Jan 9, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Jan 9, 2012 | 5 comments
“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace: whoever speaks, as one who speaks oracles of God; whoever serves, as one who serves by the strength that God supplies—in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” – 1 Peter 4:10-11 (ESV)
All gifts from God, be they temporal, tangible Blessings or endowments formed in the Spirit, are intended not only to Bless us, but are also to be used for the benefit of others in His name. For when we share the bounty of God’s grace with those around us, we truly glorify His desires for our lives.
Jan 6, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Jan 6, 2012 | 8 comments
“For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace.” – Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 (ESV)
We live in a constantly changing world; architected by God to fill our days with wonder, and to temper our spirits as we journey to His side. We need to embrace all our seasons of life, and give thanks that God has woven us such a diverse and detailed fabric.
Jan 5, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Jan 5, 2012 | 2 comments
“In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” – Ephesians 5:28-33 (ESV)
Men: As Christ provides for every need of the church, so we are called to provide for our wives; to love them, nourish them, and care for them as they are part of ourselves. When we truly embrace the divine responsibility and gift that our marriages are, we honor God’s design and intention of that special union.
Jan 4, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Jan 4, 2012 | 5 comments
“Like the partridge that gathers a brood that she did not hatch,
so is he who gets riches but not by justice;
in the midst of his days they will leave him,
and at his end he will be a fool.” – Jeremiah 17:11 (ESV)
When we make the achievement of worldly success and material gain of a higher priority than conducting ourselves with godly disposition and integrity, we sacrifice building our eternal treasures for the lure of seeking worldly riches.
Jan 3, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Jan 3, 2012 | 4 comments
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:2 (ESV)
Life is unpredictable. From one moment to the next, we never know exactly which way our paths will turn… But thankfully, God does. Instead of clinging to the constantly moving targets of this world, when we anchor ourselves firmly to our Rock, we gain His strength, His stability and His peace.
Hi, I’m Phil Malmstrom, a.k.a. Phather Phil. I’m self-employed, father of two wonderful young men, an ordained minister who delights in spreading Jesus’ Message of Hope and Love, a science-fiction junkie, an aspiring photographer and above all that one of God’s Children who rejoices in His Blessings each day. 
