THE FATHER’S BLESSING

“Revival exposes us to what ‘normal’ looks like from God’s perspective. The outpourings that we call revivals…are exciting yet sobering summons for us to recalibrate this thing called ‘Christianity’ to God’s standard.” – Larry Sparks

1. Know His Love

“Don’t give us the mushy stuff, we want to hear the Gospel…the mushy stuff is the Gospel!” (John 3:16) – John Arnott

The greatest revelation, night after night, often personally through various forms of vision/dreams/prophecy, “I know now that my Heavenly Father really loves me.”

Joel 2:28 (NLT)

Then, after doing all those things, I will pour out My Spirit upon all people. Your sons and daughters will prophesy. Your old men will dream dreams, and your young men will see visions.

Romans 8:15-16 (NKJV)

For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, “Abba, Father.” The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God.

2. Is it Head or Heart Knowledge?

“Trying to please God but never doing enough. Living toward inheritance instead of from it.” -Leif Hetland

Galatians 4:5-7b (MSG)

You can tell for sure that you are now fully adopted as His own children because God sent the Spirit of His Son into our lives crying out, “Papa! Father!” Doesn’t that privilege of intimate conversation with God make it plain that you are not a slave, but a child? And if you are a child, you’re also an heir, with complete access to the inheritance.

“The orphan spirit operates out of insecurity and jealousy. The spirit of sonship functions out of love and acceptance.” – Joseph Matera

“The orphan spirit is jealous of the success of his brothers. The mature son is committed to the success of his brothers.” – Joseph Matera

“The orphan spirit serves God to earn the Father’s love. The mature son serves God out of a sense of divine acceptance and favor.” – Joseph Matera

3. Experience His Love

“It’s not what you do that makes what you are, who you are makes what you do.”

“Living for God, versus living from God.” – Leif Hetland

Luke 3:22 (AMP)

And the Holy Spirit descended on Him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from heaven, “You are My Son, My Beloved, in You I am well-pleased and delighted!”

John 17:23 (NLT)

I am in them and you are in Me. May they experience such perfect unity that the world will know that you sent Me and that you love them as much as you love Me.

Ephesians 1:6 (NKJV)

To the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.

Mark 12:30 (NLT)

And you must love the Lord your God with all your heart, all your soul, all your mind, and all your strength.

Ephesians 3:16-17

I pray that from His glorious, unlimited resources He will empower you with inner strength through His Spirit. Then Christ will make His home in your hearts as you trust in Him. Your roots will grow down into God’s love and keep you strong.

Ephesians 3:18-19

And may you have the power to understand, as all God’s people should, how wide, how long, how high, and how deep His love is. May you experience the love of Christ, though it is too great to understand fully. Then you will be made complete with all the fullness of life and power that comes from God.

John 3:16 (NKJV)

For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life.

Recognize the lie, forgive contributors, know the truth, pray for that wound, reject the adversary, receive the blessing.

Discussion Questions:

1. Describe the Father’s love for you.

2. As you talk about the above question, is your response limited to facts, or does it include experience?

3. Talk about the journey from your head to your heart?

4. What have been the biggest challenges for you to overcome in embracing the Father’s love for you?

5. Who have been significant figures that formed your view of God?

6. As you reflect on your behavior and thought patterns, do you think you are living out of the revelation of God’s love for you? Why or why not?

7. Take time to pray through the above steps and receive the blessing of the Father’s love for you.