Author Archives: C D SWANSON

DEAR GOD: Encouraging One Another by His Love & Truth~

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Anxiety in the heart of man causes depression, but a good word makes it glad. 

Proverbs 12:25 (NKJV)

 

The world has more than enough of “naysayers” and critics, scoffers, and detractors.  We need more people to become “experts” at giving encouragement.  A good word is sometimes a hard thing to find.  Why not give it a “home in our mouth?”

“Loose lips sink ships” a popular and vital saying in World War II.  That motto was in fact to protect our American troops.  It was a saying that meant, “Guard your mouth. Guard your words. And do nothing to endanger our service men and women.

“…He who guards his mouth preserves his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction.” Proverbs 13:3 – (NKJV)

Well, in essence…preventing causalities in a spiritual war takes the same kind of precaution and action.

Being supportive and bringing forth a good word and supporting one another becomes a domino effect making the end results rewarding and pleasing to the LORD.  Kindness and the ability to encourage is a direct link from God to others and back again to the origin.

“Lying lips are an abomination to the LORD, but those who deal truthfully are His delight.” Proverbs 12:22  (NKJV)

God keeps His promises, and when we acknowledge that He does, it’s another way of saying He always speaks the truth.  He delights in truth.  And, when we please Him when we tell the truth.  When we uphold His word, and when we are kind and supportive to one another.  It is the presence of His Spirit that becomes fully engaged in us as we project His love towards others, in ways that are pleasing and indicative of His love for us.

When we obey the ways of the LORD, that is to say His principles and doctrine, or more to the point…His Word…He will guide us and show us how to apply the truth in our life.

When we set our hearts on obeying the LORD, He will show us His wisdom…and bring us closer to Him thereby rendering us higher into understanding our purpose in life.

Being supportive in the body of Christ is an ongoing process and a daily part of whom we are as Christians.

Our brothers and sisters, many in the dark, don’t know the truth. When we get a “word” from the LORD…He will bring us to what we should say, and maybe that person will come to the LORD.  That would be up to God of course, we’re merely His messengers, or vessels for such cause.

But keep in mind, that even if “one soul” is saved, the angels rejoice in heaven, and God will celebrate along with them.  And, it all starts with “words of truth, kindness and love…”

“Father, help us to guard our tongues, know what to say, offer encouragement and support where ever we’re led and speak the truth in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

 

 

                             Proverbs 2:6-9  (NKJV)

6 For the Lord gives wisdom;
From His mouth come knowledge and understanding;
7 He stores up sound wisdom for the upright;
He is a shield to those who walk uprightly;
8 He guards the paths of justice,
And preserves the way of His saints.
9 Then you will understand righteousness and justice,
Equity and every good path.

DEAR GOD: Humility vs Pride~

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Proverbs 29:23 –

A man’s pride shall bring him low:

but honour shall uphold the humble in spirit.

 

 

 

 

Pride can be defined as  an inversion of power and authority.

It can be explained  as a taking it upon ourselves to do things on our own.

It’s one of the weaknesses that the enemy will tempt you with.

It’s classic in how Satan tries to get you to come over to his views and ways.  He knows what makes us feel good, and knows all about us, and tries to steer us in his direction.

The lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the lust of the world — which is the pride of life.

The root cause of most every sin starts off with “pride”

It is pride that stops many people from ceasing or calling upon the LORD.

 

When we really know God, and His word, the more we will not be fooled, and not be led astray. The more we reflect and meditate on His word, the more humble we will become, and the more filled with the Spirit of the LORD.

Pride destroys us and is a showy practice that makes us feel good.

It is a detracting agent. It is a solvent which will break us.

We must be careful and listen to the LORD.  Listen to the Word, and be careful that our choices and paths are not born from pride.

 

God’s voice is gentle and kind.

His voice is sure and compassionate.

God’s ways are filled with peace.

God transforms from the inside out.

God comes into our heart and changes us, when we surrender to Him, and humble ourselves.

 

The enemy changes and tempts from the “outside” and brings senses of all things alluring to us.

Tempting us as He did Christ in the desert.

Showing things from the outside, never from the inside out.

 

God is the strength in which we can turn to for all things.

He is the way, the life and the truth.

He is our all for all.

 

Go to God for all things.

Rest in Him.

Call out to Him.

Humble yourself before Him, and He will raise you up.

Listen,  do you hear His voice?

For there is only ONE VOICE, and that is the sound of the LORD.

 

 

 

 

Proverbs 16:5 –

Every one [that is] proud in heart [is] an abomination to the LORD:

~[though] hand [join] in hand, he shall not be unpunished.

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Sing a Song Of Psalms~

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Psalms For All~

 

“That I may proclaim with the voice of thanksgiving,

and tell of all Your wondrous works.”

(Psalm 26:7 NKJV)

 

The Book of Psalms is the most commonly known book in the Bible, and arguably the most widely used. It truly runs the gamut of human emotions and human experience in a personal and intimate way.

The subject matter in Psalms includes such topics as: jubilation, war, peace, worship, judgment, messianic prophecy, praise and lament. We’re filled with a sense of deep faith as we embrace the passages and the meaning beyond the words.  We can feel the presence of those before us…but most especially. the presence of the Holy Spirit. who is behind the inspiration for this book, and the entire Bible.

Listening to God is essential to walking with God.  When we look to Him and surrender to Him entirely we are honoring Him and preparing for eternal life, even though we’re walking here on earth, and in the flesh.  All of which we do is Spiritual training for the actual event of when we’re called home.

When we do what we’re called to do, we’re not only soldiers and servants in His army, but we’re pleasing Him in all that we do. We’re following His doctrine when we serve “others” as well, in essence to whomever we serve, or give to, we are honoring Him.

It’s stated in Matthew 25:40 (KJV) –And the King shall answer and say to them, Truly I say to you, Inasmuch as you have done it to one of the least of these my brothers, you have done it to me.

When we do to others we are doing to the Lord. When we give to others, we are giving unto the Lord. When we take compassion on others, we’re doing the work of the Lord.

Jesus made it clear that God is not after outward compliance, but inward change. Let Him transform your hearts.  Open the door and let Him in.  What are you waiting for?

“Father, thank You for Your love and blessings, may I always please You and honor You in all that I do, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Bread of Life Here and Forever~

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Then Jesus declared, “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty. 

John 6:35

 

 

Jesus is the breath of life that lives within and the very reason for what is known as LIFE.

Without Him, there is no life.

Without Him, there is no light.

The word, the bread of life is the only nourishment we need.  It sustains us to height of which could never be possible, were it not for His voice, His word, His love, His breath.

The promises of Jesus should be reinforced each day upon awakening. His gentle touch is our essence of life and the central line in which we exist.

Without His “light” we’d be in darkness.

The world as it stands today can be a harsh and cold environment. The doctrine, or thoughts of society as a whole, today; can be  tough and gruesome on so many levels.  Those aspects are apparent in a cavalier attitude towards fellow humans.

So many people have become desensitized and therefore dropping God from their vocabulary, or out of schools, or simply state, they’re atheists.

Jesus, the Son of God, promises us eternal life when we believe in Him and accept Him as our Lord and Savior. His existence and sacrifice for our sin is as real today as it was over two thousand years ago.

“He is the truth, the way, and the life.”  When we readily accept Him and adhere to His command, of “loving one another” as He loved us…we are acknowledging His love and following His path of righteousness.

The living water and bread of life will never leave us wanting.

We will be filled to capacity and satiated for everyday in which we live here on earth, and when we’re called home….through all eternity.

Life..

Light

Truth.

Amen!

 

36 But as I told you, you have seen me and still you do not believe.

37 All those the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never drive away.

38 For I have come down from heaven not to do my will but to do the will of him who sent me.

John 6:36-38 (KJV)

 

DEAR GOD: TRUST OUR FATHER, SON & HOLY SPIRT~

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And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 14:16

 

 

TRUST CHRIST:  Our Lord and Savior always encourages us to learn from Him.

As we begin to absorb the truth of His Words, therein our trust in Him will proceed to grow in-like fashion.  Christ offered us to “take His yoke as it is light and easy” and when we do, we will be at peace, happy.  and then life becomes a better way of existing.

As we trust and learn His word, it becomes apparent, they our burdens are not “ours to carry alone” — but to offer them to Christ, and they WILL get lighter.

Father is our consuming fire of love, truth, grace, and mercy.

Christ is our Kinsman Redeemer, who loved us enough to suffer for us, and by His resurrection, defeated death.

The Holy Spirit is our “Comforter” which is a gift from the Father…His Spirit is with us always.

When we reach out to Him in all things, and give him unrelenting praise, and worship, we are walking in the light, darkness is peeled away, anxiety is lessened, and eradicated, and stress is under control as HE TAKES CONTROL.

Give Him your love.

Three in One.

Father, Son & Holy Spirit.

It doesn’t get any better than this.  Except when we see Him and His glory one day, and live forever more in His Kingdom. 

O’ what joy!

Take His yoke.

Learn from Him.

Love Him.

Accept Him as your Lord and Savior.

What have you got to lose?  

Instead you only have something to gain…your salvation. 

Amen!

 

“Thank you Lord, for loving us so much that you sent Your Son, our Kinsman Redeemer, our Savior, and the Comforter, thank You in Jesus precious name, Amen.”

 

 

 

 Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.

 I will not leave you comfortless: I will come to you.
 Yet a little while, and the world seeth me no more; but ye see me: because I live, ye shall live also.

At that day ye shall know that I am in my Father, and ye in me, and I in you. 

 

John 14:17-20

 

DEAR GOD: Troubles? No Worries — His Promises Remain True~

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So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.   

(Isaiah 41:10)

 

 

When faced with adversities galore, and troubles are brewing more and more…No worries!  His promises remain true.  He is on His throne, and in control.  He is with us always.

Bear in mind that although our burdens here on earth can be horrendous at times, we need to focus on the long term picture, and that of our glorious heavenly future that we’re assured of.

We will walk on the streets of the New Jerusalem with our Savior.  All of our dark days in which we experienced trouble, and pain will be vanquished!  Our joy will be full.  Our cup will surely runneth over, and we will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.  (Psalm 23)

 

He is our breath of life here and in the hereafter.  

He is our love line and path of righteousness.

He is our amazing Father of lights.

He is our everything for everything.

Trust in Him, reach out to Him.

 

When we are in the throes of sadness, whether its grieving the loss of a loved one, physical pain, emotional pain, or sympathy for our brethren, His light will guide us, and bring us through the hours of desperation.

Never lose faith, and trust in Him.  When we do all that He instructs us to do and live for Him exclusively through all of which we undertake, and go according to His will and purpose for us, the road will be easier to travel.

God never said, “we won’t take on hurtful situations or circumstances filled with paralyzing and suffocating moments” — what He is saying is, through each of these fires or trials, He is honing us to become more refined, more in the image of who He is.  Eventually, until we are His mirror image ready for Eternity.  Amen!

 

 

 

So, thank You Father for Your loving arms and care towards Your children, Shine Your precious light upon our path, until we see You in person and live with You forever more clutching our rewards of Eternal promises, in Jesus name, Amen.

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Light & Promises~

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The Spirit of the Sovereign LORD is on me, because the LORD has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners,

Isaiah 61:1 (NKJV)

 

 

Above all powers and above all kings and above all nature and all created things, above all wisdom, You were here before the birth of man.  The great I AM I AM, the amazing Creator of all things big and small.

There is no way to measure what You are worth!

O’ my King of kings, Lord of lords, my Sovereign and worthy Father.

Above all wonders that the world has ever known.  Above all treasures of the earth!

Your promises are as solid today as since the beginning of time.

Your light shines bright through the night.

Your light shines bright through the storm.

Your light shines bright through it all.

You’re a stunning and perfect Rose.

Above all else you took the fall, and thought of me through it all.

Amen!

 

“Father, God thank You for Your Light and Your eternal promises, and for Your unrelenting and incomparable Love, may I please You in all that I do, may I be an example to those I come into contact with, and I pray that those who don’t know You come to seek You, and those in darkness seek Your light, and those who know you, continue shining their light and stay faithful to You, in Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

 

 

if My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.

2 Chronicles 7:14  (NKJV)

DEAR GOD: Here, There, Everywhere~

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Zephaniah 3:17 – The LORD thy God in the midst of thee, is mighty; He will save, He will rejoice over thee with joy; He will rest in His love, He will joy over thee with singing.

 

O’ how mighty is our God?  The One who is with us always!

While doing my grocery shopping, I picked out strawberries, that were deep red, and looked ripe and delicious.   The aroma was simply heavenly–and  immediately, I thought of the LORD’s sweetness.    I smiled widely, knowing that He is with us always.  No matter what we do, or where we go.  He’s there. A constant source of love and protection at our side.

He is inside.  He is outside.  He is alongside. He is everywhere!

It’s like having our own personal bodyguard!  Only better.  He guards our heart and soul.  He keeps us on the right path.  He restores and refreshes us with His presence.  And, He holds us up with His mighty right hand of righteousness.

O’ what a powerful and mighty God we serve!  The One who is with us always!

How do I know that?

Well, for one thing, I’ve experienced supernatural things that have helped my family, friends, and others,    that could only be according to His Sovereign and Mighty power.

A fellow faith writer , and sister in Christ, told me recently in an email, “there are no co-incidents” only “God-incidents!”  Amen!

They’re all  designed by Him, from Him, for us…always!

O’ What an amazing God He is!  The One who is ever faithful indeed!

His promises are throughout the Bible.

And, Jesus said, “where you will find two or three, there you will find me in the midst” (Matthew 18:20) 

And those “two of three” would be believers.  But, He is always standing by, waiting with outstretched hands, and arms open wide, for us to receive Him.

Yes, you heard me.  He waits even for the unbelievers!

All of us. Big and small. Young and old. Believers and non-believers.  All of us.

His promise “I will never leave you nor forsake you” is true.

He is there, here, everywhere!

“And the LORD, He it is that doth go before thee; He will be with thee, He will not fail thee, neither forsake thee: fear not, neither be dismayed.“(Deuteronomy 3:18)

So, the next time you go to a dental appointment, or to the doctor’s office. ” He is with you!”

Or, when you are filled with grief, and your soul is aching for the one you’ve lost!  “He is with you.”

When your thoughts are racing in the middle of the night, with issues that seem out of control.  “He is with you.”

When the valley is low, “He is with you.”

When the skies are dark and the water is stormy and rough. “He is with you.”

When you are in the bright sunshine and rejoicing.  “He is with you.”

When a car cuts you off and is menacing you. “He is with you.”

And, if  you pick up a carton of strawberries, that sweet fragrance you delight in is because…

“He is with you!”

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: He is Risen!

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HE IS RISEN!

Hallelujah!

 

PRAISE THE LORD! 

PRAISE HIS NAME! 

PRAISE HIM ALWAYS!

 

I invite you all to take the time today, to give Him thanks, and to bow in praise for His glory, and His love.

If you haven’t done so already, please do so at this moment.

Enjoy Him and rest in Him, for it is only through Him that we can truly LIVE and BREATHE and experience Life forever more.

Rest in Him!

Pray with Me:

“Father, Our Lord, and Savior,  as we reflect on this beautiful day in the Lord Jesus Christ, We thank You for Your love, For Your sacrifice, For Your miracles, and For Your heart of compassion, to You be the Glory, and Power, now and forever, and always,  We celebrate the Resurrection, and celebrate You, Thank You Father, for Your Son, our King of kings, and Lord of lords, we exalt You, and lift You on high, now and always, in Jesus powerful and precious  name, Amen…”

 

 

 

 

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Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.

3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

8 And they remembered his words,

LUKE 24:1-8 KJV

 

+++++++++++++++++++++++

16 Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them.
17 And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted.
18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.
19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:
20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.

Matthew 28:16 KJV

 

DEAR GOD: I’m Your Child~

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The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.  Romans 8:16-17

 

 

Heir apparent.

To Christ, our Lord of lord, and King of kings.

His sacrifice for us to be able to enjoy eternity with Him.

He took on our sin, wounded for our transgressions, bruised for our iniquities, and the chastisement of peace was upon Him, and with His stripes we at healed!

Heirs to Christ.

Our redeemer.

You know whenever I’m feeling like I’m not up to par with something or other, I shake it off, because I know I’m a child of God.  And, wow oh wow, how he loves me!

So with all that I am and all that I do, I do it for Christ and unto Him I give all the glory, praise and victory.

It doesn’t matter what we look like.

It doesn’t matter where we live.

It doesn’t matter how much we weigh.

It doesn’t matter what we’ve done, or didn’t do.

He loves us.

We are His children…and He loves us.

Each and everyone of us. Big and small. Young and old.

His love is evident in every single page of the Bible.  But, ever more so as we read about His ministry, His crucifixion, and His resurrection.  Done for us!

His children.

Hallelujah!

What an amazing God we serve.

So…next time someone tries to convince you that “you’re not all that” or tries to bring you down with negativity,  stand tall and say with conviction, “I’m a child of the One and Only Living God Almighty, a Sovereign and loving God. I’m His and He’s mine,  So,  you better believe that I’m all that and more!”

Amen!

 

 

 

For as many as are led by the Spirit of God these are sons of God. For you did not receive the spirit of bondage again to fear, but you received the Spirit of adoption by whom we cry out, Abba Father. The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of God, and if children, then heirs, heirs of god and joint heirs with Christ, if indeed we suffer with Him, that we may also be glorified together.   Romans 8:14-17  NKJV