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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Feb 18, 2022 at 6:23 AM

Subject: 2-18-22 THOUGHTS

2-18-22   THOUGHTS

Throughout Old Testament history, it seems that God’s CHOSEN PEOPLE were looking for a way of escape.  Over and over, because of their sin, they found themselves in bad circumstances.   They produced their own need for escape.  God tells us we are just like them, thus we need to learn from their mistakes.  The CHARACTER that demands more and more is self-destructive!  It lives for the wrong reasons and the wrong things.  Summarily, we just described a big part of the Nation/Culture we live in.  We are talking about a danger that resides in each of us.  We either control it, or it controls us!  We must note that GREED comes in many different disguises!  We are eventually told to RUN from this idol worshiping GREED nature!  

1Cor 10:6-14     Now these things happened as examples for us, so that we would not crave evil things as they also craved. 7  Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written, "THE PEOPLE SAT DOWN TO EAT AND DRINK, AND STOOD UP TO PLAY."  8  Nor let us act immorally, as some of them did, and twenty-three thousand fell in one day. 9  Nor let us try the Lord, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the serpents. 10  Nor grumble, as some of them did, and were destroyed by the destroyer. 11  Now these things happened to them as an example, and they were written for our instruction, upon whom the ends of the ages have come.  12  Therefore let him who thinks he stands take heed that he does not fall. 13  No temptation has overtaken you but such as is common to man; and God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond what you are able, but with the temptation will provide the way of escape also, so that you will be able to endure it. 14  Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.
Col 3:5    Therefore consider the members of your earthly body as dead to immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire, and greed, which amounts to idolatry.
Greed above (covetousness in some versions) is the greedy desire to have more, covetousness, avarice
Ps 71:2    In Your righteousness deliver me and rescue me; Incline Your ear to me and save me.
Luke 9:23    And He was saying to [them] all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.”
Heb 2:1-3      For this reason we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away from it.  2  For if the word spoken through angels proved unalterable, and every transgression and disobedience received a just penalty,  how will we escape if we neglect so great a salvation? After it was at the first spoken through the Lord, it was confirmed to us by those who heard,

My Prayer:
O Lord defeat our neglectful tendencies.  Keep us from the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes and the pride of life.  By your word, may we see the world for what it is.  May we see your way most clearly as light and truth.  By your word, we seek the peace that passes understanding.  Help us to always abide in the Vine.    In the Name of our Savior Jesus,    Amen