From: Beverly French [frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us]
Sent: Sunday, June 22, 2003 6:23 AM
To: Heritage
Subject: Summer Greetings

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

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

The question is: "How do I know what the will of God is?"
The Apostle Paul helps us here as we see in Romans 12:2,
"...Be transformed by the renewing of your mind, that you may prove what is the good and acceptable and perfect will of God." "...But understand what the will of the Lord is."  Ephesians 5:17 "This is the will of God, your sanctification..."  1 Thessalonians 4:3 Through "...the washing of water by the word."  Ephesians 5:26

We are to be separated from this world -- in reality we are already separated from this world when we are born anew.  We are a new creation no longer of this world though we are temporarily still in it. Therefore our walk -- how we conduct ourselves is so vital. Ephesians 5:15-17 talks of this very thing and ends with the words quoted above, "Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men (women also), 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."

The same is true of the whole of the Romans 12:2 verse quoted in part above, "And do not be conformed to this world, but 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."

Yes, we are separated from this world and it is the Holy Spirit who convicts and convinces, who leads and guides, who reveals to us God's Word.  Paul prayed continuously that, "...you may be filled with the knowledge of His (God's) will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding."  Colossians 1:9

Jesus promised that the Holy Spirit, "...Will teach you all things..." John 14:26  And, "I have many more things to say to you, but you cannot bear them now. But when He, the Spirit of truth, comes He will guide you into all the truth..."  John 16:12-13

How do we know God's will?  By prayerfully and diligently seeking with a heart open before God for His revelation.  God has made provisions that each may know His will. We have the Word and the Holy Spirit. Do we have a heart that is seeking?