Living On Purpose In Christ | Boundaries, Devotions, Positive Affirmations, Bible Study, Christian, Faith, Scripture

72 | The Overflow: Faith Filled Devotions & Positive Affirmations for a Generous Christian Life

• Paula Behrens | Christian Coach, Pastor, Certified Aroma Freedom Practitioner • Season 2

Share episode

Generosity springs from a heart aligned with God's abundance rather than the world's scarcity. Are we giving from obligation or from overflow? This transformative question changes everything about our generosity journey. 

Ancient believers understood the spiritual connection between aromatic elements and generous worship. Frankincense and myrrh—gifts to the Christ child—symbolized spiritual devotion, while essential oils were used for temple purification and even as tithes. These sacred scents can enhance our modern devotional practices, grounding us in present-moment generosity rather than distracted obligation. As we incorporate these sensory elements into our quiet time, we create space for the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where scarcity thinking has taken root.

Perhaps most surprising is the essential role of boundaries in sustainable giving. Even Jesus withdrew regularly to pray and recharge. True generosity flows from a well that's continually replenished through intentional rest and communion with God. Setting boundaries isn't selfish—it's stewardship that ensures our giving comes from abundance rather than depletion. With practical affirmations like "God multiplies what I release in faith" and "I live in the overflow of God's goodness," we begin retraining our hearts to trust in divine provision.

Ready to transform your spiritual practices through the ancient wisdom of aromatic devotion? Schedule your Aroma of Christ coaching hour today at paulabehrens.com/coaching and discover how to craft a personalized devotional routine that fits your busy schedule while deepening your connection with God.

Unlock the Aroma of Christ Coaching Hour! 🌿✨

Reserve your transformative coaching hour today. Dive into the incredible benefits of essential oils while enhancing your spiritual journey. Through personalized, step-by-step guidance, you'll create a devotional routine that effortlessly fits into your lifestyle. Discover more at PaulaBehrens.com/coaching

><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><> ><>

Christian Coaching > PaulaBehrens.com/coaching

🌹Become an Insider > bit.ly/insiderfamily

👉👉👉 Grab your Freebies here > bit.ly/faithfulfamily

Join the Community >>> BiblicalBoundariesForWomen.com

Essential Oil Favorites > WhyEssentialOils.com

Get a copy > A New Heaven and New Earth: The Book of Revelation Revisited >>> https://amzn.to/3xRp0DI

Paula Behrens:

Today's show is going to awaken something powerful inside of you, something joyful, generous and deeply rooted in the very nature of God. We will be diving into a truth that transforms not only how we give, but why we give. This isn't simply about tithes and offerings. It's about becoming people who live in the overflow of God's love, grace and provision. Are you finding it challenging to maintain your spiritual practices or yearning for a more peaceful, God-aligned day? I'm Paula and I've been there too.

Paula Behrens:

Balancing spiritual habits with a busy life can be difficult. I longed for a deeper connection with God, but struggled with consistency. Then I found the perfect approach. If you seek simple ways to deepen your connection with God, this podcast is for you. When I first began my seminary work while serving two church congregations full-time, everyone assumed I had my daily devotional time perfectly organized, but, truth be told, there were mornings I could barely find five minutes to catch my breath, let alone dive into deep reflection. One day, as I rushed out the door with mismatched shoes, I realized that even in my chaos there was a lesson. Embracing God's grace and self-forgiveness, I realized that true success in my devotional life requires prioritizing my spiritual practices.

Paula Behrens:

Before we get started, I'd like to give a shout out to Dizzy Uber. She writes, what a great resource Paula is putting out. Easy to pop earbuds in and make time to hear the word and be encouraged. Thank you so much, Dizzy Uber, for that wonderful review. If you'd like to leave a review, we'd truly appreciate it. On Apple Podcasts, simply scroll down to the five-star rating section and click on Leave a Review. If you're using a PC, open the iTunes app and you'll find the link near the top. Share your thoughts with us today and your review could be showcased on one of our upcoming episodes.

Paula Behrens:

Are you ready to infuse your spiritual journey with a peace-filled confidence? I'd like to invite you to prayerfully consider investing just one hour to deepen your faith and nurture your spiritual growth. In your Aroma of Christ coaching hour, you will discover how to craft a personalized devotional routine that will fit perfectly into your busy schedule and learn tried and true strategies to experience your quiet time with God not not just as a routine, but as a joyful journey. Schedule your call now at paulabehrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). All right, it's time to get started. Grab your Bible, dust off your journal and cozy up to your favorite beverage and let's dive in.

Paula Behrens:

Let's begin with a foundational truth, and that is generosity is more than an act. It's a lifestyle. It reflects the very nature of God's heart and, as his daughters, we are invited to live out that generosity as we strive to serve him well. Generosity is not simply about volunteering or writing a check once in a while. For the Christian who seeks to live out their faith with authenticity and grace, generosity is a lifestyle. It's a heart posture that reflects the very nature of God himself.

Paula Behrens:

Today, we will be talking about how we can cultivate the spirit of joyful generosity that not only blesses others but also replenishes and refreshes our own soul through the power of scripture, devotions, boundaries and, yes, even the beauty of aroma. Let's begin with a passage of scripture 2 Corinthians 9:7, which says, each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver. Isn't that just a beautiful invitation? God doesn't want our giving to be done out of guilt or obligation. He delights in a joyful, heartfelt gift. Here, the Apostle Paul is talking about so much more than money. It includes our time, our talents, our energy and our presence. What he's talking about here is how we can develop a rhythm of life that overflows with generosity.

Paula Behrens:

Here's a thought. Did you know that an attitude of cheerful giving can actually transform your faith walk? It's true, the world often tells us to be frugal and to protect our time and to preserve our resources for ourselves, but God's kingdom operates on a much different principle. With God's principles, when we give, we receive. When we pour out, we are filled, and when we love others, well, we reflect the heart of God. Generosity begins with a heart conviction. Consider this when you wake up in the morning, is your first thought all about your needs, or is it rather about what you can offer the world around you? As women of faith, we are called to reflect Christ's generosity, not just in what we do, but in how we think, our thoughts and how we live those thoughts out. And many times it begins in the morning. It could just be a commitment of five minutes with God. I love to incorporate God's gift of aromas in this special reflection time with him.

Paula Behrens:

In the early church a romatic herbs and essential oils held both spiritual and practical value, often offered in ways that honored long-standing Jewish traditions of worship and giving. Among these, oils like frankincense and myrrh were considered precious commodities. The wise men's gift to Jesus, gold, frankincense and myrrh highlight their significance, with frankincense symbolizing worship and myrrh later used in Jesus' burial. In the Old Testament, God gave Moses a detailed recipe for a sacred anointing oil. We see that in Exodus 30: 22 through 33. These oils were used to clean the temple, keep those serving in the temple healthy, and also for ritual purposes such as that of anointing the priest, for holy service to God, and for prayer and meditation. Essential oil references are all throughout the ancient texts the one we know of today as the Bible and they were used as tithing as well. Jesus himself referenced the tithing of mint and rue and other herbs. We see that in Luke 11: 42 and also Matthew 23: 23.

Paula Behrens:

These small fragrant offerings, like that of mint, was most likely used for medicinal and aromatic purposes, possibly distilled into oils, and they were part of what people gave. In the early church believers brought what they had land goods and even treasured oils to support the community, demonstrating a spirit of generosity rooted in both tradition and heartfelt devotion. These gifts, whether monetary or aromatic, were expressions of worship, thanksgiving and trust in God's provision. Frankincense essential oil, known for its historical and biblical significance, is a wonderful aromatic companion we can use today as we invite God into our morning quiet time. Its scent helps to ground us in the sacred.

Paula Behrens:

The next time you're focusing your heart on God and breathing in aromas like frankincense, consider what cheerful giving can look like in your life. It might be sending an encouraging message to a friend, offering an intentional compliment, or spending a few quiet moments praying for someone who the Holy Spirit has brought into your mind. You could even end your quiet time with a positive affirmation like: I give freely and joyfully because God is my provider. And then there's Luke 6: 38, which says, Give and it will be given to you, a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. This verse speaks to all of the blessings that will follow a generous spirit. The picture here is rich, pressed down, shaken together and running over. That's not just a little bit of blessing, that's an overflow of blessings. And it's not a reward for good behavior, as some would think, but it's the natural result of living with an open and generous heart that is in step with the Spirit.

Paula Behrens:

In this world, we often default to a scarcity mindset, don't we, a belief that there won't be enough to go around. Many times we tend to cling tightly to our time, money, love or energy because we're afraid of running out. But scripture reminds us that our God is a God of abundance. He owns the cattle on a thousand hills and when we give, we participate in his abundance. When I think of a thousand hills, lavender comes to mind. The aroma of lavender is known for promoting peace and calm and it's the perfect choice to pair with meditating on the truth of God's abundance. As you allow its fragrance to settle you, invite the Holy Spirit to reveal areas where you've been holding back because of fear. Ask him to replace that fear with trust and consider reading the following affirmation out loud throughout the day, God multiplies what I release in faith. Write it down. God multiplies what I release in faith. Take it with you and reference it throughout the day. Maybe place a drop of lavender in your hands and breathe in the wonderful aroma as you speak your affirmation out loud, God multiplies what I release in faith.

Paula Behrens:

As we shift our mindset to one of abundance, we can better understand Proverbs 11: 25, which tells us a generous person will prosper. Whoever refreshes others will be refreshed. Now there is something deeply spiritual about pouring into others. It brings connection, joy and purpose. God did not design us to be alone. He designed us to live in community, to support and to uplift one another. The blessings of generosity isn't just for the recipient. It transforms us, the giver as well. It stretches our faith, it cultivates our gratitude and it draws us nearer to the heart of God.

Paula Behrens:

We live in a fast-paced world that often overlooks simple gestures of kindness and generosity, but those are often the moments where we can feel God's presence the most. Smiling at a stranger, paying for someone's coffee, sending a simple handwritten note, these are all small acts that carry eternal weight. The early believers understood this. They shared everything, and scripture tells us that there were no needy persons among them. If these things don't come easily to you, consider using the aromas God has gifted to us to keep us grounded and present. When we serve and give from a place of being grounded, refreshed and present, rather than obligation, we can better mirror the peace of Christ. Take a moment now to reflect on how you can refresh someone else's day. What is one act of generosity you can offer today. And here's another affirmation to add to your abundance toolbox. Repeat it after me, when I refresh others, I too am refreshed.

Paula Behrens:

Now let's talk about boundaries, which is an essential yet overlooked aspect of living a generous life. In Luke 5: 16 we hear, but Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed. Even Jesus took time to recharge. He recognized the importance of getting alone with God, creating space and refilling his spirit. If you and I want to live generously, we too must embrace healthy boundaries. Not every need is ours to meet. Not every request requires a yes.

Paula Behrens:

Living in the abundance of God's overflow means giving from a well that is continually being replenished. That requires intentional rest. It means setting boundaries with grace. It means saying no without guilt. Your favorite calming essential oil can be a gentle reminder to slow down, inhale deeply and invite God to refill you. God honors your need for rest. He is the one who created Sabbath rest, you know. He invites us to lie down in green pastures and walk beside still waters. That's not laziness, that's obedience. Here's another affirmation, I honor God by creating space to rest and be refilled.

Paula Behrens:

Okay, so scripture tells us that all the believers in the first century church were one in heart and mind. They shared everything they had. There were no needy persons among them. What an incredible testimony that is. The early church modeled radical generosity, not because it was required, but because love compelled them. They were overflowing with grace and it was evident in the way they cared for each other. This kind of community doesn't happen by accident. It requires intentionality. It requires a heart tuned to the needs of others and a willingness to act. It's rooted in our identity as the body of Christ, called to bear one another's burdens and build each other up.

Paula Behrens:

I invite you now, if you can, to take a few moments to breathe in the aroma of frankincense and reflect on ways God has poured into you this week. What prayers have been answered? What blessings have you received? What needs have been met? Write them down along with the following affirmation, I live in the overflow of God's goodness. I live in the overflow of God's goodness.

Paula Behrens:

Let us pray. Lord, make us into instruments of overflow. May our lives be continual outpourings of your grace, joy and love. Teach us to live generously with our time, our words, our gifts and our presence. Fill us daily with your spirit, so that we never give from emptiness, but always from the abundance of your love. Amen and amen.

Paula Behrens:

Okay, let's do a little recap. Generosity is more than a financial decision. It's a spiritual discipline and a reflection of God's heart. Through devotions anchored in scripture, supported by positive affirmations and enhanced by the use of essential oils, you can create a rhythm of faith that will bless both you and those around you. From cheerful giving and an abundant mindset to the willingness to serve God faithfully while honoring healthy boundaries, you are invited into a lifestyle of God's overflow. You don't need to earn God's favor. You don't need to prove your worth through endless doing. You simply need to abide in his presence and allow his spirit to overflow from your heart into the lives of others, giving cheerfully, living abundantly, refreshing others, resting intentionally and overflowing with God's grace. You are not alone in this journey. God is with you, his Word will guide you, his Spirit will empower you, and this community of faithful Christian women walks with you. Until next time, breathe deeply, give freely and walk boldly in faith.

Paula Behrens:

Thank you for tuning in today. And remember, just like setting biblical boundaries, it's okay to say no to things that don't serve you well, like that third piece of cake at the church potluck. If you've enjoyed this episode, we would truly appreciate it if you would take just a few moments to follow the show and leave a review. Also, prayerfully, consider investing just one hour to deepen your faith and nurture your spiritual growth. In your Aroma of Christ coaching hour, you will discover how to craft a personalized devotional routine that will fit perfectly into your busy schedule, incorporate essential oils into your spiritual practices, create an easy to follow tracking plan for consistency, and learn tried and true strategies to experience your quiet time with God, not just as a routine, but as a joyful journey. Schedule your call now at Paula Behrens. com/ coaching. That's Paula Behrens B-E-H-R-E-N-S . com/ coaching (no spaces). Be sure to check the show notes for all the links. Join us next week as we continue to discover how to live on purpose in Christ. Until then, keep leaning into Him and walking in His wisdom. See you next time.