DEAR GOD: Thank You For Our Eternal Garden ~

Posted on October 24, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Peaceful Garden with Heavenly Gate, Leading To Eternal Paradise Stock ...

“Teach us to realize the brevity of life, so that we may grow in wisdom.” — Psalm 90:12 (NLT)

⏳ The Clock and the Crown: Living for What Lasts

Time is the one currency we cannot earn back. Psalm 90:12 is not merely a poetic reflection—it is a divine plea for perspective. In a world that glorifies speed, accumulation, and temporary success, this verse calls us to pause and ask: What truly lasts?

Life is brief. It flickers like a candle in the wind, and yet we often live as if the flame will never dim. We fill our calendars with tasks but neglect the eternal. We chase comfort but forget the crown. The Lord, in His mercy, reminds us that wisdom begins with recognizing the shortness of our days—not to breed fear, but to birth focus.

To live wisely is to live with eternity in view. It means choosing depth over distraction, devotion over delay. It means seeing every moment as a seed—planted not just for earthly harvest, but for heavenly reward. The wise steward doesn’t just count minutes; she consecrates them. She knows that the soul is eternal, and that every act of love, every word of truth, every prayer whispered in faith echoes forever in the courts of heaven.

Our time here is not a rehearsal—it is the proving ground of faith. The Lord watches not how long we live, but how well. He measures our days not by their length, but by their light. And when we live with eternity in mind, we begin to walk differently. We forgive faster. We speak gentler. We serve with joy. We suffer with hope. We love with abandon.

Eternity is not a distant concept—it is the backdrop of every decision. The crown awaits, but the clock is ticking. Let us not waste the mist of today chasing shadows. Let us build altars, not empires. Let us live as pilgrims, not tourists. Let us exalt the Lord in every breath, knowing that one day, we will stand before Him—not with regrets, but with rejoicing.

“Lord, teach me to number my days with holy wisdom. Let me not squander the gift of time, but steward it with reverence and joy. Help me to live with eternity in my heart and Your glory in my gaze. May my life reflect Your light, and my choices echo in heaven. Let me walk wisely, love deeply, and serve faithfully until I see You face to face. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Not Broken: Replenished in the Secret Place~

Posted on October 23, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

This verse is a call to spiritual compassion, a divine invitation to step into the sacred work of bearing the weight of others. It is not merely a suggestion—it is the fulfillment of Christ’s law, the embodiment of His love. Yet within this holy charge lies a quiet caution: the soul that bears must also be replenished. Even Jesus, the Son of God, withdrew into solitude to pray. “And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed.” — Luke 5:16

To bear another’s burden is to enter into their suffering, to lift what weighs them down, and to walk beside them in spiritual solidarity. It is holy work. But it is also heavy work. And if we are not careful, we may find ourselves depleted, not from lack of love, but from lack of retreat.

Jesus modeled this rhythm perfectly. He healed, taught, and bore the burdens of multitudes—but He also withdrew. He stepped away from the crowds, from the noise, from the needs. Not in abandonment, but in obedience. He knew that to pour out without being poured into is to risk spiritual collapse. His secret place with the Father was not optional—it was essential.

We, too, must learn this rhythm. To bear with others is to walk in Christ’s footsteps. But to retreat into prayer is to drink from the well that never runs dry. Without this replenishment, our compassion becomes strained, our wisdom clouded, and our strength brittle. We begin to carry burdens in our own strength, forgetting that it is the Spirit who sustains us.

The law of Christ is not fulfilled through burnout—it is fulfilled through Spirit-led compassion. And the Spirit speaks most clearly in the quiet. In the wilderness. In the secret place.

So let us bear, yes. Let us lift, support, and walk beside. But let us also withdraw. Let us seek the Father in solitude, as Jesus did. Let us be refreshed, not just for our sake, but for the sake of those we serve. Because we cannot carry what is sacred without the One who sanctifies.

Reflective Question (KJV): When did I last retreat to be alone with the Father?

Prayer: LORD- teach me to carry with compassion but retreat with wisdom. Refresh my soul in Your Presence. Let Your Spirit restore what weariness has drained. I cannot pour without You. In Jesus name, Amen.

DEAR GOD: Your Counsel Is My Fortress & Foundation~

Posted on October 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“The counsel of Yahweh [the Lord] stands forever, the plans of his ...

“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” –Proverbs 19:20-21

Commentary on Proverbs 19:20–21

“Hear counsel, and receive instruction, that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end. There are many devices in a man’s heart; nevertheless the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.”

These verses speak to the quiet tension between human planning and divine wisdom. They invite a posture of humility—one that listens, receives, and surrenders.

🕊️ “Hear counsel, and receive instruction…”

This is more than advice—it is an invitation to transformation. To “hear” is to open the ears, but to “receive” is to open the heart. Instruction, especially when it corrects or redirects, can feel uncomfortable. Yet it is the very soil in which wisdom grows.

The phrase “that thou mayest be wise in thy latter end” reminds us that wisdom is not a moment—it is a journey. It is cultivated over time, through surrender, through listening, through the quiet acceptance of God’s shaping hand. This is especially comforting for those in seasons of transition, stewardship, or healing. Wisdom is not rushed—it is revealed.

💡 “There are many devices in a man’s heart…”

The heart is a workshop of plans, dreams, fears, and strategies. We map out futures, rehearse conversations, and weigh options. Some plans are noble, others reactive. But all are subject to the refining fire of divine counsel.

“Nevertheless, the counsel of the LORD, that shall stand.” This is the anchor. Amid all our planning, it is God’s wisdom that endures. His counsel is not shaken by circumstance, emotion, or uncertainty. It stands.

This verse does not dismiss our plans—it sanctifies them. It invites us to hold our strategies loosely and our trust in God tightly. It reminds us that peace is not found in perfect planning, but in perfect surrender.

🙏 Prayer of Wisdom and Surrender

Holy One, Keeper of wisdom and Giver of peace,

We come with open hands and listening hearts. We acknowledge the many plans within us—the hopes we carry, the fears we face, the paths we’ve tried to map. We thank You for the gift of counsel, for the wisdom that comes not from striving, but from surrender.

Teach us to receive instruction with humility. Let Your Word be our compass, Your Spirit our guide. In every decision, every transition, every sacred routine, let Your counsel stand.

Refine our plans with Your presence. Anchor our hearts in Your truth. And let our latter days be marked by peace, clarity, and holy wisdom.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

The Counsel of The LORD - YouTube

DEAR GOD: We Love Living In Your Love~

Posted on September 30, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and in all judgment; That ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.” –Philippians 1:9-10

Overflowing Love with Discernment: A Prayer for Sincere Living

Paul’s prayer in Philippians 1:9–10 is a profound invitation to a love that is not blind or vague but deeply rooted in knowledge and discernment. He’s not merely asking that believers feel more affection or kindness—he’s praying for a love that grows in wisdom, clarity, and spiritual insight. This is love that sees clearly, chooses wisely, and walks sincerely.

Let’s break it down:

“That your love may abound yet more and more…” Paul begins with abundance. Love is not static—it’s meant to overflow, to stretch, to deepen. But this isn’t sentimentalism. It’s love that matures through truth.
“…in knowledge and in all judgment.” Here, Paul anchors love in two pillars: knowledge (epignosis—deep, experiential understanding of God) and judgment (aisthēsis—moral insight, discernment). This is love that knows what is good, what is harmful, what is holy. It’s the kind of love that can say “no” to compromise and “yes” to excellence.
“That ye may approve things that are excellent…” The word “approve” implies testing, discerning, and choosing what is best—not just what is permissible. In today’s world, flooded with options, opinions, and distractions, this verse calls us to spiritual clarity. Excellence here isn’t perfectionism—it’s choosing what aligns with God’s heart.
“…that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ.” Sincerity (literally “sun-tested”) means being pure, transparent, without hidden agendas. “Without offence” means not causing others to stumble, nor stumbling ourselves. Paul’s vision is for believers to live in such a way that their lives shine with integrity until Christ returns.

Application Today:

In our modern Christian walk, this passage is a call to:

Discernment in love: Not every act labeled “love” is godly. We must love with truth, boundaries, and clarity.
Spiritual maturity: As we grow, our love should become more wise, not just more emotional.
Choosing excellence: In media, relationships, work, and worship—are we choosing what is excellent or what is merely acceptable?
Living sincerely: In a world of filters and facades, sincerity is radical. It’s living in the light, with nothing to hide.
Preparing for Christ’s return: This isn’t just about today—it’s about eternity. Our choices now shape our readiness for the day of Christ.

Prayer:

Lord, may our love abound—not just in feeling, but in truth. Teach us to love with wisdom, to discern what is excellent, and to walk sincerely. Purify our motives, sharpen our judgment, and help us live lives that reflect Your holiness. May we be found without offence, radiant in Your grace, until the day You return. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Reflective Question:

What does it mean for your love to grow in wisdom today?

DEAR GOD: Help Us To Live By Your Wisdom From Above~

Posted on September 16, 2025 by C D SWANSON

“Wisdom is the principal thing; therefore get wisdom: and with all thy getting get understanding.” — Proverbs 4:7

🌿 Loving God and Living by Wisdom from Above

In a world that often feels loud, fast, and uncertain, the quiet strength of wisdom from above becomes our compass. It is not merely cleverness or worldly strategy—it is the divine insight that flows from reverence, humility, and love for God. To love God is to seek His heart, and in seeking His heart, we receive His wisdom: pure, peaceable, gentle, and full of mercy.

This wisdom helps us navigate everyday choices with grace. It teaches us when to speak and when to be still. It shows us how to care for others without losing ourselves. It anchors us when grief swells and guides us when decisions feel heavy. Wisdom from above is not just for mountaintop moments—it is for the kitchen, the town hall, the quiet drive, the grocery aisle, and the sacred corridors of our homes.

Loving God means doing our best not to impress, but to align. It means asking, “Lord, what would You have me do?” and trusting that even in our smallest efforts—feeding a loved one, writing a letter, choosing peace over pride—He is present. His wisdom sanctifies the ordinary.

When we love God, we begin to see that doing our best is not about perfection. It’s about surrender. It’s about letting His wisdom shape our thoughts, our routines, our advocacy, and our care. It’s about trusting that He sees the whole map, even when we only see the next step.

📖 Supporting Scripture

“But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.” — James 3:17

🙏 Prayer for Wisdom and Love

“LORD- You are the source of all true wisdom. In a world that often confuses noise for knowledge, help us to seek Your voice above all. Teach us to love You not just in word, but in action—in the way we care, speak, and choose. Let Your wisdom guide our steps, soften our hearts, and strengthen our resolve. May we be gentle stewards of the homes You entrust to us, faithful in our routines, and courageous in our advocacy. Let Your peace reign in our decisions, and Your mercy flow through our hands. We do not ask for ease, but for clarity. We do not ask for perfection, but for Your presence. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Your Truth & Righteousness Is My Compass~

Posted on September 5, 2025 by C D SWANSON

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Psalm 85:11 (KJV)
“Truth shall spring out of the earth;
and righteousness shall look down from heaven.”

“Where Heaven Meets Earth”

This verse paints a poetic and prophetic picture of divine harmony. “Truth shall spring out of the earth” suggests a flourishing of honesty, integrity, and divine revelation among humanity—like seeds of righteousness blooming in soil once barren.

It evokes the image of Christ Himself, the embodiment of truth, entering the world in human form.

“Righteousness shall look down from heaven” reveals God’s watchful, approving gaze. It’s not passive observation—it’s Divine engagement. Heaven responds to earth’s awakening with grace, justice, and spiritual favor. Together, these lines reflect a sacred reunion: humanity reaching upward in truth, and God leaning down in righteousness.

This verse is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, pointing to Jesus as the truth who came from the earth (born of a woman), and righteousness as the Divine approval of His mission. It’s also a call to live in such a way that truth becomes visible in our lives, inviting heaven’s righteousness to dwell among us.

“LORD of truth and righteousness, Let Your truth spring forth in my heart like living water. May my life reflect integrity, compassion, and grace. Look down upon me with Your righteousness, And guide me in paths that honor Your name. Let heaven and earth meet in me— That I may be a vessel of Your peace, A witness to Your mercy, And a reflection of Your glory. in Jesus’ name, Amen.”
❤️

DEAR GOD: Led By Your Love & Taught by Your Grace~

Posted on September 3, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Expressions of Grace In the Ministry of Jesus (2), By Femi Aribisala ... Isaiah 48:17 (KJV): “Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I am the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way that thou shouldest go.”

This verse is a tender declaration of divine mentorship. God is not a distant observer—He is our Redeemer, our Holy One, and our personal instructor in all things that bring true gain. The word profit here isn’t merely financial—it speaks to spiritual fruitfulness, emotional healing, and purposeful living. He teaches us not just to survive, but to flourish. And He doesn’t leave us wandering—He leads us, step by step, in the way we should go, not the way we might impulsively choose.

This is the kind of leadership that honors our dignity. It’s not coercive—it’s invitational. God’s guidance is rooted in love, not control. He sees the full terrain of our lives: the bruised places, the sacred longings, the detours we regret. And still, He says, “Come—I’ll show you the way.”

This echoes Proverbs 3:5–6 (KJV): “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” It’s a divine promise of direction—not just in grand decisions, but in daily steps.

Where in your life do you feel unsure or weary—and how might you invite God to teach and lead you there, not just toward resolution, but toward restoration?

LORD- You are my Redeemer and my Teacher. In every season of confusion or transition, You offer wisdom that heals and direction that restores. Lead me not by force, but by Your gentle hand. Teach me to profit in ways that honor Your heart—through peace, integrity, and grace. May I follow not just the path that seems easy, but the one You’ve lovingly prepared. 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: You Are The Sacred Compass: Guarding the Heart Toward Eternal Peace”

Posted on August 19, 2025 by C D SWANSON

Proverbs 4:23 (NLT) –

“Guard your heart above all else,
for it determines the course of your life.”

This verse is a quiet call to sacred stewardship. The heart—seat of thought, emotion, and spiritual discernment—is not merely a vessel of feeling, but the compass of one’s entire life. To guard it is to tend it with reverence, to shield it from bitterness, distraction, and despair, and to nourish it with truth, grace, and peace.

The course of life does not begin with external circumstances, but with the inner terrain. When the heart is anchored in wisdom, the path ahead becomes clearer. When it is clouded by fear or woundedness, even the brightest road can feel uncertain.

This verse invites a daily practice of intentionality: to pause, reflect, and ask what is shaping the heart today. Is it love or anxiety? Faith or fatigue? The answer will ripple outward into every decision, every relationship, every moment.

To guard the heart is not to harden it—it is to honor its sacred role in shaping a life of purpose, peace, and eternal alignment.

The heart is not just the emotional center—it is the spiritual command post. It is where convictions are formed, where truth is weighed, and where the voice of God is either welcomed or drowned out. Scripture urges us to guard it “above all else,” because everything else flows from it: our words, our choices, our relationships, our legacy.

Guarding the heart is not a passive act—it is a daily discipline. It means choosing what we allow to enter through the gates of our eyes and ears. It means filtering every thought through the lens of God’s Word. It means refusing to let bitterness take root, even when wounds run deep. It means cultivating joy, even when circumstances feel heavy.

When the heart is guarded by grace, it becomes a vessel of divine clarity. Decisions are no longer driven by impulse or fear, but by faith and discernment. The course of life begins to reflect heaven’s rhythm—steady, purposeful, and full of peace. Even in seasons of uncertainty, a guarded heart remains anchored, because it is held by the One who sees the end from the beginning.

This verse also reminds us that the heart is where eternity begins. What we treasure there—whether it be God’s truth or worldly distractions—shapes not only our earthly path but our eternal destination. To guard the heart is to prepare it for glory, to make it a dwelling place for the Spirit, and to align it with the promises of God.

In a world that constantly pulls us in a thousand directions, this verse calls us back to center. It invites us to live from the inside out, to let God shape our inner life so that our outer life reflects His goodness. It is a call to sacred stewardship, to holy vigilance, and to unwavering trust in the One who knows our hearts better than we do.

“LORD- You are the Keeper of our hearts and the Shepherd of our souls. Teach us to guard the sacred space within us, to protect it from distraction, deception, and despair. Let Your Word be the filter through which every thought passes, and Your Spirit the guide for every decision we make. May our hearts be tender to Your leading, firm in Your truth, and full of Your peace. Shape the course of our lives according to Your will, and let every step reflect the beauty of a heart aligned with eternity. We praise You for Your faithfulness, for the gift of Your presence, and for the eternal reward that awaits those who walk with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Jennifer – A Light That Still Shines~

Posted on August 10, 2025 by C D SWANSON

🌟 In Loving Memory of Jennifer Woodley

A Woman of the Word, A Light to the World

Jennifer Woodley was more than a wife, mother, grandmother, chaplain, daughter, sibling, and friend—she was a Godly woman, radiant with the love of the Lord. Her life was a living testimony to the power of scripture, not merely studied but embodied in every breath, every word, every act of compassion.

Across oceans and time zones, her presence was felt—warm, wise, and unwavering. She was a spiritual mentor whose encouragement reached far beyond her physical reach. Her charm, wit, grace, and vibrance were unmistakable, yet it was her gentle strength and deep faith that made her unforgettable.

📖 A Heart Anchored in the Word

Jennifer’s love for God was the heartbeat of her life. She delighted in the Word—not just reading it, but diving deep, mining its truths, and allowing it to shape her every thought and action. Scripture was her compass, her comfort, and her joy. She often said that the Bible was not just a book—it was her lifeline, her daily bread, her source of wisdom and peace.

She didn’t keep this treasure to herself. As a school chaplain, Jennifer poured out her love for God into the hearts of children. She taught them not only Bible stories, but how to walk with Jesus, how to pray, how to listen for His voice. Her classroom was a sanctuary, her presence a reflection of Christ’s gentleness and joy. Children gravitated toward her because they sensed something holy, something safe, something real.

🤝 A Life of Fellowship and Humility

Jennifer loved fellowshipping about God every chance she got. Whether in church, over tea, or through messages across the ocean, she was always ready to speak of His goodness. Her conversations were rich with scripture, layered with grace, and filled with encouragement. She never sought attention or accolades—she simply wanted to glorify the Lord and uplift others.

Her humility was striking. Though she was wise, articulate, and spiritually mature, she carried herself with a pristine gentleness. She never boasted, never demanded, never judged. She lived with quiet dignity, always pointing others to Jesus rather than herself. Her life was a sermon—unspoken but unmistakable.

🌈 A Crown Well Earned

Even as she faced medical challenges, Jennifer never complained. She bore her suffering with grace, always giving glory to God.

She clung to the promise of Romans 8:18: –“I consider that our present sufferings are not worth comparing with the glory that will be revealed in us.”

And she lived by the hope of 2 Corinthians 4:17: –“For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all.”

Now, Jennifer has received her crown of righteousness, as promised in 2 Timothy 4:7–8: “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness…”

🙏 A Prayer of Thanks

“LORD, we thank You for the life of Jennifer Woodley—a woman whose heart- beat in rhythm with Yours. Thank You for the wisdom she shared, the comfort she gave, and the light she carried. We are grateful for her friendship, her mentorship, and her unwavering faith.

Thank You for the children she nurtured, the friends she encouraged, and the Word she lived so beautifully. May her legacy continue to inspire us to live boldly for You. May her crown shine as a testimony to a race well run. And may we, one day, rejoice with her in eternal glory.

Until we meet again, dear Jennifer—rest in the arms of the Savior you loved so deeply. You are missed, cherished, and celebrated, always.

Enjoy the feast with the Lamb – you earned your crown my dear friend – and humble servant of the LORD.

In Jesus name, Amen.

On a personal note –

Jennifer, I know you are in the Presence of the One you loved so deeply, reaping the eternal rewards of a life well lived. I am happy and celebrate you going home in glory, but I miss you already.

I will miss our weekly emails that made me laugh and smile so wide. I will miss your wisdom and unparalleled wisdom in the LORD and scripture.

I will miss your encouragement, your compassion and your valued input and insight. Sunday’s will never quite be the same without your email from Australia sitting in my mailbox. But I am so grateful that God gave me such a gift as your friendship for 15 years. I was blessed and honored to have known you. Losing a loved one is hard, and losing such a close friend hurts to the core, but brings me joy, again knowing where you are, and out of pain and in peace. Thank you for being my friend, colleague, and spiritual sister. You were the best of the best.