Author: Phil Rehberg

Weekly words of encouragement

The Last Shall Be First – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“But many who are first will be last, and the last first. ” (Mark 10:31, NIV) This is one of the most encouraging promises Jesus ever made. He makes it clear that achievement in this life is not a requirement for everlasting happiness. Many who accomplish great things in this life and receive honor from the world will find themselves in last place in the next life. But many who are last in this life will have the greatest honor and privilege in the next life. Of course, we should pursue excellence in whatever our vocation is, and sometimes we will receive honor in this life. But eternal honor is based on how we follow Christ and follow his instructions for treating others. This life is short and so our indignities are brief compared to the eternal glory God is waiting to shower on us. Our Future Perfect CommunityNovember 14, Continue Reading →

shame

Overcoming Self-Rejection – Part 2

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Last week we began to look at the problems of shame and self-rejection. This week we will look at specific steps for healing these areas. In general, the process begins by finding solitude (or find someone to guide you) for at least an hour. Then you ask God to reveal any self-rejection and then open your heart and mind and be aware of anything that comes. Then view yourself at a time or times in your life. Reflect on how you view yourself. Then when self-rejection comes up then you nullify it by accepting yourself as you are. The specific steps are as follows are below, but this is only half of the process. Next week we will present the remainder. Preparation: It will be best to set aside at least an hour in silence and solitude. Please be certain about being in a place of silence without interruptions. It Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

All Things Are Possible – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“Everything is possible for one who believes.” Mark 9:23 (NIV) This is what Jesus told the father of the demon-possessed boy before he cast the demon out of the boy. In these words Jesus encourages us that he has the authority and power to do the miraculous and set people free. Faith can be a challenge but we don’t have to have gigantic faith to unleash the power of Jesus. We only need to keep our mind and heart set on trusting him, ignore unbelief, and exercise the faith that we have. Then we will see the power of God. Of course, we also have the responsibilities he has given us in his word, such as using wisdom, asking for prayer from others, asking according to Scripture, and seeking his will. Abide in him and all things are possible. Our Future Perfect CommunityNovember 14, 2025God Will Show Us Mercy – Continue Reading →

shame

Overcoming Self-Rejection – Part 1

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It is inevitable that we will do or experience things that contradict what we believe to be good or valuable, whether these beliefs come from our conscience or somewhere else. When this happens we have a sense of guilt, although this sense can be dim or even completely buried. This contradiction, or violation then produces a sense of dishonor, disgrace or inadequacy. This is shame. Shame easily becomes self-rejection when we let the sense of sense of dishonor, disgrace or inadequacy become a firm belief about ourselves. Self-rejection means that you have decided that you or part of you is devalued. The longer you live with shame the more likely it will become self-rejection. Self-rejection is self-destruction. In other words, if you don’t deal with your shame in the healthy and loving way God intends, then you will be damaged and crippled in that area. Self-rejection is opposition to God. Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

We Are Relatives Of Jesus – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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“For whoever does the will of God, he is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mark 3:35, ESV). Jesus’ mother and brothers came to see him and someone told Jesus about it. In spite of the powerful bonds that families had in ancient times Jesus reduces the significance of family bonds in comparison to one’s bond with God. One reason this is encouraging to many is that even if your family was dysfunctional or destructive, the family of God is far more important and valuable. This leads us to the biggest reason that this verse is encouraging: we have the privilege of being “relatives” of Jesus! If we do God’s will we are his brother and sister and mother. Performing rituals, singing songs, or knowing Scripture do not make someone a relative of Jesus. A disciple of Jesus is one who subordinates their will to God’s. Thirdly, even though he Continue Reading →