The Connection Corner

Covered in Prayer

Psalm 55:16–18(a) – But I call to God, and the Lord will save me. Evening and morning and at noon I utter my complaint and moan, and He hears my voice. He redeems my soul in safety from the battle that I wage.

As dawn breaks, I lace up my running shoes and hit the pavement. My path inevitably leads me past a used car lot. The fenced-off area, still dormant at this early hour, showcases a variety of automobiles waiting for their new owners.

But it is not the sedans or SUVs that catch my eye first; it is the formidable security system—a state-of-the-art Rottweiler, a hundred-pound powerhouse of a pooch.

As I approach, like clockwork, the massive dog charges toward me, teeth bared, growling as if I were a threat to his territory. Yet, I am no thief, just someone innocently passing on the sidewalk. As it dashes toward the fence, the dog’s ferocity never fails to send a jolt of fear rushing through me.

I have found that the fence is my friend. Now, as I jog past, I meet the dog’s ferocious gaze with a knowing grin.

“You can’t hurt me,” I scoff

If only I could carry this same assurance when facing the assaults of the enemy. Just like that chain link fence stands between me and the vicious dog, God offers His protection against the prowling dangers of Satan.

When I pray God’s truth, I find Him powerfully shielding me. It is always present. When I embrace it, I reinforce my trust in the safety of that protection, and I can continue running my race with confidence.

Maybe you’ve got something nipping at your heels right now—anxiety, doubt, fear that shows up when you least expect it. What would it look like to face it head-on today, not in your strength, but grounded in prayer?

If you are weary from running scared, let prayer remind you of the truth: you are not unprotected. You are not alone. That fence is stronger than it looks.

— Tammi Arender

June 7, 2025/by Tammi Arender

Bathe it in Prayer

Daily Devotional, Lauren Kitchens-Steward

Colossians 4:2 – “Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.”

The moonlight shimmered on the lake, and the silence around Inspiration Point felt sacred. The summer had been busy, filled with the laughter of campers and the rhythm of camp activities. Yet, tonight was different. Sitting on the wooden bench, I stared at the stars, wrestling with a quiet stirring in my heart.

For weeks, something had been pulling me to this moment. After a long prayer, the realization came like a soft whisper: it was time to transfer schools.

Now let me tell you, I did not jump up and shout hallelujah. I sat there stunned. That school held everything familiar—my friends, my rhythm, my memories. But I knew in my bones that God was speaking to me.

Little did I know, the decision had been bathed in prayer for two years by my mother who quietly interceded for me. God had orchestrated this moment perfectly, weaving together years of prayer and a night of surrender under the stars.

Now, that clarity did not make the road easy. Saying goodbye stung, but it was the voice of the Lord. He meant business and I was resolute. I knew I had not been living for the Lord, and this was from His sweet throne of grace. That peace never left me.

Looking back, the change led to growth beyond anything I could have ever imagined. I went from being the party girl to praise and worship leader and missionary.

So here is what I have learned, and I mean this from the bottom of my heart: when it is time to leap, leap big. But first, bathe your decision in prayer. Soak it, steep it, let it sit with God long enough that your heart knows what your head might not.

The peace that follows? That is your green light, and when it comes, do not just tiptoe forward. Run. Trust the One who goes before you.

June 6, 2025/by Lauren Kitchens-Steward

Loved by a Good Father

Bri Dunn, Daily Devotional

James 1:17 – “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.”

Looking back, I never understood the idea of ‘missing out’ on having a son to throw a ball with. My dad was different. He was excited to have a daughter to teach. He is the reason I fell in love with sports!

My dad, a 6’4 gentle giant standing, is one of the kindest and strongest men I know. From blending my baby food for daycare to tucking away extra bows so I’d always look cute, he has invested in me from a very young age.

I have two brothers, yet I have always been the athlete of the family. From a young age, Dad taught me to play catch with a Velcro mitt and introduced me to basketball. The joy in his face when he saw me progressing and beating him at his own game is something I will never forget.

Dad’s love was not just about cheering at a game; it was an entire investment in who I could become. He nurtured my talents, big and small, and believed in me more than I believed in myself.

When I think of what it means to be a godly man, I immediately think of him. He reminded me that my gifts come from Jesus. He taught me sportsmanship in working hard and handling setbacks with a positive attitude.

He never raised his voice and always disciplined us in love. In sports, He always made sure I had the best equipment like bats, knee pads and cleats.

Reflecting on his constant encouragement, I see parallels with God. Like my earthly father, God, the Father of Lights, desires to give good gifts to His children and equip them for success in all aspects of their lives.

So remember that God is a good Father, and He wants to help you, not just on the court, but in everything you face today.

June 5, 2025/by Bri Dunn