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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Dec 20, 2023 at 5:59 AM

Subject: 12-20-23

12-20-23   THOUGHTS

We use parts of the 119th psalm often to see the heart of a man that is totally sold on knowing God and following Him.  The MIND OF GOD is precious beyond comparison.  If that is just a preacher's sentence, God help you!  Finding God is our eternal purpose!  Deut 6:4-5  "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5  "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”  In Proverbs and Ecclesiastes, the idea of GOD’S WISDOM keeps showing up.  The idea is for man to KNOW GOD!  How to live will flow from the knowledge of God!  A pure heart knows and loves God, will follow God!  Listen to the promise at the end of our reading... “And nothing you desire compares with her. 16  Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. 17  Her ways are pleasant ways And all her paths are peace.”  
Maybe this is the “finding and losing” of Mark 8:35?
 
Prov 3:1-17    My son, do not forget my teaching, But let your heart keep my commandments;  2  For length of days and years of life And peace they will add to you. 3  Do not let kindness and truth leave you; Bind them around your neck, Write them on the tablet of your heart. 4  So you will find favor and good repute In the sight of God and man. 5  Trust in the LORD with all your heart And do not lean on your own understanding. 6  In all your ways acknowledge Him, And He will make your paths straight. 7   Do not be wise in your own eyes; Fear the LORD and turn away from evil. 8  It will be healing to your body And refreshment to your bones. 9  Honor the LORD from your wealth And from the first of all your produce; 10  So your barns will be filled with plenty And your vats will overflow with new wine. 11  My son, do not reject the discipline of the LORD Or loathe His reproof, 12  For whom the LORD loves He reproves, Even as a father corrects the son in whom he delights. 13  How blessed is the man who finds wisdom And the man who gains understanding. 14  For her profit is better than the profit of silver And her gain better than fine gold. 15  She is more precious than jewels; And nothing you desire compares with her. 16  Long life is in her right hand; In her left hand are riches and honor. 17  Her ways are pleasant ways  And all her paths are peace.

My Prayer:
Father, focus our eyes and hearts toward the eternal.  May we seek Your great eternal, all wise mind, and not fiddle with the things of self.  May we learn to love with our all.  We see Your grace and mercy and love in Christ Jesus.  May that vision control our lives and our hearts.  Give us a motivating zeal that excites and awakens us to the joy of Your salvation.  Help us to live powerfully and boldly for the eternal Kingdom.  May we exalt You and joyfully sing the song of Jesus. Help us to honor You with the first of our lives.     In His name,      Amen.