In Loving Memory
April 29, 1947 - September 5, 2020
Update: On Saturday, September 5th, 2020, the founder, administrator, and head moderator of this forum, Valerie S., went Home to be with the Lord. Her obituary can be found on https://memorials.demarcofuneralhomes.com/valerie-skrzyniak/4321619/index.php.
1 Thessalonians 4:15-18
For this we say unto you by the word of the Lord, that we which are alive and remain unto the coming of the Lord shall not prevent them which are asleep. For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall rise first: Then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds, to meet the Lord in the air and so shall we ever be with the Lord. Wherefore comfort one another with these words.
2 Timothy 4:7-8
For I am already being poured out as a drink offering, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Finally, there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give to me on that Day, and not to me only but also to all who have loved His appearing .
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Thy throne, O God, [is] for ever and ever: the sceptre of thy kingdom [is] a right sceptre. (Psalm 45:6)
Reflection
The Lord is righteous and just; His kingdom will never end!
My Prayer: O Lord, I praise You! Thank you for being faithful even when I am faithless! Thank you for allowing me into Your everlasting kingdom. Keep my wandering heart close to You.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=136
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Incline your ear, and come unto me: hear, and your soul shall live; and I will make an everlasting covenant with you, [even] the sure mercies of David. (Isaiah 55:3)
Reflection
Everlasting is the covenant between God and His people. Evermore shall Christ rule upon the throne of David. His victory is won. His race is finished. Nevermore shall God's people look at the doom of history wondering, "Where is this looked-for salvation?" He has come! He has won! And we, His people, have seen Him!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=137
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He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. (Revelation 2:7)
Reflection
Life and life eternal! That is the promise of God to all His people. The redeemed will conquer and their reward is to eat of the tree of life forever! Their heavenly rest is won, enjoyed, and assured. No more fear. No more anxiety. No more suffering. They eat of the fruit of God and are comforted!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=138
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For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus unto good works, which God hath before ordained that we should walk in them. (Ephesians 2:10)
Reflection
Well before the blood shed by His Son, God knew His children and their ways. By the sacrifice of Jesus Christ, His children were recreated and renewed in the promises of the Father. As new creations, we are commanded to live in such a way as to bring glory and honour to the Almighty God. May we live in such a way that is worthy of the tremendous sacrifice of Christ as the power of God works through us.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=139
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For this God [is] our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide [even] unto death. (Psalm 48:14)
Reflection
When the storms of life assail us and we feel as though lost at sea, take heart, O Christian, take heart! Our Lord will never fail to lead us in the paths of righteousness, conforming us daily to the pure, holy, and loving image of His very Son, Christ our Savior!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=140
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Elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, through sanctification of the Spirit, unto obedience and sprinkling of the blood of Jesus Christ: Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied. Blessed [be] the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, which according to his abundant mercy hath begotten us again unto a lively hope by the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, To an inheritance incorruptible, and undefiled, and that fadeth not away, reserved in heaven for you, (1 Peter 1:2-4)
Reflection
From the foundation of the world, God foreknew His children and began to sanctify them through the precious blood of His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. By the stripes of our Lord, we are given the gift of eternal life with all the joy and peace it could possibly present. By His infinite love and mercy, we are promised an inheritance that will never be lost or destroyed. For those who believe, we have been set apart by this remarkable hope of everlasting life with Christ.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=141
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For the Son of man shall come in the glory of his Father with his angels; and then he shall reward every man according to his works. (Matthew 16:27)
Reflection
Judgment, swift and final, is promised in the last day. Take heart, O believer, that your life is bound up with that of Christ Jesus. His life is your life. His obedience is your obedience. His resurrection is your resurrection. And when He stands to the fore in judgment, rejoice! For you will not stand before Him but alongside Him: holy, righteous, good, and acceptable!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=142
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Daily Devotions Through the Psalms
Psalm 122
http://www.devotions-online-psalms.org/Ps122.html
A song for the ascent to Jerusalem. A psalm of David.
1 I was glad when they said to me, "Let us go to the house of the LORD."
2 And now we are standing here inside your gates, O Jerusalem.
3 Jerusalem is a well-built city, knit together as a single unit.
4 All the people of Israel--the LORD's people-- make their pilgrimage here. They come to give thanks to the name of the LORD as the law requires.
5 Here stand the thrones where judgment is given, the thrones of the dynasty of David.
6 Pray for the peace of Jerusalem. May all who love this city prosper.
7 O Jerusalem, may there be peace within your walls and prosperity in your palaces.
8 For the sake of my family and friends, I will say, "Peace be with you."
9 For the sake of the house of the LORD our God, I will seek what is best for you, O Jerusalem.
Let us go to the house of the LORD
As the pilgrims were ascending to Jerusalem, they finally found themselves "standing inside" the city gates... and they were deeply moved.
The prophet Isaiah was given a vision regarding the Lord's future reign from Jerusalem;
In the last days, the Temple of the LORD in Jerusalem will become the most important place on earth. People from all over the world will go there to worship. Many nations will come and say, "Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, to the Temple of the God of Israel. There he will teach us his ways, so that we may obey him." For in those days the LORD's teaching and his word will go out from Jerusalem. (2:2,3)
The Psalm continues on to instruct us to "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem." Not only for temporal peace in our times, but the eternal peace and prosperity of God's future plans for Jerusalem and it's inhabitants.
May all who love this city prosper.
Praise You God, that You have glorious plans, too great for me to comprehend. Thank you that You are going to return to rule and reign from Jerusalem, and that we Your people will be with You!
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For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting. And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not. (Galatians 6:8-9)
Reflection
If we sow the things of the flesh (that is, the things of sin), then we will reap eternal punishment; but if we sow the things of the Spirit (that is, the things of God), then we will reap eternal happiness and joy! As we sow the things of God and cultivate them we must keep pressing on. It may seem that our work is worthless, but in the end, we will reap eternal life with God. For what better harvest could we hope?
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=143
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May 23 - Hebrews 10:19-22
https://www.crosswalk.com/devotionals/a-daily-word/a-daily-word-may-23-2011.html
Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He inaugurated for us through the veil, that is, His flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.
-Hebrews 10:19-22
An associate was an aide to the President prior to being a pastor. My colleague knew the thrill of getting his White House pass, granting access to the Oval Office itself. Jesus’ blood is our “pass” into the very presence of the Most High. When we arrive, we discover Jesus is the High Priest—in charge. My associate lost his White House pass when he resigned, and jokes he can’t even go near the door now. But because we are in Christ, and because His blood is the “pass,” and He is in charge, we never lose our access, and can always go there with confidence.
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As one whom his mother comforteth, so will I comfort you; and ye shall be comforted in Jerusalem. (Isaiah 66:13)
Reflection
When the circumstances of life loom fierce and threaten to beat us down—when the seeming futility of our earthly endeavours brings sorrow oppressive, our God will be a comfort to us. He promises consolation. He promises to heal our hearts. He promises us strength in faith. He is our God and He is good!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=144
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A Showcase for God's Glory
by Anne Graham Lotz
May 24
http://www.annegrahamlotz.org/category/messages-from-gods-word/joy-of-my-heart/
You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses.
- Acts 1:8, NKJV
Jesus described the powerful witness of a life that is different when He illustrated it as “the light of the world” (Matt. 5:14). The primary value of light is that it is so different from the darkness. When Jesus then informed His disciples that “you will be my witnesses,” (Acts 1:8) it was clear that one primary value of the apostles’ witness would lie in the difference of their lives from those who lived around them.
A witness that is lived can be as powerful as one that is spoken. It’s not what you say but who you are that catches the attention of those around you – which is one reason God allows grievances, crises, sufferings, injustice, and hardship to come into our lives. Because problems offer us the opportunity to give silent, relevant witness to the difference faith in God can make. The problems enable us to become a showcase so that the world can look into our lives and see the glory of God revealed.
From God's Story
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He that overcometh shall inherit all things; and I will be his God, and he shall be my son. (Revelation 21:7)
Reflection
Echoing the testimony of His promise to the nation of Israel, God speaks thus to the overcoming church: "I will be your God and you will evermore be my people." The Father's love is great. It is a beauty to behold. Ever and beyond the end of days will God's majesty remain; and we, His people shall endure and praise His name forever.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=145
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Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth [is] mine: (Exodus 19:5)
Reflection
Once we have placed our faith in Christ, we are exhorted to follow His commands and allow Him to rule in our lives. From that moment, we are considered God's own possession and treasure. There is tremendous hope and peace in the promise to be called "a particular treasure" for the Almighty King who is lacking in nothing. How amazing is His gracious lovingkindness toward us!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=146
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The Switch that Turns on the Light
by Anne Graham Lotz
May 25
http://www.annegrahamlotz.org/category/messages-from-gods-word/joy-of-my-heart/
I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me. - Psalm 13:6, NIV
King David knew that the secret of victory over adversity was a conscious choice to praise God. Again and again, as he cries out to God in prayer, we hear his choice to praise: “How long must I wrestle with my thoughts and every day have sorrow in my heart? . . . Look on me and answer, O Lord my God. . . . But I will trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, for he has been good to me” (Ps. 13:2-6, NIV). David, hounded by Saul and living as a fugitive for years in a nation where he was the national hero as well as the anointed king, exercised his will to praise God even when he just didn’t feel like it.
Praise is the switch that turns on the light of joy in our lives even when it’s “dark” outside. And the resulting “light” causes others to see the glory of God in our lives.
From Pursuing MORE of Jesus
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Thou wilt prolong the king's life: [and] his years as many generations. He shall abide before God for ever: O prepare mercy and truth, [which] may preserve him. (Psalm 61:6-7)
Reflection
Christ Jesus, the King of all kings, will sit unopposed upon His throne for all eternity. His reign will be kept unto everlasting. His goodness and glory shall ever be the light of His realm. And joy! We shall reign forever with Him (Ephesians 2:6)! Righteous is our way and righteous is our Lord!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=147
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trusting and having confidence in our heavenly Father and in Jesus is how to settle a troubled heart, obtaining rest within, with our God who is ever faithful, ever powerful, holy, holy, holy God
Hoekstra's Day by Day by Grace (July 21)
John 14:1-3 The Lord Promising to Return for Us
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/dbdbg/view.cfm?Date=0721
"Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me. In My Father's house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." (John 14:1-3)
Jesus' promise to return for His followers was given to bring them heavenly comfort. How comforting to us, in this troublesome world, to know that Jesus will be back for all of us who have followed Him here on earth.
When the Lord Jesus spoke these words, He would soon be leaving His disciples. He knew that the cross, the resurrection, and His ascension were close at hand. As He spoke of His departure, they were troubled. "Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me." One purpose in His leaving was to make ready a heavenly home for those who believed in Him. "I go to prepare a place for you." Then, the promise that followed brought Jesus' ultimate comfort. "I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also." Jesus would be returning to take His beloved followers to be with Him again.
After His atoning death and victorious resurrection, the Lord instructed the disciples for a brief season in the matters of His kingdom. Then, it was time to depart. "Now when He had spoken these things, while they watched, He was taken up, and a cloud received Him out of their sight" (Acts 1:9). Their gaze remained upon this one whom they had come to love. "They looked steadfastly toward heaven as He went up" (Acts 1:10). Then, angelic messengers repeated the promise of His return. "This same Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will so come in like manner as you saw Him go into heaven" (Acts 1:11). What hope this must have stirred in their yearning hearts.
Throughout the history of the church, loving hearts have longed for the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. The apostles were inspired by the Spirit of God to bring us comforting promises of His return. "For the Lord Himself will descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of an archangel, and with the trumpet of God. And the dead in Christ will rise first. Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord" (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17). This is the promised hope we are to live in day by day: "looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ"
(Titus 2:13).
Dear Lord Jesus, I find sweet comfort in Your promises to return for me. I long to see You face to face. It is inexpressible joy to anticipate being with You forever. Come quickly, Lord Jesus!
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Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. (1 Peter 5:7)
Reflection
Implicit in Peter's direction to the believer to cast away all cares to the feet of God is the truth that God Himself will care for them. God is powerful! He is sovereign, calling all matters into submission to His will! And He cares for us! If such a powerful God cares for us and our needs, can we fail to cast mastery of our cares and worries into His mighty hands?
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=148
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God Is With You - May 28
by Anne Graham Lotz
http://www.annegrahamlotz.org/category/messages-from-gods-word/joy-of-my-heart/?dd=0528
I trust in your unfailing love; my heart rejoices in your salvation. - Psalm 13:5, NIV
The apostle John, suffering in exile on Patmos near the end of his life, must have prayed earnestly to be restored to his church and to his ministry. He must have begged God to get him off of the remote island so he could continue preaching and serving as a pastor and evangelist. Yet God didn’t answer his prayers. Instead, John related that it was on Patmos that God drew near to him and gave him a vision of the glory of Jesus Christ – a vision he recorded for the encouragement of every generation of believers since that time in the Book of Revelation. Jesus was with him in exile on Patmos!
What is your Patmos? A place where you are seemingly cut off and exiled from ministry and family? Is it a hospital bed? Or a small home with small children? Is it a workplace where you are surrounded by politically correct hostility to Christ?
Then look up! God is with you!
From Why?
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The LORD [is] good, a strong hold in the day of trouble; and he knoweth them that trust in him. (Nahum 1:7)
Reflection
Not only is the Lord an unbreachable defence to those who find their identity and righteousness in Christ, but He knows intimately each whom He defends. He is aware of our every need and every weakness, and thus, we, His people, can be supremely confident in His ability to bolster us in the face of even the fiercest enemy. Rejoice, O believer, for He is our great shield and high wall of bastion!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=149
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If ye then, being evil, know how to give good gifts unto your children, how much more shall your Father which is in heaven give good things to them that ask him? (Matthew 7:11)
Reflection
Rejoice, O believer! Rejoice in the unaccountably vast treasure of mercy the Lord showers upon His bride! He is the King of All and is faithful to reward His children. He has given you a throne! A robe of righteousness! A crown of victorious glory! Every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places is yours by the Father's hand. Give thanks, sing "Hallelujah," and proclaim the joy of His resurrection!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=150
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Blessed [is] the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him. (James 1:12)
Reflection
The crown of life is a promise that God grants to those who love Him. Though we endure tremendous trials and tribulations, we will not be crushed. Our suffering will end in the glory of Jesus Christ and we will receive the crown of life. What a beautiful ending for this life! May God be glorified in our daily trials. May we seek His face and continue to be molded into His perfect image.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=151
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And not only [so], but we glory in tribulations also: knowing that tribulation worketh patience; And patience, experience; and experience, hope: And hope maketh not ashamed; because the love of God is shed abroad in our hearts by the Holy Ghost which is given unto us. (Romans 5:3-5)
Reflection
We are promised that our sufferings will bear a fruit greater than the power of the suffering: we are promised genuine hope that does not disappoint! What glorious fruit! So then is suffering counted by Paul a reason for rejoicing!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=152