Receiving as a Son or Daughter

I was struck by the Holy Spirit that receiving is one of the big keys in the Christian life, yet when we see ourselves as orphans we are unable to receive.  Believing lies also positions our hearts to not receive because John 8:32 says, "... and you will know the truth, and the truth will make you free.”  The word "know" in this passage is about intimate relational knowledge or experience of the truth, where the truth is received and then we are set free.  Living from an "orphan heart" means that we dwell in lies about God, others, and our identity rather than living in the truth.

The only way that lies have power in my life is that I empower them through my agreement.  The enemy is seeking to gain my agreement, so that he can use my authority against myself and then others.  An "orphan heart" believes that God is somehow withholding so has trouble receiving from Him because an "orphan heart" perspective on God is that He is distant, demanding, punishing, or unavailable.  As we daily repent and turn from orphan thinking, we see ourselves as a son that God has not withheld anything from and is teaching us how to receive His goodness and grace in increasing amounts.

When we realize that God is the source and giver of life, then we have so much to receive from Him.  I believe this is part of why thankfulness is so important in life because it positions our heart to see God as the source.  The lack of thankfulness moves us into a place of seeing life as an orphan where everything we get is based on our own achieving, effort, or striving.  Even thankfulness for the little things in life lead us to grow in our trust in God and who He is for us.

Since all of life in Christ comes by grace, then the Christian life is really about receiving more new life from God but we must let go of the old orphan life.  Watchman Nee once talked about the "thing in hand" and that it was whatever we are holding onto which keeps us from receiving what the Lord desires to give us.

Receiving as a son,
Bret