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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Jun 19, 2024 at 6:02 AM

Subject: 6-19-24 THOUGHTS

6-19-24   THOUGHTS

OUR God is kind and merciful, gracious and loving!  His plan to save us, perfected  by Jesus His son, is wonderful and awesome.  The words  “poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior,” speak volumes!  So do the words  “we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life.”    We are consequently to be “careful to engage in good deeds.”  This is said twice in our reading.  Some things are mentioned that we need to stay away from.   As engaging in good deeds is mentioned twice, the latter adds “to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.”  These thoughts are good for us to think on and pray about.  They are good and profitable for us.  

Titus 3:4-15     But when the kindness of  God our Savior and His love for mankind appeared, 5  He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit, 6  whom He poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, 7  so that being justified by His grace we would be made heirs according to the hope of eternal life. 8  This is a trustworthy statement; and concerning these things I want you to speak confidently, so that those who have believed God will be careful to engage in good deeds. These things are good and profitable for men.  9  But avoid foolish controversies and genealogies and strife and disputes about the Law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.  10  Reject a factious man after a first and second warning,  11  knowing that such a man is perverted and is sinning, being self-condemned. 12  When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, make every effort to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend  the winter there. 13  Diligently help Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way so that nothing is lacking for them.  14  Our people must also learn to engage in good deeds to meet pressing needs, so that they will not be unfruitful.  15  All who are with me greet you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.

My Prayer:
Help us O Father, to engage in good deeds continually, and to be joyful in the doing of them.  As we see Your kindness and love in the saving of us through Christ Jesus, may our zeal to be Your children overflow.  Revive our wanting to know You fully.  Please,  O Lord,  keep us from being unfruitful.  May we desire to make a mark on this world for You, O Lord, as light and salt.  You have done so marvelously for us, O God, help us to respond as we should. We love, and praise, and honor You, may that show in our lives, beginning today.    In Jesus’ name,    Amen.