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.
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 23, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Feb 23, 2012 | 6 comments
“Though the fig tree should not blossom,
nor fruit be on the vines,
the produce of the olive fail
and the fields yield no food,
the flock be cut off from the fold
and there be no herd in the stalls,
yet I will rejoice in the Lord;
I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” – Habakkuk 3:17-18 (ESV)
There will be periods in our lives of great abundance, and of overwhelming drought. It’s important to remember that both those times are of God’s design, and while we may not see the underlying reason for our trials, He’s deserving of our praises throughout it all.
Feb 22, 2012
Posted by PhatherPhil on Feb 22, 2012 | 4 comments
“Look among the nations, and see;
wonder and be astounded.
For I am doing a work in your days
that you would not believe if told.” – Habakkuk 1:5 (ESV)
Quite often, we miss the forest for the trees; we allow the world around us to cloud our vision, and look past the amazing wonders that our Heavenly Father places all around us. To embrace His great works and live abundant lives, we need to suspend our disbelief and peer through eyes cleansed by faith.
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. 
