Author Archives: C D SWANSON

DEAR GOD: You Are The Sacred Compass: Guarding the Heart Toward Eternal Peace”

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Peace Of God

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) –

“Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.”

 

This verse is a quiet call to sacred stewardship. The heart—seat of thought, emotion, and spiritual discernment—is not merely a vessel of feeling, but the compass of one’s entire life. To guard it is to tend it with reverence, to shield it from bitterness, distraction, and despair, and to nourish it with truth, grace, and peace.

The course of life does not begin with external circumstances, but with the inner terrain. When the heart is anchored in wisdom, the path ahead becomes clearer. When it is clouded by fear or woundedness, even the brightest road can feel uncertain.

This verse invites a daily practice of intentionality: to pause, reflect, and ask what is shaping the heart today. Is it love or anxiety? Faith or fatigue? The answer will ripple outward into every decision, every relationship, every moment.

To guard the heart is not to harden it—it is to honor its sacred role in shaping a life of purpose, peace, and eternal alignment.

The heart is not just the emotional center—it is the spiritual command post. It is where convictions are formed, where truth is weighed, and where the voice of God is either welcomed or drowned out. Scripture urges us to guard it “above all else,” because everything else flows from it: our words, our choices, our relationships, our legacy.

Guarding the heart is not a passive act—it is a daily discipline. It means choosing what we allow to enter through the gates of our eyes and ears. It means filtering every thought through the lens of God’s Word. It means refusing to let bitterness take root, even when wounds run deep. It means cultivating joy, even when circumstances feel heavy.

When the heart is guarded by grace, it becomes a vessel of divine clarity. Decisions are no longer driven by impulse or fear, but by faith and discernment. The course of life begins to reflect heaven’s rhythm—steady, purposeful, and full of peace. Even in seasons of uncertainty, a guarded heart remains anchored, because it is held by the One who sees the end from the beginning.

This verse also reminds us that the heart is where eternity begins. What we treasure there—whether it be God’s truth or worldly distractions—shapes not only our earthly path but our eternal destination. To guard the heart is to prepare it for glory, to make it a dwelling place for the Spirit, and to align it with the promises of God.

In a world that constantly pulls us in a thousand directions, this verse calls us back to center. It invites us to live from the inside out, to let God shape our inner life so that our outer life reflects His goodness. It is a call to sacred stewardship, to holy vigilance, and to unwavering trust in the One who knows our hearts better than we do.

“LORD- You are the Keeper of our hearts and the Shepherd of our souls. Teach us to guard the sacred space within us, to protect it from distraction, deception, and despair. Let Your Word be the filter through which every thought passes, and Your Spirit the guide for every decision we make. May our hearts be tender to Your leading, firm in Your truth, and full of Your peace. Shape the course of our lives according to Your will, and let every step reflect the beauty of a heart aligned with eternity. We praise You for Your faithfulness, for the gift of Your presence, and for the eternal reward that awaits those who walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are Truly The One That Brings Salvation~

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Jesus Salvation

Psalm 62:1 (KJV)
“Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.”

🌿 The Stillness That Saves

In a world that prizes urgency, Psalm 62:1 invites us into a sacred pause. “Truly my soul waiteth upon God”—not with impatience, but with reverent expectancy. This is not passive waiting; it is the soul leaning in, listening for the whisper of grace. The psalmist does not seek salvation from circumstance, achievement, or human intervention. He knows that salvation—rescue, renewal, and rest—comes from God alone.

To wait upon the Lord is to trust that His timing is not a delay but a design. It is to believe that the silence is not abandonment, but preparation. In this waiting, the soul is refined. We learn to distinguish noise from truth, urgency from purpose, and fear from faith. The Lord becomes not just our deliverer, but our dwelling place.

This verse is a love letter to divine patience. It reminds us that the deepest peace is not found in answers, but in presence. When we wait upon God, we are not idle—we are held.

🕊️ Reflective Questions

  • What does it mean for your soul to wait upon God today?
  • Where have you sought salvation apart from Him?
  • How might waiting become a form of worship in your life?

📖 Supportive Scripture

  • Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…”
  • Lamentations 3:25 – “The Lord is good unto them that wait for him…”
  • Psalm 130:5 – “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.”

🙏 Prayer

“LORD- teach me to wait with trust, not tension. Let my soul rest in Your presence, knowing that salvation is not earned—it is received. I surrender my timelines, my striving, and my fears. You alone are my hope In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Waiting For Us~

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And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.” — Isaiah 30:18

  The Gentle Power of Trusting God’s Timing

There is something tender in this verse—something that turns the ache of waiting into a holy invitation. Not only do we wait for the Lord, but He waits for us. He waits to be gracious. He waits to pour out mercy. He waits to be exalted in our lives—not through rushed answers, but through the slow unfolding of His perfect will.

Isaiah 30:18 reminds us that waiting is not punishment. It is preparation. It is the space where grace gathers, where mercy deepens, and where the Lord’s character is revealed. He is not distant or indifferent. He is deliberate. He is near.

This verse also speaks of judgment, not in the sense of condemnation, but of divine discernment. The Lord knows when to act, how to act, and what is best. His timing is not random—it is righteous. And those who wait for Him are called blessed. Not just later, but now. Blessed in the waiting. Blessed in the trusting. Blessed in the quiet surrender.

Psalm 130:5 echoes this heart: “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.” It’s not just about waiting for change—it’s about waiting in hope. Hope that His Word is true. Hope that His heart is kind. Hope that His mercy is already moving toward us.

Even in Exodus 14:14, we hear the whisper: “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is be still. To hold our peace while He holds our future.

So, if today feels like another quiet stretch of unanswered questions, let it also be a sanctuary. The Lord is waiting to be gracious to you. And you, beloved, are blessed in the waiting.

 “LORD- Thank You for waiting for me. Thank You for mercy that moves slowly, tenderly, and perfectly. Teach me to rest in Your timing, to trust Your heart, and to find peace in Your presence. Let my waiting be worship. Let my silence be strength. I receive Your grace, even before the answer comes. You are good, and I am blessed. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: We Are Cleansed by Promise – And Set Us Free~

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Spiritual Cleansing | Word of god, Psalms, Christian life

2 Corinthians 7:1
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

This verse is a tender yet urgent call to spiritual refinement, rooted in the promises of God and directed toward the beloved community of believers. Paul begins with “Having therefore these promises,” referring to the divine assurances mentioned in the previous chapter—promises of God’s presence, adoption, and sanctification. These are not abstract hopes but covenantal truths: “I will dwell in them, and walk in them… I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Such intimacy with God demands a response—not of fear-driven obligation, but of love-infused reverence.

The phrase “let us cleanse ourselves” implies active participation. Though salvation is a gift, sanctification is a journey. We are called to cooperate with the Spirit, removing both outward impurities (“filthiness of the flesh”) and inward corruption (“filthiness of the spirit”). This dual cleansing speaks to both visible sins and hidden attitudes—bitterness, pride, envy, and unbelief. Holiness is not merely moral behavior; it is the alignment of our entire being with the heart of God.

“Perfecting holiness” suggests a process, not a moment. It is the continual pursuit of purity, maturity, and Christlikeness. The word “perfecting” implies bringing something to completion. We are not passive recipients but active builders of a life that reflects God’s glory.

Finally, “in the fear of God” anchors this pursuit in reverence, not dread. This fear is awe, honor, and deep respect for the One who is holy, loving, and just. It is the kind of fear that draws us closer, not pushes us away. It is the fear that says, “I love You too much to grieve You.”

In essence, this verse is a blueprint for spiritual growth: grounded in promise, fueled by love, and aimed at holiness.

 Supportive Scriptures

  • Romans 12:1–2 – “Present your bodies a living sacrifice… be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
  • 1 Peter 1:15–16 – “Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
  • James 4:8 – “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
  • Psalm 24:3–4 – “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?… He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.”
  • Hebrews 12:14 – “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
  • Galatians 5:16–17 – “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
  • 2 Timothy 2:21 – “If a man therefore purge himself… he shall be a vessel unto honour.”

 “LORD- Thank You for Your promises that invite us into intimacy, purity, and peace. Help us to cleanse ourselves—not in our own strength, but by Your Spirit. May we reject every impurity of flesh and spirit, and pursue holiness with reverent love. Teach us to walk in awe of You, not out of fear, but out of deep devotion. Let our lives reflect Your beauty, and may our hearts be sanctuaries of Your presence. Strengthen us daily to perfect holiness, and to honor You in every thought, word, and deed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD WITH LOVE: You Are Our Sunrise 24 Hrs~

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 “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” —Nahum 1:7 (ESV)

Nahum is a book many pass over—tucked between Micah and Habakkuk, often remembered only for its judgments against Nineveh. Yet within its thunderous warnings lies a verse of tender clarity: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”

This is not a distant declaration—it’s a morning promise. In the quiet hours when fears stir and decisions loom, this verse reminds us that God’s goodness is not abstract. It is a shelter. A stronghold. A knowing.

To be known by God is more than being seen—it is being understood, remembered, and protected. The Hebrew word for “knows” here implies intimate awareness, like a shepherd who knows each sheep by name and gait. In the day of trouble—whether financial uncertainty, emotional weariness, or relational strain—He doesn’t just offer help. He offers Himself.

This verse also affirms that refuge is not weakness. To take refuge in God is to choose trust over panic, surrender over striving. It is to say, “I will not be shaken, because I am held.”

Supportive Scriptures (ESV):

  • “God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” —Psalm 46:1
  • “He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” —Psalm 91:1
  • “You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” —Psalm 119:114
  • “The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” —Proverbs 18:10

Together, these verses form a tapestry of Divine protection. They remind us that morning light is not just the sun—it is the Presence of God breaking into our wilderness with warmth and clarity.

“LORD-thank You for being my stronghold when the world feels uncertain. You are good—not just in theory, but in every detail of my life. You know me. You see the burdens I carry and the hopes I hold. Teach me to take refuge in You—not just in crisis, but in every quiet morning. Let Your love be my first light, and Your Word my shelter. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Our Commission & Our Daily Obedience To Follow You~

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Why the Great Commission is Essential for Every Christian?

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” —2 Peter 3:9

The Gentle Waiting of God: Our Commission, Our Daily Obedience

In the quiet moments of our lives—those spaces between longing and fulfillment—God waits. Not with impatience or frustration, but with a love so deep and enduring that it stretches across generations, circumstances, and even our resistance. His patience is not passive; it is purposeful. It is the divine rhythm of grace, calling us gently, persistently, into alignment with His will.

We are here not by accident, but by divine appointment. Each breath we take is a reminder that we are commissioned by the Lord to reflect His glory, to walk in His truth, and to extend His love to a world aching for redemption. Our lives are not our own—they are vessels of His mercy, instruments of His peace, and testimonies of His faithfulness.

The commission of the Lord is clear: to love Him with all our heart, soul, and mind, and to love others as ourselves. To go into all the world and make disciples, yes—but also to abide. To dwell daily in His Word, to seek His face in prayer, and to surrender our plans for His perfect will. Obedience is not a burden—it is a love response. It is the daily yes to the One who waited for us, who waits still, and who will never stop pursuing our hearts.

God’s waiting is not weakness—it is strength cloaked in compassion. He waits for the prodigal, for the weary, for the doubting. He waits for us to trust Him enough to let go. And in that waiting, He teaches us to wait too. To wait on His timing, His provision, His healing. To wait with hope, not despair. With faith, not fear.

To abide in His Word daily is to anchor ourselves in truth. It is to drink deeply from the well that never runs dry. It is to be reminded, again and again, that we are loved, chosen, and called. And in that abiding, we find the courage to obey—not out of obligation, but out of adoration.

📜 Supporting Scriptures:

  • John 15:4-5 — “Abide in me, and I in you… for without me ye can do nothing.”
  • Micah 6:8 — “He hath shewed thee… what is good; and what doth the Lord require of thee, but to do justly, and to love mercy, and to walk humbly with thy God?”
  • Romans 12:1 — “Present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.”
  • Isaiah 40:31 — “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…”
  • Matthew 28:19-20 — “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you…”

” Heavenly Father, Thank You for Your patient love that never gives up on us. Thank You for waiting, for calling, for commissioning us to walk in Your truth. Teach us to abide daily in Your Word, to obey with joy, and to wait with trust. May our lives reflect Your grace and fulfill the purpose You’ve placed within us. Strengthen us to walk humbly, love deeply, and serve faithfully. We surrender our plans to Your perfect will and ask for Your peace to guide us each day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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DEAR GOD WITH LOVE: I Choose Peace–Which Means You~

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Living for God: Christ's Peace

Isaiah 32:17 (KJV)-
 “And the work of righteousness shall be peace; and the effect of righteousness quietness and assurance for ever.”

 Dear God, In a world that often rushes, demands, and overwhelms, You offer something radically different: peace that flows from righteousness, not performance. You don’t ask me to earn rest—you invite me to receive it. The fruit of walking rightly with You isn’t just moral—it’s emotional. It’s quietness. It’s assurance. It’s the gentle knowing that I am held, guided, and never alone.

When I feel anxious about finances, health, traffic, noise, or change, You remind me that peace isn’t found in the absence of movement—it’s found in the Presence of You. You build peace around me like a shelter. You whisper calm into my anxious thoughts. You lead me beside still waters, even when the world feels like a highway.

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3 (KJV)

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.” Psalm 23:2 (KJV)

Beloved Brothers and Sisters –
This new season—perhaps some of us are considering a possible move, a new place to go for medical help, or maybe one of us may have received bad news, or facing a crises of some kind, maybe even angry about something that hasn’t happened yet, or already has happened -or following a new component in our lives – this shift in routine—is not a step into chaos. It’s a step into a new rhythm of rest, handcrafted by You LORD. We don’t have to fear the road ahead, because You’ve already walked it. You’ve paved it with grace. You’ve softened it with mercy. And You’ve lined it with quiet assurance for all of Your children. And we are placing our utmost trust in You –
(Proverbs 3:5-8) – may we always follow Your path.

 Reflective Question –
Where in my life do I need to release fear and receive the peace God has already prepared for me?

“LORD,” Thank You for being my peace. Thank You for building quietness around me—not just in my home, but in my heart. When I feel overwhelmed, remind me that You are near. When I fear the unknown, remind me that You’ve already gone before me. Let Your righteousness guide my steps, and let Your assurance settle my soul. I choose peace today—not because I’m strong, but because You are. With love, I trust You. In Jesus name. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Peace Always Silences Worry~

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“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT)

Peace That Silences Worry

 This passage is a gentle command and a powerful promise. God doesn’t dismiss our concerns—He invites us to hand them over. When we choose prayer over panic and gratitude over grumbling, His peace steps in like a guard at the gate of our hearts. It’s not a peace we earn—it’s a peace we receive. And it’s stronger than anxiety, deeper than fear, and steadier than any storm.

Anxiety often feels like a thief—stealing our sleep, our joy, and our clarity. But God doesn’t ask us to fight it alone. He offers a divine exchange: our worry for His peace. This isn’t a shallow peace that depends on circumstances—it’s a supernatural calm that flows from trust in His presence.

Paul’s words in Philippians are both practical and profound. He doesn’t say “don’t feel anxious”—he says, “don’t stay anxious.” The way out is through prayer. Not just formal prayer, but honest, daily conversation with God. When we tell Him what we need and thank Him for what He’s already done, we shift our focus from fear to faith.

Gratitude is a spiritual weapon. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and opens the door to peace. And that peace isn’t passive—it actively guards our hearts and minds. Like a sentry standing watch, it protects us from spiraling thoughts and emotional overwhelm.

 Prayer:

Father, I come to You with everything that weighs on me. I release my worries, my fears, and my unknowns into Your hands. Teach me to pray with trust and to thank You even before the answer comes. Let Your peace flood my heart and mind, calming every anxious thought. Help me live in the freedom of Your presence, knowing You are near and faithful. Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Hold Us Above The Waters & Shine

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 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” — Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

💬 Comment Insight:

Life can feel like a flood—grief, debt, illness, uncertainty—all rushing in at once, threatening to pull us under. But Isaiah reminds us that God doesn’t just watch from the shore. He steps into the waters with us. His Presence is our life raft, His promises our anchor. Even when we feel like we’re sinking, He holds us up—not always by removing the storm, but by strengthening us to endure it. Somehow, we keep breathing. Somehow, we keep walking. That “somehow” is Him.

Hang in there my friends – life will get better – the LIGHT is always shining – even behind the dark stormy clouds.  Amen!

🙏 Prayer:

LORD-when the waters rise and my strength fades, remind me that You are near. Lift me above the flood of fear and fatigue. Be my steady ground when everything else shifts. Thank You for the grace that carries me when I cannot carry myself. I trust You to keep me afloat, to guide me through, and to renew my strength day by day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Jennifer – A Light That Still Shines~

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🌟 In Loving Memory of Jennifer Woodley

A Woman of the Word, A Light to the World

Jennifer Woodley was more than a wife, mother, grandmother, chaplain, daughter, sibling, and friend—she was a Godly woman, radiant with the love of the Lord. Her life was a living testimony to the power of scripture, not merely studied but embodied in every breath, every word, every act of compassion.

Across oceans and time zones, her presence was felt—warm, wise, and unwavering. She was a spiritual mentor whose encouragement reached far beyond her physical reach. Her charm, wit, grace, and vibrance were unmistakable, yet it was her gentle strength and deep faith that made her unforgettable.

📖 A Heart Anchored in the Word

Jennifer’s love for God was the heartbeat of her life. She delighted in the Word—not just reading it, but diving deep, mining its truths, and allowing it to shape her every thought and action. Scripture was her compass, her comfort, and her joy. She often said that the Bible was not just a book—it was her lifeline, her daily bread, her source of wisdom and peace.

She didn’t keep this treasure to herself. As a school chaplain, Jennifer poured out her love for God into the hearts of children. She taught them not only Bible stories, but how to walk with Jesus, how to pray, how to listen for His voice. Her classroom was a sanctuary, her presence a reflection of Christ’s gentleness and joy. Children gravitated toward her because they sensed something holy, something safe, something real.

🤝 A Life of Fellowship and Humility

Jennifer loved fellowshipping about God every chance she got. Whether in church, over tea, or through messages across the ocean, she was always ready to speak of His goodness. Her conversations were rich with scripture, layered with grace, and filled with encouragement. She never sought attention or accolades—she simply wanted to glorify the Lord and uplift others.

Her humility was striking. Though she was wise, articulate, and spiritually mature, she carried herself with a pristine gentleness. She never boasted, never demanded, never judged. She lived with quiet dignity, always pointing others to Jesus rather than herself. Her life was a sermon—unspoken but unmistakable.

🌈 A Crown Well Earned

Even as she faced medical challenges, Jennifer never complained. She bore her suffering with grace, always giving glory to God.

She clung to the promise of Romans 8:18: –“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

And she lived by the hope of 2 Corinthians 4:17: –“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Now, Jennifer has received her crown of righteousness, as promised in 2 Timothy 4:7–8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…”

🙏 A Prayer of Thanks

“LORD, we thank You for the life of Jennifer Woodley—a woman whose heart- beat in rhythm with Yours. Thank You for the wisdom she shared, the comfort she gave, and the light she carried. We are grateful for her friendship, her mentorship, and her unwavering faith.

Thank You for the children she nurtured, the friends she encouraged, and the Word she lived so beautifully. May her legacy continue to inspire us to live boldly for You. May her crown shine as a testimony to a race well run. And may we, one day, rejoice with her in eternal glory.

Until we meet again, dear Jennifer—rest in the arms of the Savior you loved so deeply. You are missed, cherished, and celebrated, always.

Enjoy the feast with the Lamb – you earned your crown my dear friend – and humble servant of the LORD.

In Jesus name, Amen.

On a personal note –
Jennifer, I know you are in the Presence of the One you loved so deeply, reaping the eternal rewards of a life well lived. I am happy and celebrate you going home in glory, but I miss you already.
I will miss our weekly emails that made me laugh and smile so wide. I will miss your wisdom and unparalleled wisdom in the LORD and scripture.
I will miss your encouragement, your compassion and your valued input and insight. Sunday’s will never quite be the same without your email from Australia sitting in my mailbox. But I am so grateful that God gave me such a gift as your friendship for 15 years. I was blessed and honored to have known you. Losing a loved one is hard, and losing such a close friend hurts to the core, but brings me joy, again knowing where you are, and out of pain and in peace. Thank you for being my friend, colleague, and spiritual sister. You were the best of the best.
And now – I bid you a loving and heartfelt adieu my kind sweet friend.
I will never forget you – and WILL see you again.
Lots of love,
Me~