Real ills 10
No this is not about real ills (sickness), but about devotions from Real Life Illustrations. These are true earthly illustrations that reveal a spiritual truth. We encourage you to find illustrations from your life to share with others about what God is doing in your own life. Just click on the blue titles.
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our Lord, e-mail us at NHBDevotions@gmail.com
The international license information is on the Home page
I recently saw in the theaters, the movie "I Heard The Bells". The move tells the inspiring true story behind the beloved Christmas carol and its author, Henry Wadsworth Longfellow. Known as America’s Poet, Henry leads an idyllic life – until the day his world is shattered by tragedy. With a nation divided by Civil War and his family torn apart, Henry puts down his pen, silenced by grief. But it’s the sound of Christmas morning that reignites the poet’s lost voice as he discovers the resounding hope of rekindled faith. This is a movie that everyone must see. It has greatly inspired my life. “Christian based media that is promoted, appealing, great quality, enjoyable, inspiring, prayed over and true to the Word, can change billions of lives.”
Charlie Brown Christmas
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” has become a Christmas staple around the world, spreading the true reason for the season, using the voices of babes. God gave His perfect Son as a gift to be born to save our sad, fallen and dying world.
“A Charlie Brown Christmas” has become a Christmas staple around the world, spreading the true reason for the season, using the voices of babes. God gave His perfect Son as a gift to be born to save our sad, fallen and dying world.
I gave this Charlie Brown tree to my father just weeks before his passing. It has a blanket to show that my father gave his all to mankind.The added lamb represents Christ’s love for my father and mankind.
A Broken Heart
There is a type of broken heart, that will happen many times to each one of us. It can be very mentally and emotionally stressful even physically distressing. When not handled correctly, it will harm us the rest of our lives. “Sometimes God has to break your heart so He can get in it.”
There is a type of broken heart, that will happen many times to each one of us. It can be very mentally and emotionally stressful even physically distressing. When not handled correctly, it will harm us the rest of our lives. “Sometimes God has to break your heart so He can get in it.”
Jesus Christ Superstar
When I was a teenager, the film “Jesus Christ Superstar” was in the theaters. Everyone thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, except those who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He is more than just a slice. He is the bread of Life. Jesus is asking, who do you say that I am?
When I was a teenager, the film “Jesus Christ Superstar” was in the theaters. Everyone thought it was the best thing since sliced bread, except those who accepted Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. He is more than just a slice. He is the bread of Life. Jesus is asking, who do you say that I am?
What is Love?
The word "love" is difficult to define. It can have a variety of related but distinct meanings in different contexts. Agape- (unconditional love or charity) love embraces a deep and profound sacrificial love that transcends and persists regardless of events, circumstance, time, and space. It is not born out of emotions, feelings, familiarity, or attraction but from the will, desire, choice, and action. It includes faithfulness, commitment, and sacrifice without expecting anything in return.
The word "love" is difficult to define. It can have a variety of related but distinct meanings in different contexts. Agape- (unconditional love or charity) love embraces a deep and profound sacrificial love that transcends and persists regardless of events, circumstance, time, and space. It is not born out of emotions, feelings, familiarity, or attraction but from the will, desire, choice, and action. It includes faithfulness, commitment, and sacrifice without expecting anything in return.
Retirement
Those like me in the Honeymoon stage of retirement, need to embrace the change of health, finances, work, purpose, goals, friends, and quality of life. We need to create new routines and goals, find ways to stay active - and greatest of all - remember that God can still use us. This devotional also explains when the Social Security Act was signed into law to pay workers continuing income after retirement, what happened to the first person who got an SSN number, and who got the number 001-01-0001 that no one wanted. You will be surprised by what the first and lowest paid benefit pay was.
Those like me in the Honeymoon stage of retirement, need to embrace the change of health, finances, work, purpose, goals, friends, and quality of life. We need to create new routines and goals, find ways to stay active - and greatest of all - remember that God can still use us. This devotional also explains when the Social Security Act was signed into law to pay workers continuing income after retirement, what happened to the first person who got an SSN number, and who got the number 001-01-0001 that no one wanted. You will be surprised by what the first and lowest paid benefit pay was.
Are You a Gatekeeper or Porter?
In too many churches today, we are like gatekeepers or border guards. Our doors may say Welcome, but it really means well, come once - but to continue you must meet our criteria. Once you fall or are not faithful in service or attendance, then sorry you are forgotten. As porters, we must make our visitors feel loved. We must try to personally put them under our wings. Also, with our relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers, we need to establish a porter or Christ loving relationship. “Does your church have an open hand or pointing finger?”
In too many churches today, we are like gatekeepers or border guards. Our doors may say Welcome, but it really means well, come once - but to continue you must meet our criteria. Once you fall or are not faithful in service or attendance, then sorry you are forgotten. As porters, we must make our visitors feel loved. We must try to personally put them under our wings. Also, with our relatives, friends, neighbors, coworkers, and even strangers, we need to establish a porter or Christ loving relationship. “Does your church have an open hand or pointing finger?”
A Christian Chicken Man
S. Truett Cathy was born in poverty. He was born the second of seven siblings, during the Great Depression. He was selling Coca-Cola door-to-door, buying a six-pack of Cokes for a quarter, and selling them for a nickel each at age 8. By age 14 he and his brother had become the primary breadwinners of the family. After 15 years in the food business, Cathy found a pressure-fryer that could cook a chicken sandwich in the same amount of time it took to cook a fast-food hamburger. Following this discovery, he registered Chick-fil-A. The Atlanta-based chicken sandwich chain generated $18.8 billion in U.S. system sales last year. Cathy earned great riches in the restaurant business but he laid up greater treasures in heaven.
S. Truett Cathy was born in poverty. He was born the second of seven siblings, during the Great Depression. He was selling Coca-Cola door-to-door, buying a six-pack of Cokes for a quarter, and selling them for a nickel each at age 8. By age 14 he and his brother had become the primary breadwinners of the family. After 15 years in the food business, Cathy found a pressure-fryer that could cook a chicken sandwich in the same amount of time it took to cook a fast-food hamburger. Following this discovery, he registered Chick-fil-A. The Atlanta-based chicken sandwich chain generated $18.8 billion in U.S. system sales last year. Cathy earned great riches in the restaurant business but he laid up greater treasures in heaven.
Waiting Room
We all have been in waiting rooms. The most frequent ones for me are doctors’ offices or emergency rooms. With God, there is no waiting room. You can go to Him in prayer at any time and at any place. In fact, He knows what you have need of even before you ask (Matt 6:8). However, sometimes, the timing of the response is not what we think it should be. The Israelites waited for over four hundred years to be released from the bondage of Egypt; God’s people waited thousands of years for Him to send the Messiah; and now, two thousand plus years later, we still wait on Jesus’ return. Waiting is part of God’s plan, and I don’t think He wants us to miss the opportunities and growth found in waiting.
We all have been in waiting rooms. The most frequent ones for me are doctors’ offices or emergency rooms. With God, there is no waiting room. You can go to Him in prayer at any time and at any place. In fact, He knows what you have need of even before you ask (Matt 6:8). However, sometimes, the timing of the response is not what we think it should be. The Israelites waited for over four hundred years to be released from the bondage of Egypt; God’s people waited thousands of years for Him to send the Messiah; and now, two thousand plus years later, we still wait on Jesus’ return. Waiting is part of God’s plan, and I don’t think He wants us to miss the opportunities and growth found in waiting.
Watchman
The WATCHMAN™ is a small parachute-shaped device about the size of a quarter that prevents blood clots from forming in the left atrial appendage. Every born-again believer has a Watchman protecting their heart. This is not the new physical one, but a God-given one called the Holy Spirit. The physical one destroys the danger. You do not have to do anything. God’s Watchman (Holy Spirit) only warns you of the danger. You have a freewill. You must choose what to do. “Through Christ you can prevent heart issues.”
The WATCHMAN™ is a small parachute-shaped device about the size of a quarter that prevents blood clots from forming in the left atrial appendage. Every born-again believer has a Watchman protecting their heart. This is not the new physical one, but a God-given one called the Holy Spirit. The physical one destroys the danger. You do not have to do anything. God’s Watchman (Holy Spirit) only warns you of the danger. You have a freewill. You must choose what to do. “Through Christ you can prevent heart issues.”
Dentophobia
It is human nature to have a phobia or a fear of one or more things. One of my fears is the dentist. When I was a child, I remember the dentist pulling my teeth without Novocaine. Even today, I get major goose bumps just thinking of the sounds and the pain. There are several websites that explain the causes and give suggestions on how to overcome these phobias. But as Christians, we have an edge over nonbelievers. We can call on the Lord in our time of any kind of fear, distress, or situation.
It is human nature to have a phobia or a fear of one or more things. One of my fears is the dentist. When I was a child, I remember the dentist pulling my teeth without Novocaine. Even today, I get major goose bumps just thinking of the sounds and the pain. There are several websites that explain the causes and give suggestions on how to overcome these phobias. But as Christians, we have an edge over nonbelievers. We can call on the Lord in our time of any kind of fear, distress, or situation.
One Way
In a neighboring town, there is this very short one-way road. At the end of this alley, there are two one-way signs. One points to the left and the other to the right. You must decide a direction. You cannot undo your choice. This alley reminds me of life. It is so short and ends at a dead end. But then it continues to “the right into” heaven or to the “left out” of heaven, to a place called hell.
In a neighboring town, there is this very short one-way road. At the end of this alley, there are two one-way signs. One points to the left and the other to the right. You must decide a direction. You cannot undo your choice. This alley reminds me of life. It is so short and ends at a dead end. But then it continues to “the right into” heaven or to the “left out” of heaven, to a place called hell.
Don’t Take Your Eyes Off The Lord
I met my future husband at work. He turned out to be an abusive husband both physically and emotionally. Some days I felt like I sold my soul to the devil. At year four of marriage, I caught him having multiple affairs with both males and females. The details would make anyone physically ill. Eight years later, I tried to take my life, He was a sick puppy! For my safety I had to divorce. Some Sunday mornings, my friends in the choir would stand on each side of me and help me to stand when my knees would buckle. It was part of God’s plan to take the mess I made and create something beautiful from it.
I met my future husband at work. He turned out to be an abusive husband both physically and emotionally. Some days I felt like I sold my soul to the devil. At year four of marriage, I caught him having multiple affairs with both males and females. The details would make anyone physically ill. Eight years later, I tried to take my life, He was a sick puppy! For my safety I had to divorce. Some Sunday mornings, my friends in the choir would stand on each side of me and help me to stand when my knees would buckle. It was part of God’s plan to take the mess I made and create something beautiful from it.
Mayday, Mayday, Mayday
Why was May Day a time of celebration even before the birth of Christ? Why was Mayday then used as a distress signal? Learn about the other distress calls of SOS and 911. But who do you call when you are in trouble with financial, emotional, spiritual, or relationship needs? “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jer 33:3
Why was May Day a time of celebration even before the birth of Christ? Why was Mayday then used as a distress signal? Learn about the other distress calls of SOS and 911. But who do you call when you are in trouble with financial, emotional, spiritual, or relationship needs? “Call unto me, and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.” Jer 33:3
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NEW HEART
BEAT DEVOTIONS
BEAT DEVOTIONS
NEW HEART
BEAT DEVOTIONS
BEAT DEVOTIONS
My Lost Wedding Ring
Recently, a disaster happened. While on the computer, I looked down at my hand and noticed that the ring was missing. I did not know where, why or when I lost it. I began looking for it. Was it in the desk, bed, trash, car, the doctor’s office, the store, or when I took my walk? It could be anywhere. For four days I finally gave up and said, “Lord you know where it is. You know what it means to us. I trust you will bring it to us.”
Recently, a disaster happened. While on the computer, I looked down at my hand and noticed that the ring was missing. I did not know where, why or when I lost it. I began looking for it. Was it in the desk, bed, trash, car, the doctor’s office, the store, or when I took my walk? It could be anywhere. For four days I finally gave up and said, “Lord you know where it is. You know what it means to us. I trust you will bring it to us.”
Three F’s
Both of my senior high granddaughters are straight-A students. If they get a B in a subject, it is the end of the world. In school, I was mostly a low B student. I got a few A’s. I do remember getting an F. As Christians, we should strive for three Fs in the following order: Fact, Faith and Feeling.
Both of my senior high granddaughters are straight-A students. If they get a B in a subject, it is the end of the world. In school, I was mostly a low B student. I got a few A’s. I do remember getting an F. As Christians, we should strive for three Fs in the following order: Fact, Faith and Feeling.
All Hallow’s Eve or Halloween?
How should Christians respond to Halloween? In 835 AD, the Catholic Church, in an attempt to do away with the pagan holiday, established November 1st as All Saint's Day, in celebration of all the saints who do not have their own holy day. Martin Luther used October 31 in 1517, to nail his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of All Saint’s Church and started the Protestant Reformation. What better time of the year to tell children that evil, death, and the devil is real, but Jesus came to save, protect, and give them eternal life.”
How should Christians respond to Halloween? In 835 AD, the Catholic Church, in an attempt to do away with the pagan holiday, established November 1st as All Saint's Day, in celebration of all the saints who do not have their own holy day. Martin Luther used October 31 in 1517, to nail his Ninety-Five Theses to the door of All Saint’s Church and started the Protestant Reformation. What better time of the year to tell children that evil, death, and the devil is real, but Jesus came to save, protect, and give them eternal life.”
Train up a Child
Babies are born with a sinful nature because of Adam and Eve. But they do not yet sin by choice. They are so cute and innocent. You do not see newborns stealing, killing, swearing, or lying. Children learn actions, attitudes, and morals from their parents, friends, environment, and education. “If you train your children, they will at least be on the right track.”
Babies are born with a sinful nature because of Adam and Eve. But they do not yet sin by choice. They are so cute and innocent. You do not see newborns stealing, killing, swearing, or lying. Children learn actions, attitudes, and morals from their parents, friends, environment, and education. “If you train your children, they will at least be on the right track.”
Scaredy-cat
One evening we could not find our cat. We looked everywhere twice. We even looked outside. With a bright light, we found him under the sofa. We had to force him out with the vacuum. He was scared to death. We carried him upstairs to the bedroom where he hid under the bed. The next morning, he fought us taking him downstairs. He ran and hid again. We thought this cat was going crazy.
One evening we could not find our cat. We looked everywhere twice. We even looked outside. With a bright light, we found him under the sofa. We had to force him out with the vacuum. He was scared to death. We carried him upstairs to the bedroom where he hid under the bed. The next morning, he fought us taking him downstairs. He ran and hid again. We thought this cat was going crazy.
I Am Not A Christ Follower.
People will tell you that without a doubt, that I am a Christian. But news flash, I am not a Christ Follower. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matt 7:22, 23
People will tell you that without a doubt, that I am a Christian. But news flash, I am not a Christ Follower. “Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name? And in thy name have cast out devils? And in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity.” Matt 7:22, 23
Since the Fall.
My wife falls easily. The biggest issue was when she fell and broke her heel. For over a year that heel did not heal. They had to put screws in it. The results from a spiritual fall will last much longer and are more painful than any physical fall.
My wife falls easily. The biggest issue was when she fell and broke her heel. For over a year that heel did not heal. They had to put screws in it. The results from a spiritual fall will last much longer and are more painful than any physical fall.
Away With the Manger
This year, I visited a church that had all kinds of beautiful season-related decorations with 20 lighted trees on the stage. However, nowhere was the baby Jesus or the real reason for the season. “A man in a red suit now comes to our place. Our Lord and Savior has sadly been replaced. Now all the dear children know nothing of Thy care. Nor how to get to heaven to live with Thee there.”
This year, I visited a church that had all kinds of beautiful season-related decorations with 20 lighted trees on the stage. However, nowhere was the baby Jesus or the real reason for the season. “A man in a red suit now comes to our place. Our Lord and Savior has sadly been replaced. Now all the dear children know nothing of Thy care. Nor how to get to heaven to live with Thee there.”
