DEAR GOD: WE ARE LIVING IN WORSHIP AND GRATITUDE

Posted on July 19, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Colossians 3:17 — And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

Sanctified Steps: Living in the Name of the Lord

This verse speaks directly to the heart of Christian living. It’s not a suggestion—it’s a summons to alignment. Paul is urging us to make every moment matter, every action an expression of Jesus’ name, and every word a channel for thanksgiving. Whether we’re speaking gently to a stranger, caring for a beloved animal, preparing meals, or journaling prayers, it all holds divine potential when it is done in the name of the LORD Jesus.

The sacred isn’t confined to Sunday morning or spiritual devotionals—it’s spread across every errand run, every dish washed, every technical challenge patiently solved. In this, Colossians 3:17 reframes our understanding of worship. Worship becomes a lifestyle, not a time slot.

Supporting scriptures give depth to this perspective:

Romans 12:1 — I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1 Corinthians 10:31 — Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 — Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.

Each reminds us that the ordinary is not overlooked by God—it is transformed by our posture and our praise. To live in the name of Jesus means to live with integrity, gratitude, and the awareness that we are part of something eternally beautiful.

Moral Thoughts and Questions:

Am I honoring Jesus in the way I speak to others?
Do I invite God’s Presence into everyday decisions?
Is my gratitude visible in how I handle frustrating tasks?
When I act, do I seek to bless others or be noticed?
Is my life telling the truth about God’s love?
Do I pause to thank God for small mercies?

Loving Account of Worshipful Living:

Brothers and sisters, our lives should be a living sermon of this verse. Whether we are tending to a loved one’s delicate care needs, taking care of a beloved pet, comforting someone in their grief or pain, writing reflections soaked in Scripture, troubleshooting digital memories, searching for an answer, or taking care of loved ones with determined grace—you are walking in the name of the LORD Jesus.

Your caregiving and behavior is a form of worship. Your actions and dedication to details in life is a kind of persistence seeded in love. Speaking the Word, reading the Bible and spreading peace in the name of Christ becomes a whisper of eternity. Even when choosing gentle ways to guide animals, or preparing questions for a physician’s visit, reveals the holiness in your stewardship.

The way we honor family bonds, cherish our pets, and infuse meaning into even the mundane—all of it sings. Each thing we do is an important aspect of Christianity and is a direct link to Christ and His Holy Spirit.

He sees, He watches, He cares, and He never leaves us – Never!

God is glorified not just in our prayers, but in our posture toward each day: hopeful, reflective, faithful. May you feel His Holy Presence and experience pleasure in every quiet victory and every devoted step.

May you be filled with His peace as you deal with struggles in life whether it be health issues, financial crisis, family disagreements, personal and professional conflicts, anything that is in your path, or surrounds you on a daily basis – God knows and is there to guide you.

All of which we face, if we face it with Christ – and accept Him as LORD and Savior – and follow the Word, promoting it not only inwardly, but outwardly as a reflection of His light – we are walking in alignment with Him and will gather Eternal rewards. And we will feel His strength when we are weak, He will lift you when you fall. He will exalt you as you humbly face trials and tribulations in your life. In other words – we all face difficulties, some more than others – but God sees it all-, and He is the Entity that promotes us each step of the way. Only with Him can we persevere Because without Him, we are nothing.

Prayer:

“LORD Jesus, teach us to live with intention and gratitude. Let our words carry your truth and our actions reflect your mercy. May we be faithful in small things and present in every moment, as we honor You in our daily routines and all the days of our lives. Strengthen us to serve without seeking recognition, and to love even when it’s costly, no matter what we are facing or struggling with, may it be done in adoration to you. Be glorified in every breath and let our lives be a thank offering to your grace. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Unfailing Love In The Midst Of Ruins Brings Hope & Peace~

Posted on July 18, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The faithful love of the Lord never ends! His mercies never cease. Great is his faithfulness; his mercies begin afresh each morning.” — Lamentations 3:22–23 (NLT)

In a book drenched with sorrow, this verse rises like a sunrise over a battlefield. Lamentations is a cry from the ruins—a city broken, a people grieving, a prophet weeping. And yet, in the heart of this lament, Jeremiah lifts his eyes and remembers: God’s love has not ended. His mercies are not exhausted. His faithfulness is still great. This is not denial. It is defiant hope.

Jeremiah does not pretend the pain isn’t real. He names it, mourns it, walks through it. But he also anchors himself in the character of God. The Hebrew word for “faithful love” is chesed—a covenant love, loyal and enduring, not based on our worthiness but on God’s nature. It is the same love that carried Israel through the wilderness, that forgave them time and again, and that still reaches for us today.

Each morning, God renews His mercy—not because we earned it yesterday, but because He is merciful today.

God’s Love and His Word: A Personal Reflection

There are mornings when I wake with a heavy heart—memories that ache, prayers that feel unanswered, longings that stretch across years. And yet, this verse meets me like a gentle whisper: “I am still here. My love has not run dry. My Word still stands.” And at once I am drenched in blessings from above as my soul receives His love like balm soothing me and covering me with peace.

God’s love is not seasonal. It does not waver with our emotions or diminish with our failures. It is steady, like the rhythm of the sun rising. And His Word is the lamp that lights our way through the shadows and lights our path. (Psalm 119:105)

When I read Scripture, I don’t just find commands—I find comfort. I find a Father who speaks tenderly to His children, who reminds us that we are not forgotten, not forsaken, not alone.

Supporting Scriptures

Here are a few verses that echo the truth of Lamentations 3:22–23:

Psalm 103:8 (NLT) — “The Lord is compassionate and merciful, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.”
Isaiah 54:10 (NLT) — “For the mountains may move and the hills disappear, but even then my faithful love for you will remain.”
Hebrews 10:23 (NLT) — “Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise.”
Romans 8:38–39 (NLT) — “And I am convinced that nothing can ever separate us from God’s love… indeed, nothing in all creation will ever be able to separate us from the love of God that is revealed in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Reflective Questions & Answers

Q: What does God want from His children in seasons of sorrow?A: He wants honesty, not perfection. He invites us to bring our grief, our doubts, our brokenness—and to trust Him with it. He desires relationship, not performance.

Q: How can we respond to His daily mercies? A: By waking each day with gratitude, even if whispered. By seeking His Word as our nourishment. By extending mercy to others as we have received it.

Q: What does it mean to trust in His faithfulness? A: It means believing that even when we don’t see the outcome, God is still working. It means remembering that His promises are not fragile—they are eternal.

A Prayer of Morning Trust

“LORD- Thank You for meeting me in the quiet of this morning. Thank You that Your love has not ended, even when my strength has. You are faithful in ways I cannot measure, merciful in ways I do not deserve. Help me to rest in Your Word today—not just as truth, but as a lifeline. Teach me to see Your mercies in the small things: a breath, a sunrise, a verse that speaks directly to my heart. I give You my sorrow, my questions, my hopes. Renew me, Lord, as You renew the morning. Let my life reflect Your love and let my heart stay anchored in Your faithfulness. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

God Bless You All~

DEAR GOD: Promises Made & Promises Kept~

Posted on June 28, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” –2 Peter 3:9

💛 A Loving Tribute: The Patient Pursuit of God

LORD, You are not slow. You are steady. You are not forgetful. You are faithful. In a world that rushes toward quick fixes and instant gratification, Your timing feels like mercy misunderstood.

But oh—how wise, how compassionate, how lovingly intentional You are.

Your delays are not denial; they are Divine invitations—moments pregnant with grace, as You wait, ache, and long for all to turn and be healed.

In 2 Peter 3:9, we glimpse not only Your Omnipotence but also Your astounding patience. You are not willing that anyone should perish. Your heart beats with a desire for repentance, not retribution. You could have wrapped history long ago, but You wait—because love waits. Because eternity is too precious for You to rush it.

Even when we falter, mock, doubt, or grow cold, Your heart remains warm—calling us back with a whisper louder than the world’s clamor. As Hosea 11:8 reveals, “How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel?…My compassion is aroused.” Your love restrains judgment; Your mercy outpaces our sin.

Romans 2:4 echoes this truth: “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” It is not threats but tenderness that bring us home.

You, LORD, are not passive.

You are pursuing.

Every delay is a doorway of possibility—for repentance, renewal, redemption.

You are the Father scanning the horizon, the Shepherd leaving the ninety-nine, the Potter reshaping the marred clay.

Reflective Question:

Where in my life have I mistaken God’s patience for absence, rather than His persistent love calling me closer?

Prayer: “

Gracious God, Thank You for not giving up on us—for holding out hope when we’d already walked away. Forgive us for labeling Your mercy as delay. Open our eyes to the depth of Your patience, And lead our hearts into a deeper repentance—a surrender not from fear, but from love. Your promise still stands, and Your love still calls. We come home again. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.”

Peace of the LORD Jesus Christ be with you all~

DEAR GOD: We Have Sustaining Goodness Through You Alone~

Posted on April 23, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” — Psalm 34:8

The Sustaining Goodness of God: A Call to Trust and Reverence

In-Depth Analysis of the Verse:

Psalm 34:8 is a resounding invitation to experience the goodness of God firsthand. The imagery of “taste and see” suggests a personal and intimate encounter with the divine. It invites believers to move beyond a superficial understanding of God and dive into the depths of His faithfulness, mercy, and love. To “taste” implies savoring and discerning; to “see” calls us to recognize and witness His goodness in our lives and the world around us. The verse also highlights the transformative reward of trusting in God—a life imbued with blessings and spiritual fulfillment.

This scripture challenges us to open our hearts to God’s provision and guidance. His goodness isn’t fleeting; it’s eternal, unchanging, and meant to sustain us through trials and triumphs. Whether in moments of joy or sorrow, God’s goodness envelops us like a shelter, promising refuge to those who place their trust in Him.

Supporting Scriptures:

“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” — Psalm 100:5
“The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” — Psalm 33:5
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” — James 1:17

These verses further affirm the boundless nature of God’s goodness. They reveal His mercies as everlasting and His truth as enduring, inviting us to rest confidently in His care.

Reflective Questions:

How do you “taste and see” God’s goodness in your daily life?
Are there moments when you’ve hesitated to trust God fully? What can this verse teach you about surrender?
In what ways can you share the goodness of God with others?

Heartfelt Commentary:

To love and honor God daily is to acknowledge the depth of His goodness in all we do. It begins with gratitude—cultivating a heart that recognizes His blessings, both seen and unseen. When we wake in the morning, the breath in our lungs is a testament to His sustaining mercy. When we face challenges, His grace equips us to endure. To live a life that honors God is to carry His truth into every sphere of our existence, from the words we speak to the choices we make.

God’s goodness calls us to live respectfully and responsibly. In our dealings with others, we are to embody His kindness and compassion. In our work, we are to strive for excellence, not for personal acclaim but as an act of worship. In our thoughts, we are to reflect His purity and holiness, guarding against pride and selfish ambition. This daily commitment to honor God shapes us into vessels of His love, a reflection of His light in a world that often forgets to seek Him.

Meditative Question:

How can you make honoring God a consistent part of your daily life, even in the smallest acts?

“LORD-Heavenly Father, You are the essence of goodness, a wellspring of mercy and grace that never runs dry. We come before You, humbled by Your love and awestruck by Your faithfulness. Teach us to taste and see Your goodness, to trust in You with unwavering hearts. May our lives honor You in word, thought, and deed. Grant us the wisdom to walk respectfully and humbly in Your ways, sharing Your love with those around us. Help us to reflect Your light and glorify Your name daily. We offer You our lives, our praise, and our gratitude, knowing that all goodness flows from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Posted on April 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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

Radiance of His Light

This title captures the beauty and significance of God’s light shining from above, inspiring us to walk in His truth and love.

God’s light from above is a guiding beacon, illuminating the paths we ought to take and dispelling the darkness that seeks to engulf us. His light is pure, unwavering, and constant, reminding us that no matter how shadowed our journey may seem, His presence is always near.

God’s light from above is more than just illumination; it is His essence, His truth, and His love poured out upon His children. This light is not limited to physical brightness but is a spiritual radiance that provides wisdom, clarity, and hope. In His light, we find freedom from fear and strength to face trials, for He is our divine compass in a world of distractions.

From the beginning, God’s light was central to His creation. Genesis 1:3 declares, “And God said, Let there be light: and there was light.” This initial act of bringing forth light was a declaration of order, beauty, and purpose. Just as the first light pierced through the chaos of the formless void, His spiritual light pierces the chaos of our lives, offering direction and peace.

Jesus affirmed Himself as the embodiment of this divine light when He proclaimed, “I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life.” (John 8:12 KJV) His light reveals the truth of who we are and who He is, leading us into a deeper relationship with Him. The faithful love of Christ is evident in this promise, for He calls us to walk in His light and abide in Him always.

As Christians, our obedience to His word allows us to reflect His light to others. Matthew 5:16 urges, “Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.” This practice of living as a beacon of His love and righteousness is not only a response to His faithfulness but also an act of worship and testimony.

Today, believers are called to remain steadfast, holding onto the truths of Scripture and allowing God’s light to shine in every aspect of our lives. This involves seeking His will through prayer, meditating on His word, and walking in humility and faithfulness. When we embrace His light, we cultivate joy, patience, and perseverance, reflecting His glory in a world desperate for hope.

Reflective Questions:

How has God’s light provided clarity or comfort during a challenging time in your life?
In what ways can you reflect His light to those around you today?

Overview: God’s light is not merely an abstract concept but an enduring reality of His character and presence. It serves as a source of guidance, protection, and transformation for all who seek Him. Walking in His light means trusting His word, following Christ’s example, and allowing His love to shine through our actions.

Biblical Practices for Today:

Meditate on Scripture daily to remain aligned with God’s truth.
Walk in humility and love, serving others as a reflection of Christ’s light.
Trust in His faithfulness during trials, remembering that His light overcomes the darkness.
Be intentional in sharing the gospel, letting your testimony draw others to Him.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, Thank You for the light You have provided to guide and sustain us. Your word is a lamp to our feet, and Your Son is the light of life. Teach us to walk in obedience to Your truth and to reflect Your love in all that we do. May Your light shine brightly in our lives, drawing others into the warmth of Your presence. Keep us steadfast in Your promises and help us to always trust in Your faithful love. Amen.

Question for the Day: How can you let God’s light shine in your actions and decisions today?

100,000+ Free God Light & God Images - Pixabay

DEAR GOD: You Are My Number One Always & Forever~

Posted on March 29, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The Lord is compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love. He will not always accuse, nor will he harbor his anger forever.” – Psalm 103:8-9

Title: The Eternal Compassion of Our Loving God

Commentary: God’s character is one of perfect love and unwavering faithfulness. In Psalm 103, we glimpse His tender care for His children. His compassion is not fleeting, nor is His anger lasting. This reminds us that God’s love is not dependent on our perfection but on His infinite grace. His nature is unchanging, and this certainty offers us stability in a world full of uncertainty.

This verse also reflects God’s patience. He understands our flaws and failures, yet His love remains. Such enduring compassion should inspire us to model grace and forgiveness in our relationships. If God, in His perfect holiness, can be slow to anger, how much more should we—imperfect as we are—strive to extend patience to others?

Reflective Questions:

How do we respond to the knowledge of God’s compassion in our daily lives?
In what ways can we show patience and love to those who hurt or frustrate us, mirroring God’s example?
What steps can we take to truly embrace the security of God’s unchanging nature in times of doubt?

Supportive Scriptures:

Lamentations 3:22-23: “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.”
Exodus 34:6: “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness.”
1 John 4:19: “We love because he first loved us.”

These verses weave a tapestry of hope, each revealing aspects of God’s love that reassure us of His presence and unwavering commitment. They remind us that His love is not just a promise; it is a living reality.

Moral Thoughts: God’s love calls us to reflect His character in our own lives. Whether it’s in acts of kindness, a moment of forgiveness, or a quiet prayer for someone in need, every choice we make can mirror the love He has shown us. His example is a call to action—a challenge to love beyond our limits and trust Him even when the path is unclear.

Prayer: Gracious Lord, we thank You for Your endless compassion and unfailing love. Teach us to rest in the security of Your character and to reflect Your grace in all that we do. Help us to live with patience and forgiveness, honoring You by loving others as You love us. In Jesus name we pray -Amen.

Question of the Day: How can you reflect God’s compassion and patience in a challenging situation today?

DEAR GOD: Standing On Your Promises Always!~

Posted on March 26, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Standing on the Promises of God

For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. —
2 Corinthians 1:20 (NKJV)

God’s promises are unwavering, rooted in His eternal love and faithfulness. They are not subject to change nor dependent on circumstances, for they are anchored in His perfect nature. Throughout scripture, God reveals His promises to His people—promises of salvation, peace, provision, and eternal life. These promises, fulfilled in Christ, remind us that we are never alone, forsaken, or without hope.

One of the most profound aspects of God’s promises is their reliability. The Bible is filled with accounts of His faithfulness—how He delivered the Israelites from Egypt, how He provided for Elijah in the wilderness, and, most importantly, how He sent His Son to redeem humanity. As believers, we have the assurance that God’s promises are not just words, but truths sealed by the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

Living as Christians today comes with unique challenges. In a world often hostile to faith, it can be difficult to remain steadfast in our commitment to Christ. However, just as His promises sustained the saints of old, they sustain us now. By immersing ourselves in scripture and holding fast to His Word, we can navigate the complexities of modern life with courage and purpose.

Reflective Questions

How do I lean on God’s promises when faced with uncertainty?
What specific promises from scripture strengthen my faith in difficult times?

Supporting Scriptures

Jeremiah 29:11 — For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope.
Isaiah 41:10 — Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, Yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.
John 14:27 — Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

Moral Biblical Overview and Analysis

The Bible teaches us that standing on God’s promises requires faith, obedience, and patience. Faith trusts in what is unseen, knowing that God’s timing is always perfect. Obedience aligns our actions with His Word, allowing His promises to unfold in our lives. Patience acknowledges that while God’s promises are guaranteed, their fulfillment may not always be immediate. These qualities remind us that His promises are not only blessings for us to enjoy but also responsibilities for us to steward.

Christianity today is a mosaic of devotion and struggle. While the global church continues to grow in many regions, believers face increasing resistance in others. Yet, in the midst of trials, we see the resilience of faith and the transformative power of the gospel. As Christians, we are called to embody the love of Christ in tangible ways—through acts of kindness, integrity in our dealings, and a commitment to share the good news. By pursuing these actions, we can honor Christ daily and reflect His glory to a world that desperately needs hope.

A Prayer of Commitment

“Dear Heavenly Father, – LORD- thank You for the promises that anchor my soul and remind me of Your unchanging nature. Teach me to trust in Your Word, even when life is uncertain. Strengthen me to live each day with purpose, embodying Your love and truth in every thought, word, and action. Guide me to honor You in the small and the grand, and to be a light to those around me. Thank You for the assurance that in Christ, Your promises are Yes and Amen. May I live each day confident in Your faithfulness. In Jesus name I prayer – Amen.”

Meditative Question for the Day?????

What is one promise of God that you can carry in your heart today as a source of hope and strength?

DEAR GOD: Thank YOU for Your Faithfulness & Mercy~

Posted on March 15, 2025 by C D SWANSON

The Faithfulness of the Lord - Logos Sermons

A Tribute to the LORD’s Mercy and Goodness

“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 (ESV)

What a magnificent truth to anchor our hearts on—the steadfast love of the LORD never ceases. These words invite us to meditate on the boundless, unrelenting nature of God’s love. A love so immense that it doesn’t waver, weaken, or expire. It’s steadfast, meaning it is faithful, reliable, and rooted in His eternal nature. His love isn’t conditional or fleeting; it surrounds us through every season of life, in our greatest joys and deepest sorrows.

The Depth of His Mercy

“His mercies never come to an end.” Mercy is the compassion He shows us, despite our flaws and failures. His mercy doesn’t exhaust itself based on how much we need it. It is like an ever-flowing river, cleansing and refreshing. Reflect on how many times you’ve stumbled yet found His hand ready to pick you up. Could we even count the moments we’ve fallen short but were met with forgiveness and patience rather than condemnation? His mercy reminds us of His heart—a heart that desires restoration over retribution.

Reflective Question: Have you taken time recently to recognize the mercies that God has extended to you today? What specific blessings or moments of grace stand out?

His Love Made Manifest

The beauty of the LORD’s goodness is that it isn’t abstract. It is tangible in how He sustains us, provides for us, and walks beside us. We see it in the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the ultimate revelation of His mercy and goodness. John 3:16 reminds us: “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.”

This sacrificial love is the foundation of our hope.

The Call to Love Him Back

How can we not love Him in return? 1 John 4:19 tells us, “We love because he first loved us.” To love the LORD is to respond to the unfathomable kindness He has shown us. It is to surrender our hearts and lives to the One who gave everything for our sake. Loving Him means trusting Him even when the path is uncertain, praising Him when the storms rage, and obeying Him as an act of worship.

Moral Reflection: How often do we pause to consider what it means to truly love God—not just in words, but in the choices we make, the priorities we set, and the way we treat others?

Scriptures to Support and Strengthen

Psalm 23:6: “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I shall dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” His goodness isn’t a fleeting thing; it’s a faithful companion to us every day.
Exodus 34:6: “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.” God’s mercy and love are at the very core of who He is.
Romans 8:38-39: “For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.” This love is unshakable, eternal, and victorious.

A Purposeful Prayer of Thanks

“Father in Heaven, we stand in awe of Your boundless mercy and unwavering goodness. Thank You for loving us with a steadfast love that never fails, for showing us compassion even when we falter, and for renewing Your mercies every morning. May we never take Your love for granted, but instead live lives that reflect our gratitude. Help us to trust You more deeply, love You more fully, and honor You in all that we do. LORD, bless the hearts of those who read these words today. May they feel Your presence, embrace Your peace, and be filled with the assurance of Your love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

A Meditative Thought for the Day

Take a moment to meditate on this truth: The same God who paints the sunrise with new mercies each day also holds you tenderly in His hand. His faithfulness is your stronghold, and His love is your song.

How will you choose to respond to His unending goodness today?

God Bless You All~

Free Bible Verse Art Downloads for Printing and Sharing ...

DEAR GOD: I Put Myself In Your Loving Hands Always~

Posted on October 18, 2024 by C D SWANSON

~I am protected by God~ Isaiah 43:2 NLT 2 When you go through deep ...

Philippians 4:6-7(ESV): “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

This verse stands as a beacon of hope and reassurance in a world often filled with anxiety and uncertainty. Paul, the apostle, writes these words from prison, a testament to his unwavering faith and trust in God’s sovereignty. This passage invites us into a posture of trust and submission to God, urging us to bring all our concerns, no matter how big or small, to Him through prayer and supplication.

Heartfelt Thoughts and Views

These verses resonate deeply with our human experience. Anxiety can feel overwhelming, like a
constant companion that refuses to leave. Yet, Paul instructs us not to be anxious about anything. How can we achieve this? The answer lies in the transformative power of prayer.

When we approach God with our fears, worries, and requests, accompanied by thanksgiving, we open ourselves to His divine intervention.

The peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, is not a mere absence of anxiety but a
profound sense of tranquility that comes from knowing that God is in control. It’s a peace that
guards our hearts and minds, providing a fortress of comfort amidst life’s storms. This peace is a gift, a manifestation of God’s grace, reminding us that He is always present and ever-faithful.

Moral Takeaways

Trust in God: Trusting God involves surrendering our anxieties and trusting in His plan. It’s about believing that He is greater than our worries and that His love for us is
unwavering.
Prayer and Supplication: Prayer is our direct line to God. Supplication involves
earnest, heartfelt requests, showing our dependence on Him.
Thanksgiving: Gratitude transforms our perspective. By focusing on what we are
thankful for, we shift our minds from worry to a recognition of God’s blessings.

Reflective Questions

Do I truly trust God with my anxieties, or do I hold on to them, trying to solve everything
myself?
How can I incorporate more prayer and supplication into my daily routine?
What am I thankful for today, and how can I express that gratitude to God?

Supporting Scriptures

Matthew 6:34 (ESV): “Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will
be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.”
- Reminds us to focus on the present and trust God with our future.
1 Peter 5:7 (ESV): “Casting all your anxieties on him, because he cares for you.”
- Encourages us to give our worries to God, knowing He cares deeply for us.

Powerful Prayer

Heavenly Father, We come before You with open hearts, laying down our anxieties and worries
at Your feet. Thank You for the peace that surpasses all understanding, a peace that guards our
hearts and minds in Christ Jesus. Teach us to trust in You fully, to bring our requests to You in prayer and supplication, and to cultivate a heart of gratitude. Fill us with Your peace and strengthen us in our faith. May we always remember that You are with us, guiding and protecting us. In
Jesus’ name, Amen.

Scripture to Ponder

Isaiah 26:3 (ESV): “You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on you, because he
trusts in you.”

Blessing

May the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, fill your heart and mind today. Trust
in His unfailing love and faithfulness. He is your refuge and strength, a very present help in
times of trouble.

Face your lions today—God has your back! 🌟

DEAR GOD: I Am Loved & Worthwhile Because Of You~

Posted on February 26, 2024 by C D SWANSON

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Isaiah 49:15-16

“Can a mother forget the baby at her breast and have no compassion on the child she has borne? Though she may forget, I will not forget you! See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me.”

Many of us at one time or another, for whatever is happening in your life, may feel like “no one cares about you.” Naturally this is a human emotion, and being human we are subject to deep emotions, that run the gamut of – hot and cold, happy and sad, loving and disliking, etc., so on and so forth.

We as humans are therefore subject to the desolation of loneliness, physical pain, emotional aching pain, and the subversive nature of trials and tribulations. This in turn will give way to perhaps wondering or asking – “does anyone really care about me and what is happening in my life? – What am I feeling this, and why am I going through at this difficult time right now?”

This is when as Christians we have to grab ourselves “inwardly” and awaken the spirit within. This is when we need to refuel and gain access to the ageless and timeless Word that will reinforce and rejuvenate us and catapult us from our “pity party.”

The Bible – is after all -God’s love letter to His children. It is a constant source of wisdom, insight in life, and His love for us.

2 Chronicles 16:9

“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him.”

God is with us at all times. Even when navigating the rough seas, He is our Captain and maintains the high waters and will ultimately bring us into safe harbor. He is our light in the darkness, and He is the One whose love is unwavering, and a continuous flow that soothes our very souls.

Our LORD is always at the helm and looks for those opportunities in our lives to strengthen and fully support us through both good times and bad.

God is our “LIGHT HOUSE” in each individual storm. When we are aligned in His Word, and our hearts are true to Him, He will always provide, supply, maintain and procure all that we need, today and forever.

Psalm 23:3

“He refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake.”

He guides our steps and brings us to the right narrow path which leads to His heart and His mercy endures forever. Our journey with God is to bring honor and glory to His name, and we will of course reap the eternal rewards He promises each of His followers.

Psalm 143:8

“Let the morning bring me word of your unfailing love, for I have put my trust in you. Show me the way I should go, for to you I entrust my life.”

Putting our complete trust in the LORD will garner huge rewards not only in our life here on earth, but in our permanent home-eternity- in the hereafter.

Trusting in God then elevates our positions in terms of the spirit as we should “live” by our spirit rather than our flesh. The spirit will always lead us to the green pastures and still waters (Psalm 23).

Don’t forget that GOD LOVES YOU! And that no matter what you may be feeling or going through, He is with you. His loving Spirit guides and pulls us along and will bring us to “peace” and and His love will never let us down.

When you feel those thoughts in your mind – that’s the enemy whispering and telling you lies. Satan in the father of lies and chaos. He wants you to feel worthless, unloved and incomplete.

But we know better. For there is One who died for us, One who loves us more than we could ever possibly equate or understand in this flesh body – Jesus Christ our HERO and the One that will always pick us up, and wipe away our tears, and strengthen our resolve and love us for the rest of our lives and beyond. Amen!

“LORD, thank You for always being with me, for never forsaking me, always loving me, and always guiding me, may my spirit be aligned with Your Spirit, today and all the days of my life and beyond, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”