Episode #13: How to Receive from the Father 1. God's Ultimate Desire – Relationship with His Creation
- From the beginning, God's plan was to have a relationship with mankind (Genesis 1-2).
- Sin broke that relationship, but Jesus restored our ability to walk in fellowship with the Father (Romans 5:10).
2. The Glory of the Lord in the Old Testament
- In the Old Testament, the Glory of the Lord was the manifestation of God's power and presence.
- The Glory of the Lord appeared for two reasons:
- When Israel was in rebellion or disobedience
- Example: Aaron's two sons brought unauthorized fire into the Tabernacle and died as a result (Leviticus 10:1-2).
- When Israel was in worship and awe of God
- Example: At the dedication of the Tabernacle (Exodus 40:34-35).
- David's Example
- When enemies came against David, he would worship and wait for God's instructions.
- As long as Israel followed God's guidance, they had victory.
- When they fell away, things would go badly for them.
3. Receiving from God in the New Testament
- Matthew 15:21-28 – The Woman of Canaan
- She cried out from far off.
- She came closer and worshiped Jesus.
- She challenged Jesus, refusing to give up.
- Because of her faith, she received her miracle.
- Key Takeaway:
- Fall in love with Jesus, seek Him, and "all these things" will be added to you (Matthew 6:33).
- Don't turn relationship into a formula.
- Christianity is not about checking off boxes (prayer time, Bible reading, etc.).
- It's about knowing Him.
4. Relationship Over Works
- Our relationship with God is not based on works.
- It's not about how many Bible verses you memorize or how much time you spend in prayer.
- The closer you get to the Father, the easier it is to receive from Him.
- Example: Paul and Silas in Prison (Acts 16:25-26)
- They worshiped because they loved God—not because they were seeking a miracle.
- Their worship led to their deliverance—and even freedom for others.
- Example: Paul's Shipwreck (Acts 27)
- Not only was Paul saved, but everyone on the ship was saved because of God's favor on him.
5. Knowing God as a Father
- 2 Timothy 2:15 – Study to show yourself approved unto God.
- The more we study and seek God, the more we grow in confidence and faith.
- Fall in love with Jesus, and you will receive your victory.
- Seek God for who He is, not for what He has.
- We are on the same level as God in relationship.
- As His children, we relate to Him as a child relates to their father.
- God is not distant—He desires intimacy with us.
6. Trusting God for Provision – Matthew 6:25-34
- You cannot serve two masters—God or money (mammon).
- Jesus' command: Take no thought for your life.
- God cares for the birds of the air and flowers of the field—won't He care for you?
- Worry does not add anything to your life.
- "Which of you by worrying can add one cubit to his stature?" (v. 27)
- Seek first the Kingdom of God.
- "Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, and all these things shall be added to you." (v. 33)
- Put God first, and He will take care of your needs.
Final Thoughts
- God desires relationship over religious performance.
- Worship, not works, positions us to receive from God.
- Seek God's presence, and everything else will follow.
- Trust God as your Father—He is faithful to provide.
- Faith is about confidence in God, not a formula for blessings.