DEAR GOD: Thank You For Protecting Me~

Posted on January 11, 2024 by C D SWANSON

GOD’S PROMISES OF PROTECTION, HEALING AND DELIVERANCE - HOREMOWNA.ORG

“I called upon the LORD in distress: the LORD answered me, and set me in a large place. The LORD is on my side; I will not fear: what can man do unto me?” –Psalm 118:5-6

The passage is from Psalm 118, which is a song of thanksgiving and praise to God for his steadfast love and salvation. The psalmist recounts how God delivered him from his enemies and troubles, and how he trusts in God’s protection and power.

The passage begins with the psalmist calling upon the LORD in distress. This implies that he was in a situation of danger, suffering, or hardship, and that he had no other source of help or hope. He turned to God in prayer, seeking his intervention and mercy.

The passage then says that the LORD answered him and set him in a large place. This means that God responded to his prayer and rescued him from his distress. He gave him a spacious and secure place to dwell, free from the threats and pressures of his enemies. He also gave him room to grow and flourish in his relationship with God and others.

The passage continues with the psalmist declaring that the LORD is on his side, and that he will not fear. This shows that he has a strong confidence and trust in God’s presence and favor. He knows that God is his ally and defender, and that nothing can harm him as long as God is with him.

The passage ends with the psalmist asking rhetorically, what can man do unto me? This implies that he has no fear of human opposition or hostility, because he knows that God is greater and more powerful than any human force. He also knows that God has a good plan and purpose for his life, and that no one can thwart or hinder God’s will.

The passage, therefore, expresses a faithful and joyful attitude towards God, who is the source of deliverance, security, and peace. It also invites the reader to share in the same trust and praise of God, who is faithful and loving to those who call upon him.

When we are followers and faithful to the LORD, we can always count on His protection, provisions, and nearness. He is a steady and constant source of energy. We are infused with His Spirit, and thereby led, and guided on paths of righteousness.

When we study and meditate on His Word and understand His ways, we can then endeavor to be good followers and Christians in all we are and do.

Have you read His Word recently?

“Father, my LORD and Shepherd thank You for Your Presence and Your love, may I be an obedient servant today and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: My Faithful God-You Have My Heart~

Posted on January 5, 2024 by C D SWANSON

Faithful God - YouTube

Revelation 22:12- “Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to render to every man according to what he has done.”

When a Christian is totally connected with the LORD many things begin to become transparent on their journey. There is a “lighter” feeling inwardly and a self-confidence begins to soar where it ordinarily wouldn’t have before their journey with God.

As we read His Word and begin to incorporate His commandments and His doctrine into our way of living, things have a way of “opening” up in a seemingly easy manner, as opposed to not being a believer.

Matthew 16:27 -For the Son of Man is going to come in the glory of His Father with His angels, and will then repay every man according to his deeds.

How do I know this? Where do I get such information? From firsthand experience in life! Having worked in the Medical/Social Services field mainly in the Nursing Home Industry as Director of these facilities, I have witnessed many bedside “deaths.” And I can assure you this, as my personal in-depth analysis…those who believed in God and had an intimate and close relationship with Christ died a peaceful death, compared to those who did not know God.

Hebrews 10:35 -Therefore, do not throw away your confidence, which has a great reward.

For one thing those who knew and followed God… they weren’t fearful, and they were at “peace” with knowing where they were going once, they left this earth. They were anxious to meet God and happy to know their days in pain and anguish were almost over. Even those who aged naturally without painful maladies or diseases, they were looking forward to “collecting their crown” along with the LORD’s promises and rewards in Heaven.

Matthew 5:12- Rejoice and be glad, for your reward in heaven is great; for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you.

They also shared another very common characteristic; they had a calm demeanor/countenance that was very welcoming to all those they encountered. They never spoke harshly about others, held no malice towards any particular person or place, and offered words of love about God and Jesus’ Gospel. Plus, they had a “real inner light” that glowed when you spoke to each of these individuals. You know why that is? Because God had their heart in His hands…they gave it willingly…and they loved Him openly.

Isaiah 40:10 -Behold, the Lord God will come with might, With His arm ruling for Him. Behold, His reward is with Him And His recompense before Him.

It all comes down to commitment and love for God. When we apply the character of Christ into what we do, where we go, who we speak with, and our personal choices. The choices we make in this lifetime follow us into the next! It’s that simple—really.

Does your light shine when you meet others? Do you have a peaceful demeanor/countenance? Do you believe in the LORD and His Word, promises and His love? I tell you this my brothers and sisters, it makes all the difference in this world, and it will make ALL the difference in the NEXT world.

Luke 6:23 -Be glad in that day and leap for joy, for behold, your reward is great in heaven. For in the same way their fathers used to treat the prophets.

“Father God, may I choose You in all I do, say and go, may I be ever faithful to You night and day, all the days of my life, here on earth and into the eternity, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Wisdom Comes From You Alone~

Posted on December 29, 2023 by C D SWANSON

Beautiful Water Flowing Brook Over Stone Animated Gif - Download hd ...

Wise words are like deep waters; wisdom flows from the wise like a bubbling brook.
-Proverbs 18:4 (NLT)

Fear of the LORD is the foundation of wisdom. Knowledge of the Holy One results in good judgement. – Proverbs 9:16 (NLT)— Many interpretations of this particular verse have been at the center of discussion at a lot of gatherings. I find that its meaning suggests having utmost respect and reverence for the LORD and it’s the first primary step towards gaining wisdom and understanding of “all things” pertaining to our lifetime.

As I’ve said this verse has been analyzed and preached in various ways. I keep it simple; it means wisdom comes from a deep understanding of God’s teachings and principles. I also believe emphatically that it also reflects our own limitations, that we need to seek His guidance, no matter how little the circumstances are.

I believe it emphasizes the importance of humility, respect and a willingness/eagerness to learn as the key components of gaining and receiving wisdom.

Under the guidance of the LORD and being under His Wings of surveillance and protection, we are able to be all we are purposed to be, according to the Word and His will for our lives.

So how do we gain knowledge then? By reading the Word. It has been called by some a “Life Manual” and a “Life Preserver” for all the days of our lives.

Do you have wisdom? Do you have the “Life Manual” in hand? If not—why not?

“Father, thank You for Your Word, and the Wisdom You impart on all of Your Children who seek You, and adhere to Your Word, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Say It All & You Are My All~

Posted on December 28, 2023 by C D SWANSON

Pin by Loloww Lori on BIBLE | Peace meaning, Peace, Bible

Jeremiah 33:6 (NLT)-

Behold, I will bring to it health and healing, and I will heal them and reveal to them abundance of prosperity and security.

In the midst of darkness, death, and despair, the love of God is like a guiding light, leading His people to safety. This is the spirit and message of Jeremiah 33:6. The prophet received a vision from God foretelling the death, destruction, and devastation that would fall on the city.

It is important to remember that God’s love and mercy can guide us through even the most difficult times. God is with us, even when we have difficulty “hearing” at times. It’s a matter of seeking Him and taking the time to meditate and think, “what would You have me do LORD? – What is it I am supposed to be doing at this time? – How can I apply Your Word to my situation at this very moment in time?” When we delve into His Word, and ask for guidance and His wisdom, He will respond in kind.

It may not be instantaneous, but He will provide the answers and direction according to His timetable, not ours. So, patience is an important component and aspect to finding answers.

Deuteronomy 31:6 – 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.

He will never disappoint, and He is why we live and breathe. He is giving us a commandment to “be strong and of good courage” in Deuteronomy 31:6, and that should be good enough for us, HIS WORD, and His promise. We are never alone!

Psalms 23:4 – Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

No matter the circumstances we never walk alone. Perhaps the most memorable example was in the book of Daniel concerning the three Hebrew children that were thrown into the furnace (Daniel 3:16-28). The LORD walked with them and protected them, when they exited the fires, not even one hair on them was singed, and their clothing was intact! Amen!

Isaiah 41:10 – Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.

God continuously throughout His Holy Bible tells us and commands us not to fear, that He is with us, and He will strengthen us, and will uphold us. How can we possibly do otherwise? If our God is telling us to be courageous, have no fear and we need to realize that He is always nearby.

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.

God’s love for us is unapparelled and surpasses anything and anyone in the Universe (that He Created) and knowing that He loves us that much (John 3:16) is the best gift of all. And along with that gift should be a strong reassurance and comfort for His children.

His Word is truth.
His Love is real.
His ways are perfect.

When you are in need of company, He is there. When you are in need of a shoulder to lean on, He is there. When you are in need of comfort, He is there. When you are in need of guidance, He is there. When you are in need of help, He is there. When you are in need of love, He is there…

Do you have Him in Your life? Do you seek Him in all you do? If not, what are you waiting for?

A life with our LORD and Savior is the only life worth living!

“Father, thank You for Your promises, love, and guidance and all You do and say, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Forgave Him & All Else~

Posted on December 20, 2023 by C D SWANSON

Hallelujah by Kelley Mooney - YouTube

As Jesus stated in the Gospel of Matthew 28:20…He will never leave us, and He hasn’t. Jesus keeps all of His promises, as does His Father, God. Jesus is with us today in the person of the Holy Spirit.

He continues to love us, guide us, hold us in times of trouble, and be an ever presence in our lives. His love keeps us alive. For it was God’s love that sent His Son to redeem us, and give us salvation, by His blood which we were saved. Thank you, Lord. Thank you, Jesus, for your supreme sacrifice.

Again, this is a story based on an account of what happened and what the Centurion may have been thinking as he took part in the crucifixion of Christ.

The Task –

“Out of my way…I want to see them pay.” One voice declared with abject and fiendish delight.

“Hey- Where have you been?” One of his peers yelled out.

“Just getting everything prepared.” He answered with a quiet yet shaken demeanor.

“Why are you acting so strange? You knew about this appointment for a while, what is going on with you?” His good friend asked.

“I know. It’s just…” He stared at his sack he managed to get before his mount fled.

“What?” His friend insisted.

Before he could answer he observed “them” ascending the hill. “What am I going to do?” There was no answer for him, he had an appointment and orders to follow. His hands began to shake as he opened the sack by his sandaled feet.

“Hey, what is going on with you?” His friend pulled his arm and glared into his eyes with a fierce determination to understand his reticent behavior.

He yanked his arm away from his friend’s paralyzing grip, “Go about your business-nothing is wrong.”

They locked eyes for a moment, until his friend backed away, “Okay.”

He took a deep breath. He watched the men approaching. It was unusually hot. The sun was searing his skin. He felt like he was on fire…or in the gates of hell. “What was going on?”

An acrid stench was in the still air. He was perspiring copiously. He didn’t want to accept this appointment. To disobey was not an option. He tossed and turned all night, not realizing why he was experiencing torment, and pain. He was in pure anguish!

“Okay, here you go. This is the one you are supposed to handle. I will take care of this one on the left, and your friend will take care of the one on the right.” The handler said systematically.

He turned his head and saw him. He was unrecognizable! His face bloodied and bruised. His body had open wounds from being whipped and scourged. A crown of thorns atop his matted hair intermingled with blood and dirt. He was placed upon the cross and roped with his arms spread wide…stretched to unbearable lengths. He heard his shoulders pop and felt vomit fill his mouth, as he gazed at him through tears.

He took the “items” out of the sack. Three huge tent nails. He brought the first one to his feet. His hands shaking, he looked at the man they called Jesus.

Jesus looked at him with love and compassion, “You are fulfilling the scriptures, but I feel your compassion…I have taken note of this and so has my Father.”

He wailed, “Forgive me!” as he hammered the first of three nails into Jesus. “My Lord, forgive me.” When he completed the abominable task- the wooden cross was hoisted high on Golgotha.

He glanced up sickened to witness his “handiwork” on Jesus’ feet and hands…then collapsed in a wretched heap on the ground.

He declared in sincerity, his voice quivering, “This is truly the Son of God, this is the Christ.”

DEAR GOD: You Lift Me Over The Fires & Bring Beauty~

Posted on December 6, 2023 by C D SWANSON

Beauty for Ashes | Prophetic Light

To console those who mourn in Zion, To give them beauty for ashes, The oil of joy for mourning, The garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; That they may be called trees of righteousness, The planting of the LORD, that He may be glorified.”
Isaiah 61:3 (NKJV)

I began walking through the doors God was opening for me, so many years ago. And as anyone who is a follower, or filled with unwavering faith, it makes a difference in every single scenario during our lifetime.

When we are well acquainted with the LORD’s promises, and His voice, we can endeavor to overtake and undertake, all kinds of circumstances. That obviously pertains to both good and bad times and all of those in between times.

Life brings a series of gains, along with the losses. In the progression of life, we lose loved ones along the way. There are those we expect to “die before us” and it’s usually our grandparents, or parents, which hits full force in the pit of the stomach. But those are expected, albeit sad and gut wrenching no less.

Some who are reading this at this moment have recently lost their spouses, and are finding themselves in a “new kind of reality.” Life is not the way it was any longer, and they are hurting.

Then there are the unexpected, and totally out of the realm of reality situations, like the loss of a precious child. Or a young friend, that lost their life by a fatal error in an operating room, and yet another individual being killed by a driver that was under the influence.

All of these situations are horrific, some more shocking than others. I’m sure there are so many others, who have had their hearts slashed to ribbons. No matter the circumstances—Grief is real, it hurts, and it’s exhausting to the mind, heart, body and soul.

This morning when I woke up, and thanked God for another day, I felt that “someone visiting my site” needed to read, and hear this today.

The Spirit within led me to write this, and whomever you are right now, I pray it blessed you. I pray God’s light and comfort wash over you and bring you a semblance of peace and guidance from above.

Through so many “dark times” in which I’ve lost my grandparents, parents, my very best friend, acquaintances and the loss of our fur baby, whom we adored…There was one common denominator in all of the sad times…God had been there non-stop.

Just as I know He’s there for you right this moment. He has been with us all along. His promises are real, secure, and never ending. Especially His love.

He has given me bouquet upon bouquet of beauty, for my clenched fists full of ashes. And He will do the same for you.

Thank God, for the majority of individuals, life overall can be filled with joy. However, on the same hand, it can be blistering painful.

But how we manage to get through it, is what it’s all about.

When we embrace, and realize that God is ever faithful, the same today, as He was yesterday, or tomorrow—and realize His promises are true—We can certainly get through life as He holds us up with His right hand of righteousness.

He promises us “beauty for our ashes,” as He did with Joseph. He did so with Ruth, and for Job, and a host of others throughout the ages in the Bible and to this very day in time.

There is always an “open door” that God will guide us through. Or an open window, to let the fresh air in, when we recognize that the LORD’s promises, and His unrelenting love are there for us all the time. We then are able to see potential in every situation we face, because we are facing it alone. Nope, we are NOT ALONE.

Because no matter how we are suffering, He hears and sees us. He counts our tears, and He always has a plan for us…for our betterment, and for our peace.

When we know Him, it gets easier to face our adversities, no one said it’s easy, but it is so much better when the LORD is in the center of our lives, and we understand that He is in control.

“Father, thank You for always providing the path and the door for me to walk through, for opening a window for those moments in my life I couldn’t breathe from so much pain and grief, and for always loving me, may I always be mindful of Your grace, and Your gifts from above, I pray for those who are in need of Your touch, and for those who are suffering, may they find comfort in You, and seek Your face in all they do, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: THANK YOU FOR PSALM 91 & MORE~

Posted on October 30, 2023 by C D SWANSON

Open Heaven for Today 22 December 2019 – Divine Protection

I’d just like to put the entire Psalm 91 on the site today as a reminder for all of us in just how spectacularly special and amazing our LORD is! It is the quintessential character of who He is, with His provisions, actions, and promises. It reinforces His Omnipotence and His unsurpassable love for all of His children. We are His children and we’ve been redeemed by His blood and His love, and it is not retractable but reinforced by who He is and what He does each day of our life here on earth. And it will continue to be throughout eternity.

So here is Psalm 91 in its entirety, and I’ve chosen King James Version, should any of you prefer another version, please go to it. I only suggest as you read this beautiful comforting Psalm, you take in the enormous scope of what it truly represents. And know and trust and believe in His Word as you proclaim His great glory and magnificence.

Have a Blessed day in the LORD, Amen.

Psalm 91 (KJV)

He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.

²I will say of the Lord, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.

³Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

⁴He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.

⁵Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;

⁶Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.

⁷A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee.

⁸Only with thine eyes shalt thou behold and see the reward of the wicked.

⁹Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation;

¹⁰There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.

¹¹For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.

¹²They shall bear thee up in their hands, lest thou dash thy foot against a stone.

¹³Thou shalt tread upon the lion and adder: the young lion and the dragon shalt thou trample under feet.

¹⁴Because he hath set his love upon me, therefore will I deliver him: I will set him on high, because he hath known my name.

¹⁵He shall call upon me, and I will answer him: I will be with him in trouble; I will deliver him, and honour him.

¹⁶With long life will I satisfy him, and shew him my salvation.

“Father, we thank You for Your providence over our lives, and for Your promises and Presence in our lives, we are under Your wings and safe within the confines of Your love, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Time After Time –You Are You~

Posted on October 28, 2023 by C D SWANSON

I heard an atheist speaking during a live show conference alongside a person of deep faith. The startling contrast in their views, modes of behavior and overall ideology were the veritable antithesis of each other.

Each one spoke about their perspective and most intimate belief systems, and how each one grappled with life, circumstances, and adversity in the highest form culminating into a tragic scenario, and how each one coped in the aftermath. The one of faith eased through the difficulty time, while the atheist had trouble and spiraled into a deep depression.

While I was enthralled with the side-by-side analysis of the minds of both individuals, I found myself way after the show concluded thinking about the “one who was an atheist.” And I tried to understand how someone can have or hold that belief when there is so many things that can cancel out that “benign” wave pattern or illogical misapprehension.

Now, hang on. I am for “free thinking” and “choice” and that is what this country represents. Freedom! Freedom to think what they want. Believe what they want. And ascribe to what they want. And now that being said, I started to think, for me and countless others with great faith, it is incomprehensible to ever deny God or His commandments and His Omnipotent power and control over the entire Universe.

Time after time, He’s there. He’s there is the birth of a newborn. He’s there in the midst of a storm. He’s there in the calm of morning. He’s there in mourning. He’s there in marriage. He’s there in love. He’s there, time after time after time.

He’s there in the Word.
He is the Word.
He’s there in His love.
He’s there and here and everywhere.
Time after time after time.

The energy they spend on trying to convince others there is no God, seems to me to be a “religion” of sorts. Their own religion of non-belief. But who made them? Oh, the big bang theory? So, if that were the case, that kind of reproducing would still be happening today each time a person is born. You don’t ‘evolve’ into something else. Nope. It would be a consistent process of birth renewal each time IF that were true.

Nope, instead it is still the same process for bringing a child into the world. A woman conceives when her egg is fertilized by male sperm. After nine months in the woman’s womb, or sooner an infant is born. And so it goes, and so it goes. Until the end of time, such process is reproduced, the same way over and over again. And in that process, He is there, time after time after time.

I know I’ve been redundant here in this post, but I’m passionate about my God and His amazing ways. And again, although every one has a right to their own opinion or belief, or “disbelief” –there are those who still choose God over all else. And find it intensely satisfying and comforting to know that “time after time” He is there! Amen.

“Father, thank You for Your Presence in my life, time after time, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are The Best Thing That Ever Happened To Me~

Posted on October 26, 2023 by C D SWANSON

The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord,

And He delights in his way.
Though he fall, he shall not be utterly cast down;
For the Lord upholds him with His hand.

Psalm 37:23-24

I was taking a reflective journey yesterday, or more commonly known as a “life review” in some circles. I evaluated circumstances, issues of both good and bad, and although some instances made me grimace with pain upon the introspective thoughts, they all had one common denominator, “God was there every single step of the way.” Amen!

He was with me during tough times, good times. Easy times, difficult times. Happy times, sad times. And during my self-isolation periods of “youth” when I was being bullied over and over again. My LORD is the One who gave me the strength to carry out His plans and purpose for my life. He is the One who instilled the very nature and character and depth of my personality that led to my calling.

It is He who held my hand during my first loss of a family member, my grandfather when I was a teenager. My beloved “Papa” who lived with us in our house since I was a baby. I thought I wasn’t going to make it, but I did. Along with my parents who guided me from my first breath, and siblings. However the main source of “strength” was from the LORD. Only He generated the substance in which I could go on. It was traumatic for me as a youth, this was the first time I faced death. It became peaceful in the end. As I knew where Papa was, in Heaven. And that right there was the quintessential reason of comfort, my faith in God. He was with me, holding me and guiding me every single step of the way.

Proverbs 16:9: “The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way.”

This verse is a reminder that God is always with us, guiding us through life’s journey. Even when we stumble, He is there to help us get back on our feet. He never leaves us and is with us always, just as Jesus’ promised in Matthew 28:20.

When we ascribe to the commandments and trust in the LORD, we are filled with confidence that we can do it through Christ. We are strong through Christ (Philippians 4:13).

The LORD is the most important aspect of my life. Because without Him, I basically would have “no life.” It is His light, and His guidance, and His love is why I breathe, why I can be who I am. Only because of Him.

Have you ever “reflected” upon your life? If so, can you see how the LORD was with you in both good times and bad? Especially in bad times, lifting you and bringing you through it?

“Father, thank You for all You’ve been and continue to be in my life, from day one of bringing me into the world, and this very moment, I live because of You, and I love because of You, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: PRAISING YOU DAILY!!!!~

Posted on October 23, 2023 by C D SWANSON

Psalm 107:8-9 (NLT)

“Let them praise the Lord for his great love
and for the wonderful things he has done for them.
For he satisfies the thirsty
and fills the hungry with good things…” We do not need to look for things that we might praise God for. We can always thank God for His marvelous kindness, His faithfulness, His love, His miracles of mercy, for filling our lives with all that is good. God is awesome in all He does. He loves us in all we do. And He is with us from our first breath to our last, and then we are home for all eternity. “Father, we give you thanks, and Glory, and honor and we thank You for who You are, what You are, and what You’ve done, and continue to do, we just want to give you PRAISE this day and always, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

Tag Archives: Love