME!!
Hallelujah!
we do the same thing at my church! we hold out the word “praise” until we nearly pass out! this is always a fun song to sing.
I love it Rachel and Jeannie! My dad was a pastor, so I was raised with all of these hymns and this was one that my dad sang often. It is fun to sing!
https://youtu.be/Lk1ortLJPBU
And here is a fabulous a-Cappella choir rendition.
The abundant grace of Jesus! When I think about what He has done for me, and this hymn really magnifies that, I get full up and overflow with wonder and praise for who He is.
Here is a rockin’ version of this hymn! Great way to start the day with praise!
https://youtu.be/OqP7jDZH-9I
Loved it, thanks for sharing.
Grace. Wonderful. Matchless. All sufficient. Transforming power. Chains torn asunder. Liberty. Pardoned. Saved. Peace. Heaven. O. Magnify the precious name of Jesus! Praise His name!
What a happy song to start your day! Chains have been torn asunder; giving me liberty. Thankful it reaches me! ♥
I don’t think I have ever heard this song but I love the words. And I am grateful for His unending grace! Blessings to all of you this day! May you share God’s Grace with others.
I have never heard this hymn before… what a loss for me all these years…
But God…
Yes, But God this morning brought this hymn to my inbox…
I love this hymn, I love that it is upbeat, uplifting, and right up my street…
It fills me with Hope, hope, hope…,
This’ Wonderful Grace of Jesus’ greater than all my sin…takes away my burden, sets my spirit free…
This Wonderful Grace of Jesus, reaches me when lost, pardoning me, breaks those chains, and gives me liberty…
This wonderful Grace of Jesus, reaches me when broken, transforming me by its power, and makes me a child of God, This wonderful Grace of Jesus, gives me the peace that surpasses ALL understanding, and HOPE for all eternity…
And I love this line…
For this wonderful matchless Grace of Jesus reaches (even) me…ME…Amen.
I shall for sure be humming, singing with a spring in my step today, as I rejoice in the Grace of Jesus…
Happy Tuesday, Sisters…every blessing..xxx
Here is a link that will for sure have you skipping…. http://youtu.be/UvX_s2pdNQw
Enjoy!!
Just another something that warms my heart about this upbeat hymn…it was written at a time when the world was in confusion, world war 1, was happening, life was scarry, uncertain, confusing and yet…Haldar Lillenas wrote about the Wonderful Grace of Jesus…
That is amazing…
Thank you for posting.
Thanks for the link, Tina. I had not heard of this hymn either. What a gift it is this morning!
What talent that makes this hymn sparkle. Thanks for sharing.
Great to hear of some amazing lyrics- I’d not come across this hymn before.
*typo: ‘our big God gives us big grace
I love the repetition in the readings – and in the hymn – on the abundance of Grace! Whenever we look inward and despair at our sin – as I do so often – these passages encourage me of what I’m prone to forget, or fail to fully grasp – or big God gives us big grace. Jesus intercedes for us – stands between us and the grave – where there should be the graveness of the grave there is the gratuity of grace instead!!! Greetings from sunny Australia guys.
Yes yes yes! It’s so easy to take God’s super wonderful grave for granted!
I know you meant to type grace, but how appropriate is the word grave too!
Yes! Love ‘the gratuity of grace’. Good thought to ponder this morning
I feel like the Timothy reading today sums me up. Thank you oh Precious Lord for rescuing my soul!!!
I love it: BIG GRACE!!! ❤️
Wow Nikki beautiful words!! Beautiful truth! Thank you for sharing!