How can we apply the principle of divine blessing in our community outreach? Grounding Our Outreach in Ezekiel 34:26 “I will make them and the places around My hill a blessing. I will send down showers in season—showers of blessing.” • God’s promise is literal—He sends real rain to Israel and real favor to His people today. • Blessing is not an end in itself; it turns His people into a fountain for the areas “around My hill.” • Outreach, then, is simply carrying the overflow of what He rains on us. Receiving the Showers First Before we bless anyone, we position ourselves under the downpour. • Daily Scripture intake (Psalm 1:2-3). • Confession and obedience remove umbrellas of sin (1 John 1:9). • Expectant prayer invites fresh rain (Zechariah 10:1). • Corporate worship unites us on “His hill,” ready for shared blessing (Hebrews 10:24-25). Channeling Blessing Outward As His rain fills us, we refuse to dam it up. • Speak the gospel clearly—give living water, not mere niceties (Romans 1:16). • Meet tangible needs: food, clothing, job help (James 2:15-16). • Offer presence and listening ears—comfort is a blessing in itself (2 Corinthians 1:3-4). • Practice generous giving; God multiplies seed for sowing (2 Corinthians 9:10-11). • Keep the motive pure: His glory, not our reputation (Matthew 5:16). Practical Steps for Blessing-Saturated Outreach 1. Map the “places around” your church—schools, shelters, parks, businesses. 2. Pray on-site weekly, asking God to rain specifically on each place. 3. Pair every evangelistic effort with an act of mercy (Luke 10:9). 4. Schedule “blessing audits”—testimonies of how God provided resources you then passed along. 5. Celebrate small showers; gratitude keeps channels unclogged (Psalm 67:5-7). Scriptural Echoes That Reinforce the Pattern • Genesis 12:2—God blesses Abraham “so that you will be a blessing.” • Malachi 3:10—He opens heaven’s windows when we honor Him with resources. • John 7:38—Believers become streams, not reservoirs. • 2 Corinthians 9:8—Grace abounds “so that… you will abound in every good work.” Living in Expectation Divine blessing is never scarce; it is seasonal and purposeful. When we stay under the showers and refuse to hoard the water, our outreach becomes God’s chosen riverbed, carrying life to a thirsty community. |
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