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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Thu, May 4, 2023 at 6:16 AM

Subject: 5-4-23 THOUGHTS

5-4-23   THOUGHTS

Michael’s lesson last Sunday morning suggested that we need to make space in our lives in order for God to fill that space.  In our “run-run, hustle-bustle world”, I’m inclined to believe that this is a point we should think most seriously about.  David uses the word “CLING”, below.  What do we give time and effort to that we might “cling” to it?  Do I “delight” in God’s way?   Sometimes making space for God is as simple as turning off the “NOISE IN OUR LIVES!”  Frantic schedules, tunes from ear buds, screens of “everything and nothing...”.     Maybe some personal ALONENESS will give God space to come sit beside us?  We “abide in the vine”, as God’s mind abides in us.  I pray that we will not miss this quiet project of eternity.  PURSUE the JOY OF GOD’S PRESENCE!  

Ps 119:30-50     I have chosen the faithful way; I have placed Your ordinances before me. 31  I cling to Your testimonies; O LORD, do not put me to shame! 32  I shall run the way of Your commandments, For You will enlarge my heart. 33   He. Teach me, O LORD, the way of Your statutes, And I shall observe it to the end. 34  Give me understanding, that I may observe Your law And keep it with all my heart. 35   Make me walk in the path of Your commandments, For I delight in it. 36  Incline my heart to Your testimonies And not to dishonest gain. 37   Turn away my eyes from looking at vanity, And revive me in Your ways. 38   Establish Your word to Your servant, As that which produces reverence for You. 39   Turn away my reproach which I dread, For Your ordinances are good. 40   Behold, I long for Your precepts; Revive me through Your righteousness. 41   May Your lovingkindnesses also come to me, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your word; 42  So I will have an answer for him who reproaches me, For I trust in Your word. 43   And do not take the word of truth utterly out of my mouth, For I wait for Your ordinances. 44  So I will keep Your law continually, Forever and ever. 45   And I will walk at liberty, For I seek Your precepts. 46  I will also speak of Your testimonies before kings And shall not be ashamed. 47  I shall delight in Your commandments, Which I love. 48  And I shall lift up my hands to Your commandments, Which I love; And I will meditate on Your statutes. 49   Remember the word to Your servant, In which You have made me hope. 50   This is my comfort in my affliction, That Your word has revived me.

My Prayer:
Give us a reviving in Your ways, O God.  May we pursue the nearer still nearer, closer walk with Thee.  Help us, that Your mind will become our mind.  Give us comfort in our aloneness, that You O Mighty One, may fill us.  May Your loving kindnesses also come to us, O LORD, Your salvation according to Your word.   Give us delight as we seek You.  Help us, O Father, to cling to you.     In the name of Jesus,     Amen.