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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Apr 29, 2022 at 6:26 AM

Subject: 4-29-22 THOUGHTS

4-29-22   THOUGHTS

It’s poetic, but the idea that the “highways to Zion are in our hearts” is marvelous to me as I approach this day in hope!  Much blessing for the person of God is described in this reading.  Of verse 7, the sense is ““Going they increase in strength, until they appear before God in Zion.” [DeWette, in Barnes].  I see a fellowship theme here.  Will you say with me... “I had rather be a doorkeeper in the house of my God, than to dwell in the tents of wickedness.”  Surely, “a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.”  The “every one of them” terminology in verse 7, reminds me of Eph 4:11-16.  Verse 13a says “until we all attain to the unity of the faith, and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to a mature man”.  There is a powerful and current lesson for us here!  Let the words in the reading below roll around in your mind and heart for a while.  I will join you.  

Ps 84:1-12     How lovely are Your dwelling places, O LORD of hosts! 2  My soul longed and even yearned for the courts of the LORD; My heart and my flesh sing for joy to the living God.  3  The bird also has found a house, And the swallow a nest for herself, where she may lay her young, Even Your altars, O LORD of hosts, My King and my God. 4  How blessed are those who dwell in Your house! They are ever praising You. Selah.  5  How blessed is the man whose strength is in You, In whose heart are the highways to Zion! 6  Passing through the valley of Baca they make it a spring; The early rain also covers it with blessings. 7  They go from strength to strength, Every one of them appears before God in Zion. 8  O LORD God of hosts, hear my prayer; Give ear, O God of Jacob! Selah. 9  Behold our shield, O God, And look upon the face of Your anointed. 10 .For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand outside.   I would rather stand at the threshold of the house of my God Than dwell in the tents of wickedness.  11  For the LORD God is a sun and shield; The LORD gives grace and glory; No good thing does He withhold from those who walk uprightly. 12  O LORD of hosts, How blessed is the man who trusts in You!

Of Moses...  “choosing rather to endure ill-treatment with the people of God than to enjoy the passing pleasures of sin,”  Heb 11:25

My Prayer:
Lord,  give us a sober zeal as we seek to live for you.  Write your mind on our hearts, may we learn to abide in you.  Teach us to pray, O God, not so much functionally, but in the Spirit.  Help us to rejoice in the heavenly, and teach us to choose You, rather than the passing pleasures of sin.  Give us a clear vision of eternal Zion.  Teach us the joy of a day in your house.   It’s in Jesus that we pray always,   Amen