Month: July 2015

Dear God: This Life is a Journey of Faith and Love~

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Jesusandchild

 

 

 

The apostle Paul wrote, “Let a man so consider us, as servants of Christ and stewards of the mysteries of God. Moreover it is required in stewards that one be found faithful” (1 Cor. 4:1-2)

This life we were given is but a fleeting moment in time. Whereas, eternity is just that…eternal.  The time here, although fleeting,  should be used wisely. When we use our time wisely, we are bonded to wisdom which is of God.  The faithful walk according to their purpose and in accordance with God.  The path be narrow but the reward boundless.

In life as we go we’re accountable for our actions, both in this lifetime and the next. Civil laws…are to be followed, else mayhem and consequences ensue. In this lifetime and the next.

We are on a journey while here on earth. The journey is a test and a proclamation of our devotion to God. We all want to hear, “well done good and faithful servant, enter in the joy of your Master, ” (Matthew 25:21) when we enter into the Kingdom of God.  We don’t want to hear, “I never knew you, depart from me you who practice lawlessness.” (Matthew 7:23)   As Jesus both states and warns in Matthew, we are to be good servants on this journey called life.

Even Jesus said, “I’ve come to serve, not to be served…” He was an example for all of us to facilitate and coordinate love and God’s commandments as we go through our cycle of life in flesh bodies. The aftermath of our reward when the journey is over will be fully compensated for the actions in which we choose.

It doesn’t matter what our political acumen is when we depart from this world, It won’t matter what clothes we own, or what kind of car we drive…it’ll not be worth one thing in Heaven.  Our actions, deeds, words, and faithfulness will be the deciding factor in how we’re greeted and ultimately judged by our Father.

A true sign of a faithful servant is compassion and the ability to give God the glory  at all times. After all, we couldnt’ accomplish anything without Him. “I can do all things through Christ…” (Philippians 4:13) Without Him, we are nothing, Without Him, we are dead…With Him there is light, and through Him there is Life, eternal life.

As we journey in a world together, remember each deed is being recorded, both good and bad.  There is nothing hidden from God.

How are you doing on your journey so far?

 

 I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.Notwithstanding ye have well done, that ye did communicate with my affliction.  Philippians 4:13-16(KJV)

 

 

 

Dear God: We Want to Shine and Give You the Glory~

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We Want To Shine & Give You the Glory~

by C D SWANSON

amazingskysbirge

 

Have you ever asked this question–“What would the world look like if we let Jesus live through you and me?”

To know Christ is to be set free and to no longer live in torment or waves of doubt. The sea in your mind becomes traquil and placid…whereas before Christ the sea was anything but calm.  No, more than likely it was tumultuous and angry.

How then do we become the Christ? We must get to know HIm and His doctrine. We must of course get to know His Father, “our Father” God.  We must understand the Bible both new and old…and realize what is expected of us as followers of Him.

If we don’t know Christ how can we become and act more like Him?  We need to absorb His way of thinking and acting, through His word…and accepting Him as our Lord and Savior.

We’re told repeatedly throughout the Bible to “behave according to His will and ways” — We’re given conditions to follow in order to be under the sanctuary of His wings and protection.  If we don’t know Him or disregard Him, how can we be blessed?  If we don’t know Him…how can we become and behave as we ought in God’s eyes?

In Ephesians 5:1- 2… it states, “Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear children. And, walk in love as CHrist also hath loved us, and hath fiven himself for us an offering and a sacrifice to God for a sweet smelling savour.”

A pastor speaking awhile back said, “Imitate my brother.” To which the congregation looked at each other and said, “Huh?”  — He continued, “If you don’t know my brother Andrew how can you begin to imitate him? — So too it is with Christ.”    A very good and powerful point bringing home a crucial and key component of our relationship with God and His Son.  We must KNOW HIM and His word in order to be a candidate of obedience to His will.

Walking in the Spirit is truly different than the flesh. The flesh doesn’t think or feel as the Spirit does. As it states in Galatians 5:17, For the flesh lusteth against the Spirit, and the Spirit against the flesh: and these are contrary the one to the other: so that ye cannot do the things that ye would.

The fruits of the Spirit are temperance, kindness and love, Galatians 5:22–But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith…

Do you recognize the fruits? Do you see the signs?  As Jesus states so eloquently in Matthew 7:16 , “You will know them by their fruits…”

How can we be an example if we don’t know Jesus?  How can we shine His light if we don’t know and love Him on an intimate basis?  How can we be the light that shines on the top of that hill if we don’t know His word?

Get to know Him…Open the book, and start by accepting Him into your heart and soul. Surrender it all to Him, and then…get to know Him.  I promise it will be the best relationship you’ll ever have, and one that will never disappoint or let you down. 

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Matthew 5:14-16  (KJV)

14 Ye are the light of the world. A city that is set on an hill cannot be hid.

15 Neither do men light a candle, and put it under a bushel, but on a candlestick; and it giveth light unto all that are in the house.

16 Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.

 

 

 

 

Dear God: We’re Lost Without You~

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GODbeauty!-CDS

 

WE’RE LOST WITHOUT YOU~ by C D SWANSON

 

“I can’t see anything!” I continued driving as my car was engulfed by the thick fog that seemingly swallowed up the entire world!   WIthin a few minutes it lifted and the sun broke through illuminating both car and narrow path straight ahead. Thereby allowing me to continue on my journey without danger or anxiety.

Sound familiar? In our spiritural walk with the Lord we too could be “engulfed” by blackness cutting off our “vision.” This could alter the path in which we walk.  However, with God by our side…He’ll lift the “darkness” and shine His glorious light onto our narrow path of righteousness.  He’ll do it for us, but for His namesake as it so clearly states in Psalm 23.

Without God…I’m lost much like in a fog. Our sight is hooded and our direction thwarted without His hands of grace or guidance. He is the anchor which hauls us from the troubled waters. He is the Rock upon which we stand. He is the refuge in which we seek. He is the staight and narrow of all things pure. He is the compass of  morality and goodness which in turn guides and gives us direction in life.

So lost am I without God that I need Him desperately, as the “deer pants for water” so too my soul “thrists for Him.” …As the hart panteth after the water brooks, so panteth my soul after thee, O God Psalm 42:1 (KJV)    

…As a deer longs for flowing streams, so my soul longs for you, O God.  Psalm 42:1  (GWT)

Confidence and trust in the Lord is the way we navigate as He takes control of the “wheel” driving us, guiding us, leading us, touching us.  He is the ultimate GPS system and the only one we’ll ever need. With Him–our Sovereign God— as our GPS we are never lost, nor are we swallowed up by the “fog” that we’ll encounter on our spiritual path.

He is our resilient and brilliant Light that will “break through” the fog, darkness and disarray that attempts to overtake us. With His power and His name…we are safe…always.

Trust in Him always. Love Him always. Give Him all the glory and honor and praise, always. And, believe in His word…in Him…and all else will fall into place, no matter how lopsided or “evil” the world gets. We will be in the safe Harbor of His loving arms and protection.  Never to be lost ever again…Amen.

 

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. Proverbs 3:5-6 ( KJV)

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In God have I put my trust: I will not be afraid what man can do unto me  Psalm 56:11 (KJV)