From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Thu, Dec 8, 2022 at 5:23 AM
Subject: 12-8-22 THOUGHTS
12-8-22 THOUGHTS
There are some marvelous thoughts for us in the reading below. The words, CONTENTMENT and RICH, set beside each other, should cause all kinds of thoughts. Throw in the LOVE of MONEY, and we have a great and needed lesson. “Fighting and taking hold” are words that add intensity and serious focus to our discussion. The “appearing of our Lord Jesus” adds time and hope! Rich in good works and ready to share, that’s us! Avoiding the EVER-PRESENT worldly and empty chatter, is a most necessary part of our drawing near to God, and our being with Him eternally. There is way too much emptiness in the noise of our world! We must fight against being DILUTED by its sounds! “Fight the good fight of faith.”
1Tim 6:6-21 But godliness actually is a means of great gain when accompanied by contentment. 7 For we have brought nothing into the world, so we cannot take anything out of it either. 8 If we have food and covering, with these we shall be content. 9 But those who want to get rich fall into temptation and a snare and many foolish and harmful desires which plunge men into ruin and destruction. 10 For the love of money is a root of all sorts of evil, and some by longing for it have wandered away from the faith and pierced themselves with many griefs. 11 But flee from these things, you man of God, and pursue righteousness, godliness, faith, love, perseverance and gentleness. 12 Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses. 13 I charge you in the presence of God, who gives life to all things, and of Christ Jesus, who testified the good confession before Pontius Pilate, 14 that you keep the commandment without stain or reproach until the appearing of our Lord Jesus Christ, 15 which He will bring about at the proper time — He who is the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of kings and Lord of lords, 16 who alone possesses immortality and dwells in unapproachable light, whom no man has seen or can see. To Him be honor and eternal dominion! Amen. 17 Instruct those who are rich in this present world not to be conceited or to fix their hope on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly supplies us with all things to enjoy. 18 Instruct them to do good, to be rich in good works, to be generous and ready to share, 19 storing up for themselves the treasure of a good foundation for the future, so that they may take hold of that which is life indeed. 20 O Timothy, guard what has been entrusted to you, avoiding worldly and empty chatter and the opposing arguments of what is falsely called "knowledge" — 21 which some have professed and thus gone astray from the faith. Grace be with you.
My Prayer:
Keep us unspotted in this world, O God. May we strive for holiness, as You are Holy. Teach us a peaceful and loving contentment. You bless us beyond words, O Father, may we use your goodness rightly and joyfully. Help us to see the empty lies of Satan, and resist him, having your promise that he will flee from us. May we draw near to you in all that we do and think. We know that you will draw near in return. Thank you , Lord. We pray in Jesus' name, Amen.