Author: Phil Rehberg

Trials Don’t Separate Us From Christ’s Love – Weekly Word Of Encouragement

Posted on by

“Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? Shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or danger, or sword?” Romans 8:35 (ESV) It is interesting that in the same sentence about Christ’s love we have a list of terrible things that our loving God allows in our life. Why is this? Because God’s first priority is our Christformation, not comfortable circumstances. In vv. 28-29 we learned that all things work to conform us to the image of Christ. And the truth we always know is that Christ loves us no matter what terrible thing is happening to us. In those times God is actively transforming us into someone who can abide in peace and faith no matter what is happening. His love is always there, and even our own feelings that God isn’t there don’t separate us from Christ’s love. Simple application: put your name in Continue Reading →

solitude prayer

Solitude Transforms Us

Posted on by

At first, solitude may feel monotonous or like a heavy burden. If you seek out spiritual guidance and patiently practice it, then in time solitude becomes a close friend. Then our soul has developed an important spiritual affection. If we don’t persevere in solitude until it becomes natural for us then it will always feel like an unpleasant task. In solitude we learn to take our sins seriously and view them as God does. If we tend to overlook our sins, solitude gives us time to feel the proper remorse. Every sin is a sin against a relationship. Should God grant us spiritual sweetness if we are not remorseful about our sins? In solitude we remember that the distractions of the world will all turn to dust. In solitude we have time to fully absorb God’s word. Solitude and the word equip us to minister to others. Does it please Continue Reading →

solitude prayer

Solitude Opens Up Our Friendship With God

Posted on by

Authentic relationship with God grows in community but it also requires solitude. We need time to shut everything else off and just be with God in Christ. In solitude we can focus on giving to God and receiving from him. In solitude we can meditate on Jesus and on scripture which produces deep change in us. In our meditation we should frequently remember all that God has given us. In meditation we also open up to the sins and weaknesses God wants to purify. It is hard to find time for prayer and meditation but if you cut out trivial conversations and activities then you will find enough time. Then you must determine a way to find solitude, just as Jesus did early in the morning. Find a time and place where you can escape. It is in solitude that our relationship with God grows deep and strong. Just as Continue Reading →

exercise

Activating Our New Will

Posted on by

Do you find that you lack willpower to make the godly choices you want to make? Do you find yourself repeating the same fault over and over? Perhaps your willpower needs some exercise. When God gave us a new birth this included a new will. Just as our new mind and new affections should grow spiritually stronger so too should our new will. Every part of us should grow more Christlike. If we sharpen our resolve to overcome the Enemy and to control our destructive desires, then we will soon find victory over temptations to our flesh. In this battle it is helpful to avoid wasteful activities and instead make good use of our time by pursuing activities that edify ourselves or others. Also, spiritual disciplines will produce solid growth of our new will. But we must remember to depend on the Spirit as we exercise our new will (Rom. Continue Reading →

reflection, meditaiton

Habits For Growth: Encouragement, Commitment, & Self-examination

Posted on by

Our inner virtues should match our outward appearance. This is not just for the benefit of others but also because God knows our hearts and judges our lives accordingly. Thus, we need to take care to walk pure in His presence just as the angels do. Daily spiritual habits will protect our growth. Each day we ought to encourage our hearts to be zealous for God and not lose our first love. Pray “God help me to keep my commitments and serve You faithfully today. Give me grace to love you well today. Change my inner self into the image of Christ.” Our progress will depend on how well we fulfill our responsibilities before the Lord. God keeps His responsibility; we only falter when we fail to keep ours. Thus our hearts must be fully committed each day. Even those who wholeheartedly commit themselves to God fall short sometimes; how Continue Reading →