DEAR GOD: Your Grace Holds Us Steady~

Posted on July 16, 2026 by C D SWANSON

Galatians 5:22–23 (KJV)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.”

Grace That Holds Us Steady
by C D Swanson~

God’s ways are not hurried, nor are they harsh. They are gentle, steady, and full of grace. In stressful seasons, when life feels tangled and uncertain, His Spirit works quietly within us — cultivating peace where panic once lived, patience where frustration once burned, and love where fear tried to take root.

The fruit of His Spirit is not earned; it is grown through surrender. When we yield our hearts to Him, He transforms our reactions into reflections of His character. His love teaches us to wait without worry, to forgive without bitterness, and to trust without trembling.

Every trial becomes soil for His goodness. Every tear becomes water for His mercy. Every moment of weakness becomes a doorway for His strength. The Lord’s love is not only powerful — it is patient, and it never fails.

When life presses hard against your peace, do you let the Spirit’s fruit rise within you — or do you try to carry the weight alone?

— Philippians 4:7 (KJV) “And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.”

This verse echoes Galatians, reminding us that true peace is not humanly produced — it is divinely given. It guards our hearts like a fortress built by grace.

Lord, let Your Spirit grow in me until peace becomes my natural breath. Teach me to rest in Your love and reflect Your grace in every moment in Jesus name, Amen.

Honor to the Lord All glory to the One who plants peace in our hearts, who waters our souls with mercy, and who brings forth fruit that never fades. His love endures forever, and His grace is sufficient for every storm.

DEAR GOD: I Have Reminders of Your Love All Day Long~

Posted on July 7, 2026 by C D SWANSON

Sunrise Over Field “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; His mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning.” — Lamentations 3:22–23

When Love Follows You Through the Day
by C D Swanson~

The idea of reminders of God’s love all day long is not sentimental fluff; it is a deeply biblical rhythm woven into Scripture. Lamentations 3:22–23 anchors us in a truth that refuses to fade with the morning dew: God’s love is not a moment—it is a movement that follows us through the hours, the tasks, the interruptions, and the quiet spaces.

Morning: Love That Awakens You

The verse begins with morning mercies, but morning is only the doorway. When you open your eyes, you step into a world already saturated with divine affection. The sunrise is not just light; it is a reminder that God has already been at work before you even stirred. The breath in your lungs is a quiet declaration: You are loved, you are held, you are seen.

Midday: Love That Sustains You

As the day grows busy, God’s love does not retreat. It shows up in strength you didn’t know you had, in patience that surprises you, in the unexpected kindness of another person. Scripture repeatedly shows God as a companion—walking with Adam, wrestling with Jacob, speaking to Moses, comforting Elijah. The God who walked with His people walks with you through every hour.

Evening: Love That Settles You

When the day winds down, God’s love becomes a soft landing place. The same steadfast love that greeted you in the morning now gathers your worries, your exhaustion, your unfinished tasks, and whispers, Rest. I am still here. His love is not dependent on your performance; it is anchored in His character.

The Non‑Obvious Insight

The verse says His mercies are new every morning, but it never says they expire at night. God’s love is not a daily ration—it is a continuous flow. Morning is simply the moment you notice it again.

LORD thank You for surrounding me with reminders of Your love from morning to night. Let Your mercy greet me when I rise, Your strength carry me through the day, and Your peace settle over me in the evening. Teach me to notice Your presence in every hour, every breath, every quiet whisper of grace. Keep my heart soft, my spirit attentive, and my mind anchored in Your steadfast love. In Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Grateful For You Today & Always~

Posted on July 3, 2026 by C D SWANSON

Psalm 106:1 — “Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.”

Loving God & Living as a Christian
by C D Swanson~

To love God is to awaken each day with a heart that remembers who made you, who sustains you, and who walks beside you through every season. His goodness is not fragile or fleeting; it is steady, patient, and present in every breath you take. Gratitude becomes the natural language of a soul that recognizes God’s hand in both the quiet moments and the miraculous ones.

To be a Christian is to live in the rhythm of grace — receiving what we could never earn and offering what we have freely been given. It is choosing forgiveness when the world chooses bitterness, choosing compassion when others choose indifference, choosing hope when circumstances whisper fear. Loving God shapes the way we see people, the way we speak, the way we respond, and the way we rise after falling.

Christian love is not passive; it is active, intentional, and deeply rooted in the example of Christ. It means loving beyond convenience, praying beyond comfort, and trusting beyond understanding. It means carrying light into places that feel dark and remembering that God’s goodness is not just something we receive — it is something we reflect.

Gratitude becomes a lifestyle, not a moment. And in that gratitude, we find peace, purpose, and a love that never lets go.

“LORD – thank You for Your goodness. Teach us to love You deeply, walk in Your ways, and reflect Your grace in all we do. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Presence in The Waves~

Posted on May 6, 2026 by C D SWANSON

body of water during golden hour

Psalm 29:3 (KJV) “The voice of the Lord is upon the waters: the God of glory thundereth: the Lord is upon many waters.”

His Presence in the Waves
by C D Swanson~

Even the ocean listens to Him. The waters rise and fall at His command. And if the sea obeys Him, then surely our lives are safe in His hands. We honor Him not just in our prayers, but in the way we carry ourselves, the way we keep going, the way we choose faith over fear. Every step becomes worship when we do it for Him.

Lord, thank You for the beauty of Your creation — the ocean, the sky, the sand beneath our feet. Let our lives reflect that same beauty as we walk in honor of You. Help us live each day with purpose, peace, and steady devotion. May every task we do be done unto You, with love and gratitude. Keep our hearts focused, our steps steady, and our spirits lifted. In Jesus name, Amen.

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 With Love~

C D Swanson

Tag Archives: kindness