Called to Share

“For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. And because of him you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, righteousness and sanctification and redemption, so that, as it is written, “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord.”” – 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 (ESV)

God doesn’t restrict His calling to deliver the gospel message to those of stature; the scholarly, the wise or the influential.  For the Lord knows our hearts, and joyfully shines through all those who seek to glorify Him, and not themselves.

Combatting the Onslaught

“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,” – Ephesians 6:13-17 (ESV)

Each and every day, our hearts and minds are tempted and assaulted by the broken nature of the world we live in.  To combat this onslaught, it’s vital that we “armor up” in the resources that God has Blessed us with; firmly defending that which we’ve given over to Christ.

Joining Together in Unity

“Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works.

And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another, especially now that the day of his return is drawing near.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NLT)

As members of the Body of Christ, one of our most important responsibilities is to join with other believers; to worship together, to encourage one another, and to reach out in unity and share the ministry and message of our Savior.

Thankful Thursday: My Steadfast Constant

Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!

Well Father, it’s certainly been an interesting week.

Emotions have run high; from stomach wrenching anxieties, to moments of inspired joy, in the last seven days I believe I’ve covered the gambit.  And yet Lord, through all the ups and downs that pervade my life, I always have one piece of firm ground to stand on :

Your love for me.

You lift my heart in moments of grief, and cheer with me in times of joy.  You refresh my spirit when the world says I can’t, and reassure me that in You, all things are possible.  You forgive my failings, even when I struggle to forgive myself, and above it all Father, You never leave my side…

You are My Steadfast Constant Lord, and for that I am ever grateful.

And continuing that note of thanks Father, this week I’ve also been grateful for:

511. Cheddar Bacon Ranch Pulls.

512. You giving me “My One Word” for 2012.

513. A wide variety of Biblical Commentaries online to assist me with perspective.

514. Finding a free, easy backup plugin for WordPress to keep PhatherPhil.org safe.

515. Some books on loan to me from Ewell’s-St. Paul’s library.

516. Being reminded of my true identity in Christ.

517. Finding deeper meaning through reading multiple translations of Scripture.

518. A quiet breakfast out with my family after church last Sunday.

519. That You willingly share our struggles and pain, and use them to draw us closer.

520. A reminder on a dear friend’s blog today to pursue You with reckless abandon.

521. That in times of stress, Your presence brings me the renewal I need.

522. The opportunity to welcome a new family to church last weekend.

523. Finding new ways to reach out and be the Hands and Feet of Christ Jesus.

524. Sharing a 6-Pack of tacos with Aidan at Hardees Wednesday night.

525. A very special gift.

Heavenly Father,

I thank You Lord, for all the gifts You grace our lives with; both those that infuse our senses with Your presence, and those that gently hold us in our moment of need.

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.

~Phather Phil

A Common Misconception

“Dear friends, don’t be surprised at the fiery trials you are going through, as if something strange were happening to you.

Instead, be very glad—for these trials make you partners with Christ in his suffering, so that you will have the wonderful joy of seeing his glory when it is revealed to all the world.” – 1 Peter 4:12-13 (NLT)

When people first come to Christ, it’s a common misconception that their lives will somehow become easier, or that at least their fears, anxieties and struggles would dissipate to some extent.  In effect however, that’s rarely the case.  With that Blessed renewal of our spirit, in some respects our lives can actually become more complicated as we strive to follow in Jesus’ footsteps.  The important thing to remember however is that trials in His name are in fact Blessings unto themselves; drawing us closer to His path, and bringing joy in the knowledge that He shares our struggles with us.

A Very Special Gift

Dear Lord; Happy Wednesday Father!

Today Lord, I simply want to say thank You.

As You know Father, the last couple weeks have been particularly stressful for me, and I’m afraid in several situations I allowed myself to weaken and give audience to Satan’s voices of dissent within my heart…

You’re not worthy of God’s attention…

You’re weak…        

You’re alone…

I can still get to you…

And yet, through all these attacks on my spirit Lord, You were right there.  You’ve quietly reminded me of my true identity, sent me fellow brothers and sisters in Christ to bolster my reserve, and through Your Word have helped keep my eyes focused on Your Kingdom.

And then this morning, You gave me a very special gift…

As I’ve mentioned before Father, I quite enjoy the path I take to work each morning.  I consciously avoid the highway, and instead travel a series of smaller back roads that run through much more rural settings.

My route also holds one further benefit.

For a short portion of the drive, my truck heads due East; affording me a wonderful front-row seat as the sun lifts above the horizon behind the farmlands ahead.  Most mornings it’s a lovely scene, but today it was particularly breathtaking.  The air was vividly clear, save for a thin line of clouds that dotted the horizon.  Lying behind that smoky veil, the morning sun’s radiance streamed upwards, seeming to burn rays of light into the heavens.  It was truly a marvelous sight, and as I smiled in recognition of Your handiwork, You let me know why…

“It’s for you…” You said.

For me??  I momentarily struggled with my disbelief, but it was just too powerful; the wall came crashing down and I clearly understood Your message:

You love me Father, and You’d move heaven and earth that I should know it.

What an amazing gift Lord… I am truly humbled, and forever changed.

Amen.

~Phather Phil