Dec 5, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 5, 2011 | 5 comments
“Behold, what I have seen to be good and fitting is to eat and drink and find enjoyment in all the toil with which one toils under the sun the few days of his life that God has given him, for this is his lot. Everyone also to whom God has given wealth and possessions and power to enjoy them, and to accept his lot and rejoice in his toil—this is the gift of God. For he will not much remember the days of his life because God keeps him occupied with joy in his heart.” – Ecclesiastes 5:18-20 (ESV)
Our lives are a gift from God; in times of prosperity, times of struggle, times of toil, and times of rest. If at all times we find the joy of Christ in those Blessings we’re given, then we not only lead happier, more fulfilling lives, but at the same time we also glorify God’s benevolence in the process.
Dec 2, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Dec 2, 2011 | 6 comments
“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.
Nov 28, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Nov 28, 2011 | 5 comments
“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.
Nov 23, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Nov 23, 2011 | 3 comments
“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.
Nov 22, 2011
Posted by PhatherPhil on Nov 22, 2011 | 5 comments
“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?
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. 
