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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Nov 20, 2024 at 5:50 AM

Subject: 11-20-24 THOUGHTS

11-20-24   THOUGHTS

We often forget that we are engaged in a war that is much larger than ourselves.  There's a battle of good against evil going on in “heavenly places.”  We are a part of that war as we seek what is good and right.  Fight powerfully,  is the lesson of our reading.  2Cor  9:8   “And God is able to make all grace abound to you, so that always having all sufficiency in everything, you may have an abundance for every good deed;”   We are to “take up the full armor of God.”  We are to “stand firm” with developed ability.   Prayer, and persevering alertness are to be ever-present.  The kid’s song says  “It’s battlefield brother... not a recreation room.  It’s a fight and not a game!”

Eph 6:10-18   Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11  Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. 12  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places.   13  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm.  14  Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15  and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE;  16  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,

My Prayer:
Father, expand our minds and our world of vision.  Help us to see with eyes and hearts that are spiritual and eternal.  May we each be a child of eternity and not a worldly piece of meat.  Discipline us to overcome double-mindedness in our lives.  May we see Your ways at all times.  Draw us near to yourself.  We would abide in You.  Inflame our desire to live in Your presence.
You are a wonderful God, the only true and living God.   We love and praise You in the name of our Lord and Savior,    Amen.