Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!
To begin our week’s conversations Father, I want to start by thanking You for yet another wonderful weekend spent in the company of my family and some dear friends. We were Blessed to have a couple of our “extended family” (our kids call them Uncle Robert and Aunt Katie, although there’s no blood relationship) visiting with us for the weekend, and we enjoyed their our time with them immensely. We also managed to host a “Mexican Feast” themed dinner party Saturday evening, and cooked up a Fellowship brunch after church on Sunday as well. We feel very thankful for the people You bring into our lives Lord, and it seems only fitting that we should celebrate those relationships whenever we’re able to. So for the friends, the family, the food and the fellowship Father (wow, that’s a lot of F’s… 🙂 ), thank You!
This weekend held one other significant event for me as well Father.
Last week was rough. It seemed as if each new day brought with it another list of problems to solve, and headaches to endure. By the time Friday evening rolled around I was tired; emotionally, physically and yes… spiritually. Saturday morning I vowed to put all those nagging, earthly worries and concerns behind me and enjoy the festivities we’d planned, but through all my attempts to refocus on You, those unsettling whispers still haunted me.
Saturday was a beautiful day weather-wise, with temperatures in the low 70s and a very comfortable fall breeze in the air. I got my lists for the day prepared, and headed out to pick up groceries and supplies for the evening’s event. As I pulled up to the traffic light in front of my destination, I felt the warmth of the sunlight radiate on my face through the open sunroof…
And suddenly, tears began to stream down my face.
In that perfect moment Father, I felt Your overwhelming presence all about me. It was an amazingly peaceful, joyous feeling; quite difficult to describe actually. But as I was able to pull the truck into the shop parking lot, I remember feeling wonderfully relieved. It was if all the weight in my heart was in that moment, lifted away from me. The sensation itself was short-lived unfortunately, but the after-effects remain vivid. My problems certainly haven’t gone away, but I was afforded a powerful reminder that I’m not dealing with them by myself; You’re here with me, and You care.
Therefore Father, with that experience still fresh in my heart I chose today’s Meditations Monday Scripture to align with Your wonderful message to me:
“Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.” – Joshua 1:9 (ESV)
One of my favorite inspirational verses Lord, and a very powerful promise as well.
Heavenly Father,
As we go into this week’s activities Lord, please fill our hearts with Your Holy Spirit that we may draw strength from Your presence within us. Lead us to make decisions that best justify Your will for our lives, and guide our actions that we may share Your bountiful glory with all those around us.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.
~Phather Phil
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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. 
Such an encouraging post Phil! I love when His presence is just so overwhelming and beautiful!
Favorite, favorite, favorite verse!! Love it!
Phil, I love reading your posts. Your personal relationship with Him is honest and comfortable. And in the reading of them I am drawn close to God, too. 🙂
Blessings!
Pam
amen and amen. I LOVE God’s overwhelming sweet prescence. I’m glad for that moment you had peace. 🙂
I love those God moments, when His presence just washes over us and we are left amazed and overwhelmed. He loves us so much!
Love the way He sometimes invades our hearts unexpectedly like that! Praying for your burdens to be lifted this week!
Phil,
I just love the feeling of God’s presence all around me, you are right it is hard to desribe, it is just an overwhelming feeling of peace and joy even when the chaos is around us. It is in the midst of my messes and confusion that I feel His presence so profoundly.
Blessings to you Phil.
Phil, I love those moments as well when it feel like God is wrapping his strong arms around us and telling us that everything is going to be okay. Glad you had a good weekend.
PS. We have good friend my son calls Aunt and Uncle too!
Love your words to this post Phil such refreshing indeed
What a precious loving moment you had with God. wow. I admire your constant focus on blessing, Phil. Here you had a tough week yet the tone of this post and all your post focus more on God then you. Thank you for living and sharing your faith with us.
Those moments in his presence are so wonderful! There are no words! Great post, Phil! Love that verse!
Phil, I can’t tell you the number of times I have read that scripture, whenever I am facing a challenge.
I love the genteel Fatherly reminder from God in the words, ‘Have I not commanded you?’
It’s wonderful to know that we can run to the outstretched arms of the Lord to comfort us, when life seems overwhelming.
Blessings to you and your family
Carole in the UK