Let us, then, feel very sure that we can come before God’s throne where there is grace. There we can receive mercy and grace to help us when we need it. (Hebrews 4:16)

Ponder It.
What distracts you from being receptive to God?
With what do you most struggle to fully receive from God?
How do you struggle with receiving from others?

Receive It. Many people struggle with receiving from others. When we refuse to receive from others, we are robbing them of the joy of giving. That fact might help us receive a bit more graciously and more often, but we need to grow our roots more deeply. When we base what we’re giving and receiving on ourselves, our perspective isn’t authentic or realistic. Authenticity always centers on God and His will and way. When we consider how we receive from others, we need to look at how we receive from God.

We must be receptive to God through His Word. Receiving God’s Word involves knowing, accepting, and applying God’s Word. In order to know God’s Word, we have to become familiar with it. We have to listen to teachers whose words are biblically based. We have to read and let it steep in us. We have to study and dig into it, getting our hands messy at times and always finding treasures. God reveals Himself to us through His Word. We also must accept God’s Word. We need to be receptive when we approach God’s Word. God can work with us when we’re antagonistic, but the growth process will be much more beneficial and growth-producing when we anticipate God’s presence, conviction, and revelation. Finally, we need to apply God’s Word. God doesn’t want us to be filled with head knowledge. He wants to seep into and consume our hearts with His presence. When we’re receptive to God’s Word, we’re receptive to His will and way. When we’re receptive to God’s will and way, we can’t help but live a life of His purpose. He will guide us in giving to and receiving from others.

Live It. Dig into God’s Word today. Step outside your routine and journal, speak, question, research – whatever you need to do to hear God’s Word in a fresh way.