DEAR GOD: True Symbol of Peace~

Posted on October 27, 2019 by C D SWANSON

John 16:33 33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

When I read the above scripture/verse it always moves me into further submission of His love and promises. His Word is true and powerful and was put together and put into place for our good.

When we see the gross perversion and horrific events surrounding us today, we should immediately pull up this verse, and so many others, that pertain to Christ and His peace. He is victorious, and He defeated death, and resurrected for us! His peace should embody us every step of the way for each and every day of our life here on earth. And it will continue for eternity when we are called home.

So…believe in Him and His Word and embrace His promises, and know that the true symbol of peace is the Cross! He went willingly to the cross for us…and we are washed clean because of His blood! Amen!

When anxiety comes calling, pull out the promises of Christ and His Word…and feel the peace.

When things happen that seem to push you into the darkness…pull out the promises of Christ…and let His light shine in…and feel the peace.

When troubles come into your path…pull out the promises of Christ and His Word…and feel His love…and feel the peace.

When you are meditating and joyful and praising Him…pull out the promises of Christ and His Word…and feel His love…and feel His peace…and surrender to Him and Him alone.

“Father, thank You for Your Son and His blood, and for Your all powerful Word, may we always be bound to You and Your commandments, may we be lead by Your light, and may we never forget the true symbol of peace, the cross, and His peace, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Jude 1:2 2

Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance.

***

John 16:33 33

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

***

John 14:27 27

Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.

DEAR GOD: Words to Live By~

Posted on October 24, 2019 by C D SWANSON

I will say of the Lord,

He is my refuge and my fortress:

my God; in him will I trust.

Psalm 91:2 (KJV)

The LORD is our hope and refuge in all that we do.

I had to undergo various medical tests the past several weeks, and through each one…the LORD brought me peace and provided strength, while listening to my “prayers” all the while, never leaving me.

His Word is what I live by.

His Word is what I breathe by.

His Word is what I believe gets me through it all.

His Word is what ultimately provided all that I need and more.

And finally, His grace, His enduring and unconditional love that soothes me and covers me like a soothing balm, for this and so much more, I give thanks, and praise and love…forever more.

Do you know the Greatest One of all?

Do you have any idea who He is?

Do you realize the depth and magnitude of His power?

Have you met Him?

May I invite you to open His Book of love, and get to know Him? I guarantee that it’ll be the best thing that could ever happen to you.

Go on, pick it up, and really begin to live and love!

“Father of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, and Creator of the Universe, and of all things big and small, thank You for Your grace, Your love, Your patience, and Your guidance, in all that I do, and undergo, I love You, and thank You, now and always, in Jesus Christ’ precious name, Amen.”

1God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

2 Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea;

3 Though the waters thereof roar and be troubled, though the mountains shake with the swelling thereof. Selah.

4 There is a river, the streams whereof shall make glad the city of God, the holy place of the tabernacles of the most High.

5 God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved: God shall help her, and that right early.

6 The heathen raged, the kingdoms were moved: he uttered his voice, the earth melted.

7 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

8 Come, behold the works of the Lord, what desolations he hath made in the earth.

9 He maketh wars to cease unto the end of the earth; he breaketh the bow, and cutteth the spear in sunder; he burneth the chariot in the fire.

10 Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth.

11 The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Selah.

Psalm 46 (KJV)

DEAR GOD: How Great is Our God?

Posted on October 21, 2019 by C D SWANSON

Psalm 147:5 5

Great is our LORD and mighty in power; his understanding has no limit.

Did you every sit and just think about our blessed Father and His Sovereign nature and beautiful countenance?

No, truly. Listen. Did you ever just sit and think about His great glory and all that is associated with Him?

It can be totally overwhelming when a wave of “God’s power” comes upon you.

He is everywhere.

In the air.

In the clouds.

In the rain.

In the snow.

In the wind.

In the heat.

In the cold.

In our hearts.

In our soul.

In us.

He surrounds us with His presence in all that we do, all that we encounter, both big and small.

Today…I just want to give a shout of PRAISE to HIM and HIS GLORY!

No matter what you’re going through day or night. Give Him Praise, and all honor and glory. He reigns victorious.

So, today as you go through your day. Whether it’s good or bad. Whether you’re in pain or not. Whether you’re secretly aching for someone dear that you’ve lost, praise Him and embrace Him and know He is with you always.

His promises are the same today as they were since the beginning of time.

Our God reigns forever.

Our hope is in Him who is the everlasting God.

Our redeemer and Savior.

So, my brothers and sisters, how about it? Can we all shout in unison?

Here goes..PRAISE YOU LORD! HALLELUJAH! WE LOVE YOU!

YOU REIGN FOREVER! OUR HOPE OUR STRONG DELIVER!

Amen and Amen!

Psalm 147:5-7 (NLT)

How great is our Lord! His power is absolute!
His understanding is beyond comprehension!

The Lord supports the humble,
but he brings the wicked down into the dust.

Sing out your thanks to the Lord;
sing praises to our God with a harp.

DEAR GOD: My Strength & Comforter~

Posted on October 18, 2019 by C D SWANSON

John 14:26 –

But the Comforter, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, He shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you.

As I had mentioned in a previous post about the LORD answering me, and saying I’d reveal it later on in another post, well here I am. However, what I am about to write is different than originally mentioned.

Confused? Well, in a sense, so was I.

You see, long story short. We were praying about moving and selling our current place. I felt for sure that the LORD had answered me directly, as for His will and purpose in our lives. I followed blindly, as I pray I’d always do, because I want to be obedient in all aspects in terms of His will for my life.

So, we put in an offer for a home, which was accepted at a ridiculously low price. We felt for sure that it was a clear indicative sign, since the owner accepted such a low ball offer. Of course, the house needed “tons of work.” And, we hadn’t even put our home up for sale yet. But, we went through with it anyhow, and wound up signing a contract, feeling convinced it was from God.

Well, soon after that transaction, something happening to me…I started tossing and turning at night, almost immediately. Something just didn’t feel right. I’d wake at night…thoughts, and mind racing…fervently seeking a response from God…praying and waiting.

“God, is this You? I shall test the Spirit further, as You say in Your word.”

So, for three weeks, as the “closing date” was growing uncomfortably closer, I still had seemingly endless doubts.

“God, this can’t be You. Because with You, there is peace not chaotic thoughts. With You, there is no doubts, no cause for alarm.”

So, I did some major researching…along with some financial figuring, and things started to look bleak. A red flag was waving, and I felt Damocles’ Sword over my head!

It started to feel like I’d was being pulled in by the enemy.

You know how he tries to emulate our Savior. The big imposter and fake.

You know how he loves to lie, and you know how he loves to play with our minds? Well, I was feeling uncomfortable all along, but…I felt it…took three weeks…but right there and then I knew it wasn’t from God!

“God, You are warning me. This isn’t from You. This is a trap by the enemy to set us up for financial ruins, and stress filled days. Help us get out of this LORD.”

So, with health being compromised, due to the worrying, it made my existing immune disorder worsen, and I went to the doctors three times during this period of time.

Without wasting another moment, I decided to call and tell the realtor, “I can’t go through with it, my health is declining from the stress. I hope we can get back our deposit.”

Thankfully, we are out of the contract. Sadly, we didn’t receive our $1800 deposit back. The owners decided to keep it. But, that’s fine, God bless them. That money will pay for their land lease for four months, and it got us away from a disaster in the making. Amen!

Their attorney that was demanding the owners keep the money wasn’t shocking to me.

But I’m such an optimist, I’d like to think that people are inherently kind. If it were me, I’d have given the money back…but, then I thought. Maybe they are really in dire need of funds, so hopefully, we helped them through some financial woes. I never met the owners, never saw them…so don’t know anything about them. I can only assume, they needed the money more than we do. In that case, it was God who once again, helped everyone concerned in this scenario. Once again, the LORD uses evil to turn to good. So, in this case, this couple may have really needed that money! So, everyone wins. And, once again, the LORD reigns Supreme, He is victorious, and through Christ, we are too!

So…please, listen and be aware.

As Jesus said, “be as harmless as a dove, but as wise as the serpent” (Matthew 10:16) because you never know where the enemy is. “He is roaming about seeking to devour you”(1 Peter 5:8) at every turn. He wants us to suffer, he wants us to be in financial and emotional ruins.

So, be diligent, watch out.

Listen, and wait for the LORD, He will ALWAYS rescue You, never forsake you, and will ALWAYS show you a way out of temptation. (1 Cor 10:13)

“Father God, thank You for Your wings of protection, Your unwavering love, and guidance, and for Your Word which is full of light and peace, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Always With Me~

Posted on October 11, 2019 by C D SWANSON

Psalm 16:8 (NLT)

I know the Lord is always with me.
I will not be shaken, for he is right beside me.

Life as we know it, can be very different from one individual to another. There may be those who have “no home” and living on the streets, not knowing where their next meal is coming from, or if at all… yet they may have the LORD, and love in their hearts.

There may be some living in the lap of luxury, with no materialistic wants, but may be lacking in “love.”

And still, there may be some who are somewhere in between, living life in the middle of the road so to speak.

What’s the connection with individuals so different?

We are all His creation, and His children.

And, by being His children we have full uninhibited access to His love, His Word, and His promises, should we want it.

As I move through my day, there are routines that can be comforting, yet any kind of disruption in that routine may be unsettling. It’s during those times of disruption I never stop listening for His Word, His voice, and His will for my life.

It’s important that we never stop believing that nothing is impossible with God. And, it’s crucial we remember that no matter what, He is with us always, and is living in us. Hallelujah!

There are days I can barely concentrate due to chronic health issues that plague me, but…that’s when I need to really concentrate, and reach out to Him all the more, knowing I’ll get through it, because He’s there for me.

However, please know, He’s there for all of us.

I run to Him during rough days knowing He’s willing to hold me up with His right hand of righteousness, and that He loves me, that is what keeps me going.

Conversely, I run to Him in good times, because no matter what, He gets all my love, He gets all the glory, and He reigns victorious, forever!

He is the Alpha and Omega! My LORD and King!

He is all that I need today, tomorrow, forever.

When we know that He’s with us always, and feel it, and love Him, our life truly becomes just that—LIFE.

“Father, thank You for being with me always and thank You for Your promises and love, may I never ever stray from You or Your love, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: We Serve You Lord~

Posted on October 6, 2019 by C D SWANSON

No matter what we are doing, or when we are doing it, we should bear in mind, heart and soul that we are “serving the Lord.”

Sometimes if I’m having “one of those days” and there is one avalanche after another, and I can hardly catch my breath, I must stop in my tracks and think, “everything that is happening right now, no matter what, I am doing it unto Christ.” To which I take a deep breath and ask for His light to shine, and sing a silent praise to Him, the One most high, and worthy, and loving, my LORD, my Master, and Savior, Jesus Christ. In just minutes or within a little time frame, I am strengthened by His love, and His Spirit, and His divine presence.

When we have the heart and mind-set to know that we are here to “serve” Him in all that we do…life becomes a life worth living, and one in which we can thrive. But, not through our will, but His. And, not through our strength, but His strength. And, not through our will, but His.

Walking in His will, and meditating on His Word, and living according to His purpose for our lives, we receive the rewards here on earth, but…most important, when we are called home.

In the meantime, right here and now…serve Him in all you do, your life will be different and meaningful here, and we will receive that “crown” when we join Him at His table in the Eternity.

He promises all of His children a seat at His table.

Until such time…”listen to His voice, and follow Him, as you do all things unto Him, in a servitude capacity of undeniable surrender and love.”

“Father, thank You for Your love, we love You and praise You for Your precious Word, as a warning, and a source of encouragement, may Your Words penetrate all those who hear it, and may they trust You as their Savior and Lord of lords and King of kings, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: With Thanks for Your Spirit & Love~

Posted on October 3, 2019 by C D SWANSON

Endeavoring to keep the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace. There is one body, and one Spirit even as ye are called in one hope of your calling. One Lord, one faith, one baptism and One God and Father of all, Wo is above all and through all and in you all.

Ephesians 4:3-6 (KJV)

Praise God and His unmerited favor of which none of us is worthy, yet the Father gives His favor to those who are sincerely and wholeheartedly seeking Him and His Kingdom on a daily basis. His love and His compassion is the essential foundation and the vine of which we partake in order to live forever.

Love is the glue that holds the many-membered body together. Worthy means to “walk in a godly manner” and as followers of Christ, we do just that, or we aspire to do so each day of our life.

Jesus defeated death through His crucifixion on the cross and through that miraculous and loving act, we are saved as Jesus said, “it is finished” as He was minutes from death. He rose and because of Him we LIVE, Amen. And He promised the Holy Spirit as our Comforter as He said, “He will be with us always even to the end of the world.”

The Spirit which is in us accounts for our actions and our thoughts and our choices in life. When we surrender to Him as our Lord and Savior we can be assured of His promises. Our baptism attests to our firm belief that we say publicly that we know Christ died for us, was buried and rose again. We are washed clean by His blood, and we are awarded LIFE through Him.

We must remain steadfast in our beliefs, if we aren’t steadfast in our faith and well studied in the Word of God, we might be deceived by the enemy, which Christ warns us about many times in His Word. There is truly no one that is worthy, but there is One who is worthy, and that is our LORD.

He is the LIVING WORD of God, Jesus Christ our King.

When we live according to His will and purpose for our life, we will be rewarded and inherit the rights by which we were redeemed, by our Redeemer. Follow the unction, and prompting of the Spirit, and live by the Spirit, and life will be a lot easier to figure out, and certainly a lot easier to navigate through the turbulent times.

“Thank You Father for the Spirit and for Your unwavering love and guidance, we thank You for all You are and all You do, this day and always, in Jesus Christ precious name, Amen.”

Revelation 5:11-14 (KJV)

And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;

Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.

And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.

And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.

DEAR GOD: Forever Yours as I wait for You Always~

Posted on September 27, 2019 by C D SWANSON

I have been praying and waiting for the LORD to guide me in something concerning my life…and of course my husband. I had said to many within my circle of friends and family that I was waiting and praying for God’s answer and guidance.

I will talk about “what I was praying for” in another post. Right now, it’s in the “preliminary stages” and all I can say is that God answered me with a resounding clarity that spoke to my heart and soul.

My husband, also a believer, was amazed, once again at the LORD, and His ways. One person who was involved in the scenario expressed such surprise at the outcome and said, “I never would have seen this coming.” But, I answered…”Then you don’t know my God!”

Which brings me to “waiting on God.” No matter how long, no matter how extreme, wait on God for answers, for guidance, and for “His will to be done.”

This isn’t the first time God has answered and “spoken” to my heart and soul. And, I’m sure it won’t be the last. But, I want to emphasize that God knows us, loves us and protects us. He hears our prayers and He cares for each of us. His provisions are endless as is His love.

No matter what happens in my lifetime of this I’m certain, “nothing can ever take me from the LORD” I love and honor Him and will adore Him all the days of my life. I may fall short some days, as I’m not perfect, but I try to be all that I can be each day for Him.

Trust, trust,and more trust, is one of the foremost quintessential characteristics of those who follow the LORD.

Trust in Him with all of your heart, and soul, and lean not on your own understanding, in all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will direct your path. Don’t be wise in your own eyes, love Him, keep from evil, and you will thrive in all ways bringing you prosperity and health. (Proverbs 3:4-8)

God tells us over and over in the Bible to trust Him. I can honestly tell you that when you do, all good things happen. When we love and trust Him and obey Him…and wait on Him…your life will never be the same.

Have you waited on God?

Think about all the good things that happened when you did wait on Him.

Now, think about what happened when you didn’t.

Now ask yourself this, what’s stopping you from waiting on God, trusting Him, and obeying Him?

Get right with God...and when you do, everything else will get right in your life!

“Father thank You for Your love, guidance, and for showing me the course of my life which is in Your will, for this, and for all things, thank You, I love You, now and always in Jesus name, Amen.”

Romans 8:35-39 (NLT)

35 Can anything ever separate us from Christ’s love? Does it mean he no longer loves us if we have trouble or calamity, or are persecuted, or hungry, or destitute, or in danger, or threatened with death?

36 (As the Scriptures say, “For your sake we are killed every day; we are being slaughtered like sheep.”

37 No, despite all these things, overwhelming victory is ours through Christ, who loved us.

38 And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love. Neither death nor life, neither angels nor demons, neither our fears for today nor our worries about tomorrow—not even the powers of hell can separate us from God’s love.

39 No power in the sky above or in the earth below—indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.

DEAR GOD: Your Will be Done~

Posted on September 19, 2019 by C D SWANSON

Psalm 103:19 19

The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.

Have you ever had a decision to make in which you’ve gone through it without regard to repercussions?

Or did you ever make a decision without thought and just went through the motions?

Still, did you ever have to do something or take care of a situation spontaneously?

Well, to the first question, it’s more than likely almost everyone has done this at one time or another.

The second question, probably a good amount of individuals have done this as well.

And the third scenario, we’ve all been there, done that!

The most important lesson to be learned is, “how did it all work out?” And, could it have been a much different outcome had we gone to the LORD and asked for His will to be done?

In my own circumstances, I’ll emphatically shout, “YES!” Circumstances and outcomes are overwhelmingly different when I go to the LORD in prayer and ask for His will and divine blessings in all that I undertake according to His purpose and plans for my life.

How can we do this?

By seeking Him daily.
By thanking Him daily.
By giving Him the glory daily.
By surrendering ourselves to Him daily.
By seeking His Kingdom daily.
By trusting Him daily.
And, finally…by loving Him fully, completely and always. Amen.

Remember this…God wants us to be happy and prosperous in all that we do. He knows how to accomplish that outcome, if we merely seek Him and involve Him in all aspects of our life.

He is in control, and yes, He allows us free will and choice, and sometimes by messing up, its a way to become “closer” to Him.

So, He may allow things to happen in order to accomplish the goal of us “growing in Him” and “engrafting ourselves” deeper and deeper in His roots of love.

Trusting Him, no matter what, even when the circumstances seem highly unlikely…go with it, when it is His will. You’ll have the power of God, and the presence of God with you, and inasmuch, you’re always better armed and better equipped.

Take Gideon for example, like what he did in the passages of Judges 4-9.

He was worried about the army that was against him. He had very few men in comparison to the huge outnumbered army against him. So, He asked the Lord for help. And, what happened? When he trusted and believed and surrendered to the LORD, He delivered them into Gideon’s hands and he had victory! Victory in the LORD!

There are so many examples in the Bible telling us to trust Him, and believe in Him, and when we do…all things work out to our advantage. Because through Christ, we are victorious!

What is the message here?

Don’t underestimate what God can do through you and in you.
God is always with you, in whatever He calls you to do. He will never forsake you.
He’s ready to give you assurance when you doubt Him.
His ways are at times challenging, and surprising, but always has the best outcome for us all.

What decisions will you be making today? And, before you do, have you asked God for His help and His will in your life? If not, I invite you to do so…and then wait for His response, it will be the best thing you can do for yourself, and it will bring joy to His heart, and blessings in your life.

“Father, I seek Your face in all I do, today, tomorrow always, in Jesus name, Amen.”

Judges 7:4-9 4

But the LORD said to Gideon, “There are still too many men. Take them down to the water, and I will thin them out for you there. If I say, ‘This one shall go with you,’ he shall go; but if I say, ‘This one shall not go with you,’ he shall not go.”

So Gideon took the men down to the water. There the LORD told him, “Separate those who lap the water with their tongues as a dog laps from those who kneel down to drink.”

Three hundred of them drank from cupped hands, lapping like dogs. All the rest got down on their knees to drink.

The LORD said to Gideon, “With the three hundred men that lapped I will save you and give the Midianites into your hands. Let all the others go home.”

So Gideon sent the rest of the Israelites home but kept the three hundred, who took over the provisions and trumpets of the others. Now the camp of Midian lay below him in the valley.

During that night the LORD said to Gideon, “Get up, go down against the camp, because I am going to give it into your hands.

DEAR GOD: I love You and Choose You~

Posted on September 15, 2019 by C D SWANSON

Dear God: I Choose You~

Daniel understood God’s law prohibited eating foods that were being offered to idols. He was in Babylon in full captivity—a place that worshiped false gods—when he soon faced a difficult decision. King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that only the finest foods be sent for Daniel’s consumption, but only after being presented to idols.

The question became for Daniel “was it better to merely obey the king—or, disobey God to please the king? The underlying issues were about allegiance to God. He could have reasoned that breaking the divine command was because he had no choice, that he was just a servant. That would have been an easy justification for disobedience. However, Daniel was filled with a driven desire to do what was right in the eyes of God—and so as a result, he resolved not to eat the royal food, and sought instead, for a way that would honor the Lord by keeping God’s laws.

Prayer and a reverent mind and heart helped Daniel, and through God, he was strengthened, and able to pursue the righteous path instead of the thorny road.

It’s vital to realize that obeying God is clearly the right choice. No matter what the world is doing, or what your friends think is “cool” – outside of God’s will and laws, it’s like walking the tightrope without the protective net below. However, with God—should we fall, or slip…He is always there to catch us.

Prayers and daily dedication/worship is the preponderance of servitude in His eyes. To become like Daniel, it’s crucial to facilitate a wholehearted commitment to follow the Lord and consistently apply Scripture to circumstances and decisions. Then, when a challenge comes, we’ll have the courage and wisdom to obey God’s commands.

Which path will you choose?

“Father, my Lord, thank You for loving Your children, and protecting us under the auspices of Your Sovereign Power and love, I choose You and only You, I serve You and only You, and I love You more than I can say, in Jesus name, Amen.”

25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

Author Archives: C D SWANSON