Well Father, we’ve once again come to the end of another work-week and the gateway to the coming weekend. Earlier this afternoon, In preparation for a fun, relaxed evening at home with Shannon and the boys, I ventured over to the Super Wal*Mart to grab some quick supplies for homemade calzones. I generally try to avoid the big “supercenters” as much as humanly possible, but as it’s very close to my office and I only needed a couple of items, I decided to throw caution to the wind and go nonetheless.
It was rather busy (as it usually is on Friday afternoons) but I was able to find what I needed reasonably quickly, and soon found myself standing in line at the express checkout, waiting to pay for my groceries.
And then suddenly, I felt a disturbance in the force.
I glanced over my shoulder, and noticed that the man in line behind me was amazingly close by … I mean, no more than a foot or so away. I took a step forward to the checkout, attempting to widen the gap, but he followed my movements, maintaining his proximity to me. I placed my items on the checkout bed, and he again followed suit by placing his right behind mine. Thankfully, I had a very small purchase, so I quickly paid the cashier and as soon as my change had been returned, I instigated a hasty stride for the exit.
Sitting in my truck shortly thereafter, I took a deep breath and began to settle a bit. The gentleman hadn’t actually touched me at any point, but I felt as though my “space” had been infiltrated all the same; he’d breached my “bubble”, and all the alarms in my head sounded the trespass.
“You used to react that way to Me too…” I felt You tell me.
Wow Father… I did, didn’t I…
For many years, whenever You tried to get closer to me I ran for the proverbial exit. I see this in hindsight of course, as at the time I wasn’t even 100% convinced of Your existence, much less Your desire to be a part of my life. But as I sift through the events of my troubled young-adulthood, I realize that You tried to get my attention… A lot. Each time the attempt was made however, I retreated into myself further and closed my bubble around me like a force field.
I’m so thankful that’s changed Father. Welcome to my Personal Space. 🙂
When I began my journey back to You Lord, I found that the more I welcomed You into my life, the more of Your presence I desired. I need You as close to me as possible Father; close enough that it becomes indistinguishable where I end, and where You begin.
That continues to be my prayer Father… Draw me closer, share my bubble.
First off Lord, I want to thank You for yet another wonderful Small Group gathering at the house last night. We’re three weeks into the “Treasures of the Transformed Life” study, and so far it’s been an encouraging and inspiring series. And while the course material has certainly been an excellent starting point for our discussions, the tangential conversation topics that have evolved from that syllabus have been even more of a Blessing to the group.
This week’s section was called “Jumping in With Both Feet”, and focused primarily on the role of our church family in our Walk with Christ, and also how important our presence is for that family to thrive.
Without going into a great deal of detail, the chapters this past week were dedicated to helping us understand how significant a commitment to our church membership truly is. The author draws a very distinct line between our “attendance” and our “presence” at church, making the differentiation that when we’re “plugged in” to the other members of the congregation, we open ourselves to listening, caring and aiding them when they’re in need. In addition, when we joyfully share the unique combinations of Spiritual Gifts that we’ve each been Blessed with, we strengthen and expand the Body of Christ, which in turn aids us in growing our faith, and in showing Your light to others. The Apostle Paul wrote of this relationship in his Epistle to the Romans:
“For as in one body we have many members, and the members do not all have the same function, so we, though many, are one body in Christ, and individually members one of another. Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.” – Romans 12:4-8 (ESV)
Our group last night was an excellent example of what Paul described; coming together with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and sharing the encouragement, support and perspective that Your intimate presence in our lives brings about.
Heavenly Father,
All-in-all Lord, last night was another wonderful, inspired gathering, and I thank You for bringing us together once again to dig deeper into our relationships with You. Please continue to guide us in Your will, that we may grow both as Your Blessed Children, and as members of the Body of Christ.
In my discussions with and ministering to people over the last year Father, I’ve noticed that one topic of concern seems to rear it’s head more often than any other…
Economic fear and uncertainty.
Our country, and the world in general hasn’t seen financial turmoil like this in a very long time Lord, and it’s made many who thought they were secure and stable feel quite vulnerable. I know in my case, this has been the most financially difficult year Shannon and I have ever faced, so I understand the concerns completely. Unemployment is near all-time highs, the cost of gasoline, electricity and home-heating fuel has skyrocketed, and the general sense among many I speak with each day is that it’s isn’t going to get better anytime soon…
Prosperity seems out of reach.
But it’s not… We’re just looking for it in the wrong place.
In today’s society, prosperity is commonly linked with so many worldly states Father; wealth, fame, status, and beauty to name a few. By defining our self-worth using earthly yardsticks, we’re chaining ourselves to the changing world around us:
Money is gained and lost…
Fame is fleeting…
You can’t “keep up with the Jones’” forever…
Our physical looks change as we age…
None of these things define us, unless we allow them to.
And that’s not who we are in Your eyes. You love us Father; each and every one of us:
Whether we make millions in the stock market or live out a humble existence; You love us all the same.
Whether we rise to stardom, or spend our days in quiet contemplation; You love us all the same.
Whether we spend our leisure time at the country club playing golf, or taking our kids to the public park to play; You love us all the same.
Whether our face adorns the cover of the latest Glamour Magazine, or we’re suitable to be the next contestant on “What Not to Wear”; You love us all the same.
You love us all the same…
Your desire is that we should all be prosperous Father, but not necessarily in the way that society describes. True prosperity doesn’t come from the accumulation of wealth or the achievement of worldly power; those things are finite, and just of this earth. True prosperity in our lives is found in the riches we store in our eternal home; in Your Heavenly Kingdom.
“Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal,but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal.For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” – Matthew 6:19-21 (ESV)
True, Eternal Prosperity… It’s within our reach, we simply need to claim it by living our lives in Your service:
Giving of ourselves to help others…
Reading, studying and living by Your Word…
Joining with others in Fellowship to strengthen the Body of Christ…
Opening ourselves to You in prayer, and seeking Your presence in our lives.
Now that’s true success Father… That’s the prosperity that I seek.
Heavenly Father,
In today’s uncertain times Lord, we thank You for the one assuredness we can all cling to; Your unconditional love for us. Please help us focus not on the transient idols of existence this world holds dear, but instead on building riches in Your Heavenly Kingdom.
As You’re aware Lord, over the last few weeks my Scripture reading time has been spent wading through the Old Testament books of Kings and Chronicles. I won’t pull any punches Father, they can be some onerous books to read, but without a doubt they’re chock-full of Your wisdom nonetheless. This morning, as I was nearing the end of 2nd Chronicles the thought crossed my mind:
“Wow… They just didn’t learn very quickly, did they.”
It really wasn’t meant to be disrespectful or nearly as sarcastic as it came out, but reading about king after king that “…did not do what was right in the eyes of the Lord”, and by doing so led their people down paths of destruction and pain, I was struck by the fact that even with all they knew to be true, they still turned away from Your path.
“You do that now and again yourself…” You whispered.
Double Ouch!!
Yes Father… yes I do…
While I may not erect idols and temples to other gods, I certainly have allowed my focus and desires to shift away from You, and to cling to earthly things.
I sometimes allow my pride to overwhelm me and try to rely on my own strength to “fix” things, instead of humbling my heart and following Your lead.
Although my Walk with You has grown ever closer, there are still times that the concerns of the world get their hooks in my heart, and Your voice becomes drowned out in the turmoil.
While I very much try to look towards others with Your love in my heart, there have certainly been more than a few cases where I’ve allowed negative feelings to get the better of me, and not treated people as Jesus’ example directed us.
I guess I don’t learn very quickly Father…
Thankfully, You haven’t given up on me. 🙂
It’s convicting to read through those pages and see reflections of our own behaviors Father, but if that realization helps guide us closer to You, then we’re truly bringing Your Word into our hearts.
Heavenly Father,
I lift my praises Lord, for the lessons and messages You bring us through Scripture, and for the guidance we receive through Your Holy Spirit. For although the truths we uncover may be convicting, uncomfortable or even painful, if in the end they draw us closer to Your will, it’s a path we need to follow all the same.
Last night Lord, we had an absolutely fabulous evening. As you know, my family and I were Blessed to have the opportunity to attend a “Listener Appreciation Concert” held at Calvary Assembly of God in Dover, sponsored by the local Christian Radio Station, 88.7 The Bridge. The production featured Christian Artist and Songwriter John Waller, who led a wonderfully inspiring music and worship concert for those in attendance.
Among the songs that Mr. Waller played, one of the last on the program was his hit from the movie “Fireproof” called “As for Me and My House”. While he was singing on stage, this video played on the room’s two projection screens:
It was a powerful statement, and a rousing moment of worship Father. Thank You so much for placing this song in his heart, that we might be inspired by it’s message.
Heavenly Father,
As we begin the weekend Lord, please guide our decisions and actions to best serve Your desire for our lives. Make Your presence powerfully apparent to all that seek You, and bring Your comfort and aid to those truly in need.
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.
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. 
