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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Thu, Apr 18, 2024 at 6:08 AM

Subject: 4-18-24 THOUGHTS

4-18-24   THOUGHTS

As I consider our reading this morning, two beautiful songs come to mind: Nearer Still Nearer and Near To The Heart Of God.  The idea of being continually with God is mind boggling.  This is abiding in His presence, in the Vine.  A sermon title “Teach Me Abba” hints at God’s loving intention for His relationship with his children.  Gal 4:6 “Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"  The words “counsel and guide and receive” are significant.  Here is the key Church, “And besides You, I desire nothing on earth.”   As long as we lust for the things of this world, our double-mindedness drags us away from this beautiful relationship with God!  If we “resist the devil, he will flee from us. Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” Jas 4:7-8.  “THE NEARNESS OF GOD IS MY GOOD”.  

Ps 73:21-28    When my heart was embittered And I was pierced within, 22  Then I was senseless and ignorant; I was like a beast before You. 23  Nevertheless I am continually with You; You have taken hold of my right hand. 24  With Your counsel You will guide me, And afterward receive me to glory. 25  Whom have I in heaven but You?  And besides You, I desire nothing on earth. 26  My flesh and my heart may fail, But God is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.  27  For, behold, those who are far from You will perish; You have destroyed all those who are unfaithful to You. 28  But as for me, the nearness of God is my good; I have made the Lord GOD my refuge, That I may tell of all Your works.
Col 3:4   When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.

My Prayer

:O Father, hold us who wait before You, near to Your heart.  Draw us nearer to precious Jesus. We need You every hour.  We praise You and Love You and lift up Your great name.  What joy to be Your children, adopted in Christ Jesus.  Our good is a nearness to You.  May we abide in Your presence continually.  Help us to desire nothing on this earth but You, O Lord.  Focus us our minds and hearts, O Great One, that Christ may be our life.   In Jesus’ name,   Amen.