Looking for a specific topic or Scripture? Try the search feature:

Looking for a specific devotion? Try the archive:

Devotions Archive
Belted for Battle
Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione

Belted for Battle

Sitting here at my desk, I can't help but be thankful for the snug embrace of my new best friend—my SI belt. Before you start imagining some high-tech gadgetry or a superhero accessory, let me assure you it's far more mundane yet equally miraculous in its own way.

As many of you know, for years, I've battled with back pain that would make a contortionist wince. It's been a constant companion, like that one relative who overstays their welcome at family gatherings. But recently, my osteopath introduced me to this simple yet effective tool: the Sacroiliac (SI) belt.

This unassuming piece of equipment wraps around your hips, providing stability to the sacroiliac joint—that's the spot where your spine meets your pelvis. It's like giving your lower back a supportive hug, encouraging proper alignment and reducing strain. The first time I put it on, I half expected to hear angels singing. While that didn't happen, the relief I felt was nothing short of heavenly.

Read More
Losing Our Edge
Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare, Complacency Dana Rongione Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare, Complacency Dana Rongione

Losing Our Edge

Did you know a dull knife can be more dangerous than a sharp one? It's true! Without that razor edge, you apply more pressure and risk slipping as the blade catches. Who knew?

Similarly, spiritually dull Christians pose hazards, too, often without realizing it. Now, I'm not suggesting we go around stabbing people with convictions, but lukewarm faith does subtle damage.

When passion cools and vision blurs, we drift along numbly. Rather than piercing darkness, our words and witness lose edge. We fear ruffling feathers with truth. But Proverbs 27:6 says, "Faithful are the wounds of a friend,” meaning caring rebuke holds more value than mute passivity.

Read More
Lukewarm Faith
Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare, Apathy Dana Rongione Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Warfare, Apathy Dana Rongione

Lukewarm Faith

As you can see, Jesus had nothing good to say about the church of the Laodiceans. Even the way he addressed the letter showed his disapproval. With every other church, their letters were addressed to the "church of [insert city]" or "the church in [insert city]." This time, the letter was addressed to the church of the Laodiceans. In other words, the church of the people. The Lord recognized how the people there viewed the church as "theirs" rather than "God's". No wonder this church made Him sick!

That being said, can you imagine Jesus saying He wants to spit you out of His mouth? That's some tough love right there! But the Laodicean church was just going through the motions. They showed up on Sundays but had no passion or zeal for God. Their faith was like a cup of tea that's been sitting out too long—not hot enough to be soothing and not cold enough to be refreshing. In a word, yuck!

Read More
Complacency Kills
Apathy, Complacency, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione Apathy, Complacency, Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione

Complacency Kills

The letter to the church in Sardis starts with Jesus introducing Himself as the one with the seven Spirits of God and the seven stars. This shows He's got it all—complete fullness of the Spirit and authority over the church. But unfortunately, the believers in Sardis didn't reflect those same characteristics. Despite having an excellent reputation among other churches, they were just faking it on the outside. In reality, Jesus called them out for being spiritually dead, much like he did with the religious leaders of Israel when he commented, “Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! for ye are like unto whited sepulchres, which indeed appear beautiful outward, but are within full of dead men's bones, and of all uncleanness.” (Matthew 23:27)

Read More
Holding Fast
Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione Spiritual Warfare Dana Rongione

Holding Fast

Jesus introduces His message to Thyatira with imagery of blazing eyes and burnished bronze feet, representing divine judgment. Despite this sobering opening, He commends them for their outstanding spiritual growth and abundant works of love, faith, and perseverance.

However, a severe problem threatened their progress. Jesus rebukes Thyatira for tolerating false teachings from a woman, “Jezebel”, who encouraged immorality and idolatry. Though she called herself a prophetess, her doctrines came straight from Satan. Tragically, her deception had corrupted some believers.

This grave spiritual and moral compromise stirred Jesus to warn of impending judgment striking Thyatira unless they repented. Those misled by this false prophetess had been given time to turn from her wickedness, confirming God's patience toward sinners. But they refused, and judgment inevitably follows unrepentant sin.

Read More