From: "Beverly French" <frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us>
To: "Heritage" <gheritage@juno.com>
Subject: Blessings to All
Date: Sunday, August 12, 2001 7:56 AM

"For all of you who were baptized into Christ have clothed yourselves with
Christ."  Galatians 3:27

Clothed with Christ we are clothed with the robe of righteousness,
therefore, as Christians we are to no longer make provisions for the lusts
of the flesh.

The Apostle Paul admonishes us to put on the "new self" and he gives a
practical discription of that in Colossians 3:12-13,
"And so, as those who have been chosen of God, holy and beloved, put
on a heart of compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience;
bearing with one another, and forgiving each other, whoever has a complaint
against anyone; just as the Lord forgave you, so also should you."

Paul then goes on to say in verse 14, "And beyond all these things put on
love, which is the perfect bond of unity."

When you put on the new self, you lay aside the old self which is "corrupted
with the lusts of deceit,"  these are diametrically opposed to one another.
Galatians 5:16-17 says,
"But I say, walk by the Spirit, and you will not carry out the desire of the
flesh.  For the flesh sets its desire against the Spirit, and the Spirit
against the flesh; for these are in opposition to one another..."

There lies the conflict!  BUT be of good cheer!  Christ has overcome, He is
the victor, the old self is dead so reckon it so and make no provisons for
it.  Occupy yourself with the renewing of your mind with the washing of the
Word.
"The mind set on the flesh is death, but the mind set on the Spirit is life
and peace."  Romans 8:6
"Therefore, walk by the Spirit and your will not carry out the desires of
the flesh."  Galatians 3:16

With grateful hearts we say thank you for this new life in Christ.  A life
full and rich in which we are being guided and lead by the Holy Spirit of
God who is sent by the Father to be forever with each one of His own.

Glory be to Almighty God; Father, Son and Holy Spirit.  Amen