Appropriation: Learning to Receive From God

A tremendous paradigm change occurs as we move into the current manifestation of the kingdom of God. It is a paradigm change from passivity to aggressiveness. In this higher level of the kingdom, we learn to take from God what He has provided instead of passively waiting for Him to move. Aggressive faith is the key to walking in Christ's completed provision for us. Exercising the faith required for this new day is contingent upon abiding in the correct realm. If we abide in the time realm, our capacity to receive from God is limited. As we learn to abide in the eternal realm of spirit, all doors open for us. God is a "now" God. We cannot receive from Him if we relate to Him historically. Putting off into the future something God will do closes the door from receiving now. No time or distance exists in God's world, the spirit realm. All things have been provided for us in Christ. We are to learn how to take those provisions right now. Jesus said, "The kingdom of God suffers violence, and violent men take it by force." What does that mean? It is not a call to physical violence but rather a call to throw off the passivity of religion and take from God what He has given. Learning to receive from God is an aggressive action in our spirits.

Jesus told parables related to our persistence to receive from God. The parable of the friend who comes at midnight and the parable of the unjust judge demonstrate God's delight in His people as they aggressively seek Him. God insists upon our persistence of faith because it creates in us a wholeheartedness for Him. James tells us, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." The Lord is at our initiative. That is revolutionary. Religion teaches to wait passively and reverently. But our Father delights in the aggressiveness of sons.