Our True Identity

“And because we are his children, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, prompting us to call out, “Abba, Father.”

Now you are no longer a slave but God’s own child. And since you are his child, God has made you his heir.” – Galatians 4:6-7 (NLT)

Too often, we see our own worth and identity in terms of this world; what job we hold, what social status we’ve attained, or how much wealth we’ve amassed.  It’s important to remember however, that all of those things are temporary, and in the end don’t truly define who we are.  Through Christ Jesus, we’ve been “adopted” into God’s family and infused with His divine Spirit; we are His Beloved Children, we are loved, and in that permanent relationship we find our true identity.

“My One Word” 2012

Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!

About this time last year Lord, I joined with many of my Christian Blogging brothers and sisters and began to think and pray about choosing a single word to guide my steps throughout the year.  In the end, although I was unsure as to why at the time, You very clearly placed the word “Accept” on my heart.

As I look back over the past year Father, Your reasons for Blessing me with that word become very apparent.  2011 was a year filled with struggles, and joy, with pain, and enlightenment.  And yet, when I attempt to “compile” the year’s experiences and summarize what truths I’ve been given in that time, Your word for me keeps showing up…

I Accept that I can’t fix everything, or solve every problem…

I Accept that I’m dependent Father; needy of Your presence in all parts of my life.

I Accept that only by consistently seeking humility before You, can I find true strength.

I Accept that I’m Your Beloved Child.

And so many others Father…  “Accept” makes perfect sense to me now.

So now we come to 2012.

As You know Father, I started praying about this year’s word a couple weeks ago.  You’ve been relatively quiet on the subject so far, but this morning on my ride to work You broke that silence…

Well Lord, once again, it’s not what I would have chosen, nor what I expected.  Nonetheless, I trust You Father, with all my heart, and Accept this word as the precious gift it is.  I have no idea what part my word will play in the coming year, but I Promise to keep my mind, and my heart, open to Your voice.

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.

~Phather Phil

A Transformational Promise

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.” – Matthew 11:28-30 (ESV)

Our fears, doubts and anxieties can weigh heavily on our hearts, and keep us from the abundant lives God desires us to have.  In this transformational promise, Jesus reminds us that when we place our faith in Him and release our burdens to His care, our souls can truly find peace.

Thankful Thursday: Drawn Closer With Every Word

Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!

Looking back over the last year Lord, so much has transpired here at PhatherPhil.org.  Hundreds of “Emails to God” were shared, precious connections with fellow Christian bloggers were formed, friendships were developed and nurtured, and each word I wrote drew me ever closer to Your side.  It’s been a powerful first full year Father, and I’m excited to see how You’ll use this ministry in the coming months.

Continuing my weekly tradition into the New Year Lord, I present You with the first Thankful Thursday list of 2012!  And even though we’re only a little less than a week in, signs of Your gracious love abound.  This past week I’ve been especially grateful for:

481. Our Tuesday night Small Group Study gatherings starting back up following a two week break.

482. Seeing the excitement in Jonathan’s eyes working with his new electronics project kit.

483. Seeing Your Blessings showered on a friend and her family this week.

484. Sharing a stuffed crust pizza with the kids.

485. The “Walking Dead” marathon on AMC last Saturday.  🙂

486. A wonderful visit from our good friend Katie over the weekend.

487. Seeing Your influence in unexpected places.

488. An extra day off this past Monday to relax and rejuvenate.

489. An inspiring and uplifting message delivered by a guest pastor at Ewell’s-St. Paul UMC last Sunday.

490. That during the many struggles I faced in 2011, each time You used those times of trial to draw me closer to You.

491. A reminder from a dear friend today that even in the midst of our struggles, Your Blessings abound all around us.

492. Your calming restraint when I feel myself getting angry.

493. Celebrating the beginning of the New Year in the company of close friends.

494. The cleansing appearance of our first (albeit minor) snow this morning.

495. You nourishing us in our drought.

Heavenly Father,

We thank You Lord, for the many gifts You grace us with each day; both those that announce Your glory like the first light of dawn, and those that Bless us subtly like the shadows of the setting sun.

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.

~Phather Phil

The Divine Responsibility

“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.