The Diocese of St. James

Dear Fathers and Families,

On this joyous occasion of Father's Day, I extend my heartfelt blessings and greetings to all fathers within our diocese and beyond. Today, we celebrate the vital role that fathers play in our families and communities. Your love, dedication, and sacrifices are a true reflection of God's love for His children.

As fathers, you are called to be the spiritual leaders of your households, guiding your families with faith, wisdom, and compassion. Your steadfast presence and unwavering commitment provide a strong foundation upon which your children can build their lives.

May God bless you abundantly on this special day and always. May He grant you the strength, patience, and grace to continue being the pillar of support and love that your family needs. Let us also remember those fathers who have passed away, entrusting them to God's eternal care.

Happy Father's Day! May the love of our Heavenly Father fill your hearts with joy and peace.

In Christ's love,

+Ricky J. Phillips
Bishop of The Diocese of St. James, DFAA

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Daily Devotional with the Bishop
Friday November 19, 2021

Topic: Heading The Wrong Way

Saints of God,

“And God came unto Balaam at night, and said unto him, If the men come to call thee, rise up, and go with them; but yet the word which I shall say unto thee, that shalt thou do. And Balaam rose up in the morning, and saddled his ass, and went with the princes of Moab. And God's anger was kindled because he went: and the angel of the LORD stood in the way for an adversary against him. Now he was riding upon his ass, and his two servants were with him.

And the ass saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and the ass turned aside out of the way, and went into the field: and Balaam smote the ass, to turn her into the way.

But the angel of the LORD stood in a path of the vineyards, a wall being on this side, and a wall on that side. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she thrust herself unto the wall, and crushed Balaam's foot against the wall: and he smote her again.

And the angel of the LORD went further, and stood in a narrow place, where was no way to turn either to the right hand or to the left. And when the ass saw the angel of the LORD, she fell down under Balaam: and Balaam's anger was kindled, and he smote the ass with a staff.

And the LORD opened the mouth of the ass, and she said unto Balaam, What have I done unto thee, that thou hast smitten me these three times? And Balaam said unto the ass,

Because thou hast mocked me: I would there were a sword in mine hand, for now would I kill thee. And the ass said unto Balaam, Am not I thine ass, upon which thou hast ridden ever since I was thine unto this day? was I ever wont to do so unto thee?

And he said, Nay. Then the LORD opened the eyes of Balaam, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the way, and his sword drawn in his hand: and he bowed down his head, and fell flat on his face. And the angel of the LORD said unto him, Wherefore hast thou smitten thine ass these three times? behold, I went out to withstand thee, because thy way is perverse before me: And the ass saw me, and turned from me these three times: unless she had turned from me, surely now also I had slain thee, and saved her alive.” (Numbers 22:20-33)

Today’s Morsel:

Sometimes we may be heading in the wrong direction, in the direction that could cause us harm and much loss. But suddenly, we have a flat tire. Or our car may not start. Or the person that was supposed to pick us up calls and cannot come. Or our dog or cat gets off the leash and runs a different way. We never know why these things happen.

But God does.

When Balaam was sent to come to curse the children of Israel, the angel of the Lord got in the pathway. The donkey saw him with his sword drawn and tried to protect his master.

When Balaam kept persisting, the donkey laid down to prevent him from being killed. When God opened Balaam's eyes and he saw the angel, he was amazed that the donkey had saved his life.

So, the next time your car gets a flat, the person cannot come to pick you up, your pet gets loose, do not become angry rather give God praise. He may be sparing your life.

Thought For Today:

Remember, God’s ways are not ours.

Have a Blessed Day in the Lord,

+Ricky J. Phillips