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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Apr 26, 2023 at 6:18 AM

Subject: 4-26-23 THOUGHTS

4-26-23   THOUGHTS

Each time I choose a passage for our morning thoughts, I am awed by the power of God’s Word.  Verse 12 below tells me something of the power of the word of God.  It speaks to every aspect of our lives and being.  It seeks to make our minds after the mind of our Creator.  1John 4:8 & 16 tells us that “GOD IS LOVE”!  We then have our minds drawn to our great High Priest. Jesus. He bore the “man experience”, and thus is qualified to know our minds and hearts and feelings intimately.  The “draw near to the throne of grace” is an invitation to “abide with God”!  “Now, little children, abide in Him, so that when He appears, we may have confidence and not shrink away from Him in shame at His coming.”   1John 2:28  

Heb 4:11-16    Therefore let us be diligent to enter that rest, so that no one will fall, through following the same example of disobedience.  12  For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any two-edged sword, and piercing as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.  13  And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him with whom we have to do. 14  Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

My Prayer:
O God, help our diligence in pursuing the rest You provide.  Release us from our “Ho-Hum” lives to serve the cause that matters eternally.  May the gospel of Jesus Christ be known through us.  We are known by You and we will return to You.  Thank you for Jesus, our great high priest.  We know, O God, that when we are in need, grace and mercy are found with You.  Help us to hold fast the confession of our faith, no wavering.  Strengthen our faith and renew our inner being.  Teach us to lay our hearts bare before you in prayer, that we might profit as we grow toward you.  Teach us to love more fully, that we might bring that love to You.    In the name of our precious Lord,     Amen.