Real ills 8
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.
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.
If you have questions, comments, or want to discuss about
our Lord, e-mail us at NHBDevotions@gmail.com
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our Lord, e-mail us at NHBDevotions@gmail.com
The international license information is on the Home page
2020
The year 2020 had been a challenging year in many aspects. Most of us want to forget about it. But truly the Lord was good to my family and I in 2020. Will He do the same for us and you in 2021? “My God shall supply all your (financial, material, physical, emotional and basic) needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19 “Only God knows and controls what 2021 holds.”
The year 2020 had been a challenging year in many aspects. Most of us want to forget about it. But truly the Lord was good to my family and I in 2020. Will He do the same for us and you in 2021? “My God shall supply all your (financial, material, physical, emotional and basic) needs according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Phil 4:19 “Only God knows and controls what 2021 holds.”
Time Changer
I stumbled on this movie called “Time Changer” about a time machine and a Bible professor. I was so impressed with the acting, humor, professionalism, story, and message From a Christian aspect everything was Biblically correct and the plan of salvation was presented several times clearly, tactfully, and lovingly.
I stumbled on this movie called “Time Changer” about a time machine and a Bible professor. I was so impressed with the acting, humor, professionalism, story, and message From a Christian aspect everything was Biblically correct and the plan of salvation was presented several times clearly, tactfully, and lovingly.
Marrying Mayor
Robb Green officiated his first wedding in September 1996. Then in September 2020, he had performed his 4,000th weddings. Doing the math that is 286 a year. On Valentine’s Day in 2001, he officiated at nine weddings. This Valentine’s Day, do the right thing and ask your most sufficient other to marry you. I know a Marrying Mayor that will officiate for you. “For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Robb Green officiated his first wedding in September 1996. Then in September 2020, he had performed his 4,000th weddings. Doing the math that is 286 a year. On Valentine’s Day in 2001, he officiated at nine weddings. This Valentine’s Day, do the right thing and ask your most sufficient other to marry you. I know a Marrying Mayor that will officiate for you. “For this cause shall a man leave father and mother, and shall cleave to his wife: and they twain shall be one flesh? Wherefore they are no more twain, but one flesh. What therefore God hath joined together, let not man put asunder.”
Happy Birthday Father
January 2021, my father Lester Stambaugh celebrated his 90th birthday. My father showed me a number of birthday cards thanking him for being a great person. One from his brother Dick, brought tears to my eyes. He basically wrote thanking my father for being a great Christian example. It was because my father that Dick accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. What kind of father, mother, brother, sister, friend, coworker, layperson and neighbor will people say that you are? Will Jesus say to you: “Well done my good and faithful servant?” I am proud to say that because of my Father’s greatness, I am what I am.
January 2021, my father Lester Stambaugh celebrated his 90th birthday. My father showed me a number of birthday cards thanking him for being a great person. One from his brother Dick, brought tears to my eyes. He basically wrote thanking my father for being a great Christian example. It was because my father that Dick accepted Jesus as his personal Savior. What kind of father, mother, brother, sister, friend, coworker, layperson and neighbor will people say that you are? Will Jesus say to you: “Well done my good and faithful servant?” I am proud to say that because of my Father’s greatness, I am what I am.
Pass the Baton
My home state hosts the Penn Relays the oldest and largest track and field competition in the US hosted annually since April 21, 1895 by the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field. An example of passing the baton or transfer of power is the presidential transition. In 1877, the transition was worse. The Hayes-Tilden election had disputes over 20 electoral votes along with multiple allegations of electoral fraud. This constitutional crisis was resolved only two days before the scheduled inauguration through the Compromise of 1877. After the Compromise, Democrats complained loudly that Tilden had been cheated. There was talk of forming armed units that would march on Washington. Sounds familiar? "Are you preparing and allowing someone to take your baton or will they be devastated by taking your mantle?"
My home state hosts the Penn Relays the oldest and largest track and field competition in the US hosted annually since April 21, 1895 by the University of Pennsylvania at Franklin Field. An example of passing the baton or transfer of power is the presidential transition. In 1877, the transition was worse. The Hayes-Tilden election had disputes over 20 electoral votes along with multiple allegations of electoral fraud. This constitutional crisis was resolved only two days before the scheduled inauguration through the Compromise of 1877. After the Compromise, Democrats complained loudly that Tilden had been cheated. There was talk of forming armed units that would march on Washington. Sounds familiar? "Are you preparing and allowing someone to take your baton or will they be devastated by taking your mantle?"
Click picture to watch Happy Birthday.
But Some Things Never Change
I remember going to church when everyone worn suits and ties or dresses. I remember using payphones, typewriters, reading from textbooks, when tablets were not electronic and 2+2=4. But some things never change. At night, I look up and see the stars and the moon which have been there for thousands of years. You can change many things in your life but not your ultimate physical death. Have you considered what will happen to you - not if - but when you die? You can change your final destiny right now. Your world is forever changing but God’s love and peace for you never changes. May your love for Him never change.
I remember going to church when everyone worn suits and ties or dresses. I remember using payphones, typewriters, reading from textbooks, when tablets were not electronic and 2+2=4. But some things never change. At night, I look up and see the stars and the moon which have been there for thousands of years. You can change many things in your life but not your ultimate physical death. Have you considered what will happen to you - not if - but when you die? You can change your final destiny right now. Your world is forever changing but God’s love and peace for you never changes. May your love for Him never change.
Five Died on Good Friday
One of the five who died, I knew personally. His name was Rev. C. Jack Orr, Sr. Another, who died was killed: President Abraham Lincoln. On the first Good Friday, three men were crucified by being nailed to a cross. Those above who died on Good Friday and trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior are with Him in Heaven. This includes the one who acknowledged Christ while on the cross next to Him. The other thief did not and is in Hell wishing he did. “It is not too late for you to make a decision to accept Christ and make this a Good Friday.”
One of the five who died, I knew personally. His name was Rev. C. Jack Orr, Sr. Another, who died was killed: President Abraham Lincoln. On the first Good Friday, three men were crucified by being nailed to a cross. Those above who died on Good Friday and trusted Jesus as Lord and Savior are with Him in Heaven. This includes the one who acknowledged Christ while on the cross next to Him. The other thief did not and is in Hell wishing he did. “It is not too late for you to make a decision to accept Christ and make this a Good Friday.”
I Can See Clearly Now.
I just had cataract surgery. It is amazing that I can see clearly now. Whites are no longer yellow. I can see my computer screen without 150 % enlargement. I can drive at night. So many today have both physical and spiritual vision problems. Thanks to modern advancements, vision problems like mine are being corrected. But sadly, spiritual vision is getting worse and people do not see it. I took an eye test to realize that I had a seeing problem. Here is an “I” test to determine your spiritual vision.
I just had cataract surgery. It is amazing that I can see clearly now. Whites are no longer yellow. I can see my computer screen without 150 % enlargement. I can drive at night. So many today have both physical and spiritual vision problems. Thanks to modern advancements, vision problems like mine are being corrected. But sadly, spiritual vision is getting worse and people do not see it. I took an eye test to realize that I had a seeing problem. Here is an “I” test to determine your spiritual vision.
Three Wise Guys.
Like the magi, we need to have the desire, the Word, and the decision to found Christ. Then we will be filled with joy, worship and obedience. Discover the reason for the season. “Wise guys and gals, still seek Him.”
Like the magi, we need to have the desire, the Word, and the decision to found Christ. Then we will be filled with joy, worship and obedience. Discover the reason for the season. “Wise guys and gals, still seek Him.”
My Best Friend of 47 Years.
A King James Scofield Reference Bible was given to me by my parents after I graduated from high school. I read and studied that Bible through many times. Over 47 years, I lost that Bible three times and each time it came back in amazing ways. It now has notes on every page. Some of the pages are torn. I am at the half way point of outlining every chapter from it. God still speaks to me through it. It is my best friend. “You might have read through the Bible, but how much did the Bible get through to you?”
A King James Scofield Reference Bible was given to me by my parents after I graduated from high school. I read and studied that Bible through many times. Over 47 years, I lost that Bible three times and each time it came back in amazing ways. It now has notes on every page. Some of the pages are torn. I am at the half way point of outlining every chapter from it. God still speaks to me through it. It is my best friend. “You might have read through the Bible, but how much did the Bible get through to you?”
My Mother-in-Law
Lenore Elizabeth Humphreys (Parry) was born 12:01 AM November 1, 1930, at home. She grew up during the depression and World War II. Lenore met James Humphreys very early in life. They were fourth cousins, lived on the same street and went to the same school. He asked her for a first date on the evening before he was to enlist in the army. They did not see each other for two years, but they fell in love by mail. It was by mail, he asked her to marry him. They had four daughters of which one was my wife. She accepted Christ as her Savior while attending Happy Hour, during her elementary years, at the First Baptist Church. My Mother-in-law was born a sinner and was a sinner by choice. But she confessed her sins. Then she confessed Jesus Christ. It was then, Lenore became God's Saint.
Lenore Elizabeth Humphreys (Parry) was born 12:01 AM November 1, 1930, at home. She grew up during the depression and World War II. Lenore met James Humphreys very early in life. They were fourth cousins, lived on the same street and went to the same school. He asked her for a first date on the evening before he was to enlist in the army. They did not see each other for two years, but they fell in love by mail. It was by mail, he asked her to marry him. They had four daughters of which one was my wife. She accepted Christ as her Savior while attending Happy Hour, during her elementary years, at the First Baptist Church. My Mother-in-law was born a sinner and was a sinner by choice. But she confessed her sins. Then she confessed Jesus Christ. It was then, Lenore became God's Saint.
My Confusion is Continually Before Me.
In doing my weekly Bible chapter outline Palm 44 jumped out at me. The writer recalls how God, “in the time of old… commands deliverance for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us… But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies. Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves. Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; … My confusion is continually before me.” This is a look at “Why do bad things happen to good people?”
In doing my weekly Bible chapter outline Palm 44 jumped out at me. The writer recalls how God, “in the time of old… commands deliverance for Jacob. Through thee will we push down our enemies: through thy name will we tread them under that rise up against us… But thou hast cast off, and put us to shame; and goest not forth with our armies. Thou makest us to turn back from the enemy: and they which hate us spoil for themselves. Thou hast given us like sheep appointed for meat; … My confusion is continually before me.” This is a look at “Why do bad things happen to good people?”
What I Want To Be?
When I was in the ninth grade. I was asked to write a paper on “What I want to be?” I wrote a computer programmer. That was strange because I did not even touch a computer until 8 years later, After that, I wanted to be a math teacher, a missionary, a TV director, a sound engineer, a counselor and even a pastor. I started my 43 year career in industrial controls as a temp in the stockroom. Now as I look towards retiring, I can say there were good and tough times, great and poor decisions and times that I failed and succeed. But I can say, it was and is well with my soul and my Lord. “God does not want our dreams, goals and abilities. He wants our availability.”
When I was in the ninth grade. I was asked to write a paper on “What I want to be?” I wrote a computer programmer. That was strange because I did not even touch a computer until 8 years later, After that, I wanted to be a math teacher, a missionary, a TV director, a sound engineer, a counselor and even a pastor. I started my 43 year career in industrial controls as a temp in the stockroom. Now as I look towards retiring, I can say there were good and tough times, great and poor decisions and times that I failed and succeed. But I can say, it was and is well with my soul and my Lord. “God does not want our dreams, goals and abilities. He wants our availability.”
A Tarnish Gold Medalist Story.
For our 40th anniversary, we spent the weekend in Jim Thorpe Pa. It was very nice. Lots of things to see and do. Being a historian, I asked how the town became known as Jim Thorpe. I got several different stories from the locals. I decided to research the events myself. You will be surprised on what I found.
For our 40th anniversary, we spent the weekend in Jim Thorpe Pa. It was very nice. Lots of things to see and do. Being a historian, I asked how the town became known as Jim Thorpe. I got several different stories from the locals. I decided to research the events myself. You will be surprised on what I found.
Should I get a Covid shot?
All of us make millions of decisions every day. Some decisions will affect the rest of our lives. When I need to make a difficult decision, I use the Joy method. It has worked many times in my life. “Should I get a Covid shot?” “Should I marry this person?” “Should I apply for this job?” These and more are questions you have to answer. You must seek God’s will in everything you do.
All of us make millions of decisions every day. Some decisions will affect the rest of our lives. When I need to make a difficult decision, I use the Joy method. It has worked many times in my life. “Should I get a Covid shot?” “Should I marry this person?” “Should I apply for this job?” These and more are questions you have to answer. You must seek God’s will in everything you do.
Our Ruby Anniversary
The Pastor took me on church visitation to the home of a family of a first-time visitor. Living with them was their daughter, named Susan, who was my age. At the end of the visit, I stated that I had to get home to call my girlfriend. The next Sunday, I saw Susan at church. I asked if she would go to the park with me to discuss the issues I was having with my girlfriend’s father. She said yes. Susan later told me that she knew on that first date that this was the one whom she was going to marry. It just took me a little longer to realize what I found. “To stay married you must fall in love many times.. but always with the same person.”
The Pastor took me on church visitation to the home of a family of a first-time visitor. Living with them was their daughter, named Susan, who was my age. At the end of the visit, I stated that I had to get home to call my girlfriend. The next Sunday, I saw Susan at church. I asked if she would go to the park with me to discuss the issues I was having with my girlfriend’s father. She said yes. Susan later told me that she knew on that first date that this was the one whom she was going to marry. It just took me a little longer to realize what I found. “To stay married you must fall in love many times.. but always with the same person.”
Vacation
The other day my wife asked me: “If you could go anywhere in the world for a vacation and money was not a factor, where would you go?” Giving myself more time to think, I responded, “You tell me your answer first.” On the seventh day of creation, God made it a day of rest. Not because He needed it but because we needed it. God also gave us a third of each day, the night to rest, sleep, and recharge. Maybe we should even consider taking a vacation with just the Lord. I wonder how many people would want to return after a week’s vacation in Heaven?
The other day my wife asked me: “If you could go anywhere in the world for a vacation and money was not a factor, where would you go?” Giving myself more time to think, I responded, “You tell me your answer first.” On the seventh day of creation, God made it a day of rest. Not because He needed it but because we needed it. God also gave us a third of each day, the night to rest, sleep, and recharge. Maybe we should even consider taking a vacation with just the Lord. I wonder how many people would want to return after a week’s vacation in Heaven?
In God We Trust
Most likely you have hundreds of items in your home with the words “In God We Trust”. Whether you are a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist, Republican, Democrat, noncitizen, young or old, you will handle these items almost every day. You cannot get away from it. The words appear on all American currency. On July 30, 1956, the 84th Congress passed a joint resolution declaring IN GOD WE TRUST the national motto of the United States. It is sad today that our Country is moving farther from our national motto. We as Christians need to be in prayer for our leaders and neighbors. We need to share the Gospel and show that God can be trusted.
Most likely you have hundreds of items in your home with the words “In God We Trust”. Whether you are a Christian, Jewish, Muslim, atheist, Republican, Democrat, noncitizen, young or old, you will handle these items almost every day. You cannot get away from it. The words appear on all American currency. On July 30, 1956, the 84th Congress passed a joint resolution declaring IN GOD WE TRUST the national motto of the United States. It is sad today that our Country is moving farther from our national motto. We as Christians need to be in prayer for our leaders and neighbors. We need to share the Gospel and show that God can be trusted.
Roots
I was so glad last spring when, she asked me to cut our 30-year-old lilac bush down because it was dying. It was huge like a tree. It took two days to saw it into pieces. But that was not the worst part of the mission. I was told to dig up the roots because if I didn’t, it would come back. That part took about two weeks. Beware: Your roots will find you out. “To produce good fruit, you must first get rid of the bad roots.”
I was so glad last spring when, she asked me to cut our 30-year-old lilac bush down because it was dying. It was huge like a tree. It took two days to saw it into pieces. But that was not the worst part of the mission. I was told to dig up the roots because if I didn’t, it would come back. That part took about two weeks. Beware: Your roots will find you out. “To produce good fruit, you must first get rid of the bad roots.”
Knowledge
A few years ago, when I was rushed to the hospital with my heart issue, I did not want a person who just finished reading the book about hearts. I wanted and got the physician with the most knowledge and experience in our area. I know of a company that did not have the same thoughts. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” “If you had a choice, which would be your choice? A life filled with riches or one filled with wisdom?”
A few years ago, when I was rushed to the hospital with my heart issue, I did not want a person who just finished reading the book about hearts. I wanted and got the physician with the most knowledge and experience in our area. I know of a company that did not have the same thoughts. “If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him.” “The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding.” “If you had a choice, which would be your choice? A life filled with riches or one filled with wisdom?”
Records
Between where I grew up and where I live now, there is a large old warehouse with a sign. The sign states the company that once operated there, Record Club of America (RCOA). About ten years ago, I tried to donate my records to Goodwill. They would not take them because no one wants them. I had to throw them out. Just last year, I tried to use my 50-year-old record player, but it no longer worked. God will then download a new song, a new purpose, a new life into your heart. It will no longer matter what CDs are in your portfolio. The replaying of your bad memory .
Between where I grew up and where I live now, there is a large old warehouse with a sign. The sign states the company that once operated there, Record Club of America (RCOA). About ten years ago, I tried to donate my records to Goodwill. They would not take them because no one wants them. I had to throw them out. Just last year, I tried to use my 50-year-old record player, but it no longer worked. God will then download a new song, a new purpose, a new life into your heart. It will no longer matter what CDs are in your portfolio. The replaying of your bad memory .
Turn your eyes upon Jesus,
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Watch & listen.
Look full in His wonderful face,
And the things of earth will grow strangely dim,
In the light of His glory and grace.
Watch & listen.
Lenore and James
Juneteenth
The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth's commemoration is on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army General Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas, which was the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery. “You may celebrate Juneteenth as the freedom for man but can you celebrate Christ for the freedom of your soul? You may be a slave but inside you are free. You may be free but inside you are a slave.”
The day was recognized as a federal holiday on June 17, 2021, when President Joe Biden signed the Juneteenth National Independence Day Act into law. Juneteenth's commemoration is on the anniversary date of the June 19, 1865, announcement of General Order No. 3 by Union Army General Gordon Granger, proclaiming freedom for slaves in Texas, which was the last state of the Confederacy with institutional slavery. “You may celebrate Juneteenth as the freedom for man but can you celebrate Christ for the freedom of your soul? You may be a slave but inside you are free. You may be free but inside you are a slave.”
Take a short vacation right now.
God is waiting for you.
God is waiting for you.
My chains are gone,
I've been set free.
I've been set free.
My God, My Savior
has ransomed me.
has ransomed me.
Covid safe Christmas
ttt
NEW HEART
BEAT DEVOTIONS
BEAT DEVOTIONS
NEW HEART
BEAT DEVOTIONS
BEAT DEVOTIONS