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

To: "1111RESCUEMEMBERS"

Cc:

Sent: Thu, Aug 17, 2023 at 5:03 AM

Subject: 8-17-23 THOUGHTS

8-17-23   THOUGHTS

There is much life in the psalm below.  I believe some historical events are referred to.  The “feigned obedience” terminology right at the front is troubling.  Israel knows the power of God! They knew they ought to obey and worship Him.  So often they half-heartedly threw “worship fodder” toward heaven.  We must be careful lest we do the same!  Such become enemies and not friends.  John 15:14 "You are My friends if you do what I command you."  Maybe we see our task in life in verse 5?  We need to move men to “Come see the works of God”!   This is GOOD NEWS!   Surely this is God’s creative demonstration, but it must be CHRIST THE MESSIAH.   Verse 12 is summary.  God hears us, His loving kindness is everlasting.      Read Psalms 118.

Ps 66:1-20       Shout joyfully to God, all the earth;  2  Sing the glory of His name; Make His praise glorious. 3  Say to God, "How awesome are Your works! Because of the greatness of Your power Your enemies will give feigned obedience to You. 4  "All the earth will worship You, And will sing praises to You; They will sing praises to Your name."  5  Come and see the works of God, Who is awesome in His deeds toward the sons of men. 6  He turned the sea into dry land; They passed through the river on foot; There let us  rejoice in Him! 7  He rules by His might forever; His eyes keep watch on the nations; Let not the rebellious exalt themselves..  8  Bless our God, O peoples, And sound His praise abroad,  9  Who keeps us in life And does not allow our feet to slip.  10  For You have tried us, O God; You have refined us as silver is refined. 11  You brought us into the net; You laid an oppressive burden upon our loins.  12  You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.  13   I shall come into Your house with burnt offerings; I shall pay You my vows, 14  Which my lips uttered And my mouth spoke when I was in distress. 15  I shall offer to You burnt offerings of fat beasts, With the smoke of rams; I shall  make an offering of bulls with male goats. 16  Come and hear, all who fear God, And I will tell of what He has done for my soul. 17  I cried to Him with my mouth, And He was extolled with my tongue. 18  If I regard wickedness in my heart, The Lord will not hear; 19  But certainly God has heard; He has given heed to the voice of my prayer. 20  Blessed be God, Who has not turned away my prayer Nor His lovingkindness from me.

My Prayer:
Please, O God, do not allow our feet to slip.  May we never render feigned obedience.  Keep us real and alive, and awake and enthusiastic as we wait on You. Give us great pleasure as we invite men to see Your works.  Created in Your image, may we show that image to our world, without distortion.  May our love be the picture that allows Christ’s love to draw men.  May we tell of what God has done for our souls.  Your loving kindness is truly everlasting.  We praise You for being love.   In the name of Jesus,          Amen.