How can we honor God's provision in our own lives today? Ezekiel’s Snapshot of God’s Provision “They shall eat the grain offering, the sin offering, and the guilt offering. Everything in Israel devoted to the LORD will belong to them.” (Ezekiel 44:29) God set aside a portion of every offering for the priests. By doing so He made two truths unmistakable: He Himself is the Provider, and He expects His people to acknowledge that provision tangibly. Key Truths Revealed • The Lord owns it all—He simply entrusts resources to us (Psalm 24:1). • Devoted things are holy; using them properly honors His holiness (Leviticus 27:30). • Provision is tied to worship. Receiving from God fuels gratitude, which in turn fuels obedience. Honoring Provision Today: Steps of Response 1. Recognize the Source – Begin each day acknowledging that every skill, paycheck, and opportunity comes from God (James 1:17). 2. Return the First Portion – Give to the local church and Christ-centered ministries before spending on self (Proverbs 3:9-10; Malachi 3:10). 3. Practice Faith-Filled Stewardship – Budget prayerfully, avoid debt-driven lifestyles, and save with generosity in view (Matthew 6:19-21; 1 Corinthians 4:2). 4. Celebrate Through Sharing – Invite others to the table; use meals, hospitality, and gifts as visible thank-you notes to God (Acts 2:46-47; 2 Corinthians 9:11). 5. Guard a Cheerful Heart – Give willingly, not grudgingly, trusting God to refill what you release (2 Corinthians 9:7). 6. Testify Publicly – Tell stories of God’s faithfulness; your testimony multiplies praise (Psalm 40:10; Revelation 12:11). Scripture Footing for Each Step • Recognize – “Every good and perfect gift is from above…” (James 1:17). • Return – “Honor the LORD with your wealth and with the firstfruits…” (Proverbs 3:9-10). • Steward – “It is required of stewards that they be found faithful.” (1 Corinthians 4:2). • Share – “You will be enriched in every way to be generous on every occasion…” (2 Corinthians 9:11). • Cheer – “God loves a cheerful giver.” (2 Corinthians 9:7). • Testify – “I did not hide Your righteousness in my heart; I spoke of Your faithfulness and salvation.” (Psalm 40:10). Safeguards: Attitudes to Avoid • Entitlement—forgetting we are recipients, not owners. • Hoarding—stockpiling out of fear rather than faith. • Showmanship—giving for applause instead of for God (Matthew 6:1-4). • Neglect—ignoring needs God places directly in our path (James 2:15-16). Encouraging Examples from Scripture • Widow of Zarephath shared her last meal and saw flour and oil multiplied (1 Kings 17:8-16). • Boy with five loaves and two fish surrendered lunch; Jesus fed thousands (John 6:9-13). • Early believers sold property so “there were no needy persons among them” (Acts 4:34). A Life That Speaks Thanks When we gladly return the best of what God gives, steward the rest with integrity, and share it with open hands, we mirror the priestly pattern of Ezekiel 44:29. Our everyday choices become living offerings that shout, “Everything devoted to the LORD belongs to Him—and He is more than enough.” |
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