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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, May 19, 2025 at 5:53 AM

Subject: 5-19-25 THOUGHTS

5-19-25   THOUGHTS

There’s an interesting thought in our reading this morning.  We are told to “ work out your salvation with fear and trembling;”   Then immediately “for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.”  The first part is mine, the second part is God’s!  I must ask, “Do I frustrate God’s working “His desires” in me for my benefit?”  Is there truly “fear and trembling” in my pursuit of God’s will?  Do I even know that God is at work within me?  I am to “prove myself  blameless and innocent...above reproach...”  Surely the environment sounds familiar.  Do I truly appear as a light in this world?  It’s interesting that the Message Bible ends verse 12 with “ Be energetic in your life of salvation, reverent and sensitive before God.”  It’s time for me to do some self-examination... Will you join me?

Php 2:12-16     So then, my beloved, just as you have always obeyed, not as in my presence only, but now much more in my absence, work out your salvation with fear and trembling;
13  for it is God who is at work in you, both to will and to work for His good pleasure.  14   Do all things without grumbling or disputing; 15  so that you will prove yourselves to be blameless and innocent, children of God above reproach in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you appear as lights in the world, 16  holding fast the word of life, so that in the day of Christ I will have reason to glory because I did not run in vain nor toil in vain.

My Prayer:
Lord, wake us up and enliven us.  Make us energetic, reverent and sensitive before You at all times.  Help us to powerfully greet our world with the good news of our Lord Jesus.  Create in us clean and pure hearts that are focused on You and eternity.  May we learn the joy of your salvation.  Help us to practice Your Presence as we live for you.  Empower our love-fellowship in the Church.  Help us to inspire one another in all that is good.  We praise You, thank You, and love You with our all.    In Jesus’ name,   Amen.