From: "Phil Rembleski" <PHIl@rescuechurchofchrist.org>
To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"
Sent: Fri, Jun 4, 2021 at 5:40 AM
Subject: 6-4-21 THOUGHTS
6-4-21 THOUGHTS
1Pet 5:1-9 Therefore, I exhort the elders among you, as your fellow elder and witness of the sufferings of Christ, and a partaker also of the glory that is to be revealed, 2 shepherd the flock of God among you, exercising oversight not under compulsion, but voluntarily, according to the will of God; and not for sordid gain, but with eagerness; 3 nor yet as lording it over those allotted to your charge, but proving to be examples to the flock. 4 And when the Chief Shepherd appears, you will receive the unfading crown of glory. 5 You younger men, likewise, be subject to your elders; and all of you, clothe yourselves with humility toward one another, for GOD IS OPPOSED TO THE PROUD, BUT GIVES GRACE TO THE HUMBLE. 6 Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you at the proper time, 7 casting all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you. 8 Be of sober spirit, be on the alert. Your adversary, the devil, prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. 9 But resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same experiences of suffering are being accomplished by your brethren who are in the world.
In the above, there are instructions to elders and to their flock. Whatever you get from this, love and humble cooperation seem to be at the root! Nothing is selfish here, but voluntary, according to God’s will, with eagerness! We are to be of sober spirit and alert, firm in our faith. PRIDE and HUMILITY are used in the same sentence above. It is powerfully stated which is pleasing to God!
Eph 5:19-21 speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody with your heart to the Lord; 20 always giving thanks for all things in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ to God, even the Father; 21 and be subject to one another in the fear of Christ.
Eph 6:10-11 Finally, be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might. 11 Put on the full armor of God, so that you will be able to stand firm against the schemes of the devil.
Titus 2:11-14 For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation to all men, 12 instructing us to deny ungodliness and worldly desires and to live sensibly, righteously and godly in the present age, 13 looking for the blessed hope and the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior, Christ Jesus, 14 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds.
My Prayer:
O God,, help us to always be zealous and diligent in the pursuit of our relationship to you. May we see your Grace and Love in every breath we take. May your great love destroy our selfishness. Take away every pretense to make life about ourselves. Help us to be humble and never proud. Help us to be of sober spirit and alert. Teach us to always wait for the coming of Jesus. In the name of our Savior Amen