Last night Lord, we held the second of six meetings for the Small Group Study “Treasures of the Transformed Life” at the house. Like first gathering, it was well attended and everyone brought fresh perspective and insight to the discussion. We even had a couple younger participants this time, and they jumped right in with both feet. It was a productive and inspiring evening, and I felt truly Blessed to be a part of it.
This week’s focus was called “Drawing the Water”. Continuing with the metaphor used in last week’s discussion : “Priming the Pump”, once we’ve prepared ourselves to receive Christ into our hearts by fully committing to Him, we can then begin to draw from that inexhaustible supply of Living Water that You make available to us. The primary way we accomplish this is through the practice of prayer.
The study material discussed a number of types of prayers, methodologies for focusing our prayers and the different ways that You respond to those conversations when we do so. Our group latched onto this topic wholeheartedly, and we had a wonderful exchange discussing the different ways we pray, things we’ve prayed for, and the myriad of ways in which You’ve answered those prayers in our lives. It was a lively, refreshing dialogue, and I believe that everyone who attended came away with some new perspective on making our conversations with You a deeper part of our lives.
As I’m sure You can tell Father, I’m very much enjoying leading this group of people through the study. It’s a warm, inviting, friendly gathering each week, and I think all of us have learned a great deal so far; both from the study itself, and from the wonderful input each member brings to the discussion. I’m thankful for being a part of this endeavor, and look forward to continuing it next week.
Heavenly Father,
I come to You today Lord, with arms open wide and a heart committed to Your presence in my life. Through Your gift of prayer, You grant us a personal audience and an open invitation to deepen our relationship by seeking You. For that heavenly connection, and all of the other ways You come into our lives, I give thanks.
As You’re aware Lord, over the last few weeks my Scripture reading time has been spent wading through the Old Testament books of Kings and Chronicles. I won’t pull any punches Father, they can be some onerous books to read, but without a doubt they’re chock-full of Your wisdom nonetheless. This morning, as I was nearing the end of 2nd Chronicles the thought crossed my mind:
“Wow… They just didn’t learn very quickly, did they.”
It really wasn’t meant to be disrespectful or nearly as sarcastic as it came out, but reading about king after king that “…did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord”, and by doing so led their people down paths of destruction and pain, I was struck by the fact that even with all they knew to be true, they still turned away from Your path.
“You do that now and again yourself…” You whispered.
Double Ouch!!
Yes Father… yes I do…
While I may not erect idols and temples to other gods, I certainly have allowed my focus and desires to shift away from You, and to cling to earthly things.
I sometimes allow my pride to overwhelm me and try to rely on my own strength to “fix” things, instead of humbling my heart and following Your lead.
Although my Walk with You has grown ever closer, there are still times that the concerns of the world get their hooks in my heart, and Your voice becomes drowned out in the turmoil.
While I very much try to look towards others with Your love in my heart, there have certainly been more than a few cases where I’ve allowed negative feelings to get the better of me, and not treated people as Jesus’ example directed us.
I guess I don’t learn very quickly Father…
Thankfully, You haven’t given up on me. 🙂
It’s convicting to read through those pages and see reflections of our own behaviors Father, but if that realization helps guide us closer to You, then we’re truly bringing Your Word into our hearts.
Heavenly Father,
I lift my praises Lord, for the lessons and messages You bring us through Scripture, and for the guidance we receive through Your Holy Spirit. For although the truths we uncover may be convicting, uncomfortable or even painful, if in the end they draw us closer to Your will, it’s a path we need to follow all the same.
Well Father, I couldn’t have asked for a lovelier weekend. Coming off of a tiring and complicated week, Shannon, the boys and I were all well-worn by the time Friday evening rolled around. With that being the case, we made the decision to spend a good bit of our “down time” as the description implies… down. Friday evening we curled up on the couch together and watch movies until bedtime. Saturday morning we lounged around the house in the morning, and then headed outside to do our “Fall clean up” of the planting beds along the house. The rest of the day was split between miscellaneous housework, and more movie-time with the kids. Sunday morning began with an uplifting service at church, then back to the house for a tasty, fun breakfast of Cinnamon Roll Pancakes (Thanks for pointing me to the recipe Alida :-)). Jonathan, Aidan and I then gave Mommy some quiet time and headed out to Blackbird State Forest for a long walk in the beauty and abundance of Your Creation. The rest of the day was spent finishing up some odds-and-ends around the house, and then yet another quiet evening on the couch with the boys. This was the first weekend in quite some time where we didn’t have a packed schedule of activities, and it was ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL. Thank You so much for that much-needed respite Lord!
This week’s Meditations Monday Scripture is actually inspired by something John Waller talked about at the worship concert we attended last Thursday. One of the songs he played discussed his desire to be used to bring Your light into other people’s lives. The song is appropriately titled “Somebody Else’s Story”:
Out of all the wonderful music he shared with us that night Lord, this is the one that really hit home with me. As a Christian, I can think of no greater joy than bringing Your message to the hearts of those around me; to show them the true wonder of Your love for us, and to share the gifts You’ve Blessed me with in Your service.
“And Jesus came and said to them, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit,teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”” – Matthew 28:18-20 (ESV)
I take that Commission very seriously Father, and when I get the opportunity to be a part of someone else’s “Story”, It’s a Blessing beyond words for me. Mr. Waller’s song captures that desire beautifully, and I thank You for placing it in his heart to share with us.
Heavenly Father,
As we begin the week Lord, please help guide our choices and actions to best reflect Your desire for our lives. Inspire us to reach out and share Your message of love and redemption with those we encounter each day, and to faithfully serve Your will.
Last night Lord, we had an absolutely fabulous evening. As you know, my family and I were Blessed to have the opportunity to attend a “Listener Appreciation Concert” held at Calvary Assembly of God in Dover, sponsored by the local Christian Radio Station, 88.7 The Bridge. The production featured Christian Artist and Songwriter John Waller, who led a wonderfully inspiring music and worship concert for those in attendance.
Among the songs that Mr. Waller played, one of the last on the program was his hit from the movie “Fireproof” called “As for Me and My House”. While he was singing on stage, this video played on the room’s two projection screens:
It was a powerful statement, and a rousing moment of worship Father. Thank You so much for placing this song in his heart, that we might be inspired by it’s message.
Heavenly Father,
As we begin the weekend Lord, please guide our decisions and actions to best serve Your desire for our lives. Make Your presence powerfully apparent to all that seek You, and bring Your comfort and aid to those truly in need.
Well Father, it’s certainly been a see-saw of a week for me so far. I knew before it began that this five day period was to be filled with new challenges, anxiety-ridden trials and stressful situations, and it’s absolutely lived up to my expectations. Fears of the unknown held positions all around me, while whispered messages of doubt taunted me from deep within.
Thankfully, I clothed myself appropriately for these battles I’ve faced…
I armored up.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” – Ephesians 6:13-20 (ESV)
The challenges have come, and were conquered. Anxieties flooded my waking mind, and were dispersed. Fear gripped my heart, and was silently sent away.
Wrapped in Your divine protection, those things that prey in the dark corners of my mind and hide in the deep recesses of my heart don’t stand a chance.
Thank You Father.
Continuing from last week’s Thankful Thursday list Lord, this week I’ve been particularly grateful for:
316. A big batch of homemade chimichangas shared with good friends.
322. Sharing a big homemade breakfast with friends after church on Sunday.
323. Long weekends spent in the company of our “extended family”.
324. The encouragement I’ve received recently from friends.
325. A fun and successful dinner party we hosted last Saturday night.
326. The strength You provided me to work through my anxieties this week.
327. New non-stick cookware from Kitchen Aid to replace our 15-year old aluminum set.
328. The information and resources to expand PhatherPhil.org that Google offers for free through Analytics and FeedBurner.
329. A bushel of fresh-picked apples from a local orchard.
330. Tickets for the family to attend a John Waller concert in Dover tonight.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You Lord, for all those Blessings You bestow on us each day; both those that shine as brightly as the sun, and those that glow softly as a candle in the night. For all of Your many gifts of grace in our lives Father, we give thanks.
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. 
