DEAR GOD: Wrapped In Your Peace~

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“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you.” John 14:27 (KJV)

There is a kind of peace the world offers — a peace that depends on circumstances, timing, people behaving well, bodies feeling well, and life lining up neatly. It is fragile, temporary, and easily shaken. Jesus names this openly: the world gives a peace that can be taken away as quickly as it arrives. And it isn’t a peace that is settling and easy or comforting. It is not the peace of Christ.

And so -He draws a holy line between that peace and His peace.

His is not borrowed, not conditional, not fragile. It is not the result of everything going right — it is the result of Him being present. It is a peace that enters the deep places: the places where fear hides, where old wounds whisper, where uncertainty tries to take root. His peace does not sit on the surface; it settles into the soul. Into our heart and roots our spiritual self.

When Jesus says, My peace I give unto you, He is not offering a feeling — He is offering Himself. His Presence becomes the atmosphere of the heart. His nearness becomes the anchor. His voice becomes the steadying hand that quiets the inner storm.

Isaiah 26:3 tells us the secret: peace is not something we chase; it is something we receive when our mind is stayed — fixed, anchored, held — on Him. Not on outcomes. Not on fears. Not on what‑ifs. On Him.

This is why His peace is different. This is why His peace lasts. This is why His peace returns even after a day of worry, pain, or uncertainty.

The world’s peace is an escape temporary, fleeting – superficial. Christ’s peace is an indwelling, permanent, fulfilling and deeply gratifying.

  • The world’s peace is chaotic.
  • Christ’s peace is PEACEFUL.
  • The world’s peace depends on what is happening around you.
  • Christ’s peace depends on Who is living within you.

And when you receive His peace — truly receive it — it becomes a quiet strength, a holy steadiness, a soft shield around your heart. It becomes the gentle reminder that you are held, guided, and never alone. And that is the meaning of LIFE here and LIFE eternal.

Truly wrapped in His peace!

 “The Lord will give strength unto his people; the Lord will bless his people with peace.” Psalm 29:11

 “LORD – You who speak peace into storms and calm into trembling hearts, breathe Your holy stillness into me now. Let Your peace — not the world’s peace, not temporary comfort, but Your peace — settle into every anxious place, every weary thought, every tight corner of my soul. Anchor my mind in You. Quiet the noise within me. Let Your Presence become my atmosphere, my rest, my assurance, and my strength. Keep me close, keep me steady, and keep me in the peace that only You can give. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You See Our Tears On Your Altar~

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Malachi 2:13 (KJV) — “And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.”

Tears On The Altar
by C D Swanson~

  There are moments when our hearts ache so deeply that even our prayers feel heavy. Malachi 2:13 reminds us that God sees the sincerity behind every tear. He does not desire empty offerings or hollow rituals — He longs for hearts that are true, relationships that honor His covenant, and love that flows from faithfulness. The altar covered in tears is not a sign of rejection, but a call to restoration. When we return to Him with humility and tenderness, He wipes away the tears and renews the bond between heaven and earth.

LORD, cleanse my heart of all that separates me from You. Let my tears become seeds of renewal, and my worship a fragrance of truth. In Jesus name, Amen.

 

DEAR GOD: You Are My Deepest Love~

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Whom have I in heaven but Thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside Thee.” — Psalm 73:25 (KJV)


💛 My Soul’s Deepest Love
by C D Swanson~

Lord, You are the One my heart returns to again and again, the steady flame that warms every cold corner of my life. When I look back over the years, I see Your fingerprints on every rescue, every comfort, every moment when I thought I would fall but somehow stood. You have been my strength when I was trembling, my peace when I was overwhelmed, my joy when the world felt dim.

There is no love like Yours — patient, unchanging, endlessly kind. You have carried me through storms I could not name and lifted me into sunlight I did not deserve. You have whispered truth into my fears and breathed courage into my weakness. You have been the One constant in a world that shifts like sand.

Lord, I love You because You first loved me — fiercely, tenderly, completely. You are the desire of my heart, the anchor of my soul, the song that rises in me even on the quietest days. My life is richer because You are in it, and my future is secure because it rests in Your hands.

I give You my love, my gratitude, my whole being. You are my portion, my treasure, my forever. There is none beside You, none before You, none who can compare with the sweetness of Your presence. My heart is Yours, Lord — today, tomorrow, and always.

🙏  

Lord Jesus, receive this offering of love from my grateful heart. Draw me deeper into Your presence, steady my steps, and let my life reflect the beauty of Your grace. You are my everything, and I adore You. Amen.

DEAR GOD: Your Word Is My Breath~

 

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“Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” Psalm 119:105 (KJV)

Your Word Is My Fuel
by C D SWANSON~

The Word of God becomes a quiet, steady flame inside us—warming, guiding, and strengthening us in ways nothing else can. When we sit with Scripture, something sacred happens: the mind unclenches, the heart loosens, the breath deepens, and the soul remembers that it is held. God’s Word doesn’t rush us; it restores us. It settles the noise, softens the fear, and fills the empty places with peace that feels almost physical.

Reading the Bible is like stepping into a gentle, holy rhythm. The verses become nourishment—fuel for the weary body, clarity for the overwhelmed mind, comfort for the tender heart, and rest for the soul that longs for stillness. Every word is alive, carrying God’s presence, whispering, “You are not alone. I am here. Keep walking.” In a world that drains, Scripture replenishes. In a world that confuses, Scripture steadies. In a world that exhausts, Scripture renews. His Word becomes the quiet strength that carries us through every hour.

“Father, thank You for the gift of Your Word—living, breathing, and overflowing with comfort. Let every verse I read settle into the deepest parts of me, bringing peace to my heart, strength to my body, clarity to my mind, and rest to my soul. Draw me close as I open Scripture and let Your Presence be the fuel that sustains me through every moment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are The Breath Behind My Steps~

DAILY GRACE: BREATH OF GOD

 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life” –
John 14:6 (KJV)

Reflection on Life Today
by C D SWANSON~

Life today moves fast—faster than our hearts were ever designed to run. We juggle responsibilities, navigate uncertainty, and try to make sense of a world that shifts beneath our feet. Yet Jesus speaks into this very moment with a steady, unchanging truth: He is life itself.

This means life isn’t defined by circumstances, achievements, or the approval of others. Life is found in Him—His presence, His peace, His guidance, His love. When the world feels loud, He becomes our quiet center. When choices feel overwhelming, He becomes our clarity. When we feel stretched thin, He becomes our strength.

To live through Christ today is to breathe with purpose, walk with assurance, and rest in a love that does not waver. It is choosing to anchor your identity not in what happens around you, but in the One who holds all things together.

Supportive Scriptures

  • Acts 17:28“For in him we live, and move, and have our being…”
  • John 10:10“…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
  • Colossians 3:3–4“Your life is hid with Christ in God… Christ, who is our life…”
  • Psalm 16:11“…in thy presence is fulness of joy…”

Reflection

Life becomes clearer and more meaningful when it is rooted in Christ. His presence shapes how we see ourselves, how we respond to challenges, and how we walk through each day with hope.

“LORD -thank You for the gift of life and for the breath You place within me each day. Teach me to live with intention, to walk in Your wisdom, and to rest in Your peace. When life feels heavy, lift my spirit. When the path feels unclear, guide my steps. Let Your presence shape my thoughts, strengthen my heart, and remind me that true life is found in You alone, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Teach Us About Your Loving Heart~

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“Jesus wept.”—John 11:35 (KJV)

The Tears That Teach Us God’s Heart
by C D SWANSON

The shortest verse in Scripture carries one of the deepest revelations of God’s character. “Jesus wept” is not simply a moment of sorrow; it is a window into the compassion of Christ. Standing at the tomb of Lazarus, Jesus knew He was about to raise him from the dead. He knew joy was moments away. Yet He still allowed Himself to feel the weight of human grief, the sting of loss, and the ache of those He loved.

His tears were not a sign of weakness but of divine empathy. They tell us that God is not distant from our pain. He does not rush past our sorrow or silence our emotions. Instead, He steps into them with us. He feels what we feel. He honors our tears with His own.

In this single moment, Jesus shows us that love is not only expressed in miracles but also in shared sorrow. His tears sanctify our tears. His compassion dignifies our grief. His presence assures us that no valley is walked alone.

When we face heartbreak, confusion, or loss, this verse whispers a truth we desperately need: God is moved by what moves us. He is not indifferent. He is not cold. He is not far away. He weeps with us, walks with us, and ultimately brings resurrection into places that feel hopeless.

Lord Jesus, thank You for being a Savior who feels deeply and loves completely. Thank You for entering our sorrow, carrying our burdens, and meeting us with compassion. When my heart aches, remind me that You are near, that You understand, and that Your presence brings comfort and hope. Teach me to trust Your timing, rest in Your love, and believe in Your power to bring life where there has been loss. Amen.

DEAR GOD: We Are Strengthened By Your Word~

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Strengthened By Your Word~
C D SWANSON

As a New Year begins, many are filled with promises of what is to come. Some are more than happy to leave the “year behind.”  Perhaps it was a sad year, you had to say goodbye to a loved one. Or something happened unexpectedly that changed your life forever. It only takes a second for a life to be changed. 

Maybe some of you had a beautifully blessed year – like an addition to your family, or some of you married, welcomed a first baby!  Some of you were healed from a terminal illness. Some of you saw things for the first time, and perhaps the best of all- Many of you found Jesus Christ and accepted Him as LORD and Savior of your life overall! Amen! and Amen!

Whatever happened last year, or “did not happen” God was with you through it all. Even when it seemed that He didn’t show up. He did. Sometimes He is silent. And that silence can be deafening to those waiting for an answer, or guidance. But sometimes that “silence is His answer.”  He works behind the scenes. He is sorting out all of the details in your life, meticulously, and lovingly. But He is there, nonetheless.

So, as we all welcome in another year – 2026 – we let us give thanks for all things and for seeing another year.

We look forward to serving you humbly and longingly and acquiescing to your will Father God! Stay in His Word – because that is a good place to be. It is our answer to all of life and how to live in this world. It is the reason to be alive, and it is the reason we ARE ALIVE.  Every day in His Word is a good day, because Jesus Christ is the LIVING WORD.

“LORD, as we look to Your Word, we hold fast to the promise of Psalm 46:1: ‘God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.’ May Your Presence steady every step, calm every fear, and fill this season with Your peace that passes all understanding. Strengthen the heart, guide the path, and let Your mercy shine in every moment. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Through The Darkness Of Night, I Still See Your Light~

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In The Night I Still See Your Light
C D SWANSON

“Unto the upright there ariseth light in the darkness: he is gracious, and full of compassion, and righteous.”Psalm 112:4, KJV

Night has a way of magnifying everything — worries feel heavier, silence feels louder, and the unknown seems closer than the familiar. Yet Scripture insists on a truth that stands firm even when the world grows dim: God brings light into the darkness, not after it, not around it, but in it.

Psalm 112:4 is not a promise for people who have everything figured out. It is a promise for the upright — those who keep turning their hearts toward God even when they feel fragile, weary, or unsure. The verse does not say the upright avoid darkness; it says that light arises within it. That means God’s presence is not delayed until morning. His light is not postponed until circumstances improve. His compassion does not wait for your strength to return.

The darkness may be real — the fears, the uncertainties, the long nights of overthinking — but God’s light is more real. It is not a flicker that can be blown out by anxiety. It is not a fragile candle that depends on your mood or your energy. It is a steady, gracious, compassionate radiance that comes from His character, not your condition.

And notice the words Scripture uses to describe Him: gracious, full of compassion, righteous. These are not distant qualities. They are intimate ones. They tell you that God does not simply shine light at you — He shines light for you, toward you, and within you.

Even in the dark of the night, you see His light because He is the One who brings it. Even when your thoughts feel tangled, His compassion unties the knots. Even when fear whispers, His righteousness stands taller. Even when you feel alone, His Presence fills the room.

The night does not have the final word.

His light and HIS WORD does…

🙏 “LORD, when the night feels long and my heart feels unsteady, let Your light rise within me. Remind me that darkness is never stronger than Your Presence. Shine into the corners of my fear, my worry, and my uncertainty. Please allow Your compassion to quiet my thoughts and Your grace steady my spirit. Thank You for being the light that never fades, the hope that never dims, and the comfort that never leaves. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: The Unfailing Love of the Lord~

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“The Unfailing Love of the Lord”

The love of the Lord is not fleeting or conditional; it is steadfast, eternal, and deeply personal. Unlike human affection, which can waver with circumstances, God’s love remains constant. It is the foundation of our faith and the anchor of our hope. His love is demonstrated in creation, in the gift of Christ, and in the daily mercies we receive. To rest in His love is to find peace that surpasses understanding and strength that endures trials.

  • How have I experienced the Lord’s love in my daily life?
  • In what ways can I extend His love to others around me?
  • What practices help me remain aware of God’s steadfast love?
  • How does remembering His love change the way I face challenges?

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — Lamentations 3:22‑23

“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” — Romans 5:8

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so, we are.” — 1 John 3:1

“Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good; his love endures forever.” — Psalm 136:1

Lord, thank You for Your unfailing love that sustains me each day. Teach me to rest in Your mercy and to reflect Your love in my words and actions. May Your steadfast love be the song of my heart and the strength of my spirit. Amen.