From: "Beverly French" <frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us>
To: "Barbara Warren" <bjw18@csufresno.edu>
Subject: Blessings to All
Date: Sunday, January 30, 2000 9:09 AM

This has been one of those weeks that has had many opportunities learn to
rest in the Lord and to see the mighty hand of God at work.  It has been a
time of being refreshed in the goodness of God and the up building through
His Word.  I would like to share some verses of Scripture that may bless you
as they do me.

"Bless our God, O Peoples,
 And sound His praise abroad,
 Who keeps us in life,
 And does not allow our feet to slip."  Psalm 66:8-9
"Blessed be the Lord, who daily bears our burden,
 The God who is our salvation.
Selah.
 God is to us a God of deliverances..."  Psalm 68:19-20

Yes, we praise and bless the Lord with grateful hearts.  Selah: a call to
rest;
to pause and calmly think of that; to reflect on the previous words!  Our
God is the One who "bears our burdens."  He is the One who says, "Fret not,"
"be anxious for nothing."  That means letting God control our lives.  He
knows the beginning from the end!  We are to TRUST Him.

Scripture tells us that the divine presence gives rest,
"And He said, 'My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest."
Exodus 33:14
True rest is found in God,
"Return to your rest, O my soul,
 For the Lord has dealt bountifully with you."  Psalm 116:7
Appropriated by faith,
"For we who have believed enter that rest..."  Hebrews 4:3
There is rest in serving Christ Jesus,
"Take My yoke upon you, and learn of Me, for I am gentle and humble in
heart; and you shall find rest for your souls."  Matthew 11:29  (Jesus was
quoting in part from Jeremiah 6:16)
So,
"Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God...casting all
your anxiety upon Him, because He cares for you." 1 Peter 5:6-7

As a result we can do as the Psalmist in Psalm 4:8
"In peace I will both lie down and sleep,
 For Thou alone, O Lord, does make me to dwell in safety."

Bless and praise our Mighty God, now and always.