DEAR GOD: The First Place of the Heart – Always YOU

Posted on February 24, 2026 by C D SWANSON

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“Whom have I in heaven but thee? And there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” — Psalm 73:25 (KJV)

You First
by C D Swanson~

True worship begins when the heart recognizes that nothing compares to God. When we place Him above every affection, ambition, and attachment, our souls find their rightful center. Loving God is not merely an act of obedience; it is a response to His unmatched presence and faithfulness. In choosing Him first, we are not deprived — we are fulfilled. Worship becomes the sacred act of declaring that He alone is enough.

“Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind.” — Matthew 22:37 (KJV)

“ Heavenly Father, draw my heart away from lesser things and anchor it fully in You. Teach me to love You above all else, to seek Your presence before every pursuit, and to honor You with my time and devotion. May my worship be sincere, my priorities aligned with Your will, and my life a reflection of my love for You. In Jesus name, Amen.”

What am I allowing to compete with God for first place in my heart?

DEAR GOD: Living Your WORD in a Shifting Chaotic World~

Posted on October 22, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” — Psalm 73:25

Anchored in Awe: Living the Word in a Shifting World

Message: In a world that often trades truth for trend and reverence for relevance, we are called to be set apart—not in isolation, but in illumination. To be a Christian today is to walk upstream in a downstream culture, not with pride or fear, but with Holy love and unshakable awe for the One who holds eternity.

Following God’s Word and doctrine isn’t about rigid rules—it’s about radiant relationship. It’s about letting Scripture shape our speech, our spending, our silence, and our service. It’s about choosing mercy over mockery, truth over popularity, and holiness over hype. It’s about being a living epistle, read by those who may never otherwise open a Bible.

We are not called to blend in, but to bless. Not to condemn, but to contend—for faith, for justice, for the sacredness of life and love. And we do this not by our own strength, but by staying rooted in the Word, filled with the Spirit, and clothed in humility.

Reflective Thought: What would shift in our homes, communities, and hearts if we lived each day as if God’s Presence was our greatest treasure and His Word our daily bread?

Supportive Scripture: “Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.” — Psalm 119:105

Prayer: LORD- awaken in us a holy awe for Your Presence and a deep love for Your Word. Help us to walk in truth when the world wavers, to speak with grace when others shout, and to live with integrity when compromise is easy. Let our lives be living testimonies of Your mercy, Your justice, and Your unchanging truth. Keep us anchored in You, even when the winds of culture blow strong. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Hollow time Alone- But Hallowed Time With You~

Posted on October 18, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Pray then like this: ‘Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.’” Matthew 6:9 (ESV)

Life can seem extremely tough, wearing and “hollow” at times. However, it is during these times that we should realize we have a constant refuge and sanctuary to seek shelter in. It is the “hallowed grounds” of seeking His face and bowing to His glory.

Times with the LORD is “hallowed” and purposeful. It brings security in the notion that we are not alone. That we in fact have our Father in Heaven who loves us and provides the necessary provisions in which we need at all times.

Frustration can mount during times of “dry” areas in our lives. Such as feeling as if things are going in circles and our souls are searching for answers. But Christ is the Living Water that will quench that thirst and bring the solutions to the answers we seek in earnest dedication.

When we glide through life and suddenly hit a rough spot that brings us to a “snag” and pulls us to a grinding stop – we need to “listen” for the LORD and trust He will provide the course of action and the direction in which we must go.

We cannot rely on our own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-8) we must trust Him in all ways and lean not on our own decisions. We must acknowledge Him and He WILL direct our paths. We cannot lean on our own minds; we must seek His and love Him and keep from evil. It is then that He will give us a healthy spirit, and energy and wisdom to sustain and maintain life in which it was meant to be lived. Fully, completely in His realm of love and providence.

Remember that without God in our lives – we are NOT living – we are merely existing. And that with God in our lives – we thrive – we prosper – and we are able to LIVE fully!

Have you sought Him today in all you do? Have you reached out to our LORD in love and devotion? Have you realized that His direction and will is the only way to go? If not, why not? He love you so much – and He is waiting for you – today and always. His love knows no bounds – and His mercy is unmerited.

“Father, LORD – thank You for Your love, words, promises and blood of Your Son, my Savior, it is because of Your mercy I live, and it is because of Your love, I will never die, thank You in Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: It Is Your Voice We Hear Through It All~

Posted on October 15, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“And the LORD came, and stood, and called as at other times, Samuel, Samuel. Then Samuel answered, Speak; for thy servant heareth.” — 1 Samuel 3:10

The Posture of Listening in a Noisy World

This verse is a gentle thunder—a moment where heaven bends low and a child responds with reverence. Samuel’s posture wasn’t one of ambition or noise, but of availability. In a world that often prizes volume, speed, and certainty, this verse invites us into the sacred art of listening. Not passive hearing, but attentive surrender.

The LORD didn’t shout. He called as He had before. And Samuel, trained not by perfection but by proximity to Eli and the tabernacle, finally recognized the voice that had been whispering all along.

Today, we are called to prepare not just our schedules, but our spirits. To clear space for divine interruption. To say, “Speak, LORD,” not with fear, but with readiness. Whether we are in the kitchen, the hospital, the boardroom, or the quiet of our bedroom, God still calls. And He still stands near.

To hear Him, we must cultivate silence—not just around us, but within us. We must unclutter our hearts from the noise of comparison, fear, and distraction. We must become servants again—willing, humble, and expectant.

We must!

🙏 Prayer

“LORD, -speak. Your servant is listening. Quiet the noise within me and around me. Let me hear Your whisper in the ordinary and Your call in the sacred. Train my heart to respond with reverence, not resistance. May I be found ready, not perfect. May I be found available, not busy. I surrender this day to Your voice, Your timing, and Your presence. In Jesus name, Amen.”

🕊️ Meditative Question

What noise must I release today to hear the whisper of God?

DEAR GOD: We Are Cleansed by Promise – And Set Us Free~

Posted on August 16, 2025 by C D SWANSON

2 Corinthians 7:1
“Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God.”

This verse is a tender yet urgent call to spiritual refinement, rooted in the promises of God and directed toward the beloved community of believers. Paul begins with “Having therefore these promises,” referring to the divine assurances mentioned in the previous chapter—promises of God’s presence, adoption, and sanctification. These are not abstract hopes but covenantal truths: “I will dwell in them, and walk in them… I will be their God, and they shall be my people.” Such intimacy with God demands a response—not of fear-driven obligation, but of love-infused reverence.

The phrase “let us cleanse ourselves” implies active participation. Though salvation is a gift, sanctification is a journey. We are called to cooperate with the Spirit, removing both outward impurities (“filthiness of the flesh”) and inward corruption (“filthiness of the spirit”). This dual cleansing speaks to both visible sins and hidden attitudes—bitterness, pride, envy, and unbelief. Holiness is not merely moral behavior; it is the alignment of our entire being with the heart of God.

“Perfecting holiness” suggests a process, not a moment. It is the continual pursuit of purity, maturity, and Christlikeness. The word “perfecting” implies bringing something to completion. We are not passive recipients but active builders of a life that reflects God’s glory.

Finally, “in the fear of God” anchors this pursuit in reverence, not dread. This fear is awe, honor, and deep respect for the One who is holy, loving, and just. It is the kind of fear that draws us closer, not pushes us away. It is the fear that says, “I love You too much to grieve You.”

In essence, this verse is a blueprint for spiritual growth: grounded in promise, fueled by love, and aimed at holiness.

Supportive Scriptures

Romans 12:1–2 – “Present your bodies a living sacrifice… be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”
1 Peter 1:15–16 – “Be ye holy; for I am holy.”
James 4:8 – “Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded.”
Psalm 24:3–4 – “Who shall ascend into the hill of the Lord?… He that hath clean hands, and a pure heart.”
Hebrews 12:14 – “Follow peace with all men, and holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord.”
Galatians 5:16–17 – “Walk in the Spirit, and ye shall not fulfil the lust of the flesh.”
2 Timothy 2:21 – “If a man therefore purge himself… he shall be a vessel unto honour.”

“LORD- Thank You for Your promises that invite us into intimacy, purity, and peace. Help us to cleanse ourselves—not in our own strength, but by Your Spirit. May we reject every impurity of flesh and spirit, and pursue holiness with reverent love. Teach us to walk in awe of You, not out of fear, but out of deep devotion. Let our lives reflect Your beauty, and may our hearts be sanctuaries of Your presence. Strengthen us daily to perfect holiness, and to honor You in every thought, word, and deed. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: We Gird Our Minds With Your Grace~

Posted on July 21, 2025 by C D SWANSON

The Mind of Christ: What it Means for the Believer - Bible Home

1 Peter 1:13 (NKJV) –“Therefore gird up the loins of your mind, be sober, and rest your hope fully upon the grace that is to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.”

Girding the Mind: A Call to Prepared Holiness

Intellectual and Personalized Analysis

The phrase “gird up the loins of your mind” evokes vivid imagery: in ancient times, to gird one’s loins meant to tie up the flowing parts of one’s garments to prepare for action, battle, or movement. Translated to a mental posture, Peter exhorts believers to ready their thoughts, shed passivity, and align their intellect with purpose. It is not a casual engagement with faith, but a deliberate one—like a warrior preparing for battle.

In our modern context, distractions abound—news cycles, emotional unrest, fleeting pleasures. To “gird up” now is to exercise mental discipline: to resist the temptation of spiritual apathy, to feed the mind with truth, and to pursue clarity and sobriety in thought.

Sobriety here isn’t just refraining from intoxication; it’s deeper. It’s spiritual attentiveness. It’s being clear-eyed in a foggy world, keeping sight of the grace revealed in Christ. That grace is not only past-tense salvation but the continual unveiling of divine strength in our weaknesses.

Personally, this passage reminds me to recalibrate daily. My thoughts can scatter under pressure. But when I take inventory of where my hope rests, I find stability—not in fleeting success or even my emotional state, but in the living hope unveiled in Jesus. That grace is both future-facing and presently transformative.

Scriptural Support and Echoes

Romans 12:2 – “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…” The parallel here deepens Peter’s call to intellectual vigilance.
Ephesians 6:14 – “Stand therefore, having girded your waist with truth…” Paul’s imagery connects girding with truth—a weapon for spiritual warfare.
Titus 2:12–13 – “…that we should live soberly, righteously, and godly…” Sobriety again linked to watchful living, preparing for Christ’s appearing.

Moral Reflections and Thoughtful Questions

Are my daily thought patterns aligned with truth, or shaped by fear and culture?
Do I treat my faith intellectually—reading, questioning, meditating—or merely emotionally?
How do I cultivate a mindset that’s sober yet joyful, prepared yet peaceful?
In what ways am I preparing for Christ’s return—not just morally, but mentally?

Holiness is more than moral purity. It’s a mind set apart. And the sharpening of the mind leads to clearer sight of the holy.

Prayer of Alignment and Exaltation

“LORD of Grace and Revelation, we come with minds often cluttered, hearts distracted. Yet You call us to clarity, to preparedness. Teach us to gird the loins of our mind—to resist spiritual laziness, to think deeply, to hope fully. Let sobriety be not heaviness but steadfast joy, a recognition that You are coming again. May our thoughts be anchored in eternity, our hearts settled in Your mercy. Give us strength to refocus, courage to question, and peace to rest in Your truth. We exalt You, LORD the embodiment of grace revealed. Lead us into holy thinking and holy living, in Jesus Christ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: We Have Sustaining Goodness Through You Alone~

Posted on April 23, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.” — Psalm 34:8

The Sustaining Goodness of God: A Call to Trust and Reverence

In-Depth Analysis of the Verse:

Psalm 34:8 is a resounding invitation to experience the goodness of God firsthand. The imagery of “taste and see” suggests a personal and intimate encounter with the divine. It invites believers to move beyond a superficial understanding of God and dive into the depths of His faithfulness, mercy, and love. To “taste” implies savoring and discerning; to “see” calls us to recognize and witness His goodness in our lives and the world around us. The verse also highlights the transformative reward of trusting in God—a life imbued with blessings and spiritual fulfillment.

This scripture challenges us to open our hearts to God’s provision and guidance. His goodness isn’t fleeting; it’s eternal, unchanging, and meant to sustain us through trials and triumphs. Whether in moments of joy or sorrow, God’s goodness envelops us like a shelter, promising refuge to those who place their trust in Him.

Supporting Scriptures:

“For the LORD is good; his mercy is everlasting; and his truth endureth to all generations.” — Psalm 100:5
“The earth is full of the goodness of the LORD.” — Psalm 33:5
“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, and cometh down from the Father of lights, with whom is no variableness, neither shadow of turning.” — James 1:17

These verses further affirm the boundless nature of God’s goodness. They reveal His mercies as everlasting and His truth as enduring, inviting us to rest confidently in His care.

Reflective Questions:

How do you “taste and see” God’s goodness in your daily life?
Are there moments when you’ve hesitated to trust God fully? What can this verse teach you about surrender?
In what ways can you share the goodness of God with others?

Heartfelt Commentary:

To love and honor God daily is to acknowledge the depth of His goodness in all we do. It begins with gratitude—cultivating a heart that recognizes His blessings, both seen and unseen. When we wake in the morning, the breath in our lungs is a testament to His sustaining mercy. When we face challenges, His grace equips us to endure. To live a life that honors God is to carry His truth into every sphere of our existence, from the words we speak to the choices we make.

God’s goodness calls us to live respectfully and responsibly. In our dealings with others, we are to embody His kindness and compassion. In our work, we are to strive for excellence, not for personal acclaim but as an act of worship. In our thoughts, we are to reflect His purity and holiness, guarding against pride and selfish ambition. This daily commitment to honor God shapes us into vessels of His love, a reflection of His light in a world that often forgets to seek Him.

Meditative Question:

How can you make honoring God a consistent part of your daily life, even in the smallest acts?

“LORD-Heavenly Father, You are the essence of goodness, a wellspring of mercy and grace that never runs dry. We come before You, humbled by Your love and awestruck by Your faithfulness. Teach us to taste and see Your goodness, to trust in You with unwavering hearts. May our lives honor You in word, thought, and deed. Grant us the wisdom to walk respectfully and humbly in Your ways, sharing Your love with those around us. Help us to reflect Your light and glorify Your name daily. We offer You our lives, our praise, and our gratitude, knowing that all goodness flows from You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: May We Always Honor & Serve You Humbly~

Posted on March 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear:” -1 Peter 3:15

The verse in the ESV reads: “But in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you; yet do it with gentleness and respect.”

This verse reflects the Apostle Peter’s encouragement to believers to live in such a way that their hope in Christ becomes a visible, undeniable reality to those around them. Peter emphasizes the importance of sanctifying or honoring Christ as Lord in our hearts. This act of consecration ensures that all our actions, words, and motives flow from a place of deep, personal reverence for God. When Christ reigns in our hearts as holy, our lives are naturally marked by humility and purpose, aligning with God’s will rather than worldly pursuits.

The instruction to “be ready to make a defense” underscores the importance of preparedness in articulating one’s faith. It does not demand eloquence or debate prowess but a sincere readiness to share the foundation of the hope found in Jesus Christ. This “hope” is the assurance of salvation, eternal life, and the unwavering promises of God through the gospel. Importantly, this defense must always be given with gentleness and respect—reflecting the character of Christ and ensuring that our witness does not drive others away from the truth.

Peter’s words here also confront the temptation to serve self over God. As Christians, the call to serve humbly and fully is evident throughout Scripture. Romans 12:1 reminds believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God, while Colossians 3:23-24 urges us to work heartily, as for the Lord. Serving God’s purpose means surrendering personal agendas and ambitions, seeking instead to glorify Him in all we do.

Biblical Analysis and Historical Perspective:

1 Peter 3:15 was written to encourage the scattered and often persecuted believers of Asia Minor (modern-day Turkey). Peter’s audience faced hostility for their faith, and this letter offers them both practical and spiritual guidance for enduring suffering while remaining faithful witnesses to Christ. In this context, “sanctifying Christ in your hearts” served as a reminder to prioritize allegiance to Christ over fear of man, even in the face of persecution.

From a biblical perspective, this verse echoes the charge given to Israel in Isaiah 8:13, where the prophet says, “But the Lord of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread.” Both passages call for steadfast devotion to God, setting Him apart in one’s heart as supreme over all fears and uncertainties.

Historically, the early church was heavily scrutinized by Roman society, which often misunderstood and mischaracterized Christian beliefs. In this environment, the ability to explain the hope of the gospel with clarity and respect became a critical part of evangelism. Peter’s instruction continues to resonate today, reminding Christians to engage the world with truth and grace, even when facing opposition.

Reflective Questions:

How can I honor Christ as holy in my everyday decisions and relationships?
Am I prepared to share the hope I have in Christ? If not, what steps can I take to deepen my understanding of the gospel?
Do I approach others with gentleness and respect, even when they challenge or question my faith?
In what ways can I ensure that my service to God is driven by humility and a genuine desire to glorify Him, rather than seeking personal recognition?

Being a Christian and Serving God Humbly:

To be a Christian is to live as a servant of Christ, seeking His glory above all else. It is a daily act of surrender, acknowledging that we are not our own but belong to God. Jesus Himself modeled this humility, as seen in Philippians 2:5-8, where He humbled Himself by taking on human form and becoming obedient to the point of death. This example calls us to a life of selflessness and dedication, pouring out our time, talents, and treasures for God’s purposes.

Serving God fully requires aligning every aspect of our lives with His will. Whether in the workplace, at home, or in our communities, we are called to be ambassadors for Christ, reflecting His love and truth. This demands a shift from self-centered living to God-centered living, where our choices and actions are guided by what pleases Him. It is not about earning favor or recognition but offering our lives as a testament to His grace.

Humble service also means recognizing that all we have—our abilities, resources, and even our breath—is a gift from God. As 1 Corinthians 10:31 reminds us, “So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” Every task, no matter how mundane, becomes an opportunity to honor Him when done with a heart focused on His kingdom.

A Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You in humility, acknowledging that You alone are holy and worthy of all honor. Teach us to sanctify You in our hearts, placing You above all else in our lives. Help us to always be ready to share the hope we have in You with gentleness and respect, reflecting Your love to a world in need. Strengthen us to serve You faithfully, not for recognition but for Your glory, and guide us in aligning our lives with Your purpose. May Your Word dwell richly in us, equipping us for every good work You have prepared for us. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

A Blessing and Meditative Verse for the Day:

May the Lord bless you and keep you; may He make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you. May He fill your heart with His peace and your life with His purpose as you walk in faithful obedience to Him.

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make straight your paths.” — Proverbs 3:5-6 (ESV)

~Dear God With Love~