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HEROES Ordinary People, ExtraOrdinary Lives
New devotional book available
Monday, July 08, 2019
Welcome to BookBub
Sunday, June 16, 2019
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Friday, June 14, 2019
Paul Newell has invited you to join BookBub!
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Friday, January 19, 2018
Tuesday, November 10, 2015
Saturday, February 26, 2011
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Friday, June 05, 2009
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"Pokie" - Willamina Pocahontas Newell - This beautiful little Corgie is the newest member of the Newell family. Very soon, Dr Pepper, will get to pass off his guard dog duties to this vicious pedigree!
Sunday, May 31, 2009
A little R&RWhy is it that we feel guilty when we slow down? Yeah, I know that sometimes we go way too slow - laziness is a vice - but most of the time we go way too fast - and too long - before we take a break.
God meant it when He told His children to "sabbath" and we would do well to both cherish and honor sabbath times. (Sunday church doesn't count as Sabbath for Pastors!)
I've been watching a half dozen pigeons fluttering down from the roof onto the stone in the pool to enjoy the cool water. God seems to be taking pretty good care of His birds, why can't we trust Him to do the same for us and simply rest in His goodness?
There will be plenty of time for work...never enough time to rest. Hebrews chapter four would make a pretty good read right now: "God's promise of entering his place of rest still stands...For this Good News - that God has prepared a place of rest..." (Hebrews 4:1-2)
(Marvin, thanks for the use of your home!)
Monday, March 02, 2009
The Writing Life
(forgive me Annie Dillard)
It's not as easy as writing! I thought writing a manuscript for a book was tough. I've been two years on HEROES and when I finally reached the end of the last chapter my sigh of relief could probably be heard all the way to the beach (60 miles away). BUT THEN the real work started...I don't remember how many hours I spent looking at every adverb, every typo, misspelling and the like. I can't remember how many hours I spent going through "The Frugal Editor" and now "Best Selling Book Proposals". AND NOW I'm being encouraged to simply self-publish the thing (see www.mattselznick.com) (not to be confused with David Selznick)...
I just want someone to read my book and be blessed.
Oh well...
(forgive me Annie Dillard)
It's not as easy as writing! I thought writing a manuscript for a book was tough. I've been two years on HEROES and when I finally reached the end of the last chapter my sigh of relief could probably be heard all the way to the beach (60 miles away). BUT THEN the real work started...I don't remember how many hours I spent looking at every adverb, every typo, misspelling and the like. I can't remember how many hours I spent going through "The Frugal Editor" and now "Best Selling Book Proposals". AND NOW I'm being encouraged to simply self-publish the thing (see www.mattselznick.com) (not to be confused with David Selznick)...
I just want someone to read my book and be blessed.
Oh well...
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Ninety
“Live Like You Were Dying”
Psalm 90:12
“Teach us to make the most of our time, so that we may grow in wisdom.”
Today marks the end of our summer Road Trip through Psalms. We have not reached the end of Psalms, but we’re moving to a different vehicle for a while. We are starting the ONE MONTH TO LIVE CHALLENGE. (Check out our blog for daily updates on OMTL).
As we come to the close of this part of our journey it’s a good time to “number our days” as the Old English Bible phrases today’s verse. We don’t know how long our journey will last, but we do know a couple of things: (1) It will not always be smooth, (2) God is always beside us, (3) the destination is assured.
Thanks for joining be on this road trip – we’ll do it again next Summer! For now – Enjoy the Journey!
Pastor Paul
Friday, August 29, 2008
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Eighty-Nine
“Not the end of the journey…PART 2”
Psalm 89:1
“I will sing of the tender mercies of the Lord forever!”
Yesterday seemed dark, the future foreboding, yet here we are in today. To state the obvious, today is yesterday’s tomorrow. We fear what lies ahead, yet we find ourselves living in our past’s future. “the tender mercies of the Lord” are forever. God promises to tenderly watch over us through our todays and tomorrows.
As we come near the end of this Summer Road Trip the one over arching theme we have seen through the windows of the Psalms is God’s mercy. He cares for us when we don’t deserve it. He is with us when we don’t feel it.
Ours is a God of FOREVER. You will make it to tomorrow and you will make it through today. As tough as today may seem – God’s tender mercies are greater.
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Eighty-Eight
“Not the end of the journey…PART 1”
Psalm 88:18
“…only darkness remains.”
We’ve come a long way on our journey through Psalms. I am sure that over the past months you have experienced some low points. There are times when it appears that the lights are flickering and the path is turning dark. Fear and loss are hard to deal with.
The author of today’s Psalm seems to have nothing good to say about anything…
but take a peek at the first verse of tomorrows Psalm – even in the darkest and most disappointing times – there is assurance and hope that God’s love and mercy is with you.
Keep traveling and hang in there! There is always another Psalm.
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Eighty-Seven
“Life Source”
Psalm 87:7
“The source of my life is in Jerusalem.”
Jerusalem was where the Temple was located. It was the center-piece of Jewish worship. Worship is the life-source of our journey. As we place our focus on Jesus Christ and draw our fuel from Him we find that our journey is “doable”.
Where or what is your life source? Make it Jesus.
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Eighty-Six
“Total Confidence”
Psalm 86:2
“Save me, for I serve and trust you.”
Two thoughts:
First, we need to be saved; I mean, we need saving. We find ourselves in situations beyond our control where only God can help. At those times we must cry out to God, “Save me!” He’s waiting for our call.
Secondly, we need to serve and trust God during the times we need saving. Our responsibility is to serve and we know God has asked us to serve and then trust Him for the outcome.
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Monday, August 25, 2008
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Eighty-Five
“From the Dead!”
Psalm 85:6
“Won’t you revive us again, so your people can rejoice in you?”
Revival is an archaic word. When I was a kid we had “revival meetings” at church. Now that I am older I understand that the purpose of such meetings was to awaken the dead; revive them. There were a lot of dead hearts and discouraged people who needed reviving.
It’s true today as well. There are times when our prayer is simply, “God give me new life and new strength; I feel dead.”
We should be praying for revival.
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Eighty-Four
“Whole Body Experience”
Psalm 84:2
“With my whole being, body and soul, I will shout joyfully to the living God.”
My goal on this journey is a total, whole body experience. I want to know that I have given to God all that I am, every ounce of my strength and every thought and emotion of my soul. I don’t believe I’ve made it to that point yet – but I’m going to keep traveling down this road and giving it my best. When I get side-tracked or detoured – I will simply get back on the road and give it my all.
Can you think of any better way to live this life and really enjoy it than with your whole being?
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Eighty-Three
“The Way Things Oughta Be”
Psalm 83:1
“O God, don’t sit idly by, silent and inactive!”
I must confess that there are times when I wonder why God doesn’t do something! Why is He sitting there while I’m in the mess that I am in? He seems silent and inactive.
He’s not! Though it may seem God neither speaks nor moves – the Bible says He never sleeps nor slumbers.
God forgive me for ever doubting Your involvement in my life.
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Eighty-Two
“Traveler’s Assistance”
Psalm 82:4
“Rescue the poor and helpless; deliver them from the grasp of evil people.”
As we travel the journey we will come across those who are hurting and helpless. God has placed is there to help. We can be instruments of rescue for those who need deliverance. We can offer hope, encouragement and resources.
Who has God placed on your journey that needs your rescuing hand?
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Eighty-One
“Power-Aide”
Psalm 81:1
“Sing praises to God, our strength...”
I’m still thinking about my journey back from Half-Dome in Yosemite. Getting to the Dome took courage and determination; getting back was not an option! I could have turned around at any point going up the mountain (I actually did stop at the foot of Little Dome), but there was no turning back on the way down the mountain. All we could do was keep walking.
By the time we arrived at the trailhead we were totally spent, then we realized that we still had about a mile to walk – to our car! All I could do was pray for strength – and walk.
You may be weary today. There is no option to stop. What you have is God’s strength! Use it.
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Eighty
“U-turn”
Psalm 80:3
“Turn us again to yourself, O God.”
We do not like to think that God allows rough times. We would rather think of God like the loving Shepherd who leads and protects us. Reality check: “You have fed us with sorrow and made us drink tears.”
Why does God allow us to face the pains of our stubbornness-es and sins? He does it to turn us back to Him. Sometimes we have to learn the hard way. We refuse to obey the easy way.
We must never forget that God’s desire and plan is to do whatever it takes to U-turn us back to Him.
“Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God Almighty. Make your face shine down upon us. Only then will we be saved.” (vs.19)
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Monday, August 18, 2008
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Seventy-nine
“Shepherd”
Psalm 79:13
“the sheep of your pasture…”
It is hard to look around us and see the injustices of our world. It’s even harder when those injustices are focused on us! Even more intolerable is the reality that some of what we assume to be unjust is, in truth, of our own making. We deserve what we are getting.
Justice is getting what we deserve. Mercy is not getting what we deserve. Our prayer is always for mercy.
God cares for us as a shepherd cares for His sheep. Our cries for mercy fall on loving hears: “Demonstrate your great power by saving those condemned to die.” (vs.11)
Never forget that God cares.
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Seventy-eight
“Tell Me a Story”
Psalm 78:72
“He cared for them with a true heart and led them with skillful hands.” (vs.72)
The question I have for you today is: What’s your story? Can you tell the story of God’s call on your life, maybe a wilderness like time and God’s constant care and provision? Let’s hear your story!
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
Sunday, August 17, 2008
Summer Road Trip ‘08Day Seventy-seven
“The Road”
Psalm 77:20
“You led your people along that road…”
We face some pretty tough times; maybe today is such a time for you. Maybe you’re losing sleep; maybe you are wishing you could go back to what seems like an easier time. There is a better remedy: remember.
Remember who God is: “O God, your ways are holy.” (vs.13)
Remember what God has done: “You are the God of miracles and wonders!” (vs.14)
Remember where God has brought you through: “You led your people…”
Enjoy the Journey
Paul
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