The Bridge: Devotions with Denise Devotions with Denise Harper can be heard on The Bridge weekdays. https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/ Wed, 29 Apr 2026 10:53:35 +0000 en Copyright 2026 The Bridge Aiir http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss Having A Spotter Do you know what a ‘spotter’ is? Maybe the better question is ‘do you know the importance of having a spotter?’ Wikipedia says “Spotting in weight or resistance training is the act of supporting another... Wed, 29 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/having-a-spotter/ o614-1292-654a9c72032f7 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

Do you know what a ‘spotter’ is? Maybe the better question is ‘do you know the importance of having a spotter?’ Wikipedia says “Spotting in weight or resistance training is the act of supporting another person during a particular exercise, with an emphasis on allowing the participant to lift or push more than they could normally do safely. Correct spotting involves knowing when to intervene and assist with a lift, and encouraging a training partner to push beyond the point in which they would normally return the weight to its stationary position.”

That’s what we need some days, don’t we?! What if we had someone walking around with us every day that spoke words of affirmation like, ‘you can do this!’, ‘you are enough’, ‘you are loved!’? Someone that pointed out the ‘lift here – not there’. One who encouraged us to keep at the hard things and jumped in to help when we are trying to pick up and carry around a weight that is too much for us.

I have really good news for you today. The Holy Spirit is with us. 24/7. There are some weights we must carry in this life but God already knows what we are capable of when we are fully equipped with His Spirit. Likewise, there are some weights we were never meant to carry and because of Jesus’ sacrifice we can lay them down. I love how The Passion Translation paraphrases 1 Corinthians 10:13. “We all experience times of testing, which is normal for every human being. But God will be faithful to you. He will screen and filter the severity, nature, and timing for every test or trial you face so that you can bear it.”

The Holy Spirit is like a spotter…and oh so much more! If you haven’t started working out with Him yet…being aware of His presence with you…today is your day!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/70890 Mine, Mine, Mine, Mine There is a scene in the movie “Finding Nemo” with a group of seagulls all sitting on posts in the water, with their sights set on a crab for dinner, all calling out, “mine, mine, mine, mine”… Tue, 28 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/mine-mine-mine-mine/ o614-1292-654a9c36768e1 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

There is a scene in the movie “Finding Nemo” with a group of seagulls all sitting on posts in the water, with their sights set on a crab for dinner, all calling out, “mine, mine, mine, mine”… the scene makes us laugh because we have all been there at some point. We put ourselves in the place of the sea gull…taking ownership…claiming what’s up for grabs.

When I first read Psalm 24:1, “The earth is the Lord’s, and everything in it, the world, and all who live in it”, it felt like taking ownership to me. And why shouldn’t God….He made all of it, and all of us. We DO belong to Him. Then I began thinking about that word ‘belong’. The Contemporary English Version says, “The earth and everything on it, including its people, belong to the Lord. The world and its people belong to Him.”

I have spent a fair amount of my life trying to figure out where I belong. And just about the time I think I have it all figured out – things change. People. Jobs. Organizations. Church. All of those may change in our lifetime. But our soul can be satisfied when we rest in what Psalm 24:1 really means to us. It’s not about God taking ownership…because He made all of it….of course it all belongs to Him. It’s really about belonging. Are you wrestling to find where you belong? In this moment, pause and breathe this in, God says, “you belong to Me”!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/70889 Casting My experience with fishing is very limited. I think I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve gone fishing. So much waiting…so much quiet… Mon, 27 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/casting/ o614-1292-654a9c030a4aa Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

My experience with fishing is very limited. I think I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve gone fishing. So much waiting…so much quiet…are my top reasons for not having my own rod and reel. Followed quickly by the whole idea of unhooking whatever I finally caught. Mmm hmmm. Not my idea of relaxing. But one thing I think of every time I remember my Fishing 101 lesson? Remembering to unlock the fishing line before I cast out the line!

When I forgot to release the line, I would swing the pole as hard as I could and that line never left my reel! Embarrassing? Yes! Did I ever forget again? No! Releasing the lock on my reel allowed my swing to cast that line with the hook and the bait way out away from me and drop it in the water.

When I read Psalm 55:22 (NIV) the word ‘cast’ reminds me of my few fishing experiences. This Bible verse gives us instruction AND a promise when we obey. It reads, “Cast your cares on the LORD and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous be shaken.” Some Bible translations say ‘leave your troubles’, or ‘tell your worries’, but I LOVE that visual of casting. We need to remember to UNLOCK the line and CAST whatever worry or burden, fear or frustration onto the One who tells us to do it. Don’t just drop it. It’s too easy to pick it back up! Cast it. Let it go!

God knows we are weary. He knows we could bend and falter beneath the weight of all we try to carry ourselves. His promise when we are obedient to His instruction? He will sustain us. He will never let the righteous be shaken. Are you in need of support to keep going? Do you feel like your world is being shaken? Go back to the instruction of Psalm 55:22. Begin by unlocking the line you’ve kept tethered to you with all your cares attached….and cast it all on Him.

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/70888 YOU ARE SPEEDING We've all seen those radar speed signs typically in residential areas that flash your current speed up as you approach it. If it begins flashing your speed it's meant to be a reminder of the current speed and to slow it down. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/you-are-speeding/ o614-1292-653fb6b8790ea Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

We've all seen those radar speed signs typically in residential areas that flash your current speed up as you approach it. If it begins flashing your speed it's meant to be a reminder of the current speed and to slow it down.

I was driving through the town I live in one day, deep in thought, which is usually what gets me in trouble as I'm driving. All of a sudden I rounded the corner on the street and the radar sign didn't flash my speed on it...it did something I had never seen before...and have never seen since. In bright yellow CAPITAL letters it screamed YOU ARE SPEEDING. Woah! Now that definitely got my attention. To this day I remember exactly where it happened and how quickly I reduced my speed!

One of the most valuable gifts God has given us as believers is His Holy Spirit living inside us. He gives us wisdom and discernment. He helps us stay on track. And when we are approaching a potentially dangerous situation....He can warn us just as suddenly and intensely as that radar speed sign. Jesus knew that in this crazy world we live in, we would need the Holy Spirit. So He asked God to send Him to us!

Jesus said in John 14:16 (NLT), "I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Advocate, who will never leave you." In the Greek, that word Advocate is "Paraclete" which also means Comforter, Encourager and Counselor. It is definitely to our advantage to pay attention to His direction!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/70675 The Old Orange Jar I made a last-minute impulse buy when I was redecorating my daughter's bedroom a few years ago. On the way to the register, my eyes fell on this gallon-sized ceramic jar. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/the-old-orange-jar/ o614-1292-653fb691cf32d Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

I made a last minute impulse buy when I was redecorating my daughter's bedroom a few years ago. On the way to the register my eyes fell on this gallon sized ceramic jar. It had shapes cut out on the sides...and it was orange. I don't know what made me do it...not even sure what I was going to use it for in her room....but I bought it!

Today, my daughter's room is no longer that theme, but I can not part with that orange ceramic jar. Last year I discovered that the opening was just the right size to drop a candle down inside and wow! It's still an old orange jar with holes in the sides; but, in the dark, the light glowing through those cutouts on the sides is beautiful!

You and I are sort of like that orange ceramic jar. Fragile, unique, some of us may have more holes from wounds we've weathered than others. But, unlike my last minute impulse buy, we've been chosen by the Master Potter for a very specific and spectacular mission in this world....to carry the Light! 2 Corinthians 4:7 (MSG) says, "If you only look at us, you might well miss the brightness. We carry this precious Message around in the unadorned clay pots of our ordinary lives. That’s to prevent anyone from confusing God’s incomparable power with us."

The next time you're feeling like the old clay pot...focus on the One we get to carry around in our hearts to share with the world. What a privilege we have been given to carry the Light!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/70674 The Unforced Rhythms of Grace “Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it... Wed, 22 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/the-unforced-rhythms-of-grace/ o614-1292-653fb660bf3e0 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” (Matthew 11:28-30, The Message) Jesus spoke that invitation to His disciples and followers as a beautiful offer of exchange to us all. Bring Him all that is weighing us down, causing us pain, keeping us up at night and keeping us from truly connecting with our Father and He will take it on. In exchange, He will teach us what real rest feels like.

Learning by example is always easier than trying to figure things out on our own. Jesus' offer is to walk with Him and work with Him...and watch how He does it...and that offer is good today. The beauty of that unforced rhythm of grace is that we respond to His invitation not out of obligation but out of desiring a relationship. Evangelist Joseph Prince said it this way: "The reality is, when you don’t read the Bible, you should not be feeling guilty; you should be feeling hungry."

You can be sure of this: when we mess up...and it's inevitable that we will!...we don't have to hide. Jesus began with our exhaustion and disillusion and said - bring it! No matter what it is or how often we find ourselves way in over our head, bring it all to Him. He said, "keep company with Me and you will learn to live freely and lightly."

Right now is the perfect time to lighten your load and follow His beautiful rhythm of grace!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/70673 Stuck In The Middle The seat NO ONE wants to sit in?...the middle seat on an airplane! You know if you've flown before you either want the window seat or the aisle seat. Tue, 21 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/stuck-in-the-middle/ o614-1292-69e62128bc549 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

The seat NO ONE wants to sit in?...the middle seat on an airplane! You know if you've flown before you either want the window seat or the aisle seat. Unless you're traveling WITH someone you know and want to be seated together...those middle seats are typically the last seats to fill in. When you're relegated to the dreaded middle seat it means you have a stranger on BOTH sides of you and...who gets the arm rest?!

Being stuck in the middle is never comfortable. Sometimes it's not a physical middle seat but we feel it just the same. Stuck between pay checks, between that rock and a hard place, between jobs, even broken relationships. Honestly, we are all stuck in the middle between heaven and earth. Yes, we are in this world, but we are not of it. If we have made a decision to follow Christ. We are on our way to heaven. We're just not there yet!

Living in the middle can be painful...but there are also amazing opportunities to grow! This is where we learn and grow, plant seeds and rejoice in harvest! This middle part reminds us that there is a glorious destination ahead. Jesus said in John 11:40 (MSG), "Didn’t I tell you that if you believed, you would see the glory of God?" 

So rather than dread the middle let's embrace the hope of what awaits all those who believe in the Savior.
Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/84623 Unlikely Company I watched a tender video of a dad brushing his little girl's hair as she is sobbing. When he asks her what's wrong she chokes out, "I don't know". So he sweetly asks her if she'd like something special done with her hair. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/unlikely-company/ o614-1292-653fb5d62bcdb Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

I watched a tender video of a dad brushing his little girl's hair as she is sobbing. When he asks her what's wrong she chokes out, "I don't know". So he sweetly asks her if she'd like something special done with her hair. He was so patient with her as she finally said, still in tears, 'curls'. While he plugs in the curling iron he smiles and says, 'wanna hear a joke?' He tells her a dad joke...and instantly she erupts in laughter.   There's been more than half a million views of that little video that captured a dad being a heroic #GirlDad and, ok, maybe dad jokes do serve a purpose.

Do you ever have days like that little one? You just feel blue. Maybe there IS someone or something that you're carrying grief over. Sometimes there is just no explanation. There's just a sadness that hangs like a cloud over your heart. Proverbs 14:13 (NLT) tells us, "Laughter can conceal a heavy heart, but when the laughter ends, the grief remains." My family and I are closing in on the first anniversary of the loss of my brother. We've nearly experienced all the firsts in this first year of living without him. My sister-in-love and I were talking this past week about how we were feeling about this milestone. It is hard to put it into words. On his birthday I wrote it this way, "I'm not sorry that you're there. I'm just sad that you're not here."

Maybe you can relate. Grief has so many layers and as we go through the process we find things to smile about...maybe even laugh out loud over. I believe that verse is less about what to do or not do, and more to confirm that in this life there will be heartache, but it is ok to find moments of laughter...even joy. And that it's alright to keep company with grief and joy side by side. We can be sure of this, when we are finding our way through those days, we are not alone. God promised that "He is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit." (Psalm 34:18) And that is the BEST company to keep!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/70671 Thanks! Merci. Danke. Gracias. Xiexie. Grazie. Mahalo. Toda. Each of these words represent a unique people group, a culture, wishing to express one simple thing. Thanks! Fri, 17 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/thanks1/ o614-1292-69dce78b44d36 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

Merci. Danke. Gracias. Xiexie. Grazie. Mahalo. Toda. Each of these words represent a unique people group, a culture, wishing to express one simple thing. Thanks!

Before I even began teaching my children their ABC's or how to count to 10, I was teaching them to say "please" and "thank you". Common courtesies that really aren't so common. I hope we never lose the capacity, or the good manners, to pause even for a few seconds, to look someone in the eye and tell them "thank you". In that little expression, a whole conversation could be shared. Gratitude for a kindness shown, or 'you noticed me!' It could mean 'I appreciate your service'. It could even mean 'I was feeling overwhelmed and you have no idea how much what you did means to me.' Thank you.

I think we all tend to walk around in our own little world much of the time. We've got a lot of responsibility, a lot of things on our minds. When we stop to say thank you to someone, for even a few brief seconds, we open the door of our little world to see someone else in their little world. And aren't we supposed to be mindful of each other?! Romans 12:13 (NLT) describes it well. "When God's people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality." 

"Thank you" can help to open the door!


Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/84534 Just Stay Calm One of my favorite promises in the Bible is this: "The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." And wow! Did God fight for His people! Mon, 13 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/just-stay-calm/ o614-1292-69dce693ac9c0 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

One of my favorite promises in the Bible is this: "The Lord himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." And wow! Did God fight for His people! The story in Exodus 14 is packed full of drama, mystery and miracles! It's the story of the Red Sea and about a million of God's people walking on dry ground between two incredibly gigantic walls of water as God held back the sea to rescue the Israelites.

Oh there was a LOT of celebrating on the other side of the Red Sea once they saw what God did to save them. But what were they doing BEFORE the answer arrived? Pretty much freaking out! Complaining. Wishing they could go back to Egypt where they'd been enslaved and abused. Not one of their finest moments, to be sure. 

If we are being honest, we've all been there. That "Red Sea" moment when we thought God was leading us in a direction and all of a sudden the enemy came rushing in. Whatever it is...or was...it felt like life or death. What God did for His people in Exodus 14 is a reminder of what He will do for us now. Moses told the people in Exodus 14:13-14 (NIV) "Don't be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. The Lord Himself will fight for you. Just stay calm." 

What if we choose to worship God - in front of the Red Sea. BEFORE we can see the outcome...what if we trust Him...and instead of worrying we choose to thank Him for His provision AHEAD of the storm! God gives us that direction. We can pray His Word in confidence and expectation...like this:  I will not be afraid! Lord, I am going to stand still and watch You rescue me today. Thank you that You, God, are fighting for me. And in that, I can just remain calm.
Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/84533 Collecting What's Important I love to collect certain things. If I love them and they bring me joy....why not??!! Fri, 10 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/collecting-whats-important/ o614-1292-642c4400f001b Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

I love to collect certain things. If I love them and they bring me joy....why not??!! I remember buying my first Longaberger basket. Pretty. Functional. Valuable. I LOVED it! And I decided to buy more - thinking the value would only increase and...I could pass them down to my children.

Well, I now have quite a collection of functional, not so valuable baskets...and my daughter has ZERO interest in inheriting my collection! I understand. She didn't live through the era of brass tags and limited edition collecting and hostess credits. And honestly, they are a BEAST to keep dusted!

We all tend to collect things. Either for pleasure or sentimentality, things become valuable to us. But nothing compares to the treasures we must be focused on storing up in heaven. No baskets. No jewelry or artwork or baseball cards. There's nothing wrong with those things. But they can't be our priority.

Matthew 6:19-21 in the Passion Translation tells us,“Don’t keep hoarding for yourselves earthly treasures that can be stolen by thieves. Material wealth eventually rusts, decays, and loses its value. Instead, stockpile heavenly treasures for yourselves that cannot be stolen and will never rust, decay, or lose their value. For your heart will always pursue what you esteem as your treasure."

Your heart will always pursue what you esteem as your treasure. Wow. Heavenly treasures. If you are hearing my voice or reading this now....YOU are heaven's greatest treasure. That Jesus lived a sinless life here on earth, bore all of our sins on a cross, died and rose up to live again is how you and I can live forever in heaven!! Sharing His story with as many who will listen and believe...now THAT is stockpiling heavenly treasures that can never be stolen!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/66174 Don't Pray For This! Patience. We all need more of it...but don't ask God for it! You know the only way we learn to have more patience...is by going through the trials. Thu, 09 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/dont-pray-for-this/ o614-1292-642c43ce795ac Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

Patience. We all need more of it...but don't ask God for it! You know the only way we learn to have more patience...is by going through the trials. It could be small things - like waiting for that thing you ordered in the mail to finally arrive or for the long line in the grocery store or the post office to finally get moving!

Often, we must wait for things we are not sure will ever come to pass. That unanswered prayer that we have prayed over and over again...hoping, trusting that God will bring it about sooner rather than later. It is most often NOT the way we thought God would do it and sometimes not in the time frame we were asking.

But what we do IN the waiting....is what teaches us patience. Because we get to choose. Will I be impatient and worry, grumble and complain about this lack? or will I do all that I can and trust God to do what only He can? Because waiting is meant to be active. Maybe that's why servers in restaurants are called 'wait staff'?!

James 1:12 describes the reward for those who choose patience. "God bless those who patiently endure testing and temptation. Afterward they will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love Him." It sounds like God considers our patient endurance as very important. He promised the crown of life to those who love Him and patiently endure. Maybe we thank Him in advance for helping us to choose to be patient!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/66173 Check Your Equipment My husband, Ken, drives for a charter bus company. Sometimes his assignments could be for just a few hours in our local vicinity. Or he could drive hundreds of miles and be gone for a few days to a week at a time. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/check-your-equipment/ o614-1292-642c439527831 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

My husband, Ken, drives for a charter bus company. Sometimes his assignments could be for just a few hours in our local vicinity. Or he could drive hundreds of miles and be gone for a few days to a week at a time. But before he ever drives out of the bus yard, regardless of how short or how long his drive will be, he checks the bus equipment. I've watched him go through the checklist. Before he even gets to the bus lot he looks up destination details and plans his route carefully. Once he arrives he cranks up the bus to let the engine warm up. He walks all around the bus, checking the tires, the lights, brakes, turn signals, windshield wipers, the fuel gauge and so on. It's all part of preparing for the journey.

Every day you and I are on a journey. How do we prepare for it? Some days we may stay close to home. And some days we may cover a lot of territory, encounter a lot of people, a lot of 'opportunities' to be the hands and feet of Jesus. How often do we check our 'equipment' to be sure we are in good working order? Getting the right amount of rest and eating the right kinds of foods is vital to our energy level and brain power; but, what about our spiritual preparation? Do we make time every day to chew on some part of God's Word? Are we having a conversation with God each day? Are we keeping track of where He is leading us, how we are growing, where we might need some reinforcements? Are we wearing our armor?

Oh yes! We get armor!...and we've got to put it on every day! That's why Ephesians 6:11 says, "Put on the whole armor of God, that you may be able to stand against the schemes of the devil." The belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, shoes for the gospel of peace, the shield of faith, the helmet of salvation and the sword of the Spirit which is the Word of God.

So check your equipment and then remember verse 13 that directs us, after taking up the whole armor of God..."and having done all, to stand firm." Ready for the journey!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/66172 The Fragrance Remember the spices that the women prepared and took to the grave where Jesus' body had been laid? In those days, it was customary to use certain spices to prepare a body for burial to help overcome the smell of death. Tue, 07 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/the-fragrance/ o614-1292-642c435fb2ba1 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

Remember the spices that the women prepared and took to the grave where Jesus' body had been laid?  In those days, it was customary to use certain spices to prepare a body for burial to help overcome the smell of death. We don't know what the ladies carried those spices in and we don't know what happened to the spices once they were surprised inside the empty tomb by two glowing angels appearance. We do know Luke 24:5 says, "The women were terrified and bowed with their faces to the ground."

It is very likely that those spices were scattered about the ground inside the tomb as they dropped to the ground. And would've been the last thing they would think of as they raced to tell Peter and the other disciples that Jesus was alive!

The disciples heard Mary & the other women telling the good news...Jesus is risen!...and didn't believe them. But Peter jumped up and ran to the tomb to see for himself. Luke tells that Peter looked inside and saw the empty grave clothes, went home again, wondering what had happened.

I wonder if Peter smelled the spices when he entered the tomb. Is it possible that the aroma of their worship to honor the Messiah, their Lord and Master, still filled the air? Did you know that our worship is a sweet aroma to God and to those around us? 2 Corinthians 2:15 says, "For we are the aroma of Christ to God among those who are being saved and among those who are perishing." The Passion Translation tells it this way: "We have become the unmistakable aroma of the victory of the Anointed One to God —a perfume of life to those being saved."

Our worship leaves behind the fragrance of Christ and helps attract the sinner to salvation. How beautiful that God would allow us to carry the fragrance of our Lord!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/66171 The Good News I can't imagine how Mary Magdalene must have felt when Jesus died on the cross. The One who had utterly changed her life, spoken and shown only love to her & everyone around her. Mon, 06 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/the-good-news/ o614-1292-642c3df429ab4 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

I can't imagine how Mary Magdalene must have felt when Jesus died on the cross. The One who had utterly changed her life, spoken and shown only love to her & everyone around her. He healed everyone who came in search of healing and then some. How could it be that her beloved Jesus was no longer with them?

I imagine there was not much sleep to be had in the hours that followed after Jesus' body was laid in the tomb. The trauma of watching the One she loved with all her heart be condemned, beaten & pierced, mocked, hanged on a cross and left suffering in agony for hours had, no doubt, left Mary in shock, numb to anything but her next breath.

That is why it is no surprise that once the Sabbath had ended, before the sun had even begun to rise, Mary & the other women were on their way to the tomb, with the spices they had prepared for Jesus' body. Imagine their shock, panic even, that the tomb was empty. Where was Jesus?  Luke 24 tells us TWO men suddenly appeared in dazzling robes and told them, "He is not here. He is risen from the dead!"

Terrified at first sight, the ladies were reminded that Jesus had told them he would rise again. Then, Luke said, they rushed back to tell his disciples, and everyone else, what had happened. Today we celebrate that the tomb is empty. Jesus is risen and He is alive indeed! Who will WE hurry to tell the Good News to today?!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/66169 Plot Twists You and I do not have the corner on drama in our lives. All it takes is 20 minutes or so of reading the Bible to know that drama is part of life. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/plot-twists/ o614-1292-69cabc88e7dae Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

You and I do not have the corner on drama in our lives. All it takes is 20 minutes or so of reading the Bible to know that drama is part of life. Esther is one of my favorite Bible stories and with only 10 chapters in the book of Esther you could read it in a single setting. You might want to get your notebook out though, with all the twists and turns of this incredible story, it might be a challenge to keep them all straight.

If you haven't read it - this is a spoiler alert! But the summary will help shine a light on something we need to remember. Esther becomes Queen after winning the heart of the King. But Esther is a Jew and Jews were hated by some who were close to the King. Haman is evil and plots to annihilate the Jews. Esther rises to the challenge that she must intercede on behalf of her people to save them. So she throws a dinner and invites both the King and Haman to the table. 

I don't know how long this banquet lasted but Esther 7 starts out with them conversing over the 'second dinner of the evening'. Esther is courageous. The king's heart is moved by his queen and he has an epiphany of the caliber of evil within Haman's heart. I'm not giving up anymore of the story right now...but I want you to remember this powerful lesson. Especially when you find yourself in a battle that feels full of twists & turn in your own story. Remember this story of Esther, and Haman, and the king and know this...the presence of your enemy at the banquet table does not diminish the presence of your King.

Psalm 23:5 (CEV) tells us, "You treat me to a feast, while my enemies watch. You honor me as Your guest, and You fill my cup until it overflows." When you choose Jesus as your King, it will not matter who else is at your table.
Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/84358 Stay Where I Can See You When my kiddos got old enough that I could let them play in the backyard for a while by themselves I would tell them, "Stay where I can see you!" Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/stay-where-i-can-see-you/ o614-1292-69cabc4bdba67 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

When my kiddos got old enough that I could let them play in the backyard for a while by themselves I would tell them, "Stay where I can see you!" I might be folding laundry or washing dishes but I was able to glance out of the kitchen window or the back patio and keep an eye on them. Of course, I wanted to keep them out of trouble but I also wanted trouble to stay away from them...and I wanted them to learn to follow directions. 

Sometimes they got interested in something beyond the backyard and would go beyond where I could see them. And I would go find them and bring them back. When they got into something they knew they weren't supposed to get into....they would hide. As a parent, we know that is a sure sign they are likely up to something!

That's nothing new. We don't have to read very far into the Bible to find people hiding. Adam & Eve, Elijah, Jonah...hiding for a variety of reasons...but none could hide from God. And neither can we. There's a great benefit of staying where God has us. It's not that we could possibly hide from God. The benefit is OURS when we stay where we can see HIM! 

Psalm 139: 7-10 (CEV) reminds us that He is always with us! "Where could I go to escape from Your Spirit or from Your sight? If I were to climb up to the highest heavens, You would be there. If I were to dig down to the world of the dead You would also be there. Suppose I had wings like the dawning day and flew across the ocean. Even then Your powerful arm would guide and protect me."

So it's not about staying where God can see us. Let's determine today that we are going to stay where we can see HIM!
Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/84357 Look For It We've moved four times since I've been married. The first three times we boxed up our belongings & moved our furniture and I've looked forward to the new memories we would make in our new home. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/look-for-it/ o614-1292-69cabc1181490 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

We've moved four times since I've been married. The first three times we boxed up our belongings & moved our furniture and I've looked forward to the new memories we would make in our new home. The last time we moved was different for many reasons. I think the hardest part was that we were leaving the home we had raised our children in. So many memories within those walls .. like the doorframe into my office that had each height measurement & birthdate of our kids from the age they were when we moved in until we moved out etched into it. That was hard to leave behind.

My girlfriend told me that she had a similar experience. She had been dreading taking things off the walls and moving the furniture out because so much life had happened in her home. But walking back into the empty room was good for her because she realized...there's no life in the room. Life was in her!

What a beautiful thought. We take our memories with us wherever we go. And because we have life within us we can make new memories wherever God leads us next. It might not be a new home. Maybe it's a new job, a new fellowship, a new community of friends. Isaiah 43:19 (VOICE) reminds us to look for it! "Watch closely: I am preparing something new; it’s happening now, even as I speak, and you’re about to see it. I am preparing a way through the desert; Waters will flow where there had been none."

Look for it!
Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/84356 Resonators The marimba is one of my favorite instruments to hear played. The wooden bars have a nice tone but what makes the marimba sound amazing is the long metal tubes, called resonators... Tue, 31 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/resonators/ o614-1292-69cabaa157e05 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

The marimba is one of my favorite instruments to hear played. The wooden bars have a nice tone but what makes the marimba sound amazing is the long metal tubes, called resonators, that hang below the wooden bars that are each a different length and amplify the sound vibrations making them richer, more mellow and beautiful.

Did you know that everything in the universe has a vibration? Everything! Even WE have a vibration and everything around us vibrates at a high or low frequency around us. Interestingly, the process of matching the natural frequency of a body to produce maximum effect is called “resonance.”

So, when we say, “that really resonated with me,” we’re saying that it hit our natural frequency. And, while most things would normally not affect us that deeply, that "something" found the sweet spot that moved us to maximum effect. 

Imagine when the Holy Spirit whispers to our spirit, either through His still, small voice or a message or a song. When both vibrations are dialed in and match up...that's when we are moved to tears, or overwhelming joy, unexplainable peace and even courage that we didn't know we had the capacity to walk in. When those frequencies resonate to the depth of our soul...that is right where God wants us to live.

1 Corinthians 2:10 (TPT) reveals, "But God now unveils these profound realities to us by the Spirit. Yes, He has revealed to us His inmost heart and deepest mysteries through the Holy Spirit, who constantly explores all things."

That really resonates with me. I hope it resonates with you!
Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/84355 I See You When I was a kid I loved watching a TV show for kids called "Romper Room". The host would hold up a magic mirror so she could see the kids watching at home. Mon, 30 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/i-see-you/ o614-1292-69caba3e2c454 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

When I was a kid I loved watching a TV show for kids called "Romper Room". The host would hold up a magic mirror so she could see the kids watching at home. She would call out "I see Johnny, and Betsy, Danny and Matthew, Bobby, Brenda, Donna....". Each time I watched, I waited and hoped that she would call my name. That she would "see" me. But, she never did. It didn't stop me from hoping, waiting, listening.

We all long to be seen. Oh, we may do our best to blend into the crowd or slide into the back pew at church. But there is something in each of us that wants to be acknowledged...to be known. Luke 19 tells a story about a man named Zacchaeus. He was, shall we say, vertically challenged, and a chief tax collector at that. So no one was going to help him get to the front of the line to see Jesus. Zacchaeus ran ahead, climbed a tree, and waited. Not only did he see Jesus...but Jesus looked up and saw HIM...and called Zacchaeus by name!

There is so much I love about this story. Like the fact that Jesus didn't care what Zacchaeus did, nor did he care what others thought about Zacchaeus. Jesus said salvation was coming to his house that day! Can you imagine how Zacchaeus must have felt?! One of my favorite things about this story though...is that on THAT day, Jesus SAW him! And Zacchaeus' life was changed forever!

Today you don't have to climb a tree...or wait for someone to notice you in a crowd. God sees you! He knows the challenges you are facing and the insecurities you feel. He is calling you by name. And if you will respond to His call, your life will never be the same!
Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/84354 The Gentle Cycle 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! Fri, 27 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/the-gentle-cycle/ o614-1292-651ad010813fe Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

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.

Maybe it would be helpful to have a shirt that reads, 'Use the gentle cycle today, please'. 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.  

Ephesians 4:32 (ESV) tells us, "Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you." 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'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!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/69995 Impression or Impact 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. Thu, 26 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/impression-or-impact/ o614-1292-651acfddec707 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

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.

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.

God doesn't just want us to poke at what He has for us. It'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, "Taste and see that the Lord is good; blessed is the one who takes refuge in Him."

I also love how The Passion Translation shares this word. Psalm 34:8-10. This is real life-changing impact. "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’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."

Don't settle for an impression when we can have the true impact of God in our lives!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/69994 Decisions, Decisions 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. Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/decisions-decisions/ o614-1292-651acfa8a2354 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

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. When it got to the end of the movie if I didn'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.

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's. Unlike us, God knows the end from the beginning. He'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.

It's not always easy. And truthfully, it doesn't all feel good when we'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, "I'm with you. There's no need to fear for I'm your God. I'll give you strength. I'll help you. I'll hold you steady, keep a firm grip on you."

Regardless of the decision you are walking out today. No matter if you chose your path or someone else'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.

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/69993 What's Your Order 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. Tue, 24 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/whats-your-order/ o614-1292-651acea93ca59 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

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. The adventurous me would love to sample different foods. But the foodie in me wants to KNOW that I'm going to enjoy and savor every bite. Just how much of a risk taker are you?

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.

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's Word and helps us find a new friend who adds more joy to our life.

Being open to the new is something I'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, "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."

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's been prompting you about that you've been afraid to try. Just ask Him. He'll make a way.

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/69992 Seeing Value 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'. Mon, 23 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/seeing-value/ o614-1292-651acd5ddbc68 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

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'. Either way, she noticed a piece of artwork which didn'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.

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!

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't see the worth in others...because we don't even know our own value. God paid the highest price for each of us. His own Son, Jesus, died for us.  1 John 2:2 (NLT) tells us ... "He himself is the sacrifice that atones for our sins—and not only our sins but the sins of all the world."

You and I are so loved by God that He paid the greatest price of all for us. Let's walk in that today. Not like a four dollar frame but the priceless masterpiece He made us to be.

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/69991 Who's Writing Your Story? I love to read and I have a favorite author. Actually, I have several favorite authors. And every time one of them publishes a new book I am putting my order in as soon as it’s available! Fri, 20 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/whos-writing-your-story1/ o614-1292-6446924928ee0 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise


I love to read and I have a favorite author. Actually, I have several favorite authors. And every time one of them publishes a new book I am putting my order in as soon as it’s available! I will literally block out a day to read it cover to cover when it arrives. If you like to read you know the kind of book that holds your attention so well that you can’t put it down. I love that! I think it’s because I love stories.

I love meeting someone and hearing their story. Sometimes I am so overwhelmed by the dramatic highs and lows of the story that I find myself forever changed by it. And sometimes I find myself connected to the storyteller by something our stories have in common. A shared joy…a familiar pain…a similar loss.

Your life…and my life…are stories. And God is writing our stories WITH us! Whether we came to know Him as a child…or we just came to know Him last week…regardless of our age…we can look back over our lives and see His fingerprints, His ink, all over our story! After all, God made us in His image. Our pages are filled with hope, anticipation and love! We may not always feel that way…but maybe its because we haven’t read to the finish yet.

Are you like me – trying to pick up the pen and write a few pages on my own? Oh I find myself in serious trouble when I do that! How much better we are to rest in God and trust that every chapter He writes of our lives will be filled with scenes that only He could bring to life. And the most beautiful part is that He is in every single page! Jeremiah 29:11 confirms it. ‘For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord. Plans to prosper you and not to harm you. Plans to give you hope and a future.’

Some days our stories read like a barnburner. Some days are like a cliffhanger! But every day, between the lines, on every page, our story is a love story, carefully crafted, written in red, by the Author who is Love. You and I….are God’s love story…and, He says it’s a best seller!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/66587 Worship Like Breathing If I were to ask "when is your worship service?" you would probably answer Sunday morning… at a particular time. Thu, 19 Mar 2026 11:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/worship-like-breathing/ o614-1292-6328b01fb2a99 Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

If I were to ask “when is your worship service?” you would probably answer Sunday morning…at a particular time. Maybe you attend a Saturday evening worship service. Either way, there would likely be a specific block of time that is designated as the time we intentionally go to worship.

What if we could go to worship every day instead of one day a week? Truly we can! The deepest part of God’s heart calls to the deepest part of ours to live there! Worship is defined as an act of devotion. But worship can be and should be so much more than an act. It is a discipline and it is beautiful when we worship Him daily! When we create space for God in every area of our life it becomes intrinsic to our being, like breathing. In fact, Hebrew scholars, when looking at the sacred name of God (YHWH) have expressed that when we breathe, we breathe the very name of God.

1 Chronicles 16:23 (ESV) beckons us to live a life of worship to the King. “Sing to the LORD, all the earth! Tell of His salvation from day to day.” Not just one day a week…but EVERY day of the week. Let Jesus show up in every area of our day. Not just our worship space. But our work space, our workout space, our living space…our family space.

May the Lord find our worship in this moment and throughout today holy and acceptable to Him.

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/62988 Hidden Treasures Every Easter Sunday when I was growing up, my brothers and I could count on three things: a new outfit to wear to church, an Easter basket full of goodies, and an...easter egg hunt. Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/hidden-treasures/ o614-1292-6422eb9542bfe Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

Every Easter Sunday when I was growing up, my brothers and I could count on three things: a new outfit  to wear to church, an Easter basket full of goodies and an...easter egg hunt. So when my husband, Ken, and I started our family we decided to carry on those traditions. What I soon discovered was that I had as much fun, if not more, watching my little ones run around looking for hidden easter eggs as they did in finding them! I watched them getting closer and closer to a hidden treasure and if they missed it I did everything I could to get them to come back and 'look a little bit closer'!

Some eggs would have little tokens inside. Some had candy that rattled around when they picked them up. And some eggs...had money tucked inside them. Just watching my kids' eyes light up when they discovered what was inside brought such joy to my heart. I didn't hide the eggs to keep them from finding them. I hid them so that together we could discover new things.

One day I realized the concept of hidden treasures didn't begin with us! It began with God! Listen to what Isaiah 45:3 says. "I will give you hidden treasures, riches stored in secret places, so that you may know that I am the Lord, the God of Israel, who summons you by name."  What??!! The God of the universe has hidden treasures for us to find...riches that He has stored in secret places...so that WE can know that HE is The LORD...and even sweeter...that He has called us...by name. Can't you just imagine God the Father watching over us...calling us lovingly...nudging us in the direction of something He's hidden for us to discover?! Imagine His delight when we find them & enjoy His gifts. Another sweet opportunity to discover something together!

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/66029 Hidden Heartbeat My friend has a twin sister...an identical twin sister. I have an idea they have had fun with that all their lives. Tue, 17 Mar 2026 09:00:00 +0000 https://www.wearethebridge.org/blogs/devotions-with-denise/post/hidden-heartbeat/ o614-1292-6422eb559413c Denise Harper Devotions with Denise

My friend has a twin sister...an identical twin sister. I have an idea they have had fun with that all their lives. The first time I saw them together I couldn't figure out who was who. Until I got to know their personalities...each beautiful in her own way. I have spent enough time with them that I can actually see their personality shine through on their faces.

Here's what I found even more intriguing about these two beautiful girls. When they were born...no one...not even the doctor suspected there were TWO. Every time the doctor listened to the baby's heartbeat...they only heard ONE. It wasn't until the mom was giving birth to the first that the doctor realized there was a second! Their heartbeats were so in sync with each other...they only ever heard one!

Oh that my heart would be so in sync with the heart of Jesus that I would only be able to recognize one rhythm. Ezekiel 36:26 (MSG) tells us, "I'll give you a new heart, put a new spirit in you. I'll remove the stone heart from your body and replace it with a heart that's God-willed, not self-willed." There is no doubt that God has made each of us unique but oh how much more beautiful we become when our hearts begin to beat like His for each other.

Read more devotions written by Denise Harper at Treasured Inside
https://deniseharper.blog

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 1

    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.

    Denise Harper’s book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 1," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

  • Treasured Inside Devotion, Vol. 2

    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.

    Denise Harper’s NEW book, "Treasured Inside - Devotions With Denise - Volume 2," is available from The Bridge Store and at Amazon, Apple, Target, and more...

 

]]> https://www.wearethebridge.org/_app_pages/stations/4335/blogs/posts/66028