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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Mon, Jul 8, 2024 at 4:21 AM

Subject: 7-8-24 THOUGHTS

7-8-24   THOUGHTS    

The context of our reading today is one of persecution and difficult living. Chapter 11  is about the faithful whose faith was awesomely powerful.  They didn’t receive the promises actually, but their hearts saw those promises so clearly that it did not matter to them.  They knew who they were!  Heb 12:4 comes along and says “You have not yet resisted to the point of shedding blood in your striving against sin;”   These were truly tough times for the believer.  Verse 36 of our reading says “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised.”  Do not miss the power in verse 39... “But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.”

Heb 10:32-39  But remember the former days, when, after being enlightened, you endured a great conflict of sufferings,  33  partly by being made a public spectacle through reproaches and tribulations, and partly by becoming sharers with those who were so treated. 34  For you showed sympathy to the prisoners and accepted joyfully the seizure of your property, knowing that you have for yourselves a better possession and a lasting one. 35  Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward. 36  For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised. 37  FOR YET IN A VERY LITTLE WHILE, HE WHO IS COMING WILL COME, AND WILL NOT DELAY. 38  BUT MY RIGHTEOUS ONE SHALL LIVE BY FAITH; AND IF HE SHRINKS BACK,  MY SOUL HAS NO PLEASURE IN HIM. 39  But we are not of those who shrink back to destruction, but of those who have faith to the preserving of the soul.

My Prayer:
Father, God, help us to see and meet the battle wherever we find it. At least today, ours is not the worry of the shedding of blood so much as the ease in Zion.  Ours is to find light and truth and Spirit in the midst of powerful and  continual temptation with earthly pleasures.  The good life fights against the focused, dedicated, concentrated believer.  Make us know this, O God!  Help us learn discerning.  Help us to walk in the spirit and in the light.  May we bring love and light to this world.   Thank You Father, for Your truth and love in Christ Jesus.  In his name,    Amen.