DEAR GOD: You Are Unparalleled & My Everything~

by C D SWANSON // October 8, 2024 // No Comments

In Isaiah 43:11-12, the Lord declares His unique and unparalleled sovereignty: “I, even I, am the Lord; and beside me there is no Saviour. I have declared, and have saved, and I have shewed, when there was no strange god among you: therefore, ye are My witnesses, saith the Lord, that I am God.”

This powerful proclamation reminds us of God’s exclusive role as our Savior and Redeemer. It is a call to recognize His supreme authority and to bear witness to His mighty works. God’s plan and His Omnipotent Power is for all of those who want to “tap into it” by being a follower and believing in His Word and His ways. Our choices in life should be culminative in the overall process of what where when and how we do things. It should incorporate a greater dependence, or more aptly, a full dependence of the LORD.

As we reflect upon His Word and promises, we grow deeper in our roots, becoming more engrafted with Him each day. Our spiritual walk becomes heightened, and we grow closer to the LORD. In so doing, the enemy flees from us. We have the authority given to us in the name of JESUS to thwart the fiery darts in Jesus’ name.

Engaging in an intimate relationship with the LORD not only helps us in our choices and tasks of life itself, but it invariably will bring peace and joy into our hearts irrespective of what we are facing.

The devastation of the recent hurricane Helene and the aftermath is heartbreaking and surreal. So much pain, suffering and angst. Lives lost, and people incapacitated in functioning, because they’ve lost so much.

May God and His Sovereignty and Omnipotence and great power and glory shine over them now, as He heals their land, and their hearts, and their grieving loss.

May His Word and promises bring hope, light and healing to you all.

I pray this reflection on God’s word, peace and promises will bring you comfort during this horrific and disturbing period in your lives. And may the LORD Jehovah Jireh bring laborers, relief workers, and everything that you need during this time, to piece together your broken hearts, and lives due to Helene.

Moral Thoughts and Reflective Questions

Acknowledging God’s Sovereignty: In a world filled with distractions and false idols, it is crucial to remember that there is no Savior besides the LORD. How often do we place our trust in worldly things instead of God? Reflect on areas in your life where you might be relying on something other than God for your security and salvation.
Witnessing God’s Works: As believers, we are called to be witnesses of God’s saving power. How can we share our testimonies of God’s faithfulness with others? Consider ways you can actively testify to God’s goodness in your daily interactions.
Living in a Wicked World: The world around us often promotes values that are contrary to God’s teachings. How can we remain steadfast in our faith and live righteously amidst such influences? Reflect on the importance of staying rooted in Scripture and prayer to navigate the challenges of a sinful world.

Insightful Thinking for Christians Today

Trust in God’s Plan: Trusting in God’s plan requires faith, especially when we face trials and uncertainties. Remember that God’s ways are higher than our ways (Isaiah 55:8-9). Reflect on how you can surrender your worries and anxieties to Him, trusting that He is in control.
Perseverance in Faith: In times of difficulty, it is easy to lose heart. However, we are encouraged to persevere, knowing that our trials produce endurance and strengthen our faith (James 1:2-4). How can you cultivate a spirit of perseverance in your spiritual journey?
Hope in God’s Promises: God’s promises are a source of hope and encouragement. Reflect on His promises in Scripture and how they can uplift you during challenging times. For instance, Jeremiah 29:11 reminds us that God has plans to prosper us and give us hope and a future.

Supportive Scriptures

Psalm 46:1: “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.”
Proverbs 3:5-6: “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.”
Romans 8:28: “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”

Prayer

“LORD- You alone are our Savior, and beside You, there is no other. Help us to trust in Your sovereign plan and to witness Your mighty works in our lives. Strengthen our faith, especially in times of trial, and guide us to live righteously in a world that often strays from Your truth. Fill us with Your Holy Spirit, that we may be bold witnesses of Your grace and mercy. We ask for Your peace to calm our anxieties and Your wisdom to navigate life’s challenges. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder and Meditate Upon

Isaiah 41:10 (KJV): “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.”

Blessing

“May the Lord bless you and keep you. May His face shine upon you and be gracious unto you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. May you walk in the assurance of His love and the strength of His promises, now and always. In Jesus name, Amen.”

God Bless you all~

August 25, 2022 | CBCPNews

DEAR GOD: Seek You In All I Do – Every Day & Beyond~

by C D SWANSON // October 7, 2024 // No Comments

Homepage - Seeking God

O God, thou art my God; early will I seek thee: my soul thirsteth for thee, my flesh longeth for thee in a dry and thirsty land, where no water is;

Psalm 63:1

Psalm 63:1 is a heartfelt expression of longing and devotion to God. David, the psalmist, finds himself in a barren wilderness, both physically and spiritually. Despite his dire circumstances, he seeks God earnestly, recognizing that only God can quench his deep spiritual thirst.

Moral Takeaways:

Seek God Earnestly: Just as David sought God early and earnestly, we too should prioritize our relationship with God, especially in times of need.
Spiritual Thirst: Our souls have a deep need for God, much like our bodies need water. Recognizing this need can lead us to a more fulfilling spiritual life.
Dependence on God: In our most challenging times, acknowledging our dependence on God can bring us comfort and strength.

Moral Thoughts:

In moments of spiritual dryness, turning to God can provide the refreshment and renewal we need.
Our longing for God should be as intense as our physical needs, reminding us of the importance of nurturing our spiritual lives.

Reflective Questions:

When was the last time you earnestly sought God in prayer or worship?
How do you recognize and address your spiritual thirst?
In what ways can you prioritize your relationship with God in your daily life?

Supportive Scriptures (ESV):

Matthew 5:6: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.”
John 4:14: “But whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”
Isaiah 55:1: “Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.”

Prayer

“LORD- we come before You with hearts that long for Your presence. Just as David sought You in the wilderness, we seek You in our times of need. Quench our spiritual thirst and fill us with Your living water. Help us to prioritize our relationship with You and to seek You earnestly every day. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Meditative Scripture for the Day

Psalm 42:1 (ESV): “As a deer pants for flowing streams, so pants my soul for you, O God.”

Blessing

May the Lord bless you and keep you. May He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He turn His face toward you and give you peace. Amen.

God Bless you all~

How To Seek God's Presence - leahleedesigns

DEAR GOD: My Rock, My Refuge, My Everything~

by C D SWANSON // October 6, 2024 // No Comments

Reflection and Commentary on Isaiah 26:4

“Trust in the Lord forever, for the Lord God is an everlasting rock.” – Isaiah 26:4 (ESV)

This verse from Isaiah is a profound reminder of the unwavering strength and stability that God provides. In a world where change is constant and uncertainty often looms, this scripture calls Christians to place their trust in the Lord, who is described as an “everlasting rock.” This metaphor signifies God’s unchanging nature and His ability to provide a firm foundation for our lives.

For Christians today, this verse encourages us to lean on God not just in moments of crisis but continually, recognizing that His strength is eternal and His support is unwavering. It speaks to the moral view that faith in God should be steadfast and enduring, regardless of the circumstances we face. Trusting in God means believing in His promises and His timing, even when we cannot see the path ahead clearly.

Moral Views and Takeaways

Steadfast Faith: Trusting in God requires a steadfast faith that does not waver with life’s ups and downs. It is about maintaining our belief in His goodness and sovereignty.
Dependence on God: This verse teaches us the importance of depending on God rather than our own understanding or strength. It is a call to humility and surrender.
Eternal Perspective: Recognizing God as an “everlasting rock” shifts our perspective from the temporary to the eternal. It reminds us that God’s plans and purposes transcend our immediate circumstances.