Devotions with Denise
Who Touched Me?
"Who touched me?" Jesus asked while surrounded by a large crowd. Jesus' disciple Peter told him what clearly Jesus already knew. The whole crowd was pressing in toward Jesus as they walked. Yet Jesus asked the question for a different reason.
Not An Option
There are seasons in our life that we experience deep pain. It might be from loss or injury. Whether it was accidental, self-inflicted or intentional the pain cuts us deeply and can leave us staggering to hold up under the weight of it.
Results May Vary
Results may vary. It's the final sentence on advertisements we see on television and in magazines. Whether its fitness equipment, weight loss systems or skin care regimens, the manufacturer can put everything into it except for one thing: consistent usage.
Tasty Or Toxic
If there was a fountain near you that produced the most crystal clear, fresh water and you were able to stop and fill up your water bottle every day with refreshing water from this fountain you would probably stop by often, wouldn't you?
Finishing Our Sentences
You are loved. You were formed in the image and likeness of your Creator. Long before your parents laid eyes on you for the very first time...in fact, long before your heartbeat was heard or your mama felt you move for the first time in her belly...
The Giant Pickle Jar
I watched a man take a giant pickle jar and pour a bunch of sand into it. Then he added a tray of pebbles that filled the jar almost to the top. So when the man tried to add in the big rocks there was no room...
The Best Leaders
The best leaders I've ever worked with - were followers first. They learned to follow well and understood the importance of being a good follower. We can't be leaders until we are followers. Perhaps the better way to say it is...
Honor & Faithful Service
I received a call one day to audition for a Christian music group called Sound of Joy. The group was based in Pensacola, Florida and had gotten my name from a group I had traveled with previously. I politely declined.
Some Root Work
My husband, Ken, and I were sitting out on our back deck one afternoon enjoying a beautiful day when I pointed out how strange it was to see a variety of leaves on the giant pine trees that run along the back of our yard's property line. There were plenty of pine tree limbs...
Squeezing & Crushing
What do orange juice, coffee, peanut butter and lemonade all have in common? You can't get them without a lot of work first! There is a lot of energy that goes into the process before we are able to enjoy the finished product. The picking, inspecting, sorting, squeezing, crushing, mixing, tasting...
The Blessing Of The One Who Holds The Key
There is a lyric in the song by artist Seph Schlueter called "Counting My Blessings" that says, "the more that I look in the details, the more of Your goodness I find.
A Modern Day Parable
Have you heard the modern-day parable about the man who prayed to be rescued from the rising flood waters in his town? He earnestly asked God to save him. Soon after, a neighbor showed up in a canoe...
Stick And Shine
Not long ago I watched a sweet little girl dance around holding a sticker that someone had given her. I'm not sure if her joyful jig came from the fact that it was a doggy sticker or just that someone had given it to her.
Falling Asleep On God
Have you ever fallen asleep on God? It's a complete accident. We set out with the best intentions to designate a certain amount of time to reading His Word and spending time in prayer. And before we know it...
Because You Trust
Misplaced trust. When it happens to us we are offended. When we are the offender, it is very likely that we will need to make extra efforts to show that we can be trusted. Learning to trust...
What Is That Accent?
One of my favorite Christian music artists from the 90's was a group called FFH. Lead singer Jeromy Deibler is now helping people as a Life Coach and writes...
When The Wind Blows
When the wind blows, we cannot see the wind; however, we can see its effects. We hear the wind 'whistle' through the trees or 'howl' around buildings and bridges.
Look Out Or Look Up
If you watch the news, read the headlines, listen to conversations in the supermarket and the gas pumps, you will see and hear that our world is in pretty rough shape.
Do What Is Right
I've been hanging around the book of Deuteronomy lately and this verse rose to the top in my reading today. It is Deuteronomy 6:18-19 (CSB), "Do what is right and good...
ReHEARsal
Have you ever participated in a play? Or maybe you play an instrument and you have a concert coming up? Lawyers present arguments in court. Those who sell practice their 'pitch'.
Who's At Your Well
I've been thinking about the Samaritan woman at the well that Jesus intentionally sought out. Almost everyone went early in the morning to draw water from the well...
Rubik's Cube
Remember when the Rubik's cube was the thing everyone wanted to play with? It didn't take me long to figure out that, for me, it was more a source of frustration than a challenge to be conquered.
Show Up
I was listening to an interview with a professional football player after a game recently. His team was not favored to win going in to the game but that did not stop the guys from bringing their "A" game...
What Fragrance Are You Wearing
If you're a parent you know the effort it takes to get everyone into church on Sunday morning....dressed, fed, hair and teeth brushed...and all...on time. On good days...
Tension Troubles
Have you ever walked into a room, and the tension was so thick you just wanted to exit as quickly as possible? The phrase 'so thick you could cut it with a knife' comes to mind.
A Life Of Impact
Recently I attended the funeral of a lady I've known since I was a child. She was such a beautiful lady and when I remember her I think of her grace.
A Blessing Not A Burden
At the age of 19, I found myself interning at a very well known television ministry in Charlotte, NC. It was such an amazing opportunity and certainly the way I got there had God's fingerprints all over it.
