Author: Phil Rehberg

struggling with his energy

Struggling With All God’s Energy

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Though you may not get involved in debates about free will versus God’s sovereignty, you probably still think about how much to rely on your efforts and how much to rely on the Holy Spirit’s efforts. If you want to learn patience, do you exert as much fortitude as possible or do you wait for strength from the Spirit? For help with this, consider Paul’s description of his ministry in Colossians 1:28-29: “That we may present everyone mature in Christ. For this I toil, struggling with all his energy that he powerfully works within me (ESV). This is a strange statement. How can someone struggle but use someone else’s energy to do so? I can work with my own energy and you can work with your energy, but you cannot work with my energy. Even if I somehow inspire you with my energy, you still can’t use my energy to Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Yahweh Corrects Those He Loves – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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My son, do not despise the LORD’S disciplineor be weary of his reproof,for the LORD reproves him whom he loves,as a father the son in whom he delights. Proverbs 3:11-12 (ESV) When God sees something harmful in your life, what should he do? Should he just let it slide? Should he protect your feelings and happiness? Or should he do what is necessary to purge it from you? What kind of father would he be if he just let us harbor sin, unbelief, pride and unkindness? It may be painful when God cuts us open and does his spiritual surgery on us, but part of us knows it is best for us. He corrects us because he loves us. This is our encouragement; that we have a loving infinite Father who loves us too much to let us wallow in our immaturity. In fact, he delights in us. When God Continue Reading →

bear one another's burdens

Learning To Bear One Another’s Burdens

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Most of us say that we want authentic fellowship, but are we practicing this when we have the opportunity? Specifically, are we bearing one another’s burdens as Scripture teaches? Do we pay attention to the burdens of our brothers and sisters in the Lord, whether we are at our church building or not, and look for ways to support them, emotionally or materially? This is essential for authentic community. Today we will meditate briefly on Galatians 6:2: “Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ” (NLT). Absorb. What is the ‘law of Christ’ that this passage refers to? (See Mt. 22:39; Gal. 5:14; Rom. 13:9; 1 Jn. 3:23; James 2:8.) Imagine Jesus standing in front of you speaking these words to you; how does this affect you? Ruminate on it, understand it and let it sink in. Feelings. How did you feel as you absorbed Continue Reading →

Weekly words of encouragement

Yahweh Will Guide Us – Weekly Words Of Encouragement

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Trust in the LORD with all your heart;do not depend on your own understanding.Seek his will in all you do,and he will show you which path to take. Proverbs 3:5-6 (NLT) We all want God’s guidance for our lives. We have many choices, which sometimes paralyzes us. This passage makes a gigantic promise; it teaches the foundation of receiving God’s guidance. Trust him with all your heart and seek his will. He loves us and wants to guide us, like a good father. You guide me with your counsel,leading me to a glorious destiny. Psalms 73:24 (NLT) The LORD says, “I will guide you along the best pathway for your life.I will advise you and watch over you. Psalms 32:8 (NLT) The LORD directs the steps of the godly.He delights in every detail of their lives.Though they stumble, they will never fall,for the LORD holds them by the hand. Psalms Continue Reading →

mind set on the Spirit

How To Set Your Mind On The Spirit

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We know that walking in the Spirit is an essential Christian practice. However, it can feel too abstract at times. Romans 8:5-6 has a helpful guideline for walking in the Spirit: “Those who live in accordance with the Spirit have their minds set on what the Spirit desires. The mind governed by the flesh is death, but the mind governed by the Spirit is life and peace” (NIV). This meditation will help you to set your mind on the Spirit. Absorb. Consider the meaning of each phrase. What is the purpose of the passage? What does the Spirit desire? Read it with your name in it. Then imagine Jesus in front of you speaking these words to you; how does this affect you? Ask him any questions you have. Ruminate on setting your mind on the Spirit’s desires. Understand it and let it sink in. Feelings. How did you feel Continue Reading →