Author: Phil Rehberg

discernment

Pursuing Better Discernment

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Discernment is an essential trait for maturity. Paul prays for the Philippians: “It is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment so that you may approve what is excellent, and so be pure and blameless for the day of Christ” (Phil. 1:9-10, ESV). Thus, knowledge and discernment are needed in order to grow in love and pursue excellence and holiness in Christ. Discernment keeps us on the path to our destiny on the New Earth. If we lack discernment, then we will be prone to wasting days or years on detours pursuing teachings, ideas or impressions that do not lead to Christformation. If we are pursuing better discernment, then we will be able to avoid distractions and pitfalls and help others do likewise. The beginning of discernment is the humility to recognize that one needs God’s grace and wisdom to sort out Continue Reading →

Martin Luther king, Jr.

Martin Luther King, Jr. – Ten Commandments For Change

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In honor of Martin Luther King, Jr., we present a quote from Tod Bolsinger’s book Tempered Resilience which includes King’s ten commandments for his nonviolent movement, which are very much in accord with the teachings of Jesus. Maybe every member of our congregations should agree to these guidelines for every part of their lives? “For Martin Luther King Jr. the demands of a nonviolent public protest movement for racial equality and reconciliation led to the development of a commitment or rule of life that was very specific for furthering those ends. Every volunteer was required to sign a commitment card that read: I HEREBY PLEDGE MYSELF—MY PERSON AND BODY—TO THE NONVIOLENT MOVEMENT. THEREFORE I WILL KEEP THE FOLLOWING TEN COMMANDMENTS: 1. MEDITATE daily on the teachings and life of Jesus. 2. REMEMBER always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham seeks justice and reconciliation—not victory. 3. WALK and TALK in the Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

We Are Free From Self-Exaltation – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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Before a downfall the heart is haughty,but humility comes before honor. Proverbs 18:12 (NIV) God’s arrangement for humans sets us free from self-exaltation; we do not need to pursue it. As a society declines, citizens embrace more and more self-promotion. In American culture, it has become more and more common for people to promote themselves in many boastful ways. Athletes, musicians, social media influencers, politicians, self-help authors and many others exalt themselves and their self-fulfillment without any consideration for God or anyone who does not agree with them. Even some popular ministers expand their ministry by telling their people everything they want to hear about God making them successful and prosperous. But this verse, and many others, make it clear that God values humility more than arrogance. God is one who lifts us up, ” Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up” (James 4:10, NIV). God Continue Reading →

care for people in our care

How Are You Caring For Those In Your Care?

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God is more interested in how you treat those in your care than in our generosity (with time or money) to a ministry or to any other cause. In Mark 7 Jesus rebuked the Pharisees by quoting one of the ten commandments saying: “Moses said, ‘Honor your father and mother,’ and, ‘Anyone who curses their father or mother is to be put to death.’ But you say that if anyone declares that what might have been used to help their father or mother is Corban (that is, devoted to God) — then you no longer let them do anything for their father or mother. Thus you nullify the word of God by your tradition” (Mark 7:10-13, NIV). We need to be careful to avoid any form of this type of offense. Try to imagine how you would feel if Christ pointed out your failure to love someone in your care, Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Joy Comes From Faith – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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Those who trust the Lord will be joyful. Proverbs 16:20 (NLT) We all want joy, in other words, happiness. The American Declaration of Independence asserts that all people have a right to pursue happiness. We make our decisions based on expected happiness outcomes. Most of the bad decisions people make are based on the hope that it will bring them some kind of happiness or at least help them avoid unhappiness. They make short-term decisions, like taking Methamphetamine, because they want some happiness, and they discount the long-term harm. But where can we find deep, lasting joy? It can only be experienced if the deepest part of ourselves connects to something big enough and good enough that it satisfies our deepest self. And happiness can only be found in relationships; humans have never been fully satisfied without close friendships. So, the only way we can find and grow in joy Continue Reading →