From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Jan 2, 2023 at 5:24 AM

Subject: 1-2-23 THOUGHTS

1-2-23   THOUGHTS

We begin a new year.  Nothing speaks of  NEWNESS like the thought of  IMMANUEL, “GOD WITH US”!  It is a change from darkness to light, an increase of gladness, a breaking of the yoke of our burden. This is God saving us from sin!   “And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.”  He is said to be over  a Kingdom with no end.  He was to “establish it (can I say the blood bought Church?)  and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.”   May we walk “in newness of life.” Rom 6:4

Isa 7:14   "Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Behold, a virgin will be with child and bear a son, and she will call His name Immanuel.
Isa 9:1-7      But there will be no more gloom for her who was in anguish; in earlier times He treated the land of Zebulun and the land of Naphtali with contempt, but later on He shall make it glorious, by the way of the sea, on the other side of Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles. 2  The people who walk in darkness Will see a great light; Those who live in a dark land, The light will shine on them.  3  You shall multiply the nation, You shall increase their gladness; They will be glad in Your presence  As with the gladness of harvest, As men rejoice when they divide the spoil. 4  For You shall break the yoke of their burden and the staff on their shoulders, The rod of their oppressor, as at the battle of Midian.  5  For every boot of the booted warrior in the battle tumult, And cloak rolled in blood, will be for burning, fuel for the fire.  6  For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His  shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.  7  There will be no end to the increase of His government or of peace, On the throne of David and over his kingdom, To establish it and to uphold it with justice and righteousness From then on and forevermore. The zeal of the LORD of hosts will accomplish this.
Luke 1:30-33    The angel said to her, "Do not be afraid, Mary; for you have found favor with God.  31  "And behold, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall name Him Jesus.   32  "He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High; and the Lord God will give Him the throne of His father David;  33  and He will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and His kingdom will have no end."
Matt 1:23   "BEHOLD, THE VIRGIN SHALL BE WITH CHILD AND SHALL BEAR A SON, AND THEY SHALL CALL HIS NAME IMMANUEL," which translated means, "GOD WITH US."

My Prayer:
The very thought, O God, of You dwelling on earth is mind boggling.  Pierce our hearts through with this powerful truth, O Lord.  Your love and grace and mercy toward us is overwhelming.  Help us to dwell in your presence, and you in us.  Take our every thought captive to your being.  Help us to be pleasing children and following  sheep.        In Jesus' precious name,       Amen.