From: "Beverly French" <frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us>
To: "C & P Greene" <greenehouse72@juno.com>
Subject: Joyous Greetings
Date: Sunday, March 12, 2000 9:14 AM

"...Not My will, but Thine be done."  Luke 22:42

To be in the center of God's will is the safest and the only place for a
child of God to be.
It is here where we come to know that,
"God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God, to
those who are called according to His purpose."  Romans 8:28
It is here where all is peace and joy no matter what the circumstances.
It is here where true worship springs forth.
It is here where the presense of Christ dwells.
It is here where the Believer can continuously know the presense of Christ.

The question is: "What is the will of God for each of us?"
The Apostle Paul helps us here for in Romans 12:2, he tells us to,
"...Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what the
will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect."

And in Ephesians 5:15-17 he tells us,
"...be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most
of your time, because the days are evil.  So then do not be foolish, but
understand what the will of the Lord is."

This comes through "the washing of the Word."  Ephesians 5:26
We see in His word,
"For this is the will of God, your sanctification (separation)..."
1 Thessalonians 4:3

We are to be separated from this world and it is God Himself by His Holy
Spirit who convicts and convinces, who leads and guides, who reveals to us
His Word.
The Apostle Paul prayed continually that,
"...You may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom
and understanding."  Colossians 1:9

Jesus promised of the Holy Spirit,
"...He will teach you all things..."  John 14:26
And again Jesus tells us,
"But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes He will guide you into all the
truth, for He will not speak on His own initiative, but whatever He hears,
He will speak; and He will disclose to you what is to come."  John 16:13

How do we know God's will?  By seeking in the Scriptures with a heart open
before God for His revelation.  God has made provisions for us to know what
His will is for each of us.  We have the Word and we have the Holy Spirit.
Do we have seeking and open hearts??  He has set us apart for His own
possession and desires that we know Him and His will for our lives.

Our prayer then is with the Psalmist in Psalm 143:10,
"Teach me do Thy will,
 For Thou art my God;
 Let Thy good Spirit lead me on level ground."

We often sing in our Fellowship:
"Not my will, but Thine be done,
 That the fullness of the Son,
 May dwell within this life, that I have offered You.
 Until everything I do is the thing that pleases You;
 Abba Father, I will be a son indeed."

All praise to our wonderful Lord God.  Amen.