From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Thu, Feb 16, 2023 at 5:51 AM
Subject: 2-16-23 THOUGHTS
2-16-23 THOUGHTS
If there is anything the Christian needs to sustain the soul and increase faith, it is God’s WORD! I worry that we see that as a dreary duty, a must take as medicine. In the 119th Psalm, David shows us a powerfully positive side to this process. He expresses over and over his excitement and pure desire to partake of God’s word! He tells us of the benefits he derives. All of life settles around the word ATTITUDE! There are two sources that compete for our WANTS... GOD & SATAN. The first uses SPIRITUAL, LONG-TERM tools to get to our desires. The second uses PHYSICAL LUST OF THE FLESH in all of it’s forms, most frequently, nothingness. The old adage “If you like what you are doing, you’ll never work a day.” comes to mind. We must overcome this dilemma! David is ETERNALLY RIGHT in the 119th Psalm.
Ps 119:57-80 The LORD is my portion; I have promised to keep Your words. 58 I sought Your favor with all my heart; Be gracious to me according to Your word. 59 I considered my ways And turned my feet to Your testimonies. 60 I hastened and did not delay To keep Your commandments. 61 The cords of the wicked have encircled me, But I have not forgotten Your law. 62 At midnight I shall rise to give thanks to You Because of Your righteous ordinances. 63 I am a companion of all those who fear You, And of those who keep Your precepts. 64 The earth is full of Your lovingkindness, O LORD; Teach me Your statutes. 65 You have dealt well with Your servant, O LORD, according to Your word. 66 Teach me good discernment and knowledge, For I believe in Your commandments. 67 Before I was afflicted I went astray, But now I keep Your word. 68 You are good and do good; Teach me Your statutes. 69 The arrogant have forged a lie against me; With all my heart I will observe Your precepts. 70 Their heart is covered with fat, But I delight in Your law. 71 It is good for me that I was afflicted, That I may learn Your statutes. 72 The law of Your mouth is better to me Than thousands of gold and silver pieces. 73 Your hands made me and fashioned me; Give me understanding, that I may learn Your commandments. 74 May those who fear You see me and be glad, Because I wait for Your word. 75 I know, O LORD, that Your judgments are righteous, And that in faithfulness You have afflicted me. 76 O may Your lovingkindness comfort me, According to Your word to Your servant. 77 May Your compassion come to me that I may live, For Your law is my delight. 78 May the arrogant be ashamed, for they subvert me with a lie; But I shall meditate on Your precepts. 79 May those who fear You turn to me, Even those who know Your testimonies. 80 May my heart be blameless in Your statutes, So that I will not be ashamed.
Gal 4:6 Because you are sons, God has sent forth the Spirit of His Son into our hearts, crying, "Abba! Father!"
My Prayer:
O Lord, help our hearts see the joy of your salvation. May a powerful desire to know every aspect of your majestic and glorious being invade our souls. Drive the petty from our lives, and help us focus on the true, and right and spiritual and eternal. May we groan for divine relationship. You O God, have offered that “ABBA” relationship, may we learn to accept, so that we may live the abundant life. May we see as David does above, the power of your word in our hearts, and its eternal necessity for us. In the name of our Savior, Amen.