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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Apr 15, 2024 at 6:02 AM

Subject: 4-15-24 THOUGHTS

4-15-24   THOUGHTS

Paul encourages Timothy in our reading below. The gift to Timothy was something special and miraculous for the establishment of the infant Church.  We need to be “kindled afresh” continually.  It is easy to get stale isn’t it?   Eph 4:23  “and that you be renewed in the spirit of your mind...”  Paul told Timothy to join him “in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God.”  This is a revitalizing talk! Verses 9-10 give us the basis for our being and working in the Kingdom.  Our Savior Christ Jesus, “abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel.”  Paul said much when he said “I am not ashamed.”  Awesome confidence closes this reading!

2Tim 1:6-12     For this reason I remind you to kindle afresh the gift of God which is in you through the laying on of my hands. 7  For God has not given us a spirit of timidity, but of power and love and discipline.  8  Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony of our Lord or of me His prisoner, but join with me in suffering for the gospel according to the power of God,  9  who has saved us and called us with a holy calling, not according to our works, but according to His own purpose and grace which was granted us in Christ Jesus from all eternity,  10  but now has been revealed by the appearing of our Savior Christ Jesus, who abolished death and brought life and immortality to light through the gospel,  11  for which I was appointed a preacher and an apostle and a teacher. 12  For this reason I also suffer these things, but I am not ashamed; for I know whom I have believed and I am convinced that He is able to guard what I have entrusted to Him until that day.

My Prayer:
We love and praise and honor You, Father God.  Renew our spirits, our minds and our faith.  Kindle afresh all that is in us, to serve You, O Father.  May we see clearly and always the picture of Christ's death-burial and resurrection as it stands in eternity.  Make us unashamed and bold in our engaging the world we live in.  Keep us keen and perceptive, humble and compassionate as we “love our neighbor.”  May we lift up Your name and the name of Jesus in all.  Bless our day, O God.  May we spend it in Your presence.    In the name of Jesus,   Amen.