Our Most Important Freedom

Dear Lord; Happy Friday Father!

Well Father, tonight begins the start of a 3-day holiday weekend in observance of Independence Day here in the United States.  Over these next few days, we celebrate the adoption of the Declaration of Independence which declared this country’s freedom from the control of the Kingdom of Great Britain.  Thinking about the freedoms we enjoy on the drive into work this morning, it dawned on me that while celebrating our liberties this weekend, we should also be giving thanks for our most important freedom of all…

The freedom from sin You gave us through Your Son, Jesus Christ.

Your Word clearly shows us that although we are all besieged with sinful natures, if we confess and repent of our sins, and turn to You through Christ, we can be freed from the bondage that sin tries to hold us in.

“Everyone who sins breaks the law; in fact, sin is lawlessness.  But you know that he appeared so that he might take away our sins. And in him is no sin. No one who lives in him keeps on sinning. No one who continues to sin has either seen him or known him.” – 1 John 3:4-6 (NIV)

“But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance.  You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness.” – Romans 6:17-18 (NIV)

We have so many freedoms in this country that we should all be truly thankful for Father.  And as I contemplate and celebrate those things which set our nation apart, I’ll also be giving thanks and praise for the greatest gift of freedom ever given; the freedom Jesus paid for on the Cross.

Amen.

~Phather Phil

A Little Deeper

Happy Tuesday Father!

Ever since yesterday’s Meditations Monday post Father, I’ve had the phrase You gave me: “Transformational Benevolence” running through my head.  I thought initially that it was simply something You’d placed on my heart to help me make a point, but it’s become apparent that You’re not done with what this concept can teach me yet.  Therefore, today I thought I’d delve into it a little deeper, and see where it takes me.

The scholarly side of me said “Start with the dictionary!” 🙂

Merriam Webster’s online dictionary defines benevolence as “disposition to do good”, and transform as “to change in character or condition”.  Paraphrasing those two together, I can easily arrive at a meaning for this phrase as:

“A fundamental change of perspective leading to the desire to do only good”.

Wow… No wonder this phrase has been haunting me.  As Christians this is our ultimate goal here on Earth; to have our sinful natures overwhelmed by Your Spirit and to walk in the example Christ set for us.

And what steps can we take to fuel this “fundamental change of perspective” Father?  Thankfully, all those answers have been provided for us in Your Word:

Prayer.

Time spent in the Scripture.

Unselfish service to others.

Opening ourselves to Your Voice.

Fellowship.

Forgiveness.

Desire for true transformation.

Such an encompassing phrase this has turned out to be Father.  You’ve given me much to pray on, and even more to strive for.

Thank You Lord, for placing such a powerful impression on my heart with this statement.  I pray for Your guidance and nurturing as I walk along the path You’ve laid in front of me, and for my procession to lead me ever closer to Your footsteps.  May we all find the Transformational Benevolence that brings us joyously to the foot of the cross.  Amen.

~Phather Phil

Thankful Thursday: Seeing Through the Veil

Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!

Well Lord, once again we come to that day of the week where I compose my list of some things I’ve been thankful for over the past seven days; Thankful Thursday.  It’s been a topsy-turvy week, but even in times of uncertainty and sadness, I still find so much to give thanks for.  These posts have ended up being a Blessing to me Father, as each week I now take more special care to note all the “little” miracles in my life, instead of being consumed by the chaotic world around me and missing them.  As I’ve said before, I am truly Blessed.  🙂

Anyways Father, on to the list!  Some of the things I’ve been thankful for this week are:

91. Jonathan’s excitement in starting confirmation class at church.

92. Father’s Day dinner with my Dad.

93. The Holy Bible.

94. Facebook.

95. Fax Machines.

96. Seeing my children perform unprompted acts of kindness.

97. Twizzlers. (These should have a warning label about being addictive)

98. Neighbors who mow your lawn while you’re out. (Thank you Donna!)

99. A “Wall-E” toy robot of Aidan’s that he gave to me for my desk at work. (I smile every time I look at it)

100. Boston Crème Donuts.

101. Watching the blur of glow sticks flying around the back yard on Friday nights as the kids burn off steam.

102. The family of cardinals that’s taken up residence near our home.

103. Having a local Christian Bookstore with a good selection.

104. Teriyaki grilled salmon.

105. Feeling and recognizing Your Presence in my life.

And so much more…

Heavenly Father, I lift my heart in praise for all of the Blessings You bring to our lives each day.  You are truly a compassionate and caring Shepherd, and I rejoice in the love You show to Your flock.  Please help us see through the veil of our mortal shells, and relish the joy that Your Divine Presence brings to us all.  Amen.

~Phather Phil

Tempering Our Faith

Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!

In recent weeks, I’ve been contacted by a number of friends and readers who’ve been going through some struggles in their Walk, and who were seeking perspective and encouragement.  And while I’m always happy to bring Your Message of Hope to the table Father, it did get me to thinking about ways that we can strengthen and temper our Faith in times of trial…

Stillness Sabbaticals

As we discussed a couple weeks ago Father, I’ve found that one of my most effective methods for communing with You is to block off some time, find a very quiet spot, and simply focus on Your Presence.  We live in an exceptionally “noisy” world, and with a seemingly constant deluge of activity and information surrounding us, Your Voice can sometimes be more difficult to distinguish in the chaos.  Whether it’s to spend time with Scripture or simply to pray in silence for guidance, that respite from the auditory onslaught can become a powerful, spiritual time.  “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Songs of Praise

Music has a way of reaching into us and touching places that few other things in our lives can.  One of the best tools I’ve found for helping to keep my focus on You is listening to the positive and encouraging messages contained in Contemporary Christian Music.  Be it listening in the car on my way to work, playing it in the background while making dinner, or streaming it from my iPod while mowing the lawn, today’s talented Christian artists bring the Joy of Christ to my heart every time I listen.  “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” (Psalm 40:3)

Scriptural Mortar

Without question Father, the Bible is the most important book ever written.  Through Your Divine Inspiration to those penmen, You’ve Blessed us with the ultimate “Instruction Manual” for our journey while here on Earth.  It contains a treasure trove of wisdom, encouragement and rules to live our lives by so as to grow in Your Kingdom.  One of the most powerful and compelling ways to nourish our Faith and bring our Walk closer to Christ, is to spend time absorbing Your Word and praying on It’s messages.  “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Fellowship

One of our best sources of encouragement, enlightenment and inspiration can be found in the interactions we have with our fellow Christians.  Whether it’s spending time together in worship and study at Church, or conversing with other Believers across the globe via the Internet, the support and assistance of Your Followers are wonderful resources to help steady us in our spiritual journey.  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your continued and faithful Presence in our lives each day.  Please help focus our hearts to best receive You, and to support others in their Walk as well.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and strengthen our resolve to live for Your Kingdom instead of focusing on the chaos around us.  Amen.

~Phather Phil

Meditations Monday: Light of the World

Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!

Once again Lord, we come to the beginning of another work-week.  It was a harried but enjoyable weekend, with much time spent in the company of family and good friends.  Any lack of sleep incurred was more than balanced by the joy of being surrounded by those I love.  As I’ve said many times before Father, I am truly Blessed and I thank You.

Today’s Meditations Monday Scripture selection comes from the Gospel of Matthew.  As You know, I’ve been praying quite a bit as of late on new ways to reach out and share Your Love with others, and on expanding this ministry to serve those in need more extensively.  It seemed appropriate therefore, to focus my thoughts and prayers today on one of Jesus’ most fundamental teachings:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

Such a significant directive You’ve placed on us Lord!  The Light of Your Holy Spirit isn’t for private consumption, to be hidden and contained in silence waiting for others to notice it.  Instead, as followers of Christ we’re led to make our joy manifest through actions that glorify Your Presence in us.  Service to Your Children is worship in practice, and brings our Walk closer to You in the process.

Heavenly Father, we give You thanks and praise for Your unwavering commitment to Your Children each day.  Please fill us with Your Spirit, and embolden us to go forth and share Your Light with others.  Strip away from us our selfish natures, and lead us to reach out in love and mercy to those in need.  Make us beacons of Your Influence, and guide us to endeavors that best glorify Your Holy Name.  Amen.

~Phather Phil