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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Feb 24, 2025 at 5:57 AM

Subject: 2-24-25 THOUGHTS

2-24-25   THOUGHTS

Paul talks about preaching the gospel of Christ.  His imprisonment has turned  out to be a good thing.  Some have seen what has happened to him and are more bold to speak out about Jesus. Various others are preaching Jesus for various reasons.  It’s all good!  Paul is sure he is doing what he needs to do!  Boldness and expectation of deliverance with hope,  give Paul power in the doing.  Christ exalted in his body.  21  “For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.”  I am a force for good, and truth and Jesus the Christ, I must live up to my potential!

Php 1:12-21    Now I want you to know, brethren, that my circumstances have turned out for the greater progress of the gospel, 13  so that my imprisonment in the cause of Christ has become well known throughout the whole praetorian guard and to everyone else,  14  and that most of the brethren, trusting in the Lord because of my imprisonment, have far more courage to speak the word of God without fear.  15  Some, to be sure, are preaching Christ even from envy and strife, but some also from good will; 16  the latter do it out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel;  17  the former proclaim Christ out of selfish ambition rather than from pure motives, thinking to cause me distress in my imprisonment.  18  What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is proclaimed; and in this I rejoice. Yes, and I will rejoice, 19  for I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayers and the provision of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20  according to my earnest expectation and hope, that I will not be put to shame in anything, but that with all boldness, Christ will even now, as  always, be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death.  21  For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.

My Prayer:
Father, help us realize our potential for the Kingdom.  May we see our place with You in the saving of souls.  Empower us with great zeal and a love springing from Your great love.  Help us to rejoice as we grow.  Excite us as we embrace the very purpose we were created for. Help us, O God, to see the souls around us. We lift You up and praise You.  In the name of Jesus,   Amen.