Feb 29, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Feb 29, 2012 | 8 comments
“Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you. Why do you see the speck that is in your brother’s eye, but do not notice the log that is in your own eye? Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye? You hypocrite, first take the log out of your own eye, and then you will see clearly to take the speck out of your brother’s eye.” – Matthew 7:1-5 (ESV)
While it’s part of human nature to form opinions based on the acts and actions of those around us, Jesus warned us against making rash and pointed judgments about others while our own lives are far less than perfect. When we place our focus on bringing the righteousness of Christ to every part of our lives rather than finding fault in the journeys of others, we see the world with a new, clearer perspective.
Feb 27, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Feb 27, 2012 | 5 comments
“Then Jesus came from Galilee to the Jordan to John, to be baptized by him. John would have prevented him, saying, “I need to be baptized by you, and do you come to me?” But Jesus answered him, “Let it be so now, for thus it is fitting for us to fulfill all righteousness.” Then he consented. And when Jesus was baptized, immediately he went up from the water, and behold, the heavens were opened to him, and he saw the Spirit of God descending like a dove and coming to rest on him; and behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.”” – Matthew 3:13-17 (ESV)
While the Son of God certainly didn’t require baptism for the forgiveness of sins He didn’t hold, He chose to humble Himself in the eyes of the Father, and by doing so identified Himself with the sins of humanity. In that moment of divine humility and affirmation, He set the example for us all and began His mission and ministry of salvation.
Feb 15, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Feb 15, 2012 | 7 comments
“For every kind of beast and bird, of reptile and sea creature, can be tamed and has been tamed by mankind, but no human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God.” – James 3:7-9 (ESV)
Our words are powerful things; they can be used to either share the light of Christ with those around us, or to spread the venomous intent of our sinful natures. It’s very often not an easy internal conflict to resolve, but through the guidance and Grace our Heavenly Father offers us, we can make our speech reflect His glory and goodness.
Feb 9, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Feb 9, 2012 | 4 comments
“Yes, everything else is worthless when compared with the infinite value of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have discarded everything else, counting it all as garbage, so that I could gain Christ and become one with him. I no longer count on my own righteousness through obeying the law; rather, I become righteous through faith in Christ. For God’s way of making us right with himself depends on faith. I want to know Christ and experience the mighty power that raised him from the dead. I want to suffer with him, sharing in his death, so that one way or another I will experience the resurrection from the dead!” – Philippians 3:8-11 (NLT)
While belonging to and attending a church, participating in worship services and being involved in ministry can absolutely help bring us closer to God, only through a deep, personal relationship with Christ can we truly experience the peace, majesty and love our Heavenly Father offers us. It’s not about a religion, it’s about a relationship.
Feb 1, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Feb 1, 2012 | 5 comments
“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.
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. 
