From: Beverly French [frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us]
Sent: Sunday, January 04, 2004 6:40 AM
To: Heritage
Subject: First Sunday of 2004 Greetings

Here we are once again on the threshold of a new year.  The canvas is clear. The question is: what picture will emerge as we daily live our lives in 2004?  We know that there will be mountain peaks and valleys, but through it all may we each come into a greater knowledge of Christ Jesus.  It is Christ "the same yesterday, today and forever" who is our source of hope.

Hebrews 6:13-20 tells of the certainty of God's promise.  And we see that, "We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.  It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf..." Vs. 19-20

And we know,
"...The grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men.  It teaches us to say 'No' to ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in this present age." Titus 2:11-12 What a blessing to be assured of this since we live in troubling times where uncertainty, fear and every ungodly behavior are ever present.  The question here is "how can a believer live a godly life in the midst of all this ungodliness"?

It is our Heavenly Father who has sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us forever.  It is He who is ever present to lead and guide us. Therefore it behooves each of us to get into the Word, so that the Holy Spirit may open it up to us -- that it may be our reality.

For:
"Every Scripture is God-breathed (given by His inspiration) and profitable for instruction, for reproof and conviction of sin, for correction of error and discipline in obedience, [and] for training in righteousness (in holy living, in conformity to God's will in thought, purpose, and action).  So that the man of God may be complete and proficient, well fitted and thoroughly equipped for every good work."  2 Timothy 3:16-17

Remember:
"...We are His (God's) workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." Ephesians 2:10

"Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith..." (Hebrews 12:2)  And in so doing let us resolve to let Christ Jesus through the Holy Spirit have His perfect way in our lives now, that the picture on the canvas will be an expression of the love of God for all to see.

"Praise the Lord, all nations;
 Laud Him, all peoples!
 For His lovingkindness is great toward us,
 And the truth of the Lord is everlasting.
 Praise the Lord!"  Psalm 117    Hallelujah and Amen!