Tag Archives: holiness

Dear God: We Love Drinking Your Living Water~

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Living Water Bible Verse

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb.” — Revelation 22:1

This river is not a metaphor. It is the actual outpouring of Christ Himself — His purity, His power, His endless life, His unchanging love. It flows from one throne, because the Father and the Lamb reign in perfect unity. And it flows toward us, because eternity is not distant… it is home.

The Living Water in Revelation is the final declaration that Jesus is enough — not barely enough, but gloriously, overwhelmingly, eternally enough.

He is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning of your story and the One who will finish it with beauty. He is the Lamb slain, yet standing — victorious, radiant, reigning. He is the Bridegroom, calling His beloved to drink freely. He is the Fountain, not a cup. He is the River, not a drop. He is the Source, not a symbol.

And we — His redeemed, His beloved, His chosen — stand in awe because this Living Water is not earned. It is given. Freely. Joyfully. Lavishly.

We are grateful because His love is not cautious. It is not measured. It is not fragile. It is abundant, holy, unstoppable, and forever flowing.

Every dry place in your heart is known by Him. Every weary place is seen by Him. Every longing is answered by Him. And the river flows… clear as crystal, strong as eternity, gentle as grace.

Jesus, Living Water and Lamb upon the throne,
I come thirsty — not ashamed, not afraid, but expectant.
Let Your river wash over every part of me.
Cleanse what has been heavy.
Refresh what has been weary.
Restore what has felt forgotten.
Thank You for Your love that never runs dry,
Your mercy that never hesitates,
Your presence that never leaves.
I exalt You; I adore You, I receive You.
Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Are Our King of Kings~

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a crown of thorns on top of a table

And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Revelation 19:16 (KJV)

“Exalting the King of Kings in Our Daily Walk”
by C D Swanson~💛

To call Jesus the King of Kings is to acknowledge the highest authority in the universe — the One before whom every earthly crown will fall and every knee will bow. Yet what amazes the believer is not only His majesty, but His nearness. The King of kings walks with us through ordinary days, quiet mornings, and fragile moments. He is exalted above all creation, yet He bends low to lift our hearts.

Exalting Christ daily is not merely an act of worship; it is a posture of life. It means waking each morning with a whispered “Jesus, reign in me today.” It means choosing His peace over panic, His truth over confusion, His love over bitterness. It means remembering that no matter what storms shake our world, His throne is unshaken.

When we exalt Him, we place our fears beneath His feet. When we honor Him, we align our hearts with His kingdom. When we adore Him, we remember that our lives are not random — they are held in the hands of the eternal King.

Scripture reminds us again and again of His supremacy:

  • Philippians 2:9–11 — Every knee shall bow… every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord.
  • Psalm 47:7 — For God is the King of all the earth.
  • 1 Timothy 6:15 — The blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings, and Lord of lords.

These verses anchor us. They remind us that our worship is not empty emotion — it is the rightful response to the One who rules heaven and earth with perfect justice, perfect mercy, and perfect love.

To exalt Him daily is to live with a lifted gaze. It is to walk through this world knowing that our King is present, powerful, and preparing a kingdom that cannot be shaken. And in that truth, our hearts find rest.

❓ Reflective Question

How can I intentionally exalt Christ as King in the small, quiet moments of my day?

🙏

Thank You, LORD my King of Kings, for reigning over my life with love, strength, and mercy. Teach me to exalt You daily in every thought, every choice, and every step. Amen.

DEAR GOD: Steady My Steps~

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 brown wooden dock in fornt body of water


“Ponder the path of thy feet, and let all thy ways be established. Turn not to the right hand nor to the left: remove thy foot from evil.” — Proverbs 4:26–27 (KJV)

 

Steady Steps on Holy Ground
by C D Swanson

There is a quiet strength in choosing the path of God day after day. The world pulls, distractions whisper, fears rise — yet the Spirit gently calls you back to the narrow way, the way that leads to peace, clarity, and life. God never asks you to sprint; He simply asks you to stay steady, to keep your feet aligned with His truth, and to let Him establish your steps.

Walking with God means choosing direction over perfection. It means lifting your eyes above the noise and fixing them on the Kingdom — on what is eternal, pure, and unshakable. When you keep your gaze on Him, the path becomes clearer. When you seek His Kingdom first, everything else falls into its rightful place.

God does not abandon you to walk alone. He walks beside you, before you, and behind you. He guards your steps, strengthens your resolve, and lights the way when the path feels dim. Every moment you choose righteousness — even quietly, even imperfectly — you are honoring Him. And He delights in guiding those who desire His way.

Stay the course. Keep your heart aligned with His. Let His Word be the compass that steadies your feet. The path of righteousness is not always easy, but it is always blessed, always protected, and always leading you closer to His heart.

Lord, guide my steps and steady my heart. Help me walk Your path with faith, clarity, and unwavering trust.  In Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Your Love Is Rooted Firmly In Us~

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brown tree trunk near body of water during daytime

That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love…” — Ephesians 3:17

When His Love Becomes the Center of Everything
by C D Swanson~

To be in love with Christ is not a momentary emotion — it is the slow, holy awakening of the soul to the One who has loved you since before you took your first breath. It is the discovery that Jesus is not simply a figure in Scripture, but the Living Presence who steps into your real life, your real struggles, your real fears, and your real hopes.

Loving Christ is not about perfection. It is about Presence — His Presence in you, and your presence before Him. It is the quiet realization that He is the One who has walked with you through every valley, even the ones you didn’t think you would survive. It is the moment you understand that His love is not fragile, not conditional, not dependent on your performance. His love is rooted, eternal, and unshakeable.

When Christ becomes the center of your life, everything shifts:

  • Your wounds become places where His healing light enters
  • Your fears become invitations to trust
  • Your failures become testimonies of His mercy
  • Your loneliness becomes a doorway to His companionship
  • Your identity becomes anchored in who He says you are

To love Christ is to finally breathe. To finally rest. To finally know that you are fully seen and fully held.

It is the daily choice to say, “Lord, I am Yours,” even when life feels heavy. It is the quiet courage to believe that His love is stronger than your past, deeper than your pain, and more faithful than your doubts.

And in that love — that deep, steady, unchanging love — you find who you truly are.

🌼 Reflective Question

Where in your life do you most need to let Christ’s love steady you today?

“The LORD hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love.” — Jeremiah 31:3

LORD ,let Your love take root in the deepest places of my heart. Teach me to walk in the truth of who You are — faithful, gentle, and unchanging. Let Your presence steady my steps, quiet my fears, and shape my life. Draw me closer to You each day, until loving You becomes the truest thing about me. In Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Are All I Need -Forever~

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"Sensing the Need for God" - Sunday May 31, 2020 - Blue Ridge Chapel ...

Psalm 73:25 — “Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.”

My Only Desire, Forever
by C D Swanson~

Full Essay Commentary & Intellectual Tribute

There are verses that whisper, and there are verses that thunder softly across the centuries. Psalm 73:25 is one of those rare declarations that stands outside of time — a soul’s cry that is as relevant today as it was the moment it was first breathed into existence.

“Whom have I in heaven but thee?” This is not a question of curiosity; it is a confession of allegiance. The psalmist is not merely acknowledging God’s supremacy — he is acknowledging God’s exclusivity. Heaven itself, with all its glory, would be empty without the Lord. The verse strips away every lesser affection and reveals the core truth of the human soul: we were made for God, and God alone satisfies.

“And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” This is the earthly echo of the heavenly cry. It is the heart saying, “Everything else fades. Everything else shifts. Everything else disappoints. But You — You remain.” This is not isolation; it is devotion. Not withdrawal; but anchoring. Not rejecting the world; but recognizing that nothing in the world can take the place of the One who formed it.

In a world of noise, distraction, and relentless demands, this verse becomes a compass. It calls us back to the center — to the One who is not merely part of our life, but the very source of it. It reminds us that spiritual maturity is not measured by how much we know, but by how deeply we desire Him.

And today, in an age of fractured attention and divided loyalties, this ancient cry becomes even more radical. To say “I desire none beside Thee” is to reclaim your soul from the world’s endless tug-of-war. It is to guard your time, your mind, your devotion, and your quiet hours with a holy fierceness. It is to say:

“Lord, You are not an addition to my life — You are my life.”

This longing is not weakness; it is wisdom. This devotion is not outdated; it is eternal. This desire is not unrealistic; it is the very design of the human heart.

And when you say, “I need God only,” you are not rejecting the world — you are placing everything in its proper order. You are choosing the One who never changes, never leaves, never fails, and never stops drawing you closer.

Reflective Thought

What would shift in your life if you truly lived as though God were your only lasting desire — the One you return to, the One you guard time for, the One your soul leans toward in every season?

Prayer for All

Lord, teach us to desire You above all else. Quiet every competing voice, steady every wandering thought, and draw our hearts back to the place where You alone are enough. Let our days be shaped by Your Presence and our lives anchored in Your love. In Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Precious Moments All For You~

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sun reflection on calm water near green mountains

Psalm 27:4 (KJV) “One thing have I desired of the LORD, that will I seek after; that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to behold the beauty of the LORD, and to enquire in his temple.”

 

Precious Moments All for the Lord
by C D Swanson~

 

There is a holy simplicity in David’s words — a narrowing of life down to its truest longing. One thing have I desired. Not many things. Not scattered pursuits. Not the restless reaching that so often fills our days. Just one thing: to dwell with the Lord, to behold His beauty, to live in the nearness of His presence.

This verse invites us into a quieter way of being — a life where the sacred moments are not rare interruptions but the steady rhythm of our days. Moments where we pause, breathe, and remember that God is not far off. He is the One who meets us in the stillness, who fills ordinary spaces with extraordinary peace, who turns simple minutes into holy ground.

To “behold the beauty of the Lord” is not merely to admire Him, but to let His character reshape our own. His gentleness softens our edges. His faithfulness steadies our fears. His mercy teaches us how to forgive. His light shows us how to walk. And His love — deep, unwavering, unchanging — becomes the anchor of our identity.

When we “enquire in His temple,” we are choosing to bring our questions, our uncertainties, our hopes, and our dreams into His presence. We are choosing to trust that He guides, He speaks, He leads, and He holds our future with tenderness. These precious moments with Him are not wasted time; they are the very moments that shape us, strengthen us, and draw us into the life He designed.

Every quiet prayer, every whispered “Lord, help me,” every moment of worship, every pause to remember His goodness — these are the precious moments that belong entirely to Him. And in giving Him these moments, we find that He gives us Himself.

🙏 Prayer for All God’s Children

Lord, draw every one of Your children into the beauty of Your presence. Teach us to seek You, to rest in You, and to find our strength in You alone. Let our days be filled with holy moments that remind us of Your nearness and Your love. Amen.

DEAR GOD: A Moment In Time With You~

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the sun is shining through the trees in the woods“With the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.” — 2 Peter 3:8

Poem: “A Moment in Time With the Lord”
By C D Swanson~

A moment in time with You, O Lord, is more than hours, more than years— it is eternity brushing against my soul. For with You, a single breath holds the weight of a thousand dawns, and a thousand years dissolve into the warmth of one holy moment.

When I walk with You, time is not a clock but a companion— a gentle witness to Your everlasting love. In Your Presence, nothing is rushed, nothing is wasted, nothing is lost.

One heartbeat with You outshines a lifetime without You. One whisper of Your Spirit outlasts the ages. And one step on Your eternal road becomes a forever I never want to leave.

🙏

“Lord, Teach me to rest in Your eternal rhythm. Let my moments with You stretch wide and deep, full of peace, full of color, full of Your presence. Help me remember that Your timing is perfect, Your love is endless, and every second spent with You is a treasure that outlives time itself. Hold my heart steady in Your forever, and let my days reflect the beauty of walking with You. In  Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Are My Deepest Love~

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Attributes of God | Adoring God

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: Love The Majesty Of Your Ways~

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 The Majesty of God (Part 2) – Brown Trail Church of Christ

Psalm 145:3 “Great is the Lord, and greatly to be praised; and His greatness is unsearchable.”

“The Majesty of His Ways”
by C D SWANSON~

There are no words in human language vast enough to contain the greatness of our God. His ways stretch beyond the borders of our understanding, yet His love bends low enough to touch the smallest corners of our lives. He is the God who hung galaxies in their places, yet He is also the God who hears the quiet sigh of your heart.

Every sunrise is a reminder that His mercies are new. Every breath is evidence that His goodness sustains you. Every answered prayer, every moment of unexpected peace, every time your spirit is steadied when it should have fallen apart — these are the fingerprints of a God whose love is both mighty and intimate.

His ways are perfect, even when we cannot trace them. His timing is flawless, even when we cannot see the full picture. His love is relentless, pursuing us through valleys, lifting us on mountains, and holding us steady in the in‑between places.

To exalt the Lord is to acknowledge that He is everything: our strength when we are weak, our peace when the world trembles, our refuge when storms rise, our joy when sorrow presses close.

He is the God who parts seas, moves mountains, heals wounds, restores souls, and whispers hope into the weary. He is the God who never abandons, never forgets, never fails. His greatness is unsearchable — not because it is hidden, but because it is endless.

Lift your heart today. Let your spirit rise in worship. Let your soul remember that the One who governs the universe also governs your steps with love, wisdom, and unfailing compassion. Truly, there is none like Him.

Lord, You are great and greatly to be praised. Your ways are higher, Your love is deeper, and Your presence is sweeter than anything this world can offer. Lift my eyes to see Your majesty, steady my heart to trust Your wisdom, and fill my spirit with awe at the beauty of who You are. Let my life exalt You in every breath, every choice, every moment.  In Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: The Wonder Of You~

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Great is the LORD, and greatly to be praised; and his greatness is unsearchable.” — Psalm 145:3

The Wonder of the LORD
by C D SWANSON~

There are moments when the soul simply stops and stares — not with the eyes, but with the heart — at the sheer wonder of the LORD. His greatness is not something we measure; it is something we behold. Scripture tells us His greatness is unsearchable, not because He hides it, but because it is too vast, too radiant, too eternal for the human mind to contain.

Every sunrise is a brushstroke of His imagination. Every breath we take is a quiet reminder that He sustains us. Every creature, from the smallest sparrow to the mighty whale, moves according to a design older than time. And woven into all of this is His love — a love that shapes galaxies yet bends low enough to comfort a single heart.

When we look at the world through this lens, even the simplest things become sacred. The way light dances on water. The hush of morning air. The rhythm of our own heartbeat. These are not accidents; they are invitations. Invitations to remember that the LORD is not distant. He is present, active, intentional, and endlessly creative.

His wonder is not only in what He made — it is in who He is. A God who forms stars with His word yet forms our hearts with His hands. A God whose power is limitless, yet whose gentleness is personal. A God who governs the universe yet listens when we whisper His name.

To live aware of His wonder is to live awake. Awake to beauty. Awake to purpose. Awake to the truth that we are part of His masterpiece, crafted with the same care as the heavens above. And when we recognize this, praise becomes natural — not forced, not formal, but flowing from a heart overwhelmed by His goodness.

LORD, open my eyes to Your wonder today. Let me see Your greatness in the world around me and in the quiet places of my own life. Teach me to pause, to notice, to worship. Fill my heart with awe, and let my life reflect the beauty of Your presence. Thank You for being both mighty and near, both Creator and Father. In Jesus name, Amen.