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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Nov 21, 2023 at 5:51 AM

Subject: 11-21-23 THOUGHTS

11-21-23   THOUGHTS

I believe Jesus began His teaching with a most sensible significant thinking.  At the end of this reading we are to be light “IN SUCH A WAY” that we glorify God!  Jesus wants a “BLESSEDNESS” to be ours.  It seems to come from certain behavior characteristics.  These are contrary to the world’s way of thinking.  The Greek for “blessed” is a happiness that goes beyond feeling, it goes to every facet of our being and it is not dependent on our physical circumstances.  It seems that Jesus is declaring that we need to “BE THESE THINGS” if we are to LIGHT to our world!    God provides the BLESSEDNESS!  Our quest for eternity is summed up in a few short verses. We must continually return to these “root system fundamentals” as we seek eternity with God.

Matt 5:1-16    When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him.  2  He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying, 3  "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. 4  "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted. 5  "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth. 6  "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. 7  "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy. 8  "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.  9  "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.  10  "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.  11  "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me.   12  "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you. 13   "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14  "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden;  15  nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house.  16  "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.

My Prayer:
O Lord, may these simple truths about our living be in us and abounding.  Help us to be Your light that gives glory to Your name.  Remind us as we read that we are reading Spirit filled words from You that are words of life.  May Your empowering love become our love to the neighborhood where we live.  Move us from hearing to doing.  Convert our belief to actions that show Your love.  Awaken us to life given by Your Son.     In His name we pray,    Amen.