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: 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: 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: Teach Us To Have Childlike Faith~

Posted on July 23, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“But Jesus said, Suffer little children, and forbid them not, to come unto me: for of such is the kingdom of heaven.” — Matthew 19:14 (KJV)

This verse stands as a gentle yet powerful rebuke to those who would gatekeep access to Jesus. In context, the disciples were trying to shield Jesus from interruptions, thinking the children were unworthy or insignificant. But Jesus turns that thinking on its head. His words “suffer little children” mean “allow” or “permit” them to come—revealing not just His openness, but His insistence that purity, vulnerability, and trust are essential traits of kingdom citizens.

He elevates the humble state of a child as a model for faith: not one of naivety, but of sincerity, dependence, and open-hearted wonder. Children come without pretense, without pride, with unguarded souls. Jesus doesn’t just accept them; He affirms that the kingdom belongs to those like them.

This wasn’t merely a cultural statement—it was a spiritual declaration. In a society that often undervalued children, Jesus honored them, made space for them, and validated their presence in the divine narrative.

What does this say about our Lord? It paints a radiant portrait of His tenderness and inclusivity. Jesus is not a distant figure waiting for perfect people to approach. He is the Shepherd who welcomes the fragile, the small, the overlooked.

He is the Defender of innocence, the Champion of the humble, the Friend who makes room at the table without judgment or expectation.

His kingdom is not reserved for the elite—it’s designed for those who lean into Him with childlike trust. That’s radical compassion. That’s divine grace.

To apply this verse in our lives is to create spiritual environments where the vulnerable are cherished. It’s teaching our children about God, not just through instruction, but through example—by showing them love, patience, and the joy of faith. It’s also a personal call: return to simplicity, shed the layers of cynicism, and come to Him with open hands.

In communities, it means we fight against exclusion and spiritual elitism. In our hearts, it means we continually make space for the child within us—the part that still believes, hopes, and trusts.

If the kingdom of heaven belongs to the childlike, what does it look like for you to embrace simplicity today?
Could faith be less about answers and more about trust?
Do You trust the LORD in all you do and in all your paths?

When you do, it will be health and prosperity in spirit and body – and His love will embrace your soul – a feeling which is truly indescribable! (Proverbs 3:5-8)

“LORD- We truly thank You for valuing the smallest among us. Teach us to welcome Your Presence with the innocence and openness of a child. Soften our hearts where pride has hardened them. Help us nurture love, trust, and mercy in our lives, and to offer others the same grace You’ve shown us. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Mercy is My Footing, Your Glory is My Song~

Posted on July 14, 2025 by C D SWANSON

truthful god | ~Dear God With Love~

Romans 5:2 (ESV): “Through him we have also obtained access by faith into this grace in which we stand, and we rejoice in hope of the glory of God.

Standing in Grace, Rejoicing in Glory

This verse is a quiet triumph. It reminds us that our access to God isn’t earned—it’s granted through Jesus. We don’t tiptoe into grace; we stand in it. That posture speaks of confidence, stability, and belonging.

Paul’s words also shift our gaze forward: we rejoice in hope. Not a vague optimism, but a deep-rooted joy anchored in the promise of God’s glory. It’s not just about surviving this life—it’s about anticipating the fullness of His presence, where every tear is wiped away and every longing fulfilled.

This verse is a spiritual compass: it points to where we’ve come from (faith), where we are (grace), and where we’re going (glory).

This verse is not just a theological statement—it’s a doorway into the soul of Christian identity. Paul speaks of access, a word that evokes the image of a royal court. We, once estranged and unworthy, are now welcomed into the throne room of grace—not as beggars, but as beloved children. This access is not temporary or conditional. It is permanent, purchased by the blood of Christ, and sealed by faith.

To stand in grace is to live in a state of divine favor. It means we are no longer defined by our failures, our past, or our fears. We are defined by Christ’s righteousness. This grace is not fragile—it is a fortress. We stand, not stumble, because grace holds us upright.

And then Paul lifts our eyes: we rejoice in hope of the glory of God. This is not a vague wish—it is a confident expectation. The glory of God is not just something we admire from afar; it is something we are destined to share. Imagine that: the radiance of God, the splendor of His Presence, the eternal joy of being fully known and fully loved—that is our inheritance.

This verse is a tribute to Christ’s victory. It is a love letter to the soul weary from striving. It is a reminder that Christianity is not about climbing ladders to heaven—it’s about standing firm in the grace that came down to us, that flows in and through our very souls!

There’s something deeply humbling about knowing we’ve been given access—not earned, not bargained for, but given—to the grace of God. I think of all the times I’ve felt unworthy, unsure, or distant. And yet, this verse reminds me that I’m not just invited in—I’m meant to be here. Through Jesus, I belong in this place of grace.

Standing in grace feels like standing on holy ground. It’s not a place of perfection, but of presence. It’s where I can breathe again, where shame loses its grip, and where love becomes the air I live in. I don’t have to tiptoe or apologize for being here. Grace says, “You’re home.”

And then there’s the hope—the kind that doesn’t fade when life gets hard. It’s not wishful thinking. It’s a deep, steady joy that looks ahead and says, “There’s more.” More beauty. More healing. More of God’s glory than I can imagine. I hold onto that hope like a lifeline, especially on days when the world feels heavy.

This verse is a quiet celebration. It’s the whisper of eternity in the middle of our everyday mess. It’s the reminder that we’re not just surviving—we’re being prepared for glory. And for the return of the LORD Jesus Christ – our Savior – our everything, our joy and our LOVE!

‘LORD-Jesus, Thank You for opening the door I could never unlock. You didn’t just let me in—you welcomed me with open arms. Help me to stand in Your grace with confidence, not because I’m strong, but because You are faithful. Let my heart rejoice—not in fleeting things, but in the promise of Your glory. I long for the day when I’ll see You face to face, when every ache will be healed and every tear redeemed. Until then, let me live like someone who’s already touched heaven. You are my access, my anchor, and my joy, forever in your service, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Preserve Me O LORD – I Put My Trust In You~

Posted on June 29, 2025 by C D SWANSON

📖 Psalm 16 Summary –

Psalm 16 is a Michtam of David—a golden psalm, a meditative confession of joyful trust. David begins with a heartfelt plea: “Preserve me, O God, for in You I put my trust.” He declares that he has no good apart from the Lord, delights in the saints, and refuses to follow after false gods. He rejoices in the inheritance given to him, both spiritually and physically, calling it “beautiful.” He praises God for counsel, guidance, and confidence—even in the face of death. The psalm famously ends with: “In Your presence is fullness of joy; at Your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”

💌 Commentary: A Loving Tribute to the LORD and His Mercy

Psalm 16 overflows with quiet confidence and devoted love. It is not a cry of distress—it is a declaration of belonging. David doesn’t merely believe in God; he belongs to God. This is a psalm that shimmers with holy intimacy.

When he says, “O my soul, you have said to the Lord, ‘You are my Lord, my goodness is nothing apart from You,’” he invites us into a sacred confession: that every beautiful, noble, and enduring thing in us is not self-made—it’s God-breathed.

David’s heart is magnetic in this psalm. He delights in the company of the faithful, turns away from worldly idols, and celebrates the Lord as his chosen portion and cup. Even the language of inheritance—“The lines have fallen to me in pleasant places”—suggests that David sees God’s mercy in both his present and his future.

This psalm also plants an early seed of resurrection hope. David rejoices with this promise: “You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption.” Though spoken of himself in context, this was fulfilled in Jesus, whose body did not decay in the tomb. Resurrection whispers from every line.

But more than anything, Psalm 16 is an affectionate gaze. David doesn’t run to God only in pain or panic—he lives beside Him, walks with Him, rests in His counsel at night, and rejoices in His presence. The LORD is not merely his help—He is his heritage. His joy. His reason.

🌟 Moral Thoughts, Reflections, and Deeper Meaning

Trust Is an Ongoing Posture, Not a Crisis Reaction: David opens with trust not because he’s afraid, but because it is his habit. Our relationship with God is healthiest when it’s rooted in quiet, daily intimacy—not just emergency appeal.
God Is Our Goodness: In a world that rewards self-glory, David reminds us, “My goodness is nothing apart from You.” This truth humbles and sanctifies us. Every kind word, wise act, or healing touch that flows from us began in Him.
Delight in the Saints: David finds joy in the faithful. Whom we choose to cherish shapes our walk. His rejection of idolaters and embrace of God-fearers is a blueprint for living wisely and purely.
Your Inheritance Is Secure: If God holds your “lot,” there is no loss that can take it from you. The lines of our life—even in sorrow—are drawn by a loving Hand. When we say, “The Lord is the portion of my inheritance,” we are acknowledging that no earthly gain can rival eternal security.
God’s Presence Is Our Joy, Now and Forever: This psalm doesn’t promise we won’t taste death. But it promises we will not be abandoned to it. Joy is not just a fleeting feeling—it is the fruit of God’s eternal embrace.

🙏 Prayer

“O’ Faithful and Merciful God, Our hearts rest in You, for You alone are our safe place, our portion, and our praise. Teach us to desire Your Presence above all riches and to see Your mercy written into the lines of our lives. Help us, like David, to draw near in daily delight, and not only in distress. Thank You for being our inheritance, both now and forever. May our souls rejoice in the resurrection hope made perfect in Christ. Keep us from idols, align our hearts with the saints, and fix our gaze on eternal joy at Your right hand. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Simple Grains Of Food Laced With Love~

Posted on June 23, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“You must present all grain offerings to the Lord. Make these offerings from the finest flour, and pour olive oil on them; sprinkle them with incense.” — Leviticus 2:1

Morning Reflection: This morning, as I stir a pot of warm buckwheat and drizzle it with golden honey and a pat of butter, I’m reminded that even the simplest grains are sacred when offered with love. The Bible speaks of grain offerings not just as food, but as fragrant gifts—symbols of devotion, gratitude, and covenant. And I think: how beautiful that God receives even the humblest things when they’re given from the heart.

I begin my day with Scripture and coffee not out of routine, but reverence. The Word steadies me. It reminds me that I am not alone in the labor of love, in caregiving, in the quiet sacrifices that no one sees but God. Just as the Israelites brought their finest flour, I bring my finest moments—my attention, my praise, my willingness to serve.

Throughout the Day: From sunrise to sunset, I want my life to be a living offering. Whether I’m preparing a meal, comforting a friend, or simply pausing to breathe, I want to season each moment with praise. Not because life is always easy, but because God is always present. His provision is not just in the food on my table, but in the strength to rise, the grace to forgive, and the peace that surpasses understanding.

Evening Reflection: As the day winds down, I return to the Word like a child curling up in a parent’s arms. I reflect on the small victories, the quiet mercies, the unexpected joys. I give thanks for the grains of His goodness scattered throughout my day—each one a reminder that I am held, nourished, and deeply loved.

Supporting Scriptures:

“The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it.” — Psalm 24:1
“Taste and see that the Lord is good.” — Psalm 34:8
“Give us today the food we need.” — Matthew 6:11
“Let your roots grow down into Him, and let your lives be built on Him.” — Colossians 2:7
“Let everything you do be done in love.” — 1 Corinthians 16:14
“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances.” — 1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

Prayer: LORD, thank You for the grains that nourish my body and the Word that feeds my soul. Thank You for the quiet strength You give me to love, to serve, to keep going. May my day begin and end with You, and may every moment in between be seasoned with praise. Let my life be a fragrant offering, a reflection of Your goodness and grace. In Jesus name, Amen.”

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

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