by Don Freeman | Feb 1, 2024 | Devotional
Jesus has now returned to his Father. The disciples are experiencing power outbreaks of the Kingdom. In particular, where we pick up this story, they’ve just brought healing to a man who’s been paralyzed since his birth over 40 years ago. As you read this Bible story,...
by Don Freeman | Jan 30, 2024 | Devotional
‘Bold,’ ‘Daring,’ ‘Fearless,’ ‘Courageous,’ ‘Willing to risk,’ ‘Not restrained by shame.’ These are dictionary definitions for the word, ‘audacious.’ I think of pioneers settling in new lands, builders working with untried materials, scientists discovering new medical...
by Don Freeman | Jan 27, 2024 | Devotional
These were the classes that made the school day worthwhile: Math, English, and French. It’s because of the ‘lightbulb.’ You know that moment when the new math concept fell into place and the all-important light came on? Or, when the verb conjugating finally made sense...
by Don Freeman | Jan 25, 2024 | Devotional
I’ve recently had an ‘aha’ moment. It’s a silly one, but just something I’ve never thought about before. Book publishers have creative artists on staff who design dustjackets so that the books they publish will have greater instant appeal to their target audience. I...
by Don Freeman | Jan 23, 2024 | Devotional
We’re probably all familiar with the story of the Emperor who had an ego/wardrobe problem. His subjects were mostly pre-convinced of the beauty of his new, exotic raiment and therefore unwilling to admit to the scandalous truth of his bared ‘royalty.’ The oohs and...
by Don Freeman | Jan 20, 2024 | Devotional
My stopping to self-reflect for a minute or two reveals a flawed, inner character. Of course, it may have pleasant overtones, some social tact, a couple of helpful tendencies, and a quick, toothy smile, but deep down there are ‘issues’ lurking, often undetected. Come...
by Don Freeman | Jan 18, 2024 | Devotional
On the wall in my office is a simple watercolor of a single artist’s paint brush, laid horizontally. Printed discreetly beneath the brush is this quiet, artist’s prayer: “Paint in my life a portrait of Jesus.” I treasure this art print, a gift from a Vineyard...
by Don Freeman | Jan 16, 2024 | Devotional
American cartoonist H.T. Webster, for his comic strip, The Timid Soul (circa 1924), created his character, Casper Milquetoast, who was described as the man ‘who speaks softly and gets hit with a big stick.’ Today, the term, ‘milquetoast’ refers to any timid soul...
by Don Freeman | Jan 13, 2024 | Devotional
A recently heard, touching story is worth retelling here. While on vacation in Australia, a man retired from the US Coast Guard was visiting a winery for a tasting of fortified wines called Port, for which this winery was renowned. As the group of tourists was getting...
by Don Freeman | Jan 11, 2024 | Devotional
It’s the nightmare of every host and hostess. A request for more food or more to drink – but there isn’t any more! (that’s why we usually over-compensate by an over-abundance, just to be sure it doesn’t happen on our watch!) If it’s the fourth day of Jewish wedding...
