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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Tue, Feb 4, 2025 at 5:52 AM

Subject: 2-4-25 THOUGHTS

2-4-25    THOUGHTS

May it be that each of us is living the abundant life!  We read below that this was Jesus' purpose in coming to this earth.  The abundant life is mostly the spiritual side of life, but when we live according to God’s ways, the physical is likewise blessed.  Which of our marriages has not been blessed by God’s LOVE?  Times get tough for all men and women,  but God’s children have a Rock to flee to.  We have HOPE to trust in and change our perspectives.  We have FAITH that conquers even beyond death. Life is a comprehensive whole that includes life after death.  There is a COMPLETE CENTERED SENSE in our BELIEF in God through Christ Jesus!  We know the Good Shepherd who willingly laid  His life down for us.  

John 10:10-18     "The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; . I came that they may have life, and have it abundantly.  11  "I am the good shepherd; the good shepherd lays down His life for the sheep. 12  "He who is a hired hand, and not a shepherd, who is not the owner of the sheep, sees the wolf coming, and leaves the sheep and flees, and the wolf snatches them and scatters them. 13  "He flees because he is a hired hand and is not concerned about the sheep.  14  "I am the good shepherd, and I know My own and My own know Me, 15  even as the Father knows Me and I know the Father; and I lay down My life for the sheep. 16  "I have other sheep, which are not of this fold; I must bring them also, and they will hear My voice; and they will become one flock with one shepherd. 17  "For this reason the Father loves Me, because I lay down My life so that I may take it again. 18  "No one has taken it away from Me, but I lay it down on My own initiative. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This commandment I received from My Father."

My Prayer:
Thank You, O God, for the sense and rightness of Your creation.  You have made us upright and we have sought out many inventions.  May Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.  Surely, may it be done in us with all love and zeal.  Help us as good sheep to follow the Good Shepherd. Teach us to know His voice.  Help us to be one flock with one Shepherd.  May our love for You, O God, permeate our love fellowship.  Teach us to die in order to live and to give in order to receive Your bounty.  Help us to walk in the light and in the spirit.  

In the blessed name of our Lord and Savior,   Amen.