From: Beverly French [frenchb@vcss.k12.ca.us]
Sent: Sunday, February 13, 2005 5:38 AM
To: Heritage
Subject: February 13, 2005 Greetings

Last week we saw, in speaking to His disciples of their physical needs (what you will eat or what you will put on your body), Jesus said to them 'do not be anxious' about these things.  He assures them that the Father knows that they need these things therefore He tells them to: "Seek for His kingdom, and these things shall be added to you." Luke 12:31

The Lord is cautioning them (and us) to not be so focused on the earthly things that we are distracted from God and His kingdom.  This is being of a double mind. James refers to double-mindedness in the following passage: "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him. But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. For let not that man suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all  his ways."  James 1:5-8

Jesus warns, "No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other.  You cannot serve God and mammon."  Luke 16:13

Neutrality is not possible in relation to spiritual things as Scripture tells us: Jesus speaking, "He who is not with Me is against Me, and he who does not gather with Me scatters abroad."  Matthew 12:30

Again, Jesus speaking, "For he who is not against us is on our side." Mark 9:40

 Concerning service unto the Lord:
"Serve the Lord with fear and rejoice with trembling."  Psalm 2:11

Jesus speaking, "If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me; and where I am, there My servant will be also.  If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor."  John 12:26

"Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear."  Hebrews 12:28

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

Though written to servants, the Apostle Paul exhorts us to be obedient as to
Christ:
"Servants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eye service, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God.  And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ."  Colossians 3:22-24

For those faithful in service there is joy:
"I delight to do You will, O my God,
 And Your law is within my heart." Psalm 40:8

I will close with the Apostle Paul's instruction for holy living to the
Thessalonians:
"Now we exhort you brethren, warn those who are unruly, comfort the fainthearted, uphold the weak, be patient with all. See that no one renders evil for evil to anyone, but always pursue what is good both for yourselves and for all. Rejoice always, Pray without ceasing, In everything give thanks; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit. Do not despise prophecies. Test all things; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil."  1 Thessalonians 5:14-22

Let us always be yielded to our gracious Lord Jesus Christ that He may have His perfect way in each heart to do His will in what ever service He may desire.  And may our response be with joy and trust.  All praise to Him who is worthy of it all.  Amen.