DEAR GOD:

Posted on August 30, 2025 by C D SWANSON

"WE ARE REDEEMED........."REDEMPTION: That which was once owned, LOST ...

“Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God;” –Ephesians 2:19

This verse signifies in great magnitudes of how there is a complete shift in perspective. It means to say that everyone is equal in God’s house. That the spiritual family of Christ are all one household of God. That ALL believers irrespective of their background, are ONE in His house. When we are ALL doing the unifying work of Christ – we are essentially ONE body in Christ.

This spiritual citizen suggests we all have the same standing in the eyes of the LORD. That there is not one better than the other. If we are all performing and extending our every breath into working and promoting the LORD and His glory, then we in fact – are all on equal grounding and all living within the realm of “spiritual oneness” in Christ.

The focus is that Christ breaks down all barriers making us ONE in God. His blood covered us and His redemption of those who accept Him as LORD and Savior – is grafted in us. Each one of us has His Spirit living within us. He lives in us. He walks with us. He guides us. He transforms us. Our filthy rags are washed clean in His blood. We are sinners who were saved and given grace through His blood and sacrifice.

Our new status is NOT EARNED – but instead is the result of God’s grace and Christ’s reconciliation and His act and work which brings us “near” and close to the LORD. Amen – The following scriptures will supply more insight into what I’ve just written.

Unity in Christ and Equality in God’s Household

Ephesians 2:19 “Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellowcitizens with the saints, and of the household of God.”
Galatians 3:28 “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither bond nor free, there is neither male nor female: for ye are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 12:5 “So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.”
1 Corinthians 12:13 “For by one Spirit are we all baptized into one body, whether we be Jews or Gentiles, whether we be bond or free; and have been all made to drink into one Spirit.”

Redemption and Grace Not Earned

Ephesians 2:8–9 “For by grace are ye saved through faith; and that not of yourselves: it is the gift of God: Not of works, lest any man should boast.”
Titus 3:5 “Not by works of righteousness which we have done, but according to his mercy he saved us, by the washing of regeneration, and renewing of the Holy Ghost.”
Romans 5:8–9 “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. Much more then, being now justified by his blood, we shall be saved from wrath through him.”

Indwelling of the Holy Spirit and Transformation

1 Corinthians 6:19 “What? know ye not that your body is the temple of the Holy Ghost which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own?”
Galatians 2:20 “I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me…”
2 Corinthians 5:17 “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold, all things are become new.”

Brought Near by Christ’s Blood

Ephesians 2:13 “But now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ.”

“LORD my King of kings, and everything – thank You for fully restoring what was rotten and filthy and making us new and washing us clean in Your blood, may we serve you fully with humility while promoting and proclaiming Your glory and grace, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: I find Joy In You & Your Love~

Posted on August 28, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The joy of the LORD is your strength.” — Nehemiah 8:10

Loving the LORD in Today’s Times and Always

In Nehemiah’s day, the people had just rediscovered the law of God after years of exile and spiritual drought. Their hearts were pierced with conviction, yet the prophet reminded them that sorrow was not the final word—joy in the LORD was their refuge and renewal.

Today, in a world of shifting values, noise, and uncertainty, this truth remains unshaken. Joy in the LORD is not fleeting happiness or circumstantial ease—it is a deep, abiding gladness anchored in His presence, promises, and peace. To love the LORD in modern times is to choose sacred stillness over chaos, truth over trends, and grace over grievance. It is to delight in Him not just when life is gentle, but especially when it is not.

Loving the LORD always means remembering that He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His joy is not a luxury—it is our lifeline. It strengthens us to endure, to forgive, to hope, and to worship even when the world feels heavy.

Reflective Meditation

O my soul, rejoice in thy Maker. Though the earth be troubled and the nations roar, The LORD is thy portion and thy praise. He hath clothed thee with gladness and girded thee with peace. Let not thy heart be cast down, for the joy of the LORD is thy strength. Lift up thine eyes unto the hills, from whence cometh thy help. Thy help cometh from the LORD, which made heaven and earth. In His presence is fullness of joy; at His right hand are pleasures forevermore. Rest in Him, delight in Him, and be glad in thy God.

“Heavenly Father, I thank Thee for the joy that is found in Thee alone. When my heart is weary and my path uncertain, Thou art my strength and my song. Teach me to delight in Thy Word, To rejoice in Thy goodness, And to abide in Thy peace. Let Thy joy be my shield and my song, That I may walk uprightly and worship Thee with gladness. Bless my household with Thy presence, And let Thy joy overflow in every room, every heart, and every day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Call Of Grace This New Day~

Posted on August 26, 2025 by C D SWANSON

What is the first thing you do when you open your eyes after a nights’ sleep? And what is the first thing that comes to mind when you open your eyes after a nights’ sleep? And then – afterwards – what is the first thing you do? I mean besides perhaps visiting the “tinkle” room (LOL). Think long and hard – or quickly to these questions.

Now hopefully, many of you answered that you “praise God” and give a huge hearty thanks for His grace and His protection throughout the night. And praise Him for another day. Another day to love Him, serve Him and invariably “work all things for Him” and Him alone! And of course – read scripture from His Holy Book. Because even “one scripture to meditate upon – is better than none at all. Amen!

You see as Christians, and God’s children- we all need to be prepared for what comes our way. Our Father knows the overall picture. He sees things we cannot see. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts, and His mercy and strength far exceed anything or anyone here or anywhere in this universe. How do we prepare for what comes? What do we do each day while here on earth? Well, you might consider engaging in the following:

1-Read the Word
2- Put on the full armor of God.
3-Trust in the LORD, always.
4-Stay in communication with Him.
5-Pray.
6-Meditate
7-Honor Him in all you do.
8-Show compassion.
9-Be watchful.
10- Love Him with all your mind heart strength and soul.

When we rise, we don’t just awaken to light—we awaken to purpose. The breath in our lungs is not random; it’s a divine invitation to walk in His will. Scripture reminds us:

“Let everything that has breath praise the Lord.” —Psalm 150:6
“Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for His compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness.” —Lamentations 3:22–23

Each new day is a sacred assignment. Whether we face joy or trial, we are called to clothe ourselves in His strength:

“Put on the full armor of God, so that you can take your stand against the devil’s schemes.” —Ephesians 6:11
“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.” —Proverbs 3:5

We don’t prepare with fear—we prepare with faith. We don’t walk alone—we walk with the One who sees the end from the beginning. His Word is our compass, His Spirit our comfort, and His mercy our shield.

🙏 A Prayer of Thanks from Heart and Soul

O Lord, my God—thank You for the breath in my body and the light in this day. Thank You for watching over me through the night, for shielding me from harm, and for whispering peace into my soul. I rise not in my own strength, but in Yours. I praise You for Your mercy, Your wisdom, and Your unfailing love.

Today, I choose to walk in Your truth. I put on Your armor. I seek Your face. I surrender my plans and embrace Your purpose. Let my words honor You, my actions reflect You, and my heart remain tethered to Yours. May I love You with all my heart, soul, mind, and strength—and may I serve You with joy, compassion, and courage.

In Jesus’ mighty name, Amen.

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 The Sacred Compass: Guarding the Heart Toward Eternal Peace”

Posted on August 19, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) –

“Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.”

This verse is a quiet call to sacred stewardship. The heart—seat of thought, emotion, and spiritual discernment—is not merely a vessel of feeling, but the compass of one’s entire life. To guard it is to tend it with reverence, to shield it from bitterness, distraction, and despair, and to nourish it with truth, grace, and peace.

The course of life does not begin with external circumstances, but with the inner terrain. When the heart is anchored in wisdom, the path ahead becomes clearer. When it is clouded by fear or woundedness, even the brightest road can feel uncertain.

This verse invites a daily practice of intentionality: to pause, reflect, and ask what is shaping the heart today. Is it love or anxiety? Faith or fatigue? The answer will ripple outward into every decision, every relationship, every moment.

To guard the heart is not to harden it—it is to honor its sacred role in shaping a life of purpose, peace, and eternal alignment.

The heart is not just the emotional center—it is the spiritual command post. It is where convictions are formed, where truth is weighed, and where the voice of God is either welcomed or drowned out. Scripture urges us to guard it “above all else,” because everything else flows from it: our words, our choices, our relationships, our legacy.

Guarding the heart is not a passive act—it is a daily discipline. It means choosing what we allow to enter through the gates of our eyes and ears. It means filtering every thought through the lens of God’s Word. It means refusing to let bitterness take root, even when wounds run deep. It means cultivating joy, even when circumstances feel heavy.

When the heart is guarded by grace, it becomes a vessel of divine clarity. Decisions are no longer driven by impulse or fear, but by faith and discernment. The course of life begins to reflect heaven’s rhythm—steady, purposeful, and full of peace. Even in seasons of uncertainty, a guarded heart remains anchored, because it is held by the One who sees the end from the beginning.

This verse also reminds us that the heart is where eternity begins. What we treasure there—whether it be God’s truth or worldly distractions—shapes not only our earthly path but our eternal destination. To guard the heart is to prepare it for glory, to make it a dwelling place for the Spirit, and to align it with the promises of God.

In a world that constantly pulls us in a thousand directions, this verse calls us back to center. It invites us to live from the inside out, to let God shape our inner life so that our outer life reflects His goodness. It is a call to sacred stewardship, to holy vigilance, and to unwavering trust in the One who knows our hearts better than we do.

“LORD- You are the Keeper of our hearts and the Shepherd of our souls. Teach us to guard the sacred space within us, to protect it from distraction, deception, and despair. Let Your Word be the filter through which every thought passes, and Your Spirit the guide for every decision we make. May our hearts be tender to Your leading, firm in Your truth, and full of Your peace. Shape the course of our lives according to Your will, and let every step reflect the beauty of a heart aligned with eternity. We praise You for Your faithfulness, for the gift of Your presence, and for the eternal reward that awaits those who walk with You. In Jesus’ name, 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 With Love~

C D Swanson

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