Abundant Grace Fellowship
How To Receive From God
How To Receive From God
By Pastor J.D. Link
Abundant
Last week we looked at the subject of giving to God. This week we’ll look at the subject of receiving from God. The Bible gives us instructions on how to receive from God, just like it gives us instructions on how to give to God. Let’s take a look at God’s Word,
The first thing you must do is believe that God is real. You may think this is a “gimme”, but Heb. 11:6 says we must “believe that He is”. How do you get to know God? By reading His Word. The Bible is what tells us about God; so in order to know God and believe in Him, you must know His Word. John 1:1 says that “The Word (Jesus) was God”. You will never know God more than you know God’s Word.
Secondly, you must ask (Jam 1:5-7). Jam 4:2 says you have not, because you ask not. Mt 7:7-8 tells us to Ask, Seek, & Knock (ASK). Jesus said in Jn 16:23 whatever we ask The Father in His name will be given to us. We have to change our view of God of being this stingy, angry God Who, if you twist His arm and beg long enough, might answer our prayer. God is the gift giver. He tells us to call unto Him, and He will show us great and mighty things (Jer 33:3). Our God is the miracle working God! Is there anything too hard for Him (Jer 32:27)? He’s looking for someone who’s heart is perfect towards Him, so that He can show Himself strong on their behalf (2Chr 16:9). Has His arm become short? Stand back and watch what He can do (Num 11:23)! The nebulous fog of religion has clouded our minds so that we think it’s holy not to ask God for anything. The Scriptures say otherwise! Mt 7:9-11 says that if we being evil know how to give good things to our children, how much more will God give good things to those that ask Him.
How do you ask?
Fourthly, we must seek him diligently (Heb 11:6, Mt 7:7-8). This does not mean begging God until He gives in (Rom 8:31-32). It means praying with purpose. Write down your prayers, and keep a journal of the answers. Many times we don’t even know when our prayers were answered, because we don’t even remember what we prayed for.
Fifthly, you must believe you receive when you pray; not after your prayer is answered (Mt 21:22, Mk 11:24). With God, it’s not “seeing is believing“, it’s “believing is seeing”. God will reward you (Heb 11:6).
Finally, you must learn to receive graciously. God will use other people to bless you (Lk 6:38), and unless you get over your pride, you won’t be able to receive it. Many of us have “self made man” syndrome, and this prideful disease won’t allow us to receive a gift from someone. The Word will help you get over that. Jesus said it’s more blessed to give than to receive (Acts 20:35); so if you won’t receive it when someone wants to bless you, you are robbing them of a blessing by your pride. Not receiving a gift is not holy or righteous, it’s selfish (the exception being a bribe or greediness, in which case you shouldn’t receive it {Pro 15:27, 29:4}). Do you know how good it feels when you do something kind for someone? Then let them experience the same thing by simply saying “Thank you”. When I was a kid, My Grandfather was always giving me something. One day I said “That’s o.k. Papa, you don’t have to do that”. You know what happened? He got mad at me! He said “I know I don’t have to give you anything! I give you things because I love you and want to bless you. Saying “Thank you” and receiving it is all you need to do”. Let God bless you! Until next time, rejoice in The Lord! (Phip 4:4)