Dec 2, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 2, 2011 | 6 comments
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)
It’s important as we run into conflicts and struggles in our lives, that we recognize our fundamental dependence on God, and seek His guidance rather than relying solely on our own meager understanding. When we proceed as one with our Heavenly Father, we find the wisdom and inner strength to not only weather our trials, but to triumph over them.
Dec 1, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 1, 2011 | 2 comments
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:43-48 (ESV)
One of the most difficult things we’re called to do as Followers of Christ is to place aside our negative feelings and anger against those we feel have wronged us. Instead of carrying those poison “seeds” around in our spirits, we’re instructed to forgive, and then lift them up in prayer and release that burden into our Heavenly Father’s capable hands.
Nov 30, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Nov 30, 2011 | 6 comments
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” – James 4:13-17 (ESV)
As the economic upheaval over the last couple years has made it abundantly clear, we can’t truly know or control life’s circumstances on our own strength or volition. However, if we actively include the presence of God in making our decisions, setting our direction, and working along His path, then fulfilling His will becomes our goal and we will truly find success.
Nov 29, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Nov 29, 2011 | 5 comments
“Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;
for it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”
So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:10-12 (ESV)
As followers of Christ, it’s vital that we not fall into the trap of judging our fellow Christians in their Walks. Instead of finding fault or issue, we’re instead called to uplift and support one another’s relationship with Jesus; providing an environment where His grace is felt by all of His Children. In the end, we’re all in need of God’s tender mercy.
Nov 28, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Nov 28, 2011 | 5 comments
“Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV)
Waiting is tough. Whether it’s a short-term trial, or a longer more complicated struggle, sometimes waiting for that light on the horizon can seem extremely daunting. Know however, that no matter how difficult a road lies ahead, God isn’t shaken. When we rest in the confidence that our Heavenly Father desires the best for His Children and persevere towards furthering His works, our waiting takes on a completely different perspective.
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. 
