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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Dec 30, 2024 at 6:12 AM

Subject: 12-30-24 THOUGHTS

12-30-24   THOUGHTS

We end one year and begin another.  We think of a New Year!  God is the author of new beginnings.  As we met together last evening, we read a number of passages dealing with new songs, and new roads and new beginnings and new worlds!  2Cor 5:17   “Therefore if anyone is in Christ, [he is] a new creature; the old things passed away; behold, new things have come.” Jer 29:11-13   "For I know the plans that I have for you,’ declares the LORD, ‘plans for welfare and not for calamity to give you a future and a hope. 12  ‘Then you will call upon Me and come and pray to Me, and I will listen to you. 13  ‘You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart."   Our new year will be HAPPY, when and as we grow closer to our God!  

Rev 21:1-7    Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth; for the first heaven and the first earth passed away, and there is no longer any sea. 2  And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, made ready as a bride adorned for her husband. 3  And I heard a loud voice from the throne, saying, "Behold, the tabernacle of God is among men, and He will dwell among them, and they shall be His people, and God Himself will be among them, 4  and He will wipe away every tear from their eyes; and there will no longer be any death; there will no longer be any mourning, or crying, or pain; the first things have passed away." 5  And He who sits on the throne said, "Behold, I am making all things new." And He *said, "Write, for these words are faithful and true." 6  Then He said to me, "It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. 7  "He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.

My Prayer:
You, O God, have given to us the water of life without cost.  Help us to thirst powerfully.  Guide us to overcoming!  You are our God... may we dwell in Your presence continually.  May we help each other to abide in You.  With renewed hearts and efforts, may we be better fishers of men.  Help us love our neighbors with the joy of your salvation.  As new creatures, help us to engage our world for its eternal benefit.  May we be salt and light, fruitful in all righteousness. We love and praise You in the name of Jesus,   Amen.