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Devotions Archive
Man Plans; God Directs
Life's Journey, Trust, God's goodness, God's guidance Dana Rongione Life's Journey, Trust, God's goodness, God's guidance Dana Rongione

Man Plans; God Directs

Eager to hit the hiking trails last week, Jason and I checked the forecast for the best day. Friday showed sun, while Saturday predicted snow, so Friday it was!

After breakfast on Friday morning, we were greeted by rain showers mixed with fat snowflakes instead of sunshine. "No problem," we shrugged. “It’s Wales! Wet weather is just part of the charm. Besides, as usual, the rain will likely come and go in short bursts.” You can probably guess where this is headed.

Despite the continuing wintry mix, we stuck with Plan A, trudging up muddy slopes in worsening snow and sleet for hours. Slipping in sodden boots with freezing fingers, I muttered, “Maybe we should've waited till tomorrow." By the time we stumbled back to the car, I was as drenched and weary.

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More Than Meets the Eye
waiting, Life's Journey, When Life Doesn't Make Sense, Patience Dana Rongione waiting, Life's Journey, When Life Doesn't Make Sense, Patience Dana Rongione

More Than Meets the Eye

I had to chuckle yesterday at the amusing scene I encountered during my morning walk. As I passed by a nearby farm, I noticed a farmer walking along the perimeter of his sheep pasture, stopping at intervals to inspect the wooden fence posts. In his gloved hands, he carried a bucket filled with tools and supplies for repairing any loose posts or gaps in the wire fencing.

But the funny part was the flock of sheep persistently trailing him! As he made his way slowly around the pasture, those woolly creatures walked right along behind him, from post to post. I couldn’t help but laugh as the farmer tried shooing the sheep away several times, only to have them return moments later to resume their woolly procession.

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Starting Your Day in Tune With God
Life's Journey, Positive Life, Optimize Your Day, Prayer, Praise, The Word of God Dana Rongione Life's Journey, Positive Life, Optimize Your Day, Prayer, Praise, The Word of God Dana Rongione

Starting Your Day in Tune With God

Rise and shine, my friends! A brand new day awaits, brimming with promise and potential. Now, before we hurry off to tackle that to-do list, let's pause to tune our instrument, shall we? After all, as Hudson Taylor said, “Do not have your concert first, and then tune your instrument afterwards. Begin the day with the Word of God and prayer, and get first of all into harmony with Him.”

Have you ever arrived at a concert early and been privy to the pre-concert tune-up? Honestly, it makes my eyes twitch and my head ache. Each musician is busily tuning his/her instrument, seemingly oblivious to all the other “noise” around them. There are squeaks and scrapes. In short, it’s a hideous sound. But as Taylor’s quotes remind us, it’s a necessary one.

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Stirring Up the Soul
Spiritual Growth, God's goodness, Life's Journey Dana Rongione Spiritual Growth, God's goodness, Life's Journey Dana Rongione

Stirring Up the Soul

There's nothing quite like the smell of a big pot of soup or chilli simmering on the stove during these chilly winter months. The savoury aroma fills the kitchen, bringing comfort and warmth on cold days. I don't know about you, but something about stirring a steaming pot of soup feels soothing to the soul.

As I stand over the pot, swirling the wooden spoon around and around, I'm reminded of what Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 1:6-7:

“6 Wherefore I put thee in remembrance that thou stir up the gift of God, which is in thee by the putting on of my hands. 7 For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind.”

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True Riches in Christ
Bible Study, Life's Journey, Christian walk Dana Rongione Bible Study, Life's Journey, Christian walk Dana Rongione

True Riches in Christ

The letter to the church at Smyrna comes from Jesus, who declares Himself as "the first and the last, which was dead, and is alive." This description highlights Christ's eternal nature and affirms His sovereignty over life and death. Jesus holds the keys to Death and Hell, a comforting truth for the persecuted church at Smyrna.

The name Smyrna means "myrrh," an embalming spice, which seems prophetic as this church underwent immense suffering. Faith in Christ cost these believers their livelihoods and social standing. Poverty and imprisonment plagued them. Even so, Jesus calls them rich, for while poor in earthly goods, they overflowed in spiritual wealth and heavenly hope.

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