Dear Lord; Happy Tuesday Father!
In recent weeks, I’ve been contacted by a number of friends and readers who’ve been going through some struggles in their Walk, and who were seeking perspective and encouragement. And while I’m always happy to bring Your Message of Hope to the table Father, it did get me to thinking about ways that we can strengthen and temper our Faith in times of trial…
Stillness Sabbaticals
As we discussed a couple weeks ago Father, I’ve found that one of my most effective methods for communing with You is to block off some time, find a very quiet spot, and simply focus on Your Presence. We live in an exceptionally “noisy” world, and with a seemingly constant deluge of activity and information surrounding us, Your Voice can sometimes be more difficult to distinguish in the chaos. Whether it’s to spend time with Scripture or simply to pray in silence for guidance, that respite from the auditory onslaught can become a powerful, spiritual time. “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)
Songs of Praise
Music has a way of reaching into us and touching places that few other things in our lives can. One of the best tools I’ve found for helping to keep my focus on You is listening to the positive and encouraging messages contained in Contemporary Christian Music. Be it listening in the car on my way to work, playing it in the background while making dinner, or streaming it from my iPod while mowing the lawn, today’s talented Christian artists bring the Joy of Christ to my heart every time I listen. “He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see and fear the Lord and put their trust in him.” (Psalm 40:3)
Scriptural Mortar
Without question Father, the Bible is the most important book ever written. Through Your Divine Inspiration to those penmen, You’ve Blessed us with the ultimate “Instruction Manual” for our journey while here on Earth. It contains a treasure trove of wisdom, encouragement and rules to live our lives by so as to grow in Your Kingdom. One of the most powerful and compelling ways to nourish our Faith and bring our Walk closer to Christ, is to spend time absorbing Your Word and praying on It’s messages. “For the word of God is alive and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart.” (Hebrews 4:12)
Fellowship
One of our best sources of encouragement, enlightenment and inspiration can be found in the interactions we have with our fellow Christians. Whether it’s spending time together in worship and study at Church, or conversing with other Believers across the globe via the Internet, the support and assistance of Your Followers are wonderful resources to help steady us in our spiritual journey. “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:24-25)
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your continued and faithful Presence in our lives each day. Please help focus our hearts to best receive You, and to support others in their Walk as well. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, and strengthen our resolve to live for Your Kingdom instead of focusing on the chaos around us. Amen.
~Phather Phil
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. 
God has given us so many different ways to connect with Him. I’m thankful that He desires a relationship with me.
As am I Lisa. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
We talked about this exact thing at bible study last night…and what do you know? The answers are all the same 🙂
Isn’t it interesting how the same messages end up in so many different places Allison? Makes you believe we’re all connected somehow… 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Great post Phil. It is so wonderful to know that we have different ways to connecting with God.
Thank you Jenifer! It’s an amazing feeling to know that our Heavenly Father desires such a close relationship with us, and gives us so many ways to achieve it.
Have a Blessed Day!
Thanks for another great post, Phil. I am so glad God knows what each of us need to be able to connect with us. He is always there to help us. Blessings to you.
Thank you Deane! I’m thankful for that as well!
Have a Blessed Day!
I’m thankful that our God provides so many ways to gain strength and encouragement during difficult times. Your posts are truly a blessing.
Thank you so much Tresa! He knows what we need to be whole with Him, and gives us so many wonderful ways of achieving it. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
A few things, Phil.
1. Just yesterday, I wrote a piece called “Just Breathe”; in it, I talk about the distractions of my day and how during my time of suffering a few months ago, it wasn’t difficult for me to find that stillness before the Lord.
2. Music… written about that as well, about how it’s returning to my soul via the witness of praise/worship music. Funny how that shut down in me (and in my van for a season). Now when I hear it, my heart is always deeply moved, usually to tears.
3. God’s Word… a faithful witness, no matter if we feel like it is doing something for us or not. I’m so glad for its constant, daily companionship in my life.
4. Fellowship… love this one! In particular, I’ve had to make some deliberate choices to “engage” with others… even when my body begged for solitude. I always found that, afterward, I was glad for the interaction.
A lot of what you’re talking about here really comes down to “intention” and a willingness to make better choices to “take care of our hearts.” (a phrase I like to use). When we get there as believers, when we willingly tend to the matters of heart and faith, then we can know that we’re maturing in our walks with Christ, even on days when it feels like small gain.
Sorry for lengthiness… Just wanted to shout an “Amen” from my corner!
peace~elaine
Thank you Elaine! You’re of course correct; opening our hearts and minds to God’s intentions and seeking that close-knit relationship with Him is a choice, and one we all need to make with all sincerity.
Can’t wait to read “Just Breathe”!
Have a Blessed Day!
Great post! As long as we are connected to the vine we are okay..the moment we are not connected to the vine we are in serious trouble
Thank you Desiray! Thankfully, we have many great ways to keep Him in our hearts!
Have a Blessed Day!