From: Beverly French [frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us]
Sent: Sunday, July 21, 2002 6:30 AM
To: Heritage
Subject: Sunday Greetings

"But you are to cling to the Lord your God, as you have done to this day." Joshua 23:8 "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men, but as wise, making the most of your time, because the days are evil."  Ephesians 5:15-16

Yes, the days are evil!  Again this week we have seen and heard blatantly evil things done. As for Believers, walking wisely we steadfastly cling to God!  Scripture admonishes us to stand fast; to stand firm in the Lord.

"...Do not turn aside from following the Lord, but serve the Lord with all your heart.  And you must not turn aside, for then you would go after futile things which can not profit or deliver, because they are futile. 1 Samuel 12:20-21

"Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your toil is not in vain in the Lord." 1 Corinthians 15:58

"Stand fast therefore in the liberty by which Christ has made us free, and do not be entangled again with a yoke of bondage."  Galatians 5:1

"Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ...that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel."  Philippians 1:27

"Be of sober spirit, be on the alert.  Your adversary, the devil prowls about like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.  But resist him,
firm in your faith..."   1 Peter 5:8-9

"You therefore, beloved, since you know these things beforehand, beware lest you also fall from your own steadfastness, being led away with the error of the wicked."  2 Peter 3:17

Believers take heed.  These verses are here for a reason!  There are so many enticements in the world that seem so innocent, but to yield to them only leads to destruction.  We have an example of such as given by the Apostle Paul in 1 Timothy 6:9, "But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and harmful lusts which drown men in destruction and perdition."  These are strong words, but true.  Just look around and see what man does to get rich!!

Christ says in Revelation 3:11, "Behold, I come quickly!  Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown.  He who overcomes, I will make him a pillar in the temple of My God, and he shall go out no more..." (Read Chapters 2 and 3 of the warning and rewards.)

On being satisfied in the goodness of dwelling in the courts of our God, Robert Bellarmine (1542-1621) said, "We shall be so filled, that nothing can be said to be wanting, we shall have nothing to look for outside.  What can be wanting, in the house of Him who made everything, who is the master of everything, who will be all unto all, in whom is an inexhaustible treasure of good."

As words of the song goes,
To Him Who sits on the throne and unto the Lamb.
Be blessing and glory and honor and power forever!
Amen!