How can we use God's blessings to glorify Him and serve others today? Setting the Scene in Ezekiel 16:13 – “So you were adorned with gold and silver, and your clothes were of fine linen, silk, and embroidered cloth; you ate fine flour, honey, and oil. So you became very beautiful and even excelled to be a kingdom.” – God paints a vivid picture of Israel lavished with riches she did not earn. The passage pinpoints a central truth: every resource—material, relational, or spiritual—comes from His hand. Recognizing the Source of Every Blessing • James 1:17: “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” • Deuteronomy 8:17-18 warns against saying, “My power … has gained me this wealth,” reminding us that it is the LORD who gives the ability. • Acknowledging the Source guards our hearts from pride and keeps worship directed to God, not to the gifts themselves. Redirecting Praise to the Giver • Psalm 115:1: “Not to us, O LORD, not to us, but to Your name be the glory.” • Romans 12:1: offer our bodies as living sacrifices—every asset, schedule slot, and relationship becomes an altar of worship. • Celebrate publicly what the Lord has done; testimony magnifies Him and encourages others (Psalm 34:2-3). Employing Material Blessings for Kingdom Impact • Share generously: 2 Corinthians 9:11-12—our generosity supplies needs and multiplies thanksgiving to God. • Hospitable homes: 1 Peter 4:9—use living space to welcome believers and seekers alike. • Fund gospel work: Proverbs 3:9—“Honor the LORD with your wealth…”; direct a portion of income to church, missions, and mercy. Stewarding Skills and Talents • 1 Peter 4:10: “Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in its various forms.” • Spiritual gifts—teaching, encouragement, mercy—function best when intentionally deployed in the body of Christ (Romans 12:4-8). • Vocational excellence: Colossians 3:23-24—work heartily “as for the Lord,” turning a jobsite into a platform for integrity and witness. Cultivating Hearts of Gratitude and Humility • Regularly rehearse blessings—journaling or family conversations anchor gratitude (Psalm 103:2). • Fast or simplify periodically; stepping back from abundance rekindles dependence on God (Matthew 6:16-18). • Humble service—Jesus washed feet (John 13:14-15); emulate Him by tackling tasks that receive little applause. Living Testimonies that Draw Others to God • Visible integrity with money invites questions about the hope within (1 Peter 3:15). • Acts 2:44-47—early believers’ generous lifestyle led to “favor with all the people” and daily conversions. • When blessings flow through us, observers glimpse the character of the Giver. Practical Next Steps for Today – Inventory God’s provisions this week—time, finances, skills—and note one concrete way to redirect each toward service. – Set a percentage of income or produce aside first, not last, for gospel causes. – Open your door for a meal or Bible discussion once a month. – Volunteer a specific talent—graphic design, carpentry, tutoring—to meet a church or community need. – Speak a word of credit to God whenever complimented on possessions or achievements, turning the spotlight upward. |
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