Devotions with Denise
Lord Have Mercy
"Lord have mercy!" That was a common saying when I was growing up and sometimes I still hear people say it.
It's Just Not Fair
One of my co-workers, Beth, recently shared with our team such a good word that I'll try to do her justice and share it with you!
The Desire and The Power
"I just don't feel like it!" If you're like me you've said that at least once. I think it begins in childhood and it's something we may deal with all of our lives.
Make A Trade
On a recent trip to Nashville, I had an opportunity to sit with several Christian music artists and hear them share their stories. I was struck by the number of people who have been dealing with panic attacks and depression.
Project: Today
If you've ever had to stop what you were doing to go get something you need to finish the task then you know how frustrating it can be and how much longer it takes to accomplish the work!
A Measure Of Faith
I love that God has given each of us a measure of faith. Hebrews 11 (verse 6) tells us it's impossible to please God without faith. Jesus told his followers that faith as small as a mustard seed could move mountains.
A Little Piece Of Chocolate
I opened up the wrapper on a piece of Dove Chocolate and not only did I find a delicious piece of milk chocolate I found a bit of encouragement on the inside of the wrapper!
The Rock
Remember the song you sang as a child in Sunday School about the wise man? The wise man built his house upon the rock and the rain came tumbling down. The rains came down and the floods came up...
Bitter Roots
I am sorry, but.... Have you ever uttered those four words and felt completely justified in whatever you filled in the blank afterward?
The Tuner
The space that you are in right now has something in it that you cannot see, taste or touch; but, with the right object it can bring you joy, make you laugh, lessen your anxiety and fill your heart with hope.
Faithful In Much
When my daughter, Abby, first started helping me in the kitchen she was only about 4 or 5 years old. I didn't hand her the recipe card and the oven mitts and tell her to figure it out for herself.
Comfortable Pain
Years ago I developed some severe back and neck pain. So I went to a chiropractor for help and he wanted me to come back three times a week for a while. I questioned having to come so often.
Changing Destiny
The story of Jesus and the Samaritan woman at the well is one of my favorite interactions written about in the Gospels. Jesus went where most would not - during the hottest part of the day when others might not...
The Ripple
You know what happens when you throw a rock into a lake? It creates a ripple. That ripple can travel for quite a while depending on the size of the rock and everything in its path will be touched by it.
Leftovers
When I was a kid, my mom and I would make biscuits. We would roll out the dough and use the rim of an upside-down water glass to cut out the circles.
Morning People
This is how I know God has a sense of humor. I am a confirmed night owl. I'd much rather stay up til midnight and wake up when I'm done sleeping! Then, one day...
Eyes On The Road
Am I the only one who reacts to a movie or TV scene where two people, in a vehicle, are having a conversation and the driver, while driving...
Youth Camp
I remember my first trip to youth camp. My girlfriends and I were so excited that we were finally old enough to go to camp!
A Song In The Stillness
Some of my favorite memories with my kiddos include music. Concerts, cd's, tons of rehearsals and listening to the radio. Music has always been like a second skin to our family.
Hold Me Tight
The storm came up so fast so we took shelter under the pavilion. The rain poured down. There was thunder and lightning nearby and then it happened. Lightning struck the ballfield right next...
Mighty Savior
Consider this: the God of the Universe, Savior of the world, chooses to live in my heart and yours. The intimacy of His presence in us, knowing our thoughts and what our hearts long for, is such a precious gift!
He Is Right Here
Imagine what it must have been like in the days of the minor prophets in the Old Testament. Being the one who brought the message of God to the people. Being aware of the Lord's intentions...
Deep Is Calling Deep
Psalm 42:6-8 (MSG) gives us such a clear visual of life when things are not going well for us. Listen to how the Psalmist responds to hard days...
Cliff Notes
"I'll just read the Cliff Notes!" The ONE TIME in high school that I didn't read a book for English Literature that had been assigned reading...
Where Your Treasure Is
A friend of mine answered a phone call from someone she thought she knew. The caller ID even said the name of the company.
Jesus Was Hungry
Matthew 4:2 (NIV) reveals the measure Jesus took to prepare to be tempted by the devil. "After fasting forty days and forty nights, he was hungry."
The Good Old Days
A friend of ours came to stay with us for a week recently and one night we started reminiscing about the years we traveled together in a music ministry. Oh the stories we told about those days. The good old days!
Love Never Stops Loving
We had friends who walked through international adoption. They felt God calling them to adopt a little boy from Thailand.
Believing The Best
"Love is a safe place of shelter, for it never stops believing the best for others." That is The Passion Translation of 1 Corinthians 13:7
Not Easily Irritated
1 Corinthians 13: 5-6 (TPT) "Love does not traffic in shame and disrespect, nor selfishly seek its own honor. Love is not easily irritated...
