Mar 14, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Mar 14, 2012 | 5 comments
“And calling the crowd to him with his disciples, he said to them, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me. For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake and the gospel’s will save it. For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? For what can a man give in return for his soul?” – Mark 8:34-37 (ESV)
When we completely give our lives over to Christ, we put aside our reliance on and affinity for worldly influences, and place our trust and faith in His loving Grace to guide us and shape our path. For when our primary focus lies in responding to the lure of our earthly lives rather than heeding the call of our Heavenly Father, we sacrifice the eternal for the fleeting.
Mar 7, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Mar 7, 2012 | 3 comments
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. For if anyone thinks he is something, when he is nothing, he deceives himself. But let each one test his own work, and then his reason to boast will be in himself alone and not in his neighbor. For each will have to bear his own load.” – Galatians 6:2-5 (ESV)
As part of Jesus’ directive for us to love one another, He desires that we reach out in compassion and assist each other with the trials and burdens we face. As fellow travelers on this journey, each load we can share not only Blesses those we support, but in the process also strengthens the entire Body of Christ and draws us closer to Him.
Mar 6, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Mar 6, 2012 | 4 comments
“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures:
“‘The stone that the builders rejected
has become the cornerstone;
this was the Lord’s doing,
and it is marvelous in our eyes’?
Therefore I tell you, the kingdom of God will be taken away from you and given to a people producing its fruits. And the one who falls on this stone will be broken to pieces; and when it falls on anyone, it will crush him.” – Matthew 21:42-44 (ESV)
Just as Jesus warned the chief priests and Pharisees that they’d severely erred in dismissing His doctrines and teachings, it’s important that we don’t make the same mistake in our daily lives. By investing ourselves in learning His Word and striving to live by His example, we honor the amazing gift that was delivered to us through the life, death and resurrection of Christ Jesus.
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 28, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Feb 28, 2012 | 4 comments
“And when you pray, do not heap up empty phrases as the Gentiles do, for they think that they will be heard for their many words. Do not be like them, for your Father knows what you need before you ask him.” – Matthew 6:7-8 (ESV)
You need not be an eloquent speaker to pray; God knows our hearts, and our needs long before we utter a single syllable. When we come to the Lord with an open heart, an open mind and a willing spirit, no matter what words are said our prayers are always received, and understood without question.