Author: Phil Rehberg

follow Jesus

Commitment To Follow – The Imitation of Christ: Chapter One

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Today’s post is an interpretation of the first chapter of the most popular devotional book in the history of Christianity, The Imitation of Christ. It was written by a monk (or possibly several monks) in the 15th century named Thomas a Kempis. The chapter has been clarified, condensed and changed in a few places, all with the hope that it will be easier to read without losing any of the power of the original. Notice how direct and challenging the author is; this style is not as popular today but does reflect the urgency found in scripture.   Imitation of Christ, Chapter One. Jesus said “Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness.” (John 8:12) He teaches us to follow his example if we want to see true light. Let us make it our highest priority to meditate on his life so we know how to follow his example. Those Continue Reading →

Weekly Word of Encouragement – We Have Every Spiritual Blessing

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“All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 (NLT) This is the ultimate encouragement! We have every spiritual blessing; they are stated all over the New Testament. The more we believe this the more we can let go of worldliness and experience the new life God gave us. Application: pick one or two words from the verse that help you and repeat it to yourself throughout the day or week. God Guides The Humble – Weekly Words Of EncouragementFebruary 2, 2026Overcoming A Fault That’s Beyond Your CharacterJanuary 23, 2026Hope In God – Weekly Words Of EncouragementJanuary 20, 2026

Heart in prayer

Poem On Delight In Prayer – 5th Century

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Lately I’ve been reading from a 5th century author named Macarius. However, Macarius was only his pen name; his true identity is unknown so he is referred to as Pseudo-Macarius. He lived somewhere in modern day Syria. In his diary John Wesley wrote: “I read Macarius and sang.” His  Fifty Spiritual Homilies are warm, positive and without the intellectual analysis found in many Church Fathers. He talks about the light of God in our souls, the felt love of the Spirit, the transforming power of the incarnation, purification and spiritual sweetness. Following is a selection from Homily 8 of The Fifty Spiritual Homilies. It was not originally written as a poem and has no title. I just arranged it into stanzas myself. Between translation and arrangement it doesn’t have ideal poetic structure, but I still think it is beautiful. It is about the delight that the Spirit sometimes brings in prayer. Even though I can’t experience this right Continue Reading →

Weekly Word Of Encouragement – We Will Be Completely Good!

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“But we who live by the Spirit eagerly wait to receive by faith the righteousness God has promised to us.” Gal 5:5 In this life we live in “momentary light affliction” when we fight our old self with its selfish and destructive desires, but we can set our heart on the fact that God will transform us into perfection one day. Application: pick one or two words from the verse that help you and repeat it to yourself throughout the day or week. God Guides The Humble – Weekly Words Of EncouragementFebruary 2, 2026Overcoming A Fault That’s Beyond Your CharacterJanuary 23, 2026Hope In God – Weekly Words Of EncouragementJanuary 20, 2026

humility

Upside-Down Leadership – Part 2

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Last week we looked at three foundational attitudes for leadership: thinking of oneself as a student, a servant, and a messenger. Together these attitudes form humility in us. Today we build on humility with more ideas that deepen humility and equip us for mature leadership, whether we lead as a parent, a spouse, an employee, or in ministry. This is a straightforward discussion so please don’t get offended. Truly Love People. This means our heart is committed to the well being of the people we serve, with at least some measure of affection. If we don’t truly love the people then we need to find a way to change our heart or reconsider our calling. Be Weak and Strong. We are a flower in the field but also an anchor in the storm. This sounds like a paradox but it actually makes a lot of sense. Jesus made himself vulnerable for Continue Reading →