What practical steps can we take to share God's abundance with others? Ezekiel’s Vision of Overflowing Life “Fishermen will stand by the shore; from En-gedi to En-eglaim there will be places to spread their nets. The fish will be of many kinds, like the fish of the Great Sea.” — Ezekiel 47:10 From a trickle beneath the temple threshold, God’s river swells into life-giving abundance. Nets stretch out, fish teem, and people are invited to gather the overflow. The scene calls us to open our own nets and let others taste the goodness God supplies. Blessed to Be a Blessing • Genesis 12:2 — “I will bless you…and you will be a blessing.” • 2 Corinthians 9:8 — “God is able to make all grace abound to you…so that you will abound in every good work.” • Proverbs 11:25 — “A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” God’s pattern is clear: whatever He pours into our lives is meant to flow outward. Practical Steps for Sharing God’s Abundance 1 – Recognize the Source • James 1:17 — “Every good and perfect gift is from above.” • Start each day consciously thanking God for specific provisions—income, abilities, relationships, time. • This daily gratitude guards against hoarding and fuels generosity. 2 – Keep the Nets Open: Give Generously • Luke 6:38 — “Give, and it will be given to you…poured into your lap.” • Set aside a first-fruits portion of every paycheck for kingdom work. • Budget margin for spontaneous giving—gift cards, groceries, gas money. • Remember: abundance multiplies when released, not when stored. 3 – Cast the Gospel Net Wide • Matthew 4:19 — “Follow Me…and I will make you fishers of men.” • Share personal testimonies of God’s provision in everyday conversations. • Support missionaries and evangelistic ministries that extend the river to spiritually “dry” places. • Equip yourself with a simple gospel presentation so you’re ready to explain the hope within you (1 Peter 3:15). 4 – Create Places for Others to Spread Their Nets • Acts 2:44-45 — “All the believers were together and had everything in common.” • Mentor younger believers in budgeting, parenting, or trade skills. • Facilitate job networking or small-business training in your church or home. • Offer space—garage, tools, internet—for someone launching a new venture. 5 – Practice Everyday Hospitality • Romans 12:13 — “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” • Host simple meals; abundance is measured in warmth, not menu cost. • Keep a “company drawer” with extra toiletries and towels for surprise guests. • Invite neighbors to coffee on the porch; listening ears often meet deeper needs than full plates. 6 – Steward God’s Creation Generously • Psalm 24:1 — “The earth is the LORD’s, and the fullness thereof.” • Share garden produce, swap clothes, repair rather than discard—each act echoes Eden’s stewardship. • Coordinate neighborhood clean-ups or recycling drives to preserve shared resources. 7 – Pray for Overflow and Direction • Ephesians 3:20 — “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine…” • Ask God to show fresh avenues for blessing others, and expect Him to supply what those assignments require. • Keep testimonies of answered prayer visible—on the fridge, in a journal—so faith stays expectant and generous. Living by the River When the river of God’s life sweeps through us, scarcity mind-sets dissolve. We find ourselves standing on the banks like Ezekiel’s fishermen—nets outstretched, hearts rejoicing, and plenty of room for others to join in the catch. |
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