~Dear God With Love~

C D Swanson

~Dear God With Love~

Tag Archives: worship

DEAR GOD: You Are Our Everything!~

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God Over Everything | Christian Wallpaper“Whom have I in heaven but thee? and there is none upon earth that I desire beside thee.” — Psalm 73:25 (KJV)

My Everything
by C D SWANSON~

This verse is the cry of a heart that has discovered its true home. When the psalmist says there is “none upon earth” he desires besides God, he isn’t rejecting the world — he is recognizing that nothing in it can compare to the One who holds him, heals him, and carries him. To love God like this is to finally breathe freely. It is to know that even when life shakes, even when fear rises, even when the path feels uncertain, the center of your soul remains unbroken because it rests in Him.

As a Christian, this becomes more than belief — it becomes identity. We are people who have tasted the goodness of God and found that nothing else satisfies. We are people who walk through valleys with confidence because His Presence is our portion.

We are people who can say, with trembling love and steady faith, “Lord, You are my everything.” This is not perfection. It is devotion. It is the daily choosing of the One who first chose us. It is the quiet, fierce love of a heart that knows it belongs to Him.

Prayer

“Father, You are my everything. My strength, my peace, my joy, my hope. Teach my heart to desire You above all else. Let my life reflect Your love, and let my steps honor the One who never leaves me. Hold me close, guide me gently, and keep me rooted in Your Presence. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Walking Straight To You Always ~

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20 Bible Verses to Keep Your Eyes on God | Bible images, Inspirational ...

Only take heed to thyself, and keep thy soul diligently…” — Deuteronomy 4:9 (KJV)

Setting the Heart Steadfast
by C D SWANSON

 

This verse is often overlooked, yet it carries a deep call to wholehearted love. God invites His people not merely to obey outwardly, but to guard the soul with intention and devotion. Loving God with all the heart begins with watchfulness — noticing what pulls us away, what distracts us, what dulls our affection.

To “keep thy soul diligently” means to cultivate a heart that treasures God above all else. It is the daily choice to remember His works, His mercy, His nearness. When we guard our inner life, we create space for love to grow — a love that is not shallow or hurried, but rooted, steady, and enduring.

Loving God with all our heart is not a moment; it is a posture. It is the quiet, continual turning of the soul toward Him.

Reflection Question

What is one distraction I can lay aside today to guard my love for God?

Prayer

“LORD – help me keep my soul with diligence. Strengthen my love for You and draw my heart into deeper devotion. Amen.”

DEAR GOD: We Rest Quietly In You~

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Psalm 37:7 Rest In The Lord (devotional)01:26 (orange)

 Rest In The LORD
by C D SWANSON

“Surely I have behaved and quieted myself, as a child that is weaned of his mother: my soul is even as a weaned child.” — Psalm 131:2 (KJV)

Resting Quietly in the Father’s Arms

Psalm 131:2 paints one of the most tender pictures in all of Scripture: a soul quieted like a small child resting against its mother. Not striving. Not demanding. Not wrestling. Simply trusting.

This is the heart of holy silence.

When we choose stillness before the Lord, we are not withdrawing from life — we are returning to the One who holds life itself. Silence becomes a sacred posture, a way of laying down our anxieties, our noise, our endless inner motion, and letting God steady us.

In today’s world, quietness is almost countercultural. Everything pushes us to react, respond, explain, and perform. But this verse invites us to do the opposite: to quiet ourselves intentionally, to settle our souls in God’s Presence, and to rest like a child who knows they are safe.

When we offer the Lord a day of silence, we are offering Him trust. We are saying, “Father, I don’t need to fill the air with words. I just need You.” In that stillness, Christ meets us. He softens what has grown tense. He calms what has been stirred. He reminds us that we are held.

Let today’s quiet be a gentle surrender — a way of drawing closer to Christ not through effort, but through rest.

🙏 Prayer

“Lord, quiet my soul before You.
Teach me to rest in Your Presence with the trust of a child.
Let my silence today become worship,
my stillness become surrender,
and my waiting become a doorway into deeper fellowship with You.
Hold my heart steady, calm my thoughts,
and draw me closer to Christ with every quiet breath. In Jesus name, 
Amen.”

DEAR GOD: When Walls Fall -Your Power Not Our Own!

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Ancient stone fortifications of jericho crumbling, massive stones ...

“So the people shouted when the priests blew with the trumpets: and it came to pass, when the people heard the sound of the trumpet, and the people shouted with a great shout, that the wall fell down flat…” — Joshua 6:20 (KJV)

🏰 WHEN WALLS FALL: GOD’S POWER, NOT OUR OWN

The fall of Jericho’s wall is one of Scripture’s clearest reminders that God alone brings victory, and that human strength — no matter how determined — cannot accomplish what only the LORD can do.

Jericho was impenetrable. Its walls were thick, fortified, and humanly impossible to conquer. Yet God did not ask Joshua to invent a strategy, build siege towers, or rely on military brilliance. He asked for obedience, trust, and worship.

And the wall fell — not by human hands, but by divine command.

🌍 Humanity’s Promethean Overreach

Across history, and especially in our own age, humanity repeats the same ancient pattern:

  • Trying to act like God
  • Assuming control that belongs only to the Creator
  • Believing we can define truth, life, morality, and destiny
  • Trusting in technology, intellect, or self‑power instead of the LORD

It is the same spirit that built the Tower of Babel, the same pride that led Israel astray, the same arrogance that Scripture warns against again and again.

We try to break covenant with God by elevating ourselves to His throne — forgetting that He alone is sovereign, and He alone brings walls down.

🧱 The Meaning of the Wall Coming Down

Jericho’s wall represents:

  • Obstacles too great for human strength
  • Systems built on pride
  • Barriers that only God can move
  • The illusion of human control

When the wall fell, it declared to every nation:

“The LORD is God. The LORD is in control. The LORD fights for His people.”

Today, our “walls” look different — walls of self‑reliance, human pride, cultural rebellion, technological arrogance, and the belief that we can shape the world without the One who created it.

But the message is unchanged:

God brings down what humanity builds in pride. God lifts up what humanity cannot. God alone is the Author, Sustainer, and Sovereign of all things.

🙏  LORD God, teach us to walk in humility, to trust in Your power rather than our own, and to remember that every victory belongs to You. Break down the walls we build in pride, and draw us back into covenant faithfulness. Let our lives reflect Your sovereignty, Your wisdom, and Your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

📖  

“Except the LORD build the house, they labour in vain that build it.” — Psalm 127:1 (KJV)

DEAR GOD: We Are Living With Clarity In Your Vision~

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A GOD GIVEN VISION – Palmetto Baptist Church

  “The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives.” — Psalm 37:23 (NLT)

In the quiet rhythm of morning light, when the world is still and our hearts are tender, this verse reminds us: God is not distant. He is deliberate. He watches over each step we take — not just the grand leaps of faith, but the small, sacred motions of daily life. He delights in our routines, our responsibilities, our quiet offerings.

To live honestly and with clarity in the Lord’s vision is to invite Him into the ordinary. It is to fold laundry with reverence, to prepare meals with love, to speak truth even when silence would be easier. It is to let our yes be yes, and our no be no — not out of pride, but out of peace.

🌼 Ways to Walk in His Vision Daily

  • Begin with prayer: Invite the Lord to order your steps before the day begins.
  • Speak truth gently: Honesty is not harshness; it is light wrapped in grace.
  • Honor small tasks: Every duty — from sweeping floors to answering emails — can be a form of worship.
  • Pause for discernment: Ask, “Is this aligned with God’s peace?” before making decisions.
  • Bless your boundaries: Saying no can be holy when it protects your calling.
  • Celebrate integrity: Even unseen acts of honesty echo in heaven.
  • Offer your work: Say, “Lord, I give this to You,” whether it’s caregiving, writing, or selling legacy items.

🙏🏽 A Prayer for Clarity and Honesty

“LORD – In the quiet corners of my day, meet me with Your light. Help me walk with integrity, speak with clarity, and serve with joy. Let my tasks be touched by Your presence, and my choices reflect Your peace. May I honor You not just in worship, but in work, not just in prayer, but in presence. Direct my steps, delight in my details, and dwell in my heart. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Our Love Poured Out for You~

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“So, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.” — 1 Corinthians 10:31 (NLT)

Commentary & Reflection

This verse is a quiet trumpet call to sacred living. Paul, writing to the Corinthians, wasn’t just addressing grand gestures of faith—he was speaking into the mundane: eating, drinking, daily choices. In doing so, he revealed a profound truth: every act, no matter how small, can become worship when offered to God.

To “do it all for the glory of God” is to live with holy intention. It means folding laundry with gratitude, preparing meals with gentleness, advocating for loved ones with grace, and even resting with reverence. It’s not about perfection—it’s about posture. A heart turned toward the Lord transforms ordinary rhythms into sacred offerings.

This verse echoes Romans 12:1 (NLT):

“And so, dear brothers and sisters, I plead with you to give your bodies to God because of all he has done for you. Let them be a living and holy sacrifice—the kind he will find acceptable. This is truly the way to worship him.”

Living for the Lord is not confined to Sunday mornings or ministry platforms. It’s found in the quiet yes, the unseen kindness, the gentle boundary, the whispered prayer. It’s found in how we speak, how we serve, how we steward our time, our homes, our hearts.

Even in trials, we are called to reflect His light. James 1:12 (NLT) reminds us:

“God blesses those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him.”

Living for the Lord is not about striving—it’s about surrender. It’s about letting His Spirit shape our responses, our routines, and our relationships. It’s about becoming a vessel of peace in a world that often forgets how to breathe.

Reflective Question

In what quiet corner of your life is God inviting you to glorify Him more intentionally—through your words, your work, or your waiting?

🙏

“LORD- I long to live for You—not just in the big moments, but in the quiet ones too. Teach me to see every task as holy, every breath as borrowed grace. Let my life be a gentle echo of Your love, a living sacrifice that brings You joy. Shape my routines into rhythms of worship. May I glorify You in all I do, and may others see Your light through me. In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Hear Our Daily Cries For Restoration~

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THE GOD OF RESTORATION!

“Restore unto me the joy of thy salvation; and uphold me with thy free spirit.” –Psalm 51:12

 

The Daily Cry for Restoration and Joy in the Lord

In this tender verse, David’s cry echoes the heart of every believer who has tasted the sweetness of God’s grace and longs to remain in its fullness. It is not merely a request for forgiveness—it is a plea for restoration, for the rekindling of joy that only comes from the assurance of salvation. This joy is not circumstantial; it is rooted in the eternal truth that we are redeemed, loved, and upheld by the Spirit of God.

Christian worship is not confined to a sanctuary or a Sunday morning. It is a daily posture of the heart, a continual offering of ourselves to the Lord in gratitude, reverence, and surrender. Whether in the quiet of dawn or the weariness of midnight, our intentions must remain steadfast: to seek the Lord, to delight in His presence, and to be upheld by His Spirit. The joy of salvation is not a fleeting emotion—it is a spiritual anchor, a wellspring that nourishes us through trials, transitions, and triumphs.

David’s prayer in Psalm 51 was birthed from repentance, but it blossomed into worship. It reminds us that even in our brokenness, we can approach God with confidence, knowing He desires to restore us. This restoration is not passive—it requires our daily participation. We must choose to remember, to rejoice, and to realign our hearts with His truth.

Supporting Scripture (ESV):

  • Lamentations 3:22–23: “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.” — This verse reminds us that restoration is available daily. Each morning is a fresh invitation to receive His mercy and walk in joy.
  • Romans 12:1: “I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.” — Our daily worship is not just song or prayer—it is the offering of our lives, our choices, and our intentions.
  • John 15:11: “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” — Jesus desires that His joy be in us. Fullness of joy is found in abiding in Him, moment by moment.

Reflective Question: What daily rhythms or intentions can I cultivate to remain anchored in the joy of God’s salvation, even when circumstances feel heavy or uncertain?

Closing Prayer:  “LORD, restore to us the joy of Your salvation. Let Your Spirit uphold us in every hour, every season, and every breath. May our worship be constant, our hearts surrendered, and our lives a reflection of Your mercy and grace. Teach us to abide, to rejoice, and to remember. We love You, we trust You, and we offer today and every day to You.  In Jesus name, Amen.”

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

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The Lord’s Prayer: Hallowed Be Your Name - Family Radio

“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: You Are Truly The One That Brings Salvation~

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Jesus Salvation

Psalm 62:1 (KJV)
“Truly my soul waiteth upon God: from him cometh my salvation.”

🌿 The Stillness That Saves

In a world that prizes urgency, Psalm 62:1 invites us into a sacred pause. “Truly my soul waiteth upon God”—not with impatience, but with reverent expectancy. This is not passive waiting; it is the soul leaning in, listening for the whisper of grace. The psalmist does not seek salvation from circumstance, achievement, or human intervention. He knows that salvation—rescue, renewal, and rest—comes from God alone.

To wait upon the Lord is to trust that His timing is not a delay but a design. It is to believe that the silence is not abandonment, but preparation. In this waiting, the soul is refined. We learn to distinguish noise from truth, urgency from purpose, and fear from faith. The Lord becomes not just our deliverer, but our dwelling place.

This verse is a love letter to divine patience. It reminds us that the deepest peace is not found in answers, but in presence. When we wait upon God, we are not idle—we are held.

🕊️ Reflective Questions

  • What does it mean for your soul to wait upon God today?
  • Where have you sought salvation apart from Him?
  • How might waiting become a form of worship in your life?

📖 Supportive Scripture

  • Isaiah 40:31 – “But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength…”
  • Lamentations 3:25 – “The Lord is good unto them that wait for him…”
  • Psalm 130:5 – “I wait for the Lord, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.”

🙏 Prayer

“LORD- teach me to wait with trust, not tension. Let my soul rest in Your presence, knowing that salvation is not earned—it is received. I surrender my timelines, my striving, and my fears. You alone are my hope In Jesus name, Amen.”

DEAR GOD: Thank You For Waiting For Us~

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And therefore will the LORD wait, that he may be gracious unto you, and therefore will he be exalted, that he may have mercy upon you: for the LORD is a God of judgment: blessed are all they that wait for him.” — Isaiah 30:18

  The Gentle Power of Trusting God’s Timing

There is something tender in this verse—something that turns the ache of waiting into a holy invitation. Not only do we wait for the Lord, but He waits for us. He waits to be gracious. He waits to pour out mercy. He waits to be exalted in our lives—not through rushed answers, but through the slow unfolding of His perfect will.

Isaiah 30:18 reminds us that waiting is not punishment. It is preparation. It is the space where grace gathers, where mercy deepens, and where the Lord’s character is revealed. He is not distant or indifferent. He is deliberate. He is near.

This verse also speaks of judgment, not in the sense of condemnation, but of divine discernment. The Lord knows when to act, how to act, and what is best. His timing is not random—it is righteous. And those who wait for Him are called blessed. Not just later, but now. Blessed in the waiting. Blessed in the trusting. Blessed in the quiet surrender.

Psalm 130:5 echoes this heart: “I wait for the LORD, my soul doth wait, and in his word do I hope.” It’s not just about waiting for change—it’s about waiting in hope. Hope that His Word is true. Hope that His heart is kind. Hope that His mercy is already moving toward us.

Even in Exodus 14:14, we hear the whisper: “The LORD shall fight for you, and ye shall hold your peace.”Sometimes the most powerful thing we can do is be still. To hold our peace while He holds our future.

So, if today feels like another quiet stretch of unanswered questions, let it also be a sanctuary. The Lord is waiting to be gracious to you. And you, beloved, are blessed in the waiting.

 “LORD- Thank You for waiting for me. Thank You for mercy that moves slowly, tenderly, and perfectly. Teach me to rest in Your timing, to trust Your heart, and to find peace in Your presence. Let my waiting be worship. Let my silence be strength. I receive Your grace, even before the answer comes. You are good, and I am blessed. In Jesus name, Amen.”