Daily Inspirations
Scriptural “tidbits” and devotions to connect the Bible to our lives…
Trust in the Lord
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
and do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge him,
and he will make straight your paths.
Be not wise in your own eyes;
fear the Lord, and turn away from evil.
It will be healing to your flesh
and refreshment to your bones.” – Proverbs 3:5-8 (ESV)
It’s important as we run into conflicts and struggles in our lives, that we recognize our fundamental dependence on God, and seek His guidance rather than relying solely on our own meager understanding. When we proceed as one with our Heavenly Father, we find the wisdom and inner strength to not only weather our trials, but to triumph over them.
Love Your Enemies
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” – Matthew 5:43-48 (ESV)
One of the most difficult things we’re called to do as Followers of Christ is to place aside our negative feelings and anger against those we feel have wronged us. Instead of carrying those poison “seeds” around in our spirits, we’re instructed to forgive, and then lift them up in prayer and release that burden into our Heavenly Father’s capable hands.
If It Is the Lord’s Will
“Now listen, you who say, “Today or tomorrow we will go to this or that city, spend a year there, carry on business and make money.” Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow. What is your life? You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes. Instead, you ought to say, “If it is the Lord’s will, we will live and do this or that.” As it is, you boast in your arrogant schemes. All such boasting is evil. If anyone, then, knows the good they ought to do and doesn’t do it, it is sin for them.” – James 4:13-17 (ESV)
As the economic upheaval over the last couple years has made it abundantly clear, we can’t truly know or control life’s circumstances on our own strength or volition. However, if we actively include the presence of God in making our decisions, setting our direction, and working along His path, then fulfilling His will becomes our goal and we will truly find success.
We’re All in Need
“Why do you pass judgment on your brother? Or you, why do you despise your brother? For we will all stand before the judgment seat of God;
for it is written,
“As I live, says the Lord, every knee shall bow to me,
and every tongue shall confess to God.”So then each of us will give an account of himself to God.” – Romans 14:10-12 (ESV)
As followers of Christ, it’s vital that we not fall into the trap of judging our fellow Christians in their Walks. Instead of finding fault or issue, we’re instead called to uplift and support one another’s relationship with Jesus; providing an environment where His grace is felt by all of His Children. In the end, we’re all in need of God’s tender mercy.
The Lord Shall Renew Their Strength
“Have you not known? Have you not heard?
The Lord is the everlasting God,
the Creator of the ends of the earth.
He does not faint or grow weary;
his understanding is unsearchable.
He gives power to the faint,
and to him who has no might he increases strength.
Even youths shall faint and be weary,
and young men shall fall exhausted;
but they who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength;
they shall mount up with wings like eagles;
they shall run and not be weary;
they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:28-31 (ESV)
Waiting is tough. Whether it’s a short-term trial, or a longer more complicated struggle, sometimes waiting for that light on the horizon can seem extremely daunting. Know however, that no matter how difficult a road lies ahead, God isn’t shaken. When we rest in the confidence that our Heavenly Father desires the best for His Children and persevere towards furthering His works, our waiting takes on a completely different perspective.
Thankfulness in Our Hearts
“And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful. Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly, teaching and admonishing one another in all wisdom, singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God. And whatever you do, in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” – Colossians 3:15-17 (ESV)
In everything we say and do, above all it’s essential to keep the love of Christ in our hearts. For when we have that personal, intimate relationship with our Savior, every day becomes Thanksgiving.
Have a Blessed Thanksgiving!
True Courage
“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)
Men: Life can feel terribly overwhelming at times. Between work responsibilities, caring for our families, household bills, and a seemingly never-ending list of tasks to accomplish, even the most stalwart of us can feel burdened and fearful. When those moments occur, instead of allowing the darkness to poison our spirits it’s essential we lean on the strength of our Heavenly Father to bolster our resolve, and see us through our trials. True courage isn’t facing adversity on our own, it’s boldly realizing that we’re never on our own.
Completely Transparent
“O Lord, you have searched me and known me!
You know when I sit down and when I rise up;
you discern my thoughts from afar.
You search out my path and my lying down
and are acquainted with all my ways.
Even before a word is on my tongue,
behold, O Lord, you know it altogether.
You hem me in, behind and before,
and lay your hand upon me.
Such knowledge is too wonderful for me;
it is high; I cannot attain it.Where shall I go from your Spirit?
Or where shall I flee from your presence?
If I ascend to heaven, you are there!
If I make my bed in Sheol, you are there!
If I take the wings of the morning
and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea,
even there your hand shall lead me,
and your right hand shall hold me.
If I say, “Surely the darkness shall cover me,
and the light about me be night,”
even the darkness is not dark to you;
the night is bright as the day,
for darkness is as light with you.” – Psalm 139:1-12 (ESV)
Abraham Lincoln’s famous statement “You may fool all the people some of the time, you can even fool some of the people all of the time, but you cannot fool all of the people all the time.” Is missing one important sentence: “And no matter what you do or say, you can’t EVER fool God.”. To our Heavenly Father, we’re completely transparent; whatever outward appearance we portray, whatever words we speak, whatever actions we take, our true intentions, heart and mind are known to Him. Does what you say and do in front of others reflect your true heart?
Laboring in Vain
“Unless the Lord builds the house,
those who build it labor in vain.
Unless the Lord watches over the city,
the watchman stays awake in vain.
It is in vain that you rise up early
and go late to rest,
eating the bread of anxious toil;
for he gives to his beloved sleep.” – Psalm 127:1-2 (ESV)
In all of our daily endeavors, it’s essential that we pursue our tasks with the conscious involvement of our Heavenly Father. While working hard and giving diligent attention to our responsibilities is absolutely important, if we don’t strive to bring God into our lives and make Him a part of everything we do, those efforts to a great extent will be futile. Only by realizing and embracing our dependence on God’s grace and mercy can our toils yield the fruits of those efforts.
An Idol by Any Other Name…
“Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to your name give glory,
for the sake of your steadfast love and your faithfulness!Why should the nations say,
“Where is their God?”
Our God is in the heavens;
he does all that he pleases.Their idols are silver and gold,
the work of human hands.
They have mouths, but do not speak;
eyes, but do not see.
They have ears, but do not hear;
noses, but do not smell.
They have hands, but do not feel;
feet, but do not walk;
and they do not make a sound in their throat.
Those who make them become like them;
so do all who trust in them.” – Psalm 115:1-8 (ESV)
Although most people don’t visit temples to worship graven images and statues, many still practice some forms of idolatry in their lives. When we place more importance and priority on things of this world than we do seeking God’s presence, we’re doing exactly that. Be it money, technology, alcohol, sex or any other worldly endeavor; when we place temporal things above our Heavenly Father in our hearts, it pulls us from Him and obscures His voice. By identifying those idols in our lives and asking for God’s help in removing them, we draw ourselves closer to Him and remove the barriers that keep us from becoming what He desires us to be.
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. 
