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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Aug 12, 2022 at 5:23 AM

Subject: 8-12-22 THOUGHTS

8-12-22   THOUGHTS

I am impressed with verse 9 below.  Paul remained in the battle where “a wide door for effective service”  for the Lord was open, in spite of many adversaries.  His statement in verse 6 “wherever I may go”, shows resolve in the midst of uncertainty.  Then in verse 13,  “Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  14  Let all that you do be done in love.”   Finally, he tells them to “be in subjection to” everyone who helps “in the work and labors.”  I hope these are not strange sounds in our current church environment?  They are words for us also!  The statement “ they have devoted themselves for ministry to the  saints),” speaks volumes.  

1Cor 16:1-16    Now concerning the collection for the saints, as I directed the churches of Galatia, so do you also. 2  On the first day of every week each one of you is to put aside and save, as he may prosper, so that no collections be made when I come. 3  When I arrive, whomever you may approve, I will send them with letters to carry your gift to Jerusalem;  4  and if it is fitting for me to go also, they will go with me. 5  But I will come to you after I go through Macedonia, for I am going through Macedonia; 6  and perhaps I will stay with you, or even spend the winter, so that you may send me on my way wherever I may go. 7  For I do not wish to see you now just in passing; for I hope to remain with you for some time, if the Lord permits.   8  But I will remain in Ephesus until Pentecost; 9  for a wide door for effective service has opened to me, and there are many adversaries. 10   Now if Timothy comes, see that he is with you without cause to be afraid, for he is doing the Lord’s work, as I also am.  11  So let no one despise him. But send him on his way in peace, so that he may come to me; for I expect him with the brethren. 12  But concerning Apollos our brother, I encouraged him greatly to come to you with the brethren; and it was not at all his desire to come now, but he will come when he has opportunity. 13   Be on the alert, stand firm in the faith, act like men, be strong.  14  Let all that you do be done in love. 15  Now I urge you, brethren (you know the household of Stephanas, that they were the first fruits of Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves for ministry to the  saints),  16  that you also be in subjection to such men and to everyone who helps in the work and labors.

My Prayer:
O Father God, put a soberness in our hearts to serve You.  Awaken us and give us a zeal and a loving excitement for your work.  When times get tough, help us to stay and work and serve.  May we set our goals with You in heart and mind, rather than our own comfort.  Help us to desire and pursue the information from your word, and teach us to shun the barrage of fodder from the world and Satan.  We are in information overload, O Father, save us from ourselves.  Teach us that doing everything, is not necessarily doing the right and profitable thing.  Help us to discern the right.   May we intentionally choose each day whom we will serve.   In the name of our Lord,        Amen.