Oct 23, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Oct 23, 2012 | 1 comment
“How much more do I need to say? It would take too long to recount the stories of the faith of Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel, and all the prophets. By faith these people overthrew kingdoms, ruled with justice, and received what God had promised them. They shut the mouths of lions, quenched the flames of fire, and escaped death by the edge of the sword. Their weakness was turned to strength. They became strong in battle and put whole armies to flight.” – Hebrews 11:32-34 (NLT)
When we strive to live lives of faith, choosing to focus not on worldly pursuits but instead on those which glorify God’s grace in our lives, we not only gain victory over death through Christ Jesus but also open ourselves to being instruments of God’s divine intent.
Oct 15, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Oct 15, 2012 | 4 comments
“Remind everyone about these things, and command them in God’s presence to stop fighting over words. Such arguments are useless, and they can ruin those who hear them.” – 2 Timothy 2:14 (NLT)
As Paul entreats Timothy in this impassioned correspondence; as followers of Christ it’s important for us to spend our energies focusing on His divine example and teachings, and not allow our petty differences, disagreements and biases to divert that focus. In the service of our Lord, we must never miss the Message for the words.
Aug 10, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Aug 10, 2012 | 0 comments
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions. One person believes he may eat anything, while the weak person eats only vegetables. Let not the one who eats despise the one who abstains, and let not the one who abstains pass judgment on the one who eats, for God has welcomed him. Who are you to pass judgment on the servant of another? It is before his own master that he stands or falls. And he will be upheld, for the Lord is able to make him stand.” – Romans 14:1-4 (ESV)
One of the most damaging impediments to Christian fellowship and growing in God’s service is the judgment and condemnation of our brothers and sisters in Christ. Allowing our opinions and perspectives on issues of lesser consequence divide us from one another weakens our effectiveness as the Body of Christ, and only seeks to enhance our own glory, not that of our Heavenly Father.
Aug 7, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Aug 7, 2012 | 2 comments
“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2 (ESV)
When striving to determine God’s desire for our lives, we need to be cautious not to seek those answers from a worldly perspective. By opening ourselves to the transformation He freely offers through the Holy Spirit, we enable Him to better guide our steps each day and to hear His voice more clearly in the chaos of our daily lives.
Aug 1, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Aug 1, 2012 | 0 comments
“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:8-10 (ESV)
Through no obedience, efforts, or works of our own can we earn God’s favor in our lives. Our salvation therefore, is not an achievement we may obtain, but instead is the ultimate expression of God’s divine love for us; received through our faith, and bought with the blood of His Son, Jesus Christ.
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. 
