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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Apr 17, 2024 at 5:47 AM

Subject: 4-17-24 THOUGHTS

4-17-24   THOUGHTS

Below, we are told to imitate God, and live a life of love!  Things are then listed that we are not to have even a HINT of in our lives.  It’s a powerful contrast of how people live.  God’s wrath is reserved for those who “have no inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God”.   We are “God’s holy people”, some things are improper for us!  We are told to “find out what pleases the Lord.”

Eph 5:1-10 NIV     Be imitators of God, therefore, as dearly loved children  2  and live a life of love, just as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God.  3 But among you there must not be even a hint of sexual immorality, or of any kind of impurity, or of greed, because these are improper for God’s holy people.  4  Nor should there be obscenity, foolish talk or coarse joking, which are out of place, but rather thanksgiving.  5  For of this you can be sure: No immoral, impure or greedy person—such a man is an  idolater—has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and of God.  6  Let no-one deceive you with empty words, for because of such things God’s wrath comes on those who are disobedient. 7  Therefore do not be partners with them.  8  For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Live as children of light  9  (for the fruit of the light consists in all goodness,  righteousness and truth)  10  and find out what pleases the Lord.

My Prayer:
O Father God, accept our praise and honor and love.  Help us to imitate You, and live lives of love.  Help us to diligently seek out and learn what pleases You. May we walk in light, bearing the fruit of light.  Remind us that we are Your holy people, and that some things are just not proper for God’s people.  Help us to live as children of light.         In the name of Jesus,    Amen.