From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Mon, Mar 6, 2023 at 5:58 AM
Subject: 3-6-23 THOUGHTS
3-6-23 THOUGHTS
Old thoughts, bound in the memory of His creation, is God’s way. A root system that produces growth is God’s design. As Jesus begins His teaching, some powerful characteristics are praised with an eye toward our being salt and light to our world. We are to bring glory to God! We are blessed because we take on the character desired for us by God. The world is blessed as it sees God in us. God is Glorified! Would that this is what we saw in today’s world! The Church has much work to do. Can we see the man or woman that is pictured below? Is it me? Is it you? Maybe it’s more “hungering and thirsting” that we need? I wonder if we can even imagine the power that is in the words below?
Matt 5:1-16 When Jesus saw the crowds, He went up on the mountain; and after He sat down, His disciples came to Him. 2 He opened His mouth and began to teach them, saying,
3 "Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
4 "Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.
5 "Blessed are the gentle, for they shall inherit the earth.
6 "Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.
7 "Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.
8 "Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.
9 "Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.
10 "Blessed are those who have been persecuted for the sake of righteousness, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
11 "Blessed are you when people insult you and persecute you, and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of Me. 12 "Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.
13 "You are the salt of the earth; but if the salt has become tasteless, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled under foot by men. 14 "You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden; 15 nor does anyone light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on the lampstand, and it gives light to all who are in the house. 16 "Let your light shine before men in such a way that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father who is in heaven.
My Prayer:
Make us children, O God, who are prepared and ready to glorify your great name. Help us to be what you want us to be. May we take on the characteristics that Jesus taught above. Help us to be salt and light in this world. May we learn hungering and thirsting, O Lord, that our service to You will become alive and powerful. Work in us and through us, O Father God. May we give diligence in these things to make our calling and election sure. In Jesus’ name, Amen.