Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!
Well Father, it’s certainly been a see-saw of a week for me so far. I knew before it began that this five day period was to be filled with new challenges, anxiety-ridden trials and stressful situations, and it’s absolutely lived up to my expectations. Fears of the unknown held positions all around me, while whispered messages of doubt taunted me from deep within.
Thankfully, I clothed myself appropriately for these battles I’ve faced…
I armored up.
“Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. Stand therefore, having fastened on the belt of truth, and having put on the breastplate of righteousness, and, as shoes for your feet, having put on the readiness given by the gospel of peace. In all circumstances take up the shield of faith, with which you can extinguish all the flaming darts of the evil one; and take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God, praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints, and also for me, that words may be given to me in opening my mouth boldly to proclaim the mystery of the gospel, for which I am an ambassador in chains, that I may declare it boldly, as I ought to speak.” – Ephesians 6:13-20 (ESV)
The challenges have come, and were conquered. Anxieties flooded my waking mind, and were dispersed. Fear gripped my heart, and was silently sent away.
Wrapped in Your divine protection, those things that prey in the dark corners of my mind and hide in the deep recesses of my heart don’t stand a chance.
Thank You Father.
Continuing from last week’s Thankful Thursday list Lord, this week I’ve been particularly grateful for:
316. A big batch of homemade chimichangas shared with good friends.
317. A fantastic first gathering for our Small Group Study: Treasures of the Transformed Life.
318. Being married to a lady who can always make me laugh.
319. Those moments where Your presence overwhelms me.
320. Having the complete Armor of God at my disposal each day (Ephesians 6:13-20).
321. “Still” time spent in Your Word each morning before the household awakens.
322. Sharing a big homemade breakfast with friends after church on Sunday.
323. Long weekends spent in the company of our “extended family”.
324. The encouragement I’ve received recently from friends.
325. A fun and successful dinner party we hosted last Saturday night.
326. The strength You provided me to work through my anxieties this week.
327. New non-stick cookware from Kitchen Aid to replace our 15-year old aluminum set.
328. The information and resources to expand PhatherPhil.org that Google offers for free through Analytics and FeedBurner.
329. A bushel of fresh-picked apples from a local orchard.
330. Tickets for the family to attend a John Waller concert in Dover tonight.
Heavenly Father,
We thank You Lord, for all those Blessings You bestow on us each day; both those that shine as brightly as the sun, and those that glow softly as a candle in the night. For all of Your many gifts of grace in our lives Father, we give thanks.
In Jesus’ Name we pray,
Amen.
~Phather Phil
Pin It
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. 
Wonderful, Spirit-filled list Phil. Have a wonderful time at the concert tonight 🙂
Wonderful list Phil. I love John Waller. Have a great time tonight.
Phil, I love the title of your post. We certainly cannot make it through our days without the full armor of God. I LOVE your list this week. Keep your eyes on Jesus and keep counting those blessings. 🙂
Hi Phil,
Isn’t it so empowering to have God’s grace and amazing wisdom to prepare us for these battles? 🙂 I am learning more and more each day to trust and obey!
Delightful….homemade chimichangas…yummy! 🙂
Blessings,
Denise
Thanks for the reminder to Armour Up! We need to be battle ready at all times. The enemy sure wants to discourage us during these tough economic times. Love how you keep your thankful list rolling… always fun to read.
I love your lists, Phil. And it is so important to be armored up!
joy & blessings,
Alida
Phil,
Have a great time at the concert tonight. Prayers and a big Amen for putting on the armor of God, sometimes it is so easy to forget that when we are going through tough times. I am so coveting #316, I love mexican food, I can practically taste those chimichangas!!
Blessings to you PHil.
Love the idea of armoring up. Great concept. and your list overflows with love from friends, family and fellowship. love it!
Great list! I think I already mentioned that I read those same verses this morning! My favorite part; when we put the entire armor on, He asks us to STAND! Thanks for sharing!
#320… that is so right, we must armor up before we begin everyday! I can’t get through life’s trials without being armored up everyday!:) Love that verse…
Sweet blessings to you.
Great list! Being armored up is one of the most important things we can do everyday!
Sounds like fun to me Phil have a great time and day
Hi Phil,
Your lists are filled with a thankful heart. I especially smiled when I read #318. Neat.
Happy TT. See you again this week. Hugs, Lynn