Author Archives: philipcmuller

Aug. 20.     We are Blessed “Praise be to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ.” Ephesians 1:3 NIV Many people in our world struggle with depression and thoughts of self worth.  I my self have had toContinue reading “Blessed”

Aug. 18.     Two Roads I think we all know there are many ways to live our lives.  We see people all around us living different ways.  Some people live for themselves to get what they can.  Others try to live “good lives” doing what they think is right.  Jesus made it very clear,Continue reading “The Path of Wisdom”

Aug 14th.     What Really Matters “Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house; your children will be like olive shoots around your table. Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.” Psalm 128:3-4 ESV Today my nephew came by to say goodbye, as he’s leaving tomorrow toContinue reading “Priorities”

Aug 12 A Call to Life Wisdom builds a house with seven pillars.  This sounds like a good strong house, the pillars would be set on a foundation.  It makes me think of the New Testament story about the wise man and the foolish man building their houses.  I think we all know this storyContinue reading “Life and Wisdom”

Aug. 11               Those Who Hear the Voice of Wisdom In Proverbs Chapter 8 we again see wisdoms call.  Wisdom takes a prominent position in the city where all can hear her voice.  She cries out to all who pass by.  ““To you, O people, I call out; IContinue reading “Hear and Respond”

Wisdom calls out, she cries with a loud voice.  To whom does she call …well there are different groups or classes of people. Let’s look at one such group as seen in chapter one. “How long will you who are simple love your simple ways? How long will mockers delight in mockery and fools hateContinue reading “The People in your Neighborhood”

Aug 7.  Wisdom Solomon tells us in the first 6 verses why the book of Proverbs was written.  Proverbs gives us practical ways to exhibit God’s character in our daily lives.  Let’s take a look at some of these ways.  In verses 2-6 we find the following. First, “for gaining wisdom and instruction”.  The HebrewContinue reading “Get Wisdom”

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of knowledge, but fools despise wisdom and instruction.” Proverbs 1:7 NIV When we look at the book of Proverbs may I suggest that we can find a key verse in chapter one. This verse sets the tone for the rest of the book. “The fear of theContinue reading “The Fear of the Lord”

  Proverbs – Intro pt. 2 The book of Proverbs belongs to the genre of “wisdom literature” along with Job and Ecclesiastes.  Thus in Proverbs the major theme is, “wisdom” the words wise or wisdom are used at least 125 times in Proverbs. So then what is wisdom? Simply put wisdom is knowledge along withContinue reading “Intro PT 2”

A Walk in Proverbs. Introduction I believe most of us have read proverbs at one time or another.  Written by the wisest man to ever live, King Solomon.  Yet if we look at the end of Solomons life, it almost seems that for all of his wisdom, in the end it did him no good. Continue reading “Proverbs”

What is a mark of contentment? A mark which should be found in every Christian? It is the sweet quiet stillness within ones heart. This inner calmness should not be confused with a person who seems at peace on the outside but on the inside its a different story. And some of us can fakeContinue reading “Contentment Part 4”

How do we then abide and live this contented life transformed by the vicarious humanity of Christ in all His fullness?   One day I was cleaning the house and I spilled the mop bucket in the kitchen, it made quite a mess as it was a lot of water spilled on the floor. Yet,Continue reading “Contentment, Part 3”

I must see first to be content.  I watched an old TV show the other day and the lead character was blind.  He had a friend come over to his house and the friend discovered that all the lights in the house where off.  The friend could not see to move around, and the blindContinue reading “Contentment, Part 2”

I know for me being content has always been a struggle. Why would it not be? We live in a world system that is designed to make us discontent. All the advertising and commercials are focused on one thing… making us want something. We are consumed with the temptation of a constant option of bigger,Continue reading “Contentment, Part 1”

Proverbs 15:30 Light in a messenger’s eyes brings joy to the heart, and good news gives health to the bones. Good news is always welcomed.  This week I was in Houston for my three-month check-up.  I find it hard to believe that its already been three months since I completed my cancer treatments.  I willContinue reading “Words Matter”

Malachi 38 “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’ “You have cheated me of the tithes and offerings due to me. When you think about it, we most likely cheat God in more than just our tithes and offerings. NaughtContinue reading “Have I Robbed God?”

I don’t know if you ever look back at your life and wonder, why am I still alive?  If you haven’t, I’ll admit I have. I think we all have some things in our past that make us say, Thank you God! The reason you and I are still here is because God in HisContinue reading “An Unchanging God”

Thursday, I saw my Dr. and he removed the feeding tube that had been placed in my stomach back in January.  It was with mixed excitement that I went home, happy that the tube is out but trepidation that I might need it again and now it’s gone.  But I trust in the Lord andContinue reading “Evil are Good?”

Cognitive dissonance is a study of psychology; it is the internal tension that results when our experience doesn’t match our beliefs and values. There are all kinds of explanations of cognitive dissonance. The Bible itself challenges an easy dismissal by giving compelling examples. We will continue in Malachi as it illuminates how easily we canContinue reading “Illuminate Malachi, Part 2”

As I was reading through the Old Testament I came to the last book. Malachi is not only the last book of the Old Testament, but it is most likely the last book written and is then followed by about 400 years of silence. If this book was taken to heart by each of usContinue reading “Honor Him”

As I reflect on my life I wonder. Have I been unique? Have I lived my life set apart for God’s purpose? Monday, I left us with the thought we are called by God to be Holy. This holiness is to make us different from the world, we should be unique and set apart forContinue reading “How are we to be Holy?”

Last week I left off talking about being perfect.  So, let’s start off this week on the same theme, but today let’s look at what it means to be called, “Holy.”   I Peter 1:15 But just as he who called you is holy, so be holy in all you do; 16 for it is written:Continue reading “God is Holy”

Have you noticed the world is filled with brokenness, fragility, error and guilt coupled with the inherent recognition of imperfection? Wait…what is perfection? Matthew 5:48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Ok, so I have a confession to make… I’m not perfect. Yet, at the same time I am told to be,Continue reading “Human Bankruptcy”

Throughout the world we see more persecution of Christians than any other time in history.  In America we have been sequestered from this persecution and in fact you may not even know of the worldwide attack on Christians. I ponder if we have shut ourselves in Christian circles and shut ourselves from the world ofContinue reading “Persecution”

“He saved them from the hand of the foe; from the hand of the enemy he redeemed them. But they soon forgot what he had done and did not wait for his plan to unfold. In the desert they gave in to their craving; in the wilderness they put God to the test. So, heContinue reading “I Remember…”

There have been a few times in my life when I experienced what I would call Righteous Anger.  In each of these cases I was working and came across a case where a child or elderly person had been hurt or abused.  In those times I was angry at the person who would hurt aContinue reading “Righteous Anger”

Well, it seems that the more I write about anger the more opportunity I have to practice what I preach; I’m almost tempted to change the subject.  Perhaps you have felt the same way as you have read the past couple days about anger. Let’s not give up hope, God gives us opportunities to practiceContinue reading “Let Go Of Anger”

What are we to do with this anger that we feel building up inside of us?  Obviously, God wants us to deal with it in a Biblical manner, or He would not have given us: Ephesians 4:26 “don’t sin by letting anger control you.” Don’t let the sun go down while you are still angry,Continue reading “Anger Management”

“Do not say, “I cannot help having a bad temper.” Friend, you must help it. Pray to God to help you overcome it at once, for either you must kill it, or it will kill you. You cannot carry a bad temper into heaven.” – Charles Spurgeon As I go through my battle with cancer,Continue reading “Anger – Part 1”

There is an older gentleman that I know, and I would say that he is filled with love.  I cannot ever remember him not being loving and patient with everyone he encounters.  He is loved and respected by kids of ages and adults for he loves them all the same.  I wonder if people seeContinue reading “Call on Jesus”

What does love, real love look like? Well that’s easy, just look in the Bible, “Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injusticeContinue reading “Real Love”

We have been looking to get a nice used car for my daughter and this experience is turning into a labor of love, or is it a test of my love??  I seem to think the important things are to find a safe, reliable, dependable vehicle.  Considerations such as make, model, color or trim levelContinue reading “Faithful Love”

As I go through this time of dealing with cancer, many things have changed.  Just the other day I was thinking about my children and found myself crying and if you ask my wife, she can tell you I am not a crier.  But why was I crying?  Well for one I was thinking aboutContinue reading “God’s Love”

Love is such a difficult topic. We talk about it, sing about it, make movies but it mostly remains in a desired inexperienced realm.   Oftentimes there are portrayals of love and the notion of not being able to live with someone is expressed.   They would do anything to keep them in your life …isn’t thisContinue reading “Altruistic Love”

Is true love unconditional and non-judgmental? God has unfailing love for us, yet he will ultimately judge us. I want to take some time this week to look at Biblical love. In the interim, I am going to make a quick stop today and talk about a separate but related topic. Without which it isContinue reading “Where is the Love?”

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— not by works, so that no one can boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 NIV How are we to forgive? Replace your anger and fear by praying for your enemy. Do not rest or lean onContinue reading “The Great Reconciler – Part 6”

“Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.” Ephesians 4:32 NIV We are to forgive on the grounds that God has told us to forgive.  If you refuse to forgive others you are doing two things:  First, you are disobeying God for He has told usContinue reading “Refusing to Forgive – Part 5”

The world is filled with gruesome realities of hate, revenge and destruction. Disturbing regularities of the world and its hurtful wounds may resonate within our hearts, consequently; we may object to forgive people. Hatred and vengeance are a problem of the heart and as mentioned last week…the “heart is deceitful.” Jeremiah 17:9. You might say,Continue reading “Forgiveness Triumphs – Part 4”

In Jesus parable, Matthew 18, we have Peter coming up to Jesus asking about forgiveness. He asks how many times we should forgive someone, and Peter seems to think that seven times was a good number. Jesus answer was a shock to Peter and the other disciples.  Jesus tells them to forgive, “seventy-seven times.”  JesusContinue reading “Mindful Forgiveness – Part 3”

Have you ever wondered what are some of the major struggles that people have…I’m talking about emotional issues? Think about that for a moment. If we are honest, we could probably come up with a pretty good list, but I’m going to throw this one out there and say that a lack of forgiveness isContinue reading “Unmerciful – Part 2”

Have you ever talked with someone about Jesus and they are skeptics or firm believers of other religions? They have asked why you say that Jesus is the only way and how can you trust the Bible.  Many other religions say that they are the way and many of these people are very sincere. WhatContinue reading “Receiving Forgiveness – Part 1”

“And a voice from heaven said, “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.” Matthew 3:17 NIV What kind of children are we? Are we like Jesus with whom the Father was well pleased? If not, we should be, for we are to be more like Christ each day. OnContinue reading “We are Children”

“My mouth will tell of your righteous deeds, of your saving acts all day long— though I know not how to relate them all.”      Psalms 71:15 NIV I want to take a moment and share something personal.  Although I don’t know the reasons that I got cancer I can say without a doubt that GodContinue reading “God Provides”

“The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it?” Jeremiah 17:9 KJV With Scripture we have an insight towards sorting though lies, deception and the truth. Last week I wrote about our words and how we can see what lies hidden within the heart by what comes out of theContinue reading “To Know my Heart”

“Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her:” Proverbs 31:28 NIV Tomorrow is Mother’s Day…Happy Mother’s Day to all mothers. I pray that you will be celebrated, feel treasured by our Heavenly Father and that your sacrificial love will be rewarded. Perhaps there is nothing more special than theContinue reading “Mothers”

“A gentle answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” Proverbs 15:1 NIV Have you ever seen how a garden might appear well-kept and calm and when it is stirred many detestable creatures emerge? Of all the things in my life it is perhaps my words and their lurking presence which IContinue reading “My Mouth”

Nowadays, it’s easy to lose sleep and it is exhausting.  With the worries of broken communities, pain and suffering, the weight of the world finds an extension into our own lives. Currently, we have a deadly virus, or so we are told; we can’t go to work or school, we must stay safely locked awayContinue reading “May 7, 2020”

“Your Word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”  Psalms 119:105 NIV Many times, we think we have a big picture of our lives.   I know what I want to be doing, where I should be going and it’s a long way off.  How do we keep our eyes onContinue reading “May 6, 2020”

“How can a young person stay on the path of purity? By living according to your word. I seek you with all my heart; do not let me stray from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalms 119:9-11 NIV How do we direct ourContinue reading “Direction For My Children”

“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.” Proverbs 22:6 NLT Yesterday I talked about why I wrote these short devotionals and I said it was at first for my children.  That brings me to my verse for today.  This verse is often used as aContinue reading “May 2, 2020”

“The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.”  1 Timothy 4:1 NIV Often as I write these short devotionals, I think about why I am writing them. Today in fact I was unsure as to a topic, I was praying thatContinue reading “May 1, 2020”

“Remember your word to your servant, for you have given me hope.” Psalms 119:49 NIV Do you have a favorite bible verse? Many of us do, it may be a verse that comforts us in time of trouble.  Or very likely it may be one of the promises of God found throughout the Bible.  IContinue reading “April 30, 2020”

“My heart is confident in you, O God; my heart is confident. No wonder I can sing your praises! Wake up, my heart! Wake up, O lyre and harp! I will wake the dawn with my song. I will thank you, Lord, among all the people. I will sing your praises among the nations.”      PsalmsContinue reading “April 29, 2020”

“See! The winter is past; the rains are over and gone. Flowers appear on the earth; the season of singing has come; the cooing of doves is heard in our land.” Song of Songs 2:11-12 NIV I remember being in elementary school and having to write a poem for each of the four seasons thatContinue reading “April 28, 2020”

““Who has ever given to God, that God should repay them?””        Romans 11:35 NIV Who is our God? He is distinct from all other gods, one of the unique things about Him is His Independence from all other. Or in other words, He gets nothing (derives no aspect of Himself) from any source other thanContinue reading “April 27, 2020”

I know that the things I truly love I think of often.  When I was away from my wife and kids, I can say I thought of them and prayed for them often. Why is it that they take stage? Because they were on my mind and in my heart.  Now let me ask…what doContinue reading “April 25, 2020”

Does it ever seem like there is too much pain and suffering?  None of us want to face the pain and suffering that will come to us in living our lives.  Yet, there are the fundamental realities in life; some call it a trial or tribulation. It could be a struggle with a pattern inContinue reading “April 24, 2020”

“You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day, nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness, nor the plague that destroys at midday.” Psalms 91:5-6 NIV My children don’t be afraid of fear’s power and let your hearts be troubled. There are dark valleys in this world andContinue reading “April 23, 2020”

What kind of a friend are you?  When people think of you what are you remembered for? Have you ever heard of the saying, “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You”? — also known as, “The Golden Rule.” What does it mean? Twenty centuries ago, Jesus talked about The Golden RuleContinue reading “April 22, 2020”

It is tough to remain steadfast under trials…I arrived home Sunday night after having to been gone for over 9 weeks.  There are so many snares in this world and my fears of my children having run amok appear to have been unfounded.  No, it was not a perfect paradise and the teaching process continuesContinue reading “April 21, 2020”

What amazes you?  During the last few months I have been amazed by the outpouring of love that I have seen and experienced. This amazing love has been bestowed on myself and my family. It has come through the love and support of friends and family.  I have seen a Christian brother and sister whoContinue reading “April 20, 2020”

“When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him, and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset.” Exodus 17:12 NIV When Moses stood on top of the hill with his arms overContinue reading “Moses April 18, 2020”

On a good night, if you get away from the city lights and there are no clouds you can see about 2000 stars.  It is estimated that there are about 100-400 billion stars in our Milky Way galaxy. Although, scientists do not know for certain and they estimate about two trillion galaxies in our knownContinue reading “Stars, April 17, 2020”

As we pray and witness let us lead the lost to the only hope there is for salvation. There is no other way, the gospel is clear and direct. Jesus is the only and true way. “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,”1 Timothy 2:5 NIVContinue reading “Jesus is the Way, April 16, 2020”

“I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people—This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth.”1 Timothy 2:1, 3-4 NIV We are to pray for the lost. The heart of evangelismContinue reading “LOST April 15, 2020”

But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 KJV None of us like it, but waiting is great for us. We can learn so much about ourselves andContinue reading “Wait! April 14, 2020”

Paul and Social Distancing I sit here in a hospital room, been here for over a week now. I can text people and I know this whole thing is hard for all of us. I can have zero visitors and I know everyone else is locked down at the same time. I hear from peopleContinue reading “Paul on the Lock Down”

Good Friday. Update: Phil is recovering and is doing well. I loved this article and hope it blesses you too. -Elda “He suffered for us. Our sufferings become more manageable in the light of his.” Article By Derek Caldwell “My baby’s dead! My baby’s dead! My baby’s dead!” This is the cacophonous refrain playing fromContinue reading “April 10, 2020”

35 – it’s just a number but to Elda and me it means so much. It means the last of the radiation treatments… 35/35 and today was that day.  Today after seven weeks I had my last radiation treatment.   So, is it over? No, there are months of healing and waiting. Did all theContinue reading “April 9, 2020 My Last Radiation Treatment”

From Esther Davis (Phil’s sister) Re-grip… Pastor Phil is still in the hospital. Elda is still away from him due to this virus going around that makes it impossible for her to be by his side. Physically, at least. Often, as you’re going through cancer treatments, things can get really tough – physically, mentally andContinue reading “Esther April 8, 2020”

Be still before the Lord and wait patiently for him; do not fret when people succeed in their ways, when they carry out their wicked schemes. Refrain from anger and turn from wrath; do not fret—it leads only to evil.Psalms 37:7‭-‬8 NIV Be still, we are to wait in peace, and rest before the Lord.Continue reading “Be Still, April 7”

From Elda… Good morning my family and friends. I wanted to take a moment to thank you for all your support and encouragement the past few weeks. It truly cannot be said how grateful Phil and I are for your love and prayers. Please continue to pray…Phil was hospitalized on Friday night and now requiresContinue reading “Blessed April 6, 2020”

`“Children, obey your parents in the Lord, for this is right. “Honor your father and mother”—which is the first commandment with a promise—”Ephesians 6:1-2 NIV This seems simple on the face of it, children do what your parents says, but it is much much, more. And it starts with Dads. “In the same way, youContinue reading “Honor Your Father and Mother”

You can not fight error without knowing the truth. “For though we live in the world, we do not wage war as the world does. The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. We demolish arguments and every pretension that setsContinue reading “The Word”

April 2 Who wants to be a Super Hero? Well you can, and here’s how. “The godly people in the land are my true heroes! I take pleasure in them!” Psalms 16:3 NLT God says that if you will live a godly life, make God first in all that you do. If He is yourContinue reading “Super Hero?”

April 1 “So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.”Isaiah 41:10 NIV Thank you Russell for the help with today’s devotional. Last week I was dismayed, I had beenContinue reading “God’s Right Hand”

March 31 “As God’s co-workers we urge you not to receive God’s grace in vain. For he says, “In the time of my favor I heard you, and in the day of salvation I helped you.” I tell you, now is the time of God’s favor, now is the day of salvation.” 2 Corinthians 6:1-2Continue reading “Co-Worker”

March 30 “My heart says of you, “Seek his face!” Your face, Lord, I will seek.” Psalms 27:8 NIV When God calls us to seek His face. Then let us respond in confidence, “I will seek.” This we can do because we may go boldly before the throne as we have a High Priest thatContinue reading “Seek the Lord”

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right. You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click theContinue reading “Introduce Yourself (Example Post)”

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right. You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click theContinue reading “Introduce Yourself (Example Post)”

This is an example post, originally published as part of Blogging University. Enroll in one of our ten programs, and start your blog right. You’re going to publish a post today. Don’t worry about how your blog looks. Don’t worry if you haven’t given it a name yet, or you’re feeling overwhelmed. Just click theContinue reading “Introduce Yourself (Example Post)”