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Devotions Archive
Reaping a Harvest of Joy
Positive Life, Thoughts Dana Rongione Positive Life, Thoughts Dana Rongione

Reaping a Harvest of Joy

Today, I want to talk about something that's been on my mind lately: the power of our thoughts. When I start my day off with negative thoughts and complaints, it sets the tone for the rest of the day. I find myself getting easily frustrated, angry, and bitter. On the other hand, when I start my day with positive thoughts and gratitude, it's amazing how much better my day goes. (This is one of the main reasons I created the Optimize Your Day program!)

Galatians 6:7 says, "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap." In other words, what we put out into the world, we will eventually receive back.

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Reframing Our Focus
Gratitude, Wayward Emotions, Christian walk, Thoughts, Positive Life Dana Rongione Gratitude, Wayward Emotions, Christian walk, Thoughts, Positive Life Dana Rongione

Reframing Our Focus

I remember the time I found the perfect frame for my favourite nature photo. After trying many options, none quite worked. Some drew attention away from the picture with their ornate carvings or flashy colours. Others clashed with the cool tones of the image. I was about to give up my search when I stumbled upon a simple maple frame. Its neutral tone balanced the blues and greens of the photo scene beautifully. That frame drew out the picture's splendour.

Just as a frame can complement an image, our perspective can impact our lives. As Proverbs 23:7 declares, "For as he thinketh in his heart, so is he." The right outlook enhances our circumstances like a flattering frame compliments artwork.

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What Were You Thinking?
Wayward Emotions, Thoughts, Spiritual Warfare, contentment, Discontentment Dana Rongione Wayward Emotions, Thoughts, Spiritual Warfare, contentment, Discontentment Dana Rongione

What Were You Thinking?

During my devotion time this morning, I had an “aha” moment while reading another familiar passage. I’ve been making it a practice to stop and think about every word in each verse instead of just getting the gist of the verse. This has opened my eyes to many things, and this morning was no different.

Do all things without murmurings and disputings: - Philippians 2:14

In the past, when I read this verse, I summed it up like this: do everything without complaining—a command which is far more difficult to obey than it appears at first glance. However, as I broke the verse down into individual words this morning, I had to ask, What’s the difference between murmuring and disputing?

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Camping Out With the Giant
Deadly Darts of the Devil, Spiritual Warfare, Thoughts, Positive Life Dana Rongione Deadly Darts of the Devil, Spiritual Warfare, Thoughts, Positive Life Dana Rongione

Camping Out With the Giant

Picture the scene, if you will. Two great armies. Israel on one hill; the Philistines on the other. In the valley between stands a giant. Mean. Tough. And, ugly, I would assume, but the Bible doesn’t say one way or another. What the Scriptures do make evident, however, is that Goliath was a bully. He was bigger than everyone else, and he knew it. So, acting on behalf of his nation, he sets forth a challenge: Israel could send out their best champion to fight Goliath. If Israel’s champion won, they would be the victors and vice versa. Challenge extended.

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