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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Fri, Jun 7, 2024 at 5:34 AM

Subject: 6-7-24 THOUGHTS

6-7-24   THOUGHTS

Do we live “shadow boxing” lives?  Arms flailing around in a fight, but nothing but air to hit.  This is Paul’s example.  Roman contest games were serious business.  We are encouraged here to emulate the characteristics of those in these games. He says “run in such a way that you may win!”  Self-control is mentioned.   Paul then says he doesn’t run “without aim”!  There is power in this discussion.  He is worried that he might preach good and right things to others and then miss the mark himself. As we run the race that we call LIFE, there can be no doubt that we might be disqualified.  Our key is found in Deut 6:4-5    "Hear, O Israel! The LORD is our God, the LORD is one! 5  "You shall love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your might.”  One more time...  “We are discussing the QUALITY OF OUR ALL!”  Not winning is not an option.  Ours is a forever prize.  

1Cor 9:23-27   I do all things for the sake of the gospel, so that I may become a fellow partaker of it. 24 Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but only one receives the prize? Run in such  a way that you may win. 25  Everyone who competes in the games exercises self-control in all things. They then do it to receive a perishable wreath, but we an imperishable. 26  Therefore I run in such a way, as not without aim; I box in such a way, as not beating the air; 27  but I discipline my body and make it my slave, so that, after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified.

My Prayer:
Father God, help us to understand in the truest way what ALL means. Focus us that Christ may be our life.  May we see the Church as You see it, and not as a building on a lot.  May we learn true fellowship as you envisioned it in the Church design. Remove us from comfort to a transformation.  Help us to launch out into deeper waters for the sake of the Kingdom.  Give our lives aim and focus, and a zeal to perform what we know.  We love and praise you, may we follow You with our all.       In the name of our Lord,    Amen..