From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Wed, Apr 20, 2022 at 6:15 AM
Subject: 4-20-22 THOUGHTS
4-20-22 THOUGHTS
Our thoughts this morning are on the challenging side. The compelling thought in the reading below is for us to dismiss self and live humbly before God. The text refers several times to “THE SOURCE” of the problem! What causes it, where does it come from? 1John 2:16 For all that is in the world, the lust of the flesh and the lust of the eyes and the boastful pride of life, is not from the Father, but is from the world. Our desire for the pleasures of this world create an internal-hemorrhage within us that produces all kinds of problems. At the first, we attempt to serve two masters! Our miserly response to the call of Christ is witness against us. Am I a “living sacrifice to God” or lukewarm spittle? I know that’s a harsh way to present the problem, but it is a problem that seems to continue in our lives. Verse 5, God really, really wants the spirit he has placed within me to truly belong to Him!
Jas 4:1-10 What is the source of quarrels and conflicts among you? Is not the source your pleasures that wage war in your members? 2 You lust and do not have; so you commit murder. You are envious and cannot obtain; so you fight and quarrel. You do not have because you do not ask. 3 You ask and do not receive, because you ask with wrong motives, so that you may spend it on your pleasures. 4 You adulteresses, do you not know that friendship with the world is hostility toward God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. 5 Or do you think that the Scripture speaks to no purpose: "He jealously desires the Spirit which He has made to dwell in us"? 6 But He gives a greater grace. Therefore it says, "GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE." 7 Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you. 8 Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded. 9 Be miserable and mourn and weep; let your laughter be turned into mourning and your joy to gloom. 10 Humble yourselves in the presence of the Lord, and He will exalt you.
Eph 5:14-17 For this reason it says, "Awake, sleeper, And arise from the dead, And Christ will shine on you." 15 Therefore be careful how you walk, not as unwise men but as wise, 16 making the most of your time, because the days are evil. 17 So then do not be foolish, but understand what the will of the Lord is.
Col 3:1-4 Therefore if you have been raised up with Christ, keep seeking the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. 2 Set your mind on the things above, not on the things that are on earth. 3 For you have died and your life is hidden with Christ in God. 4 When Christ, who is our life, is revealed, then you also will be revealed with Him in glory.
My Prayer:
O God, give us a spirit of humility and zeal. Convert our focus from self, to making disciples of lost souls around us. May we see sin for what it is. Teach us to mourn, and give us power of person, and speech. Please Lord, revive us! In the name of Jesus, Amen.