DEAR GOD: We Seek Your Peace In All We Do~

Posted on August 20, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“An angry man stirreth up strife, and a furious man aboundeth in transgression.” — Proverbs 29:22 (KJV)

The Ripple Effect of Rage: A Christian Call to Peace

In Proverbs 29:22, Solomon offers a piercing observation about the destructive nature of unchecked anger. The verse is not merely a behavioral warning—it is a spiritual diagnosis. Anger, when allowed to fester, becomes a catalyst for strife, and fury, when unbridled, leads to a cascade of sin. This is not just ancient wisdom; it is a timeless truth that echoes through every generation, including our own.

In today’s world, where outrage often masquerades as righteousness and fury is amplified by social media, this proverb is more relevant than ever. We live in a culture that rewards reaction over reflection, where tempers flare in traffic, online debates, and even within households. The angry man doesn’t just experience strife—he stirs it. His presence becomes a source of division, his words ignite conflict, and his actions ripple outward, affecting relationships, communities, and even nations.

For the Christian, this verse is a call to spiritual maturity. Anger itself is not inherently sinful—Jesus expressed righteous anger in the temple—but it must be governed by the Spirit. The furious man “aboundeth in transgression” because his emotions override his discernment. He becomes vulnerable to pride, cruelty, and vengeance. In contrast, the fruit of the Spirit includes gentleness, patience, and self-control (Galatians 5:22–23). These are not passive traits—they are powerful antidotes to the chaos that anger breeds.

To walk in Christ is to be a peacemaker, not a strife-stirrer. It is to recognize that every moment of fury is a fork in the road: one path leads to reconciliation, the other to rebellion. The Christian must ask, “Is my anger serving God’s justice or my own ego?” The answer determines whether we build bridges or burn them.

Supporting Scripture:

“Be ye angry, and sin not: let not the sun go down upon your wrath.” — Ephesians 4:26

This verse complements Proverbs 29:22 by acknowledging that anger is a natural emotion, but it must be time-bound and sin-resistant. Lingering wrath becomes fertile ground for transgression. The Christian is called to resolve conflict swiftly and to guard their heart from bitterness.

Closing Prayer:

“Heavenly Father, You are the God of peace, the One who calms storms and quiets hearts. We come before You with humility, asking for Your grace to govern our emotions. Teach us to be slow to anger and quick to forgive. Let our words be seasoned with love, and our actions reflect Your mercy. Where there is strife, make us instruments of reconciliation. Where fury threatens to consume us, fill us with Your Spirit of gentleness and wisdom. Help us to walk in the light of Your truth, choosing peace over pride, and compassion over conflict. May our lives be a testimony to Your transforming power, and may we bring harmony to every space we enter. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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

Posted on August 18, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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 WITH LOVE: I Choose Peace–Which Means You~

Posted on August 13, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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~

Posted on August 12, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“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

Posted on August 11, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“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~

Posted on August 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

🌟 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~

DEAR GOD: We Are Sheltered In Your Strength & Love~

Posted on August 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” —
Psalm 46:1 (ESV)

🌄 Reflection:

Before the world stirs, before the demands of the day rise up, we pause and remember: God is our refuge. Not a distant fortress, but a near and loving shelter. Not just strength for the strong, but strength for the weary, the uncertain, the burdened.

Psalm 46:1 doesn’t promise a trouble-free life—it promises a God who is very present in the midst of it. That “very” is no accident. It’s the heartbeat of Divine nearness. Whether we face quiet anxieties or loud disruptions, He is not just aware—He is active, attentive, and able.

So, this morning, and all throughout the day and night – we don’t need to brace ourselves alone. We lean into the refuge. We draw from His strength. We walk forward not in fear, but in faith.

We know that He is with us through it all. The circumstances in life may be brimming with heartache, pain and odds that seem hopeless – but with God – all things are possible, and He is the Master of the Universe and in control of ALL.

Trust Him and lean into Him – and know that He is working at the helm, 24 hours a day and ultimately – He wants what is best for us – His children.

Isn’t that a comfort knowing He is with us always?

Have a blessed day my brothers and sisters.

🙏 Prayer:

LORD thank You for being our refuge. Thank You for being near—not just in theory, but in truth. When trouble stirs, let us run to You first. When strength fails, let us draw from Yours. Be our peace, our protector, and our provider today. We trust You with every moment, and we welcome Your Presence into every space. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: He Knows Our Name~

Posted on August 9, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Five sparrows by rubingranatkagor on DeviantArt

“Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows.” -Luke 12:6-7

“He Knows My Name”

In the quiet spaces of our lives—where worry whispers and hope flickers—God speaks with unwavering tenderness. Luke 12:6–7 is not just a verse; it’s a love letter from the Creator to His creation. The Lord, who paints sunsets and commands galaxies, pauses to count the hairs on your head. Not metaphorically. Literally. That is the depth of His care.

Five sparrows sold for two farthings—so easily dismissed by the world, yet not one escapes His notice. How much more, then, does He watch over you, Camille, with eyes full of compassion and purpose? You are not a face in the crowd. You are a daughter of the Most High, a vessel of His glory, a reflection of His image.

Let us give praise to the Lord who sees the unseen, who remembers the forgotten, who values the vulnerable. Glory to the One who does not measure us by the world’s standards but by His eternal love. Honor to the King who calls us by name and shelters us beneath His wings. Let every breath be a song of gratitude to the God who never overlooks, never abandons, never forgets.

Reflective Question:

If God remembers every sparrow, what might He be whispering to you today about your worth, your calling, and your place in His heart?

Supportive Scripture:

“Can a woman forget her nursing child, that she should have no compassion on the son of her womb? Even these may forget, yet I will not forget you.” —Isaiah 49:15

Prayer:

“LORD- God Almighty, You are the Keeper of sparrows and the Shepherd of souls. I praise You for Your intimate care, for Your watchful eye, and for the way You treasure what the world discards. Thank You for calling me by name, for numbering my days, and for weaving purpose into every moment. Help me to rest in Your love, to walk in Your truth, and to reflect Your glory in all I do. May I never forget that I am Yours—and that You never forget me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Eternal Truth~

Posted on August 6, 2025 by C D SWANSON

30k+ The Word Of God Pictures | Download Free Images on Unsplash

“Thy word is true from the beginning: and every one of thy righteous judgments endureth for ever.” —
Psalm 119:160 (ESV)

Eternal Truth:

The Hebrew word for “true” here — emeth — implies faithfulness, reliability, and certainty. It’s not simply factual truth, but life-altering truth, the kind that grounds souls and reshapes hearts.

Supporting Scriptures

Isaiah 40:8 – “The grass withers, the flower fades, but the word of our God will stand forever.”
Matthew 24:35 – “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will not pass away.”
John 17:17 – “Sanctify them in the truth; your word is truth.”
2 Timothy 3:16 – “All Scripture is breathed out by God…”

These scriptures echo the same truth: God’s Word doesn’t merely survive—it reigns.

Christianity Today

In a time when voices compete for moral authority, and truth often bends to popularity or convenience, Psalm 119:160 stands as a pillar. Christians today wrestle with shifting social norms, emerging ideologies, and digital noise — yet the Word remains true. It’s both an anchor and compass, guiding believers through uncertainty with clarity and conviction.

Across generations, from the prophets to reformers to everyday saints today, the righteous judgments of God have held firm, offering justice to the oppressed, mercy to the repentant, and wisdom to the seeking.

Reflective Questions

What parts of God’s Word have sustained you through trials?
Are there areas where you’re tempted to compromise truth for ease?
How can you pass on the enduring truth of Scripture to the next generation?
What “righteous judgment” of God do you most cherish right now?

‘LORD -God, You are the beginning and the end, and Your Word is the heartbeat of eternity. Thank You for speaking truth into chaos and light into our path. Let Your judgments stir our conscience and awaken our faith. Help us cling to Your Word when the world feels unstable. May our lives reflect the unchanging beauty of Your promises. In Jesus’ everlasting name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Show Us How To Be Active Doers In Your Word~

Posted on August 3, 2025 by C D SWANSON

James 1:22 (NLT)

“But don’t just listen to God’s word. You must do what it says. Otherwise, you are only fooling yourselves.”

Living the Word, Not Just Hearing It

James 1:22 is a piercing call to authenticity in our walk with Christ. It challenges the passive posture that many believers fall into—hearing sermons, reading devotionals, and nodding in agreement, yet failing to translate those truths into action. James, the brother of Jesus, writes with urgency and clarity: faith must be lived, not just learned.

In today’s culture, where information is abundant and spiritual content is everywhere, it’s easy to become a consumer of the Word rather than a practitioner. But James warns us that this kind of faith is self-deceptive. Listening without doing is like admiring a mirror but walking away unchanged. The Word of God is meant to transform us—not just inform us.

To honor this verse, Christians must embrace a faith that moves:

From hearing to doing
From knowing to obeying
From comfort to conviction

This means forgiving when it’s hard, loving when it’s inconvenient, and speaking truth when it’s unpopular. It means caring for the vulnerable, standing up for justice, and living with integrity even when no one is watching.

Supporting Scriptures:

Matthew 7:24 (NLT) “Anyone who listens to my teaching and follows it is wise, like a person who builds a house on solid rock.” ➤ Jesus echoes James here—wisdom is found in obedience, not just understanding.
Luke 11:28 (NLT) “But even more blessed are all who hear the word of God and put it into practice.” ➤ Blessing follows action, not just awareness.
Romans 2:13 (NLT) “For merely listening to the law doesn’t make us right with God. It is obeying the law that makes us right in his sight.” ➤ Paul reinforces that righteousness is tied to obedience.
John 13:17 (NLT) “Now that you know these things, God will bless you for doing them.” ➤ Knowledge is the beginning; action is the fulfillment.

Reflective Question

What is one truth from Scripture that I’ve heard often but haven’t yet lived out—and what small step can I take today to honor it?

“LORD, Thank You for Your living Word that speaks truth and life into my heart. Forgive me for the times I’ve heard Your voice but failed to respond. Help me to be a doer of Your Word—a vessel of obedience, compassion, and courage. Let my faith be active, not passive. Let my life reflect Your love in action. Empower me through Your Spirit to walk in truth, even when it’s hard. May I honor You not just with my lips, but with my life. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Six Benefits of God's Powerful Word | Inspiration Ministries