DEAR GOD: PRAISING YOU DAILY!!!!~

by C D SWANSON // October 23, 2023 // No Comments

Psalm 107:8-9 (NLT)

“Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
For he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things…” We do not need to look for things that we might praise God for. We can always thank God for His marvelous kindness, His faithfulness, His love, His miracles of mercy, for filling our lives with all that is good. God is awesome in all He does. He loves us in all we do. And He is with us from our first breath to our last, and then we are home for all eternity. “Father, we give you thanks, and Glory, and honor and we thank You for who You are, what You are, and what You’ve done, and continue to do, we just want to give you PRAISE this day and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: My Life Here Renewed Daily By You There~

by C D SWANSON // September 19, 2023 // Comments off

1 John 5:13: I write these things to you who believe in the name of the Son of God so that you may know that you have eternal life.

I have always known the existence of God, since a little child. I was fortunate to be raised in a Christian environment, with church going parents, grandparents, aunts and uncles. In fact, Sunday was a fine time to worship, meet and greet…and have others over for family dinners. It was special from sunrise to sunset. The foundation for my life was built upon the Rock, with my parents setting a fine example.

Today, as a senior citizen I look back and realize that God has ALWAYS been with me, through thick and thin. Through rough times and good times. And all the in between times.

As Christians we recognize God’s Word and surrender to His commandments and try to stay within the parameters of His Wishes. Being human, we sometimes fall short, and of course we repent and with contrite hearts we are forgiven.

We learn things from our falls, and we gain insight and wisdom because of them. I think that’s what defines humanity. Our ability to gain strength and depth with each transgression or tribulation.

I don’t know about anyone else, but being Bible savvy doesn’t mean I don’t learn something new each time I pick it up and read. There is a new thought or understanding and room for growth every time.

Living is living while here on earth, but when we are called home, that will be ETERNAL LIFE and all the rewards that come from that. I live daily because of Him living “there.” And one day, I look forward to my future eternal home.

Until such time, I live for Him and Him alone.

“Father, God, thank You for the Word and Your guidance yesterday, today, tomorrow and all the days of my life here on earth, I embrace You and Your promises of the rewards to come, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I Want to Serve You Even on Quiet Days ~

by C D SWANSON // September 5, 2023 // Comments off

Psalm 46:10 -Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!

In moments of quiet solitude, I seem to seek the LORD more. During the chaotic moments, which encompasses things happening in my siblings’ lives, friends’ lives and the world overall, I do seek the LORD as well. However, it is especially during the quiet seconds that I fully envelop my being with His Being; and become overlapped in His Presence in a way I normally wouldn’t in chaos.

Now, this may be true for all those of faith. Or not. But I do know we all have different ways of reaching out to Him. And of course, different ways of honoring Him while persistently glorifying Him. Consequently, the end result is more or less, “we love the LORD” and are following Him the best we can. Doing all we can to assure our inherent rights as a child of God and a child of light.

There are times where I will just sit and don’t move, due to physical pain or emotional issues I’ve encountered. I wonder if others feel the same way when sitting. Do they hear the verse, from Psalm 40:6? Do they feel the subtle nudging of the Holy Spirit pulling guiding them? Do they hear His booming voice in the quietest fashion? His whisper is deafening in terms of realization and comprehension.

Through the course of the day, every second, minute, hour and moment that has gone by, doesn’t go unnoticed by God. For it is He alone that hears my thoughts, and I subsist on His love and His grace. He alone is the tower of strength, that unfolds in my weakest hour. He alone is the ladder I climb, when I’m on the last rung. He is the mountain I scale when I am crawling in a valley. And He alone is the One that carries me through all of my darkest times, all the while shining His light unto the path in front of me. Psalm 119:105 – “His Word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.”

It is unfathomable to think that right this moment, there are those who don’t know the immense joy and pleasure of His love. There are those who don’t hear or read the sweet Words in His book. There are those who are enshrouded by a cover of darkness, not realizing there is a brilliant light waiting to shine, if they’d only accept Him.

To deny Christ, is to deny breath. To deny Christ, is to deny life. To deny Christ, is to deny eternity. And to deny Christ is to deny a path of assurance in His promises and His gift of salvation.

For those of you wondering who our LORD is. Open His book and read all about Him! I guarantee you that an enrichment, coupled with jubilation and peace will burst forth, when you accept Him as LORD and Savior.

The Spirit of Christ will dwell in you, and your existence will become a life worth living, irrespective of your financial situation, health, emotional upheavals, or broken hearts. He is the healer of all things. The One who is capable of binding you up, healing you while offering His unconditional and unsurpassable love.

Living Water will be with you, and you shall never thirst again. It will flow from you the waters of life. ( John 7:38)

Do you want a life that is filled by His Peace and Presence? Do you long for love that will never let you down? Seek Him while He can be found. Then sit down with Him and pour out your heart, He listens and understands, everything! And He will love you no matter what. Now, I ask you this— isn’t that the kind of relationship we all want? Amen!

“Father God, thank You for the moments in my life, thank You for holding me in the good times and bad, and thanks for loving me no matter what, I am Yours and Yours alone, and I surrender to You in all I do, may I follow You will and plan for my life, today, tomorrow and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I Seek You in All I Do- Jesus, My LORD~

by C D SWANSON // September 1, 2023 // Comments off

You will seek me and find me when you seek me with… Jeremiah 29:13

The Lord is with you when you are with him. If you seek him, he will be found by you, but if you forsake him, he will forsake you. – 2 Chronicles 15:2

There truly isn’t a day that goes by that I don’t fervently seek the LORD. I cannot begin to fathom a day or a life without Him in it, or by my side. Truly I’d perish emotionally, physically, and spiritually, if I didn’t seek Him daily, or trust in Him fully for all of my endeavors. When I call upon Him, He is there! Always.

Seek the Lord while he may be found; call on him while he is near- Isaiah 55:6

His strength is the portion of who I am and the reason I manage to do anything in this lifetime. The light and His love resonate as do His Words and promises, which I embrace dearly and completely. He enables me to go further each time in a journey that would be impossible to forego without Him. To which I am eternally grateful.

Look to the Lord and his strength; seek his face always –Psalm 105:4

I am harvesting a joy of which I can’t fully explain, only those who know Him can realize the He is the main component for our life source.

Honestly living is LIFE when He is in it. Those who don’t know Him ostensibly are not fully “alive” they are merely existing. They haven’t the slightest idea of the magnitude of who He is, how He is, and what He is! He is all things at all times!

This is what the Lord says to Israel: “Seek me and live” –Amos 5:4

Irrespective of current circumstances, or anything that is brewing in life, with Him there is an ability to overcome, to be an achiever and to be strong and possess the fortitude to endure.

The lions may grow weak and hungry,but those who seek the Lord lack no good thing –Psalm 34:10

Simply put my brothers and sisters, if you want to truly relish a life worth living and feel a joy bubbling deep within you, no matter what you are going through…SEEK HIM daily.

This course of action will be one that will prove invaluable to you on every single level all the days of your life on earth, and those in the Eternity! Amen!

Have you sought Him today? Do you seek Him daily? If not, what are you waiting for?

“Father God, thank You for this moment in time, for all the days of my life from birth until this second, and for all the days to come, I seek You, I need You, I want You in my life always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Is There More Traffic On the Way to Heaven or Hell?

by C D SWANSON // August 30, 2023 // Comments off

Highway to Heaven and Hell - Speed Art #3 - YouTube

Matthew 25:46 – And these shall go away into everlasting punishment: but the righteous into life eternal.

Driving to an early appointment this morning while lost in thought I glanced at the cars on both sides of the road. Endless cars with individuals on their way to an event, appointment, work or something other, and I thought “is there more traffic on the way to Heaven or hell?”

Sadly, I immediately thought, “probably Hell” as evidenced by circumstances on the news, and even within our own neighborhoods, stores and such. Then I quickly thought about those who are true to God and His commandments. And all of the “silent” heroes in the world today. The people who give of themselves unconditionally without regard to “recompense” in terms of monetary value or status. Those who fight for the underdog, and who are willing to take a firm stand in Christ’ name.

I thought about the countless frontline workers facing emergencies on a daily basis. The EMT workers, and Emergency Room medical staff. Those volunteering in an animal shelter and working tirelessly to get placement for those who are “about to be surrendered” due to lack of room. Those who take time to visit an elderly neighbor to check in on them, just to say “hi.” Those visiting a nursing home and bring a gift, or hold their hands, and listen just to lift them up. These things, and so much more are comprised of a selfless heart, and love of God and others.

There are still individuals who act “behind” the scenes. Unfortunately stories about “goodness” is very rarely shown any longer, because sensationalism and perverseness seem to top the list at this moment in time.

For those who still walk the narrow path of righteousness, and for those who try,I would have to change my original thought about “is there more traffic on the way to Heaven or Hell” and say without a doubt, there is “more traffic on the way to Heaven.”

I believe the Bible and the overall plan of God and know that Christ defeated the world and death. I know He is coming back, and I know the rewards of those who follow Him.

So, for now this is the plan. Keep doing all you can to please Him and follow Him and His commandments exclusively. Put your trust in Him alone and worship and glorify Him totally.

Then wait patiently in line because you’ll be sitting in some major heavy-duty traffic on the way to Heaven!

“Father God, may I do all You have planned for my life today tomorrow and always, and I look forward to meeting You in person, for now, I intend to follow You and You alone, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You for Your Messages & Word~

by C D SWANSON // August 28, 2023 // Comments off

Matthew 16:19-And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. –

His message and His voice are clear. He wants us to share and promote His Word and His love. He gives us countless warnings and predictions, miracles and overwhelming evidence in the Bible. All of the incidents and undisputable truths and depictions starting in Genesis in the Old Testament, right down to the last book of Revelation in the New Testament.

When we take the time to review and digest it and understand His whole plan for us and for the world, we get to assist Him in ways we are called to do bringing it all to fruition. We are able to be His servants and bring light into the darkness, through Christ. It isn’t our “own power” but His that brings things to pass. It is under His wings and His guidance and direction, and infinite and mighty power that we are able to accomplish such things.

When He says ” whatever we do here on earth will be loosed in heaven” simply stated means; our acts and deeds that we perform here in the flesh, will follow us in spirit when we pass away.

When we get to heaven we are judged, and it will be based on numerous factors. Our deeds, our compassion for others, our kindness to strangers, our obedience to Him, and our fundamental behavior as Christians overall. And our belief in His Son, Jesus Christ, our Savior and King.

When we do good here on earth and are in alignment with His doctrine and Word and avoid the evil aspects of the world…we will bring that with us to the afterlife. When we sin continuously have no regard for His Word or commandments, and live haphazardly in a den of iniquity, we will have to face the LORD and the terrible day of reckoning.

We will either be rewarded for such deeds. Or we won’t. there really isn’t any other way. You’re for Him. Or you’re not.

Which category do you fall into? Are you ready for the day of reckoning? Do you know Christ intimately? Or is He merely a “name” to you? Which side of the gulf will you be on when you pass away?

“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence”.Luke 16:26

“Father, thank You for Your Word, and Your guidance and Presence, may I be a vessel and servant for You all the days of my life, lead me LORD and know I live for You now and always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Little Seeds Of Faith: Proverbs 3:1 Sunday School Lesson Idea

DEAR GOD: Your Gift Connecting Souls Across the Oceans Is Appreciated~

by C D SWANSON // August 20, 2023 // Comments off

“Oil and perfume make the heart glad, and so does the sweetness of a friend that comes from his earnest counsel.”

Proverbs 27:9:

The soundest advice comes from His Word- therefore, friends who remind us of helpful Scriptures are wise counselors. They keep us on the right path, they rejoice in the LORD and give Him glory and refer to Him during times of tribulation, and in times of joy.

A friend is always loyal, and a brother is born to help in time of need. (Proverbs 17:17, NLT)

A friend is there to sit and talk, or to listen. They are sent to us as a genuine gift from God. Friends are important parts of our lives, and segments of our connection to God Himself. We are all His children, therefore…we are all one body in Christ.

There are “friends” who destroy each other, but a real friend sticks closer than a brother. (Proverbs 18:24, NLT)

A true friend doesn’t even have to be in the same vicinity geographically. I’ve some pretty close friends that I rely on, and trust implicitly who are in different States in the USA. And, I have four good friends who are across the globe, across the continents and oceans away! Yet, I am close to them, spiritually, emotionally, and consider them my brothers and sisters.

Don’t befriend angry people or associate with hot-tempered people, or you will learn to be like them and endanger your soul. (Proverbs 22:24-25, NLT)

Ostensibly, a bad-tempered foul-mouthed individual is not one I’d encourage to be a friend, in the sense of the word. We are to be courteous, and not hinder hate or hostility towards another individual. However, it could be detrimental to us in terms of festering in that kind of negativity, which can promote a stronghold of anti-Christian behavior overall.

As iron sharpens iron, so a friend sharpens a friend. (Proverbs 27:17, NLT)

We all need checks and balances in life. And friends help each other and remind each other about the goodness of God. Pointing out His promises, helping to forge forward in support and inspiring us to keep on the up and up. And Vice-Versa.

The heartfelt counsel of a friend is as sweet as perfume and incense. (Proverbs 27:9, NLT)

True altruistic love for a friend is sweeter than honey and more valuable than gems. It is the standard on which Jesus’ speaks about concerning love. Godly counsel from a friend is a veritable treasure in which there are no words.

An open rebuke is better than hidden love! Wounds from a sincere friend are better than many kisses from an enemy. (Proverbs 27:5-6, NLT)

At the same time truth can be painfully unmoving. It can be tough to deal with, but better to come from a friend than an enemy. We owe it to ourselves as children of Christ to offer only truth, and love when dealing with friends and loved ones.

After David had finished talking with Saul, he met Jonathan, the king’s son. There was an immediate bond between them, for Jonathan loved David. From that day on Saul kept David with him and wouldn’t let him return home. And Jonathan made a solemn pact with David, because he loved him as he loved himself. (1 Samuel 18:1-3, NLT)

We are ultimately drawn to a person of integrity, compassion, and love for Christ. We know them by their fruits, as Jesus said to His followers. We instinctually want to be around this type of individual. As David and Jonathan’s deep bond of love and friendship illustrates. They depended on each other and loved each other deeply. So too, are our friends of today.

This is why I am so blessed to have friends close by, and across the oceans and continents. We are all connected by the Blood of Christ. We are all bonded in His love, and all have been redeemed by His sacrifice for us. We share the same love of God, the same values, and follow the same commandments. Some more openly than others. Some more inwardly. But both loving God and each other.

Are you grateful for your friends? Have you thanked God for them lately?

“Father, thank You for the friends You’ve sent into my life, so many have come through the years, some for a season, some longer, some have been called home to You, I thank You for the gift of friendship, those of yesterday, today, and tomorrow, and in the eternity to come, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

#friends#friendship quotes#christian quotes#bible verse#Scripture# ...

DEAR GOD: Is One Thousand Years Truly One Day with You?~

by C D SWANSON // August 16, 2023 // Comments off

Pin on Numbers...1 to 1000

2 Peter 3:8 – But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.

I overheard a man recently telling another man in the parking lot, “boy, when I’m around my wife’s family, a couple of hours feels like one thousand years!” To which the other man roared with laughter and replied, “I have to remember that- that’s great!”

Somewhat bemused at the exchange, I thought immediately about 2 Peter 3:8, and realized that is kind of on topic for that verse. Well, sort of…

What I personally take away from this particular passage is that “God’s timing” is not ours. I take this verse to mean that God is not bound by time as humans are. Because what might seem like an extremely long tedious time to us, in actuality is but a moment to God.

I have often heard this verse used to encourage and uplift others to trust in God’s perfect timing, and not to give any thought or worry about time itself. That is to say, how long things take in this lifetime of which is paradoxically, fleeting.

For sure it’s entirely different when we get to our permanent home. Things won’t be the same as they are while we are in our flesh bodies, or so it is told throughout God’s Word. And of course, when we subscribe and surrender to His will, and His purpose, and trust in Him…we know that what we read is inspired by Him, through His prophets, and so…Heaven is real, and not as it is here on earth.

Of course, this verse is part of a larger passage pertaining to the coming day of our LORD, when the world will be judged and renewed. God is merciful and fulfills His promises and wants everyone to repent and to spend eternity with Him. His timing, not ours. His will, not ours. His purpose, not ours. His, and His alone.

I have to tell you, if I’m being honest…there are some individuals I know who can spin a story that never ends, and it truly can seem like a thousand years! I smile to myself and say, now in the eternity with the LORD, this story would elapse quickly! LOL!

Trust that He is everywhere at all times, and the next time you are with someone who is going on and on, and time is dragging. Remember Christ dwells within us, and His Presence is with you everywhere. Try to concentrate on that aspect then perhaps the time will go a “little faster!”

“Father, I embrace You always and realize that my time is not as Yours, and my timing is not as Your timing, which is perfect, I thank You for Your promises, and love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

eternity