The Phil Files

Musings & messages on everyday worship, Jesus, and the stuff of life.

Thanks Guys

with 3 comments

Remember your leaders who first taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and trust the Lord as they do. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today, and forever. (Hebrews 13:7-8 NLT)

Today, as we talked about the Discovering element of our Vision, I encouraged each of us to let folks who helped shape our faith and introduce us to Jesus know how precious they are to us.

For me, my parents, Al and Margaret Ware, were crucial in both introducing me to Jesus and also to showing me real faith in action. When my mom remarried several years after my dad’s death, my mom remarried a godly man who has been a great grandfather to our children. His name is Grady Jolly. Grady’s oldest son, Randy who is now my oldest step brother, had helped my own dad teach my Bible class when I was in eighth grade. God has an interesting and gracious sense of purpose!

When I attended college and was studying to go into ministry, Lynn Anderson and Neil Lightfoot invested time and encouragement in me and my future. Their influence and friendship are still cherished blessings that helped shape me and the ministry path God had me take. I can’t thank them enough. Early in ministry, Paul Faulkner join Lynn in supporting, encouraging, and advising me.

Finally, I need to mention one other person who has had a huge influence on my ministry simply by her faith, example, friendship, and encouragement. I deeply appreciate Betty Sanders and her faith and character. Whether she knows it or not, she has had a profound influence on my life and ministry.

To each of these folks and to the Lord, I say, “I remember! I remember you and your lives and your faith. And I thank you and thank God for you!”

Written by phil

October 29th, 2006 at 9:12 pm

3 Responses to 'Thanks Guys'

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  1. Hello,
    After much prayer, and concern I am writing to all who I know may have enough compassion in there hearts to care. Although you have not heard of us in the past, I know this you guys believe in doing mission work. God makes it clear in his word that we feed the hungry, and care for the less fortunate. I am taking a great leap of faith to write this letter to the body of Christ. God blesses us with so much. However God also blesses us so that we can be a blessing to someone else. Please don’t put it off, because we need your help today.
    Donations have plummeted in the last eighteen months, which has left us wondering how we can continue with this great labor of love. If we don’t get some financial support very soon; these children’s future will become very dim and hopeless. Please don’t let that happen; not when they have come so far. These children would have most likely died, if it were not for a ministry like OASIS. I am proud to take this opportunity to beg you to help these precious children, who are the future of our world.
    I really need your help now more than ever. I am asking you to support this cause. It may feel like a big commitment, but not so much when you think of how much we pay for simple things like cable TV or a family meal at McDonald’s. Please make an effort. This is very important. We, unlike the rest of the world have not given up on Haiti. We still have hope. Please have hope with us. You can choose to pay it all at once, monthly or once every quarter; which ever way is best for you. We just need your help right now.
    Each little child is precious to God, a unique creation with hopes and dreams. Help give them a chance at those dreams, they deserve better. Please take a moment and send a donation. You will not regret it. All donations go towards providing a true “Oasis” to a child in the midst of despair and are fully tax-deductible. It is a win-win situation. To ignore is so easy. Don’t take the easy way out because it may cost a child’s life. Care enough to share. Please!

    Luceanna Moore,
    OASIS President

    OASIS FOR CHILDREN, INC.
    P.O. Box 5231 Franklin Township, NJ 08874-5231
    Email: godsoasis@hotmail.com
    908-208-1311

    luceanna

    31 Oct 06 at 6:00 pm

  2. I am using Phil’s What Jesus Did – love it.

    WHERE can I get the Easy to Read Bible!!!! Can’t find it anywhere!
    Blessing!

    Thanks!

    You can get the Easy to Read Bible at their website store.

    Grace,
    Phil

    Nila J Oxender

    1 Nov 06 at 12:40 pm

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    27 Feb 07 at 7:40 am

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