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: You Are Our Light and Stronghold

Posted on August 29, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Psalm 27:1 (ESV):
“The Lord is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear? The Lord is the stronghold of my life; of whom shall I be afraid?”

The Light, Salvation, and Stronghold of Our Souls

In this single verse, David offers a triumphant declaration that has echoed through centuries of fear, uncertainty, and longing. It is not merely poetic—it is profoundly theological, deeply personal, and spiritually liberating.

To say “The Lord is my light” is to proclaim that God Himself pierces the darkness. His light is not just illumination—it is revelation, guidance, and comfort. In Scripture, light often symbolizes purity, truth, and divine presence. When David calls God his light, he is acknowledging that every step forward, every moment of clarity, and every ounce of hope comes from the Lord’s radiant presence.

God is also our salvation—not just in the eternal sense, but in the daily rescues from despair, danger, and sin. David, who faced enemies, betrayal, and isolation, knew that salvation was not abstract. It was personal. It was the hand that lifted him from the pit, the voice that calmed his soul, and the shield that guarded his heart.

And finally, “The Lord is the stronghold of my life.” A stronghold is a fortress, a place of safety and defense. In calling God his stronghold, David is declaring that his life is anchored in divine protection. No enemy, no fear, no circumstance can breach the walls of God’s providential care.

God’s Light and Goodness Over His Children

God’s light is not reserved for the worthy—it is poured out upon His children because of His goodness. He leads us through valleys, not because we are strong, but because He is faithful. His light exposes lies, heals wounds, and reveals paths of righteousness.

His goodness is not passive—it pursues us (Psalm 23:6). It lifts our heads when we are bowed low (Psalm 3:3). It restores our souls when we are weary (Psalm 19:7). His providence orchestrates every detail, even the ones we don’t understand, for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28).

His protection is not just physical—it is emotional, spiritual, and eternal. He is our Rock (Psalm 18:2), our hiding place (Psalm 32:7), our refuge in times of trouble (Nahum 1:7). He does not promise a life without storms, but He does promise to be our anchor within them.

Supporting Scriptures

Isaiah 60:1 – “Arise, shine, for your light has come, and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.”
John 8:12 – “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.”
Psalm 18:2 – “The Lord is my rock and my fortress and my deliverer, my God, my rock, in whom I take refuge.”
Psalm 3:3 – “But you, O Lord, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head.”
Romans 8:31 – “If God is for us, who can be against us?”

Reflective Question

Where in your life do you need to invite God’s light—to expose fear, to guide your steps, or to remind you that you are never alone?

Prayer

O Lord, my Light and my Salvation, I come before You with a heart that longs for Your presence. Shine into every shadowed place within me. Be my stronghold when I feel weak, my refuge when I feel exposed, and my Rock when the ground beneath me trembles. Lift my head, Lord, when I am weary. Remind me that I am Yours, and that Your goodness and mercy follow me all the days of my life. I trust You to guide, protect, and provide. 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: Your Lavish Love & Mercy Are Our Gifts – Thank You LORD~

Posted on August 22, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“He that spared not his own Son, but delivered him up for us all, how shall he not with him also freely give us all things?” -Romans 8:32

Lavish Love, Unfailing Provision: The Measureless Gift of God

Commentary & Intelligent Perspective

Romans 8:32 is a breathtaking declaration of divine generosity. Paul anchors this verse in the ultimate act of sacrificial love: God did not spare His own Son. The language is deliberate—“spared not”—echoing Genesis 22, where Abraham was willing to offer Isaac, yet God intervened. In contrast, the Father did not intervene when Jesus was delivered up. He gave His Son fully, willingly, and painfully—for us all.

This verse dismantles any notion that God is stingy or distant. If He gave the greatest gift—His Son—how could He withhold anything lesser? The logic is divine: the cross is proof of God’s commitment to our good. Not only salvation, but “all things” are freely given in Christ—peace, wisdom, strength, comfort, provision, and eternal inheritance.

Supporting scriptures reinforce this truth:

John 3:16 – “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…”
2 Corinthians 9:8 – “God is able to bless you abundantly…”
James 1:17 – “Every good and perfect gift is from above…”

This is not prosperity theology—it’s provision theology. God gives what is best, not always what is easiest. The “all things” are those that align with His will and our sanctification. The cross is the down payment; the resurrection is the guarantee.

Tribute & Glory to the Lord

O Lord Most High, how measureless is Your mercy! You did not spare Your beloved Son, the radiance of Your glory, the Lamb without blemish. You delivered Him up—not for angels, not for the righteous, but for us: the weary, the wandering, the wounded. You gave Heaven’s treasure to redeem earth’s dust.

You are not a God of half-measures. You are lavish in love, fierce in faithfulness, and tender in timing. You do not ration grace. You pour it out. You do not delay compassion. You rush to rescue. You do not forget Your children. You engrave us on Your hands.

I glorify You, Father of Lights, for the gift of Jesus—my Savior, Shepherd, and Sustainer. I exalt You for every provision wrapped in His name. You are my portion, my peace, my promise. You are worthy of endless praise.

O Giver of Glory, O Fountain of Grace, You spared not the Son, but took our place. From Heaven’s throne to Calvary’s tree, You gave all so we could be free.

With nail-scarred hands, You lift our face, And crown our days with mercy’s embrace. Let every breath, each step I take, Be thanks for love no pain could break.

You gave Your best—how could You not Give all we need, though we forgot? So let my heart, in awe, remain, Forever singing Your refrain.

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 Truly The One That Brings Salvation~

Posted on August 18, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Jesus Salvation

Psalm 62:1 (KJV)
“Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.”

🌿 The Stillness That Saves

In a world that prizes urgency, Psalm 62:1 invites us into a sacred pause. “Truly my soul waiteth upon God”—not with impatience, but with reverent expectancy. This is not passive waiting; it is the soul leaning in, listening for the whisper of grace. The psalmist does not seek salvation from circumstance, achievement, or human intervention. He knows that salvation—rescue, renewal, and rest—comes from God alone.

To wait upon the Lord is to trust that His timing is not a delay but a design. It is to believe that the silence is not abandonment, but preparation. In this waiting, the soul is refined. We learn to distinguish noise from truth, urgency from purpose, and fear from faith. The Lord becomes not just our deliverer, but our dwelling place.

This verse is a love letter to divine patience. It reminds us that the deepest peace is not found in answers, but in presence. When we wait upon God, we are not idle—we are held.

🕊️ Reflective Questions

What does it mean for your soul to wait upon God today?
Where have you sought salvation apart from Him?
How might waiting become a form of worship in your life?

📖 Supportive Scripture

Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…”
Lamentations 3:25 – “The Lord is good unto them that wait for him…”
Psalm 130:5 – “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.”

🙏 Prayer

“LORD- teach me to wait with trust, not tension. Let my soul rest in Your presence, knowing that salvation is not earned—it is received. I surrender my timelines, my striving, and my fears. You alone are my hope In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Waiting For Us~

Posted on August 17, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Christian Graphics Wallpaper

And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.” — Isaiah 30:18

The Gentle Power of Trusting God’s Timing

There is something tender in this verse—something that turns the ache of waiting into a holy invitation. Not only do we wait for the Lord, but He waits for us. He waits to be gracious. He waits to pour out mercy. He waits to be exalted in our lives—not through rushed answers, but through the slow unfolding of His perfect will.

Isaiah 30:18 reminds us that waiting is not punishment. It is preparation. It is the space where grace gathers, where mercy deepens, and where the Lord’s character is revealed. He is not distant or indifferent. He is deliberate. He is near.

This verse also speaks of judgment, not in the sense of condemnation, but of divine discernment. The Lord knows when to act, how to act, and what is best. His timing is not random—it is righteous. And those who wait for Him are called blessed. Not just later, but now. Blessed in the waiting. Blessed in the trusting. Blessed in the quiet surrender.

Psalm 130:5 echoes this heart: “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.” It’s not just about waiting for change—it’s about waiting in hope. Hope that His Word is true. Hope that His heart is kind. Hope that His mercy is already moving toward us.

Even in Exodus 14:14, we hear the whisper: “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is be still. To hold our peace while He holds our future.

So, if today feels like another quiet stretch of unanswered questions, let it also be a sanctuary. The Lord is waiting to be gracious to you. And you, beloved, are blessed in the waiting.

“LORD- Thank You for waiting for me. Thank You for mercy that moves slowly, tenderly, and perfectly. Teach me to rest in Your timing, to trust Your heart, and to find peace in Your presence. Let my waiting be worship. Let my silence be strength. I receive Your grace, even before the answer comes. You are good, and I am blessed. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD WITH LOVE: You Are Our Sunrise 24 Hrs~

Posted on August 15, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.” —Nahum 1:7 (ESV)

Nahum is a book many pass over—tucked between Micah and Habakkuk, often remembered only for its judgments against Nineveh. Yet within its thunderous warnings lies a verse of tender clarity: “The Lord is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him.”

This is not a distant declaration—it’s a morning promise. In the quiet hours when fears stir and decisions loom, this verse reminds us that God’s goodness is not abstract. It is a shelter. A stronghold. A knowing.

To be known by God is more than being seen—it is being understood, remembered, and protected. The Hebrew word for “knows” here implies intimate awareness, like a shepherd who knows each sheep by name and gait. In the day of trouble—whether financial uncertainty, emotional weariness, or relational strain—He doesn’t just offer help. He offers Himself.

This verse also affirms that refuge is not weakness. To take refuge in God is to choose trust over panic, surrender over striving. It is to say, “I will not be shaken, because I am held.”

Supportive Scriptures (ESV):

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.” —Psalm 46:1
“He who dwells in the shelter of the Most High will abide in the shadow of the Almighty.” —Psalm 91:1
“You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word.” —Psalm 119:114
“The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous man runs into it and is safe.” —Proverbs 18:10

Together, these verses form a tapestry of Divine protection. They remind us that morning light is not just the sun—it is the Presence of God breaking into our wilderness with warmth and clarity.

“LORD-thank You for being my stronghold when the world feels uncertain. You are good—not just in theory, but in every detail of my life. You know me. You see the burdens I carry and the hopes I hold. Teach me to take refuge in You—not just in crisis, but in every quiet morning. Let Your love be my first light, and Your Word my shelter. In Jesus Name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Peace Always Silences Worry~

Posted on August 12, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.” —Philippians 4:6–7 (NLT)

Peace That Silences Worry

This passage is a gentle command and a powerful promise. God doesn’t dismiss our concerns—He invites us to hand them over. When we choose prayer over panic and gratitude over grumbling, His peace steps in like a guard at the gate of our hearts. It’s not a peace we earn—it’s a peace we receive. And it’s stronger than anxiety, deeper than fear, and steadier than any storm.

Anxiety often feels like a thief—stealing our sleep, our joy, and our clarity. But God doesn’t ask us to fight it alone. He offers a divine exchange: our worry for His peace. This isn’t a shallow peace that depends on circumstances—it’s a supernatural calm that flows from trust in His presence.

Paul’s words in Philippians are both practical and profound. He doesn’t say “don’t feel anxious”—he says, “don’t stay anxious.” The way out is through prayer. Not just formal prayer, but honest, daily conversation with God. When we tell Him what we need and thank Him for what He’s already done, we shift our focus from fear to faith.

Gratitude is a spiritual weapon. It reminds us of God’s faithfulness and opens the door to peace. And that peace isn’t passive—it actively guards our hearts and minds. Like a sentry standing watch, it protects us from spiraling thoughts and emotional overwhelm.

Prayer:

Father, I come to You with everything that weighs on me. I release my worries, my fears, and my unknowns into Your hands. Teach me to pray with trust and to thank You even before the answer comes. Let Your peace flood my heart and mind, calming every anxious thought. Help me live in the freedom of Your presence, knowing You are near and faithful. Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Hold Us Above The Waters & Shine

Posted on August 11, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and through the rivers, they shall not overwhelm you.” — Isaiah 43:2 (ESV)

💬 Comment Insight:

Life can feel like a flood—grief, debt, illness, uncertainty—all rushing in at once, threatening to pull us under. But Isaiah reminds us that God doesn’t just watch from the shore. He steps into the waters with us. His Presence is our life raft, His promises our anchor. Even when we feel like we’re sinking, He holds us up—not always by removing the storm, but by strengthening us to endure it. Somehow, we keep breathing. Somehow, we keep walking. That “somehow” is Him.

Hang in there my friends – life will get better – the LIGHT is always shining – even behind the dark stormy clouds. Amen!

🙏 Prayer:

LORD-when the waters rise and my strength fades, remind me that You are near. Lift me above the flood of fear and fatigue. Be my steady ground when everything else shifts. Thank You for the grace that carries me when I cannot carry myself. I trust You to keep me afloat, to guide me through, and to renew my strength day by day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”