DEAR GOD: Thank You For Waiting For Us~

Posted on August 17, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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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~

Posted on August 16, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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: 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: 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: Thank You For Your Eternal Truth~

Posted on August 6, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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“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.”

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DEAR GOD: When The Waters Rise, Your Light Remains~

Posted on August 1, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Isaiah 43:2 KJV-
When thou passest through the waters, I will be with thee; and through the rivers, they shall not overflow thee: when thou walkest through the fire, thou shalt not be burned; neither shall the flame kindle upon thee.

There are moments when sorrow feels like a flood—relentless, unyielding, and deep. grief swells, memories sting, and the weight of what was lost threatens to pull us under. Yet even in that place, God speaks. not from the shore, but from within the waters.

His Presence does not always remove the storm, but it redefines it. He walks with us through the rivers that should have swept us away. He stands beside us in fires that should have consumed us. His love is not distant—it is embedded in the very elements that threaten us.

When we feel like we are drowning, His light does not dim-it pierces the depths. It illuminates the dark places of our hearts where hope has grown silent. God’s light is not fragile. It is not a candle in the wind. It is a flame that the waters cannot quench.

To stand firm in faith is not to feel strong. it is to choose to believe that God is strong enough for both of us. It is to lean into His promises when our own strength fails. It is to trust that even in the darkest night, the light of Christ still shines—not just around us, but within us.

❓ Reflective question

When have you felt most overwhelmed, and yet found a whisper of God’s Presence in the depths?

Supporting scripture

Psalm 18:28 –For thou wilt light my candle: the Lord my God will enlighten my darkness.
Psalm 34:18 -The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.
2 Corinthians 4:6 -For God, who commanded the light to shine out of darkness, hath shined in our hearts, to give the light of the knowledge of the glory of God in the face of Jesus Christ.

Prayer

“LORD- when the waters rise and my strength fails, be my Anchor, when sorrow surrounds me, let Your light break through the darkness. I do not ask for the storm to end, but for Your presence to be felt within it, remind me that you have walked through fire and flood before me, You are not afraid of my tears, nor distant from my pain, let Your love be the ground I stand on, even when everything else shifts. shine in my heart, LORD, until hope rises again. In Jesus Christ, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Refuge That Never Fails

Posted on July 31, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Say To The Lord “My Refuge”

Psalm 9:9 (NLT) – The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble.

Reflection and Tribute:

There’s a quiet strength pulsing through this verse. It speaks not to the triumphant or self-sufficient, but to the worn, the heavy-hearted, the ones pressed by life’s weight. The Lord isn’t just a distant observer—He is a shelter. A place. A Presence. Not symbolic, but real. Not theoretical, but tangible. In the times when trouble presses in, this verse assures us that God leans closer.

The word “oppressed” here can echo through generations—the exploited, the grieving, the anxious, the weary. It’s the soul caught in affliction without relief. And yet, it is precisely here that God reveals His character. He is not ashamed to be the refuge for the hurting. He doesn’t flinch from our brokenness. He becomes the safe haven where healing begins.

As Christians, we are called to mirror that refuge. To shelter others in love, to be extensions of God’s compassion. But first, we must learn to run to Him ourselves—honestly, humbly, even tearfully. Unconditional love flows freely when we trust that we are first and always loved.

This verse is not just comfort—it’s commission. To lean into Him during our own trials, and from that shelter, offer grace to others still searching for their safe place.

Reflective Questions:

When do I instinctively try to carry burdens alone instead of seeking God’s shelter?
How does God’s refuge reshape the way I respond to others in distress?
In what area of my life do I most need to remember that God is my refuge?

Supporting Verses:

Psalm 46 verse 1 – God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.
Isaiah 25 verse 4 – You have been a refuge for the poor, a shelter from the storm.
Matthew 11 verses 28 to 30 – Come to Me, all who are weary… and I will give you rest.
Proverbs 18 verse 10 – The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it.
Nahum 1 verse 7 – The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble.

“LORD, You are the shelter that never crumbles, the refuge that doesn’t require strength to enter. Thank You for welcoming us not when we’re strong, but when we’re overwhelmed and aching. Let us learn to abide with You—not just visit. Shape our hearts with Your protection and peace. And as You shelter us, teach us to be shelter-bearers for others. May our love echo Yours—in quiet strength, enduring hope, and gentle truth. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Help Us Walk In Your Commandments~

Posted on July 25, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” -Psalm 119:60

The Urgency of Obedience—Living Every Breath in Divine Pursuit

Psalm 119:60- captures the heartbeat of a soul passionately aligned with God’s will. There is no hesitation, no weighing of options—just immediate, reverent obedience. In the original Hebrew, the urgency is striking: “I hurried and did not delay.” It’s as if the psalmist recognizes that every second delayed is a second outside of divine instruction.

In a moral sense, this verse reminds us that obedience is not just about doing what is right—it’s about doing it now. Delayed obedience is a form of disobedience. When we hesitate, we give room for doubt, distraction, and compromise. Psalm 119:60 urges us to act on the Word of God with swift intention, not because we are forced, but because we love Him and trust Him fully.

In today’s world, this kind of obedience is both radical and rare. We are surrounded by noise and options. We often approach God’s commands as suggestions, negotiating how and when we’ll respond. But the psalmist sets a different example—one of spiritual immediacy. He doesn’t wait for a convenient moment, a confirmation, or a sign. He understands that God’s timing is now, and his response is instant.

Living this out requires a renewed mindset. Each breath we take is a chance to realign ourselves with God’s heart. Christianity isn’t confined to Sunday worship or occasional devotions—it is a moment-by-moment journey of surrender and action. Our obedience should be active during a tough conversation, in how we treat strangers, in the thoughts we allow into our minds, and in the decisions we make when no one is watching.

Other scriptures emphasize this theme.

James 1:22 tells us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Romans 12:1–2 calls us to offer ourselves as a “living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.”
Luke 9:62 warns that “no man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
And Ecclesiastes 12:13 distills the matter plainly: “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

We should ask ourselves: What is one command from God that I’ve delayed acting on—and what would change if I obeyed it today? This question invites personal revival and a deeper walk with Him. Obedience is not a ladder we climb—it’s a light we carry.

Let’s pray with holy urgency:

“LORD, You are worthy of immediate and wholehearted devotion. Forgive my hesitation and remove any spirit of delay. Set my heart ablaze with a love so strong that obedience flows naturally and swiftly. Help me live each breath as an act of worship, every moment a chance to honor You. Keep me steadfast, alert, and faithful until the day You call me home. In Jesus name I pray. Amen.”

~Dear God With Love~