Dec 7, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 7, 2011 | 5 comments
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” – Matthew 5:11-12 (ESV)
Many times each day we’re in positions where we could reach out in Christ’s love, but for fear of scorn or ridicule, choose not to take that leap. Jesus knew that those that followed Him would run into many forms of persecution, and made it very clear that while sharing His message would likely lead to conflict, the eternal treasure we receive for remaining committed far outweighs our trials here. Have you shared the love of Christ today?
Dec 6, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 6, 2011 | 5 comments
“From now on, therefore, we regard no one according to the flesh. Even though we once regarded Christ according to the flesh, we regard him thus no longer. Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” – 2 Corinthians 5:16-17 (ESV)
We all have events in our past that trouble us; those moments that in our times of weakness Satan drags back out as weapons to bring about doubt and pain in our hearts. Yet, as the Apostle Paul so eloquently reminds us in this passage from his Second Epistle to the Corinthians, when we’re spiritually reborn in Christ we become a new being; clean, fresh and forgiven when we lay those burdens at His feet.
Dec 5, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 5, 2011 | 5 comments
“Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.” – Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (ESV)
Our lives are a gift from God; in times of prosperity, times of struggle, times of toil, and times of rest. If at all times we find the joy of Christ in those Blessings we’re given, then we not only lead happier, more fulfilling lives, but at the same time we also glorify God’s benevolence in the process.
Dec 2, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 2, 2011 | 6 comments
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)
It’s important as we run into conflicts and struggles in our lives, that we recognize our fundamental dependence on God, and seek His guidance rather than relying solely on our own meager understanding. When we proceed as one with our Heavenly Father, we find the wisdom and inner strength to not only weather our trials, but to triumph over them.
Dec 1, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 1, 2011 | 2 comments
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:43-48 (ESV)
One of the most difficult things we’re called to do as Followers of Christ is to place aside our negative feelings and anger against those we feel have wronged us. Instead of carrying those poison “seeds” around in our spirits, we’re instructed to forgive, and then lift them up in prayer and release that burden into our Heavenly Father’s capable hands.
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. 
