Author Archives: C D SWANSON

DEAR GOD: Flowing in Your Love & Peace~

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John 7:38
 
“He who believes in Me, as the Scripture said, ‘From his innermost being will flow rivers of living water.'”

 

 

 

God’s unfailing love is an objective fact that has been affirmed  and reaffirmed over and over in the Scriptures. It’s true whether some individuals believe it or not. Doubts do not destroy God’s love, nor did our faith create it. Instead it originates in the very essence and nature of God, who is love, and it flows to us through our union with His beloved Son, Jesus Christ our Lord of lords, and King of kings.

His free giving love and rivers of living waters flows through those of which follow Him.  His uplifting love and compassion is ever present to those who surrender and accept Him as their Savior.

His ways are not our ways, nor are His thoughts our thoughts, He is holy and above all else…but…Our redeemer offered Himself for us, and for our freedom, and salvation.

Some may not believe.  But, I see God in everything, in all that surrounds me on any given day.

And, sadly…as I see God…there is evil that swirls about us on any given day.  But, it is our affirmation of His love and our obedience to His doctrine and gospel that allows us to withstand the fiery darts of the enemy.  When we put on the clothes of righteousness, that is to say, our weapon of defense, Christ…in terms of our armor, the gospel armor…we are protected and nothing can harm us.

Our souls are intact along with our love for the Great I Am.

Isn’t it wonderful to be a part of His royal Kingdom?

Isn’t it wonderful to be called His children?

Isn’t it wonderful to know He loves us so much?

Isn’t it wonderful to know we are His?

If you didn’t shout YES…then may I invite you to open the Bible, His love letter to us, and find out all about the most Incredible Sovereign God who loves us more than we can possibly imagine.

Go on…what are you waiting for?

 

“Father, thanks for Your endless love, compassion, and living water, You are our daily bread, and I can’t get enough of You or Your ways, Thank You for all You are, and all You do since the beginning of time, may I never cease to appreciate You or Your Word, in Jesus name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

Psalm 93:4

More than the sounds of many waters, Than the mighty breakers of the sea, The LORD on high is mighty.

Psalm 66:12

You made men ride over our heads; We went through fire and through water, Yet You brought us out into a place of abundance.

DEAR GOD: Times Change…Your Love is Always the Same~

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There are times when I can hardly believe what is happening in this world, and I inwardly cringe and grieve for the “insanity” that’s taking place throughout the world.  Jesus warned us that “end times” will be worse than Sodom and Gomorrah days, and that there will be all kinds of evil and corruption happening.  Well, it is…and it’s seemingly increasing exponentially, as we move about in our daily orbit of tasks.

However, there is one thing that remains the same, day in and day out…24 hours a day, 7 days a week…and that is the LOVE OF GOD and His character.  It is unchanged since the beginning of time.

Sometimes, I struggle to breathe in a world that is suffocating and evil, but the LORD’s light  continuously shines into the darkness, and illuminates my path…lending way to peace, and satisifaction, knowing He is with me, no matter what, no matter where, and no matter why.

He is the powerful Alpha and Omega, the One and Only, the Great I Am!  He is the source of which I breathe, the root of Jesse, and the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob!  He is the all consuming fire and Lion of Judah…and He is my Lord and Savior, my King of kings, and the Only One that can save!

The assurance of His promises of never leaving us, nor forsaking us, and the tranquil waters of peace He brings to His followers, is what makes it easier to get by in life.  He is life, and He is peace, and He is our Redeemer!

So, when you’re seeing or hearing about something horrific, or facing a great wall of adversity…seek His face…seek His Kingdom…and look up for whence your help comes, and know that everything will be alright.

Want that kind of peace?  Want that kind of wisdom?  May I suggest getting to know the One and Only Great I Am!   You’ll never experience LIFE until you meet JESUS!

 

“Father God, thank You for Your unchanging and lasting love, You are the essence of my being, and the reason for my joy, may others come to know You and love You, and glorify You with every breath, in Jesus name, Amen.” 

 

Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.

 

Revelation 1:8
“I am the Alpha and the Omega,” says the Lord God, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”

 

Malachi 3:6
“For I, the LORD, do not change; therefore you, O sons of Jacob, are not consumed.

 

Romans 14:17
for the kingdom of God is not eating and drinking, but righteousness and peace and joy in the Holy Spirit.

DEAR GOD: Hovering, Wondering, and Waiting~

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Sometimes “waiting” can be a daunting and tedious task. But, it depends on what kind of “waiting” we’re actually doing.

If we’re waiting in line at a supermarket, it can be an irritating and annoying wait.

If we’re waiting to see a doctor, it can be overwhelming and intimidating.

If we’re waiting in a traffic jam, it can be beyond frustrating.

Waiting for God is a different “kind of wait.”  It’s a self proclaimed and undeniable choice of being obedient to Him.

Waiting for God and wondering what we should do, is an “anticipated kind of wait” of which we’re completely confident, that He will guide us, eventually, as to where, and what, we should or shouldn’t do.

Waiting upon God, and listening to His Word, eventually,  during our reflection, and meditation, will bring about answers, whereby the “wait will always be worth the wait.”

Sometimes, it’s a challenge to sit, and wait, even though every ounce of our being is trying to “redirect” us to move forward even before we “hear His answer” — that’s when we have to really sit still (Psalm 46:10)—  And, tilt our heads sideways to really “listen” to His voice.  We need to stop wondering, while hovering over, and in His Word, and truly start absorbing His message,  while receiving the delivery of His love, guidance, and direction.

Have you ever waited?

Have you ever waited on the LORD?

Well, then you should be acutely aware of the disparaging differences in “waiting” overall…and “waiting” on the LORD.

There is nothing sweeter than waiting for God.  Try it…and see for yourself!

“Father God, in all I do, I do it for You, may I continue to listen to Your voice alone in all I do, and may I continue to seek Your face, and Your kingdom each and every day of my life, in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”

 

 

 

Psalms 130:5 – I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.

Psalms 27:14 – Wait on the LORD: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the LORD.

Psalms 69:6 – Let not them that wait on thee, O Lord GOD of hosts, be ashamed for my sake: let not those that seek thee be confounded for my sake, O God of Israel.

DEAR GOD: True Symbol of Peace~

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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.” 

 

 

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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~

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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?

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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~

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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~

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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~

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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~

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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.