Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!
Well Father, life is beginning to return to normal here in Delaware following the excitement surrounding Hurricane Irene this past weekend. And while this particular storm wasn’t nearly as powerful as many that strike other parts of the country, for an underprepared East Coast which seldom sees weather of that nature, it was a challenge nonetheless. Needless to say Lord, it made for an eventful weekend and one we won’t forget anytime soon. For those dealing with damage, pain or loss from this climactic onslaught, I pray that You keep them intently in Your gaze and bring them the comfort and healing only Your presence is able to.
This week’s Meditations Monday Scripture comes from the second chapter of 2nd Timothy:
“Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels. And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful. Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth, and that they will come to their senses and escape from the trap of the devil, who has taken them captive to do his will.” – 2 Timothy 2:23-26 (NIV)
Well Father, the Apostle Paul certainly wasn’t subtle about Your will on this particular subject, and yet this is one of those “problem areas” that I know we’re all guilty of upon occasion. Paul’s point that the nit-picking, “little” things we choose to let get under our skin, more often than not lead only to ungodly conflict. And when we allow ourselves to be a part of such unimportant disagreements, we stray from Your desire as to how we should act towards others; with kindness, patience and respect. I know that over the years I’ve certainly lost my composure with people more than a few times Father, and in doing so I failed to take advantage of those opportunities to show Your influence in my life.
It’s something I’ll be praying about this week Lord…
Heavenly Father,
As we begin this new week, please help focus our hearts and minds to best serve Your will for us. Calm our tumultuous natures, and guide us to provide that “gentle instruction” to those around us that are in need of Your light.
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. 
Glad you guys made it through all the crazy weather!
Great reminder, Phil. Love how you said it, “calm our tumultuous natures” Hard for others to see Christ in us if we easily fly off the handle. Thanks
Amen Eileen! Keeping our nerves in check in the midst of chaos is one of the best ways for others to see Christ’s work in us. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Being on the front lines as a peacemaker with no weapon except God’s Holy Spirit might be overwhelming but it is where we are indeed called to be. Thanks again for this reminder. Blessings to you and your lovely family. ~MN~
It is indeed… I pray He gives us the strength we need to represent Him properly!
Have a Blessed Day!
The words gentle instruction jumped out to me and i was so glad to pray with you the prayer you wrote using that phrase. That is what I feel called upon to pray for and to ponder this week. Thanks for helping me hear God, Phil
It’s funny Jean, that two words was the highlight of this passage for me as well. It’s so easy to let our natures get the best of us and be overly aggressive, but what God really wants of us is to “Open the Door” to people’s hearts so He can make lasting change.
Have a Blessed Day!
This is yet another thing that God has been working on in my life. I’ve been known to let little irritations get under my skin until they fester and become a full blown grudge. I need the power of the Holy Spirit to calm my spirit and help me to become more like God.
I’ve been known to do that as well Lisa. Thankfully, God’s there to ‘nudge’ me and put a damper on those emotions. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
Yes! Help me to serve YOUR will for me, Father! Great post!
Amen Lindsay! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
I pray every day to have that very patience and gentleness… to show His love to everyone in my actions. Great reminder, thank you Phil!
It’s something I pray regularly as well Heidi. May we both hear His guiding voice in those moments of instability. 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
So glad that you made it through the weekend! Praying along with you this week.
joy and blessings,
Alida
Thank you Alida! 🙂
Have a Blessed Day!
I needed that verse today! Thank you for the reminder that I should refuse stupid arguments and keep my eyes fixed on the important!
It’s hard not to get dragged into those situations… Isn’t it? Thankfully with God’s ‘nudges’ to guide us, we can stay out of such conflicts.
Have a Blessed Day!
Thankful that you and the family are safe and sound!
I have MANY pet peeves. God dealt with me on this, and still does from time to time, about letting this things that really don’t mean anything get to me.
I do as well Jenifer, and am VERY thankful for His reminders when I stray…
Have a Blessed Day!