The Thanksgiving weekend is one of my family's favorite times of the year. This is one of two times a year our entire family gets together. I look forward to the food, fellowship, and the laughter we share with one another. I feel very fortunate that we are all still here on planet earth and can enjoy one another. Many of us have forgotten the true meaning of Thanksgiving.
I recently sat down with my father, Dr. Ron Phillips, and asked him some questions. I want you to hear his heart and get to know one of my heroes.
Spend a little time around youth activities (sports, arts, music, dance) and you’re sure to hear someone accuse a parent of “living their life through their kids”. I know I have said it about people and I am certain that people have said it about me. But what does that really mean? As I reflect on that statement, I want to pay tribute to my son, Ronnie Marion Phillips, III (Trey) on his Senior Night for his football team.
Every Christian has had to deal with guilt at one time or another in their life. The definition of guilt is “responsibility for a crime or doing something bad or wrong; a feeling caused by knowing or thinking you have done something bad or wrong”. Guilt is a necessary emotion that leads us to complete freedom. In fact, guilt is often what leads us to pursue a relationship with God. We feel guilty and we seek peace and forgiveness; in that regard guilt is necessary and works together for the good for those who are called according to His purpose.
Living a healthy Christian life, empowered by the Hero Within, means developing discernment about relationships and connections we form. It’s easy to assume that every connection we make within our church communities or ministries is the beginning of a lifelong friendship. However, not everyone you make a connection with is forever. There are also some connections that aren’t healthy and need to be broken.
We’re now a month into the new year and decade, which brings a lot of reflection even if you aren’t someone who makes resolutions. Most of us stopped for a moment and examined things in the past that we want to continue or change for the future. In thinking over these things, a theme on my heart has been Unity.
Gifts are often viewed as either the best or most stressful part of the Christmas season. Perhaps, like in the hilarious movie National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation, our expectations can be set high only to end up with a Jelly of the Month club subscription. It could be the pressure of wanting to give the perfect gift or being able to find it; either way, when we get down to it, gifts are a big deal. I don’t have a gift shopping guide for you, but I do want to talk to you about the greatest gift you could ever receive. You may not be able to afford designer labels, but you do have access to the perfect gift that exceeds all, Jesus Christ. He is the perfect and only gift worth celebrating for Christmas.
