Real ills 6
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.
New New New
There were a number of new items I had to embrace in 2018. However, our new items will soon be scratched, broken down and will become obsolete. However, our new life in Christ will never become obsolete. It will last throughout eternity. Each day can be a new and exciting walk with our Lord. “Being Born Again is not becoming religious but getting a new personal relationship with a living God.”
There were a number of new items I had to embrace in 2018. However, our new items will soon be scratched, broken down and will become obsolete. However, our new life in Christ will never become obsolete. It will last throughout eternity. Each day can be a new and exciting walk with our Lord. “Being Born Again is not becoming religious but getting a new personal relationship with a living God.”
Those Darn Socks
In my Christmas stocking, I got “Those Darn Touch Socks”. They are made out of merino wool, with uncompromised comfort, durability and fit. They can be worn for days with no odor. Even if I wear a hole in them, I will never have to buy another pair of socks because they are unconditionally guaranteed for life. This reminds me of something else that is also unconditionally guaranteed but for eternity. “.. that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 “Today, order your socks and accept Jesus’ promise. In both cases, you will be glad you did.”
In my Christmas stocking, I got “Those Darn Touch Socks”. They are made out of merino wool, with uncompromised comfort, durability and fit. They can be worn for days with no odor. Even if I wear a hole in them, I will never have to buy another pair of socks because they are unconditionally guaranteed for life. This reminds me of something else that is also unconditionally guaranteed but for eternity. “.. that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life.” John 3:16 “Today, order your socks and accept Jesus’ promise. In both cases, you will be glad you did.”
Time
"Time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events that occur in apparently irreversible succession from the past through the present to the future." Not too far from my home is The National Watch & Clock Museum. It opened in 1977 with 1,000 items. It now has over 12,000 items Are you spending your time on activities that are meaningless when your time runs out? "Make the most of your limited time on earth because it will affect your limitless time in heaven."
"Time is the indefinite continued progress of existence and events that occur in apparently irreversible succession from the past through the present to the future." Not too far from my home is The National Watch & Clock Museum. It opened in 1977 with 1,000 items. It now has over 12,000 items Are you spending your time on activities that are meaningless when your time runs out? "Make the most of your limited time on earth because it will affect your limitless time in heaven."
A Broken Heart
The Great Physician can heal your heart without surgery, cost, recovery, insurance or preapprovals. This Valentine season seek the Lord with all of your heart (emotions), soul (devotion) and mind (will). Also, look for those who may have a broken heart. Show them that you care. “As you mindfully allow Jesus to control your heart, He will feed you with soul food.”
The Great Physician can heal your heart without surgery, cost, recovery, insurance or preapprovals. This Valentine season seek the Lord with all of your heart (emotions), soul (devotion) and mind (will). Also, look for those who may have a broken heart. Show them that you care. “As you mindfully allow Jesus to control your heart, He will feed you with soul food.”
Pray
Communications is a vital part of any relationship whether it be work, community, marriage, friends or family. But most only talk to God when there is an issue, need or in church. Just talk to God as you talk to your best friend. The only person that can stop you from praying is you. “Pray means Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield.”
Communications is a vital part of any relationship whether it be work, community, marriage, friends or family. But most only talk to God when there is an issue, need or in church. Just talk to God as you talk to your best friend. The only person that can stop you from praying is you. “Pray means Praise, Repent, Ask, Yield.”
Believing Without Seeing
Even in Jesus times, there were those who would not believe without seeing or having proof. “But [Thomas] said unto them, Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.” John 20:25 “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29 “Faith is like Wi-Fi. It’s invisible but it has the power to connect you to what you need.”
Even in Jesus times, there were those who would not believe without seeing or having proof. “But [Thomas] said unto them, Except I shall see in His hands the print of the nails, and put my finger into the print of the nails, and thrust my hand into His side, I will not believe.” John 20:25 “Thomas, because thou hast seen me, thou hast believed: blessed are they that have not seen, and yet have believed.” John 20:29 “Faith is like Wi-Fi. It’s invisible but it has the power to connect you to what you need.”
I Am
Originally, "last names" were not tied to an entire family and passed down, but were instead used to describe an individual By the 15th century, most people of all ranks had some sort of fixed, hereditary surname The way we use middle names today originated in the Middle Ages when Europeans couldn't decide between giving their child a family name or the name of a saint. If Jesus would ask you: “Who do you say that I am?” Can you reply; “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”? “Does the I AM know who UR?”
Originally, "last names" were not tied to an entire family and passed down, but were instead used to describe an individual By the 15th century, most people of all ranks had some sort of fixed, hereditary surname The way we use middle names today originated in the Middle Ages when Europeans couldn't decide between giving their child a family name or the name of a saint. If Jesus would ask you: “Who do you say that I am?” Can you reply; “Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God”? “Does the I AM know who UR?”
I Love Tax Collectors
For the past 19 years, I have been a tax collector of real estate, head tax and occupational taxes. In my little Borough area of one square mile there is one large factory left, 500 homes and 1,000 adults. The tax amount I collected in 2018 from them was $1,955,250. This was an 87% increase in the last 18 years. Jesus loved tax collectors so much that He made one, Matthew, his disciple. He loved them so much that He stopped and invited Himself to eat with Zacchaeus. He loved so much that He died on the cross for them and for you. “Because of taxes, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, we are not ruled by England, we have a good infrastructure and we have something to complain about.”
For the past 19 years, I have been a tax collector of real estate, head tax and occupational taxes. In my little Borough area of one square mile there is one large factory left, 500 homes and 1,000 adults. The tax amount I collected in 2018 from them was $1,955,250. This was an 87% increase in the last 18 years. Jesus loved tax collectors so much that He made one, Matthew, his disciple. He loved them so much that He stopped and invited Himself to eat with Zacchaeus. He loved so much that He died on the cross for them and for you. “Because of taxes, Jesus was born in Bethlehem, we are not ruled by England, we have a good infrastructure and we have something to complain about.”
Fear of Dying
According to a recent study, 20.3 percent of Americans are afraid or very afraid of dying. (My Grandkids and I were afraid on dying on this ride. Recently, a car like this broke at our local York Fair. ) Among the reasons art fear of the unknown and fear of eternal punishment. Death is not a period but a comma. It is not the end but a new beginning. For a believer death is only short good-bye. "The fear of dying only robs you of joyful living."
According to a recent study, 20.3 percent of Americans are afraid or very afraid of dying. (My Grandkids and I were afraid on dying on this ride. Recently, a car like this broke at our local York Fair. ) Among the reasons art fear of the unknown and fear of eternal punishment. Death is not a period but a comma. It is not the end but a new beginning. For a believer death is only short good-bye. "The fear of dying only robs you of joyful living."
Jesus First
Your happiness depends on happenings, other people, things, places, and thoughts. This emotion is only temporary so you need to keep repeating those items that make you happy. But joy, real joy, depends on putting Jesus first, followed by Others, then Youself last. It is there even when everything else fails. “Not putting Jesus first during times of unhappiness will not result in a spirit of joy, but a troubled spirit asking:…O…Y?”
Your happiness depends on happenings, other people, things, places, and thoughts. This emotion is only temporary so you need to keep repeating those items that make you happy. But joy, real joy, depends on putting Jesus first, followed by Others, then Youself last. It is there even when everything else fails. “Not putting Jesus first during times of unhappiness will not result in a spirit of joy, but a troubled spirit asking:…O…Y?”
Statue of Liberty
“I’m so proud to be called an American. To be named with the brave and the free. I will honor our flag and our trust in God and the Statue of Liberty. Oh, the Cross is my Statue of Liberty. It was there that my soul was set free.” (From Statue of Liberty by Neil Enloe.) “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
“I’m so proud to be called an American. To be named with the brave and the free. I will honor our flag and our trust in God and the Statue of Liberty. Oh, the Cross is my Statue of Liberty. It was there that my soul was set free.” (From Statue of Liberty by Neil Enloe.) “If the Son therefore shall make you free, ye shall be free indeed.” John 8:36
Lighthouse
Many people are fascinated with lighthouses. By 1820, there were an estimated 250 major lighthouses in the world. The song Lighthouse was written in 1970 by Ronnie Hinson who was a teenager at the time. Ronnie went to the downstairs bathroom with the intention of coming back with a new original hit song. He was gone for several minutes and returned to the sanctuary with a piece of toilet paper with the title The Lighthouse. When he started playing and singing the presence of the Lord filled the sanctuary, and from that point on it was a hit. “The light that shines the farthest should shine the brightest at home.”
Many people are fascinated with lighthouses. By 1820, there were an estimated 250 major lighthouses in the world. The song Lighthouse was written in 1970 by Ronnie Hinson who was a teenager at the time. Ronnie went to the downstairs bathroom with the intention of coming back with a new original hit song. He was gone for several minutes and returned to the sanctuary with a piece of toilet paper with the title The Lighthouse. When he started playing and singing the presence of the Lord filled the sanctuary, and from that point on it was a hit. “The light that shines the farthest should shine the brightest at home.”
Saving Soles
Recently the top of my shoe separated from their soles. Until I could get to the store, I used some Shoe Goo and clamps and saved my sole. We may have many soles but we only have one soul. When God created man, “He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.” Gen 2:7 The soul is what will stand before God to be judged. “He that winneth souls is wise.” Prov 11:30
Recently the top of my shoe separated from their soles. Until I could get to the store, I used some Shoe Goo and clamps and saved my sole. We may have many soles but we only have one soul. When God created man, “He breathed into his nostrils the breath of life and man became a living soul.” Gen 2:7 The soul is what will stand before God to be judged. “He that winneth souls is wise.” Prov 11:30
The Faith of a Child
At my granddaughter’s school, the fourth graders created a historical wax museum for the parents and grandparents to see. A student was dress as a Bible character. When you press his button, he spoke about his character, Jesus. He told about the virgin birth, His ministry, His death on the cross and His resurrection. My wife asked him why did he chose Jesus. He replied that he had received a book about Jesus at Christmas. He became a believer and wanted to tell others about Him.
At my granddaughter’s school, the fourth graders created a historical wax museum for the parents and grandparents to see. A student was dress as a Bible character. When you press his button, he spoke about his character, Jesus. He told about the virgin birth, His ministry, His death on the cross and His resurrection. My wife asked him why did he chose Jesus. He replied that he had received a book about Jesus at Christmas. He became a believer and wanted to tell others about Him.
Afraid of Falling
When I has a teenager I fell off my bike. To this day, I still have the physical issues from that fall. However, it did not stop me from riding again and nor was it my last fall. But my oldest granddaughter, now a teenage, will not ride a bike because of the fear of falling. “And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
When I has a teenager I fell off my bike. To this day, I still have the physical issues from that fall. However, it did not stop me from riding again and nor was it my last fall. But my oldest granddaughter, now a teenage, will not ride a bike because of the fear of falling. “And when Peter was come down out of the ship, he walked on the water, to go to Jesus. But when he saw the wind boisterous, he was afraid; and beginning to sink, he cried, saying, Lord, save me. And immediately Jesus stretched forth his hand, and caught him, and said unto him, O thou of little faith, wherefore didst thou doubt?”
I Hate Weeds
While many thinks of weeds as just an unsightly nuisance to be dealt with, weeds can cause major damage. Weeds can destroy crops. Weeds can kill animals. The Bible also talks about the problems with weeds. The more time you spend with the Great Gardener, the less weeds you will have in your life. “Weeds in your soul can do more harm than ones in your soil.”
While many thinks of weeds as just an unsightly nuisance to be dealt with, weeds can cause major damage. Weeds can destroy crops. Weeds can kill animals. The Bible also talks about the problems with weeds. The more time you spend with the Great Gardener, the less weeds you will have in your life. “Weeds in your soul can do more harm than ones in your soil.”
Amazing Space How Sweet the Sound
I confess, I am a Trekkie. I watched Star Trek on a black and white TV as I was growing up. It just amazes me that we are just one small planet in our solar system, orbiting one star in our galaxy, which is just a tiny part of a vast universe. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork.” Psalm 19:1 “God’s stars will always outshine those who try to be stars.”
I confess, I am a Trekkie. I watched Star Trek on a black and white TV as I was growing up. It just amazes me that we are just one small planet in our solar system, orbiting one star in our galaxy, which is just a tiny part of a vast universe. “The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament sheweth His handywork.” Psalm 19:1 “God’s stars will always outshine those who try to be stars.”
Are You A Fan?
Did you know that 73 percent of American men and 55 percent of American women watch NFL games on television? Jesus had thousands of fans. They would follow Him for His miracles and healing. They cried “Hosanna” and put palm leaves down when He entered Jerusalem. But just a few days later, they turned against Him and yelled “Crucify Him.” There too many churches spending their effort producing only Jesus fans. “A fan really does nothing but blow hot air.”
Did you know that 73 percent of American men and 55 percent of American women watch NFL games on television? Jesus had thousands of fans. They would follow Him for His miracles and healing. They cried “Hosanna” and put palm leaves down when He entered Jerusalem. But just a few days later, they turned against Him and yelled “Crucify Him.” There too many churches spending their effort producing only Jesus fans. “A fan really does nothing but blow hot air.”
Prospect Hill Cemetery
Last month, I took a two-hour tour of Prospect Hill Cemetery This was no ordinary cemetery. It also had a War Flag Memorial. Fallen Heroes Memorial, Court of Valor, Safekeepers Shrine, Fireman Monument, Notable Burials, and Cemetery Art & Architecture. It reminded me that ready or not, death will come when you are least expecting. Then at that final judgment day, God will not review what you built, your position in life, the color of your skin, where you lived, nor your professions. For Christians, He will acknowledgment their good works. For those who rejected Christ, God will punish them for their evil Rev 20:13,14. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Heb 9:27
Last month, I took a two-hour tour of Prospect Hill Cemetery This was no ordinary cemetery. It also had a War Flag Memorial. Fallen Heroes Memorial, Court of Valor, Safekeepers Shrine, Fireman Monument, Notable Burials, and Cemetery Art & Architecture. It reminded me that ready or not, death will come when you are least expecting. Then at that final judgment day, God will not review what you built, your position in life, the color of your skin, where you lived, nor your professions. For Christians, He will acknowledgment their good works. For those who rejected Christ, God will punish them for their evil Rev 20:13,14. “And as it is appointed unto men once to die, but after this the judgment.” Heb 9:27
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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NEW HEART
BEAT DEVOTIONS
BEAT DEVOTIONS
NEW HEART
BEAT DEVOTIONS
BEAT DEVOTIONS
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