His Perfect Example

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” – Colossians 3:12-14 (ESV)

As the Apostle Paul reminds us in this passage, our goal when dealing with others should always be to embody Jesus’ perfect example.  By reaching out in kindness, compassion, humility and forgiveness, we not only Bless others, but at the same time we draw closer to Christ as well.

Meditations Monday: The Simplest of Beginnings

Dear Lord; Happy Meditations Monday Father!

Well Father, once again You’ve Blessed my family and I with a lovely weekend.  Jonathan’s sleepover birthday party Friday night was a marked success, and the boys all seemed to have a wonderful time.  Once all the “overnighters” had been picked up by their well-rested parents (smiles), we packed up and headed out to spend the rest of the day at the home of some truly wonderful extended family (eg. Good friends) celebrating the birthday of their foster son.  It was a lovely visit, filled with laughter and love, and we were very Blessed to be a part of it.  Sunday morning began with an inspiring church service including a powerful message from Pastor Kris, with the remaining part of the day divided between cooking, catching up on homework and housework, and just enjoying the company of one another.  All in all Lord, it was an absolutely wonderful weekend, and I thank You for faithfully providing these times of joy and respite to us.

When I thought and prayed about what passage in Scripture to select for this Meditations Monday post Father, one immediately sprang to my heart:

“In those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town. And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child. And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” – Luke 2:1-7 (ESV)

As I read this passage in Luke Father, I was struck by the simplicity in which this miraculous event was described;

No fanfare…

No ceremonies…

No royal proclamations…

No pretense of any kind.

Such a transformational moment in our world Father, ushered in by the most humble of circumstances.

As I look around this Christmas Season Lord, it’s blatantly apparent our world today exists in stark contrast to that Silent Night so long ago.  We fill these weeks each year with lights, and parties, and shopping, and decorating, and yet, in that defining moment some two thousand years ago…

Our world was forever changed, from the simplest of beginnings.

No lighting displays, no flying reindeer, no sugarplum faries…

Just a miracle, in a lowly manger, sent to save the world.

Amen.

~Phather Phil

Staying True to God’s Word

“I charge you in the presence of God and of Christ Jesus, who is to judge the living and the dead, and by his appearing and his kingdom: preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching. For the time is coming when people will not endure sound teaching, but having itching ears they will accumulate for themselves teachers to suit their own passions, and will turn away from listening to the truth and wander off into myths. As for you, always be sober-minded, endure suffering, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry.” – 2 Timothy 4:1-5 (ESV)

As Followers of Christ, it’s essential that we’re prepared at all times to bring His Word and message to those around us.  As we see the world around us drift further and further from God’s Truth, and people “adjust” Scriptural meaning to suit their own desires, we’re called to remain committed to Jesus’ teachings, and to patiently share His message of love and hope with others.

The Anger of Man

“Know this, my beloved brothers: let every person be quick to hear, slow to speak, slow to anger; for the anger of man does not produce the righteousness of God.” – James 1:19-20 (ESV)

In our Walk with Christ, finding and maintaining control over our emotions and reactions can be one of the most difficult challenges we face.  As we go about our daily lives, keeping an “open line of communication” to God enables us to level out our topsy-turvy feelings, and to shine the light of Christ brightly when dealing with others.

Thankful Thursday: Grumble, Grumble, Grumble…

Dear Lord; Happy Thankful Thursday Father!

Grumble, grumble, grumble…

This Father, was the response (the nicer version of it anyways) that greeted me upon trying to wake my “just turned twelve” son Jonathan this morning.  Now, he’s always been a little sluggish getting moving in the morning, but last night he ended up staying awake far later than usual to try and finish some homework, and this morning when I tried to get him up for school…

Arguments…

Attitude…

And Grumbling.

After much cajoling, some veiled threats of consequences, and yes, some “raised voices” (smiles), he finally got up and begrudgingly got ready for school.

Later in the day as I mulled over the morning’s epic struggle, it dawned on me that I’d been guilty of similar offenses this week as well…

I’ve grumbled to You Lord, more than once.

Money is exceptionally tight this year… grumble, grumble, grumble

I haven’t had a full night’s sleep in what seems like forever… grumble, grumble, grumble

The dogs just won’t stop barking… grumble, grumble, grumble

I never seem to have time to do the things I want to do… grumble, grumble, grumble

And yet Father, in the midst of all my grumbling, You’ve stayed by my side; encouraging me, comforting me, and faithfully guiding me through each and every storm.

And You’ve never grumbled about it.

Thank you Lord, for setting that example.  🙂

Now Father, as opposed to grumbling (smiles again), I’d like to present You with this week’s Thankful Thursday list!  Even though this past week has certainly provided more than a few challenges for me Lord, I’ve still found myself surrounded by signs of Your gracious love.  And while I’m thankful for all of the wonderful gifts You’ve Blessed my life with Father, this week I’m especially grateful for:

436. A fun, silly dinner at Friendly’s to celebrate Jonathan’s birthday.

437. Those guiding whispers to my heart when I’m about to say something I shouldn’t.

438. That our Tuesday night Small Group has connected in such a powerful way that we all feel comfortable coming to one another in times of need.

439. Twelve years of having Jonathan in our lives.

440. That the new Ewell’s – St. Paul UMC website is nearly completed.  🙂

441. Chocolate and peanut butter oreo balls.

442. The divine gift of marriage, and Blessing me with the call to join two people in Your love.

443. A significant savings on gasoline through a local grocery store discount program.

444. That when my limited understanding obscures my needs, Your Spirit knows all the same.

445. Christmas cookies.

446. That in my weakness, Your grace strengthens and emboldens me.

447. That one way or another Lord, You always deliver on Your promises.

448. An exceptional friend that knew I needed a break, and stepped in without asking to help.

449. Guiding messages from my Heavenly Father that help steer me through difficulties.

450. The “Road Signs” in Your Word that help to guide my life.

Heavenly Father,

We thank You Lord, for the multitude of Blessings You surround us with each day; both those that light up the sky with Your brilliance, and those gifts that grace our lives quietly from the shadows…

Even when we grumble.

In Jesus’ Name we pray,

Amen.

~Phather Phil

My Grace is Sufficient

“But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9-10 (ESV)

Men: For most of us, this apparent paradox can be particularly difficult to comprehend and implement in our daily lives.  From infancy, we’re taught that to be a “real man” involves remaining strong, independent, and in control when the world seems to be crashing in around us.  And while we’re certainly called to lead our families with courage and compassion, it’s only when we recognize that our true strength comes from being reliant on, and obedient to our Heavenly Father that we can be the powerful men God desires us to be.  Only in our weakness before Him, can we truly find His strength.