What a wonderful weekends’ respite that was Father! I’m not usually a big fan of three-day-weekends as I tend to try to fit too much in, and end up more tired than usual. This past several days however, we were Blessed to be able to spend time with family and friends, get some things done around the house, and yet still have ample time to rest and recuperate. All-in-all, it was a lovely long weekend and I thank You for such Blessings in our lives.
Well Father, as yesterday was a holiday and I didn’t post our conversation to phatherphil.org, I thought I’d fly in the face of convention and write a Meditations Monday article… On Tuesday. I know Lord, I’m a rebel. 🙂
Today’s Scripture comes from the Book of Romans, Chapter 8. In this passage, the Apostle Paul is discussing our suffering while here on Earth, and how we should be looking at it in the context of Your Plan:
“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us. For the creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed. For the creation was subjected to frustration, not by its own choice, but by the will of the one who subjected it, in hope that the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” – Romans 8:18-21 (NIV)
This is a terribly important piece of Truth Father, and one that all of us overlook from time to time. Our existence here is a season; temporary, and in the eternal scheme of things, brief. And while the suffering, trials and tribulations we go through may seem overwhelming upon occasion, their magnitude and duration pales in comparison to the glory those who are one with Christ will receive when finally raised up in Your Kingdom. Paul also emphasizes the passing nature of our Earthly problems in 2nd Corinthians where he states:
“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:17-18 (NIV)
If we indeed view our trials here as “light and momentary”, and focus on the “eternal glory” that awaits those who persevere and preserve in the Love of Christ, then our burdens take on a completely different perspective… Through Your Eyes Lord.
Heavenly Father, as we begin this week’s endeavors I pray for Your guidance and assistance in assigning the proper level of importance to our burdens. Please anchor our Spirits in Christ Jesus, and instill in our hearts a glimpse of the wonder and glory that is to come. Amen.
Today Lord, my heart is rejoicing in celebration. Sixteen years ago today, in a little church in Newark, Delaware, You joined together Shannon and I in the bonds of Holy Matrimony. Our marriage is by far one of Your greatest Blessings to me Father, and I can’t thank You enough for Your abundant Presence and support during our life together…
We felt Your Presence that day, when we said our vows to one another.
You comforted and strengthened us when my mother passed away less than a month later.
You led us to find our wonderful new home in Smyrna when building plans fell through at the last minute.
You faithfully held us in Your arms through a number of serious medical problems with Shannon.
After being told by a number of doctors that we couldn’t have children naturally, You proved them wrong… Twice. 🙂
When Jonathan was born with a life-threatening disease, You surrounded him in Your Healing and gave us the courage to fight for his life.
Although we’ve gone through periods of severe economic uncertainty, You’ve always provided what we needed and given us the fortitude to move past the situation.
You’ve connected us with so many wonderful friends over the years who have Blessed and enriched our family, and continue to do so.
You refresh and renew my love for Shannon each day, and bind us ever closer as we go through time together.
I view our marriage as a testament to Your Love and Compassion Father, and I lift my heart in thanks and praise for the Blessings You bestow on us each day. I pray that You continue to Bless our union, and that we’re effective in reflecting Your Light to those around us as well.
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.
And once again Lord, we stand at the conclusion to yet another work-week. The weekend ahead is poised to be a busy one, but one where much of our time will be spent in the company of good friends and family, so I’m very much looking forward to it. You’ve Blessed us immeasurably through the souls You’ve brought into our lives, and we relish these times with them.
On my way in to work this morning, I was listening to the local Contemporary Christian radio station when a song came on that I hadn’t heard before. As the music played I found myself inspired by the lyrics, so when I reached the office I spent some time researching the song’s origins. As it turns out, although I hadn’t heard it before the song was part of an album released in 2005 by Paul Colman called “Let it Go”, and is entitled “The One Thing”.
What a great song.
But the one thing I don’t question is You
You really love me like You say You do
We question so many things in our lives Lord, but as long as we cling firmly to the knowledge that You love us unconditionally, all those other concerns pale in importance. 🙂
Heavenly Father, I thank You for the Blessings You’ve bestowed on us this past week. Please continue to guide our motivations and actions to best glorify Your Will, and stir us to act as Your Hands and Feet so that all those around us can’t help but see Your Love. Amen.
Over the last few years Lord, I’ve been “hearing” more and more from You in my daily life and I have to tell You, it’s been a transformational change for me. While I know through Scripture and Faith that You’ve always been with me and always will be, as my Walk has progressed and I’ve learned to “listen” more carefully, I find Your Voice in almost every part of my day.
You speak to me through…
The wave of comfort and peace I get when I reach out to You in prayer.
The quick inner “watch it!” scolding I get after doing something that isn’t in line with Christ’s teachings (eg. Letting loose a nasty comment when someone cuts me off in traffic).
The warm feeling that crosses my heart when I see my children do things that Glorify You.
The quiet urgings I receive each day to step “outside my box”.
The song that plays on the local Christian radio station which delivers a message I need to hear, exactly when I need to hear it.
Feeling Your Presence whisper through the trees when I take long walks in the forest.
The “Spiritual Nudges” you give me to reach out and share Your Love.
And many others…
Heavenly Father, You speak to me in so many wonderful ways and I delight in continuing to discover new ones. As our steps grow closer, I pray that I’m able to hear Your Voice above all other sounds and make decisions that Glorify the Blessings You bestow on me.
“My sheep listen to my voice; I know them, and they follow me.” – John 10:27 (NIV)
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.
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. 
