DEAR GOD: Generations Continue In Your Name~

Posted on October 7, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“But from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” —
2 Timothy 3:15 (CSB)

The Light That Lingers: A Mother’s Legacy in the Word

There is a quiet power in a mother’s love—a sacred rhythm that begins in lullabies and lingers in legacy. She may not preach from pulpits, but her kitchen prayers and whispered scriptures shape eternity. Her hands may be weary, but they cradle the Word with reverence, planting seeds in the soul of her child.

As the child grows, the Word becomes their compass. The verses once tucked into lunchboxes now rise in boardrooms, classrooms, and quiet moments of decision. The child walks forward, not just with memory—but with mission. The light of the mother does not fade; it travels. It becomes the child’s own flame, illuminating paths she may never walk, reaching hearts she may never meet.

This is the beauty of generational faith: the Word does not end with one voice. It echoes. It continues. It multiplies.

Supporting Scriptures

Proverbs 22:6 — “Train up a child in the way he should go…”
Deuteronomy 6:6–7 — “Impress them on your children…”
Psalm 78:4 — “We will tell the next generation…”
Isaiah 59:21 — “My words… will not depart from your children…”
3 John 1:4 — “I have no greater joy than to hear that my children walk in truth.”

Prayer

“LORD thank You for the sacred legacy of a mother’s love. For every whispered prayer, every verse spoken over sleepy heads, every moment of quiet teaching—may it bear fruit in generations to come. Let Your Word be the inheritance that never fades, the light that never dims. Bless every mother who sows in faith, and every child who walks in truth. In Jesus name, Amen.”

Posted on September 13, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Micah 7:18 (KJV)
Who is a God like unto thee, that pardoneth iniquity, and passeth by the transgression of the remnant of his heritage? he retaineth not his anger for ever, because he delighteth in mercy.

“He Delights in Mercy”

This verse from Micah is a gentle thunder—declaring the Lord’s love not as a distant concept, but as a living, breathing mercy that chooses compassion over wrath. It begins with awe: “Who is a God like unto thee?”—a rhetorical cry that echoes through the ages. There is none like Him. No one forgives as He does. No one holds back judgment with such grace. No one delights in mercy the way our Lord does.

Micah speaks to a remnant—a people who have faltered, wandered, and wear the dust of their own failures. And yet, the Lord does not abandon them. He passes by transgression, not because He ignores sin, but because He chooses to cover it with love. His anger is not eternal; His mercy is.

To say that God delights in mercy is to say that it brings Him joy to forgive, to restore, to heal. Mercy is not a reluctant concession—it is His pleasure. His love is not earned; it is poured out. This is the heartbeat of the Gospel, even in the Old Testament: a God who bends low to lift us up.

Reflective Questions

When have you felt the Lord “pass by” your transgression with mercy instead of judgment?
Do you believe He delights in showing you compassion—not just tolerates it?
What would change in your life if you truly rested in His mercy?
How can you reflect His mercy to others, especially those who’ve wounded you?

Supportive Scriptures

Psalm 103:8 – The Lord is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.
Lamentations 3:22–23 – It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed… they are new every morning.
Isaiah 55:7 – Let the wicked forsake his way… and He will have mercy upon him.
Luke 15:20 – But when he was yet a great way off, his father saw him… and ran, and fell on his neck, and kissed him.
Ephesians 2:4–5 – But God, who is rich in mercy… hath quickened us together with Christ.

Prayer of Mercy and Restoration

Lord, You are not like us. You do not hold grudges. You do not delight in punishment. You delight in mercy. You see our brokenness and still call us beloved. You pass over our failures and draw us near. Teach us to rest in Your compassion, to trust Your forgiveness, and to reflect Your love to others. May Your mercy be our rhythm, our refuge, and our reason to rise again.

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Watching the Blossoms We Know~

Posted on September 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, Jeremiah, what seest thou? And I said, I see a rod of an almond tree. Then said the Lord unto me, Thou hast well seen: for I will hasten my word to perform it.” — Jeremiah 1:11–12

“The Secret of the Almond Tree”

This quiet moment in Jeremiah’s calling holds a rich, symbolic beauty. The almond tree, known in Hebrew as shaqed, shares its root with the word “watchful.” It was the first tree to awaken after winter, blooming early while others still slept. In this vision, God uses the almond branch to affirm His vigilance—He is awake, alert, and actively watching over His promises.

The image is subtle but profound: a rod of almond, not dramatic or thunderous, but quietly blooming with assurance. It reminds us that divine timing is never passive. Even when life feels dormant or uncertain, God is hastening His word—tending it, guarding it, preparing it to blossom. The almond branch is a sacred whisper: “I see. I act. I fulfill.”

“LORD -In the quiet places where hope feels delayed, let Your almond blossoms bloom. Teach us to trust Your watchfulness, even when answers seem slow or hidden. Awaken our hearts to Your timing, Your presence, and Your promise. May we see what You show us and believe that You are hastening Your word to perform it. Let Your faithfulness be our peace. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Heartbeat Of Faith~

Posted on August 21, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Explore 11,640+ Free Powerful Faith Illustrations: Download Now - Pixabay

“But be sure to fear the Lord and faithfully serve him. Think of all the wonderful things he has done for you.” — 1 Samuel 12:24

Reverence and Remembrance: The Heartbeat of Faith

In 1 Samuel 12:24, the prophet Samuel speaks not only to the Israelites of his time but to every generation that seeks to walk with God. His words are a gentle command and a loving reminder: “Fear the Lord and faithfully serve Him.” This isn’t fear as in terror—it’s reverence, awe, and deep respect. It’s the kind of fear that bows the heart, not breaks it. And it’s paired with faithful service, a life lived in devotion, not duty.

Samuel’s exhortation comes after Israel demanded a king, revealing their wavering trust in God’s direct leadership. Yet even in their missteps, God remained faithful. Samuel urges them to remember the wonders God has done—not just the parting of seas or the falling of walls, but the quiet mercies, the daily provisions, the forgiveness after failure.

In today’s world, where distractions abound and devotion can feel diluted, this verse calls us back to the essence of Christian living: reverence and remembrance. As children of God, we are not merely called to believe—we are called to respond. To serve Him faithfully means to align our choices, our time, and our hearts with His will. It means honoring Him in our homes, our work, our relationships, and even in our private thoughts.

Christianity today is often challenged by cultural noise, skepticism, and spiritual fatigue. But this verse offers clarity. When we remember what God has done—how He’s healed, provided, guided, and loved—we find strength to serve. Gratitude becomes fuel for obedience. Reverence becomes the lens through which we see the world.

To live this out, we must:

Cultivate daily remembrance: journal blessings, meditate on Scripture, share testimonies.
Serve with intention: ask, “How can I reflect God’s love today?”
Revere with humility: let worship be more than songs—let it be surrender.

Reflect on Psalm 103:2: “Let all that I am praise the Lord; may I never forget the good things he does for me.” And Romans 12:1: “…offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship.”

Samuel’s words are timeless. They remind us that faith is not passive—it’s a posture of awe and a life of action.

“LORD- help us to never forget Your goodness. Let our hearts be filled with reverence and our lives with faithful service. Teach us to see Your hand in every moment and respond with gratitude and obedience. May our worship be sincere, our service joyful, and our remembrance constant. 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: Looking Forward To Our Crown Of Diligence In Eternity

Posted on August 2, 2025 by C D SWANSON

— Proverbs 13:4 (KJV)

“The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat.”

Christianity Today & the Call to Diligence

Christianity today stands at a crossroads — between comfort and conviction, between cultural conformity and spiritual courage. In a world of instant gratification, the call to diligence feels countercultural. Yet Scripture is clear: those who earnestly seek God, obey His commandments, and labor in love will be richly rewarded — not just materially, but spiritually, eternally.

Modern Challenges

Many believers face spiritual fatigue, distracted by politics, consumerism, or digital overload.
Churches sometimes prioritize entertainment over discipleship, leading to shallow faith.
The Word is often diluted to avoid offense, rather than proclaimed with bold love.

How We Should Act

Study the Word daily — not out of obligation, but out of hunger for truth.
Live with integrity — in business, relationships, and private moments.
Serve sacrificially — caring for the poor, the elderly, the lonely, and the voiceless.
Speak truth in love — not with judgment, but with clarity and compassion.
Pray without ceasing — anchoring our lives in divine wisdom and strength.

What We Can Expect

In the years to come, faithful Christians may face increased opposition — but also deeper revival.
The diligent will be spiritually nourished, even when the world grows barren.
Into eternity, those who walk in obedience will receive the crown of life, eternal fellowship with Christ, and the joy of hearing, “Well done, thou good and faithful servant.”

“LORD- God, You are the rewarder of those who diligently seek You. Teach me to labor not for fleeting gain, but for eternal glory. Strengthen my heart when the path is long, and renew my mind when the world distracts. Let my obedience be joyful, my service be sincere, and my love be bold. May I never grow weary in well-doing, knowing that in due season, I shall reap. Prepare me not just for the days ahead, but for the eternity You’ve promised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Mercy & Grace~

Posted on July 30, 2025 by C D SWANSON

God S Grace Images - Free Download on Freepik

Poem of Mercy and Thanks

The morning breaks with gentle light,
A gift anew, the dawn’s delight.
Though shadows came and trials stayed,
His mercy stood and never swayed.
Grace untouched by time’s decay.

He held me close through every storm,
His love, my shelter—safe and warm.
Where guilt once tried to stake its claim,
The cross cried out and broke my shame.
In Him, I’m washed and born again.

No merit earned, no price I paid,
Yet still my path in peace He laid.
The risen Son, my guiding flame,
In whispered winds, I praise His name.
Each breath I take, His grace displayed.

So let this day be steeped in praise,
For all He’s done and all His ways.
No greater love, no kinder hand,
No firmer rock on which to stand.
Eternal hope, in Him I stay.

Supporting Scripture (KJV): “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22–23

🙏 Prayer of Thanks:

O Lord my God, Thank You for waking me to another day wrapped in Your mercy. Thank You for the breath in my lungs, the peace in my soul, And the grace that greets me like the morning sun. Let my life today be an offering of gratitude, Reflecting Your love to all I meet. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Calling Us To Be Set Apart & Shine~

Posted on July 27, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Therefore, come out from among unbelievers, and separate yourselves from them, says the Lord. Don’t touch their filthy things, and I will welcome you.” — 2 Corinthians 6:17 (NLT)

In a world of blurred boundaries and diluted convictions, this verse pierces the noise with divine clarity. Paul, quoting the Old Testament, issues a call not merely to retreat, but to reorient—to live in alignment with the holiness of God.

To “come out from among them” isn’t an endorsement of isolation, judgment, or superiority. It is an invitation to purity in presence, integrity in intention, and distinction in devotion. The phrase reminds us that while we are in the world, we are not meant to be conformed by it. Our identity is found not in assimilation, but consecration.

Today, the “unbelievers” might not just refer to people who deny faith—but to systems, habits, ideologies, and lifestyles that contradict the heart of God. It includes false doctrine, and the traditions of men—those teachings cloaked in religious language but empty of Christ’s truth.

Many churches elevate clever theories, diluted gospels, and man-made rules above the voice of Jesus Himself. They teach what He never said, leading people into confusion, performance, or spiritual passivity, and endless fear that if they don’t do things” the church’s way” they will perish in a lake of fire – and commit unpardonable sins. The only unpardonable sin, as Jesus states is to “blaspheme the Holy Spirit…”(Matthew 12-31, Mark 3:28-29, Luke 12:10 address this fully by Christ Himself!)

I have seen and heard people absolutely miserable with “fear” about not doing things according to their church beliefs. I mean scared and living lives like slaves in fear. When in fact it’s the enemy whispering lies to them, flooding them into submission of stagnation and unjustified anguish! There is no fear in perfect love – (1 John 4:18)

Christ is not the Author of “Fear” and “Torment” or “Chaos”-

He is the Author of Peace, Love, and order.

Jesus warned us repeatedly in the Gospels: “Do not be deceived.” In Matthew 7, He says many will claim to speak in His name—but He never knew them. Revelation declares that false churches will rise, dazzling the world but deceiving the soul. To come out from among them is to reject the comfortable counterfeit and embrace the costly, living Word.

We honor God in this era by refusing to let culture—or compromised religion—define truth for us. The Lord desires vessels that reflect Him, not mimic the world or false religion. Our separation is not an escape—it is a testimony. By walking away from deception, we walk toward the voice of the Shepherd. And in doing so, we join the remnant, the called-out ones, the lovers of truth.

He doesn’t leave us abandoned in that separation. He says, “I will welcome you.” That’s the crescendo of grace—rejection by the world means reception by the Father. And being welcomed by God is the highest form of belonging, far more soul-satisfying than fitting in where we don’t spiritually thrive.

To honor the Lord is to guard His Word—holding it with reverence, discernment, and boldness. We don’t follow Christ because it’s convenient. We follow because He is true.

“Dear LORD of Light and Truth, Set my heart apart for You. In the midst of voices that pull and paths that blur, give me the courage to walk the way You’ve marked. Let my life radiate distinction—not prideful difference, but holy devotion. Teach me to discern what distracts, defiles, and divides me from Your presence. Expose the lies disguised as doctrine and remove the traditions that cloud Your truth. Help me walk away from what no longer aligns with Your calling over me. Welcome me, Father—not because I am flawless, but because I choose You. Let my separation not be isolation, but a demonstration of Your love alive in me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Embrace the LORD and His promises – and walk in the Light, and LIVE in His peace and mercy…He DIED for us – so we could do this! No one else did this for us. No one Just ONE – Our LORD and Savior Jesus Christ! 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: Teach Us To Have Childlike Faith~

Posted on July 23, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 19:14 (KJV)

This verse stands as a gentle yet powerful rebuke to those who would gatekeep access to Jesus. In context, the disciples were trying to shield Jesus from interruptions, thinking the children were unworthy or insignificant. But Jesus turns that thinking on its head. His words “suffer little children” mean “allow” or “permit” them to come—revealing not just His openness, but His insistence that purity, vulnerability, and trust are essential traits of kingdom citizens.

He elevates the humble state of a child as a model for faith: not one of naivety, but of sincerity, dependence, and open-hearted wonder. Children come without pretense, without pride, with unguarded souls. Jesus doesn’t just accept them; He affirms that the kingdom belongs to those like them.

This wasn’t merely a cultural statement—it was a spiritual declaration. In a society that often undervalued children, Jesus honored them, made space for them, and validated their presence in the divine narrative.

What does this say about our Lord? It paints a radiant portrait of His tenderness and inclusivity. Jesus is not a distant figure waiting for perfect people to approach. He is the Shepherd who welcomes the fragile, the small, the overlooked.

He is the Defender of innocence, the Champion of the humble, the Friend who makes room at the table without judgment or expectation.

His kingdom is not reserved for the elite—it’s designed for those who lean into Him with childlike trust. That’s radical compassion. That’s divine grace.

To apply this verse in our lives is to create spiritual environments where the vulnerable are cherished. It’s teaching our children about God, not just through instruction, but through example—by showing them love, patience, and the joy of faith. It’s also a personal call: return to simplicity, shed the layers of cynicism, and come to Him with open hands.

In communities, it means we fight against exclusion and spiritual elitism. In our hearts, it means we continually make space for the child within us—the part that still believes, hopes, and trusts.

If the kingdom of heaven belongs to the childlike, what does it look like for you to embrace simplicity today?
Could faith be less about answers and more about trust?
Do You trust the LORD in all you do and in all your paths?

When you do, it will be health and prosperity in spirit and body – and His love will embrace your soul – a feeling which is truly indescribable! (Proverbs 3:5-8)

“LORD- We truly thank You for valuing the smallest among us. Teach us to welcome Your Presence with the innocence and openness of a child. Soften our hearts where pride has hardened them. Help us nurture love, trust, and mercy in our lives, and to offer others the same grace You’ve shown us. In Jesus name, Amen.”

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

Category Archives: God Inspired

DEAR GOD: Generations Continue In Your Name~

“But from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus.” —
2 Timothy 3:15 (CSB)