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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Dec 11, 2024 at 5:55 AM

Subject: 12-11-24 THOUGHTS

12-11-24   THOUGHTS

It is human nature to want to be esteemed by those around us.  Jesus, in this first round of teaching addresses the human condition and the problems that come if we fail to properly apply self-control.  If our concern is us... (ME), we are not concerned about God!  First things must always be first!  Jesus chooses prayer to illustrate.  Nothing sets us in closer relationship to God than prayer.  The suppression and death of self  is the very beginning of our relationship with God!
Matt 10:39  "He who has found his life will lose it, and he who has lost his life for My sake will find it.
Luke 9:23  And He was saying to [them] all, "If anyone wishes to come after Me, he must deny himself, and take up his cross daily and follow Me.               Read Gal 2:20!

Matt 6:1-8    "Beware of practicing your righteousness before men to be noticed by them; otherwise you have no reward with your Father who is in heaven.  2  "So when you give to the poor, do not sound a trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, so that they may be honored by men.  Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 3  "But when you give to the poor, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, 4  so that your giving will be in secret; and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you.  5  "When you pray, you are not to be like the hypocrites; for they love to stand and pray in the synagogues and on the street corners so that they may be seen by men. Truly I say to you, they have their reward in full. 6  "But you, when you pray, go into your inner room, close your door and pray to your Father who is in secret, and your Father who sees what is done in secret will reward you. 7  "And when you are praying, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they suppose that they will be heard for their many words. 8  "So do not be like them; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him.

My Prayer:
Help us, Father, to continually learn self-control.  Remove from us Satan’s power to promote ourselves. May we continually see Your throne of glory, and the awesome gift of Jesus who has set us free.  May we walk humbly in Your sight, giving ourselves for the salvation of men and women who need a Savior.  May it be Your plan and not ours, O God.  Show us the joy in self-denying love.   In the name of Jesus,   Amen.