The Lord Looks at the Heart

Dear Lord; Happy Friday Father!

As you’re aware Father, during my Scripture reading time as of late I’ve been reviewing the books of the Old Testament.  I always find wisdom and vital foundation in those pages, however once in a while I run into a passage that seizes my heart and connects me to Your Word even more deeply.

Such was the case as I read from 1^st Samuel last night.

Samuel had recently delivered Your condemnation of Saul’s disobedience in the battle with the Amalekites, and was mourning the situation when You instructed him that he was now to travel to Bethlehem for the purpose of anointing a new king.  You indicated that it was to be a son of Jesse, but gave no specifics as to which son had been chosen.

When Samuel reached Bethlehem and was received by Jesse and his family, he saw Eliab (Jesse’s eldest son) and due to the young man’s stature assumed that he was Your intended selection.  You however, used that moment to teach Samuel (and now me) a valuable lesson…

“But the Lord said to Samuel, “Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him. The Lord does not look at the things people look at. People look at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”” – 1 Samuel 16:7 (NIV)

You know Father, while I already knew that to be the case, this verse still left a powerful impression on my heart.  We spend so much of our time tending to our outward appearance and presentation, but in the end You know our hearts; what we think, our motivations, our fears, and our convictions.  The more we focus on true transformation of our inner selves and less on impressing the world around us, the more obvious Your Presence becomes in our daily lives.

What a wonderful lesson to pray on going into the weekend.  🙂

Amen.

~Phather Phil

Thankful Thursday: Seeing Through the Veil

Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!

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.

~Phather Phil

A Heavy Heart

Dear Lord; Happy Wednesday Father!

Today Lord, my heart is heavy.

As You know, each year my family and I spend a week in the Pocono Mountains at Chestnut Grove Resort.  It’s a wonderful place, overflowing with charm, love, and life and we very much look forward to returning each Summer.  The family that owns it and their staff go out of their way to fill our stay with wonderful memories, and are always diligent in their efforts to ensure that we all feel like extended family.  It’s a place caught quite happily in a gentler, simpler time and a welcomed oasis from the chaotic world around us.

Today, I received the sad news that the husband of the family that owns it was killed on Monday.

Rob was a giving, caring man, and worked tirelessly to bring smiles to his guests’ faces.  He was a good man Father, and will be sorely missed by all those who came to know him.

I pray that Your Comforting Embrace is felt by all those mourning his departure, and especially to his wife and children during this time of grief.  We celebrate the light he shared while among us Lord, and although he will be missed we rejoice in the knowledge that he resides in Your Kingdom now.

Amen.

~Phather Phil

Tempering Our Faith

Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!

In recent weeks, I’ve been contacted by a number of friends and readers who’ve been going through some struggles in their Walk, and who were seeking perspective and encouragement.  And while I’m always happy to bring Your Message of Hope to the table Father, it did get me to thinking about ways that we can strengthen and temper our Faith in times of trial…

Stillness Sabbaticals

As we discussed a couple weeks ago Father, I’ve found that one of my most effective methods for communing with You is to block off some time, find a very quiet spot, and simply focus on Your Presence.  We live in an exceptionally “noisy” world, and with a seemingly constant deluge of activity and information surrounding us, Your Voice can sometimes be more difficult to distinguish in the chaos.  Whether it’s to spend time with Scripture or simply to pray in silence for guidance, that respite from the auditory onslaught can become a powerful, spiritual time.  “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

Songs of Praise

Music has a way of reaching into us and touching places that few other things in our lives can.  One of the best tools I’ve found for helping to keep my focus on You is listening to the positive and encouraging messages contained in Contemporary Christian Music.  Be it listening in the car on my way to work, playing it in the background while making dinner, or streaming it from my iPod while mowing the lawn, today’s talented Christian artists bring the Joy of Christ to my heart every time I listen.  “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God.  Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” (Psalm 40:3)

Scriptural Mortar

Without question Father, the Bible is the most important book ever written.  Through Your Divine Inspiration to those penmen, You’ve Blessed us with the ultimate “Instruction Manual” for our journey while here on Earth.  It contains a treasure trove of wisdom, encouragement and rules to live our lives by so as to grow in Your Kingdom.  One of the most powerful and compelling ways to nourish our Faith and bring our Walk closer to Christ, is to spend time absorbing Your Word and praying on It’s messages.  “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)

Fellowship

One of our best sources of encouragement, enlightenment and inspiration can be found in the interactions we have with our fellow Christians.  Whether it’s spending time together in worship and study at Church, or conversing with other Believers across the globe via the Internet, the support and assistance of Your Followers are wonderful resources to help steady us in our spiritual journey.  “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)

Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your continued and faithful Presence in our lives each day.  Please help focus our hearts to best receive You, and to support others in their Walk as well.  Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and strengthen our resolve to live for Your Kingdom instead of focusing on the chaos around us.  Amen.

~Phather Phil

Meditations Monday: Light of the World

Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!

Once again Lord, we come to the beginning of another work-week.  It was a harried but enjoyable weekend, with much time spent in the company of family and good friends.  Any lack of sleep incurred was more than balanced by the joy of being surrounded by those I love.  As I’ve said many times before Father, I am truly Blessed and I thank You.

Today’s Meditations Monday Scripture selection comes from the Gospel of Matthew.  As You know, I’ve been praying quite a bit as of late on new ways to reach out and share Your Love with others, and on expanding this ministry to serve those in need more extensively.  It seemed appropriate therefore, to focus my thoughts and prayers today on one of Jesus’ most fundamental teachings:

“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” – Matthew 5:14-16 (NIV)

Such a significant directive You’ve placed on us Lord!  The Light of Your Holy Spirit isn’t for private consumption, to be hidden and contained in silence waiting for others to notice it.  Instead, as followers of Christ we’re led to make our joy manifest through actions that glorify Your Presence in us.  Service to Your Children is worship in practice, and brings our Walk closer to You in the process.

Heavenly Father, we give You thanks and praise for Your unwavering commitment to Your Children each day.  Please fill us with Your Spirit, and embolden us to go forth and share Your Light with others.  Strip away from us our selfish natures, and lead us to reach out in love and mercy to those in need.  Make us beacons of Your Influence, and guide us to endeavors that best glorify Your Holy Name.  Amen.

~Phather Phil