DEAR GOD: You Are Our Shelter

Posted on September 15, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The Lord hath appeared of old unto me, saying, Yea, I have loved thee with an everlasting love: therefore with lovingkindness have I drawn thee.” — Jeremiah 31:3 (KJV)

Drawn by Everlasting Love: The Shelter of Divine Compassion

In Jeremiah 31:3, we encounter one of the most tender declarations in all of Scripture: God’s love is not fleeting or conditional—it is everlasting. This verse reminds us that divine protection is not merely about physical safety, but about being drawn into a relationship of mercy, grace, and belonging.

God’s love is not earned. It is not revoked when we falter. It is a shelter, a balm, and a calling. The phrase “with lovingkindness have I drawn thee” evokes the image of a gentle shepherd, guiding us not with force, but with compassion.

This truth echoes throughout Scripture:

Psalm 91:4 (KJV) — “He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.”
Romans 8:38–39 (KJV) — “For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life… shall be able to separate us from the love of God.”

But how does this Divine love translate into our world today?

Christianity, at its core, is a call to mirror God’s love. Humanitarianism—feeding the hungry, sheltering the displaced, advocating for justice—is not separate from faith; it is its embodiment. When we serve others, we become vessels of the same lovingkindness that drew us.

Yet, in a world fractured by war, inequality, and environmental grief, the challenge is not just to act, but to act with love. Not performative charity, but sacrificial compassion. Not pity, but solidarity.

Reflect on these questions:

In what ways am I embodying God’s unconditional love to those around me?
Do I see humanitarian work as sacred, as part of my spiritual calling?
How can I protect others—not just physically, but emotionally and spiritually?

Let us remember: the same love that shelters us calls us to be shelter for others.

“LORD my Everlasting Father, You have drawn me with cords of kindness and covered me with grace. Let Your love be my refuge and my compass. Teach me to see others through Your eyes—to protect, to serve, to love without condition. In a world aching for mercy, let me be a bearer of Yours. In Jesus name, Amen.”

💬

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Compassion~

Posted on September 8, 2025 by C D SWANSON

John 11:35 (KJV) –
“Jesus wept.”

💧 The Tears of God: Compassion in Its Purest Form

Two words. One eternal truth. “Jesus wept.” In this moment, the Son of God—who holds power over death—stood beside grieving friends and let His tears fall. Not because He lacked strength, but because He possessed perfect love. Jesus knew He would raise Lazarus, yet He chose to enter the sorrow of others. His tears were not weakness—they were divine empathy.

This is the heart of our Savior: not distant, not indifferent, but deeply moved by human pain. He weeps with us. He walks with us. He understands our grief, our confusion, our longing. And in His compassion, He shows us how to live.

To follow Jesus is to carry this same heart. A heart that pauses for others. That listens. That weeps. That lifts. Whether in joy or sorrow, we are called to reflect His love—not just in words, but in presence. In every act of kindness, every moment of understanding, we echo the tears of Christ.

Supportive Scriptures (KJV)

Hebrews 4:15 — “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities…”
Psalm 34:18 — “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart…”
Romans 12:15 — “Rejoice with them that do rejoice, and weep with them that weep.”
Matthew 5:7 — “Blessed are the merciful: for they shall obtain mercy.”

Reflective Question

When was the last time I allowed myself to feel deeply for someone else—not to fix, but simply to be present?

🙏 Prayer

“LORD-Thank You for showing us that compassion is holy. That tears are sacred. That love is not distant, but near. Help us to carry Your heart into every moment—to weep with those who weep, to rejoice with those who rejoice, and to walk gently with those in pain. May we never be too busy to care, too proud to feel, or too hardened to love. Shape us into vessels of Your mercy and let our lives reflect the tenderness of Your tears. In Jesus 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: 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: Guard My Tongue & Season My Words~

Posted on June 3, 2025 by C D SWANSON

A soft answer turneth away wrath: but grievous words stir up anger. — Proverbs 15:1

Words carry weight. They build bridges or burn them, soothe souls or wound hearts. Proverbs 15:1 teaches a simple yet profound truth—how we respond to conflict determines its outcome. A gentle, measured response has the power to defuse anger, redirect hostility, and promote peace, while harsh words escalate disputes, deepening wounds and fueling division.

Speaking with the Wisdom of God

The Word of God consistently reinforces the importance of tempering speech with wisdom and grace.

Proverbs 16:24 — “Pleasant words are as an honeycomb, sweet to the soul, and health to the bones.”
James 1:19 — “Wherefore, my beloved brethren, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, slow to wrath.”
Colossians 4:6 — “Let your speech be always with grace, seasoned with salt, that ye may know how ye ought to answer every man.”

These verses remind us that gracious speech is not weakness, but strength—a reflection of the wisdom that comes from God.

Examples from Scripture and Daily Life

Consider the example of Abigail in 1 Samuel 25. When faced with the reckless wrath of Nabal, she responded with wisdom, humility, and gentleness, preventing unnecessary bloodshed. Her soft answer turned away David’s anger, revealing the power of calm, Spirit-led intervention.

In our own lives, a kind response to a rude cashier, a patient word to a frustrated family member, or a loving approach to someone acting unjustly can shift the entire atmosphere. Though it is not always easy, responding with grace is a choice that honors God.

Living in the Light of His Word

Applying Proverbs 15:1 daily requires intentional surrender to God’s guidance. The tongue is a mighty force, capable of shaping relationships, influencing emotions, and directing our paths. As followers of Christ, we must ask:

Do my words reflect the heart of God?
Am I responding to offense with patience and wisdom?
Is my speech seasoned with grace, even in difficult conversations?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, teach us to speak with kindness, wisdom, and restraint. May our words bring healing, not harm; peace, not contention. Help us to listen before we speak, and to reflect Your love even in moments of frustration. Let our tongues glorify You and draw others nearer to Your truth. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Your Everlasting Love Is All I Need~

Posted on May 13, 2025 by C D SWANSON

God Is Love

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

The Everlasting Love of God

Since the beginning of time, before the foundations of the earth were laid, His love was constant, unshaken, and beyond measure. This verse in Jeremiah is a tender declaration from the Lord Himself, reminding His people that His love is not fleeting or conditional—it is everlasting.

From the creation of the world, God has demonstrated His love through every breath of existence. In Genesis, He formed man from the dust, breathing life into him and walking with him in perfect communion. Even when sin entered and separated humanity from God, His love remained. His plan for redemption was already in motion, for nothing could extinguish the mercy of the Almighty.

Throughout the generations, His lovingkindness was revealed in mighty ways. He sustained Israel in the wilderness, providing manna from heaven, water from the rock, and a pillar of fire by night to lead them. He forgave and restored those who had turned away, calling them back to Himself with patient compassion. His love is long-suffering, not willing that any should perish but that all should come to repentance.

The greatest expression of this love is found in Christ Jesus, the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world. In John 3:16, we see the depth of God’s love, for He gave His only begotten Son that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. This is a love that sacrifices, a love that redeems, a love that cannot be measured by human standards.

In Romans 8:38-39, Paul declares that nothing can separate us from the love of God, not death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come. God’s love is secure, immovable, unwavering. In Ephesians 2:4-5, it is written that His love, rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in sins. It is by grace, through love, that we are saved.

What an incredible reality—to be drawn by His lovingkindness. Not forced, not manipulated, but gently, patiently pursued by the One who created us for relationship. The world offers temporary affections, conditional acceptance, and shallow comforts, but the love of God is deep, eternal, and full of grace.

Let us exalt Him for His love. From generation to generation, He has proven faithful. He has sustained His people, He has redeemed the broken, He has forgiven the repentant, and He has secured a place for us in His everlasting kingdom. He is worthy of all glory and honor, for His love is unmatched and His mercy endures forever.

“LORD –Thank You for Your everlasting love, a love that knows no limits and never wavers. You have drawn us with Your kindness, pursued us with grace, and called us into fellowship with You. Help us to live in the light of Your love, trusting in Your promises, and resting in the assurance that nothing can separate us from You. May we reflect Your love to those around us, sharing the joy of salvation and walking in faithfulness. You are great, O Lord, and greatly to be praised. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Question: How can you embrace the love of God in your daily life and extend His lovingkindness to others?

DEAR GOD: You Are The Supreme Majesty Of Love & Grace~

Posted on April 16, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Owe no man any thing, but to love one another: for he that loveth another hath fulfilled the law.” –
Romans 13:8

Romans 13:8 calls us to a profound and timeless truth: love is the ultimate debt we owe to one another. This verse transcends the transactional nature of human relationships, urging us to embrace love as a perpetual obligation. In a world often driven by self-interest and materialism, this scripture reminds us that love is not a fleeting emotion but a deliberate and ongoing act of will. It is through love that we fulfill the law, as Jesus Himself affirmed when He said, “Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself” (Matthew 22:39).

In today’s world, where divisions and conflicts often dominate, this verse challenges Christians to rise above societal norms and embody the love of Christ. It calls us to be peacemakers, bridge-builders, and bearers of compassion. Love, as described here, is not limited to those who are easy to love; it extends to strangers, adversaries, and those in need. It is a love that mirrors the sacrificial love of Jesus, who gave Himself for us while we were yet sinners (Romans 5:8).

Supporting scriptures reinforce this message. Galatians 5:14 declares, “For all the law is fulfilled in one word, even in this; Thou shalt love thy neighbour as thyself.” Similarly, 1 Corinthians 13:13 reminds us that “the greatest of these is love.” These verses collectively emphasize that love is the cornerstone of Christian living, the essence of our faith, and the reflection of God’s character.

Morally, this verse invites us to examine our lives and relationships. Are we living in a way that reflects the love of Christ? Are we forgiving, patient, and kind, even when it is difficult? It challenges us to move beyond superficial acts of kindness and to engage in genuine, selfless love that seeks the well-being of others.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for the gift of Your love, which surpasses all understanding. Teach us to love one another as You have loved us. Help us to see others through Your eyes, to forgive as You forgive, and to serve with humility and grace. May our lives be a testament to Your love, drawing others closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Question for the Day: How can you demonstrate Christ-like love to someone in your life today?

Blessing: May the love of God fill your heart and overflow into every relationship. May you walk in His grace, guided by His Spirit, and may His peace surround you always. God Bless You All~

DEAR GOD: Your Boundless LOVE Is Our Ultimate Gift~

Posted on April 5, 2025 by C D SWANSON

For God So Loved the World - Englewood United Methodist Church

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” —

John 3:16

Boundless Love: God’s Ultimate Gift

John 3:16 is the cornerstone of the Christian faith, a verse that perfectly encapsulates the depth and breadth of God’s love for humanity. In these few words, we find a divine narrative of sacrifice, redemption, and the ultimate hope. God did not send His Son into the world out of obligation but out of profound, boundless love. It was a love so vast that He was willing to offer His only Son as a sacrifice for our sins—a decision incomprehensible by human standards.

This verse serves as a reminder that the gift of salvation is freely offered to all. Regardless of who we are, our past mistakes, or our current struggles, God’s love is unwavering. However, the verse also highlights a divine condition: belief. To receive the gift of eternal life, we are called to believe in Jesus Christ—not just in His existence but in His sacrifice, teachings, and His role as our Savior.

In today’s world, where love is often conditional and transactional, John 3:16 calls us to embrace and emulate God’s love. It challenges us to step away from the self-serving patterns of society and instead live with open hearts, extending grace and kindness to others as God has shown us. This sacrificial love can transform relationships, communities, and even nations if we are willing to act upon it.

As believers, the verse also encourages us to live a life of gratitude, aligning our actions with the knowledge that we are deeply and unconditionally loved. It’s a call to spread the good news, to share the message of hope and salvation with a world that is often lost in despair.

Let this verse not only be a comforting truth but also a call to action—a reminder that God’s love is not meant to be hoarded but shared, just as Christ shared His life with us.

“LORD-thank You for the gift of Your Son, the ultimate expression of love and hope for the world. Help us to fully grasp the depth of Your sacrifice and live lives worthy of Your grace. May Your love transform our hearts, guiding us to extend compassion, forgiveness, and kindness to those around us. Inspire us to share the message of Your boundless love so that others may find eternal life in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Question of the Day How can you reflect God’s boundless love in your relationships and interactions today?

Supporting Scripture

Romans 5:8: “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
1 John 4:9-11: “This is how God showed his love among us: He sent his one and only Son into the world that we might live through him. This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins. Dear friends, since God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.”

DEAR GOD: THANK YOU!

Posted on May 15, 2024 by C D SWANSON

The Depth of Divine Love

The verse John 3:16 is a beacon of hope, a celestial promise that transcends time and space. It encapsulates the essence of Christianity—the profound love of God for humanity. Let us delve into its depths, exploring how we, as Christians, can honor Him and live out this eternal truth.

The Verse

“For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, so that everyone who believes in Him will not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16 ESV)

The Magnitude of His Sacrifice

God’s love is boundless. He didn’t merely express affection; He gave His Son—the ultimate sacrifice. Imagine the pain of a parent surrendering their child for the sake of others.

How does this selfless act impact your understanding of love?

Inclusive Love

“The world” encompasses everyone—regardless of race, creed, or past. God’s love knows no boundaries.

How can we extend such inclusive love to others?

Belief and Eternal Life

Belief in Jesus is the key. It’s not mere intellectual assent but wholehearted trust. Eternal life awaits those who embrace this truth.

What does genuine belief look like in your life?

Living Sacrifices

Romans 12:1 urges us to present our bodies as living sacrifices. Our daily choices—small or significant—can honor God.

What sacrifices can you make today to honor Him?

Love in Action

John 3:18 reminds us to love not in words alone but through deeds. Acts of kindness, forgiveness, and compassion honoring Him in all we do.

How can you tangibly express God’s love to others?

Integrity and Holiness

Our moral views matter. Honoring God involves living with integrity, resisting temptation, and pursuing holiness.

What areas of your life need alignment with God’s standards?

Thoughts to Take Away

Embrace Grace

God’s love isn’t earned; it’s freely given. Accept it with gratitude.

How can you extend grace to yourself and others?

Share the Good News

John 3:16 isn’t just for us—it’s for the world. Share it boldly.

Who needs to hear this life-transforming message today?

Unity Prayer:

“Dear Heavenly Father, thank You for Your incomprehensible love. Help us honor You daily, living as reflections of Your grace. May our lives echo John 3:16, drawing others into Your embrace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

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John 3:16 isn’t a mere verse; it’s a lifeline. As Christians, let us honor God by living out this love, sharing it with a world desperate for hope. May our lives resonate with the eternal truth: God so loved us that He gave His Son. 🙏✨

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

Tag Archives: kindness

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Shelter