Author: Phil Rehberg

Weekly Word Of Encouragement – We Will See Him

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“For now we see only a reflection as in a mirror; then we shall see face to face.” I Cor. 13:12 (NIV) When Mt. St. Helens erupted in 1980 I heard that I could see the plumes of smokes and ash if I looked to the south. But I didn’t just sit contently in my living room. I wanted to see it for myself. I went outside and sure enough I could the huge dark plume over 100 miles away. It was incredible to know that an explosion the size of a nuclear bomb had disintegrated the peak of a mountain – and I could see it with my own eyes. Seeing it made it more real, even though I believed it was there whether I saw it or not. Likewise, we see reflections of Jesus now, but one day we will see face to face. And that will be the greatest Continue Reading →

community of people

Our Motives In Relationships – Imitation of Christ Chapter Eight

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You should love all people, but don’t share your heart with just anyone. Rather, open up to someone who is wise and godly. Don’t try to better yourself by making friends with important people, rather make friends with the humble and devout. And edify others when you speak. Guard yourself against improper romantic entanglements. Instead, direct everyone to God. He is your primary friend. Avoid any attempt to exalt yourself before others. Others are often not what they seem, nor are we. Thus it is unwise to try to impress others. “make friends with the humble and devout” We might hear that someone is wonderful and think that we should endear ourselves to them. But when we meet them we realize they lack much virtue. On the other hand, we might think others will be impressed by our virtues but they are disappointed when they meet us. Hence, self promotion Continue Reading →

Weekly Word Of Encouragement – Everyone Gets To Play

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“A spiritual gift is given to each of us so we can help each other.” I Cor 12:7 (NLT) How fantastic is this? Everyone in the Lord has a spiritual gift that allows them to help others. This is one of the great leveling passages in scripture. Wealth, status, title and influence do not help someone be more gifted. The believer who has none of these has a gift, just as the most prominent believer does. Furthermore, the privileged need the gifts of the less privileged. The strong need the weak, and the successful need the struggling. So always be encouraged that you have a gift, or several gifts, that help others. God does not play favorites – the last shall be first. You are greatly valued by God. P.S. Leaders can multiply the ministry in their fellowships just by making it a top priority to discover spiritual gifts and deploying Continue Reading →

humility

Humility About The Things We Have – Imitation Of Christ Chapter Seven

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The one who trusts in people or things instead of God is wasting their life. And don’t rely on yourself but rely on God. Don’t trust in your education or the abilities of people. Instead, trust in God who opposes the proud and gives His blessings to the humble. Don’t boost your image with your wealth or important friends. Instead give thanks to God who is the source of all good things. He is the great giver and even gave Himself for us. Don’t think you are wonderful because of your strength or beauty; it only takes one illness or accident to lose them. Don’t be arrogant about your abilities; God is not happy when we take the credit for our blessings. Don’t think of yourself as better than others or God will think worse of you. Don’t be proud about your good works. God knows what is in your Continue Reading →

Weekly Word Of Encouragement – Fellowship With The Blood & Body Of Christ

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“Is not the cup of thanksgiving for which we give thanks a participation in the blood of Christ? And is not the bread that we break a participation in the body of Christ?” I Cor 10:16 (NIV) “Participation” in this verse is the same word that is translated “fellowship” in other places. Thus, we have fellowship with the blood and body of Christ. Obviously, this is a mysterious experience but it is no less real because we don’t know the details. How encouraging is it that we fellowship intimately with Christ in the Lord’s Supper. In fact, this is an example of healthy biblical mysticism, not an escapist ecstatic mysticism that prioritizes experience over truth and love. Application: pick one or two words from the verse that help you and repeat it to yourself throughout the day or week. God Will Reward The Pure – Weekly Words Of EncouragementNovember 17, Continue Reading →