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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Wed, Aug 11, 2021 at 6:06 AM

Subject: 8-11-21 THOUGHTS

8-11-21 THOUGHTS

We looked at passages yesterday about God being our eternal GUARD. We have a problem in this world.  A WAR WAGES between good and evil, and you and I are caught up in this war.  GOD IS GOOD and SATAN IS EVIL.    
The last of the temptations of Christ by Satan reads as follows:
Luke 4:9-13    And he led Him to Jerusalem and had Him stand on the pinnacle of the temple, and said to Him, "If You are the Son of God, throw Yourself down from here; 10  for it is written, ‘HE WILL COMMAND HIS ANGELS CONCERNING YOU TO GUARD YOU,’ 11  and, ‘ON their HANDS THEY WILL BEAR YOU UP, SO THAT YOU WILL NOT STRIKE YOUR FOOT AGAINST A STONE.’" 12  And Jesus answered and said to him, "It is said, YOU SHALL NOT PUT THE LORD YOUR GOD TO THE TEST.’" 13  When the devil had finished every temptation, he left Him until an opportune time.    
Satan is always there!  I believe this is saying that Satan wasn’t done with the Christ yet!
1Pet 5:8-11    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. 10 After you have suffered for a little while, the God of all grace, who called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself perfect, confirm, strengthen and establish you. 11  To Him be dominion forever and ever. Amen.
Eph 4:27 and do not give the devil an opportunity.
Eph 6:10-18    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. 12  For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the powers, against the world forces of this darkness, against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. 13  Therefore, take up the full armor of God, so that you will be able to resist in the evil day, and having done everything, to stand firm. 14  Stand firm therefore, HAVING GIRDED YOUR LOINS WITH TRUTH, and HAVING PUT ON THE BREASTPLATE OF RIGHTEOUSNESS, 15  and having shod YOUR FEET WITH THE PREPARATION OF THE GOSPEL OF PEACE; 16  in addition to all, taking up the shield of faith with which you will be able to extinguish all the flaming arrows of the evil one. 17  And take THE HELMET OF SALVATION, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. 18  With all prayer and petition pray at all times in the Spirit, and with this in view, be on the alert with all perseverance and petition for all the saints,
Jas 4:7    Submit therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.
Php 1:6   [For I am] confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.

My Prayer:
O Lord, help us to see more clearly and more continually the War in which we participate.  Make us serious and vigilant and dedicated to overcoming.  Keep us mindful of each other as your people.  Help to resist the devil and submit to you, always and in all things.  

 In Jesus name    Amen