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Devotions Archive
When God Says “No” to Plan B
Faith, Trust, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione Faith, Trust, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione

When God Says “No” to Plan B

Have you ever reached for your backup plan before seeking God's direction? I certainly have. It's a struggle as old as faith itself, and we see it vividly illustrated in the lives of the patriarchs.

When famine struck Canaan, Abraham, the father of faith, immediately packed for Egypt. No prayer. No seeking God's counsel. Just a practical solution to a pressing problem: "And there was a famine in the land: and Abram went down into Egypt to sojourn there; for the famine was grievous in the land" (Genesis 12:10).

Egypt, with its Nile-watered fields and abundant storehouses, represented a visible solution. But Abraham's self-directed detour led to compromise. Fearing for his life, he instructed Sarah: "Say, I pray thee, thou art my sister: that it may be well with me for thy sake; and my soul shall live because of thee" (Genesis 12:13).

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Abiding in Christ
Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare, the fruit of the Spirit, surrender Dana Rongione Encouragement, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare, the fruit of the Spirit, surrender Dana Rongione

Abiding in Christ

I've always been fascinated by Jesus' words in John 15:5: "I am the vine, ye are the branches: He that abideth in me, and I in him, the same bringeth forth much fruit: for without me ye can do nothing."

What does it truly mean to abide in Christ? It's far more than religious activity or spiritual box-ticking. Abiding is about maintaining a constant connection with Jesus, like a branch naturally draws life from the vine.

Think about it: branches don't strain to produce fruit. They simply stay connected to their life source. The branch doesn't wake up each morning with a to-do list: "Must make three grapes by noon!" No, fruit emerges organically when the branch remains attached to the vine.

Similarly, our spiritual fruit—love, joy, peace, patience, etc.—isn't manufactured through human effort.

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Why We Want God’s Help But Not His Rule
Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione

Why We Want God’s Help But Not His Rule

My new book, Hope Reset, is a Christian historical fiction/fantasy novel that follows the legendary advisor Merlin as he embarks on an extraordinary journey through time alongside Jesus. In this story, Jesus guides Merlin through the life of David—the shepherd-warrior who became Israel's greatest king—to prepare him with the wisdom he'll need when he returns to Camelot to help Arthur become the king he's destined to be.

In one particularly powerful scene, Merlin witnesses young David serving under King Saul, who was, frankly, a wreck. Saul was plagued by deep paranoia and violent, unpredictable rages. David, renowned for his skill with the harp, would often play music that brought peace to the king's troubled mind. David had also saved Israel by defeating the giant Goliath.

But even though David was loyal and provided the king with both peace and protection, Saul's jealousy over David's popularity curdled into a murderous rage.

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Bearing Burdens: Understanding the Galatians Paradox
Relationships, love, Spiritual Growth Dana Rongione Relationships, love, Spiritual Growth Dana Rongione

Bearing Burdens: Understanding the Galatians Paradox

Have you ever come across two verses in the Bible that seem to contradict each other and thought, "Wait a minute! What's going on here?" I certainly have! One such apparent contradiction appears in Galatians, where Paul seemingly gives us opposing instructions about burdens.

In Galatians 6:2, Paul tells us, "Bear ye one another's burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ."

But just three verses later in Galatians 6:5, he states, "For every man shall bear his own burden."

So which is it, Paul? Are we supposed to help others with their burdens or let everyone carry their own? Is this a biblical blooper, or is there something deeper at play?

The answer lies in the original Greek text. When Paul wrote these passages, he used two different words for "burden," each with its own distinct meaning.

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Fireworks Fright!
Dog Devotions, Spiritual Growth, Trials Dana Rongione Dog Devotions, Spiritual Growth, Trials Dana Rongione

Fireworks Fright!

Last night, our neighbors decided to set off fireworks. It wasn't a holiday or celebration. They simply wanted to enjoy the colorful display. While their desire for entertainment was understandable, poor Tess was absolutely terrified. When I say terrified, I mean she vibrates so intensely that I genuinely fear she might shake apart into a million tiny pieces.

We were in the middle of dinner, with Tess strategically positioned nearby to catch any falling crumbs or tasty morsels. At the first loud bang, I gasped in surprise, and before I could blink, she bolted through the doggie door. By the time Jason and I slipped on our shoes and rushed outside, she had completely vanished. The only evidence of her desperate escape was a small, freshly dug hole beneath the front corner of the fence in the side yard, the spot farthest from the fireworks.

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