Fresh heart for the journey
As newlyweds in college, we had very good friends who were expecting their first baby. As typical of college students in any generation, none of us were gifted with multiple streams of plentiful income. So it was a rather misguided move on my friend’s part to use the money saved up for their baby’s […]
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It should have been a great worship experience this morning. They were singing songs that usually ignite something in my spirit. They were songs elevating Jesus, celebrating his great work in our lives, drawing us into closer relationship with our Heavenly Father. But it wasn’t working. The guy behind me couldn’t carry a tune […]
In II Kings 5 we are introduced to Naaman, a decorated soldier who had brought great victory to his Commander in Chief, the king of Aram. Naaman is valiant, trusted and apparently indispensable … but he has leprosy. He was encouraged by a young Israelite girl who served his wife that he should […]
Do-Overs I’m a windshield guy, not a rear view mirror guy. Looking behind you can be helpful, but that’s not where I’m going. That’s where I’ve been. In the same vein, I don’t do a lot of soul searching over decisions made, clothes bought or miles traveled. That was then and this is now. […]
Some roads are not clearly defined! On a trip I like a clearly defined route. I like my freeways to have several uncluttered lanes. I like frequent road signs with a lot of helpful information … like how far it is to my destination and what amenities are available at the next off ramp. […]
It’s the final two minutes of the fourth quarter and we’re down by two points. We’ve moved the ball down the field with skill and determination. Hope is soaring; the expectation of a ‘come-from-behind win’ is palpable. It’s ‘gasp or go’ time. On fourth and long, a sideline pass to the tight end […]
It was Ralph Waldo Emerson who pondered what we’d do if the stars only came out every thousand years. His response? “No one would sleep that night, of course. The world would become religious overnight. We would be ecstatic, delirious, made rapturous by the glory of God.” But alas, someone has observed, stars come […]
It hasn’t happened often in 21 years of sharing devotionals with you… But we’re negotiating a bit of medical interruptions between Joanie and myself. Lord willing, we’ll have the wheels back on the bike and schedules less demanding and you’ll get your next Fresh Heart For A New Week this coming Monday. Be blessed… Paul
A professor stood before a roomful of the brightest and best. All were high intensity, success-at-any-cost, go full out until you get what you are going after kinds of students. He held up a large glass jar and proceeded to fill it to the top with large rocks. Room for more? “Is this jar […]
I am a pastor, teacher, and encourager. I am a happy husband and leader of a family tribe now numbering 13. I am President of Fresh Heart Ministries and consider called of God to help you grow in your spiritual walk … let you know how special you are to God … and have some fun while doing so.