WE ARE RECEIVERS NOT GIVERS

“[W]hat accounts for most of our failures in Christian living is our failure to realize what we are. It is our failure to realize what God has done to us. We must think less and less of doing and more and more of being. If we only are what we ought to be, then the doing will more or less look after itself” Martyn Lloyd-Jones (ref#211, p87).

“Conformity, to live one with God, is a far higher and more divine life than to live simply in submission to God” E.M. Bounds (ref#54, p51-52).

“It is a great matter to enjoy God’s ordinances, but to enjoy God’s presence in the ordinances is that which a gracious heart aspires after” Thomas Watson (ref#225, Jan 15^th).

“You clothed me with skin and flesh, and knit me together with bones and sinews. You have granted me life and steadfast love and your care has preserved my spirit” (Job 10:11-12 ESV).

“Make me to know your ways, O LORD; teach me your paths. Lead me in your truth and teach me, for you are the God of my salvation; for you I wait all the day long” (Ps 25:4-5 ESV).

“Salvation is something that has come to men and women as a free gift to them, and they have nothing to do but to receive this gift. It is something provided; it is the righteousness of God that is given” Martyn Lloyd-Jones (ref#189, Nov 24^th).

A free gift is hard to receive. Over and over free gifts are hard to receive as we go through sanctification. But, our entire life with CHRIST is receiving from Him with our inability to pay back. We are receivers not givers when it comes to our spiritual life. Pointing our finger at CHRIST in worship is the only gesture we can give.

“Guide me, O thou great Jehovah!

Pilgrim through this barren land;

I am weak, but thou art mighty;

Hold me with thy powerful hand;

Bread of heaven,

Feed me now and evermore” W. Williams (ref#224, song #462).