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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Sep 26, 2023 at 5:46 AM

Subject: 9-26-23 THOUGHTS

9-26-23   THOUGHTS

I suppose that if there is anything I need in my life it is focus and priority.  Paul speaks to that in our reading this morning.  In verse 13, he declares “THIS ONE THING I DO”!  We do so many things so continually.  We seem to think that ACTIVITY IS PROFIT?  LIVING IN THE PRESENT is not typically American.  Paul states his goal...  “Attaining to the resurrection from the dead”.   He understands that a break with the past is necessary, and that a pressing on will be needed in order to LAY HOLD on that which Christ Jesus has already laid hold on him.  So we are to reach forward and upward, longing for our worthy goal.  If there is anything we need in this day and age, it’s focus and priority.  When eternity dawns, I want to be with God!  

Php 3:9-16     and may be found in Him, not having a righteousness of my own derived from the Law, but that which is through faith in Christ, the righteousness which comes from God on the basis of faith, 10  that I may know Him and the power of His resurrection and flailing fellowship of His sufferings, being conformed to His death; 11  in order that I may attain to the resurrection from the dead. 12  Not that I have already obtained it or have already become perfect, but I press on so that I may lay hold of that for which also I was laid hold of by Christ Jesus. 13  Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, 14  I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. 15  Let us therefore, as many as are perfect, have this attitude; and if in anything you have a different attitude, God will reveal that also to you;  16  however, let us keep living by that same standard to which we have attained.

My Prayer:
O God of heaven, keep us from the never-ending flailings of this worldly life. Teach us to set our affections on things above. May we make Christ our life, and with power, pursue the things that store up treasure in heaven.  We pray for names written in Your book of life.  Give us the joy that comes as we follow after the things of salvation.  Bless our lives with a heavenly walk in Your presence, O Lord.  May we seek You eternally with our whole heart, mind and body.  Help us  make the investment, O God, for it is right and necessary, and blessed.  Remind us that we are bought with a price.      In Jesus’ name,         Amen.