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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Feb 9, 2024 at 5:05 AM

Subject: 2-9-24 THOUGHTS

Safety is a pleasant and beautiful word to us.  Peace and safety are often used together.  Righteous behavior and trusting God are given as fitting for us.  The godly man is held up.  As the psalm closes, a glad heart,  peaceful sleep and safety come from God alone!  The Philippians 4 reading just seemed right.  addition.

Ps 4:1-8     Answer me when I call, O God of my righteousness! You have relieved me in my distress; Be gracious to me and hear my prayer.  2  O sons of men, how long will my honor become a reproach? How long will you love what is worthless and aim at deception? Selah.  3  But know that the LORD has set apart the godly man for Himself; The LORD hears when I call to Him.  4  Tremble, and do not sin; Meditate in your heart upon your bed, and be still. Selah.  5  Offer the sacrifices of righteousness, And trust in the LORD.  6  Many are saying, "Who will show us any good?" Lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, O LORD!  7  You have put gladness in my heart, More than when their grain and new wine abound. 8  In peace I will both lie down and sleep, For You alone, O LORD, make me to dwell in safety.
Php 4:4-8   Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice!  5  Let your gentle spirit be known to all men. The Lord is near. 6  Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. 7  And the peace of God, which surpasses all comprehension, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.  8  Finally, brethren, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is of good repute, if there is any excellence and if anything worthy of praise, dwell on these things.

My Prayer:
Father, any goodness in our lives comes from You.  Hear our begging for peace and safety,  O God.  We live in times when men increasingly take both peace and safety from each other.  We pray for a kinder world and a people who seek You rather than self.  Help us to dwell on the excellent and true.  Put gladness in our hearts and lift up the light of Your countenance upon us.  Please guard our hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.  

We pray in the precious name of our Lord,    Amen.