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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Dec 1, 2023 at 6:04 AM

Subject: 12-1-23 THOUGHTS

12-1-23   THOUGHTS

We take up a powerful reading in the first part of Philippians chapter 2.  Joy and sameness of mind are encouraged.  Love and unity of spirit are needed as we work together, intent on one purpose.  Selfishness is destroyed as humility and a regard for others over self are given as right behavior and mindset.  Then, Christ is used as our example to emulate.  Please absorb the description of this awesome example!  In Jesus, God sets aside His glory to live as man.  In great humility, Jesus died on a cruel cross.  That must mean something to me!  I must be converted, changed!  Each day in “renewal of heart and mind,”  I must RECENTER my life to belong to Him who saved me! A day of confession is in front of us.  

Php 2:1-11    Therefore if there is any encouragement in Christ, if there is any consolation of love, if there is any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and compassion,  2  make my joy complete by being of the same mind, maintaining the same love, united in spirit, intent on one purpose. 3  Do nothing from selfishness or empty conceit, but with humility of mind regard one another as more important than yourselves;  4  do not merely look out for your own personal interests, but also for the interests of others. 5  Have this attitude in yourselves which was also in Christ Jesus, 6  who, although He existed in the form of God, did not regard equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7  but emptied Himself, taking the form of a bond-servant, and being made in the likeness of men. 8  Being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross. 9  For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name,  10  so that at the name of Jesus EVERY KNEE WILL BOW, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11  and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

My Prayer:
Heavenly  Father, help us to learn the joy and rightness of living unselfishly and humbly.  In love, teach us to regard one another as more important than ourselves.  You, O God, are love...   we want to be like You.  Bless our lives with our helping to bring souls to You.  May we boldly and joyfully sing the beautiful gospel song of Jesus.  Make us perceptive to the needs of others as we walk each day in this world.  In love and compassion, may we fill these needs.  Help us to bear fruit in the Kingdom. Teach us to pray in the Spirit, with focus and depth and power.  Turn our hearts to You each day, each breath.  We love You and Praise Your magnificent name.      It’s ever in Jesus,      Amen.