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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Thu, Dec 28, 2023 at 5:50 AM

Subject: 12-28-23 THOUGHTS

12-28-23   THOUGHTS

Our problem when we read the Old Testament, is that we must translate across time and culture, to make personal application today. We don’t sacrifice today, but we worship.  How could I “trample the courts of God today?”   If I worship with no heart half asleep... would that work?  But the issue is bigger below.  It is a theme of the prophets over and over.  God’s people became selfish, greedy and brutal to their fellow man...  their “neighbor” as in the New Testament. They were NEGLECTFUL!  Verse 17 gets to the core of the problem;  “Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.”    1John 4:19-21  "We love, because He first loved us.  20  If someone says, "I love God," and hates his brother, he is a liar; for the one who does not love his brother whom he has seen, cannot love God whom he has not seen.  21  And this commandment we have from Him, that the one who loves God should love his brother also."  We must learn and practice the love we read about in 1John!  God’s people have often missed this love throughout the Bible.  

Isa 1:11-20    "What are your multiplied sacrifices to Me?" Says the LORD. "I have had enough of burnt offerings of rams And the fat of fed cattle; And I take no pleasure in the blood of bulls, lambs or goats. 12  "When you come to appear before Me, Who requires of you this trampling of My courts?  13  "Bring your worthless offerings no longer, Incense is an abomination to Me. New moon and sabbath, the calling of assemblies —  I cannot endure iniquity and the solemn assembly. 14  "I hate your new moon festivals and your appointed feasts, They have become a burden to Me; I am weary of bearing them.  15  "So when you spread out your hands in prayer, I will hide My eyes from you; Yes, even though you multiply prayers, I will not listen. Your hands are covered with blood.  16  "Wash yourselves, make yourselves clean; Remove the evil of your deeds from My sight. Cease to do evil,  17  Learn to do good; Seek justice, Reprove the ruthless, Defend the orphan, Plead for the widow.  18  "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are as scarlet, They will be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They will be like wool. 19  "If you consent and obey, You will eat the best of the land; 20  "But if you refuse and rebel, You will be devoured by the sword." Truly, the mouth of the LORD has spoken.
Rom 15:4   For whatever was written in earlier times was written for our instruction, so that through perseverance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope.

My Prayer:
You, O Lord, are love, may we learn to love as You love.  Give us compassion for and perception to see the needs around us.  Help us respond and act in that part of the world that cannot help itself.  Help us to train some to get beyond that needy world.  May we always understand that, but for your grace, we are that needy world.  May we see your blessings, not as things to be grasped, but as resources to give and help others. May we give as You give, Father.  May we ever see the connection between one needy person and ourselves!  Forever, and in all ways, we need You, O God!          In Jesus’ name,        Amen.