Devotions with Denise
Tasty Or Toxic
If there was a fountain near you that produced the most crystal clear, fresh water and you were able to stop and fill up your water bottle every day with refreshing water from this fountain you would probably stop by often, wouldn't you?
Finishing Our Sentences
You are loved. You were formed in the image and likeness of your Creator. Long before your parents laid eyes on you for the very first time...in fact, long before your heartbeat was heard or your mama felt you move for the first time in her belly...
Now And In The Future
Do you ever wish that you could be in two places at the same time? There are times when I wish that I could! It's either that I have so much to get done that I wish I could be working simultaneously to get it all accomplished; or, there are two things happening...
A Swing And A Prayer
There is something so fun about swinging our kiddos on a swing. I can remember wrapping their little fingers around the chains holding up the seat of the swing they were sitting on. I would wrap my hands around theirs to help them hold on.
He Is The Door
Did you know that a shepherd will care for a flock of about a hundred sheep? Because he stays with them all day, they recognize him. Because sheep tend to nibble themselves outside of their safe perimeter the shepherd will often call to them to bring them back together. They know his voice.
He Is Our Gift
Sometimes the sun is shining. The birds are singing. The bills are paid up. Everybody's up on the right side of the bed that morning. We don't get stuck in traffic and we're not late to work. We're all getting along - like one big happy family.
He Is Not Here
As believers, we know that Jesus is everywhere. He is always surrounding us and guiding us. The Psalmist wrote in Psalm 139:7-12 (NIV), "Where can I flee from Your presence? If I go up to the heavens, You are there..."
Forget Not
When we receive Jesus into our hearts as our Lord and Savior something so miraculous happens. We trade our death sentence for an eternity with God our Creator and Redeemer.
Along About Midnight
I've never been beaten or put in prison for sharing the Gospel, but there are places in the world today, where that still happens. What would we do if we found ourselves in that situation?
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!
The Sustain Pedal
I was drawn to the piano from a really young age. My uncle, who played the piano, told my parents that when I was old enough he would give me lessons.
Stories From The Chaise
I loved to play in my grandmother's basement when I was a kid. She had all sorts of interesting things including a few antique furniture pieces that I loved to pretend were my formal sitting area.
The Sound of a Heavy Rain
Have you ever been so sure of something that you went way out on a limb to boldly say it to another? There have been a few times in my life when I had zero doubt that God was going to do something...
That's How We Learn
There is a phrase that I use sometimes. I typically say it when someone owns up to a mistake. "That's how we learn" is my way of saying...we all make mistakes.
The Fragrance
Remember the spices that the women prepared and took to the grave where Jesus' body had been laid? In those days, it was customary to use certain spices to prepare a body for burial to help overcome the smell of death.
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.
