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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Feb 28, 2025 at 5:59 AM

Subject: 2-28-25 THOUGHTS

2-28-25   THOUGHTS

I pray often that my God will complete the good work He started in me years ago.  I pray that for our congregation.  Key ideas starting at verse 9 are...  Abounding love, real knowledge, and all discernment.  Our ability to APPROVE THE EXCELLENT, is important.   Testing and examination are part of the word “approve”. The 2020 NASB uses “discover”.  We are to test the things that are excellent.  We are to discover what matters!  The result is that we are sincere and blameless, filled with the FRUIT of righteousness.  Christ be glorified, and God be praised!  

Php 1:6-11     For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.  7   For it is only right for me to feel this way about you all, because I have you in my heart, since both in my imprisonment and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers of grace with me.  8  For God is my witness, how I long for you all with the affection of Christ Jesus.  9  And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in real knowledge and all discernment,  10  so that you may approve the things that are excellent, in order to be sincere and blameless until the day of Christ;  11  having been filled with the fruit of righteousness which comes through Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

My Prayer:
Father, may love abound in us as we hold  each other in our hearts.   May that love abound  more and more.  Help us to bear fruit in the Kingdom of Christ.  Teach us discernment and the ability to approve the excellent.  Help us to focus on what matters and not get troubled with the trivial and the things which impede our growth in Christ Jesus.  All glory and praise to You.  O Father God.  In the name of our Savior,    Amen.