Blog

Hard Heart
Friday, August 16, 2024 by Rick Stockwell

Hard Heart

 

READ Hebrews 3:7-19

Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts …

-  Hebrews 3:15 (NIV)

 

My wife usually does the cooking, while I typically do the dishes. She enjoys the creative aspect of preparing a meal, while I enjoy converting a messy kitchen into a clean one. Sometimes, a frying pan or pot gets so caked with grease or grime that I can’t easily clean it. In this case, my only option is to let it soak for a while, then come back and clean it later.

Do you know someone with a hard heart? No matter what you say or how you say it, they won’t listen. My mentor used to say, “It takes a long time to soften a hard heart.” Perhaps that’s why God sometimes leaves us soaking in challenging circumstances for a while. Later, when he returns, our hearts are softened and prepared for him to cleanse us for future service.

 

 THOUGHT FOR THE DAY

A hard heart seeks to serve self, while a soft heart seeks to serve others.

 

Prayer:  Father in heaven, please soften our hearts, so we’ll be better prepared to serve you and others.

 

Prayer Focus:  STUBBORN FRIENDS AND RELATIVES

 

Rick Stockwell

Rick Stockwell is employed as an IT Program Manager. He teaches Sunday school for kindergartners, is an elder at his church, and is the author of two Christian novels: THE WALL and THE BATTLE. He's been married for thirty-four years, and has two children and five grandchildren.

Book link: https://www.amazon.com/stores/author/B07HQ8G3MJ 

 


Comments

Donna Geuser From Farmington, CT At 8/18/2024 11:57:55 AM

Rick, I really like your devotionals. God is working through you. God bless you and Donna. Donna Geuser

Reply by: Rick Stockwell

Thanks, Donna.

Previous Posts

TV Turnoff
Rick Stockwell

11/29/2024

Thanksgiving
Rick Stockwell

11/22/2024

Burning Brightly
Rick Stockwell

11/15/2024

One-Way Mirror
Rick Stockwell

11/8/2024

Time
Rick Stockwell

11/1/2024

My List
Rick Stockwell

10/25/2024

Bronzed
Rick Stockwell

10/18/2024

Anti-malware Software Needed
Rick Stockwell

10/11/2024

A Real Miracle
Rick Stockwell

10/4/2024

Forgotten God
Rick Stockwell

9/27/2024

Version 2.0
Rick Stockwell

9/20/2024

Chasing Shadows
Rick Stockwell

9/13/2024

Red Scribbles
Rick Stockwell

9/6/2024

The One I Esteem
Rick Stockwell

8/30/2024

Swimming Lessons
Rick Stockwell

8/23/2024

Hard Heart
Rick Stockwell

8/16/2024

Racial Healing
Rick Stockwell

8/9/2024

Are you Listening?
Rick Stockwell

8/2/2024

The Narrow Path
Rick Stockwell

7/26/2024

Go Save Someone
Rick Stockwell

7/19/2024

He Knows What You Need
Rick Stockwell

7/12/2024

Bleach
Rick Stockwell

7/5/2024

Firm Foundation
Rick Stockwell

6/30/2024

Impressions
Rick Stockwell

6/21/2024

Running Uphill
Rick Stockwell

6/14/2024

Are We Listening?
Rick Stockwell

3/31/2021

Go Save Someone
Rick Stockwell

3/31/2021

He Knows What You Need
Rick Stockwell

3/31/2021

Firm Foundation
Rick Stockwell

3/31/2021

Bleach
Rick Stockwell

3/31/2021

Impressions
Rick Stockwell

2/15/2018

Running Uphill
Rick Stockwell

11/29/2017

Racial Healing
Rick Stockwell

2/9/2017

Start Each Day With Prayer
Rick Stockwell

5/10/2016