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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Feb 19, 2025 at 5:52 AM

Subject: 2-19-25 THOUGHTS

2-19-25    THOUGHTS

The idea of “GIVING BEING A BLESSING,”  evades most people.  That is true of verse 30 in our reading also...  "But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.”  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.’”   John 12:24   "Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.”
God’s ways are not man’s ways.  Fundamentally, the key to Eternity with God may rest in us truly grasping these principles.  Deut 6:4-6   "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. 6  These words, which I am commanding you today, shall be on your heart.”

Matt 19:21-22  Jesus said to him, "If you wish to be complete, go and sell your possessions and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; and come, follow Me."  22  But when the young man heard this statement, he went away grieving; for he was one who owned much property.
Matt 19:25-30    When the disciples heard this, they were very astonished and said, "Then who can be saved?"   26  And looking at them Jesus said to them, "With people this is impossible, but with God all things are possible."  27  Then Peter said to Him, "Behold, we have left everything and followed You; what then will there be for us?" 28  And Jesus said to them, "Truly I say to you, that you who have followed Me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man will sit on His glorious throne, you also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.  29  "And everyone who has left houses or brothers or sisters or father or mother or children or farms for My name’s sake, will receive many times as much, and will inherit eternal life.  30  "But many who are first will be last; and the last, first.

My Prayer:
O God, please make our impossible, possible.  Impute to us the things that we cannot do or be. We would be holy, O God.   Teach us in every breath to deny self and die to You.  Show us and remind us of what ALL means as we love You.   May our hearts be single and pure as we seek You with all our might.  No games for us, dear God, give us pure, Christ-centered, hearts that yearn powerfully for a sweet presence with You.  May we abide in Your  presence, dear God.   In the name of our  Christ,   Amen.