Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!
First off Lord, I want to begin the week by thanking You for all the Blessings You granted us this past weekend. The medication the veterinarian put Merlin on seems to have abated the seizures, and although the effects are still taking their toll, he’s made a marked improvement. Saturday night Shannon got to go out with her mother and uncle to see a musical production of “Kiss Me Kate” held at Longwood Gardens, and the boys and I got some time to “hang out” and do some fun cooking with friends. And Sunday after church we delivered Jonathan to Kay’s Kamp for his week away, and then spent the rest of the day relaxing together at home. All in all Father, it was a wonderful weekend’s respite and I thank You for that time!
Today’s Meditations Monday Scripture comes from Paul’s Epistle to the Ephesians, Chapter 4:
Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. – Ephesians 4:29 (NIV)
You got me this morning on this one Lord. Driving into work I was running a little behind and the car in front of me was crawling along a bit under the speed limit…
“I wish these people would learn how to drive!” I exclaimed.
“Phil… You know better.” You whispered back.
Busted.
You’ve actually been correcting me along these lines quite a bit lately Father, and it’s been humbling as to how often I find myself saying or thinking unkind or unflattering things about other people. I allow personal frustrations such as being a little late for work to set the tone in my head, and like a weed in a flower bed the negative feelings spread to the rest of my thoughts. Little moments like this morning’s outburst, although no one was there to hear it (except You of course…), still serve to poison our spirit and can further affect other parts of our lives.
Thankfully, Your gentle reminders to keep my mood in check have helped me to make a positive change in that respect. There is however, certainly still room for improvement, as this morning’s experience displayed. 🙂
Heavenly Father, as we begin this new week please help us to shine Your Light to those around us, not mire them in the grey clouds of our own inner conflicts. Our words are powerful influencers Lord, and I pray that You guide our usage of them to best encourage and support Your Children.
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry, because human anger does not produce the righteousness that God desires. – James 1:19-20 (NIV)
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. 
Phil, glad to hear that Merlin has improved. We don’t really appreciate normality until things start to go awry.
My daughter and I read your meditation today and discussed the importance of building each other up. Thank you for providing such an important life lesson.
Thank you Debra! He’s still showing some effects of the seizures and/or medication, but certainly much better than he was. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Phil,
We can think our little utterances that no one can hear won’t do any harm. We do it once and get away with it so we do it again thinking it is no big deal then next thing we know we have a root of bitterness starting to grow inside us. Whenever He corrects me on stuff like that I think “sheesh your hard on me Father” but really He corrects us for own good, depsite how much we don’t like it.
Blessings to you Phil.
Amen Kandi! If allowed to sit and fester, those negative stirrings in us will eventually work their way into other parts of our hearts as well. Lifting them to the Lord before they take root is the best way to keep it at bay.
Have a Blessed Day!
Oh by the way, I happy to hear Merlin is doing better. Our pets are part of our families and they become so special to us.
Thank you so much! He’s doing much better. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
I received some of the very same gentle correction while driving today too 🙂 So glad Merlin is on the mend!
Glad to hear I’m not the only one Heidi. 🙂 Thank you!
Have a Blessed Day!
So glad your four legged family member is doing better and that you had a good weekend. I love when God gives us gentle reminders. He is always there and always tries to help us through our day.
Thank you Jenifer! He’s doing much better. 🙂
I’ve been getting quite a few nudges lately… God seems to be intently working on me for something, but I’m not sure what as of yet.
Have a Blessed Day!
Phil, this is the second or third blog I’ve read today having to do with our words. I think it’s time for me to say, “Ok, God, I’m listening.” Even if no person hears what we say, God always hears. I want my words to be pleasing to Him.
Glad to hear that Merlin is doing better. 🙂
Amen Lisa! God hears our hearts and our voices no matter where we are, so we need to keep it as positive as possible!
Have a Blessed Day!
Your blog today has gone with a book I have been reading to improve my teachings to my son with his day to day school lessons. The Christian background of his education has been a remarkable change in his attitude when we are deep in class. So with school starting shortly, I am brushing up on my skills to make sure I am a better teacher to him then I was last year, my words are becoming more careful. My example is needing improvement, He is watching me. Thank you for your posting.
I’m so glad today’s verses reinforced what you’re working on with your son Dy. I have no doubt you’re leading him to be a better person!
Have a Blessed Day!
I think you are too hard on yourself. Reading this I thought: wow, how he listens and response to God’s quiet voice. Glad to read your dog is getting better too. Good thoughts, Phil
Thank you Jean… 🙂 I’m just so thankful for His guidance in my life.
Have a Blessed Day!