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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Oct 17, 2023 at 5:22 AM

Subject: 10-17-23 THOUGHTS

10-17-23   THOUGHTS

Right behavior is to be imitated.  We know right behavior from God’s word.  God’s word can provide for us a worthy walk, and it can perform its work in us!   It’s the source of power in we who believe to the saving of the soul.  Our part is to love our God with our ALL!  (Deut 6:4-9)  Our part is a certain “fire in the belly, devotion and discipline” that springs from a true and powerful picture of the Cross and Resurrection!  We know that the worthy walk is no lukewarm, casual walk.  We must know that Church! The word “endured” in verse 14 does not much describe our daily current walk.  Enduring for the cause of Christ implies a powerful, purposeful walk.  It demands an intentional walk.  Imitation is a mutual training process for betterment.  We are a fellowship that trains up, not down!   We must let God’s WORD perform its work in us!  With all my heart, mind, soul and body...  I must strive with each breath, to let Christ be my life. Col 3:4   When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.  Read Eph 4:11-16 for more dimension.  

1Thes 2:10-14    You are witnesses, and so is God, how devoutly and uprightly and blamelessly we behaved toward you believers; 11  just as you know how we were exhorting and encouraging and imploring each one of you as a father would his own children, 12  so that you would walk in a manner worthy of the God who calls you into His own kingdom and glory. 13  For this reason we also constantly thank God that when you received the word of God which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men, but for what it really is, the word of God, which also performs its work in you who believe. 14  For you, brethren, became imitators of the churches of God in Christ Jesus that are in Judea, for you also endured the same sufferings at the hands of your own countrymen, even as they did from the Jews,

My Prayer:
Father God, arouse us from lethargy and create in us a clean and new heart.  Excite our souls and perform Your Word’s work in us.  May we allow this to happen as we  become alive and  present in Your presence.  Help us each to see the joy of  Your salvation.  May we know the blessings of a worthy walk with You.  Teach us to exhort and encourage and implore each other as we love and  fellowship one another toward eternity with You.  May we encourage one another in love and good works.  Help us to imitate the good and right.  Help us to see the big picture, O God.    In the name of Jesus,   Amen.