DEAR GOD: May I Always Journey With You & For You~

by C D SWANSON // February 13, 2025 // No Comments

The Journey of Being a Good Christian

Opening Scripture: “And he said to him, ‘You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment. And a second is like it: You shall love your neighbor as yourself.'” —Matthew 22:37-39 (ESV)

The Upside of Being a Good Christian

Being a good Christian brings an abundance of joy and fulfillment. The knowledge that we are loved unconditionally by God and that we are part of His eternal plan provides a sense of peace and purpose that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). We find joy in serving others, knowing that our actions reflect the love of Christ (Galatians 5:13). The fellowship we share with other believers strengthens our faith and creates a supportive community that uplifts us in times of need (Hebrews 10:24-25).

The Challenging Sides

However, the Christian Walk is not without its challenges. Jesus warned us that we would face trials and tribulations in this world (John 16:33). Standing firm in our faith often requires us to go against the grain of society and face opposition or ridicule. The commitment to live a life that honors God can be difficult, especially when we are tempted by worldly desires (1 John 2:15-17). Yet, it is in these moments of struggle that our faith is refined and strengthened.

The Frustrating Sides

Frustration can arise when we see the brokenness of the world and the suffering of those without faith. We may feel helpless as we witness injustice, pain, and the rejection of God’s truth. It’s disheartening to see others searching for meaning and purpose in all the wrong places, unaware of the hope and salvation found in Christ (Romans 1:21-23). In these times, we must remember to lean on God’s strength and trust in His sovereign plan.

The Struggles and Difficulties Facing Those with No Belief

For those without belief, the journey can be even more daunting. Life can feel directionless, and the weight of the world’s troubles can be overwhelming without the anchor of faith. The search for identity and purpose often leads to disappointment and disillusionment. As Christians, we are called to be a light in the darkness, offering hope and guidance to those who are lost (Matthew 5:14-16).

Conducting Ourselves with Grace and Love

Through it all, we must conduct ourselves with grace and love, embodying the teachings of Christ. We are called to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). By displaying the fruit of the Spirit—love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control—we can make a positive impact on the world around us (Galatians 5:22-23).

A Small Poem

In the light of His love, we stand,
Guided by His gentle hand.
Through trials and joy, we find our way,
with faith and hope, we kneel and pray.

Closing Scripture

“Let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.” —Galatians 6:9 (ESV)

Prayer

“LORD-Heavenly Father, we thank You for the incredible gift of Your love and grace. Help us to live each day as good Christians, reflecting Your love in all that we do. Strengthen us in times of challenge and frustration and guide us to be a beacon of hope for those who are lost. May we always conduct ourselves with grace, embodying the teachings of Christ. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.”

God Bless You All~

Journey to Faith - KCM Europe

DEAR GOD: The Resilient and Truthful Nature of Love – Which is You LORD!

by C D SWANSON // February 12, 2025 // No Comments

“Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things.” -1 Corinthians 13: 6-7

In these verses, the Apostle Paul provides a profound and timeless insight into the nature of true Christian love. This passage is part of the famous “Love Chapter,” which delineates the characteristics of love in its purest form.

Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; True love finds no pleasure in unrighteousness or injustice. It does not delight in the downfall or moral failures of others but celebrates the triumph of truth. In a world often filled with deception and malice, Christian love stands as a beacon of integrity, rejoicing in honesty, transparency, and righteousness.

Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Here, Paul emphasizes the resilient and unwavering nature of love. Love “beareth all things,” meaning it is willing to endure hardships and challenges. It “believeth all things,” which speaks to the trust and faith that love instills, always giving the benefit of the doubt. “Hopeth all things” points to love’s optimistic and forward-looking nature, always anticipating good and remaining positive. Lastly, love “endureth all things,” showcasing its strength and perseverance even in the face of trials.

Reflective Questions:

How can we actively ensure that our love for others is grounded in truth and not in unrighteousness?
In what ways can we demonstrate a love that bears, believes, hopes, and endures through the challenges of everyday life?
How do these attributes of love challenge our current understanding and practice of love within our relationships?

Moral Thoughts and Christian Beliefs: As followers of Christ, we are called to embody this selfless and resilient love in our daily interactions. Our love must mirror the love of Christ, who bore our sins, believed in our redemption, hoped for our salvation, and endured the cross for our sake. This passage calls us to a higher standard of love—one that is not fleeting or conditional but is steadfast and eternal.

Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your unfailing love, as demonstrated through Your Son, Jesus Christ. Help us to embody the love described in 1 Corinthians 13:6-7. Guide us to rejoice in the truth and to love others selflessly and with enduring faith. May our love reflect Your divine nature, bearing all things, believing all things, hoping all things, and enduring all things. Strengthen our hearts to love as You love, bringing light and hope to those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: We’re Keeping YOU as Our Ultimate Champion!”

by C D SWANSON // February 8, 2025 // No Comments

God in Everything

The Super Bowl and Our Love of Sports: A Personal Reflection

As the Super Bowl approaches, the nation gears up for one of the most anticipated sporting events of the year. Fans don their team colors, prepare lavish spreads, and gather with friends and family to cheer on their favorite teams. The excitement is palpable, and the devotion to the game and its players is awe-inspiring.

There’s something uniquely compelling about the world of sports. It unites people across cultures and backgrounds, providing a common ground where differences melt away. Athletes become heroes, their feats of strength and skill leaving us in awe. The Super Bowl, in particular, has grown into more than just a game; it’s a cultural phenomenon, an event that captures the collective attention of millions.

However, amidst this fervor, it’s essential to reflect on the place sports occupy in our lives. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying sports and celebrating the achievements of athletes. Yet, it becomes a problem when these passions overshadow our devotion to God and when the game and its stars are placed above our Creator in our hearts.

Imagine if we channeled just a tenth of the passion we have for sports into our spiritual lives. Imagine if the energy spent memorizing player stats was instead dedicated to studying the Word. Our souls would thrive, and our relationship with God would deepen.

The Bible reminds us of the importance of keeping God first in our lives. In Matthew 6:33 (KJV), we are told, “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” This verse highlights the need to prioritize our spiritual journey above all else.

Another scripture that speaks to this balance is 1 Timothy 4:8 (KJV), which says, “For bodily exercise profiteth little: but godliness is profitable unto all things, having promise of the life that now is, and of that which is to come.” While physical pursuits have their place, it is our pursuit of godliness that holds eternal value.

As we cheer for our favorite teams and revel in the excitement of the Super Bowl, let us also take time to reflect on our spiritual priorities. Are we giving God the attention and devotion He deserves? Are we allowing our love for sports to eclipse our love for Him?

Reflective questions to ponder:

Do I spend more time following sports than I do in prayer and reading the Bible?
Is my enthusiasm for the game greater than my enthusiasm for sharing God’s love with others?
How can I better balance my love for sports with my commitment to my faith?

Moral thoughts and attitudes to consider:

Enjoying sports is not inherently wrong, but it should never take precedence over our relationship with God.
We can admire athletes and celebrate their accomplishments, but our ultimate hero and guide should always be Jesus Christ.
By keeping our focus on God, we can find true fulfillment and purpose that transcends the temporary excitement of any game.

In closing, let us remember that God is our quarterback, our team captain, and our star athlete every day. He leads us, guides us, and strengthens us in ways no human can. Let us prioritize our relationship with Him and find joy in His presence. Remember that God is our “everything” and the only One that sustains, maintains, and loves us fully beyond our human comprehension. He is essentially all things to all people. He is our star Quarterback, He is our team Captain, He is our Coach, He is our Manager, He is our Boss, and He is our Father and LORD of lords, King of kings!

“LORD-we thank You for the joy and excitement that sports bring into our lives. Help us to keep our priorities in order and to seek You first in all things. Bless the athletes and teams participating in the Super Bowl, and may they compete with integrity and respect. Guide us to balance our love for sports with our love for You, and may our lives reflect Your glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.”

Blessings and good wishes to both teams in the Super Bowl. May the best team win, and may we all keep our hearts focused on what truly matters- Our LORD and Savior, Jesus Christ!

God Bless you All~

God in Everything

DEAR GOD: I Embrace Your Multifaceted Grace~

by C D SWANSON // February 5, 2025 // No Comments

Grace has no But

The LORD’s multifaceted personality and boundless grace are woven throughout the scriptures, revealing His deep love, justice, mercy, and wisdom. His personality is a rich tapestry, reflecting His unwavering commitment to righteousness, His compassion for the brokenhearted, and His desire for a relationship with His creation.

Scriptures:

Psalm 145:8-9: “The LORD is gracious and compassionate, slow to anger and rich in love. The LORD is good to all; he has compassion on all he has made.”
James 1:5: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you.”
Isaiah 40:31: “But those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.”

Reflective Questions:

How can I experience and share the LORD’s grace in my daily interactions?
In what ways can I seek and reflect God’s wisdom in my decisions?
How does trusting in the LORD’s strength change my approach to life’s challenges?

Moral Thoughts: The multifaceted nature of God calls us to live a life of integrity and compassion. As we experience His grace, we are encouraged to extend that grace to others. Reflecting on His justice and mercy, we are reminded to seek fairness and kindness in all our actions. Our purpose as Christians is to walk in His light, to be examples of His love, and to carry His message of hope to the world.

Christian Purpose and Life: Our purpose as followers of Christ is to grow in our relationship with God and to serve others with the love and grace we have received. We are called to be salt and light in the world, to make a difference by living out our faith authentically. This involves not only personal spiritual growth but also actively working towards justice, compassion, and peace in our communities.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, we stand in awe of Your multifaceted personality and boundless grace. We thank You for Your unwavering love, Your profound wisdom, and Your compassionate heart. Help us to grow in our understanding of You and to reflect Your character in all that we do. Guide us to seek Your wisdom, to extend Your grace, and to walk in Your truth. Strengthen us to face life’s challenges with courage and faith, knowing that You are always with us. May our lives be a testament to Your goodness and glory. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Blessing: May the LORD’s grace abound in your life, His wisdom guide your steps, and His love surround you always. May you find strength in His presence and joy in His promises. Go forth with the peace and assurance that comes from knowing you are deeply loved and cherished by your Heavenly Father.

Scripture to Ponder: 2 Corinthians 12:9: “But he said to me, ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’ Therefore I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.”

God Bless you all as you reflect on these thoughts, and may they enrich your walk with the LORD today and always – Amen!

7 Beautiful Examples of God's Grace in the Old Testament

DEAR GOD: Seeking Your Kingdom My LORD~

by C D SWANSON // December 27, 2024 // No Comments

Seek Ye First the Kingdom of God: A Timeless Pursuit

Matthew 6:33 (KJV) “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

A Modern-Day Parable: The Tale of Emily

Once upon a time in a bustling city lived a young woman named Emily. Emily was ambitious, intelligent, and driven by a desire to succeed in her career. She worked tirelessly, hoping to secure a promotion that would signify her success. Despite her efforts, she often felt empty and stressed, unable to find true contentment in her achievements.

One Sunday, feeling particularly overwhelmed, Emily decided to visit a nearby church. During the sermon, the pastor shared the verse from Matthew 6:33: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.”

The words struck a chord with Emily. She realized that in her relentless pursuit of worldly success, she had neglected her spiritual life. Emily decided to embark on a new journey, one that prioritized seeking God’s kingdom and righteousness above all else.

Reflective Questions

In what ways might I be prioritizing worldly pursuits over my relationship with God?
How can I incorporate the pursuit of God’s kingdom into my daily routine?
What changes can I make to ensure that my actions and decisions align with God’s righteousness?

Biblical Times vs. Today

In biblical times, the call to seek God’s kingdom first was a radical departure from the prevalent focus on material wealth and social status. The Israelites were often tempted to prioritize their own needs and desires over their spiritual obligations. Jesus’ teaching in Matthew 6:33 served as a powerful reminder to realign their priorities with God’s divine plan.

Today, the pursuit of success, wealth, and status remains a dominant theme in our society. We are constantly bombarded with messages that equate material possessions and achievements with happiness and fulfillment. However, the timeless wisdom of Matthew 6:33 calls us to a higher standard—one that places our relationship with God at the center of our lives.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV) “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.”

Deep Thoughts and Analysis

Prioritizing God’s Kingdom Today

Daily Devotion: Start each day with prayer and Bible study, seeking God’s guidance and wisdom. This practice sets the tone for a day focused on His kingdom.
Aligning Goals: Evaluate your personal and professional goals to ensure they reflect God’s righteousness. Consider how your actions can serve His purposes and bring glory to His name.
Serving Others: Emulate Jesus’ example by serving others selflessly. Acts of kindness and compassion not only benefit those around you but also reflect the values of God’s kingdom.
Community Involvement: Engage with your local church and community. Fellowship with other believers strengthens your faith and provides opportunities to grow spiritually.
Trusting God’s Provision: Have faith that God will provide for your needs as you prioritize His kingdom. Trusting in His provision frees you from the anxiety and stress that often accompany worldly pursuits.

Philippians 4:19 (KJV) “But my God shall supply all your need according to his riches in glory by Christ Jesus.”

A Prayer of Dedication

“O gracious and loving Lord, we come before Thee with hearts full of gratitude for Your guidance and provision. Help us to seek Your kingdom and righteousness above all else, trusting in Your promise to provide for our needs. Lord, grant us the strength to prioritize our relationship with You in all aspects of our lives. May we reflect Your love and righteousness in our actions, serving others with humility and compassion. Lord, guide us through the challenges and temptations of this world, and help us to remain steadfast in our faith. May Your kingdom come and Your will be done in our lives, now and forever. In Jesus name Amen.”

Scripture to Ponder

Proverbs 16:3 (KJV) “Commit thy works unto the Lord, and thy thoughts shall be established.”

A Blessing for the Readers

May the Lord bless and keep you; may He shine His face upon you and be gracious unto you. May He lift up His countenance upon you and give you peace. As you seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness, may you experience His abundant blessings and provision.

May this reflection inspire you to prioritize your relationship with God and to seek His Kingdom in all that you do.

God Bless You All

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Loving Me~

by C D SWANSON // December 18, 2024 // No Comments

Commentary on God’s Love and Passion

God’s love is the cornerstone of our faith, an unchanging and unwavering force that guides and sustains us. His passion for us is evident throughout Scripture, showing a deep, abiding love that desires our hearts in return. God’s love is not passive; it is active, intentional, and sacrificial.

God’s Love for Us

God’s love is unconditional and eternal. He loved us first, even before we knew Him. His love is demonstrated most profoundly through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross. This ultimate act of love shows the lengths to which God will go to reconcile us to Himself.

John 3:16 (KJV): “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”

Romans 5:8 (KJV): “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

Living for God and His Love

Living for God means aligning our lives with His will and reflecting His love in our actions. It involves seeking His voice in our daily decisions and striving to embody the values He has set before us. Our love for God is expressed through obedience, worship, and service to others.

1 John 4:19 (KJV): “We love him, because he first loved us.”

Moral Thoughts and Christian Values

Unconditional Love: Just as God loves us unconditionally, we are called to love others without judgment or expectation.
Sacrifice: Following Jesus’ example, we should be willing to make sacrifices for the sake of others and the Kingdom of God.
Service: Serving others is a tangible way to express God’s love and grace. It’s through service that we become the hands and feet of Christ in the world.

Following God’s Voice

To follow God’s voice, we must be attuned to His Word and the promptings of the Holy Spirit. This involves regular prayer, meditation on Scripture, and a willingness to be obedient, even when it’s difficult.

Proverbs 3:5-6 (KJV): “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.”

Living for God Daily

Prayer and Reflection: Start each day with prayer, seeking God’s guidance and strength. Reflect on His Word and let it shape your thoughts and actions.
Scripture Study: Regularly read and meditate on the Bible. Allow its truths to renew your mind and direct your path.
Acting in Love: Show love and kindness in all your interactions. Let your actions be a reflection of God’s love within you.
Community: Engage with a community of believers who can support and encourage you in your faith journey.