Author Archives: C D SWANSON

DEAR GOD: Eternal Rewards Living Forever~

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We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

          (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV)  

 

We know it happens, people are admitted into hospitals all the time, and terrific things can happen. Or, on the opposite side of the coin, fatal errors can occur resulting in a horrific outcome. The first reaction is, “we want someone held accountable.” Then, we might revisit the scenario over and over, followed by the “what ifs?” or “if only” which begin to plague your mind.

The weeks that followed my dad’s death were spent in a “fog” of emptiness and longing. I’ve never missed anyone so much nor felt such a hollowness deep within. I found myself picking up the phone to call him, or to ask his guidance in a situation. I wanted to hear his voice, “one more time.” I went to sleep praying that I’d dream about him, just to see him again, alive and thriving. I just missed him…so much.

We got through it as a family, united by our grief and comforted by memories of an incredible man, husband, father, and grandfather. Many came to talk about his amazing ways, and his gift of humor and wisdom.

Somewhere along the way the suffocating grief lifted so that we could “catch our breath again”—but the searing hot emotional pain remained, for the longest time.

It’s been over 19 years since his death and I still “miss him” but the open wounds have closed and a small scar remains. However, the love, and the memories are alive, and well in my heart and mind.

Then the same thing happened with my Mom’s passing almost 4 years ago this May. It was suffocating, I missed her more than I can say, and I wanted to call her about every five minutes of any given day. We got through it again as a family, and spoke about her meek and gentle ways, her loving and compassionate nature.  And how fortunate to have had her as long as we did.

Jesus said, “Blessed are they that mourn, for they shall be comforted…”(Matthew 5:4 KJV)

The Beatitudes have always been a comfort to me and during the dark days of grieving, it was what sustained me. It was God nourishing me and holding me up that got me through it.    And of course, we know that Dad and Mom are with God right this moment, and that is what made all the difference in how we viewed their deaths overall.

I praise God for showing me that the way my father died was a gift and blessing. How? Well, the fact that he didn’t know what hit him for starters, he was given anesthesia went to sleep and awakened in God’s presence, in his spiritual body, completely alive and full of life.  Although the doctor made a fatal error, my Dad woke up in Jesus’ arms.

My Mom, never wanted to be in a hospital, and she almost made it happen.  She was admitted into the hospital a day before my birthday, and died on my birthday.  She wasn’t in a hospital since my birth…so she was given a miracle too. She was blessed as we were knowing God heard her prayers.

Yes, all of their children are blessed to have had them as parents, but we are also blessed knowing where they both are and that we will see them again, and at that time…in the presence of God!

And, we all will never have to say goodbye again!

That’s the greatest part of being believers and accepting Christ, knowing we will live forever because He loved us so much.

How amazing is that?

Amen.

 

 

 

 

We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.

          (2 Corinthians 5:8 KJV)  

           

 

 

 

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“Note: To those who are mourning the loss of a loved one, I pray that God brings you comfort and that you find solace in knowing they’re with the LORD and that you will see them again.  Sorry for your loss and may God’s love and compassion be a salve for your hear and soul until you see the LORD and your loved ones again, amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: I am Alert Through Your Word~

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Be alert and of sober mind.

Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 

1 Peter 5:8

 

 

Jesus warns us to be aware and diligent in our pursuit of daily life and our activities.  We are to walk on a path of righteous behavior in accordance to His will and plans for us, however, we are to be “watching” and aware of things in direct conflict of His Word and gospel.

 

In other words, there are so many things that can try to “strangle us” in attempts of daily life.  What I mean to say is…innocent things can pull us in, like engaging in “gossip” with an old friend.  The enemy loves us to gossip and malign our sisters and brothers, and loves when we bear false witness against them.

Or when we sit down to a quiet night of television viewing.  I immediately sense if the program is not of interest to me or my “spirit within.”  I feel uneasy and long to change the channel quickly.  I often ask, and I am serious, this is not a lark, —“Would Jesus want to watch this program?  Is there anything in it that would offend Him or my Father in heaven?”   That truly puts the kabosh on several things that many people would think “ah, it’s only a show…we have got to live and not be so zealous”  — Fine.  If that’s what you choose to do, it’s not what I choose to do.

It’s best to be with those of similar interests that we have.  Yes, we are called upon to “help those in darkness” and bring them the “Word” –but to mingle with “friends” who do things in a way that is offensive or in contrary to what I believe in…I just don’t go there anymore.

When someone comes to the LORD there is a “pulling away” a “coming out” if you will…that speaks to our hearts.  Things we liked in the past is no longer interesting.  Shows we watched prior are now offensive to us.  Even certain foods I no longer enjoy (that’s my choice)

Be aware.  Jesus wants us to go out but be aware.  Be diligent.  Be loving, but wary.  Be kind, but firm.   Most important, Be wise, and nobody’s fool, as you walk through life in terms of Christ.

In other words, “feed”  be kind.

Love and be wise.

Watch and be wary.

And, be an example to all you come in contact with.

Finally, give all the Victory and Glory and Honor and Power to the One and Only King of kings and Lord of Lords.  Amen!

 

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above,

and comes down from the Father of lights,

with whom there is no variation or shadow of turning.”

James 1:17 NKJV

DEAR GOD: White as Snow – I wait and Hear Your Heart~

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Image result for PICTURES OF FRESH FALLEN SNOW IN WOODS

 

 

Wait on the Lord: be of good courage,

and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord. 

PSALM 27:14

 

 

Last night, here in the Northeast, we had a soft snowfall that although significant in inches, it was the gentlest, and most beautiful snow storm I’ve witnessed in awhile.

I awoke at 3 am as my puppy was “circling” wishing to do his business, not wanting to disturb my husband who was clearly into his REM sleep,  I brought him out into our backyard area.  Both my dog and I were mesmerized by the snow falling majestically unto the trees and ground.  My puppy because he’s fascinated with romping in the snow…but I was connected to the storm for an entirely different reason. It was perfect, and stunning, and took my breath away. The moonlight and snow combined made it seem like mid-afternoon  instead of early morning hours before dawn.

It wasn’t cold, in fact, it was almost a “balmy” type atmosphere.  As Mickey rushed around trying to decide on a “spot” in which to potty I was transfixed at how “still” it was.  The quiet was in fact, as they say, “deafening” — so much so, that I heard the rhythm of  my heart beating.  As I was drawn into that moment in time… I said in a soft voice, “Hello God.”

Yes, this is God.

Snow, beauty, light…and peace.

Heart beating for His heart.

Quiet, and peace are His  trademarks and characteristics along with an all consuming love.

The peace and love I felt  was a “God moment.”

We all have them, and have experienced them throughout our lifetime.

And, if you haven’t you will, eventually.  God is always with us.

He is there as you gaze upon His landscape of beauty.

His masterpiece calls out to us saying, “Be still and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10)

His heart apparent and His love apparent.

This is GOD.  This is our Father.  This is our LORD.

Love. Peace. Joy. Tranquility.

 

 

 “Dear Father God, we love You, and Your ways, we thank You for who You are, and what  You do and what You’ve done since the beginning of time, shine Your light and cover us with Your truth, wisdom, strength, and love, You alone are the Holy One, and You alone are worthy of all praise, thank You for the Victory in Christ, and for all of Your masterpieces in this lifetime and beyond, in Jesus name we pray, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Psalm 27:1 -14   (KJV)

 The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? the Lord is the strength of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?

When the wicked, even mine enemies and my foes, came upon me to eat up my flesh, they stumbled and fell.

Though an host should encamp against me, my heart shall not fear: though war should rise against me, in this will I be confident. One thing have I desired of the Lord, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the Lord all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the Lord, and to enquire in his temple.

For in the time of trouble he shall hide me in his pavilion: in the secret of his tabernacle shall he hide me; he shall set me up upon a rock. And now shall mine head be lifted up above mine enemies round about me: therefore will I offer in his tabernacle sacrifices of joy; I will sing, yea, I will sing praises unto the Lord.

 Hear, O Lord, when I cry with my voice: have mercy also upon me, and answer me.

 When thou saidst, Seek ye my face; my heart said unto thee, Thy face, Lord, will I seek.

Hide not thy face far from me; put not thy servant away in anger: thou hast been my help; leave me not, neither forsake me, O God of my salvation.

When my father and my mother forsake me, then the Lord will take me up.

Teach me thy way, O Lord, and lead me in a plain path, because of mine enemies.

Deliver me not over unto the will of mine enemies: for false witnesses are risen up against me, and such as breathe out cruelty.

 I had fainted, unless I had believed to see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living.

 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strengthen thine heart: wait, I say, on the Lord.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Nothing Will Separate Me From Your Love~

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For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, Nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Romans 8: 38 – 39 – (King James Version)

 

I was in attendance at a mandatory meeting when I witnessed certain individuals  who had started topics that escalated into a war of words.  I felt in my heart of hearts that the conversation would take a turn into stormy waters, as the group were clearly divided in political views, along with religious ones.

The comments were jarring at times and I held my tongue and wasn’t about to become embroiled in a volley of invectives  that could lead to stellar proportions of separation.

I began to walk away slowly, when one of the individuals called to me, “What’s wrong? Afraid you can’t defend your views?  Or afraid you can’t defend your God?  Which one is it?”

I paused and prayed silently for wisdom and guidance from the Spirit and simply answered, “Neither.”

The people seemed intrigued by my response as they stopped speaking and watched me, intently in fact.

Then someone said, “What’s that supposed to mean?”

I responded, “Just that.  I don’t have to defend my beliefs or my God.  I merely have to live my life according to my beliefs and my God and all else will fall into place. He’s in control.  Not me, nor you. Simple.  Nothing more, nothing less. God is in control. He even knew this conversation was going to take place before you did, or I did.”

One woman a confirmed atheist said, “If he’s in control, how come so many people are always arguing?”

I answered, “That’s not God’s voice one of chaos and disarray. God’s voice is soft, peaceful and unified in love. God is the Author of peace.”

The atheist said, “And you believe this because?  Where is there proof of God?”

My response, “In the air, in the water, in the flowers, in a child’s laugh, in a new born baby puppy, in the green meadows, He’s everywhere, and all that was created is by Him and for Him things were made.”

She looked at me and said, “Where’s proof in that?”

My reply, “My Dear young lady, where’s your proof that there’s not?”

No one answered…it got very silent.  And I made my exit gracefully and slipped away to the other side of the room where it was a lot less contentious.

I will never be separated from God ever!

It’s my choice to follow Him, love Him, honor Him, obey Him and His commandments, and be a watch person for others.

He wants us to warn others, to watch for signs of things to come, to be aware.  But, to know, we have nothing to worry about, for He is in control. Always.

Separate myself from God?

A preposterous notion.

The answer is Never.

And the best part of all—

He is never separated from us!

Amen and Praise you LORD!

 

Be strong and of a good courage, fear not, nor be afraid of them: for the LORD thy God, he it is that doth go with thee; he will not fail thee, nor forsake thee. 

Deuteronomy 31:6 KJV

 

 

DEAR God: Blocking out the Noise with Your Word~

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“He who has ears, let him hear.”  

Matthew 13:9

 

“Sorry I don’t have the time right now.”

Excuse number one.

“Oh, I have something going on this morning, and then an appointment in the afternoon.”

Excuse number two.

“I can’t!  I have calls to make, things to do, people to see.”

Excuse number three.

“I wish there were more than twenty-four hours in the day, I can’t do everything in one day! – Maybe later.”

Excuse number four.

And, so it goes, and so it goes.

Sound familiar?  

Well, in this world, and the inherent pace in which we “tap dance” our way through life, it seems impossible to do all of what we need to do in one day.  Some individuals have children, and a job to get to.  Some people, are single with children, and have no time to themselves. Still others may be disabled, and have exceeding difficultly getting around, and find it hard to set aside time to reflect or meditate on His Word given the pain they’re in.

All of the responses above are answers some of us might give to “GOD” when we push aside His Word, and His voice, and His love when He calls out to us. When He calls for us to “spend time with Him alone” each and every day.

The “world” is filled with “noise” and  lofty distractions that seek to pull us from our Father.

The enemy loves to engage us in daily practices of “disobeying” and “ignoring” God.

Sometimes… if we’re in so much pain, emotionally or physically, we find that our discomfort “chokes” the Word of God.  It happens, to the best of those following in Christian faith.  It can happen and this is where we need to “take notice” and “block the noise” in the powerful name of Christ by reaching out to the Father!

This is when we need to reach for our Bible, for His beautiful and soothing Voice, and cry out to Him.

This is where we say, “Father I choose You and Your strength”

This is where we shout, “You get ALL THE GLORY and VICTORY no matter what Father God!”

This is when we “mute the world” and “turn the speakers up” for the Father’s Voice! Amen!

No matter where we are, no matter what we’re going through, no matter the load we carry…lay it down and bring it to the LORD.

His voice and His love will sustain and protect us from the “ugly sounds” of the world.

Try it today and see how “beautiful the world can be”   by listening to His voice.

Try it today and see how “beautiful the world can be” through His eyes and love.

Amen!

 

“Father God, thank You for Your sustaining and unconditional voice of love and reason, and for Your promises, You are all that I need, now and always,  I rebuke the world’s noise over my life, and know I am protected by the blood and  Your love in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 

*Picture courtesy of Pinterest – does not belong to me. 

 

DEAR GOD: Serving You and Pleasing You~

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Thou art worthy, O Lord, to receive glory and honour and power:

for thou hast created all things, and for thy pleasure they are and were created.

Revelation 4:11 (KJV)

 

 

“Thy hands have made me and fashioned me” as the verse from Psalm 119:75 goes. And, in Revelation 4:11, it is told that the LORD is worthy to receive glory and honor and power, for “thou hast created all things, and for they pleasure they are and were created.”

Our mighty Creator created us because of His love, and we and all things were created by the Master of the Universe…for His pleasure.

The questions we should ponder in our minds is:  “What are we doing to honor Him?  How are we showing Him honor?  And, are we going forth in such a manner that glorifies Him?”

Most of us attend church weekly,  donate to a favorite charity, and then go on with our lives thinking that “I’m okay, that’s all I have to do. I fulfill my obligations in so doing.”

Well…hold on a second now.  There is a little bit of a knot in the rope so to speak.  Yes, all of the above is a good thing, but it is how we conduct the rest of our week, and how we fill our days that matters.  And, most important, how we “glorify God” and how we “love Him” in our hearts, while giving Him the victory, and being a witness for Him, through our actions, to others that really brings Him pleasure.

“For Thou has created ALL things, and for Thy pleasure they are and were created.”

Yes, we were created for His pleasure.

Are we doing things that please Him?

Are we meditating on His word in our hearts?

Are we extending the joy of “knowing Him” to others in our thoughts, words and actions?”

When we drive by a homeless person and feel a “tug” in our hearts.  That’s the Holy Spirit.

When we see someone hurting and needing a hug, and feel a “tug” in our hearts.  That’s the Holy Spirit.

When someone is distraught, or grieving, and need someone to listen, or hold their hand, and you feel a “tug” in your heart. That’s the Holy Spirit.

When you do a righteous deed and you feel peace, joy and a tremendous amount of satisfaction. That’s the Holy Spirit rejoicing within you.

Congratulations, when you feel that feeling of joy, peace, satisfaction…You’ve pleased Him, and are being a vessel in His will for your life.

 

“Feeling a tug in your heart today?” 

Great…Listen to the Holy Spirit within…and set out to please Him.

In this way you are giving Him all the glory, Honor, and being a witness for others at His magnificence!

 

 

“Father God, may we always be pleasing in Your eyes in all that we do, all that we say, and may our hearts reflect our love for You, through our actions towards others, today and always, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: My Shield My Salvation~

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(KJV) 2 Samuel 22:36
Thou hast also given me the shield of Thy salvation, and Thy gentleness hath made me great.
We are called in faith to trust the LORD in all that we do, no matter what. But, at times, because we are flesh, we can get caught up in the “world” and anxiety or worrisome thoughts might invade, or intrude into our thoughts and actions. Thereby creating a cycle of troublesome behavior that is contrary to trusting in God.
As children of the Almighty God we belong to a family of royalty, and are protected by His Sovereign Power and Grace.  We are told by Jesus to “trust the Father” and know that the “Father will take care of all things for us.”  So when we worry, or think about tomorrow, or the “what-if” scenarios, we are setting ourselves up for failure.  But, we are failing God in so doing, because God NEVER will fail us.
When thoughts of worry creep into our minds…ask the LORD to quicken His Word, and ask the Holy Spirit for help in ridding the negative and  troublesome thoughts from us.  When we realize the mind is a “battleground” between flesh and Spirit and we take up the weapons of our defense, “the Gospel Armor – Ephesians 6″ we are brought to the forefront of “victory” through Christ’ name and power.
Yes it can be challenging when we’re in the midst of a storm, and the world can drown out the music of the Word.  But, that’s when we need to stop, reflect, have trust and believe, we have a Father who is victorious, and Greater is the One in us than the one in the world. (1 John 4:4)
“Dear God, You are my buckler in times of stress and adversity and You provide a cover of protection in all times to me and Your children, who believe and follow You, thank You my Lord, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Yours Alone~

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All those the Father gives Me will come to Me,

and whoever comes to Me I will never drive away.

John 6:37

 

When we hear His voice and follow Him we are part of His fold, and those that know His voice follow Him, and He knows those who do.  So, when we willingly choose to go with Him, we are one with Him, and He accepts us into His fold and protects, leads, guides. He will “never turn us away” and will love us unconditionally.

As we go through our life here on earth we are called to be examples to those around us, to embrace the gospel of Christ in all that we do, all that we endeavor to take on, each and every moment of our life.  For those who walk in the darkness, we are given the responsibility to try and “shine His light” into their lives.  We are not the ones in control, the LORD is in control, and ultimately the seeds we sow will be up to the LORD is they sprout and grow.  He will provide the water.  We need to spread the seeds in the soil, and depending on the situation and whether or not the person will accept those seeds and choose Christ is up to God.

Follow His heart with your own heart.

Follow His voice and listen attentively.

Follow His ways and lead by example.

Follow Him and graze in His pasture.

 

The LORD is with us always, even until the end of time.

Simple, loving facts.  Christ is Lord of lords, King of kings, and Savior of all.   However, we have to CHOOSE Him, and accept Him as our Lord and Savior.  When we do, sit back and watch how your life will be transformed into the light and love of His presence.

 

Amen.

 

 

DEAR GOD: With Thanks to You in all I do~

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“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.”

Colossians 3:17

 

Got up this morning?—        “Thank You Lord, for this day.”

Finished your breakfast?—  “Thank You Lord for thy provisions.”

Paying your bills?  —-           “Thank You Lord for the ability and grace to pay these bills.”

Driving to do errands?—        “Thank You Lord for being able to drive and for getting me there safely.”

Speaking to family/friend?–   “Thank You Lord for my family and for my friends.”

 

I think you all have received my message today.  Do all things, in thought word and deeds in the name of the LORD. Each thing, no matter how “small” or how “large” —give Him thanks, for He is worthy of our thanks, praise and love, Amen.

Today, whatever it is you’re doing, whatever it is you’re going through…”good or bad” —offer up your thanks and praise, no matter what.  When we do that, we will thrive in tough times.  We will get through the valley.  And, we will enjoy the good times tenfold in honor of His grace and love.

His Word is truth.

His Word is comfort.

His Word endures forever.

His Word is LIFE.

 

“Father God, may we never forget to give you unending praise and devote our lives to You in all that we do, in Jesus Christ precious name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Renew Me LORD by Your Mercy and Holy Spirit~

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He saves us not because of righteous things we had done,

but because of His mercy.

He saves us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the Holy Spirit. 

Titus 3:5  

 

 

He saves us.  Say it again, He saves us.  One more time, “He saves us!”

Do you hear it?

Say it aloud!

Scream it and rejoice!

The LORD saves us.  He went willingly to the cross knowing full well what He had to endure in order to SAVE US sinners and give us the opportunity to be with Him forever in Eternity when we are finished with our work here on earth.

Can you imagine that scene?

Jesus waiting and putting His arms around us?

We get to see Him, feel Him holding us close to Him, and we get to walk with Him. Sit with Him, dine with Him!

Praise You LORD for Your mercy endures forever.

Many people labor under a false assumption thinking that “we save ourselves by righteous acts” –— when in fact, Christ saved us by hanging on the cross, all those years ago.    His grace, His  love, His mercy…all for us. So that we can spend Eternity with Him in Paradise.

He prepares a table for us to dine with Him and our Father in Paradise.  What a feast that’ll be huh?

He prepares a room for us in His “Father’s mansion.”   (John 14:2)

He gave us a Comforter in the form of the Holy Spirit, so we shouldn’t ever have to go “anything alone” in this lifetime.

He is with us always, and promised to never leave us.  (Matthew 28:20)

Not to say we shouldn’t do righteous acts, of course we must, for after all we are called to “mirror Christ” in all that we do.  And, if ever someone performed righteous acts, it was Christ!  But, never lose sight of the fact that HE SAVES US.  We didn’t save ourselves!

So when we’re through with our commission here on earth, just remember that He will welcome us home as He wraps His arms around us and says, “Welcome home my faithful and loving Child…”

But for now, go out and tell the world about our incredible Lord of lords and King of kings!

 

“Father, God, thank You for Your Son and for His love and mercy, and for Your sacrifice in bringing Him to fulfill the scriptures so that we could be saved, I love You Lord, now and forever, may I do all according to Your will and purpose in my life, in Jesus name, Amen.”