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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Jun 12, 2023 at 5:56 AM

Subject: 6-12-23 THOUGHTS

6-12-23   THOUGHTS

In his closing remarks to the elders at Ephesus, Paul gives us a way to live. This is almost equivalent to Jesus' last teaching as He washed feet!  Life may be found in these two teachings.  Life may also be lost by missing what is being said!  These are “WEIGHTIER MATTERS”!  “IT IS MORE BLESSED TO GIVE THAN TO RECEIVE.”
What are the principles embedded in this great truth?
1.  The SELF is down-played
2.  AGAPE LOVE is supported
3.  The SOURCE of all blessing is considered
4.  There is a CIRCLE OF BLESSING suggested.  Blessing seems to imply                      being blessed.
5.  Some things are MORE than others.  The Bible speaks of “PROFIT”!

Acts 20:31-38    "Therefore be on the alert, remembering that night and day for a period of three years I did not cease to admonish each one with tears. 32  "And now I commend you to God and to the word of His grace, which is able to build you up and to give you the inheritance among all those who are sanctified. 33  "I have coveted no one’s silver or gold or clothes.  34  "You yourselves know that these hands ministered to my own needs and to the men who were with me. 35  "In everything I showed you that by working hard in this manner you must help the weak and remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He Himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’" 36  When he had said these things, he knelt down and prayed with them all. 37  And they began to weep aloud and embraced Paul, and repeatedly kissed him, 38  grieving especially over the word which he had spoken, that they would not see his face again. And they were accompanying him to the ship.
Micah 6:8  NASB   “He has told you, O man, what is good; And what does the LORD require of you   But to do justice, to love kindness, And to walk humbly with your God?”
Micah 6:8   MB    “But he’s already made it plain how to live, what to do, what GOD is looking for in men and women.   It’s quite simple: Do what is fair and just to your neighbor, be compassionate and loyal in your love, And don’t take yourself too seriously—take God seriously.”

My Prayer:
Lord God, teach us to give cheerfully.  May we learn to give things to people in need, compassion to those who cannot care for themselves, and love to all people.  May we lift You up, O Father, as we humble ourselves, and put the self and the flesh in its right place.  Help to love kindness.  May we learn the joy of living for others as we promote Jesus in a hostile world.  Help us to think eternally, not in the short term.  Teach us to discern Satan’s lie every time.           In the name of Jesus,