Dec 23, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 23, 2011 | 3 comments
“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flock by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with fear. And the angel said to them, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying,
“Glory to God in the highest,
and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”” – Luke 2:8-14 (ESV)
As we rush around trying to put all of the finishing touches on our Christmas celebration preparations, we need to keep in our hearts the true meaning of the season. Two thousand years ago, brought into the world in the most humble of circumstances, God sent us His only begotten Son; to teach us, and guide us, and finally to die for us that we might be released from our bondage of sin. Christmas isn’t about presents, or lights, or festive holiday parties… It’s about a Child, divine made incarnate, born to save the world.
Dec 22, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 22, 2011 | 4 comments
“”For the mountains may depart
and the hills be removed,
but my steadfast love shall not depart from you,
and my covenant of peace shall not be removed,”
says the Lord, who has compassion on you.” – Isaiah 54:10
We all experience disappointment in our lives at some point; the betrayal of a confidence, loss of a job, the disillusionment of a broken trust, or possibly the dissolving of a relationship. However, while events like that may shake our lives, we can always securely place our faith in the steadfast love and compassion our Heavenly Father freely offers. In His arms, we can always find safe haven.
Dec 21, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 21, 2011 | 3 comments
“Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.” – Philippians 4:11-13 (ESV)
When we’re honest with ourselves, do we truly feel contentment in our lives? The more we lay our trust in the hands of our Heavenly Father to provide for our fundamental needs, and place our efforts in following His will for our lives, the closer we become to knowing true peace in our hearts.
Dec 20, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 20, 2011 | 3 comments
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” – Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)
As the Apostle Paul reminds us in this passage, our goal when dealing with others should always be to embody Jesus’ perfect example. By reaching out in kindness, compassion, humility and forgiveness, we not only Bless others, but at the same time we draw closer to Christ as well.
Dec 19, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 19, 2011 | 5 comments
“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV)
As Followers of Christ, it’s essential that we’re prepared at all times to bring His Word and message to those around us. As we see the world around us drift further and further from God’s Truth, and people “adjust” Scriptural meaning to suit their own desires, we’re called to remain committed to Jesus’ teachings, and to patiently share His message of love and hope with others.
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. 
