Month: March 2015

Dear God: I Choose You~

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Dear God: I Choose You~ by CD Swanson

 

Daniel understood God’s law prohibited eating foods that were being offered to idols. He was in Babylon in full captivity—a place that worshiped false gods—when he soon faced a difficult decision.  King Nebuchadnezzar demanded that only the finest foods be sent for Daniel’s consumption, but only after being presented to idols.

The question became for Daniel “was it better to merely obey the king—or, disobey God to please the king? The underlying issues were about allegiance to God.  He could have reasoned that breaking the divine command was because he had no choice, that he was just a servant. That would have been an easy justification for disobedience. However, Daniel was filled with a driven desire to do what was right in the eyes of God—and so as a result, he resolved not to eat the royal food, and sought instead, for a way that would honor the Lord by keeping God’s laws.

Prayer and a reverent mind and heart helped Daniel, and through God, he was strengthened, and able to pursue the righteous path instead of the thorny road.

It’s vital to realize that obeying God is clearly the right choice. No matter what the world is doing, or what your friends think is “cool” – outside of God’s will and laws, it’s like walking the tightrope without the protective net below. However, with God—should we fall, or slip…He is always there to catch us.

Prayers and daily dedication/worship is the preponderance of servitude in His eyes. To become like Daniel, it’s crucial to facilitate a wholehearted commitment to follow the Lord and consistently apply Scripture to circumstances and decisions. Then, when a challenge comes, we’ll have the courage and wisdom to obey God’s commands.

Which path will you choose? 

25 Then king Darius wrote unto all people, nations, and languages, that dwell in all the earth; Peace be multiplied unto you.

26 I make a decree, That in every dominion of my kingdom men tremble and fear before the God of Daniel: for he is the living God, and stedfast for ever, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed, and his dominion shall be even unto the end.

27 He delivereth and rescueth, and he worketh signs and wonders in heaven and in earth, who hath delivered Daniel from the power of the lions.

28 So this Daniel prospered in the reign of Darius, and in the reign of Cyrus the Persian.

Daniel 6:26-28 (KJV)

 
    


Dear God: I Shall Not Want~

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The Lord Is My Shepherd, I shall not want…

Psalm 23, one of the most quoted and most familiar passages in the Bible. It stands for so many things. Most people use it at a funeral and think of it as a “death” passage.  But, it’s actually for all scenarios pertaining to both “life & death.”

This Psalm was quoted by David who for most of his life was on the run from Saul. Hiding in caves, fearing for his life, yet he always knew God was in his corner, even in the darkest days of his life.

We shall not want – is four words but significant in its meaning. When we place our trust in God and His divine plan and will for our lives, and in the world overall, we’re productive in all situations.  We can assimilate, maneuver, and walk in faith when we realize that God will never leave us wanting. When we ask, and stand firm in our belief, we will be able to adjust to whatever life throws our way.

Resting in the Lord, is just that…total trust and submission to His will, wisdom and His love. A lot of individuals can let pride get in the way of reason. Some might believe if they give in and ask for help it’s a sign of weakness, and their pride gets in their way. But you have heard it said that Pride often goeth before a fall.

Pride is a “condition” that will at one time in a person’s life (or maybe more than once) rear its ugly head. It’s common to humans, but the common banality is often the same…foolish individuals without God’s wisdom will seek to take care of “themselves” in suffocating situations, where help from others will ease their burden. Sometimes it may be finances sorely lacking…or a trauma drops into your life. These are areas that as Christians we need to believe and accept blessings from God through those He sends into our lives.  Sadly, most times pride will alter their senses and instead of accepting help from others, they’ll suffer silently.  Or, most especially, they forego asking God for help, the One who could truly help. If we could do things by ourselves then why would we need God? Tell me that?  All things connect to God and through Him we receive the balm of His love.

 Pride knows no boundaries in terms of financial status, age, or race. It’s something that’s inherent in humans and disproportionate to affirmation of love and trusting in God. For if we trust God, as our loving Shepherd, then “we shall not want” and therefore, pride is a hindrance and an objectionable character in God’s eyes.

Our loving Father knows our heart’s desires, before we do. He knows the needs in which we seek, and the pain we feel…as well as the joy. He is our constant barometer in all aspects of living, and He is our daily bread and living waters.

Seek God, trust God, love God…know God.  You will then be able to recite the 23rd Psalm with a newfound confidence that will reach down into your soul truly setting you free! 

 Amen!

 

The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

 He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

 He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

 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.

 Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.

 Psalm 23  (KJV)

 

Dear God: Our Prayers A Sweet Fragrance to You~

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The moment I open my eyes, I give thanks! Then, read from the Bible to replenish my soul and get ready for the day.  Finally, I’m off to the kitchen to brew coffee.

Today, while waiting for the coffee to hit my cup…I totally took in the aroma more so than usual, and savored the air in which it was permeating. Of course, to some people it may not necessarily be a “welcome scent.” A good friend of mine, Robin, can  literally keel over from the smell of coffee brewing, or just sitting in a cup.  I ‘ve seen her recoil, and make a hasty retreat on many occasion while covering her mouth. So, now when I see her, I opt to drink green tea. What else would or could a good friend do?

Anyhow, while taking in the delectable scent of  the coffee brewing, a thought entered my mind. When we pray our prayers are a sweet fragrance to the Lord. He delights in our trust and supplication to Him.  The incense in the golden bowls in heaven would seem to indicate prayers of believers are precious in God’s sight. Incense is a pleasant sweet perfume, and scripture describes it as rendering to God’s will and therefore highly acceptable to the Lord.

He is pleased when we pray, and oft times we may think that prayers aren’t heard, but assuredly they are.  He’s holding them in a vial waiting to deliver according to His timing which is always perfect. While He savors the sweet fragrance, we just need to wait on the Lord be still and know “He is God.”  (Psalm 46:10)

Now, where  is my coffee?

by C D  Swanson 

 

 

Let my prayer be set forth before thee as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. (Psalm 141:2)

Another angel, who had a golden censer, came and stood at the altar. He was given much incense to offer, with the prayers of all the saints, on the golden altar before the throne. The smoke of the incense, together with the prayers of the saints, went up before God from the angel’s hand.” (Revelations 8:3-4)

And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective.” (James 5:15-16)

 

Dear God: A Smile For You~

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And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.  Matthew 25:40

As I begin to write this message it occurs to me that  many people may in need of human emotional touch within their souls. I pass by so many people in any given day who might be in dire need of some kind of contact.

As Christians we strive to live a life that’s pleasing to God, as we follow His Word, and it’s vital that we perform the majority of it through our interaction with our fellow brothers and sisters. And, there are many ways to do that,  in fact, several scenarios come to mind.  A smile, a kind word, a comforting touch of a hand, offering encouragement or perhaps guidance, and of course demonstrating love in the way Jesus would want us to. In so doing, I can honestly say I feel closer to God having accomplished a human touch to someone’s soul.

It can be richly rewarding to actually feel the approval of Jesus, and realize that we’re getting higher up into the realm of where we want to be as Christians;  isn’t that what we all want as children of God?

God is our Shepherd and we shall never want – He is amazing and good and provides His children in all ways. We’re His flock, we need to remember these basic truths, and when we do, our lives will go a lot smoother than “not to” conform to His superior ways.

When we start to “take God out of the equation”  life is no longer a life that is smooth, fruitful orl of purpose. Life becomes a mere existence and a super shadow of vast emptiness. In other words, we are not LIVING, but rather, merely existing. To LIVE is to be in the ways of our Lord, to drink from Jesus Christ the LIVING water. That is LIFE as we all should know it.

Give  thanks to Almighty GOD who continues to be the only reason for everything in our lives.

Psalm 100:3 NKJV “Know that the Lord, He is God, it is He who has made us, and not we ourselves; we are His people and the sheep of His pasture.”

 

Dear God: We Love Your Voice~

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I will meditate on the glorious splendor of Your majesty, and on Your wondrous works. Psalm 145:5 NKJV

The “voice” of the Lord is clear and apparent to those who “hear” it. It’s a sheer delight to serve the Lord in all facets of our lives. When we commit ourselves to Him, our paths become a vestige of honor to Him and all that it implies. His voice reverberates to those with ears to hear, consider these very words: “Commit your works to the Lord, and your thoughts will be established…” Proverbs, 16:3 NKJV

How do we commit our works to the Lord? There are many ways to do so. Do not merely ask Him to bless what we’ve already done…Instead, commit ourselves and our plans to Him before, during, and after we have done our work. The trust, the commitment and the acknowledgement are all forefronts to our vital plan. His ways, His thoughts, His actions…translate to “ask Him, trust Him, embrace Him, and acknowledge Him.” When you do so…consequences of all good things will transpire.

Consider a “budding rose.” The bud is tiny at first. Eventually, through care, love, and commitment it grows into a beautiful thing… much like our love and relationship with the Lord. The more effort and time we put into the Lord, the more significant it becomes. The deeper and more profound it gets.

But, now, O Lord, You are our Father; we are the clay, and You our potter; and all we are the work of Your hand. Isaiah 64:8 NKJV…As our Father, God always will act on our behalf. He acts for our benefit in ways that childlike minds cannot always understand. As our potter, He ultimately molds us, and shapes us in ways that sometimes will hurt. But, always He deals with us in love.

Take a moment to think about past decisions you’ve made, on your own without the Father’s help or guidance. How did it work out? Usually without His voice, or counsel if you will, things usually don’t go the way we’d like. When we take the time to talk with Him, listen to His voice, and bring Him into the equation of our life…the outcome will benefit us. We may not see it at first, because He sees way down the road. He sees ALL things before its fruition, and so He knows what is best for us way before we even realize it. We may take years to realize it was good. Therefore, don’t despair if things don’t happen according to your will. Remember, His will…not ours. His plans are perfect, our plans are anything but. We may be puffed up and think we know what’s best for ourselves. We need to be humble, and bow to His excellent works…and listen and adhere accordingly.

Do you not know that those who run in a race all run, but one receives the prize? Run in such a way that you may obtain it…

1 Corinthians 9:24 NKJV  We can accomplish much in life we don’t have a clear purpose and mission in mind. The only way to consistency is through the Lord. We need to take practice in all things, through Him. Each time we accomplish something we draw higher and nearer to God and our purpose that He has for us. Our works, our plans, through His alone. We need to establish our mission in life, through Him. His voice, His ways, and production will be overflowing in all good things.

Now these things became our examples…Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition…1 Corinthians 106:11 NKJV  Everything in the Scripture exists for our example, warning and admonition. We should note what God’s people did in the past and how God reacted to them in order to move ahead in our own walk of faith.

The love for God should be apparent in all that we set out to do, each and every day. A love for writing is a gift from God, and therfore we should submit to Him as we write in His name for His glory. All good things come from God, and when we do good, we bless His name and please Him abundantly.

When we live for God…all things connect in and outside of our very existence. All things lead to peace and a transitional platitude of higher aspirations in and of Christ.

To hear His voice is to know peace. To abide by Him is to know love. To work for Him is to obtain a chiseled image in Christ, that reflects Christ as we uphold His light and shine our own light in His name. Bear witness in all things for Him, and accept His will and plans.

Listen closely…Do you hear His voice?

 

 

When His candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness…Job 29:3 KJV

Seest thou a man diligent in his business? he shall stand before kings; he shall not stand before mean men. Proverbs 22:29 KJV

The same came for a witness, to bear witness of the Light, that all men through him might believe John 1:7 KJV