Author Archives: C D SWANSON

DEAR GOD: The Wonder Of You~

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Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” — Psalm 145:3

The Wonder of the LORD
by C D SWANSON~

There are moments when the soul simply stops and stares — not with the eyes, but with the heart — at the sheer wonder of the LORD. His greatness is not something we measure; it is something we behold. Scripture tells us His greatness is unsearchable, not because He hides it, but because it is too vast, too radiant, too eternal for the human mind to contain.

Every sunrise is a brushstroke of His imagination. Every breath we take is a quiet reminder that He sustains us. Every creature, from the smallest sparrow to the mighty whale, moves according to a design older than time. And woven into all of this is His love — a love that shapes galaxies yet bends low enough to comfort a single heart.

When we look at the world through this lens, even the simplest things become sacred. The way light dances on water. The hush of morning air. The rhythm of our own heartbeat. These are not accidents; they are invitations. Invitations to remember that the LORD is not distant. He is present, active, intentional, and endlessly creative.

His wonder is not only in what He made — it is in who He is. A God who forms stars with His word yet forms our hearts with His hands. A God whose power is limitless, yet whose gentleness is personal. A God who governs the universe yet listens when we whisper His name.

To live aware of His wonder is to live awake. Awake to beauty. Awake to purpose. Awake to the truth that we are part of His masterpiece, crafted with the same care as the heavens above. And when we recognize this, praise becomes natural — not forced, not formal, but flowing from a heart overwhelmed by His goodness.

LORD, open my eyes to Your wonder today. Let me see Your greatness in the world around me and in the quiet places of my own life. Teach me to pause, to notice, to worship. Fill my heart with awe, and let my life reflect the beauty of Your presence. Thank You for being both mighty and near, both Creator and Father. In Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Your Warmth In All Seasons~

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“He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.” — Psalm 147:16 (KJV)

Warmth In Winter And All Seasons
by C D SWANSON~

No matter the temperature outdoors, or the season. God’s love is sufficient to cover us at all times and His warmth covers us like a blanket of comfort.

The temperature this past 10 days have been frigid to say the least, but the Word keeps me warm and keeps me tethered in His love and promises, which ultimately ignite the fires of my soul.

When we are faithful and embrace His promises and keep His commandments we not only align with His Word, but we are adhering to His will for our lives and purpose for our existence. 

Looking out at the expansive landscape that is draped in snow and ice I see a lone Cardinal bird, sitting atop the bare branches, decorated by the magnificence of His beauty, resplendent against the backdrop of stark white.  Which brings me to think about Jesus Christ, pure as the driven snow, and His blood crimson as the Cardinal that covered us and redeemed us and brought about our salvation. 

Embrace the seasons, if you live in an area that has changing seasons – enjoy each one. Each one has a reason, and each one fulfills the purpose of God’s plans.  And for those who have year-round even temperature climate – enjoy the splendor of the consistency.  

In other words, enjoy all of God’s creations, weather, and all that His hands have made. “Because there isn’t anything made that wasn’t made by Him and for Him…”

“Father God, thank You for Your magnificence, Your Word, Your promises and Your love, thank You for Your Son our LORD and Savior, and thank You for always providing for our needs, and circumstances, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: My Eyes Are On You~

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Psalm 16:8 I keep my eyes always on the LORD. With Him at my right hand ...

“Mine eyes are ever toward the LORD; for he shall pluck my feet out of the net.” — Psalm 25:15

Keeping Your Eyes on the LORD
by C D SWANSON

There is a quiet power in this verse—a steadying force that speaks directly into the swirl of modern life. David isn’t describing a casual glance toward God; he’s describing a fixed gaze, a deliberate anchoring of attention. In a world that constantly pulls our focus in a thousand directions—notifications, worries, responsibilities, expectations—this verse calls us back to a singular center.

To keep our eyes on the LORD is to choose where our inner vision rests. It means refusing to let fear become our reference point. It means refusing to let circumstances dictate our peace. It means refusing to let the “nets” of life—stress, confusion, temptation, discouragement—define our direction.

David’s confidence is not in his ability to escape the net. His confidence is in the One who plucks him out. That word is active, intentional, rescuing. God does not merely watch us struggle; He intervenes with purpose. He sees the traps we don’t see. He knows the snares we walk into unknowingly. And when our eyes are fixed on Him, we are positioned to receive His guidance, His correction, His deliverance.

Today, keeping your eyes on the LORD might look like pausing before reacting. It might look like choosing prayer over panic. It might look like remembering His character when your emotions are loud. It might look like trusting His timing when everything feels delayed. It might look like surrendering the outcome instead of trying to control every detail.

This verse is not about perfection. It’s about direction. It’s about where your gaze returns when life pulls you off balance. And the beautiful truth is this: every time you lift your eyes back to Him, He meets you with mercy, not judgment. With help, not shame. With rescue, not rejection.

Lord, steady my heart and fix my gaze upon You.
When distractions rise, draw my eyes back to Your truth.
When fear whispers, remind me of Your faithfulness.
When I feel trapped, reach down and lift me out.
Teach me to trust Your timing, Your wisdom, and Your ways.
Let my life reflect a heart anchored in You alone. In Jesus name, 
Amen.

 

DEAR GOD: Love Your Unchanging Love & Mercy~

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“For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” — Malachi 3:6 (KJV)

Unchanging God, Unfailing Mercy
by C D SWANSON~

Malachi speaks into a weary, wandering people — a people who had drifted, doubted, and forgotten the God who carried them. Yet in this single verse, the Lord declares something breathtaking: His constancy is the reason we are still standing.

God does not shift with moods, seasons, or circumstances. He does not love us one day and withdraw the next. His mercy is not fragile. His patience is not thin. His covenant is not conditional.

When life feels unstable, when people disappoint, when our own hearts falter, this verse becomes an anchor. We are not consumed — not overwhelmed, not destroyed, not abandoned — because God is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

His mercy meets us every morning. His faithfulness holds us every night. His love outlasts every failure.

Malachi reminds us that God’s unchanging nature is not a theological idea — it is a personal rescue. It is the reason we wake up with hope. It is the reason we can return to Him again and again. It is the reason grace still flows.

Reflective Scriptures

  • “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not.” — Lamentations 3:22 (KJV)
  • “Jesus Christ the same yesterday, and to day, and for ever.” — Hebrews 13:8 (KJV)
  • “For the Lord is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” — Psalm 100:5 (KJV)

Personal Thoughts

There is something deeply comforting about knowing that God does not change. In a world where everything shifts — emotions, relationships, finances, health — His steady presence becomes a sanctuary. His mercy is not a moment; it is a daily gift. His love is not a phase; it is a lifetime covering.

When I read Malachi 3:6, I hear God saying: “You are still here because I am still here.” And that truth alone is enough to breathe peace into any storm.

Prayer

“Lord, thank You for being the God who never changes. Thank You that Your mercy meets me every morning and Your faithfulness carries me through every night. Teach me to rest in Your constancy, trust in Your character, and walk in Your grace. Let my life reflect gratitude for Your unending mercy. In Jesus name,  Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: Your Name Heals & Provides~

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Healing In His Wings

Malachi 4:2 (KJV) “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings…”

The Rising With Healing
by C D SWANSON~

This verse is one of the most tender promises in all of Scripture. Malachi paints a picture of God’s righteousness rising like the morning sun — steady, unstoppable, and full of warmth. The night may feel long, the shadows may cling to the edges of our hearts, but dawn is guaranteed. God Himself is the sunrise.

The phrase “healing in his wings” is breathtaking. In Hebrew imagery, the “wings” refer to the edges of a garment — the place where blessing, covering, and protection rest. It is the picture of God bending low, wrapping His presence around His people, and restoring what darkness tried to steal.

Just as the sun touches everything — rocks, waves, shorelines, valleys — God’s healing reaches every hidden place. Nothing is too broken, too bruised, or too far gone for His light. When the Sun of righteousness rises, He brings not only illumination but restoration. He does not simply reveal what is wounded; He heals it.

This is the promise for every heart that reverences His name: Morning is coming. Healing is coming. Hope is rising.

Reflective Thought

Where in my life do I need the Sun of righteousness to rise and bring healing today?

Supportive Scripture

Psalm 84:11 (KJV) “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory…”

“LORD let Your light rise over my life today. Shine into the places that feel weary, wounded, or hidden. Wrap me in the healing of Your presence, and let Your righteousness warm every cold corner of my heart. Thank You for being my sunrise, my shield, and my hope. Help me walk in the healing You so freely give. In Jesus name,  Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Doing It All For YOU!~

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“Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31, KJV

Living Every Moment Unto the Lord
by C D SWANSON~

This verse is deceptively simple, yet it carries a profound challenge for modern life. In a world that constantly pulls our attention in a thousand directions—notifications, deadlines, errands, responsibilities—it’s easy to compartmentalize our faith. We treat “spiritual life” as something that happens during prayer, church, or moments of crisis. But Scripture insists that everything—even eating, drinking, commuting, cleaning, working, resting—can be an act of worship.

Today’s culture often measures value by visibility. If it’s not impressive, posted, or praised, it feels insignificant. But God’s economy is different. He sees the unseen. He honors the quiet faithfulness of a heart that chooses Him in the ordinary. When you wash dishes with gratitude, when you speak kindly in a stressful moment, when you choose integrity at work, when you vacuum your living room with a peaceful spirit—these are not small things. They are offerings.

Living for God daily doesn’t require dramatic gestures. It requires intention. It requires remembering that God is present in the mundane, not just the monumental. When we shift our mindset from “I have to do this” to “I get to honor God through this,” the ordinary becomes sacred. The routine becomes meaningful. The day becomes holy ground.

This verse invites us to live with spiritual coherence—one heart, one purpose, one devotion—woven through every moment. Not perfection, but presence. Not performance, but surrender. Not striving, but abiding.

Lord, teach me to live each moment with You in mind. Help me to see my daily tasks not as burdens but as opportunities to honor You. Fill my heart with gratitude, my hands with purpose, and my spirit with peace. Let my choices, my work, my words, and my quiet moments reflect Your goodness. Shape my days so that everything I do—seen or unseen—brings glory to Your name. Amen.

Reflective Thought

What would change in my day if I truly believed every moment could honor God?

DEAR GOD: We March Under Your Banner Of Love~

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Watch ye, stand fast in the faith, quit you like men, be strong.
— 1 Corinthians 16:13 (KJV)

“Marching Under the Banner of the Lord”

To follow Christ is to join a lifelong march — not a parade of ease, but a disciplined, purposeful journey under the banner of the Lord. A Christian soldier does not drift; they advance. They do not fight in their own strength; they stand in the power of the One who has already won the victory.

Every day becomes a battlefield of choices: to love when it’s easier to withdraw, to forgive when the wound still aches, to speak truth when silence feels safer. Yet the Lord never calls us to a fight without equipping us. He gives armor for the mind, courage for the heart, and endurance for the soul. He trains our hands for spiritual battle and steadies our steps when the terrain grows rough.

Marching as a Christian soldier is not about aggression — it is about allegiance. It is about walking in obedience, humility, and unwavering devotion. It is about honoring the Lord with every thought, every word, every action. It is about remembering that we do not march alone. Christ goes before us, the Spirit strengthens us, and the Father surrounds us with His steadfast love.

When we lift our eyes to Him, the march becomes worship. The struggle becomes testimony. The journey becomes holy ground. And every step becomes a tribute to the Lord who redeemed us, called us, and leads us onward.

Reflective Question

Where is God inviting you to stand firm and march forward with renewed courage today?

“Thou therefore endure hardness, as a good soldier of Jesus Christ.” — 2 Timothy 2:3 (KJV)

“Lord, strengthen my heart for the march ahead. Teach me to stand firm in faith, to walk in obedience, and to honor You in every battle I face. Let my life be a tribute to Your goodness, Your power, and Your unfailing love. Lead me as Your soldier, steady my steps, and keep my eyes fixed on You.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

 

DEAR GOD: My God Who Governs the Waves

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God is in Control Today and Always - Church of Christ Articles

Thou rulest the raging of the sea: when the waves thereof arise, thou stillest them.” — Psalm 89:9

 “The God Who Governs the Waves”
by C D SWANSON~

 Waiting through a storm requires a kind of courage that does not come naturally. Our instinct is to fix, to flee, or to fear. Yet Scripture reveals a God who does not panic when the waves rise — He rules them. Psalm 89:9 is often overlooked, but it reveals a profound truth: storms are not sovereign. God is.

When the disciples panicked in Mark 4:37–40, Jesus slept. Not because He was indifferent, but because He was in absolute authority. The storm could not swallow the boat because the Creator of the sea was in it. Likewise, the storms in our lives cannot swallow us when Christ is present.

Waiting is not inactivity; it is alignment. It is choosing to trust that God is working in the unseen. Isaiah 30:15 reminds us, “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Strength is not always loud. Sometimes it is the quiet resolve to stay where God placed you until He speaks.

Storms refine us. They strip away illusions of control. They reveal what we truly believe. They push us into deeper dependence on God. And they prepare us for the testimony that follows. Every storm ends — but the faith built within it remains.

  •  Reflective Questions •
  • What is this storm teaching me about God’s authority? •
  • How is God inviting me to trust Him more deeply in this season? 
  • What part of my heart is He calming even before He calms the circumstances?

Prayer
“Lord, teach me to wait with holy confidence. Calm my spirit even when the waves rise. Help me trust Your timing, Your authority, and Your unfailing love. Strengthen me as I wait and anchor me in Your truth. In Jesus name, Amen.”