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In Memoriam: Bob Hoekstra

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And I heard a voice from heaven saying, “Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them!”
(Revelation 14:13)

In Memoriam

Robert Lee Hoekstra (Pastor Bob) entered into his eternal inheritance on December 20, 2011, ending his two-year battle with illness. Pastor Bob served on the Board of Directors of Blue Letter Bible since 1998. His presence will be sorely missed by the staff and leadership at Blue Letter Bible. We mourn our loss and our prayers go out to his family.

Reflecting and Remembering

“I have many blessed memories of Bob’s influence in my life.  From ministry trips together discussing God’s grace to board meetings to help guide our ministry.  But I will never forget that one day when he said ‘I now pronounce you man and wife!’ as he presided over Rebekah and my union in Christ.  We will miss him and God’s grace that poured through him.”
– Jim Milligan, C.E.O. of BLB

“Pastor Bob was a dear friend, always ready with timeless scripture for a timely problem, delighting in pouring out the truth of the grace of God to all.  He was a gentle giant, armed with the whole armor of God, ministering with meakness, wisdom, and joy.  His sweetness was the honey of God’s word.  He lived out these verses from Psalm 19:

The law of the LORD is perfect, converting the soul; The testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple; The statutes of the LORD are right, rejoicing the heart; The commandment of the LORD is pure, enlightening the eyes; The fear of the LORD is clean, enduring forever; The judgments of the LORD are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, Yea, than much fine gold; Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. – Psalm 19:7-10 NKJV

Our consolation in his passing is the consolation of Christ:  God is not the God of the dead, but of the living.  In Pastor Bob’s last email to our Board at Sowing Circle, he wrote: “There is a great longing in my heart to be with you dear saints again soon for face-to-face fellowship.”  Soon and very soon, we will again be with Pastor Bob in fellowship, before the King of Kings.”
– Frank Rabinovitch, BLB Board Member & Founding Director of Sowing Circle

“God bless Bob Hoekstra for his years of service to the Lord while on earth. I will pray for his family as they grieve his passing. All of the things he has contributed for everyone to study has truly helped me grow in my faith as a “christian”, then as a Believer and now as a Follower of Jesus.”
– Debi, BLB user

“I use this Blog as my Homepage. I copy the graphic to my desktop everyday. I use the Daily Devotional Day By Day By Grace by Bob Hoekstra”
– Pat, BLB user

A Life of Faithful Servanthood

We rejoice and thank God for Pastor Bob’s partnership in the gospel. His materials have blessed tens of thousands of Blue Letter Bible users on a daily basis. He is known for his teaching on God’s grace.

Pastor Bob teaching in Austria

We encourage you to take some time and be blessed by the following God-exalting teachings by Pastor Bob.

In addition to his ministry work at the Blue Letter Bible, Pastor Bob oversaw Living in Christ Ministries and International Prison Ministry.

Rejoicing in Bob’s New Life

Bob Hoekstra’s new life in Christ did not start on December 20th. It began the day he got saved, and since 1967 he resolved to spend the duration of his new life in Christ preaching the good news of Jesus Christ so that others, too, could experience the fullness of new life in Christ. During his pilgrimage here on Earth, Bob Hoekstra labored hard in the grace of God. Today, we rejoice as he continues his new life where he belongs—at home. There is no doubt that he is currently enjoying the fruits of his eternal inheritance in Christ. For to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord.

We thank the Lord for every day of Bob Hoekstra’s faithfulness and look forward to reuniting with him in heaven.

…those who receive abundance of grace and of the gift of righteousness will reign in life through the One, Jesus Christ.
(Romans 5:17)

Comments

  1. Bob Hoekstras’ Day by Day by Grace devotional is one of the finest devotionals of all time. It has been instrumental in my growth in Christ. I don’t know if it is in print, but it should be. I know I would be giving it to all my friends Christian or not. I point them to it online all the time. He was greatly blessed by God and used this blessing for Gods glorious kingdom. I never knew him but I am sure all that knew him miss him terribly and I am sorry for their lose.
    Bob is finally home where he belongs and I will be looking for him when I get there so we can meet.

  2. I remember when Pastor Bob was one of the hosts on Pastor’s Perspective. His answers always touched me. There was great truth from God’s Word, but also such a gentle and loving response. Jesus shined through him even over the airwaves. I rejoice that he is in heaven, but will miss his presence here. May the Lord bless his family and friends with the deep joy and comfort that comes from our Lord!

  4. No amount of words can explain the impact a man of his stature had on the people he encountered or in my case influenced through his teachings. He will be sorely missed. Knowing his name was written in the book of life gives comfort but the rest of his family knowing CHRIST gives joy. GOD bless you all.

    • Your comment says what my heart and thoughts are, thank you for the words you expressed about Pastor Bob…Bettejean

  5. I can remember the first time I “discovered” Day by Day Grace on the Blue Letter Bible. I was looking for a devotional to supplement my reading. I looked at Spurgeon’s page, then looked at Bible Promises, then saw Day by Day Grace. I thought, “Boy, that is what I need. I’m such a loser. Maybe this will help me learn something.” From that day on, I read Day by Day Grace every day.

    Before that day, I could never define the concept “Grace”. I knew it was the component of God’s saving work in me. After a few weeks of daily study, I think that is when I stopped “trying” to change my own heart, soul and mind to conform to God’s will, and I started praying for God’s grace to change me.

    Without Bob’s daily Day by Day Grace lessons, I don’t think I could have tackled a difficult work relationship that I had been stewing about for 2 years. Instead of tackling it, I learned about Grace, and submission to the Lord in all things. I think that’s when I began to say I was a “Follower of Jesus”…I think then I truly started to follow, not just Believe.

    I need my Day by Day Grace lessons every day. They kick-start my day like my cup of espresso and my Vitamin D-3. I look forward to reading and studying. And usually, I find myself looking deeper into the scriptures referenced by Bob in that day’s study.

    Bob, I hope you got my thank you letter one day about 18 months ago. If not, I hope the Lord is telling you how much your work meant to me.

    Forgive me for the long post. I just felt inspired to reflect.
    love, Debi C

  6. To the staff of Blue Bible and beloved family of Robert Lee Hoestra:

    For several years now, the Blue Bible website has been an excellent tool for me to use in gaining a deeper depth of knowledge and understanding of the Holy written Word of GOD. Of the many sites I frequent, Blue Bible is the most user friendly in its design for usage. Which brings me to why, although I did not personally know him, share with you in honoring the remembrance of Elder Hoestra.

    As your beloved board member has been promoted to his higher calling, 1 Timothy 5:17 declares, ‘Let the elders who rule well be counted worthy of double honor, especially those who labor in the word and doctrine.”

    I wholeheartedly believe GOD, our LORD and Savior, Christ Jesus, when He said according to John 14:1-4, “Let not your heart be troubled; you believe in God, believe also in Me “In My Father’s house are many mansions; if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. “And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself; that where I am, there you may be also.”And where I go you know, and the way you know.” This passage of Scripture is one of the many promises for those of us who are counted as one of the Beloved of our LORD Jesus.

    To all who labor at the Blue Bible institute, it is my prayer that you continue providing GOD’s people with that which HE gives you to share. And in doing so, Ephesians 3:14-21 blessings will continually overtake you in this life and in the life to come. Until Jesus comes back for us, be strong in the LORD and in the power of the Spirit of HIS might!

    I love you.

    Your Sister in Christ,
    Rosa Banks

  7. Our prayers and our hearts go out to Bob’s family and the entire BLB staff family. Thnak you, Lord, Jesus, for Bob’s life and for the fruit You bore and continue to bear through him.

  8. I feel we all regret the loss physical presence but must be reminded in this that the new tent is more glorious. We worship you oh Lord Jesus Christ who showed us that the resurrected body is so much more glorious – in your name we pray Amen. Help us to accept losses of christians more graciously.

  9. I am so sorry to use this time to make this comment. I must say i am a little disappointed in the thoughts or scriptures used in the Daily Promises section. It would appear to me that if one is out of promises then do not post any that day; as it is the scriptures used some time for promises does not impact as it should and gives some persons cause to stop and wonder if the presenter is reading what is being posted. I pray that better attention is paid to that aspect of BLB apart from that all else is simply perfect and this is a honest observation.

  10. What a very dear friend Pastor Bob has been through the years. He was a delight to be with during the years I attended Calvary Chapel Bible College @ Hot Springs. Certainly I miss him very much but I know this is just a brief separation. He just took an earlier bus. “Well done faithful servant”

  11. Pastor Hoekstra has been a great blessing in my walk with the Lord. I was introduced to his tapes by reading the Blue Letter Bible daily devotional. I believe that he will continue to be a blessing…
    May the Lord comfort his family…
    Thank you Blue Letter Bible…

  12. I just found out that Bob has passed away.i’m devastated, can’t stop crying.
    I never met him but i thanked God so much for him. I have been reading day by day by grace since i got saved over 3 years ago in Ireland. If it wasn’t for that beautiful devotional, i don’t know where i’d be. God used this lovely man to show me who God is and how much He loves us. that i don’t have to struggle or srive, just to trust in Gods grace that He will do the work.’The Lord will perfect that which concerns me’ps 138:8

    i’m really sorry for his family, i can only imagine how they must have been so blessed knowing him intimately. I read his day by day by grace every day and its been a most amazing part of my life since i got saved. im devastated that God has taken him but will trust that the Lord has wisdom in his timing.

    God is a great healer and provider and i just want to say well done Bob for being such a faithful servant, cultivating such a beautiful intimate relationship with Jesus and sharing The Lords precious heart and wisdom and astounding revelation with every BLB reader. ‘Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints’ ps 116:15

    Heavenly Father thank you so much for Bob and using him to show Your children how much You care and love us and that truly Your burden is light and yoke is easy. Thank You so much for Your grace and for Bob who explained to us all what grace means and to give us a hunger to draw intimatley nearer to Thee.

  13. Thank You Lord for a man that walked in the faithfulness that was shown him by You, that loved what You loved, and hated what You hated. Thank you Lord for Bob’s legacy that He left behind that was all Yours to begin with. Thank you Lord for a man that walked in fear(ce) obedience to You. Bless his family and shower them with mercies. Thank you Lord that Bob has put on imperishable. Praise the Lord!

  14. When I was searching for biblical answers to ‘someone elses’ sin, it was the Blue Letter Bible website that came up first. I spent the next several days between a bible I had in my lap and on your site, searching, reading. What I found was way more than I’d expected to find..(or rather was shown) by reading God’s word; I saw my own sin contrasted with God’s holiness. That was nearly 6 years ago when God gave me the gift of a new heart and Life in Christ. The Day By Day daily reads were for me, at the time, like being given a torch-light in a cave and a leg-up onto solid, well layed-out steps in which to traverse completely un-familiar territory.

    Over the next year, since I hadn’t yet found a church, this was a main source of growth for me, which as a new Christian means alot in that “first year”. Tears of joy were shed as truths were uncovered, many times at rather “providential” moments.. I thank God for bringing me to this particular ministry of Bob Hoekstra’s at just the right time. I’m sorry for his family’s loss, and the loss of his fellowship for the staff and others who knew and loved him, but along with you all rejoice in his home going. The BLB site is my homepage as well, thank you all so much for this ministry!

  15. I so did enjoy Bob Hoekstra’s BLB Institute class “Growing in the Grace of God”. He took me to new depths of the wonders of Gods amazing grace. Till we all see each other at the Great ReUnion of the Saints with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ at the Last Trump.

    Well done Bob, may your works follow as we continue the work of evangelism. One note is I have noticed lately a number of great teachers have gone home to the Lord over the last few years. I would mention that before war breaks out, nations call home their ambassadors. May the Lord call us all home soon.
    Maranatha, Keith

  16. Years ago I was blessed by Day by Day by Grace, so much so that it became my home page on all my computers (work and home) since then. Whether I am traveling or at home or in the office, I am blessed by what Bob Hoekstra has written.

    God’s gracious love is now extended to Bob in eternity, but Bob helped people like me see God’s gracious love here on earth. What a blessing this has been.

    My gracious sympathies and love are extended to Bob’s family as they now experience his passing. God’s comfort and love to them all.

  17. I will never forget the day that a youth pastor at my job named Matt in 2003 told me to go to blueletterbible.org when I asked him where I could find a certain topic on Godliness. This ministry of Bob’s has carried many of my family member’s. My prayers are with all of those that know of Bob and his family. I can’t wait to meet him in Heaven. Jesus bless.

  18. BLB has been a daily part of my life for 7 years or so. Day by Day by Grace seems has been a large part of my daily nourishment. Pastor Bob continues to pour into my life. He lives. May God comfort his family and continue to bless his life’s work. After all Bob is right there with J. Vernon McGee! I am sure those guys are having a hoot. BTW…after 30 years, I still ride the Bible Bus too.

    May God’s Peace, Mercy and most of all may His Grace abound Day by Day by Day.

  19. I thank the Lord for the ministry of Bob Hoekstra and for BLB. I have only recently started using the Day by Day Grace and have been blessed by the devotional. My prayers are for Bob’s family at this time to be comforted by God’s wonderful Grace.

  20. Day by Day By Grace is how I start my day and has been since I discovered BLB. I pray for family, and know Pastor Hoekstra is with the Lord.

  21. I knew Bob during my years at Dallas Seminary, and attended Calvary Bible Church in Mesquite, TX where he served as the pastor. Unfortunately, I was not mature in enough in Christ to appreciate his ministry and emphasis on grace [strange for a seminary student who thought he understood God’s grace]. Over time God broke me, the light dawned and I finally realized what Bob was about. I never had the chance to say this to him in person, but live with the hope and expectation that one day I will be able to say, “Thank you, Bob” and “Thank You Lord for Bob!” to His face and in the presence of Our Precious Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

  22. I have very fond memories of Pastor Bob from Calvary Chapel Bible College in Fort Lauderdale where he would be a guest teacher. He always reflected the Grace, peace, and love of God! Thanks to his family for sharing him with us. Look forward to seeing him in the kingdom!

  23. Dear Hoekstra family,

    Please take our deepest sympathies for your loss. We heard of the illness last year, and were surprised that he passed since we thought his illness was getting better. I first heard Bob at Calvary Chapel Lake Elsinore back in the nineties, he taught a series on the “Promise Believers”. I will never forget his gentle and humble spirit towards the Lord and to others, thank you for supporting him in his work throughout the years.

  24. I never met Pastor Bob, however his works on the BLB will never be forgotten. I cannot count the number of mornings I found myself without my bible only to go online to pull scripture from the BLB. Now that Pastor Bob has gone to be with the Lord, I know that he has left BLB in wonderful hands. Continue to seek the Lord and His rightousness, as I am sure Pastor Bob did. I knwo that he is proud of those who remain at BLB to carry out the will of God and the work left before them. God bless,

  25. I never met Pastor Bob, however his works on the BLB will never be forgotten. I cannot count the number of mornings I found myself without my bible only to go online to pull scripture from the BLB. Now that Pastor Bob has gone to be with the Lord, I know that he has left BLB in wonderful hands. Continue to seek the Lord and His rightousness, as I am sure Pastor Bob did. I know that he is proud of those who remain at BLB to carry out the will of God and the work left before them. God bless,

  26. I first heard Pastor Bob 10 plus years ago when I took a trip to a church 100 miles away to attend a seminar on “counseling God’s way”. I had been ministering to children and youth, and just wanted to be better equipped to serve God’s people.

    When I got to the conference, God blew my mind through Pastor Bob for two days. I remember a few things: a joyful man, a man mighty in Scripture, a gracious man. I couldn’t tell you all the details about the conference. But I went away knowing that God is a Wonderful Counselor, and that His Word was the only Counsel I would ever need to give people.

    I have been a pastor for the last seven years, and that lesson has given me such comfort and confidence every time I am counseling a person, either formally or informally. I have watched God work mightily through His Word in the lives of peopel. Thank You Lord for Pastor Bob…I know you’re enjoying having your son home with you in heaven!!

  27. My father was devoted to the Word of God. The testimonies we have received about how God used this website are too numerous to count. Thank you for standing alongside my father, and may God bless your ministry.

  28. Pastor Bob Hoekstra was the greatest example of a godly man I have ever known. The Lord Jesus Christ worked in and through him mightily, transforming him and using him as His instrument to transform others from both sinners believers alike to fruitful saints abounding in grace and abiding in Christ. He has truly put his hand to the plow and never looked back, creating a wide, steady, and fruitful path along the harvest field God has laid before him. He conducted himself with humility and faith in the Lord, ever modeling the path of discipleship we are all called to – denial of self and following the Lord by the grace he supplies. As a man so gifted with sharp mind, quick wit, and extreme intelligence, he never would be found overwhelming anyone with those gifts, though thoroughly equipped to do so. In fact, he would rather someone look past him to see the Lord Jesus (his hope of glory), which is what his life was all about. Bob’s testimony is strengthened by the godly family he has raised mighty in the Lord. Bob was gifted with a very godly bride and true help-meet named Dini who stood firm by his side every step of the way all the way to glory. He loved her as Christ loves the church and she him as we are to love the Lord. Our precious Bob Hoekstra is now face to face with his Lord Jesus, having entered into his reward. I can only imagine the place the Lord has prepared for him. I miss my pastor and friend very much, but I know that he is in full agreement with Paul that it truly was better “to depart and to be with Christ” (Phil. 1:23). I loved my friend Bob. He was a true pastor and the truest friend anyone could hope for. His counsel was invaluable and will be irreplaceable. Paul had one Timothy, but I think Bob had a few. Like the saints of old, Bob is part of that great cloud of witnesses spoken of in Hebrews 12 as an example for us. May we be faithful to remember God’s work in such as him and run the race with endurance, likewise looking unto Jesus, author and finisher of our faith (Heb. 12:1,2). Thank you Blue Letter Bible for such a beautiful memorial to God’s work in and through the life of Pastor Robert Lee Hoekstra – mighty servant of the Lord.

  29. Dear Bob Hoestra Family: May you be comforted and at peace with the passing of Pastor Hoestra to his eternal reward. I am sure you can hear the words “Well Done thou good and faithful servant” as Jesus welcomed him home. What an honor to be blessed with someone who has touched untold thousands of lives with his precious words. May those words continue to live with you and through you. Many Blessings to you!

    Dear Blue Letter Bible: What an honor it has been to read the words in “Day by Day by Grace” written by Pastor Hoestra. He has indeed let his life be that shining light of our beloved Lord and Savior. What an awesome blessing you were given. Thank You all for your dedication. It means so much though you may never know the full impact it has on others until that beautiful day when we are all in the presence of our Lord. May God continue to lead, guide and direct you in all of the great work you do.

    With all my heart,
    Deborah

  30. I have not known who this Bob Hoekstra is, but every day I look at my iphone to see what he has to say about grace. I just happened to get on line today to look up the word “rest” from Hebrews. Tears came to my eyes when I was introduced to this man and then I saw that He had passed away. I so look forward everyday to read his devotions. They are packed with truth and written succinctly so that I am not overwhelmed. I wish I could have met and known this “gentle giant” that you described. Blessings to his family.

  31. I couldn’t thank enough Pastor Bob Hoekstra for having opened my eyes to the God’s grace through Day by Day by Grace. You made me a humble traveller with the lord on earth to the eternal Kingdom.
    May the Lord comfort his family.

  32. I enjoyed immensely the Blue Letter Bible classes taught by Pastor Hoekstra. They have been an integral part of my growth in the knowledge and grace of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While I didn’t know Pastor Hoekstra personally, his legacy will live on through all of the lives he has touched in some shape or form (including mine). May God continue to bless His family and comfort them as they miss his presence yet also rest in the knowledge that to be absent from the body is to be present with the Lord!