God Moments

Dear Lord; Happy Saturday Father!

I love those moments Lord,

When in the throes of our lives,

You announce Your presence.

Some see coincidence,

Some call it luck,

And yet,

I want see to them for what they are;

“God Moments”:

When just the right song plays on the radio, as if on cue…

While during a moment of self-doubt, a reassuring text message reminds us that we’re loved…

When the bills are due with no relief in sight, and yet somehow, the money shows up…

And while in the midst of our private pain, a quiet voice reminds us we’re Your Beloved.

So many times however Father,

I’ve missed the forest for the trees;

Seeing only frustration,

And struggle,

And pain.

Not viewing with eyes of faith and trust,

But instead through the world’s narrow lens.

Open my eyes Lord,

Open my heart.

Help me recognize Your hand

In every situation;

Not just those that make me smile.

For when I’m able to discern Your light

In everything around me,

Life itself

Becomes a “God Moment”.  🙂

Amen.

~Phather Phil

The Most Powerful Act of Love in History

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16 (ESV)

For many, the onset of February brings thoughts of love to the front of our minds.  However, as we’re inundated by the seemingly endless procession of bright red gift boxes and jewelry advertisements, it’s important that we remember the single, most powerful act of love in history; the divine birth, life, death and resurrection of our Savior, Jesus Christ.

One Significant Obligation

“Owe nothing to anyone—except for your obligation to love one another. If you love your neighbor, you will fulfill the requirements of God’s law. For the commandments say, “You must not commit adultery. You must not murder. You must not steal. You must not covet.” These—and other such commandments—are summed up in this one commandment: “Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Love does no wrong to others, so love fulfills the requirements of God’s law.” – Romans 13:8-10 (NLT)

As Christians, we have one significant obligation to everyone; to love them, as Christ loves us.  When we strive to wrap our lives in the outpouring of His mighty love, we draw ever closer to meeting those guidelines that God laid down for us.  For in the light of true, all-encompassing love, sin cannot exist.

Trust Begins With God

“Trust in the LORD and do good. Then you will live safely in the land and prosper. Take delight in the LORD, and he will give you your heart’s desires. Commit everything you do to the LORD.
Trust him, and he will help you. He will make your innocence radiate like the dawn, and the justice of your cause will shine like the noonday sun.” – Psalm 37:3-6 (NLT)

Trust isn’t easy.  As we live our lives, finding people we can place our trust in can be a difficult and sometimes painful process.  However, when we place our full faith and trust in God and allow Him to guide our hearts when making those connections, the result is stronger relationships that glorify Him as well.

Thankful Thursday: An Opportunity to Share

Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!

Today Lord, I’m truly Blessed to be sharing some of the inspirations you’ve given me over at a fellow blogger and friend’s site; Healthy Spirituality.

Jean’s blog is always an amazing source of encouragement, education and inspiration to me Father, and I was absolutely honored when she asked me to write a post for her.  I’ll admit it Lord, I struggled for some time with what I felt You wanted me to share, and then again with finding the right phrasing to bring that truth to life.  Thankfully though Father, the words did come and I pray that I did Your message justice through their employ.

Continuing to count my Blessings Lord, on this very Thankful Thursday I’m especially grateful for:

526. That I have people who challenge me to grow closer to You, and hold me accountable for that commitment.

527. A wonderful movie event held at Ewell’s-St. Paul UMC last Friday night.

528. The care and assistance of a business client when some friends of mine were in need.

529. Skype and webcams allowing me to “visit” with friends far away.

530. An unexpectedly good client meeting today.

531. Steak Fajitas.

532. Your healing presence with two members of our Tuesday night study group as they dealt with injuries and illnesses this past week.

533. That the Internet allows me to connect with other believers all over the world.

534. A fun evening last Saturday playing cards with friends.

535. Being reminded of some powerful truths while watching “Facing the Giants”.

536. The abundant opportunities You give me to share the Gospel Message with others.

537. The lessons of Winter.

538. Friends that see when my heart is heavy, and push through the barriers I put up.

539. That when crises struck members in our Tuesday group this past week, the other members came together in love to support them.

540. That in You, we don’t have to be defined by our past.

Heavenly Father,

I thank You Lord, for the many Blessings You bestow on us each day; both those that light the night as a monument to Your love, and those that grace us quietly, whispering Your message from the shadows.

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.

~Phather Phil