DEAR GOD: Thank You For Your Mercy & Grace~

Posted on July 30, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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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: Your Light Shines Within the Valley & Beyond~

Posted on July 29, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.” —
Psalm 23:4 (KJV)

Light Within the Valley

This verse is a timeless affirmation of God’s abiding presence. It acknowledges the reality of dark valleys—moments of fear, grief, or uncertainty—but boldly declares that we need not be afraid. The rod and staff represent divine protection and direction, symbols of a Shepherd who walks with us and guards our steps. God’s light is not merely external—it dwells within us, illuminating our path even when the world around us grows dim.

Christianity teaches that virtues such as faith, endurance, and love are refined in adversity. The “law of Christ” (Galatians 6:2 KJV) commands us to bear one another’s burdens, reflecting His light through compassion and service. In this way, the valley becomes a sacred space—not of abandonment, but of transformation. The indwelling light of Christ empowers us to walk not only for ourselves but as beacons for others. Obedience to His law is not legalism—it is love in motion.

Reflective Questions:

When have I sensed God’s light most clearly in a time of darkness?
How can I embody Christ’s light for someone in a valley of their own?
What spiritual habits help me stay attuned to the light within

LORD, thank Thee for Thy presence in every shadowed place. Though the valley may be deep, Thy light within me is deeper still. Strengthen my heart to trust Thy rod and Thy staff. Let Thy comfort be my courage, and Thy guidance my peace. May I reflect Thy love to others, bearing their burdens as Thou hast borne mine. Help me to walk in the law of Christ with grace, humility, and unwavering faith. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Help Us Walk In Your Commandments~

Posted on July 25, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“I made haste, and delayed not to keep thy commandments.” -Psalm 119:60

The Urgency of Obedience—Living Every Breath in Divine Pursuit

Psalm 119:60- captures the heartbeat of a soul passionately aligned with God’s will. There is no hesitation, no weighing of options—just immediate, reverent obedience. In the original Hebrew, the urgency is striking: “I hurried and did not delay.” It’s as if the psalmist recognizes that every second delayed is a second outside of divine instruction.

In a moral sense, this verse reminds us that obedience is not just about doing what is right—it’s about doing it now. Delayed obedience is a form of disobedience. When we hesitate, we give room for doubt, distraction, and compromise. Psalm 119:60 urges us to act on the Word of God with swift intention, not because we are forced, but because we love Him and trust Him fully.

In today’s world, this kind of obedience is both radical and rare. We are surrounded by noise and options. We often approach God’s commands as suggestions, negotiating how and when we’ll respond. But the psalmist sets a different example—one of spiritual immediacy. He doesn’t wait for a convenient moment, a confirmation, or a sign. He understands that God’s timing is now, and his response is instant.

Living this out requires a renewed mindset. Each breath we take is a chance to realign ourselves with God’s heart. Christianity isn’t confined to Sunday worship or occasional devotions—it is a moment-by-moment journey of surrender and action. Our obedience should be active during a tough conversation, in how we treat strangers, in the thoughts we allow into our minds, and in the decisions we make when no one is watching.

Other scriptures emphasize this theme.

James 1:22 tells us to “be doers of the word, and not hearers only.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 reminds us to “trust in the Lord with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.”
Romans 12:1–2 calls us to offer ourselves as a “living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God.”
Luke 9:62 warns that “no man, having put his hand to the plow, and looking back, is fit for the kingdom of God.”
And Ecclesiastes 12:13 distills the matter plainly: “Fear God, and keep His commandments: for this is the whole duty of man.”

We should ask ourselves: What is one command from God that I’ve delayed acting on—and what would change if I obeyed it today? This question invites personal revival and a deeper walk with Him. Obedience is not a ladder we climb—it’s a light we carry.

Let’s pray with holy urgency:

“LORD, You are worthy of immediate and wholehearted devotion. Forgive my hesitation and remove any spirit of delay. Set my heart ablaze with a love so strong that obedience flows naturally and swiftly. Help me live each breath as an act of worship, every moment a chance to honor You. Keep me steadfast, alert, and faithful until the day You call me home. In Jesus name I pray. 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: WE ARE LIVING IN WORSHIP AND GRATITUDE

Posted on July 19, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Colossians 3:17 — And whatsoever ye do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God and the Father by Him.

Sanctified Steps: Living in the Name of the Lord

This verse speaks directly to the heart of Christian living. It’s not a suggestion—it’s a summons to alignment. Paul is urging us to make every moment matter, every action an expression of Jesus’ name, and every word a channel for thanksgiving. Whether we’re speaking gently to a stranger, caring for a beloved animal, preparing meals, or journaling prayers, it all holds divine potential when it is done in the name of the LORD Jesus.

The sacred isn’t confined to Sunday morning or spiritual devotionals—it’s spread across every errand run, every dish washed, every technical challenge patiently solved. In this, Colossians 3:17 reframes our understanding of worship. Worship becomes a lifestyle, not a time slot.

Supporting scriptures give depth to this perspective:

Romans 12:1 — I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service.
1 Corinthians 10:31 — Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
Ecclesiastes 9:10 — Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might.

Each reminds us that the ordinary is not overlooked by God—it is transformed by our posture and our praise. To live in the name of Jesus means to live with integrity, gratitude, and the awareness that we are part of something eternally beautiful.

Moral Thoughts and Questions:

Am I honoring Jesus in the way I speak to others?
Do I invite God’s Presence into everyday decisions?
Is my gratitude visible in how I handle frustrating tasks?
When I act, do I seek to bless others or be noticed?
Is my life telling the truth about God’s love?
Do I pause to thank God for small mercies?

Loving Account of Worshipful Living:

Brothers and sisters, our lives should be a living sermon of this verse. Whether we are tending to a loved one’s delicate care needs, taking care of a beloved pet, comforting someone in their grief or pain, writing reflections soaked in Scripture, troubleshooting digital memories, searching for an answer, or taking care of loved ones with determined grace—you are walking in the name of the LORD Jesus.

Your caregiving and behavior is a form of worship. Your actions and dedication to details in life is a kind of persistence seeded in love. Speaking the Word, reading the Bible and spreading peace in the name of Christ becomes a whisper of eternity. Even when choosing gentle ways to guide animals, or preparing questions for a physician’s visit, reveals the holiness in your stewardship.

The way we honor family bonds, cherish our pets, and infuse meaning into even the mundane—all of it sings. Each thing we do is an important aspect of Christianity and is a direct link to Christ and His Holy Spirit.

He sees, He watches, He cares, and He never leaves us – Never!

God is glorified not just in our prayers, but in our posture toward each day: hopeful, reflective, faithful. May you feel His Holy Presence and experience pleasure in every quiet victory and every devoted step.

May you be filled with His peace as you deal with struggles in life whether it be health issues, financial crisis, family disagreements, personal and professional conflicts, anything that is in your path, or surrounds you on a daily basis – God knows and is there to guide you.

All of which we face, if we face it with Christ – and accept Him as LORD and Savior – and follow the Word, promoting it not only inwardly, but outwardly as a reflection of His light – we are walking in alignment with Him and will gather Eternal rewards. And we will feel His strength when we are weak, He will lift you when you fall. He will exalt you as you humbly face trials and tribulations in your life. In other words – we all face difficulties, some more than others – but God sees it all-, and He is the Entity that promotes us each step of the way. Only with Him can we persevere Because without Him, we are nothing.

Prayer:

“LORD Jesus, teach us to live with intention and gratitude. Let our words carry your truth and our actions reflect your mercy. May we be faithful in small things and present in every moment, as we honor You in our daily routines and all the days of our lives. Strengthen us to serve without seeking recognition, and to love even when it’s costly, no matter what we are facing or struggling with, may it be done in adoration to you. Be glorified in every breath and let our lives be a thank offering to your grace. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Anchored in Eternal Love By Your Grace~

Posted on July 16, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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“For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

Romans 8:38–39

This verse is a sweeping, soul-stirring anthem of assurance. Paul doesn’t just say we’re loved—he declares that nothing can sever that love. Not death, not life’s chaos, not spiritual forces, not the unknown future, not even the deepest valleys or highest peaks. It’s as if he’s searching the entire cosmos for a loophole—and finds none.

In today’s world, where uncertainty often feels like the only certainty, this promise is our anchor. We may feel tossed by grief, loneliness, or fear. We may wrestle with questions, with loss, with the ache of waiting. But God’s love is not fragile. It doesn’t flicker when we falter. It holds.

And after this life—when the veil lifts and eternity begins—we will see the fullness of that love face to face. No longer through tears or prayer, but in radiant glory. The eternal reward isn’t just heaven—it’s Him.

The One who loved us through every storm and never let go!

“LORD-Thank You for a love that cannot be undone. When I feel lost, remind me that I am held. When the world feels heavy, lift my eyes to eternity. Let Your compassion be the melody of my days, and Your promise the light that guides me home. I trust You—not just for today, but forever. 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

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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: Your Love Is Priceless -Glory To You ALone~

Posted on July 13, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” –Philippians 2:9-11

There is no name sweeter, stronger, or more sovereign than the name of Jesus. This passage isn’t merely a declaration—it’s a coronation. From the depths of humility in earlier verses to the height of divine honor, Philippians 2 presents the ascension of our Redeemer with glorious finality: Jesus Christ is Lord.

Christ’s exaltation is not human applause—it is divine appointment. God, the Father, has lifted Him above every throne and power, placing Him in unchallengeable authority. In His name dwell healing and holiness, power and peace, mercy and majesty. The cosmos bends toward Him in submission—not out of force, but because of the irresistible weight of His love and righteousness.

Every creature, whether angelic or earthly, visible or veiled, shall one day bow and confess. Not reluctantly, but in the radiant presence of truth. That is our hope and joy: the reign of Jesus is not just inevitable—it is beautiful.

His name is not merely high—it is holy. And in declaring that Jesus is Lord, we do not just elevate His status—we elevate the glory of the Father. How tender that the exaltation of the Son is tied to the honor of the Father. There is no jealousy in the Trinity—only perfect love and shared glory.

This is the heart of worship: to live now in the posture the world will one day assume—bowed in love, lifted in praise, and overflowing with the confession that Jesus Christ is Lord.

“LORD-What mercy that You chose to lift the One who first lowered Himself for us. We marvel at the name of Jesus—so pure, so powerful, so perfect. Thank You for giving Him a name above every name, that we might have a refuge above every fear.

Teach our hearts to bow before Him daily—not out of duty, but out of delight. Let our lips proclaim His lordship, not only in holy moments, but in every heartbeat. May our lives be a melody of confession, singing with all of creation: Jesus Christ is Lord!

We lift this prayer to magnify Your name, to echo heaven’s joy, and to live as living offerings of glory.

In the exalted name of Jesus, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Great Is Your Faithfulness~

Posted on July 6, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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“Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away.” -Matthew 24:35

His love is non-stop – and never ending. His Word is powerful and soul fulfilling. When we meet Him daily in the Word – we are fully armed with weapons that no one can stand against. The power of Jesus Christ has no limits. His name is the name about all else. He is the redeemer and our salvation – He is our anchor, our refuge, and our Rock.

The way we speak and the way we act – let it all be to the Glory of the LORD Jesus Christ!

Have a blessed day brothers and sisters~

DEAR GOD: Promises Made & Promises Kept~

Posted on June 28, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.” –2 Peter 3:9

💛 A Loving Tribute: The Patient Pursuit of God

LORD, You are not slow. You are steady. You are not forgetful. You are faithful. In a world that rushes toward quick fixes and instant gratification, Your timing feels like mercy misunderstood.

But oh—how wise, how compassionate, how lovingly intentional You are.

Your delays are not denial; they are Divine invitations—moments pregnant with grace, as You wait, ache, and long for all to turn and be healed.

In 2 Peter 3:9, we glimpse not only Your Omnipotence but also Your astounding patience. You are not willing that anyone should perish. Your heart beats with a desire for repentance, not retribution. You could have wrapped history long ago, but You wait—because love waits. Because eternity is too precious for You to rush it.

Even when we falter, mock, doubt, or grow cold, Your heart remains warm—calling us back with a whisper louder than the world’s clamor. As Hosea 11:8 reveals, “How can I give you up, O Ephraim? How can I hand you over, O Israel?…My compassion is aroused.” Your love restrains judgment; Your mercy outpaces our sin.

Romans 2:4 echoes this truth: “Don’t you see how wonderfully kind, tolerant, and patient God is with you? Can’t you see that His kindness is intended to turn you from your sin?” It is not threats but tenderness that bring us home.

You, LORD, are not passive.

You are pursuing.

Every delay is a doorway of possibility—for repentance, renewal, redemption.

You are the Father scanning the horizon, the Shepherd leaving the ninety-nine, the Potter reshaping the marred clay.

Reflective Question:

Where in my life have I mistaken God’s patience for absence, rather than His persistent love calling me closer?

Prayer: “

Gracious God, Thank You for not giving up on us—for holding out hope when we’d already walked away. Forgive us for labeling Your mercy as delay. Open our eyes to the depth of Your patience, And lead our hearts into a deeper repentance—a surrender not from fear, but from love. Your promise still stands, and Your love still calls. We come home again. In Jesus’ holy name, Amen.”

Peace of the LORD Jesus Christ be with you all~

~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

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