Planted By Waters

Planted By Waters

by Marie Bruner

Did God Really Say?

In this devotional on Genesis 3, I reflect on how fear can make us question God’s Word and character. From the glory of Eden to the brokenness of the fall, Scripture tells a story that ends in restoration. When today’s circumstances, failures, or rejections feel overwhelming, Revelation 21 and 22 remind us that this is not all there is. God is making all things new, and there is hope ahead.

Production Notes

What if the scene you’re living right now isn’t the whole story? In this devotional from Romans 8, Marie reflects on what it means to live in the middle of God’s story when we can’t see the whole production. Through the lens of her years as a theatre director, she explores suffering, hope, God’s sovereignty, kingdom living, and the assurance that the ending is already secure. We may not understand every scene, but we know the Director. We have His Word, His Spirit, His promises, and we have read the last page.

One God. One Purpose.

This devotional reflects on the Trinity, the joy of learning more deeply through Scripture, and the calling to follow Jesus together. It considers how sound teaching and intentional, lifelong discipleship belong together, and how encouraging one another can be part of God’s purpose for us in every season of life.

Much More

What does Paul mean when he says grace abounds “much more” than sin? In this devotional on Romans 5:12–21, we trace the story from Adam’s disobedience to Christ’s gift of righteousness and life. Discover how the truth of God’s greater grace can reshape the way we see sin, our circumstances, and the hope of living in Christ.

Majesty and Praise!

Praise and Majesty! reflects on Psalm 8’s wonder: though our lives are brief, God is mindful of us and gives us a place in His creation. The psalm also echoes through Jesus’ response to the children praising Him in the temple, revealing God’s majesty and the truth of who Jesus is.

One Glorious Day

Psalm 148 invites all creation to praise God, from the heavenly hosts to every generation of people. Reflecting on Israel’s place in God’s story, our welcome through Christ, and Handel’s “Hallelujah” Chorus, this devotional considers how our praise and encouragement of one another prepare us for the song we’ll share one glorious day.

Knitted With Intentionality

This devotional reflects on Psalm 139 and the God who knows us completely, stays with us everywhere, and lovingly formed us. Through personal memories from a Teen Missions trip and the long journey toward accepting her personality, the author considers how God redeems the experiences that shape how we see ourselves. David’s closing prayer, “Search me, God,” becomes an invitation to let God reveal what needs shaping and lead us in His way. That same attentive care inspires the author to listen to and care for others more intentionally.

Praise to the Lord!

In Psalm 33, we are reminded that praise is the beautiful response of hearts that know their Creator. From the God who spoke creation into being to the God who formed our hearts and keeps His eye on us, everything about Him gives us reason to rejoice. This devotional reflects on His character, His faithfulness, and the invitation to “ponder anew what the Almighty can do.”

Covenant + Commitment = Convinced

In the final devotional of our Romans 8 series, we reflect on Paul’s declaration, “I am convinced.” Through the picture of covenant and commitment, we’re reminded that our security does not rest on our ability to hold onto God, but on His faithfulness to hold onto us. Romans 8 brings us full circle, from no condemnation to no separation, inviting us to live with confidence in the God who holds our future. **This one's a little long..."Sorry, not sorry!"

Safe & Secure

What does it mean to be truly safe and secure? In Romans 8:31–34, Paul reminds us that our security is not found in circumstances or people, but in the character of God. He is for us, He has justified us, and Christ Himself is interceding for us. When life feels uncertain, we can rest in the One who holds us securely.
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