Month: April 2015

Dear God: You Are Our Treasure~

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Yet indeed I also count all things loss for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord, for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and count them as rubbish, that I may gain Christ (Philippians 3:8)

 

Given the chaotic and seemingly rising unrest in the world, it truly is a gift to know God. And, to know Him is truly a blessing, but to “yearn” to know Him on an intimate level is an opportunity we shouldn’t miss.  It’s an opportunity that will give way to our inherent reward… eternal salvation with our Father in heaven. Our treasure is God, and living forever in His Kingdom.

Classic signs that we’re warned about in the Bible have been materializing for some time now.   The flesh vs spirit is an ongoing issue, and those of faith know all about how to handle these battles. When we draw close to God, He will draw closer to us, we’re told in James 4:8, and the previous verse in James 4:7…Sumbit yoursleves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you.

The world is the enemy’s playground. He thrives on chaos and dismantling peace.  But, we have God with us, to guide us and bring us through whatever is going on in the world, and in our lives.

When we’re at the lowest and weakest with trials and troubles is when we are our strongest in Christ.  “And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” 2 Cor 12:9

Growing stronger as we seek Him and meditate we’re able to take on the “world.” How do we get to know Him? Prayer. Meditation. Speaking to Him from your heart. Putting aside time every day to meet with Him without fail. Sit with Him. Talk with Him. He knows your heart…and loves you unconditionally.

As we delve into His word, and spend time with Him each day, His presence will grow within us, as we diminish. (John 3:30 – He must increase , but I must decrease)  When we surrender to Him in earnest, we gain  insurmountable joy and blessings. It is through Him, that we discover the meaning, and purpose of our lives. When we are intimate with Christ, all else doesn’t matter, all else, as Paul put it, is rubbish…

Because, as John stated so eloquently in 1 John 4:4   “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.”

Are you ready to get to know the greatest of all?  He’s waiting….

 

 

 

Therefore I take pleasure in weaknesses, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ’s sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong. (2 Corinthians 12:10)

 

By C D Swanson~

 

 

 

 

Dear God: 7 x 70 = Forgiveness in Heaven~

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 Seven Times Seventy equals Forgiveness in Heaven –  By C D Swanson~

 

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“I find it hard to forgive her, she hurt my feelings and I’m not going to forget anytime soon!”   A friend of mine was adamant about a situation that was causing great anguish in not only her life, but in her family as well.  She was nursing a grudge that was beyond the infantile stage, she nursed it into a “giant monster.” It grew exponentially as she stroked it with bitterness, revengeful throughts, and with vitrious acts and outlandish behavior.

In Acts 24:16 It is apparent that we’re called to “exercise our faith.”  No one can do that for us. We can’t hire someone to “work out” for us…or to merely think about it.  We’re called to relentlessly pursue our faith in earnest, and exercise it with all of our mind body and soul. Because if we don’t…we’ll be facing major pitfalls in our life.

It’s a safe and foregone conclusion to state that exercising is a key component to keeping our flesh bodies in top physical shape.  However, the same holds true for our spitirual side. Exercising our souls is crucial to being “fit” as a person of faith in order to elevate to a level in which we are “super-fit” in spirituality.

One of the exercises in being a person of faith, as Jesus tells us, is to “forgive” and not to bear grudges. The enemy works our entire life to bring us into the “pit” and longs to ” keep us in chains of bondage”–and so works at us continuously, chipping away trying to get us to surrender to him…but when we release and forgive, even when it might be difficult to do so…even when it goes against all that you’re feeling…to forgive is to be set free.

In Matthew 18:21-35 – Jesus speaks about forgiveness through a parable of the “unforgiving servant” — who was forgiven by his master for debts he owed. However, when it came time to forgive someone who owed him, he did not forgive the way he was forgiven, and chose to have the servant tormented daily until he paid him back in full.  He didn’t show the mercy that was shown to him.. So then Jesus warns, “forgive our debtors. for if we don’t our Father in heaven won’t forgive our debts.”  Jesus tells us to forgive not seven times seven, but seven times seventy, each and every single day.

Holding on to resentment is to darken our souls, is to bring us anguish and anxiety and torment.  Resentment, grudges and an unforgiving soul is like drinking a bottle of poison and expecting your adversary to die.  It won’t do any such thing to your adversary, but it will  in fact KILL YOU.

Forgive, move forward…and exercise your soul daily through dedication, reading His word and meditation…and then asking our Father to give us strength to take on the fiery darts by becoming a victor, and not a victim.  Ask for His blessings while we wear and take on the full armor of God. The breastplate, the helmet of salvation and gird yourself with the truth…while staying on the narrow path.

As for my friend, she is still angry and nursing that grudge…and she doesn’t realize what it’s doing to her soul.  I pray that one day she’ll be set free and choose the light of eternal salvation by saying four very important words—

…I forgive her Father…

 

Matthew 18:21-35King James Version (KJV)

21 Then came Peter to him, and said, Lord, how oft shall my brother sin against me, and I forgive him? till seven times?

22 Jesus saith unto him, I say not unto thee, Until seven times: but, Until seventy times seven.

23 Therefore is the kingdom of heaven likened unto a certain king, which would take account of his servants.

24 And when he had begun to reckon, one was brought unto him, which owed him ten thousand talents.

25 But forasmuch as he had not to pay, his lord commanded him to be sold, and his wife, and children, and all that he had, and payment to be made.

26 The servant therefore fell down, and worshipped him, saying, Lord, have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

27 Then the lord of that servant was moved with compassion, and loosed him, and forgave him the debt.

28 But the same servant went out, and found one of his fellowservants, which owed him an hundred pence: and he laid hands on him, and took him by the throat, saying, Pay me that thou owest.

29 And his fellowservant fell down at his feet, and besought him, saying, Have patience with me, and I will pay thee all.

30 And he would not: but went and cast him into prison, till he should pay the debt.

31 So when his fellowservants saw what was done, they were very sorry, and came and told unto their lord all that was done.

32 Then his lord, after that he had called him, said unto him, O thou wicked servant, I forgave thee all that debt, because thou desiredst me:

33 Shouldest not thou also have had compassion on thy fellowservant, even as I had pity on thee?

34 And his lord was wroth, and delivered him to the tormentors, till he should pay all that was due unto him.

35 So likewise shall my heavenly Father do also unto you, if ye from your hearts forgive not every one his brother their trespasses.

 

 

 

Dear God: In Flight of Your Spirit~

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OXYGEN VOLUME 13

 

 

“Behold, I send you forth as sheep in the midst of wolves: be therefore wise as serpents, and harmless as doves..”  Matthew 10:16 (KJV)

Each day that we go out into the world we’re presumably doing a “balancing act” as it were. Going forth into the secular world where there’s continuous disdain and mockery for those of us with great faith. However, not all people in the secular world follow suit in terms of disdain or mockery, but it’s safe to say that a great majority do.  Harbingers of “wordly” goods can procure reprehensible acts which the world offers in abundnace. The world can run the gamut of hideous and evil abominations, while calling to us in “gentle disguise.”

 

This is what Jesus was warning us about…be aware, be watchful…be wise in the world.  As He instructed His disciples to go forth on their great commssion, He wanted them to be cautious and meek, while preparing for obstacles of derision and deception.

When we set forth to bring His message forward, no matter the depth of our  capacity… whether it’s local,  worldwide,  as a pastor, priest, or any member of clergy, or simply a lay person filled with faith…we must keep our eyes open to the ways of the world, and not conform to the wickedness that surrounds us… but instead, shine our light to those in the darkness.

The Dove has become known as a symbol of peace tied to our Savior, as the dove descended upon Jesus while being baptized in the Jordan.  Ultimately this gentle bird became known as a witness to tranquility and powerful in meaning when we symbolically tie it to the Holy Sprit

We’re all essentially ambassadors of Jesus as we preach His word, and share with others during our life on earth. But, the warning from Jesus to the disciples, and of course to us, is “keep your eyes open to the subtle deception of the world, while being meek,humble, and kind…be aware, because a ravenous wolf will tear you asunder if you become distracted in your quest.”  In other words, there is a need for a great balance.  We need to be both wise and gentle in order to exist and be purposeful in living out our destiny as God wills it.

So, prepare,  because ostensibly, we are NOT of this world. We are set apart from the worldly things.  We’re partaking in His gospel and His love willingly and obediently, while we adhere to His voice at all times.

So, take flight with His Spirit, and be of good cheer, because inherently we know this as John tells us so eloquently:   “Ye are of God, little children, and have overcome them: because greater is he that is in you, than he that is in the world.” (1 John 4:4 KJV)

Are you ready to take flight?

 

by C D Swanson – 2015

 

 

Dear God: Hallelujah–He is Risen~

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And the angel answered and said unto the women, Fear not ye: for I know that ye seek Jesus which was crucified. He is not here: for He is risen, as he said, Come see the place where the Lord lay.  And, go quickly, and tell His disciples that He is risen from the dead; and, behold, He goeth before you into Galilee; there shall ye see Him: lo, I have told you. And they departed quickly from the sepulchre with fear and great joy; and did run to bring His disciples word. And, as they went to tell His disciples, behold, Jesus met them, saying, “All hail. And they came and held Him by the feet, and worshipped Him. Then said Jesus unto them, Be not afraid: go tell my brethren that they go in Galilee, and there shall they see me. ”           (Matthew 28:5-10)

 

Sometimes  we can take things for granted in terms of our lives. Things like being employed, having clothes to wear, eating, driving, being able to make our bills each month,  and so on and so forth. So too might we take the love of our incredible Father for granted.  We might be tied up in the “world” and all that encompasses us through our natural waking hours and therefore lose sight of some important things in our lives, like family, friends.  But, we should never forget about blessings that flow from above. Our Father is the “most important of all” and supercedes all else.

Another example is this: Think about a breathtaking sunset or sunrise…we might be so engrossed in our “own world” that we neglect to take the time to gaze at the splendor in which is before us.   Or feel the welcoming warmth of the sun upon our faces, or the sweet smell of flowers in abundance in the green lush fields strechted out for miles and miles. These things are all amazing in their own way, and all part of the Universerse that He built and created by His hands.

Jesus Christ, our Savior…and our King of kings.  He came looking for us to fulfill the scriptures as foretold by God through the prophets.  He was filled with love as He sought to bring us His peace and His gift of “eternal life” for those who will and those who believe. And for those who accept Him wholeheartedly.

This Holy Sunday as we partake in worshipping Him through prayer and song, let’s not lose sight of the most “beautiful gift of all” –the warmth of His pure love and the grip of His passion. Let’s acknowledge in detail what He did for each of us. Let’s rejoice and sing to the Lamb who is worthy and so Holy…and who is  saturated with inexplicable love for each of us.

This passover of the resurrected Lamb of God who came to defeat death, and bring victory over the “grave”…but most important to bring His sacrificice to fruition through His glorious resurrection, as the blood of Jesus Christ washed us clean, we’re able to live forever, and shall never “die.” Drink from His water, eat His daily bread…and fulfill our purpose here on earth until we’re called home to feast at His table.

So, enjoy the sunset and sunrise,  the smell of flowers, and the sounds of children laughing, and the taste of a good meal.  All created by God, for us.  So then,  each day, stop…reflect…and meditate on His word. Feel His love and His power, appreciate how He brings us His peace, love….and an eternal existence in His presence.  Recognize what He’s done for us…and give Him unrelenting  praise, worship Him accordingly, and love Him unconditionally. And, then luxuriate in the full knowledge of His gifts that He’s bestowed upon each and everyone of us…What an amazing and awesome God we serve.

Happy Resurrection Day/Paschal…  Amen and Amen!

“Jesus, thank You for Your substantial gift that is beyond definition. I love You, and I worship You…Hallelujah…You have risen!”

 “And lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”          (Matthew 28:20)