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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Jan 31, 2024 at 6:08 AM

Subject: 1-31-24 THOUGHTS

1-31-24   THOUGHTS

We think on a kind of  “full circle”  reading this morning.  We are brought forth via the Word of truth by God.  In humility, we are to RECEIVE what is called the “implanted word” that can save our souls. The receiving must include our DOING of what we receive.  The “word of truth”, and the “implanted word” are then called the “perfect law of liberty”!  We are told to abide by this as effectual doers!  Jas 1:26 from the Message Bible has...  “Anyone who sets himself up as "religious" by talking a good game is self-deceived. This kind of religion is hot air and only hot air.”   I hope we can see the “full circle” reasoning in this reading!  The process is “ in the ears, through the heart/mind, and applied in the hands”.  The SOURCE is...  the “word of truth”,  the “implanted word” and the “perfect law of liberty”!  Our lives are here if we seek God eternally!  

Jas 1:17-25     Every good thing given and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shifting shadow.  18  In the exercise of His will He brought us forth by the word of truth, so that we would be a kind of first fruits among His creatures. 19   This you know, my beloved brethren. But everyone must be quick to hear, slow to speak and slow to anger;  20  for the anger of man does not achieve the righteousness of God.  21  Therefore, putting aside all filthiness and all that remains of  wickedness, in humility receive the word implanted, which is able to save your souls.  22  But prove yourselves doers of the word, and not merely hearers who delude themselves. 23  For if anyone is a hearer of the word and not a doer, he is like a man who looks at his natural face in a mirror; 24  for once he has looked at himself and gone away, he has immediately forgotten what kind of person he was. 25  But one who looks intently at the perfect law, the law of liberty, and abides by it, not having become a forgetful hearer but an effectual doer, this man will be blessed in what he does.
Col 3:2-4    Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3  For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4  When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

My Prayer:
Lord, help our lives to be more than hot air.  Thank You for being the God You are.  Thank you for wonderful Spirit Words.  May we humbly receive these Spirit Words in the fullest sense.   Please, O God, keep us from self-delusion.  Grow us in our “intent look” into Your perfect law of liberty.  Help us to make Christ our lives, that we may be revealed with Him in glory.  In the name of Jesus,    Amen.