Jan 5, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Jan 5, 2012 | 2 comments
“In the same way husbands should love their wives as their own bodies. He who loves his wife loves himself. For no one ever hated his own flesh, but nourishes and cherishes it, just as Christ does the church, because we are members of his body. “Therefore a man shall leave his father and mother and hold fast to his wife, and the two shall become one flesh.” This mystery is profound, and I am saying that it refers to Christ and the church. However, let each one of you love his wife as himself, and let the wife see that she respects her husband.” – Ephesians 5:28-33 (ESV)
Men: As Christ provides for every need of the church, so we are called to provide for our wives; to love them, nourish them, and care for them as they are part of ourselves. When we truly embrace the divine responsibility and gift that our marriages are, we honor God’s design and intention of that special union.
Jan 4, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Jan 4, 2012 | 5 comments
“Like the partridge that gathers a brood that she did not hatch,
so is he who gets riches but not by justice;
in the midst of his days they will leave him,
and at his end he will be a fool.” – Jeremiah 17:11 (ESV)
When we make the achievement of worldly success and material gain of a higher priority than conducting ourselves with godly disposition and integrity, we sacrifice building our eternal treasures for the lure of seeking worldly riches.
Jan 3, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Jan 3, 2012 | 4 comments
“The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer,
my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge,
my shield, and the horn of my salvation, my stronghold.” – Psalm 18:2 (ESV)
Life is unpredictable. From one moment to the next, we never know exactly which way our paths will turn… But thankfully, God does. Instead of clinging to the constantly moving targets of this world, when we anchor ourselves firmly to our Rock, we gain His strength, His stability and His peace.
Jan 2, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Jan 2, 2012 | 5 comments
“For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of slavery to fall back into fear, but you have received the Spirit of adoption as sons, by whom we cry, “Abba! Father!” The Spirit himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs—heirs of God and fellow heirs with Christ, provided we suffer with him in order that we may also be glorified with him.” – Romans 8:14-17 (ESV)
We, as followers of Christ and our Heavenly Father’s beloved children, are significant; we matter. When we are one with Christ Jesus and have begun a new life in Him, we no longer are slaves to our sinful natures, but instead can place all due effort into our daily trials knowing our Heavenly Family is by our side.
Dec 30, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 30, 2011 | 2 comments
“In the day of prosperity be joyful, and in the day of adversity consider: God has made the one as well as the other, so that man may not find out anything that will be after him.” – Ecclesiastes 7:14 (ESV)
Nothing in this life is certain. God brings to us both times of abundance, and also places challenges in our path to teach us, strengthen our resolve, and draw us to His side. When we realize that His hand guides both seasons, and that all things are architected for our greater good (Romans 8:28), the unknown nature of our future seems much less daunting.
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. 
