Tag Archives: Renewal

DEAR GOD: I Love How You Remain Close~

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Psalms 34:18 (NKJV) - The LORD is near to those who have | YouVersion

Psalm 34:18 “The Lord is nigh unto them that are of a broken heart; and saveth such as be of a contrite spirit.” (KJV)

 

When God Draws Near
by C D SWANSON~

There are seasons in life when the heart feels too heavy to lift, too bruised to beat with hope, too weary to imagine joy returning. Yet it is in these very moments—when we feel most fragile—that God draws closest. Scripture does not say He sends comfort from afar; it says He is nigh—near, present, attentive, leaning in with compassion.

A broken heart is not a sign of spiritual failure. It is often the evidence of deep love, deep loss, deep longing, or deep disappointment. And God does not shame the brokenhearted; He shelters them. He does not rush their healing; He carries them through it. He does not demand strength; He offers His own.

The contrite spirit—the humbled, honest, trembling soul—is precious to Him. God meets us not in our polished moments, but in our raw ones. He sits with us in the quiet, gathers our tears, and whispers truth into the places where lies have tried to take root. He reminds us that brokenness is not the end of the story; it is the place where His restoration begins.

When God draws near, He brings peace that steadies, hope that rises, and mercy that mends. He brings the kind of healing that does not simply patch the heart but renews it. He brings purpose out of pain and beauty out of ashes. And He does it gently, faithfully, lovingly—because His heart is tender toward yours.

If you are walking through a valley today, know this: God is not distant. He is not silent. He is not indifferent. He is near—closer than your breath, closer than your fears, closer than your sorrow. And He will not leave you there. His nearness is your healing, your strength, and your promise of brighter days ahead.

Lord, thank You for drawing near to me in every moment of brokenness. Thank You for seeing my heart, understanding my pain, and holding me with compassion. Help me to feel Your presence today in a deeper way. Heal the places that hurt, restore what has been lost, and breathe hope into my spirit again. I trust Your timing, Your love, and Your gentle care. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: You Are The Breath Behind My Steps~

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DAILY GRACE: BREATH OF GOD

 “Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life” –
John 14:6 (KJV)

Reflection on Life Today
by C D SWANSON~

Life today moves fast—faster than our hearts were ever designed to run. We juggle responsibilities, navigate uncertainty, and try to make sense of a world that shifts beneath our feet. Yet Jesus speaks into this very moment with a steady, unchanging truth: He is life itself.

This means life isn’t defined by circumstances, achievements, or the approval of others. Life is found in Him—His presence, His peace, His guidance, His love. When the world feels loud, He becomes our quiet center. When choices feel overwhelming, He becomes our clarity. When we feel stretched thin, He becomes our strength.

To live through Christ today is to breathe with purpose, walk with assurance, and rest in a love that does not waver. It is choosing to anchor your identity not in what happens around you, but in the One who holds all things together.

Supportive Scriptures

  • Acts 17:28 – “For in him we live, and move, and have our being…”
  • John 10:10 – “…I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.”
  • Colossians 3:3–4 – “Your life is hid with Christ in God… Christ, who is our life…”
  • Psalm 16:11 – “…in thy presence is fulness of joy…”

Reflection

Life becomes clearer and more meaningful when it is rooted in Christ. His presence shapes how we see ourselves, how we respond to challenges, and how we walk through each day with hope.

“LORD -thank You for the gift of life and for the breath You place within me each day. Teach me to live with intention, to walk in Your wisdom, and to rest in Your peace. When life feels heavy, lift my spirit. When the path feels unclear, guide my steps. Let Your presence shape my thoughts, strengthen my heart, and remind me that true life is found in You alone, in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Warmth In All Seasons~

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“He giveth snow like wool: He scattereth the hoarfrost like ashes.” — Psalm 147:16 (KJV)

Warmth In Winter And All Seasons
by C D SWANSON~

No matter the temperature outdoors, or the season. God’s love is sufficient to cover us at all times and His warmth covers us like a blanket of comfort.

The temperature this past 10 days have been frigid to say the least, but the Word keeps me warm and keeps me tethered in His love and promises, which ultimately ignite the fires of my soul.

When we are faithful and embrace His promises and keep His commandments we not only align with His Word, but we are adhering to His will for our lives and purpose for our existence. 

Looking out at the expansive landscape that is draped in snow and ice I see a lone Cardinal bird, sitting atop the bare branches, decorated by the magnificence of His beauty, resplendent against the backdrop of stark white.  Which brings me to think about Jesus Christ, pure as the driven snow, and His blood crimson as the Cardinal that covered us and redeemed us and brought about our salvation. 

Embrace the seasons, if you live in an area that has changing seasons – enjoy each one. Each one has a reason, and each one fulfills the purpose of God’s plans.  And for those who have year-round even temperature climate – enjoy the splendor of the consistency.  

In other words, enjoy all of God’s creations, weather, and all that His hands have made. “Because there isn’t anything made that wasn’t made by Him and for Him…”

“Father God, thank You for Your magnificence, Your Word, Your promises and Your love, thank You for Your Son our LORD and Savior, and thank You for always providing for our needs, and circumstances, in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Name Heals & Provides~

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Healing In His Wings

Malachi 4:2 (KJV) “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings…”

The Rising With Healing
by C D SWANSON~

This verse is one of the most tender promises in all of Scripture. Malachi paints a picture of God’s righteousness rising like the morning sun — steady, unstoppable, and full of warmth. The night may feel long, the shadows may cling to the edges of our hearts, but dawn is guaranteed. God Himself is the sunrise.

The phrase “healing in his wings” is breathtaking. In Hebrew imagery, the “wings” refer to the edges of a garment — the place where blessing, covering, and protection rest. It is the picture of God bending low, wrapping His presence around His people, and restoring what darkness tried to steal.

Just as the sun touches everything — rocks, waves, shorelines, valleys — God’s healing reaches every hidden place. Nothing is too broken, too bruised, or too far gone for His light. When the Sun of righteousness rises, He brings not only illumination but restoration. He does not simply reveal what is wounded; He heals it.

This is the promise for every heart that reverences His name: Morning is coming. Healing is coming. Hope is rising.

Reflective Thought

Where in my life do I need the Sun of righteousness to rise and bring healing today?

Supportive Scripture

Psalm 84:11 (KJV) “For the Lord God is a sun and shield: the Lord will give grace and glory…”

“LORD let Your light rise over my life today. Shine into the places that feel weary, wounded, or hidden. Wrap me in the healing of Your presence, and let Your righteousness warm every cold corner of my heart. Thank You for being my sunrise, my shield, and my hope. Help me walk in the healing You so freely give. In Jesus name,  Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Another Day Another Hope~

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Hope In God | FDCC

“Now the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, that ye may abound in hope, through the power of the Holy Ghost.”  Romans 15:13 (KJV)

Another Day, Another Hope  –C D SWANSON~

 

Hope is not a fragile wish or a thin thread we cling to when life feels uncertain. In Scripture, hope is a living force, rooted in the character of God Himself. Paul calls Him “the God of hope,” reminding us that hope is not something we manufacture — it is something God pours into us.

This verse is a gentle invitation to begin each day with expectation, not fear. Notice the progression:

  • God fills
  • We believe
  • Hope abounds

Hope grows not because circumstances improve, but because God is present, steady, and faithful. When we believe — even with trembling faith — God responds by filling us with joy and peace. These are not emotions we force; they are gifts He gives.

And then something beautiful happens: We don’t just have hope — we abound in it. Overflowing. Spilling over. Renewed day after day.

Every sunrise becomes a reminder that God is not finished. Every breath is a quiet testimony that His power is still at work. Even when yesterday was heavy, today can still be a day of hope, because hope is anchored in Someone who never changes.

This is the kind of hope that steadies the heart, lifts the spirit, and whispers, “Keep going — God is already in your tomorrow.”

🕊 Reflective Question –Where do I need God to fill me with renewed hope today?

“Father, thank You for being the God of hope. Fill my heart today with Your joy and peace, and help me trust You in every place where I feel uncertain or weary. Let Your Spirit breathe fresh hope into my soul so I can walk forward with confidence, knowing You are guiding every step. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: You Sing Over All Your Children~

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Sermon_ZEPHANIAH “God Sings Over Us”_2024 04 07 - YouTube

“The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.” — Zephaniah 3:17

Singing Over Me
by C D SWANSON~

This verse is a quiet sanctuary for the weary heart. It reminds you that God is not distant, not passive, not watching from afar. He is in the midst of you—present in your home, your thoughts, your struggles, your Sunday stillness.

He is mighty, not only in power but in tenderness. His strength is not harsh; it is protective, steady, and deeply personal. He saves, not once, but continually—lifting you, shielding you, guiding you, and restoring you day by day.

The most breathtaking part of this verse is the phrase: “He will rest in His love.” It means God’s love toward you is not frantic, conditional, or wavering. It is settled. Secure. Unchanging. He is not pacing heaven wondering if you are worthy. His love is already decided, already anchored, already complete.

And then—He sings over you. Imagine that: the God who created galaxies bends low to sing a melody of joy over your life. Not because you are perfect, but because you are His.

On this Sunday, let this truth settle into your spirit: You are loved with a love that rests, rejoices, and remains.

🙏  

Father, thank You for being in the midst of my life with strength and tenderness. Let Your restful love quiet my heart today. Teach me to breathe deeply in Your presence, to trust Your joy over me, and to walk in the peace that comes from knowing I am held by You. Amen.

DEAR GOD: Your Path Is Where I Want To Go~

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Many Paths To God

Your Path Is The Path Of Life
by C D SWANSON

“The simple believeth every word: but the prudent man looketh well to his going.” — Proverbs 14:15 (KJV)

This verse speaks with surprising sharpness about the insipid, the unthinking, the easily swayed—those who drift through life without depth, discernment, or intention.

Life is a vast landscape, rich with meaning for those who seek it and strangely hollow for those who do not. Scripture often contrasts the wise with the simple, not to demean, but to awaken. The “simple” in Proverbs are not merely uneducated; they are unanchored—people who move through the world without reflection, conviction, or spiritual grounding. They accept whatever comes, believe whatever is spoken, and follow whatever path is easiest. Their lives become insipid not because they lack potential, but because they lack pursuit.

Humanity has always wrestled with this tension. We are capable of profound thought, yet often settle for shallow distractions. We are created for purpose, yet drift into patterns that numb the soul. The insipid life is not a life without activity; it is a life without depth. It is motion without meaning, noise without truth, existence without transformation.

Proverbs calls us to something higher. The prudent person “looketh well to his going”—a poetic way of saying that wisdom requires intention. It requires pausing long enough to question, discern, and choose. It requires resisting the gravitational pull of the trivial and instead anchoring oneself in what is eternal.

God invites us into a life that is anything but insipid. His call is one of depth, richness, and clarity. When we seek Him, life gains texture. When we pursue truth, our days gain weight. When we walk with purpose, even ordinary moments become sacred.

The contrast between the simple and the prudent is ultimately a call to awaken—to refuse the thinness of a life lived on the surface and instead embrace the fullness of a life shaped by God’s wisdom.

“LORD- give me discernment to rise above the shallow things of life, and guide me into a deeper walk with You, filled with wisdom, purpose, and truth. In Jesus name, Amen”

DEAR GOD: This Day Your Hands Have Made ~

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This Is The Day The Lord Has Made HD Jesus Wallpapers | HD Wallpapers ...

“This is the day which the Lord hath made; we will rejoice and be glad in it.” — Psalm 118:24 (KJV)

Morning Rejoicing

As the day opens before me, help my heart lean toward gratitude instead of worry, purpose instead of distraction, and joy instead of heaviness. Let me walk through today aware of Your Presence and willing to be shaped by it. 

“LORD, steady my thoughts, brighten my spirit, and guide my steps.  In Jesus name, Amen.”