More Than Words

“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” – Matthew 6:7-8 (ESV)

You need not be an eloquent speaker to pray; God knows our hearts, and our needs long before we utter a single syllable.  When we come to the Lord with an open heart, an open mind and a willing spirit, no matter what words are said our prayers are always received, and understood without question.

All of God’s Design

“Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” – Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV)

There will be periods in our lives of great abundance, and of overwhelming drought.  It’s important to remember that both those times are of God’s design, and while we may not see the underlying reason for our trials, He’s deserving of our praises throughout it all.

Cleansed By Faith

“Look among the nations, and see;
wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
that you would not believe if told.” – Habakkuk 1:5 (ESV)

Quite often, we miss the forest for the trees; we allow the world around us to cloud our vision, and look past the amazing wonders that our Heavenly Father places all around us.  To embrace His great works and live abundant lives, we need to suspend our disbelief and peer through eyes cleansed by faith.

Watching Our Words

“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” – James 3:7-9 (ESV)

Our words are powerful things; they can be used to either share the light of Christ with those around us, or to spread the venomous intent of our sinful natures.  It’s very often not an easy internal conflict to resolve, but through the guidance and Grace our Heavenly Father offers us, we can make our speech reflect His glory and goodness.

I’m Yours

Dear Lord; Happy Valentine’s Day Father!

Today Father, much of the world’s attention turns to “all things love” as we celebrate Valentine’s Day.  And yet, while the greeting card, candy and jewelry companies would like us to spend our time and money focusing on the romantic and tangible side of our affections, I choose instead to take this time to reflect on those aspects of love in my life that touch me most deeply:

The amazing, intimate bond I have with my wonderful wife, Shannon…

The powerful sense of care and commitment I have for my children…

The deep, very personal relationships I’ve established with a few close friends…

And the overwhelming, transformational and ever-deepening connection I have with my Lord and Savior.

Such wondrous examples of Your love for me Father; such astounding Blessings in my life.

Thank You Lord;

For seeding Your love in me,

For seeking me through my brokenness,

For reminding me that I’m Your Beloved Child,

And that above all else,

You love me; perfectly and completely.

I’m Yours Father.  🙂

Amen.

~Phather Phil