The Promise Keeper’s Love Discarded (6/25/26)

Have you ever taken someone or something for granted? The Israelites took God for granted and discarded His love. They failed to recognize and honor His greatness. They even viewed their service to Him as a burden.

Malachi 1:11-14     ¹¹ My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty.

¹² “But you profane it by saying, ‘The Lord’s table is defiled,’ and, ‘Its food is contemptible.’ ¹³ And you say, ‘What a burden!’ and you sniff at it contemptuously,” says the Lord Almighty.

“When you bring injured, lame or diseased animals and offer them as sacrifices, should I accept them from your hands?” says the Lord. ¹⁴ “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations.

The Lord Almighty is great, deserving reverence and fear from all. How have we, like the Israelites, discarded God’s love and failed to recognize His greatness? Do we ever view time spent reading His Word or participating in service as a burden? What about giving our tithe? Do we give generously and regularly, or do we withhold it or give begrudgingly?

One day, all will recognize His greatness.

Romans 14:11         It is written:

“‘As surely as I live,’ says the Lord,
‘every knee will bow before me;
    every tongue will acknowledge God.’”

One day everyone will realize God is worth any sacrifice, no matter how big or small. Let's not discard His love. Instead, let's bow before Him now by actively recognizing His love and greatness daily. As we do, we can offer Him praise and share it with others.

Alice

The Promise Keeper’s Love Disrespected (6/18/26)

Have you ever been disrespectful to a parent and then questioned about it? At our house, when a kid talks disrespectfully to me, Joe steps in, asking, “Is that how you need to talk to your mother?” This scenario is similar to the next question and answer section in Malachi, which addresses the lack of respect toward God.  

Malachi 1:6-10 ⁶ “A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the Lord Almighty.

“It is you priests who show contempt for my name.

“But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’

⁷ “By offering defiled food on my altar.

“But you ask, ‘How have we defiled you?’

“By saying that the Lord’s table is contemptible. ⁸ When you offer blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice lame or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?” says the Lord Almighty.

⁹ “Now plead with God to be gracious to us. With such offerings from your hands, will he accept you?”—says the Lord Almighty.

¹⁰ “Oh, that one of you would shut the temple doors, so that you would not light useless fires on my altar! I am not pleased with you,” says the Lord Almighty, “and I will accept no offering from your hands.

God’s words reveal a harsh reality: He would rather the priests close the temple doors and stop all sacrifices than tolerate their hollow and insincere worship. Their defiled animal sacrifices and empty rituals were detestable to Him.

It’s easy to condemn the priests and Israelites for their actions. However, what about our own worship? Do we sometimes go through the motions when we pray, sing worship songs, give our tithe, or serve? Are our worship services truly filled with sincerity and devotion, or would God prefer that our church doors be closed if our services are vain and self-focused, lacking genuine love, honor and respect for Him? Let’s examine our own acts of worship and participation in church, and discern whether they truly honor and respect God.

Alice

The Promise Keeper’s Love Doubted (6/11/26)

With the completion of Revelation last week, I was praying about what book to go through for the next devotional series. Why not explore the last book in the Old Testament since we covered the last book in the New Testament? The book of Malachi shows how God was and will continue to be faithful to His covenant promises, even when His children are and continue to be unfaithful.

God starts out his message with a declaration of love. However, the Israelites question God’s love, despite seeing God’s faithful, patient, and gracious love for them throughout the Bible.

Malachi 1:1-5 A prophecy: The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi.

² “I have loved you,” says the Lord.

“But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’

“Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the Lord. “Yet I have loved Jacob, ³ but Esau I have hated, and I have turned his hill country into a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.”

⁴ Edom may say, “Though we have been crushed, we will rebuild the ruins.”

But this is what the Lord Almighty says: “They may build, but I will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land, a people always under the wrath of the Lord. ⁵ You will see it with your own eyes and say, ‘Great is the Lord—even beyond the borders of Israel!’

Malachi used the question-and-answer format, which was different from other prophets. He first declares God’s love for Israel, but they doubted His love. God pointed out that He chose to love Jacob (Israel) and bring about His salvation plan through Jacob’s descendants. God wouldn’t fall out of love for Israel and He won’t fall out of love for the rest of His followers either.

God would fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He would send Jesus to live a perfect life, die for sinners and rise again, granting eternal life to all who believe. They were to be amazed at God’s faithfulness then, and we are today too. We can declare “Great is the Lord” as we witness God’s amazing work in and through those around us and ourselves.

God and His love are always great, but we don’t always recognize it or feel it. Like the Israelites, have you ever questioned God’s love for you? Will you journal or write down ways you know God loves you? On a day when you might doubt God’s love, you can go back to your list and be encouraged. Our promise-keeping God never stops loving His children!

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Come as Promised (6/4/26)

Today is the last day of school for my kids, and they are excited for summer break! Similarly, we reach the final verses in the book of Revelation, and we’re encouraged to be ready and anticipate Jesus’s return. While my kids might be eager for summer break, we can be far more excited for Jesus’s return, as it promises a utopia that will be a perfect reality. In Heaven, we’ll be with our perfect Creator and Savior, and all His followers will be made perfect through His grace.  

Revelation 22:20-21 ²⁰ He who testifies to these things says, “Yes, I am coming soon.”

Amen. Come, Lord Jesus.

²¹ The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people. Amen.

John emphasized grace as he concluded the book of Revelation, and he also began Revelation with a focus on grace.

Revelation 1:4 ⁴ John,

To the seven churches in the province of Asia:

Grace and peace to you from him who is, and who was, and who is to come, and from the seven spirits before his throne.

Jesus’ offer of eternal life is the greatest gift of grace. He also extended grace to us by giving John the prophecies in the book of Revelation. Although He didn’t have to reveal anything, He chose to share some details about the end times so we can be prepared. He assured us of His return and the certainty of the marvelous new Heaven and new earth awaiting us, making it clear that perseverance through suffering and persecution will be worth it.

Maybe some of you hadn’t read Revelation before or it had been intimidating. My prayer is that over our 70 weeks studying this final book of the Bible you saw value. Some of the symbolism is difficult to understand and may not be clear until Jesus returns, but we can focus on what is clear: His truths and His promises. What was your biggest takeaway from our journey through Revelation?

For me, the biggest takeaway is that Jesus is worthy. He is worthy of extending grace to all who will receive it. He is worthy to come and take us to the place He’s been preparing for us. He is worthy of all our worship for all eternity! Come Lord Jesus!

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Offer Words of Warning (5/28/26)

The kids are excited that school is almost over. They have one more week before summer break. To prevent them from forgetting what they’ve learned throughout the year, we have them do math, reading and writing over the summer.

Similarly, we have one more week left in Revelation. I don’t want us to forget what we’ve learned. John didn’t either. 

Revelation 22:18-19 ¹⁸ I warn everyone who hears the words of the prophecy of this scroll: If anyone adds anything to them, God will add to that person the plagues described in this scroll. ¹⁹ And if anyone takes words away from this scroll of prophecy, God will take away from that person any share in the tree of life and in the Holy City, which are described in this scroll.

We are to read and heed God’s Word carefully, as these warnings are strong. John also started Revelation with a similar strong encouragement. Revelation 1:3 ³ Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.

What is one thing from our journey through Revelation that you plan to heed?

I’m reminded of the importance of reading the Bible out loud. We try to do that with the kids each night. Now that our formal Bible study is on break for the summer, the kids pick which books of the Bible we read through as a family. We all take turns reading aloud and then discussing what we learned and found interesting. We also each pick out an attribute of God that we saw displayed or implied from the passage. Then, as we pray together, we praise God for those attributes in addition to the rest of our prayers.

How will you take Jesus’s warnings (through John) to heart for your time in God’s Word? 

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Offer His Gift (5/21/26)

We have nearly completed the book of Revelation! Do you remember how John began the book, declaring its recipients and sender? John noted that it was from God, to Jesus, to the angel, to John, to the churches, and ultimately to us and others. Jesus is described as “…the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead, and the ruler of the kings of the earth. To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood.” (Revelation 1:5) Now, as John concludes the book, he quotes Jesus, reaffirming that Jesus existed before David and will reign eternally after David, victorious over sin.

Revelation 22:16-17 ¹⁶ “I, Jesus, have sent my angel to give you this testimony for the churches. I am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the bright Morning Star.”

¹⁷ The Spirit and the bride say, “Come!” And let the one who hears say, “Come!” Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.

In his conclusion, John extends an invitation to us. We are invited to come, hear Jesus’s words, drink in His promises, and receive His gracious gift of eternal life.

Are you thirsty for Jesus? If so, how do you daily come to Him for satisfaction?

As the bride of Christ, where are we proclaiming “Come!” to those around us, so they too can hear the invitation to receive His eternal gift? Unlike my kids, who don’t offer their birthday gifts to others, we can share our free gift with others without diminishing our own blessing.  

May we respond to Jesus' invitation and share His gift of eternal life with others, that they too may experience the joy and satisfaction of knowing Him.

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Reward the Righteous (5/14/26)

To encourage my children to run with me, I set up a reward system. For every 20 miles they run, I treat them to a junior frosty. For every 100 miles they run, we enjoy dinner at a restaurant of their choice. They are my children whether they run or not, but our shared times together are extra special.

Jesus promises even greater rewards for His children. In this final chapter of Revelation, I believe He’s offering the ultimate reward: Himself and eternal life.

Revelation 22:12-13  ¹² “Look, I am coming soon! My reward is with me, and I will give to each person according to what they have done. ¹³ I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.

The reward of believing in Jesus, the great I AM, is Jesus Himself.

John 6:28-29 ²⁸ Then they asked him, “What must we do to do the works God requires?”

²⁹ Jesus answered, “The work of God is this: to believe in the one he has sent.”

The reward of Jesus Himself comes with the blessing of eternal life.

Revelation 22:14-15 ¹⁴ “Blessed are those who wash their robes, that they may have the right to the tree of life and may go through the gates into the city. ¹⁵ Outside are the dogs, those who practice magic arts, the sexually immoral, the murderers, the idolaters and everyone who loves and practices falsehood.

It’s important to understand that “washing their robes” doesn’t imply earning a place in heaven. Rather, it means obeying God’s command to submit to His plan of salvation through faith in Jesus. As we read earlier in Revelation, those with clean white robes “washed” them in Jesus’s blood (Revelation 7:14 “they have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”) This points out our inability to cleanse ourselves from the stain of sin. Only Jesus’s death and shed blood can forgive, cleanse, and make us righteous. Then, we can humbly stand before God’s throne in Jesus’s righteousness.

What would it look like for us to live in light of Jesus's promise? How might our lives change if we truly believed He's the ultimate reward?

Jesus is Worthy on this US National Day of Prayer (5/7/26)

Did you know it is the 75th US National Day of Prayer today? 

This year’s theme: GLORIFY GOD AMONG THE NATIONS - SEEKING HIM IN ALL GENERATIONS

I Chronicles 16:24        Tell of His glory among the nations, His wonderful deeds among all the peoples.

Kathy Branzell, President of the National Day of Prayer Task Force, gives background on the prayerfully selected verse and theme for this year: “In 2026, our theme is inspired by a passionate prayer of Thanksgiving, prayed by King David in 1 Chronicles 16 after bringing the Ark of the Covenant to Jerusalem. This chapter records Israel celebrating the return of the Ark after being separated for 70 years earlier. While God was always watching over Israel and just a prayer away from them and King David, the Ark of the Covenant represented the presence of God having been constructed at the command of God and carried by the Levites with Moses as they wandered and waited to enter the Promised Land and eventually stolen from the tabernacle in Shiloh at their defeat in the battle in Ebenezer. I’ll pause here in its history for now. Thankfully, we have an entire year to unpack 365 days or more of all the prayers and prompts we can glean from this theme.”

My kids’ school is again hosting an event tonight at 7pm. Feel free to come and join us if you live in the area.

National Day of Prayer - Saline gathering

5/7/26 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM

Washtenaw Christian Academy

Saline, MI

Or, you can find an event near you at the National Day of Prayer website: https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/events/gathering-search

Or, join the live broadcast at 8 pm ET here: https://www.nationaldayofprayer.org/2026-broadcast

The specific 7 spheres of influence to be covered in prayer are Families, Church, Education, Media (including Arts/Entertainment), Business (and Workplace), Military and Government. Whether you are in the US or not, we can all pray over these 7 areas.

As a family, we try to cover one of these areas each day of the week. Sunday is Church, Monday is Families, Tuesday is Education, Wednesday is Business (and community), Thursday is Media, Friday is Military and Saturday is Government. Which area is God leading you to add to your prayer list? What area will you pray over right now?

 

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Reveal Truth (4/30/26)

Recently, we were talking with the kids about how God doesn’t have to reveal anything to us, but He graciously chooses to reveal certain plans and purposes with us. As the all-knowing God, He has revealed Himself to us through His Word, His creation, and His involvement in history. With numerous promises already fulfilled, we can trust that the remaining promises, such as those in the book of Revelation, will also come true.

Revelation 22:6-11 ⁶ The angel said to me, “These words are trustworthy and true. The Lord, the God who inspires the prophets, sent his angel to show his servants the things that must soon take place.”

⁷ “Look, I am coming soon! Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy written in this scroll.”

⁸ I, John, am the one who heard and saw these things. And when I had heard and seen them, I fell down to worship at the feet of the angel who had been showing them to me. ⁹ But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your fellow prophets and with all who keep the words of this scroll. Worship God!”

¹⁰ Then he told me, “Do not seal up the words of the prophecy of this scroll, because the time is near. ¹¹ Let the one who does wrong continue to do wrong; let the vile person continue to be vile; let the one who does right continue to do right; and let the holy person continue to be holy.”

In this passage, John was instructed not to seal up the prophecy, but to share it with the seven churches, as mentioned in Revelation chapters 1-3. The time was near for the specific warnings and promises given to these churches. The churches were called to demonstrate faithful love, purity, and allegiance. They were to also have fearless faith, service, and perseverance. We’re also commanded to heed the instructions and message in this book (vs 7). If we do, we’re promised blessings – eternal security, satisfaction, peace, joy, a heavenly inheritance, and a face-to-face relationship one day with our Creator and Savior! We can worship Jesus because He has revealed trustworthy truth.

How will you respond to these true words of Jesus and eagerly anticipate His second coming? Will you faithfully love Him, fervently serve Him and fearlessly persevere through difficulties? He and His blessings are worth it!

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Extend Eternal Healing (4/23/26)

On Monday we headed to Detroit for the kids’ Hobbit show costume fittings, followed by their regular Detroit Opera Youth Chorus rehearsal. With a couple of hours to spare between the fittings and rehearsal, we explored Belle Isle, situated in the middle of the Detroit River. The youngest two kids were excited to visit for the first time. They thought it was cool to essentially be standing between two countries – the US and Canada – while also enjoying the beauty of Spring and the dazzling sunshine reflecting off the river water.

As unique and exciting as this was, it’s nothing compared to standing in the middle of the river in Heaven, which will be far more spectacular and glorious.

Revelation 22:1-5    Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, as clear as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb ² down the middle of the great street of the city. On each side of the river stood the tree of life, bearing twelve crops of fruit, yielding its fruit every month. And the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. ³ No longer will there be any curse. The throne of God and of the Lamb will be in the city, and his servants will serve him. ⁴ They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads. ⁵ There will be no more night. They will not need the light of a lamp or the light of the sun, for the Lord God will give them light. And they will reign for ever and ever.

We’ve finally reached the final chapter in Revelation! In this new Jerusalem, those who follow Jesus will experience no more pain or suffering. Instead, they will be met with healing, blessings, and fulfilling work serving our perfect Creator. We’ll get to see Him face-to-face daily! What hope and encouragement do these promises bring to you today?

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Be Our Lamp (4/16/26)

Yesterday, a severe storm hit Michigan, leaving many without power, and the rest of us concerned about losing ours. We have a generator that usually comes on when we lose power, as our sump pump must keep running so that our basement doesn’t flood. However, it doesn’t power every light in the house and is a less-than-ideal substitute. In the new Jerusalem, we won’t need to worry about power or light or floods! Jesus will be a far better substitute.

Revelation 21:22-27 ²² I did not see a temple in the city, because the Lord God Almighty and the Lamb are its temple. ²³ The city does not need the sun or the moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and the Lamb is its lamp. ²⁴ The nations will walk by its light, and the kings of the earth will bring their splendor into it. ²⁵ On no day will its gates ever be shut, for there will be no night there. ²⁶ The glory and honor of the nations will be brought into it. ²⁷ Nothing impure will ever enter it, nor will anyone who does what is shameful or deceitful, but only those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life.

The beauty of the magnificent new Jerusalem, as described last week, will be accentuated by the glory of God the Father and Jesus the Son. Imagine the streets, walls, and foundations bathed in bright sunlight. It will be even more grand by the pure and perfect light of God’s glory, making the sun and moon unnecessary.

This glorious place is our guaranteed inheritance for those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life. Do you know if your name is written in the book? You can be certain.

Ephesians 1:13-14 And you also were included in Christ when you heard the message of truth, the gospel of your salvation. When you believed, you were marked in him with a seal, the promised Holy Spirit, ¹⁴ who is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance until the redemption of those who are God’s possession—to the praise of his glory.

Those who have believed in God’s salvation through Jesus, our perfect sacrifice, are included with Christ as children of God and heirs of His glorious kingdom. Let’s praise Jesus as our worthy source of salvation, eternal life, and eternal light!

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Make Everything Beautiful (4/9/26)

After all the Spring rain this past week, our neighborhood’s grass transformed into a lush green. As Edmund, Alexis and I ran last night, I couldn’t help but comment on the sudden change and the beautiful scenery. The bright blue sky, with traces of white clouds, met the waves of green grass sprinkled with blooming yellow daffodils.

We marveled at God’s beauty, achieved with just a few colors. I can’t fathom the beauty as He decorates the new Jerusalem using more than all the colors imaginable in different textures of stones and jewels. It won’t be a small area, either. Its length, width, and height of 12,000 stadia, equivalent to 1,400 miles (or 2250 kilometers) is roughly the distance between Detroit, MI and Miami, FL.

Revelation 21:15-21 ¹⁵ The angel who talked with me had a measuring rod of gold to measure the city, its gates and its walls. ¹⁶ The city was laid out like a square, as long as it was wide. He measured the city with the rod and found it to be 12,000 stadia in length, and as wide and high as it is long. ¹⁷ The angel measured the wall using human measurement, and it was 144 cubits thick. ¹⁸ The wall was made of jasper, and the city of pure gold, as pure as glass. ¹⁹ The foundations of the city walls were decorated with every kind of precious stone. The first foundation was jasper, the second sapphire, the third agate, the fourth emerald, ²⁰ the fifth onyx, the sixth ruby, the seventh chrysolite, the eighth beryl, the ninth topaz, the tenth turquoise, the eleventh jacinth, and the twelfth amethyst. ²¹ The twelve gates were twelve pearls, each gate made of a single pearl. The great street of the city was of gold, as pure as transparent glass.

The variety of stones mentioned is stunning. In our world today, jasper can display a wide range of earthy tones, while sapphire, agate, onyx, beryl, and topaz come in almost every color. Agate is a type of quartz, and onyx is known for its high polish. Jasper, sapphire, beryl and topaz can be translucent. Emerald typically appears in shades of green, ruby in shades of red, chrysolite in shades of yellow, turquoise in shades of blue, jacinth in shades of orange, and amethyst in shades of purple. Plus, there will be pure gold streets, huge pearl gates and walls over 200 feet thick!

As we celebrated Jesus’ resurrection on Easter, His triumph over death gives us confidence in eternal life in this beautiful new Jerusalem. He is worthy of making everything beautiful. As we marvel at beautiful new life in nature this Spring, let’s give God the glory and express gratitude for an even more beautiful life to come!

Alice 

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Promise a New Jerusalem this Maundy Thursday (4/2/26)

Last week we celebrated Jesus’ humble entrance into Jerusalem on a donkey colt. Today, on Maundy Thursday of Holy Week, we remember how Jesus humbly washed the disciples’ feet, demonstrating again that His first coming was about selfless sacrifice and not about making everything new. As He continued to teach His disciples on that Thursday night, He shared with them a promise of a new place He would prepare for them.

John 14:1-3   “Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. ² My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? ³ And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.

At that moment, He personally assured His disciples of a place He would prepare for them. What He didn’t tell them, was that their names would be etched on the twelve foundations of the New Jerusalem! This revelation would come later, through John in Revelation 21.

Revelation 21:9-14 One of the seven angels who had the seven bowls full of the seven last plagues came and said to me, “Come, I will show you the bride, the wife of the Lamb.” ¹⁰ And he carried me away in the Spirit to a mountain great and high, and showed me the Holy City, Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God. ¹¹ It shone with the glory of God, and its brilliance was like that of a very precious jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal. ¹² It had a great, high wall with twelve gates, and with twelve angels at the gates. On the gates were written the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. ¹³ There were three gates on the east, three on the north, three on the south and three on the west. ¹⁴ The wall of the city had twelve foundations, and on them were the names of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.

The new Jerusalem will be far more glorious than the disciples or you and me could ever imagine! As we reflect on Holy Thursday and Good Friday, let’s genuinely express our gratitude to Jesus for all He sacrificed which enables us to be His cleansed bride, dwelling with Him for all eternity within the magnificent new Jerusalem! 

Alice

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Make Everything New (3/26/26)

My kids are super excited that today is the last day of school before Spring Break starts! They can’t wait for a break from their regular routines and extra free time to play and do fun things. When was the last time you felt that kind of excitement?

The crowd on Palm Sunday was ecstatic as they welcomed Jesus into Jerusalem.

John 12:12-13   The next day the great crowd that had come for the festival heard that Jesus was on his way to Jerusalem. ¹³ They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting,

“Hosanna!”

“Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!”

“Blessed is the king of Israel!”

The crowd’s excitement was rooted in their expectation of a reigning and conquering king. At His first coming, Jesus was indeed king, but not that kind of king. He was a selfless, sacrificial king that came to give His life so we could have eternal life. His first coming wasn’t about making everything new, but His second coming will usher in everything new.

Revelation 21:5-8 He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

⁶ He said to me: “It is done. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. To the thirsty I will give water without cost from the spring of the water of life. ⁷ Those who are victorious will inherit all this, and I will be their God and they will be my children. ⁸ But the cowardly, the unbelieving, the vile, the murderers, the sexually immoral, those who practice magic arts, the idolaters and all liars—they will be consigned to the fiery lake of burning sulfur. This is the second death.”

For those who reject Jesus as the only King and Savior, eternal torment awaits. On the other hand, for those of us that have surrendered to Jesus as our Lord and Savior, we have everything for which to look forward! EVERYTHING will be new, perfect and satisfying.

As we celebrate Palm Sunday this Sunday, we can also anticipate Jesus’ second coming when everything will be made new.

Jesus is worthy to celebrate as both a humble sacrificial king and one who will reign forever!

Alice

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Wipe Away Tears (3/19/26)

Sarah came home in tears last night from horseback riding. Her favorite horse has a disease that appears incurable after several different treatments. He has been declining, and she was told that he will be put down soon. She hasn’t been able to ride him in quite some time.

Death is inevitable on this earth. However, God is preparing a new heaven and new earth, free from death and suffering. After the millennium and after Satan and his followers are thrown into the lake of fire (as we’ve studied recently in Revelation), Jesus’ followers will join God in the new and perfect creation.

Revelation 21:1-4 Then I saw “a new heaven and a new earth,” for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and there was no longer any sea. ² I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband. ³ And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ⁴ ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.”

What painful struggles are you experiencing right now? How are you encouraged knowing there will be a day when that won’t be the case anymore, ever again? How does the promise of a future free from suffering bring you comfort and hope?

It is beyond imagination how glorious the new heaven and new earth will be! No death, no hurt, no fear, no pain, no conflict, no stress, no disappointment. The most elated feeling we have ever experienced won’t compare to the joy in God’s presence on that day and for all eternity!

Alice

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Judge the Dead (3/12/26)

A couple of days ago we enjoyed an unseasonably warm March day here in Michigan! In fact, we had our first outdoor dinner on our patio this year. As we were enjoying the sunshine, one kid pointed out the beautiful sun rays gleaming through the clouds. We talked about how much more magnificent it will be when Jesus returns to take us to heaven.

As the conversation continued, another kid started talking about the end times and persecution of Christians. We discussed that we may have to die for our faith, but life with Jesus for all eternity will be far better than anything we may give up in this life. The alternative, as described below, is unimaginable torture in the lake of fire forever.  

Revelation 20:11-15 ¹¹ Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. The earth and the heavens fled from his presence, and there was no place for them. ¹² And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged according to what they had done as recorded in the books. ¹³ The sea gave up the dead that were in it, and death and Hades gave up the dead that were in them, and each person was judged according to what they had done. ¹⁴ Then death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. The lake of fire is the second death. ¹⁵ Anyone whose name was not found written in the book of life was thrown into the lake of fire.

Death in this life is not the end. As Christians, we know that is true (although sometimes we don’t live like we know that is true). For non-Christ followers, death in this life is also not the end. They will face Judge Jesus and then be thrown into the lake of fire experiencing their second death. As we saw last week, Satan, the beast and the false prophet are the first to be thrown into the lake of fire. The torment isn’t temporary, but continuous.    

Jesus’s records are perfectly accurate, and He is worthy to judge all people. None of us could ever measure up to His standard on our own. By His grace, He has paid for our sin on the cross and offered us life through faith in Him. Then, we are judged based on His merit, and He writes our names in the book of life.

Let’s praise Him for His grace! Let’s also prayerfully recognize and take opportunities to share His grace with others so they may enjoy life with Him now and for all eternity!

Alice

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Outwit Satan (3/5/26)

I have often been surprised when a child tries to get away with something they have already attempted before, only to face severe consequences over and over. For instance, one kid snuck candy several times and faced steep consequences afterwards. Somehow it wasn’t enough to deter him from sneaking candy again or he thought the next time he might get away with it.

Similarly, I’m surprised Satan continues to try to thwart God’s plans and people, despite knowing he will ultimately lose. All of God’s promises and plans have come to fruition. Satan didn’t defeat Jesus on the cross and certainly won’t defeat Jesus at the end of time.

Revelation 20:7-10 When the thousand years are over, Satan will be released from his prison ⁸ and will go out to deceive the nations in the four corners of the earth—Gog and Magog—and to gather them for battle. In number they are like the sand on the seashore. ⁹ They marched across the breadth of the earth and surrounded the camp of God’s people, the city he loves. But fire came down from heaven and devoured them. ¹⁰ And the devil, who deceived them, was thrown into the lake of burning sulfur, where the beast and the false prophet had been thrown. They will be tormented day and night for ever and ever.

Last week we read about Satan being bound for the millennium. This week, we see his final judgment where he’ll face continual burning torment. Satan will deceive nations worldwide to fight against God’s people, but they will be consumed by fire. Satan’s reign will come to an end, but Jesus will reign eternally. How does this truth encourage you, especially considering current events?

In our recent Bible study on the book of Zechariah, which also contains numerous end-times prophecies, our memory verse from the final chapter stood out: Zechariah 14:9 The LORD will be king over the whole earth. On that day, there will be one LORD and His name the only name. I’m so thankful to know the end of the story. It’s comforting to know Jesus triumphs over Satan!

Alice

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Reign with His Followers (2/26/26)

After the war Jesus justly and rightly wages against all opposing nations and individuals, He has Satan bound. He then reigns for a thousand years with His faithful martyred followers. This is what some believe is the “millennium” on this earth before the new heaven and new earth come.  

Revelation 20:1-6 And I saw an angel coming down out of heaven, having the key to the Abyss and holding in his hand a great chain. ² He seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil, or Satan, and bound him for a thousand years. ³ He threw him into the Abyss, and locked and sealed it over him, to keep him from deceiving the nations anymore until the thousand years were ended. After that, he must be set free for a short time.

⁴ I saw thrones on which were seated those who had been given authority to judge. And I saw the souls of those who had been beheaded because of their testimony about Jesus and because of the word of God. They had not worshiped the beast or its image and had not received its mark on their foreheads or their hands. They came to life and reigned with Christ a thousand years. ⁵ (The rest of the dead did not come to life until the thousand years were ended.) This is the first resurrection. ⁶ Blessed and holy are those who share in the first resurrection. The second death has no power over them, but they will be priests of God and of Christ and will reign with him for a thousand years.

It seems only those martyred during the tribulation come to life for this millennium reign with Jesus. This is great encouragement, though. Those who face and endure the worst persecution will be the first to be rewarded. All other followers of Jesus will still experience the New Heaven and New Earth for all eternity, which we will cover in future weeks.

With all the evil in the world, I’m encouraged knowing Satan will one day be bound. Then, as we will see next week, he will eventually be thrown into the burning lake of sulfur, never to deceive anyone again. How else are you encouraged by the promises in these verses?

Alice

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Wage War (2/19/26)

Recently, my kids were discussing war and wondered if they would have to fight if World War III were to start. I was able to reassure them that, as children, they wouldn’t be recruited to fight.

This conversation got me thinking - from my human perspective, war often seems evil. Can there be a righteous war? Let’s look at the war to take place at the end.

Revelation 19:11-21 ¹¹ I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war. ¹² His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself. ¹³ He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God. ¹⁴ The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean. ¹⁵ Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. ¹⁶ On his robe and on his thigh he has this name written:

king of kings and lord of lords.

¹⁷ And I saw an angel standing in the sun, who cried in a loud voice to all the birds flying in midair, “Come, gather together for the great supper of God, ¹⁸ so that you may eat the flesh of kings, generals, and the mighty, of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all people, free and slave, great and small.”

¹⁹ Then I saw the beast and the kings of the earth and their armies gathered together to wage war against the rider on the horse and his army. ²⁰ But the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who had performed the signs on its behalf. With these signs he had deluded those who had received the mark of the beast and worshiped its image. The two of them were thrown alive into the fiery lake of burning sulfur. ²¹ The rest were killed with the sword coming out of the mouth of the rider on the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.

This Bible passage reveals that Jesus (the rider on the white horse) is the only one that can wage war rightly. His war is righteous because He judges with perfect justice. He knows all truth and accurately administers judgment.

In this passage, it doesn’t sound like there will be much of a battle. It appears one-sided. Jesus will single-handedly strike down nations, the beast, the false prophet and their followers. At that time, it seems the armies of heaven following Jesus will witness the victory without having to participate in the actual battle. Jesus, the King of Kings, Lord of Lords, Faithful, True, and Just Judge, righteously wages and wins the war for Himself and all His followers!

As we begin the Lent season, we can expand our focus beyond just anticipating Jesus’ resurrection. We can also look forward to Jesus’ ultimate victory over all sin and evil in the world. With the start of Lent yesterday, where will your focus be, considering all we’ve studied in Revelation this past year?  

Alice

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy of Feasting! (2/12/26)

I attended a family friend’s wedding several years ago that had numerous festivities over several days. In fact, there were specific types of clothing we (my parents, siblings and spouses) were to wear, depending on the day’s event. It was a memorable experience!

What’s the best banquet, wedding or celebration you have ever attended?

The best wedding celebration still awaits us – the wedding feast of the Lamb!

Revelation 19:6-10 ⁶ Then I heard what sounded like a great multitude, like the roar of rushing waters and like loud peals of thunder, shouting:

“Hallelujah!
    For our Lord God Almighty reigns.
⁷ Let us rejoice and be glad
    and give him glory!
For the wedding of the Lamb has come,
    and his bride has made herself ready.
⁸ Fine linen, bright and clean,
    was given her to wear.”

(Fine linen stands for the righteous acts of God’s holy people.)

⁹ Then the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the wedding supper of the Lamb!” And he added, “These are the true words of God.”

¹⁰ At this I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, “Don’t do that! I am a fellow servant with you and with your brothers and sisters who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For it is the Spirit of prophecy who bears testimony to Jesus.”

As a bride prepares herself for her wedding day, we are called to prepare for Jesus’s return and His wedding feast. This preparation isn’t about “doing good and trying harder,” but by receiving the clean clothes (verse 8) Jesus offers us (Revelation 7:14). Our “righteous acts” start with faith in Jesus and what He’s done to save us. We can’t do anything pleasing to God without being first covered in Jesus’s robes of righteousness. His blood covers our sin, and His Holy Spirit enables us to serve Him. It’s His work in and through us.

You’ve received an invitation to the wedding supper of the Lamb. What an undeserved blessing! How have you responded to this invitation? Jesus is worthy of this eternal celebration feast, and we get to join the endless party!    

Alice

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy of Hallelujahs! (2/5/26)

Last night, we played a game with my parents, and 9-year-old Edmund’s competitive spirit shone through. He rejoiced every time someone was sent back to start. Although he did not win, he handled it much better than he used to, congratulating the winner without sulking.

We all want to be on the winning team. As followers of Jesus, we are on the winning team! After God’s judgment on “Babylon the Great,” His followers rightly rejoice. They rejoice in God’s timely justice, vengeance, salvation and reign.

Revelation 19:1-5    After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:

“Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
²     for true and just are his judgments.
He has condemned the great prostitute
    who corrupted the earth by her adulteries.
He has avenged on her the blood of his servants.”

³ And again they shouted:

“Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”

⁴ The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God, who was seated on the throne. And they cried:

“Amen, Hallelujah!”

⁵ Then a voice came from the throne, saying:

“Praise our God,
    all you his servants,
you who fear him,
    both great and small!”

The word “Hallelujah” means “Praise ye Yah” (short for Yahweh) or “Praise the Lord.” God is worthy of praise for His sovereign power and control of all times, places and people.

Are you on God’s winning team? Would He call you His servant, someone who fears Him? When the end comes, will you be rejoicing in Heaven next to His throne with the multitude of His followers?

We can begin our Hallelujahs now, knowing God is already victorious and will have the final say! Which attribute from the above passage is especially meaningful to you today? Let’s take a moment to praise God for it.

Alice

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy to Reveal Future Justice (1/29/26)

My kids know that if another kid hurts them or breaks something that belongs to them, there will be a consequence, and the other kid will need to make restitution. Most of us want to know the same will happen to our enemies. We want to know evil will be rightly judged.

Before Judah fell into Babylonian captivity, Jeremiah prophesied Babylon’s destruction. Here in Revelation, Jesus revealed to John, through an angel, that all evil nations will be completely destroyed.

Revelation 18:21-24  Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said:

“With such violence
    the great city of Babylon will be thrown down,
    never to be found again.
²² The music of harpists and musicians, pipers and trumpeters,
    will never be heard in you again.
No worker of any trade
    will ever be found in you again.
The sound of a millstone
    will never be heard in you again.
²³ The light of a lamp
    will never shine in you again.
The voice of bridegroom and bride
    will never be heard in you again.
Your merchants were the world’s important people.
    By your magic spell all the nations were led astray.
²⁴ In her was found the blood of prophets and of God’s holy people,
    of all who have been slaughtered on the earth.”

The millstone reference is like the prophesy in Jeremiah 51:63-64:

⁶³ When you finish reading this scroll, tie a stone to it and throw it into the Euphrates. 

⁶⁴ Then say, ‘So will Babylon sink to rise no more because of the disaster I will bring on her. And her people will fall.’

This revelation of future justice and judgment was meant to be a great encouragement to the suffering believers of John’s day and for all of us today. Evil will not continue forever. Jesus wants us to be assured of that.

What encouragement does this bring to you today? How does it also challenge you and me to not be led astray by the temptations and lures of “Babylon” that have no eternal value? 

Thursday Devotional – Jesus is Worthy of our Rejoicing over Justice (1/22/26)

Often it seems evil prevails and justice is far off. Yet, God will bring about complete justice in His time and we are to rejoice in it. He is gracious to give people plenty of opportunities to repent for their evil ways and turn to Him before He brings His final judgment.

As the destruction of Babylon the Great continues, various groups lament her downfall. Merchants and sea captains weep over the loss of their wealth, which was gained through her. Last week, we discussed the opportunity the onlookers had to repent of their own evil ways before destruction came to them. However, they continue to wallow in their distress instead of repenting.

Revelation 18:15-20 ¹⁵ The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. They will weep and mourn ¹⁶ and cry out:

“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
    dressed in fine linen, purple and scarlet,
    and glittering with gold, precious stones and pearls!
¹⁷ In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’

“Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. ¹⁸ When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, ‘Was there ever a city like this great city?’ ¹⁹ They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out:

“‘Woe! Woe to you, great city,
    where all who had ships on the sea
    became rich through her wealth!
In one hour she has been brought to ruin!’

²⁰ “Rejoice over her, you heavens!
    Rejoice, you people of God!
    Rejoice, apostles and prophets!
For God has judged her
    with the judgment she imposed on you.”

In response to Babylon’s destruction, I think there are only two correct reactions: repentance or rejoicing. The onlookers need to repent while the people of God are commanded to rejoice at the destruction of Babylon the Great.

God is patient. God is loving. God is gracious. God is also just. He will right all wrongs one day and we can rejoice in His perfect, holy, and righteous judgment. He is the only One who can administer correct vengeance and accurately avenge. We aren’t to take revenge, as Paul says in Romans 12:19 Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.        

Reflecting on our lives, when have you and I taken vengeance into our own hands rather than leaving it to God? What were the consequences? What injustice do you and I need to surrender to God and wait on His timing to bring about justice? In heaven, we will be able to rejoice in Jesus’s victory and His perfect judgment!