{"version":"https:\/\/jsonfeed.org\/version\/1","title":"Devotions with Denise","home_page_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/","feed_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/json","icon":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6310fa34a1fe3.jpg","description":"Devotions with Denise Harper can be heard on The Bridge weekdays.","items":[{"id":"o614-1292-651ad010813fe","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/the-gentle-cycle\/","title":"The Gentle Cycle","date_published":"2026-09-11T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"Have you ever watched how the gentle cycle in the washing machine works? I got curious one day and ..well, you know where curiosity can lead!","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1630595295&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-E7pZU2uGhw4\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>Have you ever watched how the gentle cycle in the washing machine works? I got curious one day and ..well, you know where curiosity can lead! While the normal cycle begins filling up with water and swishing clothes at a fairly high rate of speed; the gentle cycle is lighter, less vigorous. The clothes get to sit in the water and soak a little longer before the tumbling begins. The normal cycle uses hot water. The gentle cycle is usually a cold water wash.<\/p>\n\n<p>Maybe it would be helpful to have a shirt that reads, &#39;Use the gentle cycle today, please&#39;. A little warning to those around us that we might not be able to deal with the hot water and agitation that we can be served up with on a daily basis. Some days we just need to take in the cool water and have time to sit and soak in the cleansing suds of the Holy Spirit. &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) tells us, &quot;Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one&nbsp;another, as God in Christ forgave you.&quot; Some days we need the gentle cycle. Most likely today we will encounter someone that needs the gift of the gentle cycle. They probably won&#39;t be wearing a shirt that reads it....but give it anyway. Be kind today. I have a feeling it will come back to us right when we need it!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6310fa34a1fe3.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/69995"},{"id":"o614-1292-651acfddec707","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/impression-or-impact\/","title":"Impression or Impact","date_published":"2026-09-10T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"One of the tips my mom taught me when I first learning to bake a cake was to open the oven and press my finger onto the top of the cake to see if it was done baking.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1630595091&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-btn2yP3ehI7\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>One of the tips my mom taught me when I first learning to bake a cake was to open the oven and press my finger onto the top of the cake to see if it was done baking. If it kept the impression of my finger on it then it still needed a few more minutes in the oven. If it bounced back up it was ready to come out.<\/p>\n\n<p>A cake can look perfectly baked. We can layer it. Ice it. Decorate it beautifully. But until we taste it, the cake is just making an impression. The proof of its goodness...or not...is in the taste. Experiencing the taste will make it memorable long after the cake has been eaten and the cake plate is washed and put away.<\/p>\n\n<p>God doesn&#39;t just want us to poke at what He has for us. It&#39;s not about impressing us although the mighty works of God are awe-inspiring. God wants us to open our hearts to His eternal impact in our lives. Psalm 34:8 (NIV) says, &quot;Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>I also love how The Passion Translation shares this word. Psalm 34:8-10. This is real life-changing impact. &quot;Drink deeply of the pleasures of this God. Experience for yourself the joyous mercies He gives to all who turn to hide themselves in Him. Worship in awe and wonder, all you who&rsquo;ve been made holy! For all who fear Him will feast with plenty. Even the strong and the wealthy grow weak and hungry, but those who passionately pursue the Lord will never lack any good thing.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>Don&#39;t settle for an impression when we can have the true impact of God in our lives!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6310fa34a1fe3.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/69994"},{"id":"o614-1292-651acfa8a2354","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/decisions-decisions\/","title":"Decisions, Decisions","date_published":"2026-09-09T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"I saw an advertisement for something I'd never heard of before...an 'interactive' movie. The main character was at a crossroads in her love life and with the touch of my remote control I could help her choose which guy she should pick and watch her decision play out.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1630594881&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-oB4kognxbat\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>I saw an advertisement for something I&#39;d never heard of before...an &#39;interactive&#39; movie. The main character was at a crossroads in her love life and with the touch of my remote control I could help her choose which guy she should pick and watch her decision play out. When it got to the end of the movie if I didn&#39;t like the ending, I could choose to send her back to the moment of decision and pick the other love interest and watch the movie with an entirely different ending. Fascinating and frightening all at the same time! Full disclosure, due to the curiosity in me, I had to watch all of the choices to see how each one played out.<\/p>\n\n<p>We can be quick to give advice to others about life choices and most likely we receive advice from others about upcoming life choices. But, the One whose leading we need to seek most is God&#39;s. Unlike us, God knows the end from the beginning. He&#39;s not running the scenarios through to see which one ends up best like we would in that interactive movie. God knows exactly what we need. He knows what we will choose. And He knows how to work it all out for our good and His glory.<\/p>\n\n<p>It&#39;s not always easy. And truthfully, it doesn&#39;t all feel good when we&#39;re in the messy middle of things. There is, however, one thing that can keep us hopeful through it all. Through all of our best and worst choices, our indecisions and our rash decisions...God never leaves us. Isaiah 41:10 (MSG) says, &quot;I&#39;m with you. There&#39;s no need to fear for I&#39;m your God. I&#39;ll give you strength. I&#39;ll help you. I&#39;ll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>Regardless of the decision you are walking out today. No matter if you chose your path or someone else&#39;s decision has you in a place you never asked to go. You are not walking it alone. God will always stay right there with you.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6310fa34a1fe3.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/69993"},{"id":"o614-1292-651acea93ca59","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/whats-your-order\/","title":"What's Your Order","date_published":"2026-09-08T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"When you go to a restaurant you've eaten at before do you order the same thing on the menu that you did before? I think our answer to that question may reveal a lot about us.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1630594665&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-mmxMwxX2qD8\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>When you go to a restaurant you&#39;ve eaten at before do you order the same thing on the menu that you did before? I think our answer to that question may reveal a lot about us. The adventurous me would love to sample different foods. But the foodie in me wants to KNOW that I&#39;m going to enjoy and savor every bite. Just how much of a risk taker are you?<\/p>\n\n<p>I confess that I usually order the same meal every time. Just like I have my favorite coffee order and about the only time I change things up...is when it pumpkin spice latte season! As I was sipping on a PSL the other day I thought about how grateful I am that I got brave enough to try something different.<\/p>\n\n<p>While trying a different coffee flavor or menu item seems inconsequential, think about it! Trying something new can lead us to new discoveries about ourselves! We might discover we like spinach dip after all. And we may learn that we enjoy meeting new people and could serve as a greeter at our church. Maybe we find that we have a hidden talent for the creative like painting or scrapbooking...or writing! Perhaps taking a class at a community college opens our mind to explore a new career direction or signing up for Bible study and meeting new people deepens our love for studying God&#39;s Word and helps us find a new friend who adds more joy to our life.<\/p>\n\n<p>Being open to the new is something I&#39;ve been hearing a lot lately. And it reminds me of the scripture in Isaiah when God Himself said He was doing something new. Isaiah 43:19 (NLT) says, &quot;For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>We know that God is the same yesterday, today and forever. So I believe He is still creating and making the new today. And He wants us to look for it! And since we are made in His image...we have the ability to do something new too. It may be as simple as trying a new thing on the menu. And maybe its something He&#39;s been prompting you about that you&#39;ve been afraid to try. Just ask Him. He&#39;ll make a way.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6310fa34a1fe3.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/69992"},{"id":"o614-1292-651acd5ddbc68","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/seeing-value\/","title":"Seeing Value","date_published":"2026-09-07T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"A woman set out for a thrift store one day. Maybe she was looking for something specific. Maybe she was doing what so many others do...looking for something that was 'old to someone else and new to me'.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1630594251&show_artwork=true\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>A woman set out for a thrift store one day. Maybe she was looking for something specific. Maybe she was doing what so many others do...looking for something that was &#39;old to someone else and new to me&#39;. Either way, she noticed a piece of artwork which didn&#39;t mean anything to her...but it had a really nice frame ...and it was only 4 bucks! So she bought it, took it home and hung it up in her bedroom for a while until she got bored with it and eventually it wound up in the attic.<\/p>\n\n<p>Years later she happened upon this painting, snapped a picture of it and posted it on social media to get rid of it. To her surprise someone reached out to her and told her to have it authenticated. Sure enough...this painting is being cleaned up and is set to auction off to the tune of, possibly, several million dollars!<\/p>\n\n<p>Do we recognize the value of those around us? Do we treat others like a valuable work of art...or like a picture someone else gave away and we picked up for a handful of dollars. Maybe we don&#39;t see the worth in others...because we don&#39;t even know our own value. God paid the highest price for each of us. His own Son, Jesus, died for us.&nbsp; 1 John 2:2 (NLT) tells us ...&nbsp;&quot;He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins&mdash;and&nbsp;not only our sins but the sins of all the world.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>You and I are so loved by God that He paid the greatest price of all for us. Let&#39;s walk in that today. Not like a four dollar frame but the priceless masterpiece He made us to be.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6310fa34a1fe3.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/69991"},{"id":"o614-1292-64a40e34025d4","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/what-dims-the-light\/","title":"What Dims The Light?","date_published":"2026-09-04T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"One of the most infrequently cleaned things in my house is the globe around the light fixture in my ceiling fan.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1555793830&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-KnRv2SVIDMA\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>One of the most infrequently cleaned things in my house is the globe around the light fixture in my ceiling fan. What a pain it is to take it down and put it back up. So by reason of its level of difficulty the poor globe doesn&#39;t get much attention.<\/p>\n\n<p>The other night when I turned on the light I thought the light didn&#39;t seem very bright. I hadn&#39;t noticed it getting more dim but there I stood trying to remember the last time I had cleaned that globe. And if I can&#39;t remember...it&#39;s definitely been too long! That globe was dusty and also a death trap for unlucky moths and other pests that found their way inside just trying to get to the light.<\/p>\n\n<p>Jesus told us in Matthew 5:14-15 (NLT), &quot;You are the light of the world - like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden. No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it give light to everyone in the house.&quot; We are called to be a light to everyone around us. Like that globe on my ceiling fan light we can get dusty and worn. Daily wear and tear as well as difficult situations we go through could dim our light. Sometimes we find ourselves in the presence of those who would try to block our light from shining. We might not even be aware that our light is growing dim by the things that we are carrying around with us. It takes energy to keep our light burning...and we need to pay attention to what and even who is surrounding our light. In this dark world we are living in...this is no time to let our light grow dim. Stay plugged into THE Light who is Jesus and ask Him to help us keep our lamp clean!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/68133"},{"id":"o614-1292-64a40ddf670d9","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/what-i-learned-from-job\/","title":"What I Learned From Job","date_published":"2026-09-03T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"When something happens that shakes our faith, in the moments that follow, we are faced with a decision to lean into what we know to be true about God or allow the doubts of His love for us to take up space in our mind.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1555793563&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-0HhPyXTOCiS\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>When something happens that shakes our faith, in the moments that follow, we are faced with a decision to lean into what we know to be true about God or allow the doubts of His love for us to take up space in our mind. Days, weeks, even months may continue to bring the feeling that we are &#39;hanging in limbo&#39;, that our life is stuck &#39;on hold&#39;. In the pain and sorrow, grief and loneliness, we may feel as if we are being swallowed up in it. But, in all that we experience, we are not ever left alone. The Holy Spirit of God whispers hope to us...even in our darkest days. Even when other voices try to condemn us or confuse us. And speak lie after lie to us, we can ask God to speak clearly to our heart and we will know the voice of our Savior. The One who rescued us then...will rescue us now.<\/p>\n\n<p>God may ask us to take a step of faith. When my world was rocked by a tremendous loss in 2013 it took me 7 years and a world-wide pandemic to bring me to a space of willing to finally clean out the compartment I&#39;d stored my anguish and confusion in. The last chapter of Job had been so hard for me because I couldn&#39;t wrap my brain around how disconnected it felt for a man to have lost all of his children&nbsp; tragically in chapter 1 and by chapter 42 have more children and...stuff...and seem like all was made right.<\/p>\n\n<p>Finally, choosing to wrestle out my brokenness with God over this passage...to just sit in it...and wait...God spoke to my heart. As I was writing in my journal how unfair it was to Job and how his life would never be the same after sustaining such great loss, even when God poured out more blessings on his life in every area...as I wrote the words, &quot;but Job would never be the same...&quot; I heard that tender, quiet, so familiar voice etched with love whisper to my heart, &quot;I didn&#39;t want him to remain the same.&quot; And in that instant I knew the heart of my Father was saying...&quot;I don&#39;t want you to remain the same either.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>We are changed when we walk through the shadow of the valley of death. We choose how we respond and it&#39;s never too late to let it all go and find rest in the arms of our Savior. Life will never be the same. Even more true is that God doesn&#39;t want us to remain the same. He is calling us higher. Will you answer His call?<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/68132"},{"id":"o614-1292-64a40d850f161","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/open-eyed-prayer\/","title":"Open Eyed Prayer","date_published":"2026-09-02T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"I admit that I am not a morning person. While there are mornings that I wake up feeling fully rested and cognizant enough to begin the day with prayer...","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1555793287&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-ArOrW8DOrk1\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>I admit that I am not a morning person. While there are mornings that I wake up feeling fully rested and cognizant enough to begin the day with prayer, there are more mornings that I find my most intentional prayer begins as I am driving into work. Of course, praying while driving requires that I keep my eyes open and focused on my surroundings.<\/p>\n\n<p>Do you ever pray with your eyes open? It might feel a little strange at first. And I do have to fight the urge to holler &#39;SQUIRREL!&#39; from distractions sometimes! But its one of the first moments in my day that I put into practice the 1 Thessalonians 5 command to &#39;pray without ceasing.&#39; The other day I was reading Colossians 4:2 and I decided to read it from a variety of translations. It might be most familiar to us from the New International Version: &quot;Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.&quot; Listen to what The Message says: &quot;Pray diligently. Stay alert, with your eyes wide open in gratitude.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>...with your eyes wide open in gratitude! Our prayers can be diligent and full of all of our needs...but how much deeper would we go if we stay alert to the favor and blessings of God that surround our lives. Mix in gratitude in our prayer time with the Lord. Perhaps praying with our eyes wide open sometimes will give us a whole new perspective in our prayers!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/68131"},{"id":"o614-1292-64a40d2f6393b","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/freedom\/","title":"Freedom","date_published":"2026-09-01T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"I am proud to be an American. God has uniquely blessed the United State of America. We have honored His blessings on our country and we have, at times, brought shame upon this great land...","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1555793065&show_artwork=true\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>I am proud to be an American. God has uniquely blessed the United State of America. We have honored His blessings on our country and we have, at times, brought shame upon this great land and His blessings. And yet, God&#39;s grace has been offered freely to all of us regardless of the honor or the shame that we have carried. God&#39;s goodness prevails even in the darkest of days. Because God IS good.<\/p>\n\n<p>There is coming a day when God will be our Judge. We will not be judged on our nationality or our race, our freedom or our bondage. We will be judged according to ONE decision we made in this life. Did we choose to believe in Jesus Christ as our Lord and Savior...or did we not. The only way that we can truly be free today is to allow Jesus to set us free. That is why He came...to make us free.<\/p>\n\n<p>John 8:36 (CEV) clearly tells us, &quot;If the Son gives you freedom, you are free!&quot; Despite your living conditions, your work environment, even if you are behind physical bars, if you have opened your heart to&nbsp; the Son of God, Jesus has set you free! My prayer for you today is that you would know for sure that you have been set free. If you don&#39;t know, 1 John 1:9 (ESV) is a good place to begin. &quot;If we confess our sins, he is&nbsp;faithful and just to forgive us our sins and&nbsp;to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.&quot; Our confession of faith is this, &quot;Lord Jesus, I know that I&#39;m a sinner. I believe that You are the Son of God and that You died on the cross for my sins. Come into my heart. Make me new. I will follow You. Amen.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>If that is the first time you&#39;ve prayed that prayer, know this, this moment...ALL of heaven is rejoicing over your decision! Let somebody know...in fact...let me know! I want to make sure you know next steps in your new faith! Today we celebrate freedom in Christ!! And when Jesus gives you freedom...you are truly free!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/68130"},{"id":"o614-1292-64a40cd4e4d7c","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/impossible\/","title":"IMpossible","date_published":"2026-08-31T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"Imagine that you are walking through a deserted, dry field by yourself and you see a bush a little ways off that looks like its on fire!","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1555792945&show_artwork=true\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>Imagine that you are walking through a deserted, dry field by yourself and you see a bush a little ways off that looks like its on fire! You approach to get a closer look. You can see it&#39;s completely engulfed in flames...and yet the bush doesn&#39;t actually burn up! You&#39;re so shocked that you talk to yourself, out loud... &#39;what is happening? the bush is burning but doesn&#39;t burn up!&#39;<\/p>\n\n<p>That&#39;s exactly what Moses did in Exodus 3. God answered Moses telling him not to come any closer to the bush, to take off his shoes for he was standing on holy ground. Then God gave instructions to Moses to do something WAY BIGGER than anything he had ever done before. And was expecting, in Moses&#39; mind, impossible results!<\/p>\n\n<p>All that Moses could think was...You want ME to do it? God told Moses what He tells us every day when we ask that question. When that conversation or presentation or doctor&#39;s examination is overwhelming you or causing you to fear, God is the same today as He was in the yesterdays of old. God&#39;s Word is always...&quot;Don&#39;t be afraid for I AM with you!&quot; And when Moses asked who should I tell them sent me? God said in verse 14, &quot;I AM WHO I AM&quot;. He is! God is all that we need, to do all that He is calling us to do, and &quot;I AM&quot; is always with us!<\/p>\n\n<p>What if what you think is impossible is really possible? Think about how the word impossible begins...with the letters &quot;I&quot; and &quot;M&quot;. Sounds like &quot;I AM possible&quot; when you spell the first two letters. The next time we are facing something that feels totally impossible let&#39;s look for the I AM in the midst of the impossible. Because with the Great I AM - everything is possible!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/68129"},{"id":"o614-1292-6421ad51c2ea2","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/double-lines\/","title":"Double Lines","date_published":"2026-08-28T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"Those pesky double lines on a roadway come along at the most inconvenient time. Always when I am crunched for time...and always when I get stuck behind someone driving too slow.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1478650126&show_artwork=true\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>Those pesky double lines on a roadway come along at the most inconvenient time. Always when I am crunched for time...and always when I get stuck behind someone driving too slow. Or maybe they are just driving...slower than me! Whether its a double line or a dotted line with a solid line on my side it is aggravating to say the least when I am trying to get somewhere and I cannot pass the vehicle ahead of me.<\/p>\n\n<p>The other morning on my way to work there was no vehicle in front of me and as I took notice of those double lines I also glanced ahead...down the road. The roadway curved to the left around a group of trees. It was impossible to see what was ahead. My view was obstructed by the curve in the road... and those trees. I considered how often we encounter the solid line while we&#39;re driving and how seldom we think about the warning for what might be ahead because we are consumed with thinking about what ...or who...we believe is in our way right in front of us.<\/p>\n\n<p>Someone took that road ahead of us. They carefully took into consideration the obstructed view and planned out the warning signals that we would need for potential danger ahead. Those solid lines on the road are meant to protect us from what we cannot see. If that is what you do for a living - thank you for saving my life - on more than one occasion!<\/p>\n\n<p>Obstructed views are God&#39;s specialty! There are a number of Scriptures that tell us of how God goes before us. Deuteronomy 31:8 says, &quot;The Lord is the one who goes ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.&quot; God knows the obstructions in our way. He&#39;s already gone before us. If we spend time with Him, He will lead us on the wide open roads and the narrow paths that encounter slow movers and obstructed views. God is teaching us to not be in such a hurry. Take a deep breath. Be kind to the ones moving slower than we are. Enjoy the view. I believe its the one He wants us to slow down enough to see!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/66007"},{"id":"o614-1292-649b51a01fbb0","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/fruit-that-lasts\/","title":"Fruit That Lasts","date_published":"2026-08-27T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"One of the beautiful benefits of summer is all of the scrumptious, fresh fruits and vegetables we have access to eat. I know what I love but I'm not very good at judging the ripeness of them.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1551574669&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-3BKOfKgo1n8\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>One of the beautiful benefits of summer is all of the scrumptious, fresh fruits and vegetables we have access to eat. I know what I love but I&#39;m not very good at judging the ripeness of them. In fact, when I buy fruit I usually pick up a basket or bag that&#39;s already been picked. I scan the top layer of fruit that I can see and if it all looks good - away we go to pay for it. Inevitably, there will be a few that are overripe. Sometimes there&#39;s even a rotten one or two in the pack.<\/p>\n\n<p>Recently I watched someone who prepares and serves fruit to customers go through the produce section of an outdoor market. He picked up every piece and looked at it meticulously. He even squeezed them a little. He wasn&#39;t taking any chance that a pre-packed bag or basket of fruit wouldn&#39;t be perfection. He judged each piece on its own offering.<\/p>\n\n<p>I love what Jesus said to His disciples in John 15:16 (NLT). He said, &quot;You didn&rsquo;t choose me. I chose you. I appointed you to go and produce lasting fruit, so that the Father will give you whatever you ask for, using my name.&quot; The fruit Jesus was talking about isn&#39;t edible. It isn&#39;t based on what it looks like or how it feels. Producing fruit that will last looks like volunteering at your church or other ministry. Giving to further the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Helping orphans and widows as James talked about in James 1.<\/p>\n\n<p>Doing something to help someone else get to know God to help them determine the destiny of their lives... THAT is fruit that will last.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/65381d7a6b8d1.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67984"},{"id":"o614-1292-649b5169acccb","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/putting-practice\/","title":"Putting Practice","date_published":"2026-08-26T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"Over the years our family vacations have often included a round or two of miniature golf. It's something the whole family can play.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1551574369&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-72buXR5TWNC\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>Over the years our family vacations have often included a round or two of miniature golf. It&#39;s something the whole family can play. It doesn&#39;t take a lot of skill and we can have conversations and good-natured fun while we play.&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>It&#39;s always been interesting to me to see the variety of challenges at each green. Obstacles. From where you putt - to the other end where the hole is, is often a straight shot. But the obstacles between the two can deceive you. Obstacles that make you second guess your direction or how much power you put behind your swing. Sometimes the obstacles really are in your way and you are better off going around them. But many times if you send that golf ball right through the center of the obstacle&#39;s opening you will come out the other side in a great position to achieve the goal. Getting the golf ball...in the hole...with as few putts as possible. That&#39;s the goal.<\/p>\n\n<p>Sounds a lot like life to me. Obstacles in our path can deceive us, cause disruption, second-guessing. Some can even give us an excuse to quit. It&#39;s too hard. Too complicated. Imagine if we could play the golf course with the designer. The one who built the course. The one who knows every obstacle and angle and could coach us through the game. We might still have some over par games but that&#39;s because we have to swing a lot to build up our skill. We mature the more we play.<\/p>\n\n<p>So it is with life. Who better to walk the course with us than the Master Designer? God knows every stretch of this journey, every obstacle and every handicap we have. Deuteronomy 5:32,33 (MSG) says, &quot;So be very careful to act exactly as God commands you. Don&rsquo;t veer off to the right or the left. Walk straight down the road&nbsp;God&nbsp;commands so that you&rsquo;ll have a good life and live a long time in the land that you&rsquo;re about to possess.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>God knows that we can grow our life skills by practicing every day. And He would love for us to invite Him to walk today&#39;s course with us!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/65381da71c339.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67983"},{"id":"o614-1292-649b513105db9","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/stored-or-sown\/","title":"Stored or Sown","date_published":"2026-08-25T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"You can count the number of seeds inside of an apple. But you cannot count how many apples are inside of a seed. You know what that is called? Potential! And potential....is powerful!","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1551574156&show_artwork=true\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>You can count the number of seeds inside of an apple. But you cannot count how many apples are inside of a seed. You know what that is called? Potential! And potential....is powerful! So often when we pray for God to do something we are anticipating the juicy, beautifully polished apple...the finished fruit. When for many of God&#39;s answers...He gives us the seed. And that may cause us to get frustrated! But it&#39;s where our faith is grown.<\/p>\n\n<p>Now if we put that seed in an envelope, or a dresser drawer...we might even stick it in between the pages of our Bible we&#39;ve only stored it and that seed could lie dormant for years. The only way that seed will grow into its potential is if we SOW it! Whether we sow it in our soil...or we sow it into another&#39;s...the seed that is sown, when it is cared for, will produce harvest of so much more than its visible fruit. The fruit within us as we tend it and continue to pray for and look for its potential is exponential! Our faith will grow as we watch what God will do with a tiny, little seed when we are willing to give it.<\/p>\n\n<p>Luke 6:38 (NIV) tells us to &quot;give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.&rdquo; &nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>What seed has God given you as an answer to your prayers? Have you stored it and its lying dormant somewhere? Are you ready to sow it into fertile ground and watch what God will do with your seed?Stewarding well the seeds that God gives us leads to answered prayers beyond our imagination because we serve the God who specializes in more than enough!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67982"},{"id":"o614-1292-649b50f702019","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/the-planner\/","title":"The Planner","date_published":"2026-08-24T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"What do you write on your calendar? Birthdays and anniversaries...special events...doctor appointments, date nights and coffee dates? Some of us are not just calendar keepers.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1551573964&show_artwork=true\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>What do you write on your calendar? Birthdays and anniversaries...special events...doctor appointments, date nights and coffee dates? Some of us are not just calendar keepers. We are planners! Which calls for a next level schedule keeper. I have some days that feel like every minute has a name! And then I purposely have days with wide open spaces. I am learning that it is good to allow for some margin in our days.<\/p>\n\n<p>A number of years back I got into the habit of taking 10 - 15 minutes the night before to pre-prep for the next day. It&#39;s the time I take getting my meetings and plans in my mind so I dress appropriately, bring the right things with me for the day, and I make sure my &quot;to do&quot; list is written. At least 3 - 5 things I need to accomplish the next day are written alongside my places to go and people to see list. Do I plan out every single minute of the day? No. In fact, I get a little thrill when I see I have a couple of hours with NOTHING written in it. It&#39;s my wiggle room...my creative space. I don&#39;t plan it. I just wait and see what comes up.<\/p>\n\n<p>The Lord brought me to Proverbs 16:3 (NIV) the other day. &quot;Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and He will establish your plans.&quot; I love that word &#39;establish&#39;. To establish is to set up on a firm or permanent basis. If we could see God&#39;s planner for our lives...I believe it wouldn&#39;t have just the highlights or pivotal moments written in it. God knew the exact moment that you and I would turn our hearts toward Him and receive Him as our Savior and Lord. He also knew that we would have beautiful moments to take in today, simple moments, challenging moments. God has set or established our plans. And when we commit all that we do to the Lord, both our planned and UNplanned moments, we step into walking in unity with our Father&#39;s heart and plan for us. And that is the best place to be!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67981"},{"id":"o614-1292-6494a28c2f607","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/speechless\/","title":"Speechless","date_published":"2026-08-21T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"Rarely in my lifetime have I ever found myself 'speechless'. Let's just say I was very zealous with my gift of gab when I was younger.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1547361085&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-DsaYlhMdcUI\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>Rarely in my lifetime have I ever found myself &#39;speechless&#39;. Let&#39;s just say I was very zealous with my gift of gab when I was younger. I&#39;d say that talking is my superpower but superpowers shouldn&#39;t get you into trouble and I have definitely talked myself into some tight places on occasion.<\/p>\n\n<p>The day I accepted a job in radio I called to tell my Dad and...after pausing a moment...this is what my Dad exclaimed: &quot;I cannot believe you found someone to pay you to talk!!&quot; To which I responded quickly, &quot;Thank you! for letting me practice on you all these years!&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>Zechariah was a priest who had been selected to go into the temple and burn incense. I&#39;m sure he used his voice often to pray and share the scriptures. The day Zechariah entered the holy place to light the candles the angel Gabriel appeared to him. He told Zechariah that his prayer had been heard and that the child he and Elizabeth had prayed for would soon be on his way. Zechariah was instructed that his son would be called John, what his child would do and even who he would become! And yet, Zechariah struggled to believe. And so the angel Gabriel told him this: &quot;you will be silent and unable to speak until the day that these things take place, because you did not believe my words.&quot; Luke 1:20 (ESV). Speechless..until the baby was born! Tradition would say the baby would be named after his daddy. But when Zechariah wrote it down - his name is JOHN - the Bible says his lips were loosed.<\/p>\n\n<p>I have always looked at this story from the perspective that Zechariah was being punished for not believing. But what if the angel rendered him silent to protect the blessing that God was about to bestow on them? Our words have power. What we speak can be a blessing or a curse. Sometimes what God allows in our lives isn&#39;t a punishment. It really could be for our protection.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/65257162ee915.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67872"},{"id":"o614-1292-64905f28baa2a","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/potholes-and-pitfalls\/","title":"Potholes And Pitfalls","date_published":"2026-08-20T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"One of the shopping areas in my hometown, the one I frequent most often, has a main thoroughfare that has several really rough potholes in it.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1544428270&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-GplAhTVEM2Y\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>One of the shopping areas in my hometown, the one I frequent most often, has a main thoroughfare that has several really rough potholes in it. Most of the time it is pretty easy to drive around them. Hitting one of them could do some serious damage to your wheel alignment! The tricky part happens when we get a lot of rain. That thoroughfare is also the lowest part of the entire parking lot so the harder it rains, the slower it is for the water level to run off; which, of course, obscures the potholes.<\/p>\n\n<p>If you are a regular traveler through that terrain its fairly easy to still maneuver through without damaging your front end because you are familiar to the potential hazards; but it is definitely dangerous to attempt to drive through if you are unaware of what lies beneath the water level. If only the property manager would re-pave the thoroughfare and get rid of those holes. He may...someday. But for today, I&#39;ll still drive through there...dodging potholes...and staying alert. I could just avoid the area altogether but some of my favorite places in town require that I travel that section of road.<\/p>\n\n<p>We wonder why life has so many pitfalls and potholes. Some we may manage to avoid. Some leave us shaken and maybe even damaged at times. But we keep on because that&#39;s part of life. Sometimes getting to the places we love require that we tread some difficult thoroughfares. Jesus said, &ldquo;I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.&rdquo; John 16:33 (NIV) There is no avoiding trouble...its in this world that we live in. We may need an alignment every once in awhile. When terrain gets rough we might need to slow down, even pull over and wait for the rain to stop. But making sure that we stay in Christ is the key to getting through. He gives us peace while we&#39;re in it and He has already overcome all that we might encounter today. So let that give you great confidence.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/652571dd98569.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67787"},{"id":"o614-1292-64905ee56076a","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/effects-of-the-wind\/","title":"Effects Of The Wind","date_published":"2026-08-19T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"We can't see the wind. But we can definitely see and feel the effects of the wind. I have literally watched as the wind shifted and left behind paths of destruction through corn and wheat fields and wooded areas. ","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1544428012&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-bTsrPLc983r\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>We can&#39;t see the wind. But we can definitely see and feel the effects of the wind. I have literally watched as the wind shifted and left behind paths of destruction through corn and wheat fields and wooded areas. The wind can be as devastating as the path of a tornado or as tender as the wind chimes playing a tune while you&#39;re relaxing on your patio. The unseen moving force can be a gentle breeze helping to set the tone for a relaxing evening or it can be a mighty swirl of energy powerful enough to knock over trash bins and clear furniture off your deck.<\/p>\n\n<p>We cannot see the Holy Spirit of God. But we absolutely can see and feel His effect in our lives.&nbsp; He can tear up the stony ground of our heart in order to receive the seed of salvation. He can cover our soul with such comfort and peace in the hardest situations that it feels as though we are completely surrounded and tucked in. That Holy Spirit hush can silence all the other voices that carry chaos in our brain and whisper the tenderest &#39;I love you&#39; to our longing for love soul.<\/p>\n\n<p>He doesn&#39;t just sweep in when there&#39;s trouble. The Holy Spirit will lead us if we are willing to listen and obey. Maybe your parents or grandparents would say &#39;go with your gut&#39; or &#39;trust your gut&#39;. When you just know that you know. Romans 8:14 reminds us of the blessing of listening to the leading of the Spirit. &quot;For all who are led by the Spirit of God are children of God.&quot; (NLT) A life that is Spirit led has a distinct mark upon it. The fruit of a life lived being led by God&#39;s Holy Spirit is full of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, gentleness, faithfulness and self-control. You cannot miss the impact of the fruit of the Spirit in a life being led by Him.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6525720107d00.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67786"},{"id":"o614-1292-64905c09ccf6a","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/pockets\/","title":"Pockets","date_published":"2026-08-18T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"Have you ever found yourself dragged into a conversation that you really didn't want to be in? Perhaps someone made a personal comment to you...","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1544427829&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-Tkl8szMJZZJ\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>Have you ever found yourself dragged into a conversation that you really didn&#39;t want to be in? Perhaps someone made a personal comment to you, about you or someone you care about, and it just didn&#39;t sit right. Then you carried that comment around, along with those hard feelings that came with it, for hours, maybe even days...or weeks! I know that I have and it&#39;s a terrible feeling.<\/p>\n\n<p>Sometimes it happens accidentally. People mean well but they just didn&#39;t know that it&#39;s a sensitive spot for us. Or, people just speak without considering how their comments and opinions hurt our heart. What do you do?&nbsp; You can stew on it. Let it get you all worked up. You could tell them how it made you feel. Sometimes that is really the most appropriate way to respond. Or you could try something I just learned a few weeks ago. You can say, &quot;I don&#39;t have pockets for that!&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>Pockets are so good for stashing things so we can be hands free...or so we can carry more stuff. But the more we stuff in our pockets, the more weighed down we are. And truthfully, there are just some things that God does NOT want us carrying around! Romans 12:17 says, &quot;Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.&nbsp;If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.&quot;&nbsp; Letting things go is a choice. It might take us a little to work through it; but, I love the visual I get when I say &quot;I don&#39;t have pockets for that.&quot; I&#39;m not going to carry it around.<\/p>\n\n<p>What&#39;s that thing that kept you up all night? Restless sleep. Anxiety over the next time you have to see that person, work with them, go to church with them? Try this: pray...and empty your pockets. Pockets can be good...but lets choose to fill them with the blessings of God.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6525722f810a5.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67785"},{"id":"o614-1292-64905bcd55e20","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/advice-from-dad\/","title":"Advice From Dad","date_published":"2026-08-17T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"What\u2019s the best advice your Dad ever gave\u00a0you? Since we just celebrated Father's Day I was thinking back over things that my Dad taught me. ","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1544427577&show_artwork=true\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>What&rsquo;s the best advice your Dad ever gave&nbsp;you? Since we just celebrated Father&#39;s Day I was thinking back over things that my Dad taught me. Like remembering to grab your Bible off the roof of the car before getting in and driving off. Or always closing the door because we don&#39;t live in a barn. One of the most valuable pieces of advice came when I was about 19 or 20 years old, working in a ministry, I was very frustrated about how some things were going. When I called home and told him about it, Dad said, &lsquo;every place you work - with people - there are going to be frustrations and things that are out of your control. The best thing you can do is pray about it. Do your best at what you&rsquo;re responsible for and let God handle the rest.&rdquo; That advice has served me well over the years!<\/p>\n\n<p>He shared that advice from his heart and from experience that day. And its straight from God&#39;s Word for our every day living. &quot;Praying without ceasing.&quot; 1 Thessalonians 5:17 (NIV) &quot;So no matter what your task is, work hard.&nbsp;Always do your best&nbsp;as the Lord&rsquo;s servant, not as man&rsquo;s.&quot; Colossians 3:23 (VOICE) &quot;Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established.&quot; Proverbs 16:3 (ESV)<\/p>\n\n<p>It&#39;s not easy. We want things to go our way. Often we want to be in control. It takes trust in God to give something our very best, our heart and soul, and then step back for God to do the rest. We don&#39;t know how God will complete it all. And much of the time...the way He does it is by bringing others into our story. After all, our stories are really all part of HIS story. And what an honor it is to be a part of it! So Dad was right. There ARE going to be frustrations and things that are out of our control. The best thing we can do is pray about it. Do our best at what we&#39;re responsible for...and let God do the rest.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/65257258c1f2c.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67784"},{"id":"o614-1292-648b5867d5b78","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/a-little-time-away\/","title":"A Little Time Away","date_published":"2026-08-14T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"The first computer that we bought had a screen saver on it with a man on a little island surrounded by water. At first glance it looked like a nice little get away.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1541116780&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-Xe0Tns4Ohb9\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>The first computer that we bought had a screen saver on it with a man on a little island surrounded by water. At first glance it looked like a nice little get away. This man would walk around the island. Sometimes it looked like he was trying to re-build his raft. Other times he was fishing, or reading...or climbing up the one coconut tree to taste of its fruit. My husband, Ken, would wake up in the middle of the night, go to get something to drink...and check to see what the man on the island was up to! Not too long ago, out of the blue, Ken said &quot;I miss that little guy on the island.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>Some days it might feel appealing to be stranded on a little island in the middle of nowhere but we weren&#39;t designed for long-term living like that. Isolation is a dangerous place to go to and to stay in. Being separated. Not connected to other people isn&#39;t healthy for us. But there is a purposeful activity of getting alone that&#39;s good for us and we should all make time to do it. In fact, Jesus gave us that example several times in the New Testament. Matthew 14: 13&nbsp; (NLT) tells us, &quot;When Jesus heard what had happened, he withdrew by boat privately to a solitary place.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>The activity is not isolation. It&#39;s solitude. Oh, it&#39;s still a time of getting alone or apart from others. But the biggest difference between isolation and solitude, I believe, is found in our mind and in our heart. Solitude is a healing place where God can reach us and help us all the more because we&#39;re alone with Him. What I love about Jesus solitary time away with His Father, aside from setting the perfect example for us, is that it directly preceded one of the greatest stories and miracles of Jesus&#39; ministry...feeding more than 5,000 people with two fish and 5 loaves of bread. There&#39;s a benefit and a reward for making space for solitude in our lives. Jesus showed us that it&#39;s important.<\/p>\n\n<p>Getting alone with God. Solitude. Psalm 62:1-2 (AMPC) reminds us of its benefits. &quot;FOR GOD alone my soul waits in silence; from Him comes my salvation. He only is my Rock and my Salvation, my Defense and my Fortress, I shall not be greatly moved.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67726"},{"id":"o614-1292-6487228cd8b72","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/whats-holding-us-back\/","title":"What's Holding Us Back?","date_published":"2026-08-13T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"What holds us back? I used to think it was all the hard things we've been through in our life. Past experiences that scared us, hurt us, and hindered our growth in one way or another.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1537716448&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-kvcN2dmzWSw\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>What holds us back? I used to think it was all the hard things we&#39;ve been through in our life. Past experiences that scared us, hurt us, hindered our growth in one way or another. It&#39;s true that we must choose to place all of those things in the hands of our Savior. He gives beauty for ashes in our life, time after time. But until we are willing to let go of the pain and trauma of those hard places we&#39;ve been through...we will not be able to fully live in the freedom Christ died to give us.<\/p>\n\n<p>You know what else can hold us back? The good things that have happened in our lives. I know that seems unbelievable but think about it. Have you ever had such a great experience that you thought nothing will ever compare to it?! So you don&#39;t even try for something bigger or better. We had a good thing that brought us joy - a job, a hobby, a pet. Even friendships and relationships that brought us such joy and richness in our life...can hold us back from God&#39;s purpose in our lives. We can cling so much to the good things that happened in our lives, that we miss the &#39;next&#39; that God has for us!<\/p>\n\n<p>Jesus is the same, yesterday and forever. (Hebrews 13:8) We can rest in that! But WE can&#39;t remain the same. We can&#39;t hold so tightly to our past, either good or bad, and expect to just stay there...to stay the same. God is calling us to step into those great plans that He has for us. Plans to prosper us and not to harm us. Plans to give us hope and a future. (Jeremiah 29:11) I know it can be a lot to unpack, but Jesus is calling us to loosen our hold on the past in order to make room for what&#39;s next. After all, He has great plans for us!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67638"},{"id":"o614-1292-648721e4f356e","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/what-ive-learned-about-grief\/","title":"What I've Learned About Grief","date_published":"2026-08-12T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"It's been two years since my brother, Brent, went home to be with Jesus. I've gone to several funerals in the past couple of months and I confess...","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1537716244&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-pf265lTNieS\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>It&#39;s been two years since my brother, Brent, went home to be with Jesus. I&#39;ve gone to several funerals in the past couple of months and I confess that each time I got ready to go I was reminded of the day of my brother&#39;s celebration of life. I remember the surreal feelings of walking through the days and weeks after and wondering if the numb parts of my heart would ever heal. It&#39;s made me feel deeper for friends who are walking through all those same hard places and wishing I could help carry some of that burden. It&#39;s changed my prayers for them. It&#39;s reminded me of Jesus&#39; tears when He heard the news that His friend, Lazarus, had died. (John 11)&nbsp; I believe those tears were more for the deep love and compassion he felt for Mary &amp; Martha&#39;s grieving hearts. After all, Jesus was about to bring Lazarus back to life!<\/p>\n\n<p>Today I came across something I wrote a few weeks after I said &#39;goodbye for now&#39; to my brother. And since several dear friends have had to do the same recently I thought I&#39;d share part of it in this space. At my brother&#39;s service I was struck by how many people from so many varied backgrounds, beliefs, professions and ages showed up and shared with us something we all had in common. We loved Brent. He made us laugh. He made us think. It didn&#39;t matter who you were to him. If you would be his friend..he would be yours. I&#39;ve cried often since that day just wishing that he could&#39;ve heard all the amazing things so many shared with us about him that day - hoping that he knew just how much he was loved by so many.<\/p>\n\n<p>Please don&#39;t wait to tell someone that they add value to your life. If they bring you joy - tell them! If you love that they make you laugh - laugh with them and let them know it. Life is too short to withhold the gift of kind and thoughtful words spoken to someone while they can still breathe it in. Celebrate them...with them...while you can!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67637"},{"id":"o614-1292-648721a0db92a","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/where-do-we-put-our-trust\/","title":"Where Do We Put Our Trust?","date_published":"2026-08-11T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"Let's talk about trust for a minute. The other day I was riding behind an enormous vehicle transport truck. You know the kind that can transport about six or eight SUV's at a time?!","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1537716001&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-4eujPoM4oxQ\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>Let&#39;s talk about trust for a minute. The other day I was riding behind an enormous vehicle transport truck. You know the kind that can transport about six or eight SUV&#39;s at a time?! As I was following this monstrous load I began to study how these vehicles are loaded into this carrier. And suddenly I noticed that the last vehicle on this rig looked like it was literally hanging off the back end. That at any moment that vehicle could slide right off the back end.<\/p>\n\n<p>I&#39;d been following directly behind that rig for about 20 minutes on the highway, trusting that whoever loaded those SUV&#39;s onto the rig secured them properly and completely. I had a brief &#39;what if&#39; thought in my head but I kept driving along right behind after my brain resolved that I was completely safe.<\/p>\n\n<p>Later it occurred to me how quickly and easily I gave up worry and concern in that situation completely trusting an unknown person or persons to have loaded and secured the vehicles being transported. I didn&#39;t slow down. I didn&#39;t change lanes. I dismissed that &#39;what if&#39; thought essentially putting my trust and safety in a complete stranger!<\/p>\n\n<p>We say we trust God and yet we worry over things so often as if to say we don&#39;t believe that He really is taking care of us. I&#39;ve caught myself saying &quot;I&#39;m afraid that...&quot; or &quot;I worry that...&quot;. When we say that about a situation, especially after coming to know God&#39;s nature and character, that He cares about everything that concerns us, we are opening the door to doubt and fear. Proverbs 3:5-6 tells us, &quot;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.&quot; Today, let&#39;s choose to trust the goodness and faithfulness of God in ALL our ways.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67636"},{"id":"o614-1292-64872160ded91","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/stain-remover\/","title":"Stain Remover","date_published":"2026-08-10T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"I have a terrible habit of spilling things. No matter how hard I try not to...something often makes its way onto my shirt.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1537715629&show_artwork=true\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>I have a terrible habit of spilling things. No matter how hard I try not to...something often makes its way onto my shirt. As much as I try to avoid the spillage...it&#39;s almost inevitable. And the more I like the shirt the better chance there is of having something leave a trail.<\/p>\n\n<p>Sometimes I am lucky enough to get the stain out but many times the stain remains. Once that shirt has been marked it doesn&#39;t matter how well I think I&#39;ve gotten it clean...that mark is all I see! I can receive compliments on the shirt all day long...and still I feel like that stain is like a neon light.<\/p>\n\n<p>Our conscience can be a lot like that. Regardless of how well we manage to come clean, how often we ask Jesus to wash our sins away, and apologize to those we&#39;ve offended, we find it hard not to see the stains from our past. Finding the strength to stop focusing on our mistakes and giving ourselves grace is probably one of the hardest things we have to do. But God invites us into His presence for just that reason.<\/p>\n\n<p>This is what GOD said about our stains in Isaiah 1:18 (MSG). He said, &quot;Come. Sit down. Let&rsquo;s argue this out.&rdquo; This is&nbsp;God&rsquo;s Message: If your sins are blood-red, they&rsquo;ll be snow-white.&quot; We couldn&#39;t be washed clean without the blood of Jesus. Because of what Jesus did for us, there is nothing too deep or dark, big or small, hidden or widespread, that can&#39;t be washed clean by Jesus&#39; blood. Who are we to insist on seeing the stain when God says those stains are gone?!!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67635"},{"id":"o614-1292-647f43c7f34b1","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/todays-chapter\/","title":"Today's Chapter","date_published":"2026-08-07T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"A friend of mine shared the most beautiful picture of a sunset from her vehicle's side window and it made me think about how glorious it is to watch the sunset on a day...and how breathtaking it is to watch the sunrise on a day.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1532296891&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-MIf1DfRqXWA\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>A friend of mine shared the most beautiful picture of a sunset from her vehicle&#39;s side window and it made me think about how glorious it is to watch the sun set on a day...and how breathtaking it is to watch the sun rise on a day. The anticipation of seeing the sun bring its light to our part of the world reminds us that there is hope for what&#39;s next. The night may have been very dark. We may have endured a really long, dark night...but there it is...hope coming up on the horizon. Reminding us that there is hope for light to shine in our personal darkness again.<\/p>\n\n<p>And that glorious sunset closes the chapter of this day in history. Regardless of the good, the bad, the ugly and every shade of every thing in between...there is a time that God says to the sun...that is enough for today. Whenever I get that moment to just stop and take in the beauty of the sun finishing its purpose on my side of the earth I am grateful that God has walked with me through every part of this day. I am reminded that there a beginning and an end...of this day, of this work, of this life.<\/p>\n\n<p>Lamentations 3: 22-26 remind us of who we put our trust in and have hope. &quot;Because of the&nbsp;Lord&rsquo;s great love&nbsp;we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, &ldquo;The&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.&rdquo; The&nbsp;Lord&nbsp;is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the&nbsp;Lord.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>I think that is why a hush comes over me every time I am able to watch the sun rise and set. My soul remembers God&#39;s compassions and mercies never fail toward us. I am reminded that HE is our portion for this day. And will be for tomorrow. I breathe in hope that He will be with me on every page of this day&#39;s chapter. And tonight I will breathe out thanksgiving that my hope continues to wait and rest in Him.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67496"},{"id":"o614-1292-647f4384b88ee","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/its-time\/","title":"It's Time","date_published":"2026-08-06T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"Waiting is an all too familiar place for us. It feels like such an enormous waste of time most often. Every day, it seems, we are required to wait for something or someone.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1532297368&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-UcotfVXoa0s\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>Waiting is an all too familiar place for us. It feels like such an enormous waste of time most often. Every day, it seems, we are required to wait for something or someone. For those of us who like to keep things moving along, and especially for those adept at multi-tasking, having to wait can be frustrating!<\/p>\n\n<p>How about waiting on God? From our vantage point we pray and ask God to answer our prayer in a specific way. But we can&#39;t see what is up ahead. We cannot see how the timing of our need being met might intersect with another&#39;s expectant prayer. But God. I can&#39;t even begin to imagine how God manages all of it...and all of us. Except that He is God...and there is nothing that God cannot do.<\/p>\n\n<p>I think maybe the first time I really got a glimpse of the intricacy of God&#39;s plan was one day while reading the story of Elizabeth and Zechariah in Luke 1.&nbsp; They were serving the Lord, careful to keep His commands, in fact the Bible says they were blameless in how they lived. And they were childless....and now they are old. You know they must have cried out to God fervently for years to have a child. And yet...there were none. Until God said &quot;it&#39;s time&quot; and sent His angel Gabriel to Zechariah to confirm...&#39;God has heard your prayer.&#39; Luke 1:13 (NIV)<\/p>\n\n<p>Their child would be known as John the Baptist. The one who would pave the way to say the Messiah is coming and baptize Jesus at the start of His ministry. While John and Jesus were born only months apart...the age difference between Elizabeth and Mary the mother of Jesus was counted in decades. While Elizabeth and Zechariah prayed over and over...and waited and waited...their answer was dependent on the timing of Mary&#39;s story! I&#39;m guessing that their prayers for children began long before Mary herself was even born. And so they waited...until God said, &#39;it&#39;s time!&#39;<\/p>\n\n<p>What you are waiting for, believing God for...don&#39;t give up! Sometimes our answer is dependent on another&#39;s. But God. He is holding all of the pieces in His hands. We know that God is faithful. He hears our prayers. And His answer will always be right on time.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67495"},{"id":"o614-1292-647f4349e9eb0","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/filling-up-the-space\/","title":"Filling Up the Space","date_published":"2026-08-05T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"The Apostle Paul told us to \"take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.\" We know that it is easier said than done.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1532297767&show_artwork=true&secret_token=s-9dP0MI53LpL\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>The Apostle Paul told us in 2 Corinthians 10:5 (NIV) to &quot;take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.&quot; We know that it is easier said than done. If it were easy then we wouldn&#39;t struggle with thoughts like &quot;what if they don&#39;t like me? what if I mess up? what if I have an epic fail?&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>We find ourselves trying to fill our lives with all kinds of things to fill up that space. More clothes, more shoes, more food, more stuff. &quot;If I have all of that - perhaps people will like me more?!&quot; Even more things to do on our calendar can be a way we try to fill up the empty place in our heart that makes our head try to fill it with the most immediate gratification. We may even put pressure on the people in our lives to fill us up with accolades and answers to our deepest needs. Which is really unfair...because they have an empty place that needs filling too!<\/p>\n\n<p>The only way to appease the emptiness in our soul is to open our heart and life to Christ. C.S. Lewis said, &quot;If we find ourselves with a desire that nothing in this world can satisfy, the most probable explanation is that we were made for another world.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>Only Jesus can fill our longing for more. And even then...while we are in this world...we may still feel a little lost sometimes, a little out of step sometimes. Because that need to find our way home...even when we are where we call home for now...is because we just aren&#39;t home yet. We were made for another world. Only Jesus makes it possible for us to finally make it home.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67494"},{"id":"o614-1292-647f430f84194","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/whats-that-smell\/","title":"What's That Smell?","date_published":"2026-08-04T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"Years ago I heard a story about limburger cheese that I've never forgotten. I've never tried this kind of cheese but the way I've heard it described it smells like really dirty socks.","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1532297989&show_artwork=true\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>Years ago I heard a story about limburger cheese that I&#39;ve never forgotten. I&#39;ve never tried this kind of cheese but the way I&#39;ve heard it described it smells like really dirty socks. Anyway, as the story was told, Grandpa was sleeping in his favorite recliner in the living room when his grandkids decided to play a little trick on him. While he was asleep the kids took a little piece of limburger cheese and wedged it in his bushy mustache.<\/p>\n\n<p>When he woke up, Grandpa sniffed and said, &#39;this living room stinks&#39;. He got up and walked into the kitchen and said with a little more emphasis, &#39;this kitchen stinks!&#39; Finally, Grandpa walked outside the house onto the front porch, took a deep breath, and exclaimed with his fists in the air, &#39;the whole world stinks!!&#39;<\/p>\n\n<p>Everywhere he went, it smelled awful because Grandpa was carrying the offending source of the terrible smell with him! Are we guilty of doing that same thing ourselves at times? We&#39;re not hauling limburger cheese around. Bad attitudes and hard feelings toward others around us will cast a shadow over everything and everyone. Allowed to hang out indefinitely those attitudes and offenses can really stink up our world!<\/p>\n\n<p>Proverbs 4:23 (NCV) tells us to&nbsp;&quot;be careful what you think, because your thoughts run your life.&quot; It&#39;s dangerous to give our thoughts free reign. Positive attitudes and giving grace to those who have offended us doesn&#39;t just happen. We have to choose good thoughts. And we need to decide to keep short accounts with others. When we do, we&#39;ll find that the atmosphere around us is different. Kinder. Sweeter. So take care of what you think...and your thoughts will lead you into a better day!<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67493"},{"id":"o614-1292-647e2c94088b3","url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/blogs\/devotions-with-denise\/post\/remember-the-promise\/","title":"Remember the Promise","date_published":"2026-08-03T09:00:00+00:00","summary":"\"You can't have a rainbow without a little rain.\" You've probably seen that saying before. Can you imagine what it must have been like to look up in the sky and see the very first rainbow? \r\n","content_html":"<div style=\"left: 0; width: 100%; height: 400px; position: relative;\"><iframe src=\"https:\/\/w.soundcloud.com\/player\/?visual=true&url=https%3A%2F%2Fapi.soundcloud.com%2Ftracks%2F1531597264&show_artwork=true\" style=\"top: 0; left: 0; width: 100%; height: 100%; position: absolute; border: 0;\" allowfullscreen allow=\"encrypted-media *;\"><\/iframe><\/div>\n\n<p>&quot;You can&#39;t have a rainbow without a little rain.&quot; You&#39;ve probably seen that saying before. I don&#39;t think I&#39;ve ever met a person who didn&#39;t pause to appreciate the sight of a rainbow in the sky. Can you imagine what it must have been like to look up in the sky and see the very first rainbow?<\/p>\n\n<p>In Genesis 9:12,13, 17 (CEV)&nbsp; God said, &quot;The rainbow that I have put in the sky will be my sign to you and to every living creature on earth. It will remind you that I will keep this promise forever. When I send clouds over the earth, and a rainbow appears in the sky, I will remember my promise to you and to all other living creatures. Never again will I let floodwaters destroy all life. When I see the rainbow in the sky, I will always remember the promise that I have made to every living creature. The rainbow will be the sign of that solemn promise.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>After all that rain. All that loss. When Noah and his family finally emerged from the Ark, with all of that uncertainty and maybe even some anxiety, there in the sky was the most unusual, spectacular sight. A rainbow. A sign of the presence of sunshine and rain. And a sign that even today, all of these thousands of years later, God still keeps His promises to us.<\/p>\n\n<p>I heard an interesting take on life&#39;s struggles that we go through and the blessings we receive every day. They said &quot;blessing is not an escape from struggle. The man paralyzed (in the New Testament) couldn&#39;t have received the blessing of healing without the struggle of paralysis. The blessing wasn&#39;t the healing. The blessing was the whole journey of that struggle. Sometimes we may not see the fruit of the blessing this side of heaven.&quot;<\/p>\n\n<p>We don&#39;t really understand the depth of our blessings without experiencing the pain in our struggles. But God is faithful and good and kind. And He will not leave us to walk through any of it alone. And just when we feel like we cannot go on - in the midst of the rain - the sun will peek through - and we will get a glimpse of the colors in the rainbow...and we remember His promise.<\/p>\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/deniseharper.blog\" target=\"_blank\">Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside<br \/>\nhttps:\/\/deniseharper.blog<\/a><\/p>\n\n<ul class=\"gm-sec\" data-per-row=\"2\" data-mode=\"2\">\n    <li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6667002dcee58.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p126\/Treasured_Inside_Devotion.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside is a collection of notes that reflect the intersection of Denise Harper's life of everyday, ordinary things with our extraordinary God. From junk drawers to sticky notes and passports to thrift stores and everything in between, she finds a way to connect the mundane of the day to the magnificent heart of God.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li><li class=\"c-pod\">\n    <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\">\n        <img src=\"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6917334c52eed.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"c-pod__img\" \/>\n    <\/a>\n    <div class=\"c-pod__content\">\n        <a target=\"_blank\" href=\"https:\/\/store.wearethebridge.org\/store\/p142\/Treasured_Inside_Devotions%3A__Vol._2.html\" class=\"c-pod__link\"><strong class=\"c-pod__title\">Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2<\/strong><\/a>\n    \t<p class=\"c-pod__description\">Treasured Inside: Devotions with Denise, Volume 2, beautifully expresses the love letter God has already written for each of us. Do you sometimes feel distant from the Word? This book gently invites you to pause, connect more deeply with Jesus, and enjoy His comforting presence.\n<br \/>\n<br \/>Denise Harper&rsquo;s NEW book, &quot;Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2,&quot; is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...<\/p>\n    <\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>","image":"https:\/\/mmo.aiircdn.com\/614\/6311042e9443e.jpg","author":{"name":"Denise Harper"},"_mobile_inapp_url":"https:\/\/www.wearethebridge.org\/_app_pages\/stations\/4335\/blogs\/posts\/67468"}]}