DEAR GOD: How Can We Be More Like Your Son, Jesus?

Posted on July 26, 2023 by C D SWANSON

Pin on Jesus... Lord, Savior, Everything

“For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 (KJV)

Being more like Jesus sounds like an enormous Herculean task! After all, He was the perfect unblemished Lamb and was horrifically tortured and crucified for us! Jesus? No one can accomplish that which He did in terms of what He accomplished. No way! He is the One and only true Son of God!

However, we can show love! We have the ability to do that, as Jesus commanded us to do. He didn’t ask us to do it. He commanded us to do it!

A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. (John 13:34)

Being like Jesus, means putting others before self. All the while seeking God’s Wisdom to care about all those you come into contact with during your journey on Earth.

It’s also crucial to become fully acquainted with who Jesus really is. We need to know the Agape love of God in order to demonstrate it.

We have to be as humble as Jesus and treat others with respect. Jesus washed the feet of His disciples; it doesn’t get humbler than that! Jesus said this is an example I’ve given to you, do likewise. (John 13:15)

Do not be boastful or exalt yourself.

Also, to treat those as you would expect to be treated. (Matthew 7:12)

Be considerate of others, and be patient and kind. For Love is just that, patient and kind. (1 Corinthians 13:4)

Be mindful of the sound and tone of your voice, your way of speaking, and type of language. Don’t curse, blaspheme, etc. Speak kindly of others. Put yourself in place of others to fully understand their circumstances, and overall perspective.

As you draw closer to God in His ways, He will draw closer to you. (James 4:8)

Show your love, that’s the closest we will ever get to being like Jesus!

Amen!

“Father, thank You for Your love and Your Son, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: How Do I Protect Myself Against Evil People?

Posted on July 25, 2023 by C D SWANSON

The Holy Spirit Leads Us Through the Valley of Circumstances - Hallelujah

We can’t protect “ourselves” it is God that does it for us. He reassures us that He goes before us on all levels and mentions it throughout the Bible. We can be careful while following His Word and the practicality of life in general. But it is God that goes before us. It is He that gives us the strength and the ability to sustain and maintain our morality and vitality in all things.

He is with us. No matter what. He goes before us at all times. We are to have no fear. That includes those who hate and despise us or are jealous of us.

Jeremiah 1:8 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and of good courage; do not be afraid, nor be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go.”

He commands us in many places not to fear, and to trust Him above all else. When we put our trust in God, he guides us, shows us, supplies us with wisdom. All these things fall under the auspices of His Sovereign supernatural power. He guides our paths. He brings us health.

Proverbs 3:5-8 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.Be not wise in thine own eyes: fear the Lord and depart from evil.It shall be health to thy navel, and marrow to thy bones.

There is no fear in humans or what they can do to us. They can’t kill our souls. Only God can. He created our souls only He can destroy our souls. He alone can do ALL things.

“Father God, thank You for protecting me in all matters of my life, day in and day out, You are my source of strength, I receive You and Your promises today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: How May I Please You?~

Posted on July 22, 2023 by C D SWANSON

Colossians 1:10

“…so that you will walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, to please Him in all respects, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God;”

Pleasing our Father should be the goal of all believers, and all who call upon the name of Christ for salvation.

For all those who want to please God walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. Meaning, walk with the spiritual frame of mind and not by the body mind.

Walking in the Spirit and not in the flesh summed up means, “walking worthy of our calling and surrendering to God’s will. And being obedient in His commandments.

It may seem utterly unattainable and truly impossible to do. But God wants us to please Him, and He will supply the strength to do so, when we are contrite in heart and sincere in our desire to do so.

After all it’s His Spirit who lives in our hearts, and that is how we can manage to live by the Spirit. In Romans 8:8

Paul reminds us that, “whoever walks in the flesh cannot possibly please God.” That alone is reason enough to want to walk worthy and put on the Spirit of God. We do this by our faith, because without it, we are not going to please God.

We must truly believe in Christ, as our Savior. We must believe He exists. He also will reward those who earnestly seek Him. ((Hebrews 11:6).

Those who are still in their sin have their minds sent on sinful desires. Whereas those who have been transformed and regenerated by Christ, are new creatures in Him. The old self is gone, and in its place a new one.2 Corinthians 5:17

Meaning we have a completely new mind that is fully controlled by the Spirit. And when we have that mind-set, we have a desire to live in accordance with Him in all we do and speak.

The mind of a sinful person is death. Ostensibly, the mind controlled by the Spirit is Life and peace. But the sinful mind is hostile and unmoving and set in their ways, not wanting to please God. The flesh does not want to acquiesce to God’s law or submit to it. Nor can it do so, without Christ’ Spirit and strength.(Romans 8:6-7).

Finally, pleasing God truly comes down to this: “Living according to His commandments, living according to His precepts, and doing it with reverence and complete submission and unconditional love.

We always want to please those we love right?

The Bible is full of exhortations to righteous living and loving Christ. Jesus says it quite clearly, “If you love me, you will obey what I command.” (John 14:15).

The Epistles are God’s plan for believers. This book shows and tells what to display throughout our lives, concerning our behavior that is most pleasing and satisfying to God:

“For the rest, then, my brothers, we beseech you and exhort you in the Lord Jesus, that, as you have received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, so you would abound more and more” (1Thessalonians 4:1).

“Father, may I always be pleasing in Your eyes, may I walk in the Spirit and follow your precepts, commandments, and laws, and may I glorify You all the days of my life, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Apple of Your Eye~

Posted on July 21, 2023 by C D SWANSON

You Are The Apple Of God’s Eyes – Becoming the Oil and the Wine

For thus saith the LORD of hosts;

After the glory hath he sent me unto the nations which spoiled you:

for he that toucheth you toucheth the apple of his eye.

Zechariah 2:8 KJV

Ask someone what he/she thinks is precious. Some might say, an heirloom handed down for generations. Or others may say their brand-new house. The majority of individuals probably will answer, “My children.” All except the latter is of little significance. It’s entirely materialistic gain…nothing more.

As children of God…we’re precious in His sight. We’re special, and He loves us as evidenced by His promises in His Word. To this day, God continues to love and guide us, as He has throughout the ages.

His presence is felt by those of faith. His voice can be heard above a crowd, and His Spirit corroborates with our spirit in every aspect of our lives.

He’s there in a business meeting and in the living room while we’re watching TV.

He’s at our dinner table, and He’s watching over us at bedtime.

God never leaves us, nor would we want Him to. As stipulated in Zechariah 2:8- apple of His eye-refers to the pupil, a valuable and vulnerable part of the body. This metaphor functions to express God’s deepest feelings for His children.

God, King of the Universe, is our biggest treasure, and the most precious part of our lives and heart.

Return His love unconditionally, and then be still and watch God work. (Psalm 46:10)

“Lord, thank You for everything in my life, past, present, and to come. I am Yours, and place my trust in You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

My soul thirsteth for God, for the living God: when shall I come and appear before God?

Psalm 42:2 KJV

DEAR GOD: So Good to Make New Friends~

Posted on July 19, 2023 by C D SWANSON

Image result for free pictures of two girlfriends with god

Proverbs 18:24 (KJV)

A man that hath friends must shew himself friendly: and there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

Being reserved and quietly “introverted” my entire life, it isn’t unusual that I’ve been labeled unfairly from individuals who didn’t know me personally.

I’ve been called a “snob” at various times in my life. Especially while in school. I not only was shy but couldn’t see two feet ahead of me. As a matter of fact, it wasn’t until fourth grade I learned I needed glasses. So not only was I unable to see two feet ahead of me I was shy, so it was a natural assumption that I was standoffish and snobby. Nothing was further than the truth!

God always had my back, my front and center. He was the go-to for all of my miseries, and all of my jubilations. He is the center of my Universe; He is MY Universe!

He designed me with His hands of grace. He knows I’m quiet. He knows what I need, what I can tolerate, and what I cannot. He has always provided and guided me through it all.

I’ve made a new friend in Christ, and we connected right away. Christ said, you will know them by their fruits (Matthew 7:16-23) and I knew this new friend was bearing fruits of Christ. So, to that end we clicked.

When two souls for Christ meet there is an instant connection, it is by the vine of Christ we are entangled. When we are in Christ, we share the same connection. Also, important to note is that Christ will bring others in and out of our lives for reasons. Sometimes it is for a moment, a season, or forever planted in your life.

Romans 12:4–5 — New Living Translation (NLT) Just as our bodies have many parts and each part has a special function, so it is with Christ’s body. We are many parts of one body, and we all belong to each other.

For me to reach out to someone I don’t “know” is outside of my comfort zone. I believe Christ is showing me a new world of “openness” in Him. That it is perfectly okay to seek others and share with them whatever He gives me to share. So, the Spirit placed a “need” for me to reach out to this new friend, and it was instant and a mutual road of ease, comfort and the beginning of a friendship.

Trusting in God to provide and show the pathways in life that are best to walk on is essential to our prowess as Christians. God is the counterbalance to my inert shyness; He is the extrovert behind the scenes in my journey.

Proverbs 3:4-6 Trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

He is showing me how to become more trusting, more open, and more adventurous in all I do, within reason. I guess the real message is, “trusting in Him even more than I ever have before in my entire life. ”

“Dear God, I trust You; I love You; I will follow You, guide my paths, bring me fully into Your fold of love and kindness, may I show Your reflection to those I encounter, today and all the days of my life, and thank You for new friends in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Sermon Categories Gospel of John - Hope Christian Church

To My Greatest Friend of All — My LORD and Savior—Jesus Christ!

DEAR GOD: Fear & Hell vs Love & Heaven?

Posted on July 10, 2023 by C D SWANSON

LUKE 23:24 (NKJV)

And Jesus said to him, “Assuredly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise.”

Which road are you on? Are you on Heaven’s roadway? Or are you sliding down a slippery highway straight to Hell?

A random survey about religion revealed many different points of view, and beliefs. The answers varied across the board. Many believed in a higher power, some believed but then something happened, and they turned from God. However, the majority didn’t believe at all. When asked further details about why they weren’t interested in hearing about religion, or God, it was astonishing that most of them said, “because all these preachers do is talk about sinners and going to Hell.”

Unfortunately, that is correct. There are a lot of churches that do hold their congregation’s hostage with the paralyzing fear of going to hell. A lot of them preach strictly about Hell, fire and brimstone. Of course, there is a Hell. We are told and forewarned of that in the Bible. And we do realize we have to repent and turn from sin; at which time we will be forgiven.

But bear in mind that we have an amazingly patient and merciful Father. So those who minister strictly on fear to their congregations, they are falling short, and sadly not being forthright, well at least not all the way. There is a Hell. But thank the LORD above, there is a HEAVEN too! God is loving and kind and wants us with Him.

Exodus 34:5 states, “the LORD, the LORD GOD, merciful and gracious, longsuffering and abundant in goodness and truth, keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgressions and sin…”

It states it right there! He is merciful and gracious, patient and good! He forgives. That should be preached along when trying to save sinners. Keep in mind that we are ALL sinners. Christ died for US. We have been forgiven.

Sinners that don’t repent, or have the heart to change their way, WILL be held accountable. Of course, if they should continue in their wicked ways, there will be serious consequences.

Again, keep it in your heart, God is merciful. He forgives. He gives oodles of chances. He holds out His arms and rejoices when we love and surrender to Him. He forgives.

The LORD performed awesome miracles. When His children in the Bible repented and had a change of heart…God was quick to show compassion and impart mercy. He forgave them of their sins.

The LORD is not looking to “zap” His children into Hell. He doesn’t take great pleasure in punishing us. He wants us to LIVE with Him forever! He sent Christ in order that those who believe on Him, shall find life everlasting and living waters shall flow endlessly. We never will thirst again!

II Peter 3:9 “The LORD is not slack concerning His promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to usward, not willing that any should perish, that that all should come to repentance.”

When we act according to the LORD’s will, and purpose, and believe in Him solely, and recognize His power and Omnipotence, and follow His commandments, we can be assured that we will reap the rewards in which we sow and be part of His Kingdom.

There is a place called Hell. And it’s not a very comfortable or good place to wind up. In fact, it’s torture.

However, rejoice and be exceedingly glad, for there is also a spectacular and beautiful peaceful loving place called Heaven.

Yes!

“LORD, may I be mindful and aware of Your promises and the rewards of eternal life, my honor and joy is to serve You and do all according to Your will, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Hebrews 4:16

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

DEAR GOD: No Need to Fear You Are Near~

Posted on July 7, 2023 by C D SWANSON

Do Not Be Afraid - Kristen Welch Jeremiah 1:8–Be not afraid of their faces for I am with thee to deliver thee; saith the LORD.

The saying 'Be afraid, be very afraid' - meaning and origin. Fear? With God nearby? How is that even possible?

Well, it does happen because it is a human physiological response. It’s a part of being mortal. Our spirits are encased by this thing we call “flesh” and therefore subject to those emotions.

What about those of us who are Christians and feeling a sense of guilt when such feelings arise? Are we not Christians? Are we not believers in the LORD and His Presence?

NO! It doesn’t mean that at all. Simply put, God made us and crafted us with His brilliance, and we are fine pieces of “machinery” so to speak. God knew what He was doing when giving us life.

From eyelashes that keep our eyes safe, a heart that beats and supplies blood to our bodies, with blood cells that are complex each one taking care of issues, like our immune system, liver to cleanse toxins, and vital organs carrying oxygen throughout our bodies, a woman having a womb carrying a baby until birth, etc., etc., etc.

So too did He supply us with emotions. Love, anger, and fear are emotions that come and go. They wade through us much like the tides at the shoreline. Sometimes the tide is high, sometimes it’s low. So too our emotions.

Fear has its place. It can stop us from catastrophic type behavior. Saving us from situations that would otherwise be life threatening. It can hold us in place to a point where we fall to our knees and look to God for His help. And on our knees is where we put our best emotions into play surrendering to Him in prayer.

So NO, you are not sinning if you experience fear! We need to pray harder and look to God and His wisdom at this time in particular. Where we have to trust in Him fully and know that He will help us in good times and bad.

The promises of God are our reassurance and undoubtedly brings comfort to our heart and soul. In Jeremiah chapter one, God is speaking to Jeremiah and reminding him of how He is with him. No matter what. He instructs Jeremiah, guides him, and continuously encourages him not to fear.

Guess what? His words and promises have never expired. In fact, He extends His grace and love to all of us this very day and very moment! So, all of those words of comfort and encouragement are for us as well.

Amazing!

Thank you, LORD!

“Father, thank You for Your provisions, protection, love and grace, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Jeremiah 1:19

“And they shall fight against thee; but they shall not prevail against thee; for I am with thee, saith the LORD, to deliver thee.”

DEAR GOD: Free to Serve Because of Thee~

Posted on July 4, 2023 by C D SWANSON

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~

Posted on July 2, 2023 by C D SWANSON

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.

“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?

Posted on June 30, 2023 by C D SWANSON

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 With Love~

C D Swanson

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