Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!
Today Father, I’d like to start the week by thanking You from the bottom of my heart for the wonderful vacation You Graced us with last week. The weather was gorgeous, the scenery was breathtaking and all of us had a fantastic time away together. For the first time since starting my business in 1997, I actually made a conscious decision to leave my mobile phone in the cabin and not call into the office each day… It was a practice that I’ll certainly be repeating on future trips. The personal impact of using that time to focus on my family and on Your Presence, and to recharge my spiritual and emotional batteries can’t be overstated. It was truly a Blessing to all of us, and I thank You wholeheartedly.
Today’s Meditations Monday Scripture reading comes from the book of John, and addresses an issue that all followers of Christ deal with at some point in their Walk; Disdain and in some cases, persecution for our Faith.
“If the world hates you, keep in mind that it hated me first. If you belonged to the world, it would love you as its own. As it is, you do not belong to the world, but I have chosen you out of the world. That is why the world hates you. Remember what I told you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will persecute you also. If they obeyed my teaching, they will obey yours also. They will treat you this way because of my name, for they do not know the one who sent me.” – John 15:18-21 (NIV)
Now Lord, I don’t know of any cases where I’ve been outwardly hated for my relationship with You. However, I have been aware more than once of some people avoiding my company because of the public emphasis I place on Your Word and Your Presence in my life. These daily chats, along with my outreach efforts and scripture postings make some people uncomfortable, leading them to shy away. By drawing the division between “children of the world” and the “children of God”, Jesus warns us that the rift between the two would lead to such conflicts, and to not be surprised by it. Instead, we’re charged to reveal Your Light within us and allow it to bridge the chasm through signs and examples of Your Gracious Love. The important thing to remember is this; although we will likely see hardships and resistance as Christians in a confused and troubled world, by keeping our gaze fixed firmly on Jesus, we’re assured the strength and peace to stand firm against the world around us.
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33 (NIV)
It’s lovely to be back Father. 🙂
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. 
The presence of Jesus in our lives should make the world a little uncomfortable. The Bible tells us not to conform to the patterns of this world, so we should stand out. And sometimes standing out causes people to dislike us. But like Jesus said, they hated Him first. Great post and nice to have you back. 🙂
Amen Lisa. And through our standing out, we allow God’s Light in us to be made obvious to others.
Have a Blessed Day!
The Lord blesses the ones that obeys. Sounds like you had an awesome vacation and some great visits with our Lord. I have not had anyone that I know of that hated me because of Jesus but if I did it would give me peace that they associated me with Jesus. Praise the Lord. It is great having you back although I know you deserved the time off from this hectic world we live in.
Blessings to you, Phil.
Thank you so much Deane! We did have a lovely time away, but I’m glad to be back. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
My computer is doing something weird, so you may get 2 comments that say about the same thing!
It’s only through Him and His strength that we can exist in the evil, corrupt world! I’m just thankful this is not my home…glad you’re back too!
Amen Allison! I’m thankful for that as well. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
P.S. If you’re having computer issues, I’d be happy to help if I can…
Welcome back, and glad to hear that you had a wonderful vacation.
I have never outwardly has someone express their hatred for me because of my relationship with the Father. I have been teased about taking this Jesus thing a little to seriously, I have been told to keep my religion to myself, good thing I am not religious, and I have had some ask questions out of curiosity. My opinion is that I will go as far with someone when it comes to talking about Jesus as they want to go, and the rest I try to live my life as the best example I can in my human skin and let my light before men.
Blesings to you Phil, and welcome back.
I’ve run into similar attitudes Kandi, and generally handle it the same way you do. The more we make the Light of Christ visible in our daily lives, the more questions people will ask!
Have a Blessed Day!
So glad you had a wonderful time with your family! Glad to have you back in the bloggy world! 🙂
I want people to see Jesus in me at all times. If that means they do not like me, that is okay. As long as my Light is shining and I am being witness I should be, that is all that matters. Great prayer.
Thank you Jenifer! I’m with you… As long as my life shows the Love of Jesus, I’m fine with other peoples’ opinions.
Have a Blessed Day!
Hi Phil,
It’s a joyful experience to touch in with you again for a few moments and share your expression of joy and thankfulness. I felt a part of me was on the vacation with you. But I don’t want to overdo that idea. I’m very much looking forward to me and JoAnn going for a vacation too sometime this year…
A time to refresh the soul:-)
Thank you Christopher! Our vacation absolutely served to breathe life into my spirit, and I pray that yours will do the same for the two of you. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!