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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And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, [there] ye may be also. (John 14:3)
Reflection
Because Jesus will go and prepare a place for us, He will also surely return to take us to be with Him. Christ often assures us throughout Scripture that He is coming back for His church. The place that He has prepared for us will be our eternal dwelling as we are His bride. Praise the Lord that we have this assurance!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=183
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Psalm 118 - God's Faithful Love Endures Forever
1 Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+118&version=NLT
God's faithful love endures forever. This is why we are able to talk with God in prayer about our failings, our distress in circumstances, to share with God joy and thanks, because God is alive and His love for us endures.
God's love for us far surpasses the frailty of human relationships. In the days of temple sacrifice, and even in the distant past before there was a temple, sacrifices were bound to the altar when the life of the animal was to be given to cover the sin of people. But God, in Jesus living among us, willingly went to the cross for us. How could Jesus stand to do that? He even prayed if there was another way for God to remove the cross from Him. But there was no other way and no other person who could restore man to life and fellowship with God the Father. He loved God His Father so much that Jesus wanted to obey Him and wanted His plan to be fulfilled. But Jesus also loved us. For the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. The joy of future glory and future life with all who would belong to Him, the joy of knowing all who would in the future have eternity with Him, this motivated Jesus. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne. Give thanks to the Lord for He is good! His faithful love endures forever.
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The LORD thy God in the midst of thee [is] mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing. (Zephaniah 3:17)
Reflection
How incredible to know the Lord so delights in His children! How wonderful to know that we, the people of His hand, are a pleasure to Him! Rejoice in the Lord's rejoicing in you! Delight in the Lord's delighting in you! Exalt your God all you people and know that He is well-pleased to have you as His own!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=184
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Psalm 125
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+125&version=ISV
1 Those who are trusting in the Lord
are like Mount Zion, which cannot be overthrown.
They remain forever.
2 Just as mountains encircle Jerusalem,
so the Lord encircles his people,
from now to eternity.
3 For evil’s scepter will not rest
on the land that has been allotted to the righteous,
and so the righteous will not direct themselves to do wrong.
4 Lord, do good to those who are good,
and to those who are upright in heart.
5 But for those who choose their own devious paths,
the Lord will lead them away,
along with those who practice evil.
Peace be upon Israel.
tonight we followed google maps directions to go somewhere. it turned out that the directions had an error, so that we got lost. we pulled over and called the person we were going to see, and they stayed on the phone to direct us out of the maze we were in and to their door. Psalm 125 shines a light on one of the wonderful characteristics of the Lord, that He is trustworthy. He is protective of His people, protective of the land He has claimed as His own. He made it in the beginning, He purchased back the right to it, and the Lord intends to make good on that claim. He is returning to rule and will allot the land to those who are righteous through faith/trust in the Lord Jesus.
Lord Jesus, we praise You and thank You forever because You do not lead us astray. Through Your foresight and understanding, You already have plans for the future. We are grateful to You for safeguarding our life. We are grateful to You for providing us Your directions by giving us Holy Spirit inspired Bible, Your instructions for how to live. We love you Lord Jesus. We are so glad that You encircle Your people. We would not want it to be any other way.🍷🍞:heart:
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LORD, thou wilt ordain peace for us: for thou also hast wrought all our works in us. (Isaiah 26:12)
Reflection
By His great adoration and tender mercy, the God of the Universe presents His unfailing peace and great strength to His children. He established His peace in us through the beautiful resurrection of His only Son, Christ Jesus. He wipes away our transgressions allowing us to be used to further the kingdom of God. Therefore, we have been enabled to enter into His rest and become His righteous children
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=185
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https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=John+20%3A30-21%3A12&version=ISV
The Purpose of the Book
John 20:30 Jesus performed many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are not recorded in this book. 31 But these have been recorded so that you may believe that Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, and so that through believing you may have life in his name.
Jesus Appears to Seven of His Disciples
21:1 Later on, Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples at the Sea of Tiberias. This is what happened: 2 Simon Peter, Thomas (called the Twin), Nathaniel from Cana in Galilee, the sons of Zebedee, and two of his other disciples were together. 3 Simon Peter told them, “I’m going fishing.”
They all told him, “We’ll go with you, too.” So they went out and got into the boat but didn’t catch a thing that night.
4 Just as dawn was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore. The disciples didn’t realize it was Jesus. 5 Jesus asked them, “Children, you don’t have any fish, do you?”
They answered him, “No.”
6 He told them, “Throw the net on the right hand side of the boat, and you’ll catch some.”So they threw it out and were unable to haul it in because it was so full of fish.
7 That disciple whom Jesus kept loving told Peter, “It’s the Lord!” When Simon Peter heard that it was the Lord, he put his clothes back on, because he was practically naked, and jumped into the sea. 8 But the other disciples came in the boat, dragging the net full of fish. They were only about 200 cubits away from the shore.
9 When they arrived at the shore, they saw a charcoal fire with fish lying on it, and some bread. 10 Jesus told them, “Bring me some of the fish you’ve just caught.” 11 So Simon Peter went aboard and dragged the net ashore. It was full of large fish—153 of them. And although there were so many of them, the net was not torn.
12 Then Jesus told them, “Come, have breakfast.” Now none of the disciples dared to ask him, “Who are you?”, because they knew it was the Lord.
Jesus had gone to the cross and died, and risen on the third day. In John 20 there are accounts of Jesus appearances to the women and His disciples, so they knew that He was alive. But Jesus showed up and vanished, showed up and vanished. What's a disciple supposed to do now that Jesus was not physically with them every day like He used to be? Peter spoke up among a gathering of some of his fellow disciples, and decided "I'm going fishing". Perhaps because it was something he liked to do, perhaps for income, perhaps because it was familiar and normal life, whatever the reason, all the other guys decided to go too. But life would never be as it was again because Jesus is alive. Jesus had fishing plans too!
The Lord not only provided an exceedingly great catch for them, but He also had fish to fry that they had nothing to do with! ahaha, I love this account. Jesus had fish to fry they didn't catch. He didn't need their labor or supply, but He gave them such success in fishing that they could barely drag the net in. Then Jesus gave them breakfast besides. We are gone fishing while the Lord is risen indeed. He could do whatever He wants to do to call people to Himself, but for some reason, we get to participate in the labor of fishing for men. But the harvest is due to the Lord and the coming rest and refreshment is supplied by Him as well. Jesus is worthy of praise and honor and thanks, and there is no better, no more enjoyable company than Him for breakfast in the morning. Breakfast with Jesus, on Him. What a lovely thought.
☕️🍽
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The LORD shall preserve thee from all evil: he shall preserve thy soul. (Psalm 121:7)
Reflection
While tragedy may beset us while we travail in this present age, our assurance is firm: our great God and Father shall prevent our downfall until that glorious day when we shall stand evermore in victory ultimate in the name of Christ Jesus our Lord. Praise Him till He returns and then praise Him throughout eternity!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=186
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For God hath not given us the spirit of fear; but of power, and of love, and of a sound mind. (2 Timothy 1:7)
Reflection
As opposed to a spirit of fear, we are given a spirit of adoption that we may be called sons of God (Romans 8:5)! The very Spirit of God has bestowed all power, love and grace upon us. By this, we have become heirs of the Most High for we are a new creation in His character. We have been delivered and glorified by Christ through the power and love of the Holy Spirit.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=187
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But he [was] wounded for our transgressions, [he was] bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace [was] upon him; and with his stripes we are healed. (Isaiah 53:5)
Reflection
The King of all kings bore all of our mournful grievances and sorrows, and was afflicted for our evil transgressions. Though He was blameless and holy, Christ was beaten and crucified for our individual well-beings. Yet three days later, Christ resurrected and declared victory over all sin and death! Death has lost its sting and the evil one has been crushed for eternity. The blood of Christ has healed our iniquities and has given us abounding grace, peace, and a tremendous hope.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=188
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The fear of man bringeth a snare: but whoso putteth his trust in the LORD shall be safe. (Proverbs 29:25)
Reflection
Trust in the Lord with all of your heart. Lean not on your own understanding. In all of your ways acknowledge Him and He will make your path straight (Proverbs 3:5-6). Trust God. He is infinitely able to provide your needs. Entrust your path to His mighty hands. He shall always protect you from the snares of the enemy. By His strength you are made much more than conquerors! Fear not, for He is infinitely better than your fears!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=180
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Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that the plowman shall overtake the reaper, and the treader of grapes him that soweth seed; and the mountains shall drop sweet wine, and all the hills shall melt. And I will bring again the captivity of my people of Israel, and they shall build the waste cities, and inhabit [them]; and they shall plant vineyards, and drink the wine thereof; they shall also make gardens, and eat the fruit of them. And I will plant them upon their land, and they shall no more be pulled up out of their land which I have given them, saith the LORD thy God. (Amos 9:13-15)
Reflection
Praise the Lord for His faithfulness to His people! Rejoice in the loving mercy of his hand! His kingdom shall be established and none shall prevail against it. Sing His praise for the overflowing bounty of His realm: the grapes are plenty, the harvest is ripe, and "Peace!" is the cry of its inhabitants. Praise Him with a shout and look to the coming of His Son who will usher forth all good things! Hallelujah!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=181
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But the Comforter, [which is] the Holy Ghost, whom the Father will send in my name, he shall teach you all things, and bring all things to your remembrance, whatsoever I have said unto you. (John 14:26)
Reflection
Jesus promised us the Holy Spirit. He describes Him as the Counsellor or Paraclete (the One that comes alongside to encourage). The Holy Spirit is sent from the Father (in Jesus' name) and one of His ministry is to teach us all things and to remind us of what Christ has told us.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=191
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Psalm 119:17-24 New Living Translation (NLT)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A17-24&version=NLT
Gimel
17 Be good to your servant,
that I may live and obey your word.
18 Open my eyes to see
the wonderful truths in your instructions.
19 I am only a foreigner in the land.
Don’t hide your commands from me!
20 I am always overwhelmed
with a desire for your regulations.
21 You rebuke the arrogant;
those who wander from your commands are cursed.
22 Don’t let them scorn and insult me,
for I have obeyed your laws.
23 Even princes sit and speak against me,
but I will meditate on your decrees.
24 Your laws please me;
they give me wise advice.
Thank You God for correcting me, for cluing me into the fact that my thoughts are not Your thoughts.
You know what You are doing.
I don't.
Praise God because He is wise.
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Grace [be] to you and peace from God the Father, and [from] our Lord Jesus Christ, Who gave himself for our sins, that he might deliver us from this present evil world, according to the will of God and our Father: (Galatians 1:3-4)
Reflection
God desired to provide a way of reconciliation for us. This could only be done through His Son Jesus. Out of His love for us and obedience to His Father, Jesus died and paid the penalty for our sins. So rejoice you believers! Rejoice in the road to heaven paved with the grace and mercy of the heavenly throne!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=192
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How precious also are thy thoughts unto me, O God! how great is the sum of them! [If] I should count them, they are more in number than the sand: when I awake, I am still with thee. (Psalm 139:17-18)
Reflection
The Lord is constantly thinking about you, His child! His thoughts are always for your good (Jeremiah 29:11). He loves you with an everlasting love (Jeremiah 31:3)! How great is the sum of your thoughts towards God? How much time do you spend thinking about Him? Remember your Father's love for you! Recall your identity as His own child! Rejoice in Him and take heart in whom you have been made to be: one of the everlasting sons of God!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=193
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Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and [that] all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion. (2 Timothy 4:17)
Reflection
When it comes time for us to proclaim the gospel, we can stand in the Lord's strength and He will be right by our side the whole time. Be bold, O believer! Take your strength in the almighty arm of your Father, O child of heaven!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=194
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The LORD hath heard my supplication; the LORD will receive my prayer. (Psalm 6:9)
Reflection
Ever are the Lord's ears aroused to hear the pleas of His people. He is faithful to hear your cry and to answer your prayer. Take joy in the lovingkindness of the Lord and give glory to His mighty name even as He answers your pleas with peace and comfort.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=195
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But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; (1 Corinthians 1:27)
Reflection
It is simply breathtaking to contemplate the remarkable grace of God! Amazingly, He chose men of all trades, men of low stature, men from all walks of life—He chose you! He desired those dead in their sins to be resurrected and re-created to declare His infinite glory! What a privilege! What an incredible honor to preach the good news to a dark world! May we rejoice greatly and give praise to His glorious name!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=196
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Psalm 119:57-64
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A57-64&version=NLT
Heth
57 Lord, you are mine!
I promise to obey your words!
58 With all my heart I want your blessings.
Be merciful as you promised.
59 I pondered the direction of my life,
and I turned to follow your laws.
60 I will hurry, without delay,
to obey your commands.
61 Evil people try to drag me into sin,
but I am firmly anchored to your instructions.
62 I rise at midnight to thank you
for your just regulations.
63 I am a friend to anyone who fears you—
anyone who obeys your commandments.
64 O Lord, your unfailing love fills the earth;
teach me your decrees.
The psalmist says it all in those first four words, "LORD, you are mine!"
there is a proclaiming of relationship there, and sharing of life. how could a person rise at midnight to thank someone unless the person was sharing the same space with them, or had a means of communication at any time? Let's pray,
Lord Jesus, you are mine. You paid the price for me and asked me to be with you, and I won't let you go. The psalmist said to You that with all his heart he wanted your blessings. Jacob said that he wouldn't let You go until You blessed him. Lord, I ask for the blessing of dwelling in Your house forever, and for the blessing of being able to wake at midnight and there You are. Thank You Lord for loving and teaching me. Your commands reflect Your unfailing love, so I welcome Your words, Your authority, Your covering over me. You stretched out the heavens like a tent. This is the best blessing of all, to dwell in Your dwelling place with You forever. I praise You God for bringing all the saved into Your tent, Your home, separating us to Yourself.
Ancient Hebrew, hhet: http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/alphabet_letters_hhet.html
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If the world hate you, ye know that it hated me before [it hated] you. If ye were of the world, the world would love his own: but because ye are not of the world, but I have chosen you out of the world, therefore the world hateth you. Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. (John 15:18-20)
Reflection
The believer in Christ should not shrink from suffering or persecution, but should take heart in the fact that his suffering is counted as due to Christ. For of course, the redeemed children will be the object of scorn and derision! The world despised and hated the most loving, caring, hospitable, and merciful man to ever walk the earth; if they should hate Him so, how can we not expect them to hate those who follow that man—Christ Jesus!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=197
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Psalm 119:65-72 New Living Translation (NLT)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A65-72&version=NLT
Teth
65 You have done many good things for me, Lord,
just as you promised.
66 I believe in your commands;
now teach me good judgment and knowledge.
67 I used to wander off until you disciplined me;
but now I closely follow your word.
68 You are good and do only good;
teach me your decrees.
69 Arrogant people smear me with lies,
but in truth I obey your commandments with all my heart.
70 Their hearts are dull and stupid,
but I delight in your instructions.
71 My suffering was good for me,
for it taught me to pay attention to your decrees.
72 Your instructions are more valuable to me
than millions in gold and silver.
It is not possible to contain in a basket or any container, all the ways, all the times that God has graciously spared and taught us. Thank God for His generous mercy and grace. Thank God that His forgiveness is more vast than our failings.
I praise you Jesus, I praise you Father God, I praise you Holy Spirit because all good comes from You. You are the source of good judgment and knowledge. I fail at words to describe adequately how precious relationship with You is. There is no containing You, God. You are almighty, everlasting, faithful and true. This is why I love You God, because of what You are like. Perfect.
About the letter tet: http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/alphabet_letters_tet.html
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Jesus answered and said unto them, Verily I say unto you, If ye have faith, and doubt not, ye shall not only do this [which is done] to the fig tree, but also if ye shall say unto this mountain, Be thou removed, and be thou cast into the sea; it shall be done. (Matthew 21:21)
Reflection
We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us! With the Lord of all sovereignty behind us, we can be confident that He will ever enable us to accomplish His will.
My Prayer: Help me, Lord, to grow in faith! I thank You for granting us Your power to trust ever more deeply in You!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=198
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Psalm 119:73-80 New Living Translation (NLT)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A73-80&version=NLT
Yodh
73 You made me; you created me.
Now give me the sense to follow your commands.
74 May all who fear you find in me a cause for joy,
for I have put my hope in your word.
75 I know, O Lord, that your regulations are fair;
you disciplined me because I needed it.
76 Now let your unfailing love comfort me,
just as you promised me, your servant.
77 Surround me with your tender mercies so I may live,
for your instructions are my delight.
78 Bring disgrace upon the arrogant people who lied about me;
meanwhile, I will concentrate on your commandments.
79 Let me be united with all who fear you,
with those who know your laws.
80 May I be blameless in keeping your decrees;
then I will never be ashamed.
As the psalmist says, the Lord God is the one who made us. Down to the smallest yod detail, He is aware of what we are made of, and knows all the shaping it will take to give us the sense to follow His commands.
Lord, you were from the beginning, creator and refiner of heaven and earth. Down to the smallest detail, not a yod of your plan is forgotten. You are the one who understands it all. Lord shape me into a delightful living one who is whoever You want me to be. Lord I ask to be shaped to delight You because all these years of my life, from the worst times to the best, You always have been there for me. I pray to have the sense to follow Your commands. Lord, thank You for Your unfailing love, for Your surrounding mercy that turns me to face You. Thank You Lord for Your discipline that corrects me until the day comes when my sin nature will be removed by You, replaced with a spiritual body that only You can provide.
Lord, You made me. I entrust my life to You.
About the letter Yud
http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/alphabet_letters_yud.html
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[He is] near that justifieth me; who will contend with me? let us stand together: who [is] mine adversary? let him come near to me. (Isaiah 50:8)
Reflection
Who can stand before the might of the Lion of the Tribe of Judah? None. Who can thwart the plans of the very Creator of the Heavens? None. And who could steal a single child from the hand of the conquering Lamb Himself? Why none at all! There is no foe so great or force so terrifying as to hold any sway over the Son of God! Take comfort in the strength of His arm and know to a certainty that if He is for you, then, truly, none can be against you (cf. Romans 8:31).
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=199
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For the LORD [is] good; his mercy [is] everlasting; and his truth [endureth] to all generations. (Psalm 100:5)
Reflection
Never need the child of God fear the failure of the heavenly promise for the Lord is unto everlasting. He is. And was. And ever will be. And He is faithful! Faithful to the fulfilment of every good thing! Faithful to His eternal promise of the redemption, justification, sanctification, and glorification of His chosen people! Take heart and enjoy well the Sabbath rest bought us by Christ!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=200
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Psalm 119:89-96
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A89-96+&version=NLT
Lamedh
89 Your eternal word, O Lord,
stands firm in heaven.
90 Your faithfulness extends to every generation,
as enduring as the earth you created.
91 Your regulations remain true to this day,
for everything serves your plans.
92 If your instructions hadn’t sustained me with joy,
I would have died in my misery.
93 I will never forget your commandments,
for by them you give me life.
94 I am yours; rescue me!
For I have worked hard at obeying your commandments.
95 Though the wicked hide along the way to kill me,
I will quietly keep my mind on your laws.
96 Even perfection has its limits,
but your commands have no limit.
Praise God that His word stands, that there isn't a person or a thing that can make God's word of no effect. How can it be that something God says is unstoppable? It's because of who He is. It's because there is authority and ability to do behind what comes out of God's mouth. He spoke the heavens and the earth into existence and He is able to make new ones. The wicked do what is right in their own eyes, but God has the final word on their life, and in judgement, their end will not be what they plan for themselves. But what God plans, what He says stands firm.
Lord, I am so glad that You are in charge. I rejoice for Your authority. You shepherd me and all who are Yours, regulating us in paths of life and righteousness. You restore our souls. You lead us into dwelling in peace with You. We are in this world now, but You have made us to be not of it. Our minds will quiet on You though the wicked have plans for harm to us. Even perfection has its limits Lord, whatever we do that we consider best has an end, but Your word, Your commands are unstoppable. There is no limit to what You can do. I praise You Lord Jesus because I know that in being under Your authority, You will take care of me and love me, we will be able to have home together through eternity because You say so.
About the letter Lamed
http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/alphabet_letters_lamed.html
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So foolish [was] I, and ignorant: I was [as] a beast before thee. Nevertheless I [am] continually with thee: thou hast holden [me] by my right hand. Thou shalt guide me with thy counsel, and afterward receive me [to] glory. (Psalm 73:22-24)
Reflection
As Christians, we still sin and act foolishly, but God continues to be with us and guide us onto the right path. After our life is through, He takes us to heaven to live eternally with Him! O, what great grace we have been given!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=201
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Psalm 119:97-104 New Living Translation (NLT)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=psalm+119%3A97-104&version=NLT
Mem
97 Oh, how I love your instructions!
I think about them all day long.
98 Your commands make me wiser than my enemies,
for they are my constant guide.
99 Yes, I have more insight than my teachers,
for I am always thinking of your laws.
100 I am even wiser than my elders,
for I have kept your commandments.
101 I have refused to walk on any evil path,
so that I may remain obedient to your word.
102 I haven’t turned away from your regulations,
for you have taught me well.
103 How sweet your words taste to me;
they are sweeter than honey.
104 Your commandments give me understanding;
no wonder I hate every false way of life.
Thank you Lord for giving us your Word. Day by day, in each circumstance, Your word is both steady rock and living water. Following my own wisdom, Lord, was like trying to catch the wind or water in my hands. Just when I thought I knew what to do, or made a decision from my own ways, like wind and water through the fingers, my solutions proved to be fleeting. they left me with the heat of the situation and thirst for what to do that would actually prove wise, that would actually be Your answer. I missed You Lord. Now I love Your instruction because Your instruction is an expression of You. There is no one who plans better or thinks wiser or understands more than You Lord. The most powerful enemy and most educated of people do not compare to You. You are unfathomably sufficient for all I need in this life and in eternity. You remain forever, my sweet Lord.
About the letter Mem:
http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/alphabet_letters_mem.html
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And if ye [be] Christ's, then are ye Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. (Galatians 3:29)
Reflection
Whether we are Jew or Gentile, enslaved or free, male or female, so long as we are Christians then we are of Abraham's seed which God so long ago promised. So long as we find our identity in Christ, the True Seed of promise, we are the spiritual descendents of Abraham.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=202
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The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance. (2 Peter 3:9)
Reflection
Though we yearn greatly for the return of our King, there are still souls to be won. We can take heart in the love of our Father that all of Christ's sheep will be gathered before that final trump. None of our yet-saved brothers will perish. And this is the purpose for which Christ delays his coming.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=203
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Psalm 119:113-120 New Living Translation (NLT)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A113-120&version=NLT
Samekh
113 I hate those with divided loyalties,
but I love your instructions.
114 You are my refuge and my shield;
your word is my source of hope.
115 Get out of my life, you evil-minded people,
for I intend to obey the commands of my God.
116 Lord, sustain me as you promised, that I may live!
Do not let my hope be crushed.
117 Sustain me, and I will be rescued;
then I will meditate continually on your decrees.
118 But you have rejected all who stray from your decrees.
They are only fooling themselves.
119 You skim off the wicked of the earth like scum;
no wonder I love to obey your laws!
120 I tremble in fear of you;
I stand in awe of your regulations.
Jesus, Lord, you deserve to hold first place. You deserve undivided loyalty because Your love is so loyal, that You gave Your own flesh and blood body to rescue me from the penalty for sin that I deserved. I set the course of my heart to You, Jesus, over and over again correcting course from the listing of life because You have shielded me. Jesus You are my refuge, You untangle me from the enticements of those who reject You. The wicked replace Your commands with substitutes that that catch, snare, deceive a person into decisions and actions that do not produce life. Holy Lord, Your words give me hope for the future, knowing a time is coming when temptations will be past and I won't be snared or tripped up anymore. It's You Jesus who have not a single flaw. You wore a crown of thorns though no thorn of wickedness is in You. With the psalmist I tremble at Your presence because of Your holy powerful self. Your word separates and discriminates between what is clean and unclean, forgiven and unforgiven. Thank You for sustaining and rescuing me Lord, for being my high priest and kinsman redeemer, my savior, my bridegroom. Foolishness and wickedness separates a person from relationship with You, and such who are loyal to rejecting You will be removed from the earth. But God, catch me to You, surround me with Your word so that I can stand before You, forever in awe of You Jesus. You are living Word of God. Sharper than any two edged sword, Your word cuts between soul and spirit, it exposes our innermost thoughts and desires. I'm stuck on You Jesus.
About the letter samekh:
http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/alphabet_letters_samehh.html
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The LORD will not suffer the soul of the righteous to famish: but he casteth away the substance of the wicked. (Proverbs 10:3)
Reflection
Take confidence in this, dear believer: in the very suffering of the righteous lies the mystery of gospel victory. Sure enough, Christ's church is sore oppressed upon this earth. Just as even He was-for a servant is not greater than his master. By His righteous suffering, our eternal victory was bought and by our suffering for righteousness's sake, we glory in that same victory! Though in our days upon this earth, we may indeed perish from starvation, that is not an end which we should fear. We ought look forward to the heavenly consummation of our lives-when at long last we will be truly free from famishment. When at long last we will no longer hold to the promises of unshakable victory by faith alone, but will apprehend such by unfettered sight! O come Lord Jesus, come!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=204
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Now unto him that is able to keep you from falling, and to present [you] faultless before the presence of his glory with exceeding joy, To the only wise God our Saviour, [be] glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and ever. Amen. (Jude 1:24-25)
Reflection
By the grace and mercy of the Father, the believer is kept from stumbling to destruction during the long journey of life and will be presented blameless and pure before the throne of God. As followers of Christ, we must keep ourselves in the love of God as we anxiously wait for the return of the Messiah. During this time of waiting, we are promised that God will keep us in His hands and we will not stumble away from His great purpose. Instead, nothing will snatch us away (John 10:29) and we will reside with Him for eternity!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=205
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Psalm 119:129-136 New Living Translation (NLT)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A129-136&version=NLT
Pe
129 Your laws are wonderful.
No wonder I obey them!
130 The teaching of your word gives light,
so even the simple can understand.
131 I pant with expectation,
longing for your commands.
132 Come and show me your mercy,
as you do for all who love your name.
133 Guide my steps by your word,
so I will not be overcome by evil.
134 Ransom me from the oppression of evil people;
then I can obey your commandments.
135 Look upon me with love;
teach me your decrees.
136 Rivers of tears gush from my eyes
because people disobey your instructions.
The wonder of Your word God, stirs my heart and holds me in admiration of You. Your breath spoke all that is to being. Your laws are wonderful as the psalmist says. When You speak, You give understanding. When You speak, all nature has to respond. Your words are full of wisdom and truth and life. It's no wonder I long to hear from You. I pray to You God, Lord Most Hish, speak Your answers to my needs. Speak mercy God. Would You just talk with me? The psalmist said, "Look upon me with love; teach me Your decrees". He is asking for relationship with You Lord. Like the writer, Your presence with me, teaching me and guiding me through life, to have Your love is what I long for. Thank You Lord Jesus, holy Word, Holy Son of God for coming and revealing Yourself. It is the saddest thing when people disobey You. They have missed the voice that spoke creation, they miss the mark of You when they mark their choices with what is right in their own eyes. Sing over me Lord, a song of love and deliverance. My ears wait for the sound of Your voice from Your mouth. Pe.
About the letter Pey:
http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/alphabet_letters_pey.html
"Blessings" by Laura Story.
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For thou, Lord, [art] good, and ready to forgive; and plenteous in mercy unto all them that call upon thee. (Psalm 86:5)
Reflection
The Lord is full of mercy and willing to forgive us! He never rejects us when we ask for His forgiveness. This outpouring of mercy and love should make us desire to follow Him more faithfully.
My Prayer: Jesus, I do not deserve Your love or mercy, but I praise and thank You for them both! Thank You for hearing us when we call to You.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=206
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Psalm 119:137-144 New Living Translation (NLT)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A137-144&version=NLT
Tsadhe
137 O Lord, you are righteous,
and your regulations are fair.
138 Your laws are perfect
and completely trustworthy.
139 I am overwhelmed with indignation,
for my enemies have disregarded your words.
140 Your promises have been thoroughly tested;
that is why I love them so much.
141 I am insignificant and despised,
but I don’t forget your commandments.
142 Your justice is eternal,
and your instructions are perfectly true.
143 As pressure and stress bear down on me,
I find joy in your commands.
144 Your laws are always right;
help me to understand them so I may live.
Lord, you are faultless in every aspect of You. More secure than a strong tower or a base built into a mountainside, Your word stands. Jesus You have stood the test of life. As pressure and stress bear down on me, I turn to You in prayer. You are my hiding place and my defence. I call to You God because Your trustworthiness brings comfort and You are my hope. If I could circle round You, God, the way a fortified city could be surveyed, or the way a bride circles around her groom, You would be found perfect. True. Stable. Because You are perfect. True. Stable. My true love God, You are my security. There is only one pathway to abiding with You, Father God, the path You ordered that follows Jesus. God, I ask for understanding, for discernment so that I may know how to follow Jesus in everyday life, not just in exceptional times, but all the time, to abide in Your way, Jesus. Amen
About the letter Tsade:
http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/alphabet_letters_tsade.html
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[When] the poor and needy seek water, and [there is] none, [and] their tongue faileth for thirst, I the LORD will hear them, I the God of Israel will not forsake them. (Isaiah 41:17)
Reflection
Ever is the Lord gracious and ever does He shower mercy unfettered upon the objects of His affection. Because we know that God loves us, we may take pleasure in the great knowledge that He will surely stand by us in our hour of need. Ever is the Lord the provider of our necessities and ever will He quench our thirst with the welcome vials of living water-even the life of Christ
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=207
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For the LORD taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. (Psalm 149:4)
Reflection
My Prayer: Thank You, O God that You delight in us, Your people. Thank You for Your reign of love. Thank You for taking pleasure in Your people, for giving us hearts to serve, for prospering us by Your Spirit, for communing with us by Your means of grace, and for communicating to us Your favour and good pleasure. Thank You for preparing us for Your future glory!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=208
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When Christ, [who is] our life, shall appear, then shall ye also appear with him in glory. (Colossians 3:4)
Reflection
Our Lord, Jesus Christ, who is the Lamb of God and our Bridegroom shall return! Our true life is hidden in Him and when He appears in clouds of glory, then shall our own true lives be made apparent in Him. His life of obedience is ours (cf. Romans 5:19 and Hebrews 5:8). His death and suffering is ours. So too is His resurrection to new life. And even so, His revelation in robes of splendour at the final day shall be shared with every one of His saints. So put to death the earthly things until His coming and you shall be crowned in His glory
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=209
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Psalm 119:161-168 New Living Translation (NLT)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A161-168&version=NLT
Shin
161 Powerful people harass me without cause,
but my heart trembles only at your word.
162 I rejoice in your word
like one who discovers a great treasure.
163 I hate and abhor all falsehood,
but I love your instructions.
164 I will praise you seven times a day
because all your regulations are just.
165 Those who love your instructions have great peace
and do not stumble.
166 I long for your rescue, Lord,
so I have obeyed your commands.
167 I have obeyed your laws,
for I love them very much.
168 Yes, I obey your commandments and laws
because you know everything I do.
Lord, no matter how powerful the people are who come against me because I believe in You, You are the One, my Savior who I desire to please. I rejoice at Your voice, at Your word. You are my treasure Jesus. You are the treasure of heaven. I love Your instruction because Your instruction comes from Your heart. El Shaddai your word heals me and gives me eternal life. I long for Your rescue, for Your return to the sky in glory. In the past I went my own way, but now that I've tasted Your goodness, I love Your direction. You know everything that I do, I cannot hide from You anyhow. I long to see Your face and abide with You in the place You have prepared. So Lord, move me by Your Spirit to remember You when I wake and at the end of day, even seven times a day and more, I ask for You to be ever before me. Jesus, You are alpha and omega, beginning and end, You build up and tear down, You are the source of resurrection. I'll chew on that Lord. You are all the nourishment I need.
I love you Jesus.
About the letter Shin
http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/alphabet_letters_shin.html
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Psalm 119:169-176 New Living Translation (NLT)
https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm+119%3A169-176&version=NLT
Taw
169 O Lord, listen to my cry;
give me the discerning mind you promised.
170 Listen to my prayer;
rescue me as you promised.
171 Let praise flow from my lips,
for you have taught me your decrees.
172 Let my tongue sing about your word,
for all your commands are right.
173 Give me a helping hand,
for I have chosen to follow your commandments.
174 O Lord, I have longed for your rescue,
and your instructions are my delight.
175 Let me live so I can praise you,
and may your regulations help me.
176 I have wandered away like a lost sheep;
come and find me,
for I have not forgotten your commands.
Lord Jesus, I need You. You know everything about me before I say anything. But I want to talk with You and say it anyhow, Lord hear my cry. Please cause me to have a discerning mind, a renewed mind after Yours. Rescue me Lord from myself, please intervene in my life like a shepherd does for a sheep that has wandered and cause me to dwell near You. I ask to have Your mark, Your signature on my heart and mind, changed to reflect You. Thank You Jesus for sending Holy Spirit to seal me. I know that You don't forget a single person who has been birthed again spiritually, changed profoundly and invisibly by Your life giving power. I will put on the garment of praise because You deserve praise no matter the circumstances. Your goodness and salvation does not fail. Please call the redeemed to You soon Lord. God has a plan and time for everything but I just want to say, come quickly Lord Jesus
About the letter Tav:
http://www.ancient-hebrew.org/alphabet_letters_tav.html
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O love the LORD, all ye his saints: [for] the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer. (Psalm 31:23)
Reflection
His strength is beyond imagining and with it He promises to preserve His children ever in their faith! None may snatch you from His hand, O child of the Lamb, for He is adamant: you are His and His alone! Love Him, therefore, and follow Him all your days!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=210
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This then is the message which we have heard of him, and declare unto you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. (1 John 1:5)
Reflection
Here lies the believer's assurance that the light of God will permeate even this dark world. Even more, God is that very light! The believer ought hold this truth tightly: despite the most tumultuous circumstance, not all is dark, lost, or evil
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=211
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And our hope of you [is] stedfast, knowing, that as ye are partakers of the sufferings, so [shall ye be] also of the consolation. (2 Corinthians 1:7)
Reflection
Christ reigns even now on His heavenly throne, yet the earth is filled with evil men. The adopted brothers and sisters of Christ reign even now by His side, yet their lives are of suffering. How can this be? It is the mystery of the cross of Christ Jesus! Through our weakness, we are strong. Through death, we have life. Through suffering, we are become the victors. And through persecution, we are blessed. Therefore, Christ tells us, rejoice in such troubles till the heavenly consummation, for great will be our apparent reward in that day. So do not fret, O believer, but trust that your suffering will produce hope. Hope in Christ. Hope in Heaven.
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=212
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For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. (Romans 1:16)
Reflection
As believers in Christ, we should not be ashamed of the Gospel because it is this very Gospel that has snatched us from the pit of hell. This wonderful news is open to anyone who will believe upon Jesus as Christ and Lord. Rejoice in this good news! Take heart in the wonderful mercies of the Lord! Be not ashamed for the sake of your life-giving faith! Proclaim the lovingkindness of the Lord unto all the nations with boldness that we who believe might fruitfully multiply the kingdom of heaven! Persevere in His strength, making disciples of all the world that others might share in the Gospel-joy that we, ourselves, have been granted to embrace!
https://www.blueletterbible.org/devotionals/promises/index.cfm?doy=213