Author Archives: C D SWANSON

DEAR GOD: Free to Serve Because of Thee~

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It is for freedom that Christ has set us free!

 

For he has rescued us out of the darkness and gloom of Satan’s kingdom and brought us into the Kingdom of his dear Son,

 who bought our freedom with his blood

and forgave us all our sins.

Colossians 1:14-15

 

Freedom rings loud and resonates throughout the land. Christ’ blood “freed” us all. True freedom. Our souls were saved. He took on OUR sin. He paid the price for our salvation.

July 4th is an American Federal Holiday commemorating the passage of the Declaration of Independence in 1776.   Hot Dogs, Barbeque grills, corn, potato salad, lemonade, cakes, will be in many households today. The backyard of many individuals will be filled with family and friends celebrating this passage.

However, the biggest passage of “FREEDOM” was the Blood of Christ!  His was the saving of our souls.   Matthew 10:28 says, “And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. But rather fear Him who is able to destroy both soul and body in hell. ”

Profoundly true.

And a declaration like none other!

The word soul in that context means the capacity to LIVE.

Further going on to imply, another human being can take away a life, but cannot destroy the soul.  As children of God, we will LIVE forever. Only God has the ability. And it is HE who owns our souls.

Today for those American’s celebrating the Fourth, let us not forget who the One is that gave us the freedom in the first place. The ONE who gave us the capacity to defend and prevail in circumstances throughout history. The ONE who is, was and always will be!

“Father God, thank You for this day and all the days of my life, You are in control at all times, and my soul doth magnify and adoreth YOU, thank You for the Blood that set me free! In Jesus’ name, Amen”

 

 

 

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Life Is Good~

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Life Is Always So Good Because God Is Pictures, Photos, and Images for ...

Psalms 100:5 (NLT)

For the LORD is good. His unfailing love continues forever, and his faithfulness continues to each generation.

 

Life is good.

Yes, but only with God!

The infinite love of God is powerfully present in all things, through Him they are present, and only by Him can life be good.

What does this mean exactly?  Well, it means that no matter where we are in life, or where we live, or what we are going though…we are blessed when we know God intimately.  When we know His Gospel and His commandments, we can live life in a way that otherwise wouldn’t be possible.

It’s one thing to be supported by family or friends when going through “hard times.”  But the core essence of support comes from above.  It is through His love and mercy we are able to sustain and maintain peace, no matter what we’re enduring. The fact that we can endure is only because of our faith.

Faith is powerfully soothing, especially in a community of believers. Yet, although we find it soothing to be among others of faith…when we have faith, we can feel comforted in the quiet and solitude anywhere we may be at that given moment.

Today is the day the LORD has made, let us be glad and rejoice in it!

Embrace Him!  He embraces us constantly!  In fact, He loves us so much He never ceases to protect us under His wings.

He lifts us.

He guides us.

He loves us.

Have you rejoiced today in His love and His comfort?  He’s there right now waiting.  Have you told Him lately– “I accept You LORD, come into my life I need You, and I want You to come live in me, and I accept Jesus Christ as my LORD and Savior.”

His grace and love are never ending. Do you want true love in your life? If so, God’s love is the answer.

Life is good because God is great | Christianity | Pinterest | Life is ...

“Father God, thank You for Your unwavering love and favor, for Your grace and compassion, and for Your faithfulness, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Sowing Seeds Amongst Non-Believers?

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Sow Seeds of Peace

James 3:18 –

And the seed whose fruit is righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace.

 

 

How do we manage non-believers in our circle of friends?

Are we complicit if we are within that circle?

2 John 1:10 says, “If anyone comes to you and does not bring this doctrine, do not receive him into your house nor greet him…”

What does that scripture of 1 John mean?  Are we as Christians to shun those who are non-believers?

There seems to be a line of confliction within some scriptures that alternate back and forth between the handling of non-believers. How or what do we do when in the circle of such individuals.

Let’s try and figure this out together.

2 John 1:11 he goes on further to illustrate, “for he who greets him shares in his evil deeds.”

Yikes!  Now what? Let’s continue with more scripture.

Ephesians 5:11
“And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather reprove them.”

Ephesians above clearly expresses what we are to do. Reprove them. What does reprove actually mean? You can look it up in various places, and it more of less means the same thing.

It’s a sense of guiding someone gently, and in this case, more than likely sharing the Gospel and having patience with them, as explained in 2 Timothy below.

2 Timothy 4:2  “Preach the word; be ready in season and out of season; reprove, rebuke, and exhort, with complete patience and teaching.

Jesus wants us to preach and teach. Not in an overly zealot type fashion. For the Spirit is a complete and honorable Gentleman.  He would never force something upon us or be harsh with us in doing so. No. Instead, He wants us to share with those who are in the dark and are ignorant in the Word. Sadly, many people clearly do it by choice.  Still others may be due to a lack of knowledge or instruction by never having been exposed to the Gospel.

Jesus says in Mark 2:17   “They that are whole have no need of the physician, but they that are sick: I came not to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance.”

What do we get out of the conflictions in the Bible?  We keep delving deeper into the word, cross reference scriptures to understand the whole picture. If we were to just go with one line or two, we don’t get the summary of who God is or what His purpose for us in life is.  We don’t get to fully grasp the meaning of God’s infinite love for us and how magnificent He really is. And most of all how He longs to have us be with Him for all Eternity by following Him.

The Bible is filled with wonderment and examples of what men and women went through. The sacrifices they’ve made along the way.  The miracles that were clearly performed, the sick that were healed, and the souls that were saved by Jesus Christ crucifixion, death and resurrection.

God puts us where we should be and need to be at any given moment in time. When surrounded by others who don’t believe, we’re not to be rude, or disparaging, or hurl insults at one another. Instead, be an example of Jesus Christ by our actions, our words of encouragement, and by our unwavering faith. These are crucial elements that are inherent in His children. We need sprinkle seeds along the way under certain circumstances.

The seeds we sow are all we can do. God does the rest. It is up to the LORD to produce growth. We are the Sowers; He is the ultimate horticulturist.  God always gives the increase. We do our job, but He is in control of it all, as with everything in the Universe.

So, the next time you find yourself with a group or individuals who are non-believers, don’t be fearful. Instead listen to the voice of the Spirit, and He will let you know when and where you should “spread seeds.”  And when we do this, we will be pleasing to the LORD and doing our job as Christians.  The growth is always up to the LORD of lords.  Some will grow to incredible heights with deep roots entrenched in the Word.  Others, well…that’s up to God.

 

“Father God, help me to be a witness to Your love and mercy in all I do, and all those I encounter, I will spread the seeds, and know you are the only One who will provide growth, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: Breath of Spirit~

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 But ye are not in the flesh, but in the Spirit, if so be that the Spirit of God dwell in you. Now if any man have not the Spirit of Christ, he is none of his.  (Romans 8:9)

 

Jesus tells us in John 10:10—”The thief cometh not, but for to steal, and to kill, and to destroy: I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”

As Christians, we need to latch onto His words, and the true meaning of His statement. He wants to give us peace and joy, that extends from His promise and experience it fully.

Most Christians understand the concept on “paper” but in reality, don’t live or accept readily the promises of Christ.  When we attach and align ourselves with Christ—comfort, peace, security and joy will most assuredly overflow.

When the Holy Spirit—also known as the Spirit of Christ—came to live with us, He was offering us His continual presence and salvation.  The Spirit comes to manifest the presence of Christ, if we accept Him.  We develop a relationship with Him that grows in depth on every level and every aspect concerning our lives.

When we let Jesus work through us let Him in and become dependent on Him, we will begin to live a purposeful life according to His will. His works will begin to assimilate into our daily life, and the temporal findings of routines become visual tangible promises of our ultimate goal, His kingdom, and eternity.

The more pronounced our belief and submission to Christ, the more likely we are to understand the concept and apply it into practice by being “pro-active” Christians.

In other words, embrace Him, trust Him, develop a relationship with Him, and watch how Your life will change for the better. This is an undeniable promise of His truth and love.

 

“Lord Help your children embrace the Spirit within and go forth for Your glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

 

 

DEAR GOD: What Season is This?~

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So, retirement and now what? 

According to Ecclesiastes there is a season, time and purpose for all things under heaven, while here on earth.  But sometimes, do you think, “Now what? I’ve accomplished many things; I’m getting on in years. What can possibly be next except old age and nearing death, and creaky knees, aching back, and doctors telling you, “Well— it’s natural at your age for A B C D E F G …so on and so forth!”

STOP! The worst thing you can do is sit and ponder, “what next?”  Because we know as Christians that as long as we have breath, and as long as we are here on earth, God still has plans for us!  Yes, even at “old age.”

Think about all the people who did things in their 80’s, 90’s and so on and so forth. Heck, look at Abraham!  He was 100 years old when Isaac was born to him!

Genesis 12 begins the story of Abraham (then called Abram) and his barren wife Sarah. Abraham was 75 years old when the LORD first gave Him the promise that he would father a son. Sarah was 65.  They had to wait 25 years for the fulfillment of God’s promise!

Abraham is called the father of faith (Romans 4:11–12) because of his response to God both in leaving his homeland and receiving a son in his old age.

 Genesis 15:4–5 again describes God’s promise to Abraham that his offspring would be as “the sands of the sea.” Even though Abraham was old and had no sons, he never doubted that God would do as He promised. He did not understand how such a thing could be possible, but he humbly accepted God’s word as truth.

Jesus’ mother, Mary kind of had a similar response when Gabriel visited and told her she’d be the mother of the Messiah  (Luke 1:26–38).

She didn’t c0mprehend how such a thing could be possible, since she was a virgin. But she readily accepted and never doubted God would do as He had said. This is the kind of response and the kind of deep unwavering faith that please our LORD. (Hebrews 11:6).

My point? No matter how young (David was young boy when he killed Goliath with a smooth stone! — 1 Samuel 17) or old—God has plans for us.

“Listen, observe, trust and do according to His will.

Answer the “call” when you hear Him. Readily accept and go with “Here I am LORD, use me.”

When you have that kind of attitude and are ready for His purpose, you won’t be sitting around saying, “what next?”

Are you ready to be used by the LORD not matter your age? Have you accepted assignments from Him in the past? Do you realize that as long as you are here there is still things to be done?

“Father, here I am! I love You and may Your will always be done, in Jesus name. Amen.”

 

 

 

DEAR GOD: YOU ARE FIRST LAST & EVERYTHING~

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Isaiah 44:6   Thus saith the LORD the King of Israel, and his redeemer the LORD of hosts; “I am the first, and I am the last; and beside me there is no God.”

The LORD’s words resonate to those who know Him. His words flow like honey to bees to His followers. His promises are like balm soothing to the souls who trust in Him explicitly.

Knowing that He “always was” and “is” and “always will be” is quite comforting to those who walk in obedience to His word. Those who adore and worship Him find pure joy in the distinctly familiar words and it echos in their hearts. And for those who realize that He was–is–and always shall be LORD, is overwhelmingly satisfying like a drink of water to one who is parched.

Meditation on His velvet words. And then take in the meaning of the words as you go through this day. It comes down to this, “HE IS WITH US ALWAYS!”

How amazing is that?

How amazing is He?

I know that I love HIM and always will!

“Father God, You are my First, my Last, My always and forever, thank You for everything You’ve done since the beginning of time, have done, are doing, and continue to do, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

Revelation 22:13 I am the Alpha and the Omega, the first and the last, the beginning and the end.”

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.”

Revelation 21:6-7  Then He said to me, “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. I will give to the one who thirsts from the spring of the water of life without cost. He who overcomes will inherit these things, and I will be his God and he will be My son.

Revelation 1:17-18 When I saw Him, I fell at His feet like a dead man. And He placed His right hand on me, saying, “Do not be afraid; I am the first and the last, and the living One; and I was dead, and behold, I am alive forevermore, and I have the keys of death and of Hades.

DEAR GOD: Round & Round~

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Round and Round in Christian Circles – malcolmsmusings.org

 

 

We are of God: he that knoweth God heareth us; he that is not of God heareth not us. Hereby know we the spirit of truth, and the spirit of error. 

1 John 4:6

 

Ever have one of those days where you feel like you’re “spinning your wheels” and not getting any traction in communicating or finding understanding in a situation?  Don’t feel alarmed, it happens to the best of us. Some more frequently than others. I’m probably in the huge majority of seeing those “spinning their wheels” on a daily basis.

“The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round…” 

There are things in life that may frustrate the average person, and so that can be called ” a wheel spinning wheel event” where you just can’t make sense of something, and it then becomes an exercise in futility.

The only thing that ever truly makes sense to me is God and His Word.  It is the one true constant that resonates within my soul. It’s the one true aspect of what I define as “life.”

His unwavering truth, and love echo throughout the world. It’s everywhere. You can find it if you only take the time to look. And yet, sadly enough there are some that really don’t see it at all.

These individuals might gather in circles of naysayers, that perpetuate negativity and point out with delight, those they don’t agree with. They may laugh at those who know and love God and have hope. They point fingers and mock “Bible Thumpers.”  (Matthew 5:11-12) Jesus tells us to be exceedingly when this happens.

They engage in endless debates trying to prove “why there isn’t any God” to serve and justify their own agendas.  They go through endless parades of defying who God is, and what God will always be—Our Divine Creator of the Universe—a Father who loves us and gave His only begotten Son for us, so that we might live forever with Him. (John 3:16)

These people are perhaps the “wheel spinners” of society. Because truly they will never gain traction with their vicious comments meant to humiliate and discredit those who have faith.  Their wheels will superficially “spin round and round, and round again.” Never trusting or putting any credence into those who have God in their hearts. Nor will they ever sway or move those who are entrenched in God’s Word and believe in Him alone. (Romans 8:35-39)

 

“Father, may I always be filled with Your wisdom, guidance and ability to do all according to Your will and purpose, may I be an example of Your Word and Truth in all I do, and may I deflect from the naysayers, and wheel turners of this world, as I devote myself to You and Your exclusively, now and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Who shall separate us from the love of Christ? shall tribulation, or distress, or persecution, or famine, or nakedness, or peril, or sword? 

As it is written, For thy sake we are killed all the day long; we are accounted as sheep for the slaughter.

 Nay, in all these things we are more than conquerors through him that loved us.

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.

*“The Wheels on the Bus” is an American folk song written by Verna Hills (1898–1990). 

DEAR GOD: Senior Years, Gray Hair & Beyond~

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Even to your old age... I am the Lord who will carry you, Isaiah 46:4 ...

Even to your old age, I am He, And even to gray hairs I will carry you! I have made, and I will bear; Even I will carry, and will deliver you.

Isaiah 46:4

 

Yep, I’m officially a senior citizen!

Yikes!  Is that a couple of gray strands of hair I see!?

Wait, what?

Didn’t I just blow out the 16 candles on my pink frosted cake?

Wasn’t I just celebrating turning 30?

I can almost hear the conversation verbatim when I turned 40, thinking it’s “all over now!”

Yep, so it goes and so it is said, “life here on earth is over in a blink of an eye.”  Time is fleeting, and that’s why it’s so important to enjoy, and appreciate all the moments God gives each of us while here on earth.

We encounter all kinds of ups and downs during an average lifetime. Let’s face it, there’s going to be tears of sorrow mixed with tears of joy, there is no way around it. Life is comprised of trials and tribulations. That is why it is called, “life.”  Life brings emotions and can transcend upon us rapidly and bring us up one second in time. Then we can crash to the ground just as quickly.

But thankfully, for every loss there is a gain. And God doesn’t take away without giving back.  He will always bring you joy in the aftermath of your sorrow. Perhaps as we go through the sorrow, we aren’t capable of knowing there will be a light at the end of our dark moments.

 Isaiah 61:3.  “And provide for those who grieve in Zion – to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor.”

God promises to carry us through all the moments in our lives.

Pin on Church: YW

In Jeremiah 1:5 The LORD said, “I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb.”   

Matthew 10:30 “But the very hairs of your head are all numbered.” He knows and counts each hair on our head (or lack thereof – LOL)

He knows us! He loves us!  If it is His will for us to live to a ripe old age, He will carry us even when our legs begin to “creak.” Or when our eyes have cataracts. He will be our light in the darkness. When we are drawing our last breath, He will be close by and deliver us straight to our eternal home!

He is with us always!

Just knowing that each critically important moment of our lives that He is with us is a comforting and beautiful promise, that we should all embrace quite readily!

He is with us in old age!

He is with us when our gray hairs show up!

He will carry us, and He will deliver us!

Knowing and believing these precious words is balm to my soul.

And to that I say, “Senior Citizen, no big deal…bring it on!  God has my back!”

“Father, I embrace all the days you give me, I realize that it is a gift from above, and knowing You are carrying me, and with me throughout all my advanced years, no matter how many more on earth I have, is a blessing and a comfort that embraces me continuously, and may I do all according to Your will, until You call me home to eternal bliss,  in Jesus name I thank You, Amen.”

Image result for eternity with jesus free

How precious are Your thoughts about me, Oh God. They cannot be numbered! I can’t even count them; they outnumber the grains of sand!
And when I wake up, You are still with me!  Psalm 139:17-18

 

Dear God: No Complaints-Today!

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How To Be Successful With A No Complaint Challenge - Unfinished Success

Do all things without murmurings and disputings:

Philippians 2:14 (KJV)

 

 

Doing things without murmurings most times, can be exceedingly difficult. Our tendency as humans is to openly scowl and voice our displeasure at certain things during the course of any given day.

For example, I always murmur when I “clean the toilet bowls.”  I can’t help it! Somehow the act of cleaning a toilet bowl brings out the “murmurs” in me non-stop during the entire process!  I’m serious, I’m guilty of it!

But on a serious note. I try to do ALL things without murmuring.  And to be honest, that’s kind of hard to do.

It’s not easy to be “free” from complaints. It’s in fact a work in progress. Although I’m getting better at it, I still have some growing to do in being “free” from murmurs.

That being said, I know that my LORD is with me through good times and bad. He is with me as I do my “tasks”—yes, even cleaning the toilet bowl!

Somehow the realization and resounding truth of knowing He is with me, brings an altogether brand-new attitude. An attitude of thanks. And an attitude of peace.

There are times it takes a little while for the peace to “kick-in.”  But eventually, it happens.  His peace, promises, and love are what it’s all about.

Have you ever tried to go through the entire day without murmuring?  If so, were you successful?  Is this something you’re willing to try? 

As I go through this day, I will once again strive to be the “best I can be” in all that I do and speak. And if I complain along the way, I know He’s there with me, to turn it all around.

Most importantly, I know “He loves me” no matter what I do or say!

And somehow knowing He is with me and loves me makes me want to please Him even more!

“Father, please guide me along my path this day and every day, that I might be pleasing in your eyes, and in obedience of your will and purpose for my life, I know that Your providence over my life is powerful, engaging and filled with your grace and love, may I face this day with joy, hope and enlightenment, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

 

 

Neither murmur ye, as some of them also murmured, and were destroyed of the destroyer.  1-Corinthians 10:10 (KJV)

 

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice!  Philippians 4:4 (NKJV)

DEAR GOD: Spontaneous Prayer~

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Colossians 3:15 

And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.

 

In the middle of a non-stop complaining rant, I began to pray aloud. The individual that was spewing a lot of spiteful and gossipy talk, stopped on a dime. Silence. It happened again!  The Word brings peace and brings a screeching halt to chaos.  Need I say more?

Well, I will say more.  In fact, I can’t say enough about His Word and His peace.  That wasn’t the first time I broke out into what I term “spontaneous prayer.”  And the word in any form is strong and brings about peace, but when it’s spoken aloud during a spontaneous moment, it is like an adhesive bandage for the wounded soul. His peace is glaringly apparent especially when we reach for Him and His words.

This individual was very agitated, and frustrated due to many issues concerning family and life overall. After listening for close to 45 minutes, I felt the overpowering need to pray. “Jesus said “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light. We receive that promise and accept it readily, my friend is so weary and has many burdens, I pray for her release and for her peace in Your precious name, Amen.” 

Matthew 11:30 is a powerful scripture that comes straight from our Lord and Savior’s mouth. It is His open invitation to those who are going through things too big to bear on their own. He is there for those who are weary and can’t go on a moment longer. Burdens are many, and even if just one…that can be too much for some individuals to endure. And this scripture spoke to the individual’s heart for sure, as evidenced by the silence that resonated. And then an audible “Thank you” at the end of it all.  Peace was in full accord.

Isaiah 26:3 ~ You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he trusts in you.

If you ever feel the need to pray in a spontaneous way, go for it.  The Holy Spirit’s guidance, direction and light will never lead you astray. In fact, He will only bring a mantle of tranquility.

How amazing is our God? Did you ever reach someone through spontaneous prayer? If so, what happened afterwards? Can you recall how you or the individual/s felt or reacted?

 

“Dear LORD, I trust in You and Your Word, may I always be an instrument of peace guided by Your hands and Promises to those I come in contact with , in Jesus’ precious name, Amen.”