Dear God: You Never Disappoint~

by C D SWANSON // November 24, 2012 // 1 Comment

: For Thus says the High and Lofty One Who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy: “I dwell in the high and holy place, With him who has a contrite and humble spirit, to revive the spirit of the humble, And to revive the heart of the contrite ones…” Isaiah 57:15 NKJV

God and His glorious Light is always shining down upon us. His warmth and capacity to love us is beyond our understanding. “I have become all things to all men, that I might by all means save some.” 1 Corinthians 9:22 NKJV

Adversity is a benign enough word, but the true course of its meaning can be staggering to many. Most individuals will face trials and adversity at some point in their lives. And, the Christian whose roots are strong in the Lord will find it easier to cope than the ones without a belief system. God and His arms and His love, along with His all consuming fire will sustain and provide for what we need. In Jesus’ words,

Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find;knock, and it shall be opened unto you:” Matthew 7:7 KJV

During adversity an individuals true light and character will be exposed. It is at that time when the rubber meets the road and true signs of the inner spirit will either emerge…or submerge. People can disappoint, but God never will.

Recently an issue came to the surface that allowed a snapshot of a person whom I trusted, and respected, to appear… and the snapshot was a gross distortion of what I firmly believed all along. It was truly an enlightening experience, and a sad one at that. Without going into details, suffice it to say…it was a great upheaval and a large disappointment. But, I’ve prayed for this individuals peace of mind, and for strength in the adversity that this person is facing at this time. I know I have to step back from this person, and it is with a heavy heart I do so, but there is no other recourse. Because even Jesus said, And whoeverwill not receive you, when you go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet as a testimony against them.” Luke 9:5 NKJV

Although this individual disaapointed me,and let me down…and others may have done the same to all of you reading this post now. Be of good cheer, know that GOD WILL NEVER LET YOU DOWN, and GOD WILL NEVER DISAPPOINT. For He is the same as He was from the beginning, and still sitting on the throne and in control. That in itself is reward for our souls and our very foundation of life.

We live in the great day when God is pouring out His Spirit on all believers in Christ, filling them and empowering them to serve Him in holiness and great joy. Have you asked the Lord to fill you today? Do so, and believe…because when adversity comes calling, you’ll be filled with His Light and peace to help you through.

And it shall come to pass That whoever calls on the name of the Lord Shall be saved, For in Mount Zion and in Jerusalem there shall be deliverance. As the Lord has said, Amoung the remnant whom the Lord calls.” Joel 2:32 NKJV

The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “behold! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29 NKJV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt amoung us, and we beheld His glory, the glory of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14 NKJV

Dear God: We Look Up

by C D SWANSON // November 15, 2012 // 1 Comment

Isaiah 60:1 NKJV "...For your light has come! And the glory of the Lord is risen upon you."

For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the Lord will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
³The Gentiles shall come to your light,
And kings to the brightness of your rising. Isaiah 60:2-3 NKJV

While speaking with my Christian friends I’ve noticed a particular pattern, we are all getting the word to stay strong because rough times are coming fast and furious to this world. So, what can we do to prepare? Stay in His word, meditate on His word, and follow His word. Love God, and be a watchman in the Lord.

The altruistic being, the one and only Sovereign God that reigns for all eternity, is with His children, each step of the way. He will protect us, and guide us. His light is the glorifying and peaceful path of existence in this lifetime and after. His light shines brilliantly with warmth and love that radiates and sustains all of His children.

The best way we can shine our light, is to be an example to others, follow the Lord Jesus Christ and His ways. Be kind and helpful to your family, friends, neighbors…and love God with all of your might. Give yourself to Him and be firm in your convictions, don’t be weak in your love. Our scruples, morals and our decorum should be a true representative aspect of Christ.

When someone who isn’t a Christian sees your light and how peaceful and content you are, they will want to feel that too. They may ask, “how do I get that way?” And, you can share the good news with them…that is always a major connection to humanity for those who hunger and inquire. Alas, some will ridicule and think
“no thanks not interested.” Well that’s when Jesus says, “don’t cast your pearls before swine…” The main thing is that we plant a seed, it’s up to God if it shall take root.

His light, His ways, His love…no matter how many weeds are around us, God will take care of His children pruning us, sheltering us, watering us until we bear beautiful fruit. We are an extension of Him, and we act accordingly.

When trouble looms large and the world is in turmoil…Have no fear, trust in your Lord for His children will be the ones with the light shining upon them…

Luke 21:28

King James Version (KJV)

²⁸And when these things begin to come to pass, then look up, and lift up your heads; for your redemption draweth nigh.

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Picture courtesy of my good friend Scott Birge~

Dear God: Help Us To Release Grudges~

by C D SWANSON // November 10, 2012 // 3 Comments

Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water...Hebrews 10:22 KJV

A corrosive agent will eat away almost any substance or object it comes into contact with. Sometimes, it’ll be an instant reaction. Most times it will slowly erode until that which it touched will be virtually unrecognizable and ultimately destroyed.

Bearing a grudge is corrosive to our souls. It’s tough to get through life without getting into a disagreement with someone. We wouldn’t be human if we didn’t. While in these earthly flesh bodies, we always fall short of perfection, and will be prone to emotional altercations with others. It is at this time that we need to yield to the Spirit within. And to be led by the Spirit. ” For as many as are led by the Spirit of God, they are the sons of God” Romans 8:14 KJV

When we hold anger inside, we are going against the Holy Spirit, we do not want to grieve the Spirit. So to trust in God and draw near to God, He will draw near to us…and “free us” of corrosive agents. The corrosive agents can be many things to many people. Fighting, holding a grudge and letting it ferment will be caustic and eventually “kill a soul.”

This past Tuesday there was an election of the highest office in the USA. There were so many diverse people voting. So many different thoughts, actions, beliefs. And, some are ecstatic with the result, others are tormented and disappointed. I say this…no matter who is in the white house, it doesn’t matter. Because we are all under ONE KING. God is on the throne, in control at all times. No matter what. And, we need to keep praying for His hand to persevere in our beautiful country. Because ultimately, it really doesn’t matter who’s in there. God allowed it to happen…and so be it.

God is our King. And, the belief system of Christianity will prevail, no matter what. Goodness will prevail no matter what. We will stay strong in God. “I can do all things through God who strengthens me.” Philippians 4:13 KJV

Life, love, and the Lord our Almighty King will reign forever and ever. He is our one and only, and through Him all things are possible. “For with God nothing will be impossible.” Luke 1:37 KJV

Remember that God is with us always and He will never leave us or forsake us…As long as we walk in His commandments and Love Him with all of our mind, strength and Spirit. We need to incorporate our Christian values in a world that is seriously lacking morals and scruples. Maintain our integrity and uphold our values and virtues in an abysmal sea of debauchery and perversion. When the enemy rears his ugly head, turn from him. Christ gives us the power to do so, in HIS NAME…and only through Christ can we do it.

So, although there isn’t an evil spirit lurking around every bush, there are many floating around. ” For we do not wrestle against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age,against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places.” Ephesians 6:12 KJV God will always protect His children who believe and walk after the Spirit.

So…don’t let the corrosive agents in this world get to your soul. Be cleansed by His blood and be led by the Spirit at all times. Look to Him for all things. He is our everything, and He is the one in control, yesterday, today and forever. So no matter what you’re feeling…give it to God, and let it go.

It you’re hurting, look to God for healing. If you’re disappointed in something, know He is in control…no one else but HIM. We can dilute the corrosive agents in our lifetime, and stop the acid from destroying our essence and beliefs. Give yourself to Him if you haven’t already done so. Accept Christ as your Lord and Savior as your King and the only Son of God. Your life will be so much better. Don’t take my word…look to His Word and His promises for yourself.

And, remember no matter what…He is on the throne and He is the only KING of KINGS, and LORD OF LORDS. Amen~

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Walk in Love

5 Therefore be imitators of God as dear children. ²And walk in love, as Christ also has loved us and given Himself for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet-smelling aroma.

³But fornication and all uncleanness or covetousness, let it not even be named among you, as is fitting for saints; ⁴neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor coarse jesting, which are not fitting, but rather giving of thanks. ⁵For this you know,^[a] that no fornicator, unclean person, nor covetous man, who is an idolater, has any inheritance in the kingdom of Christ and God. ⁶Let no one deceive you with empty words, for because of these things the wrath of God comes upon the sons of disobedience. ⁷Therefore do not be partakers with them.

Walk in Light

⁸For you were once darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light ⁹(for the fruit of the Spirit^[b] is in all goodness, righteousness, and truth), ¹⁰finding out what is acceptable to the Lord. ¹¹And have no fellowship with the unfruitful works of darkness, but rather expose them. ¹²For it is shameful even to speak of those things which are done by them in secret. ¹³But all things that are exposed are made manifest by the light, for whatever makes manifest is light. ¹⁴Therefore He says:

“Awake, you who sleep,
Arise from the dead,
And Christ will give you light.”

Walk in Wisdom

¹⁵See then that you walk circumspectly, not as fools but as wise, ¹⁶redeeming the time, because the days are evil.

¹⁷Therefore do not be unwise, but understand what the will of the Lord is. ¹⁸And do not be drunk with wine, in which is dissipation; but be filled with the Spirit, ¹⁹speaking to one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord, ²⁰giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ, ²¹submitting to one another in the fear of God. Ephesians 5:1-21 KJV

Dear God: With You There Is Life…Even In Despair

by C D SWANSON // November 4, 2012 // 3 Comments

Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you and you shall glorify me. Psalm 50:15

This has been a time of devastation for the Northeast. Sandy unleashed her fury and it seemed to those experiencing her wrath, as if it would never stop. This storm brought sorrow, unthinkable tragedies to so many and a sense of panic to everyone left in its wake.

The path of the storm violated individuals and their homes, their lives, and their temperment.Children died, volunteers lending help to those in distress died, and those who refused to abandon their homes, believing they had time …perished. The landscape I’m so familiar with…born and raised in New York, have become unrecognizable. It appeared to be a set of a Sci-Fi production after the apocalypse. The images so shocking the average mind couldn’t begin to fathom, let alone process. Painful, sad, and overwhelmingly shocking.

Why does this happen? I wish I had an easy answer. There are scientific explanations, sure. Weather patterns, cyclic issues resurfacing again. But, if you are a Christian, you cannot help but focus on the Word of the Lord…and the Bible gives explanations for everything.

Jesus explains…there will be signs. ⁵For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.⁶And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet.For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places.⁸All these are the beginning of sorrows…Matthew 24:5-8

Signs, weather patterns…etc., all of which we are seeing at this time. No sugar coating this, Jesus doesn’t lie. Sounds scary, but when Christians are informed, and know the words and understand the meaning, it really isn’t that scary. It becomes easier to understand, although it’s tough to witness…it’s facts that Jesus told us, so that in itself is a huge comfort. But, the best part of this is…God is with us always. He loves us. He comforts us, and His arms are always open and His acceptance is constant.

My heart aches for those that experienced Sandy, and are sifting through the remains of their lives…Hang in there, and be strong. I have family members and friends going through it as I write. The sun is coming up tomorrow, and God is the same as He was Yesterday, today and always. My family and friends are happy to be alive. They know they are blessed, so thank you Lord. To those not so fortunate, may the good Lord embrace you.

This is the time when you need to lean on God, not your own understanding.

Trust in the Lord with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
⁶In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He shall direct^[a] your paths. Proverbs 3:5-6 NKJV

Our minds are beyond understanding in terms of God. He knows things our flesh bodies cannot begin to understand, due to the dimension we are currently in. We can ask the Holy Spirit to open up more understanding to us, and pray for more indepth knowledge…but it still won’t be at the same level of God. Not in this lifetime at least.

For those who are mourning the life of a loved one, God help them. Their hearts have been ripped out, and there is a huge gapping hole in its place. Give these individuals, love, and let them grieve. Don’t give them a time table, there is no time table for the loss of a loved one. Just be there for them, kind words, loving hearts, and prayers. For although they may be Christians, they’ll still miss their loved ones. They’ll still want them by their side. There is no reasoning when an individual is smacked hard and punched with the loss of a loved one. It’s suffocating under normal circumstances let alone tragic unexpected ones. .

But, in time…the light will start to filter through again. It helps when you’re a Christian knowing we’ll all be reunited one day in the future. And, so that becomes a comforting thought and reminder of our faith.

The memories will remain, the pain will lessen…the scars will be hidden, and slowly things will start to make sense again. Prayers, God’s hands, and the love of family and friends will get most individuals through it. And, sometimes, ordinary strangers or volunteers. God sends them out where he can, He is amazing.

May God be with all of our brothers and sisters as they go through the aftermath, may God strengthen them and uphold them with His uprighteous hand, may He guide them through the debris as He brings them beauty for their ashes. May He hold them upright with His love, and provide for their every need. And, may He bring comfort to their shattered broken hearts…covering them in peace and faith to sustain them at this sorrowful time, in Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Matthew 28:18-20 NKJV And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. ¹⁹Go therefore^[c] and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, ²⁰teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Pic courtesy of Scott Birge~

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

Month: November 2012