Daily devotional

March 24 - Temptations make us exercise our faith

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.” - James 1...

Daily devotional

March 23 - We have thought on your steadfast love

“We have thought on Your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of Your temple.” - Psalm 48:9 Scripture reading: Psalm 103:1-8 The writer of Ps...

Daily devotional

March 22 - Trials and temptations

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”” - James 1:13a Scripture reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 James said that God ...

Daily devotional

March 21 - Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth

Daily devotional

March 20 - We live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord

“Let the … rich (boast) in his humiliation” - James 1:10a Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-20 We need food and a lot more besides that, to live. But when the Heidelberg Catechism is explaining why Christ taught us to ask God for our daily bread, it doesn’t say that it’s about physical survival, or even about having strength to do our work. Answer 125 says that Jesus taught us to ask God for our daily bread so that we learn to confess that He is the only fountain of all good. When God gives us material gifts, His purpose is to teach us to trust Him and to be thankful. In Deuteronomy 8, Moses explained to Israel why the LORD had let them hunger and then fed them with miraculous manna in the wilderness. He says, He was “testing you to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. He humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna … that He might make you know that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD” (Deuteronomy 8:2b-3). Moses says the LORD used food and drink to discipline you the way a father disciplines his son. Discipline here means to train, to instruct, and this is God’s greatest purpose in giving us wealth: to teach us that we live by every word that comes from the mouth of the LORD. If we don’t learn that critical lesson, God’s good gifts can’t do us any good. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to learn the lesson that He wants to teach you in the material gifts He gives you, that you would learn that you live by every word that comes from His mouth. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 19 - Thankfulness in poverty and in riches

“Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation.” - James 1:9-10a Scripture reading: Proverbs 30:1-9 By nature, when we’re poor, we tend to feel jealous of the rich. Jealousy is one of the most spiritually destructive things with which we have to struggle. By nature, when we’re rich, we tend to feel proud. We worked hard; we made the smart choices, and those poor people would be rich too, if they worked as hard or were as smart as we are. Pride is also one of the most spiritually destructive things with which we have to struggle. But the fact that those differences exist isn’t somehow wrong or sinful in itself. In His providence, God allows these kinds of differences; He even creates them. He says in Isaiah 45, “I bring prosperity and I create disaster.” So the differences in our circumstances are not the problem. The problem is that our flesh wants to take advantage of what God is doing or not doing in our lives to stir up feelings of jealousy and discontent, or to make us feel proud, to harden our hearts to the needs and the struggles of our brothers and sisters. If God hasn’t given you the things He’s given others, you have no reason to be jealous of anyone: you are God’s heirs, fellow heirs with Christ. And if God has given you things He hasn’t given to others, you have no reason to boast as if you earned them: they are God’s gifts to you. Rich or poor, we have every reason to be thankful and to be humble. Suggestions for prayer Confess to the Lord that you struggle with jealousy when others seem to have a better life than you do, and with pride when you compare yourself with those who haven’t received what you have, and ask Him to help you to be thankful and humbled because of His goodness towards you. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 18 - Lowly believers boast in their exaltation

“Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation.” - James 1:9 Scripture reading: Philippians 4:4-13 Some people suggest the lowly people James talks about are believers and the rich are unbelievers. That would have been very hard for his readers to understand and to accept: that God would let His people suffer and let their enemies prosper. But it doesn’t seem very likely that James would tell rich unbelievers to boast about their humiliation. He’s probably talking about differences that existed among the believers. Remember that some of these church members were refugees from Jerusalem, who may have come there with little more than the clothes on their backs, while other members had their homes, their jobs and their businesses. So there would have been poor members and rich members in the same congregation. That’s actually how things usually are. God deals differently with each one of us. Some are wealthy and others are not. Some are healthy and others experience a lot of sickness. Some people seem to have an easy time of things, and other people seem to have a lot of trouble of one kind or another. That presents a challenge to our contentment, to our joy and even to our faith. We naturally struggle with feelings of jealousy and discontent. But James urges us to see things from a different perspective: to remember that God also uses this trial to test our faith, leading us to spiritual maturity, and instead of becoming bitter, to rejoice in the high position we have, as the beloved children of God. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you learn the secret of being content in any and every circumstance, trusting that you can do all things through Him. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 17 - Faith is single-minded in its desire for Christ

“The one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind. For that person must not suppose that he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” - James 1:6b-8 Scripture reading: James 1:5-8 When James says let him ask in faith, he means, let him ask for what faith expects from Jesus Christ. Faith wants more from Jesus Christ than just having our problems solved. We want salvation; we want to be changed, to be transformed. This is what it means to ask “in faith, with no doubt.” We have to be single-minded in our desire to have all of Christ and nothing else. We’re allowed to ask God to take away our suffering. Jesus Himself asked His Father to let the cup of suffering pass from Him -- but only if it was His Father’s will. What He wanted above all else was that His Father would do whatever He needed to do to accomplish His purpose. “He who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind. He is a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways.” If we say, “I want Christ, but what I want most of all is for You to solve my problems and make my life go the way I want it to,” we shouldn’t imagine that we will receive anything from the Lord. But when you ask in faith, when all your desire is to have all of Christ and His salvation, you may be sure of this: God gives generously to all, without reproach. God will give you the wisdom that you need to count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you by His Holy Spirit, so that you want Christ and His salvation more than you want your problems to be solved. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

March 16 - The city of God is beautiful

“… the city of our God, which God will establish forever.” - Psalm 48:8 Scripture reading: Psalm 48:4-8; Matthew 16:13-20 We don’t kno...

Daily devotional

March 15 - Ask with no doubting

“Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” - James 1:6 S...

Daily devotional

March 14 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

Daily devotional

March 13 - We know God from his word and in Christ

Daily devotional

March 12 - Asking God in faith

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith…” - James 1:5-6a Scripture reading: Isaiah 40:27-31 When we’re going through trials, we want to know, “Why? Why me and not them?” We think about sins we’ve committed and we start to wonder, “Is that why God is letting this happen to me – is He punishing me for what I did?” There are all kinds of hardships that we face as believers. Sometimes the future looks very dark, and there’s no reason to think that things are ever going to get better. It’s intimidating to realize that this is how your life is going to go, and there’s nothing you can do to change it. We want God to explain why bad things happen to us and not someone else. We want God to tell us what He’s going to do in our lives tomorrow, and how everything’s going to turn out. We want Him to promise us that He’s going to make our problems go away. But He doesn’t do that. We feel like there are things that we need to know, in order to have any kind of peace. We feel like we can’t find comfort or joy in Jesus Christ unless God answers our questions, and guarantees that our problems are going to go away. But faith believes what God promises us in His Word. In order for the testing of our faith to produce steadfastness, we have to stop insisting that we need to know what God doesn’t tell us, and focus instead on what He has told us. Suggestions for prayer Confess that it’s hard for you to trust Him when you don’t understand what He’s doing in your life, or in the lives of people you love, and ask Him to help you believe His promises. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 11 - Ask God for wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” - James 1:5 Scripture reading: Ephesians 1:15-23 It’s one thing for James to tell us to count it all joy when we meet trials of various kinds, but it doesn’t seem very realistic, does it? There are things that happen to people that cast dark shadows over their whole lives and their relationships. Some people have to endure awful sicknesses and pain; some live with the torment of mental illness. Others suffer because of war, or bitter conflict in their marriages or families. The pain of abuse, or injustice or betrayal, is just too great. We’d like to put some of those really hard situations in front of James and say to him, “Tell me how that person, in that situation, could ever count it all joy to be where they are, to go through what they have to go through?” It seems to us that some things that people have to go through are just too hard. James wouldn’t be surprised that we have questions about what he said. He knows that when we try to understand, and accept what’s happening to us on the basis of what we see, we’ll never be able to find any joy in our trials. When he tells us to ask God for wisdom, he isn’t promising that God will explain why you have to suffer as you do. He’s promising that God will give you the wisdom you need to trust Him on the basis of His promises, and of His track record of faithfulness and wisdom. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to give you the wisdom which is born of faith, so that you can endure whatever trials He sends you. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 10 - Do you need wisdom?

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.” - James 1:5a Scripture reading: James 1:5-8 It might seem as if James has changed subjects all of a sudden. He was talking about trials and without explanation, he started talking about asking for wisdom. But when James says that we’re supposed to count it all joy whenever we meet trials of various kinds, we have to admit that we’re not sure that’s realistic. It seems to us that there are certain things that happen to people that make joy impossible. The pain of the abuse or injustice or betrayal they’ve experienced is just too great. That’s why James starts talking about wisdom here. Because if we’re going to count it all joy when we fall into various trials, so that the testing of our faith produces patience, we need wisdom. That means, we need to know and confess the truth about our trials. We need to understand them the right way, so that we deal with them the right way. That’s the wisdom that James is talking about. And that wisdom begins with the fear of the Lord (Proverbs 9:10). To put it very simply, when we meet trials, we need to remember who God is. That’s what it means to live by faith. It means that we consciously live our lives coram Deo, before the face of God. This is the wisdom that we need to ask God to give us: the wisdom of living our lives in the light of God’s Word, God’s promises, God’s character and God’s purposes. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you live in the awareness that you live before His face, to fear Him and walk in the light of His Word. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

March 9 - The city of God is beautiful

“Within her citadels God has made Himself known as a fortress.” - Psalm 48:3 Scripture reading: Psalm 48:1-3 We confess (in Article 29 of the Belgic Confession) that if you want to be sure that you are in a church where Christ is present and at work, there are three things that you have to look for. First, you have to look for the pure preaching of the gospel. Is the gospel of repentance and forgiveness of sins preached in Jesus’ Name? Second, you have to look for the pure administration of the sacraments because the sacraments preach the gospel in pictures, in signs and symbols; and faithfulness in the administration of the sacraments means faithfulness is communicating the gospel. Finally, you have to look for the faithful exercise of church discipline in punishing sin because when the kingdom of God is proclaimed, we are called to repent of our sin, and lead a godly life. If the gospel is faithfully proclaimed, you know that Christ is living and working in the ministry of the church, and you will be saved through that ministry. This isn’t just about what it says in our confession. When you see those three “marks”, you know that you’ll be safe. You can be sure that you’ll find the salvation message there. Thank God for the faithful, saving ministry of Jesus Christ that you receive, as you hear the gospel, as you receive the sacraments, and as you live under the sanctifying work of Christ in your church. That ministry is what makes your congregation beautiful and glorious. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that you may hear the faithful proclamation of the gospel, and live under the saving ministry of Christ. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 8 - Who wants to be perfect

“…that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” - James 1:4 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:24-29 I don’t know how much we ...

Daily devotional

March 7 - The full effect of steadfastness is perfection

Daily devotional

March 6 - Steadfastness in faith

“… you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” - James 1:3 Scripture reading: I Peter 1:3-9 God the Father promises...

Daily devotional

March 5 - The good thing God is doing for you when you suffer

Daily devotional

March 4 - Be on your guard against bitterness

“Count it all joy … when you meet various trials.” - James 1:2 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:3-17 James promises us that God is working to purify our faith when we undergo trials. But our sworn enemies, the devil, the world and our own flesh are also eager to do their work when we suffer. They whisper words of doubt in our ears about God: What kind of Father can He be, to let His child go through this? Why do you have to suffer, and not those other people? They’re no better than you; in fact, they’re probably worse. But they seem to have it pretty easy. God’s not being fair. That’s often our first reaction when things go wrong: We get angry; we think God should justify what He’s doing to us. We wonder if God really loves us and if God is really looking after us. All we can see, all we can think about, is what should have happened and what shouldn’t have happened, and how we think our life is supposed to go. We feel like we can’t trust Him because He’s not giving us what we want, and He won’t tell us why He’s making us suffer. But that only makes us feel bitter. And bitterness stunts our growth and makes joy impossible. Then we don’t see God anymore as He shows Himself to us in Christ and throughout His Word. When you meet trials of various kinds, meditate on the gospel. Ask the Spirit to help you rejoice that God uses the testing of your faith to produce steadfastness. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to forgive your anger or bitterness in times of trial and to strengthen your faith, so that you can rejoice at all times, even in suffering. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 3 - God is at work for your good in all things

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” - James 1:2-3 Scripture reading: Romans 8:18-30 James says that as believers, we know what’s really going on when we meet trials of various kinds, because we know that God uses trials to test our faith. When you confess that your trials have come to test your faith, you’re confessing that God is in control, that He directs every moment and every part of your life. You’re saying, “I know, I believe, that nothing just happens to happen in this world, or in my life.” We talk about accidents. We say, “This happened by accident,” or “I had an accident at work.” But when you think about what happened in the light of what God promises you in His Word, you know that there’s really no such thing as an accident. If you really believe that the Almighty Creator who still upholds and governs all things according to His eternal counsel is your Father for the sake of Jesus Christ, that makes all the difference in the way you think about your trials. Because you know that it is your Father in heaven who is bringing you through that hardship. And He does that for a reason, for a good reason. Paul says, “We know that in all things, God works for good for those who love Him” (Romans 8:28:a). Now the question is, Are those just words for you? Is that really what you think, what you confess about your problems? Then you can count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to truly trust His goodness and wisdom when He brings various trials into your life. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 2 - The city of God is beautiful

“His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth.” - Psalm 48:1b Scripture reading: Psalm 48:1-3 In Psalm 46:4, it says, “There is a river whose streams make glad the city of God.” But the writer wasn’t talking about a literal river; He was talking about God. He’s saying, God Himself is the source of Jerusalem’s life; Jerusalem survives and flourishes because God lives there and pours out His blessings on His people. We find the same sort of thing in the opening verses of Psalm 48. Jerusalem wasn’t especially beautiful in terms of physical beauty, or architecture. Jerusalem wasn’t built on the highest mountain, nor was it admired by “all the earth”. The beauty and significance of Jerusalem for Israel and all the earth was not based on what anyone could see, on geographical facts, architectural excellence or political importance. You can only recognize the beauty and the glory of Zion when you see it by faith, when you know that God lives there and what God does there. “Within her citadels, God has made Himself known as a fortress.” (Psalm 48:3) God’s presence and saving work made Jerusalem beautiful and glorious. You can’t see the beauty and the glory of the congregation with which you gather today, or see the beauty and glory of her worship, unless you see with the eyes of faith. But by faith, you will see that God’s presence and God’s saving work make His people beautiful and glorious. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to recognize the beauty and the glory of His saving presence in the church to which you belong and with which you worship today. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 1 - Introduction to James

The meditations for this month are based on James 1:1-18. James calls the people to whom he wrote, the twelve tribes of the dispersion. They were most likely Jewish Christians who had been driven from Jerusalem in the persecution that we read about in Acts 8 and Acts 11, and are now scattered in and around Palestine. They were suffering persecution from Gentiles and from Jews. It’s no surprise, therefore, that the very first thing that James wants to talk to these people about is suffering. And he doesn’t waste any time getting to it. He knew what their life was like because he experienced the very same things. It seems pretty certain that this James, who was one of the brothers of the Lord Jesus, was murdered for his faith. He lived in Jerusalem, and that was one of the most dangerous places in the world for a Jewish Christian. So we can understand why suffering is the very first thing that he talks about in this letter, but we may not understand how he can say to them, “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” (James 1:2) That seems like a very strange thing to say to people who are suffering. Would you ever read these words or even think about reading them to someone when you visit in the hospital? We’ll understand what James means, and why he speaks this way as we work our way through this passage verse by verse. A strange thing to say to people who are suffering “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds.” - James 1:2 Scripture reading: James 1:2-4 James calls the people to whom he wrote, the twelve tribes of the dispersion. They were almost certainly Jewish believers who had been driven from their homes and families in Jerusalem by the persecution that we read about in Acts 8 and Acts 11, and were living as refugees throughout the region. They were hated by Gentiles because they were Jews and hated by Jews because they were Christians. So we can understand why the first thing James wants to talk to them about is their suffering. What’s harder to understand is what he says to them: “Count it all joy when you meet trials of various kinds.” Not just, “Try to find something to be thankful for in spite of your suffering.” But, “Count it all joy when you suffer.” We do our best to avoid any kind of hardship and if they come, we do whatever we can to fix things up again, because everyone knows that suffering and joy are complete opposites. They’re mutually exclusive. Suffering means no joy and joy means no suffering. But James is speaking the language of faith. He says, There’s something you know, as believers, something that God has told you, that makes all the difference in the way you think about your trials, and what happens to you when you’re suffering: you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. That’s the key to understanding what James is saying: knowing how God uses our trials to produce steadfastness. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you endure trials, trusting that He uses your trials to produce steadfastness. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 28 - The aftermath (II)

“Mordecai…sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.” - Esther 10:3 Scripture reading: Esther 10:1-3 While Mord...

Daily devotional

February 27 - The aftermath (I)

“And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honor of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him are they not written in...

Daily devotional

February 26 - The restful reversal celebrated (II)

Daily devotional

February 25 - The restful reversal celebrated (I)

“The command of Esther confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing.” - Esther 9:32 Scripture reading: Esther 9:16-32 ...

Daily devotional

February 24 - The restful reversal described (II)

“…on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.” - Esther 9:1 Scripture reading: Esther 9:1-19 Three times we read that no plunder was taken in this warfare. That is opposite of what the ancestor of Esther and Mordecai, King Saul, did with the enemy Agag in 1 Samuel 15. He was supposed to destroy the plunder, but he took some. Saul failed to see the holy battle he waged in the name of the Lord. Mordecai’s people took no plunder, for it belonged to God. God’s rest was sufficient for the people of God. King Saul and his sons knew about hanging, but now it is the sons of Haman of Agag who are hanged, no longer tormenting God’s people. Restful joy had already been given in principle in Chapter 8, but more unfinished business needed to be addressed to know the fullness of rest. In our day, when we come to faith in Jesus Christ, the rest that we receive from Him exceeds the rest in this chapter. Christ says to us, “Come unto me, all you who are weary and heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn of me, for I am gentle and lowly of heart and you will find rest for your souls.” Jesus Christ as the true Prince of Peace, fulfills the rest found in Esther 9. We are to confess that Christ bore God’s forsaking, so that God would never forsake us. What peace to hear God say to us in Christ, “Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you.” Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanks that God is with you always in Jesus Christ. Pray that you may be sensitive to that presence with a peaceful and obedient heart. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 23 - The restful reversal described (I)

“…on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who hated them.” - Esther 9:1 Scripture reading: Esther 9:1-19 A grand reversal happens. According to Haman’s edict, God’s people were not to know the rest of Ahasuerus (3:8), but instead of being destroyed, they came to know the rest from their enemies. In contrast to that rest, fear prevails with the opponents. No one could stand against the Jews; fear of them had fallen on them all. On the one side, God’s people have rest; on the other side, fear prevails. No peace for the enemies of God’s covenant people; their world is overturned. After The Flood, God in His covenant with Noah, spoke of the peace that His people would know as the creation would fear them (Genesis 9:2). When Israel left Egypt, fear had fallen upon the Egyptians as they sent the Israelites out from them (Exodus 12:33). Various leaders of God’s people, from Moses to Jehoshaphat, were viewed as those whom the nations dreaded (Deuteronomy 2:25; 11:25; Joshua 2:9; 1 Chronicles 14.17; 1 Chronicles 17:10). God, in His providence, was bringing about a peace like the Exodus-rest from those who would seek to destroy them. Here we have a new Moses in Mordecai, opponent to a new Pharaoh in Haman, the enemy of the Jews. By God’s providence, Mordecai would bring rest to God’s people who were threatened with extinction. They were kept for the sake of God’s promises that were ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ, who gives the true rest for our souls, and rest to us on this Lord’s Day so that we might worship Him well. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanks that the Lord Jesus provides you the peace that only He can give you in this world, even though in this world we face trouble. Pray that more people may find their peace in Christ, so that they can be delivered from the chaos of unbelief. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 22 - The second edict

“…the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives…” - Esther 8:11 Scripture reading: Esther 8:7-17 Haman’s edict caused the Jews trauma (3:18; 4:3); the new edict reversed that (8:15, 16). If Jews were attacked, the Jews could defend themselves. Holy war was permitted. People are offended by Old Testament holy war, yet it was God’s act against sin. It preserved His holy covenant purposes until Christ’s coming. Since The Fall, humanity has been under the edict of holy war, except God issued a counter-edict to deliver His people from destruction. If Haman’s edict stood, God’s promise to deliver a people from humanity through Abraham would break. Salvation can only come by the satisfaction of God’s wrath against evil. Old Testament holy war was necessary so that God’s promises against evil and for His people could be kept in Christ. Holy war is not an option today because Christ has come as the Great Holy Warrior, bearing God’s wrath for His people, and defeating evil completely on the cross. Holy war in the Old Testament only typified Christ’s holy war. Therefore, vengeance is illegitimate for us. We cannot add to the completed vengeance of Christ (John 12:31,32). 1 Peter teaches that, as Christians, our spiritual battle is within – sinful desires which war against our souls (2:11). Thankfully, Jesus Christ is our escape from the holy wrath of God, enabling us also to fight the good fight of faith, knowing vengeance is the Lord’s. Pray that the sword of the Spirit will cut to the heart of many to join the holy nation of God, the church of Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord will help you stand up for Christ without working against Him through vengeance. Pray that the word of God will work mightily in the hearts of many so they can know a turning point in their lives that makes an eternal difference. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 21 - The second request of Esther

“…let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite…which he wrote to destroy the Jews….” - Esther 8:5 Scripture reading: Esther 8:1-6 Unfinished business awaits in Esther 8, for Haman’s edict remains in force, though Haman has been executed. God promised from The Fall to bring a Saviour, but the fulfillment of that salvation was not immediate. In the New Testament age, Christ has been raised to royal glory, but His Kingdom’s consummation awaits. As Christians, we know God has justified us with Christ’s blood. Yet we also know that we are works in progress; God is working a good work in us unto the day of Christ (Philippians 1:6). Here, actions took place that needed to be done. Yet, more needs to be done. Esther’s first request was more exalted, but in her second request, she stoops. She differs from Haman, as one pleading for her people, while Haman pleaded only for himself. Because of Esther’s intercession, injustice is averted. Christ, of course, humiliates himself, becoming man, leaving His royal position in heaven to take a humble place for His own on earth. He does not merely stoop, but is humbled to the point of crucifixion for those who deserved nothing but God’s eternal wrath. Because of Christ, God does not treat us as our sins deserve. It is tempting to believe that God does not treat us well. We forget that God did not spare His Son and that He promises to give believers all things along with His Son (Romans 8:32). It is why we can say that nothing in all creation separates us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 8:39). Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving for the biblical promise of God’s inseparable love for you in Christ. Pray that the Lord will help you endure the trying times of life as you remember your Great Intercessor who pleads your cause in heaven. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 20 - The plea of Haman

“Haman stayed to beg for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm was determined against him by the king.” - Esther 7:7 Scripture rea...

Daily devotional

February 19 - The plea of Esther

“Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and m...

Daily devotional

February 18 - The exalted one is humbled

“If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.” - Esther 6:...

Daily devotional

February 17 - The humbled one is exalted (II)

“Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” - Esther 6:9 Scripture reading: Esther 6:1-13 Haman tasted the bittern...

Daily devotional

February 16 - The humbled one is exalted (I)

“And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for ?” The king’s young men…said, “Nothing has been done for him.”” - Esther 6:3 Scripture reading: Esther 6:1-13 Mordecai’s contrast here in chapter 6 is threefold. First, he receives a reward when initially, no reward had been given to him for saving the king. Second, the Mordecai of chapter 6 with royal robes and honour are in stark contrast to the Mordecai of chapter 4 with sackcloth and ashes. Third, we have the contrast between what Haman wanted to do to Mordecai on the gallows, and what Haman was commanded to do with Mordecai by the king. A triple turning of events for Mordecai! The humbled is exalted. This is the man that the king delights to honour! Mordecai could not have imagined this. Esther knew nothing of it. Haman could not have dreamed it. Call it poetic justice, but God is at work. Years later others would taunt the Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ: “He trusts in God. Let him deliver him, if he delights in him” (Psalm 22:8; Matthew 27:43). Society and self, crave the satisfaction of “getting what they have coming to them.” Think about Christ: He did not get what He had coming to Him right away. He who deserved all honour was well-pleasing to His Father, was humbled to the cross, naked before men for the glory of God and His peoples’ redemption. First, humiliation and suffering, then His glory. This is the Man that the Great King delights to honour! How Christ deserves our honour and praise this Lord’s Day! Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving for the privilege of worshiping the Lord on this Lord’s Day. Pray for the Christ-like perspective to see that God will work all things out for you in due time, so that the peace of God may be yours to know each day. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 15 - The correction of an oversight

“And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for ?” The king’s young men…said, “Nothing has been done for him.”” - Esther 6:3 Scripture reading: Esther 6:1-13 The book of Esther is full of feasts – ten! We are in the middle of them – and in the middle of the book, which carries a turning point. Turning points are often extraordinary. However, the turning point in our passage is ordinary; Ahasuerus cannot sleep! Sleepless nights are common, but God uses this one to turn destruction into deliverance. The sleepless king reads royal chronicles, and finds out that Mordecai rescued him, but was never honoured; that would not do. These events are not miraculous, but God makes extraordinary out of ordinary. God uses everything to serve His purposes in Christ. God weaves the events of history so that in the fullness of time He sends forth His Son, who dies for the ungodly at the right time. God uses the world’s rulers to bring Christ to the cross for the deliverance of His people. God saved through an extraordinary person, but did it with a Christ who obediently stayed on the cross, not by miraculously coming off it. Obedience can seem ordinary, but extraordinary things happen by God through ordinary obedience! How did you come to faith? It probably was not by some Damascus-Road experience, but by ordinary circumstances. You heard the gospel through parents, or a sermon, or from another Christian. Think about your children, or your vocation. Ordinary experiences! But what makes them extraordinary is how God uses those ordinary events as extraordinary turning points in your life, so you can serve God well. God uses the ordinary for extraordinary purposes. A blessed way to look at life! Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving for the ways that God has turned your life around in Christ – whether by ordinary or extraordinary means. Pray that the Lord will help you to serve Him well in ordinary ways of life, for to serve the Saviour is an extraordinary calling! Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 14 - Haman’s plan to destroy

““…tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon .” This idea pleased Haman and he had the gallows made.” - Esther 5:14 Scripture reading: Esther 5:9-14 Haman enjoys temporary exaltation, but lacks complete satisfaction while Mordecai lives. His anti-Joseph ego shows in temporarily refraining from killing Mordecai. “Refrain” (5:10) is only used seven times in the Old Testament – twice with Joseph, who “refrains” before his brothers (43:31) and then cannot “refrain” anymore (45:1). At Pharaoh’s feast, the baker’s head is hung on a tree (Genesis 40:19). Zereth thinks Mordecai deserves this treatment too. Like other wives of biblical villains (Jezebel, Herodias and Pilate’s wife), Zereth offers her husband advice: “Hang Mordecai on a tree,” (literally). While Esther’s plans lead to a feast and blessing, Zeresh’s plans lead to a cursed tree. Long ago, the spirit of anti-Christ sought to curse Christ by hanging Him on a tree undeservedly: “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree” (Galatians 3:13). Such plans worked into God’s gracious plans: “Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us…so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles….” (Galatians 3:13,14). Our culture still believes that life without Christ brings satisfaction. Scripture tells us that we should not be surprised if the world hates us when we profess Christ. Yet, true life is only known by those who know Christ as their Deliverer from sin. Trap-setters against Christ and Christians fall into their own traps. The counsel that is worthy of following, then, is not what leads to death, but that which leads to life in Christ. The Victorious Deliverer alone is worth following. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving if you can say that Christ redeemed you from the curse of the law. Pray that the Lord will help us see the true satisfaction and life that only Christ can provide as we trust and follow Him. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 13 - Esther’s plan to save (II)

“…let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.” - Esther 5:8 Scripture reading: Esther 5:1-8 Sinful man’s decree in chapter 1 was that women were to listen to their husbands regardless. With Esther and Zereth both, men are heeding their wives’ word! God’s sovereignty over the plans of people is at work here. God uses the weak and the lowly in the world’s eyes to shame the self-proclaimed strong and mighty. Christ and His crucifixion are the ultimate example of this. As products of grace in Christ, God uses us in His mighty service. Good news! We may think ourselves small – as may others – but when we serve the saving King, we have a grand calling! Esther’s plan includes another feast; she is portrayed as a feast planner. Esther is in the position of delivering her people from death, so preparing feasts as one delivering one’s people from death, makes biblical sense. Haman thinks it is a great idea; he looks forward to it. We, of course, have a greater deliverer who is preparing a greater feast for His people. Every time that we partake of the communion supper, we are anticipating the great wedding feast of the Lamb, the eternal blessing of communion, not with earthly kings, but with the King of kings, who even now has promised His everlasting presence. Haman looked forward to a temporary banquet, but in Christ we anticipate an everlasting banquet because our communion with God in Christ never ends. If Haman had reason for joy, we have even more reason when we profess Christ as our great deliverer. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving that Christ has provided us everlasting communion with Him. Pray that more people will come to appreciate what it means to know the inseparable love of God in Christ Jesus. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 12 - Esther’s plan to save (I)

“And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his ...

Daily devotional

February 11 - The response of Esther

“I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” - Esther 4:16 Scripture reading: Esther 4:15-17 For the ...

Daily devotional

February 10 - The challenge to Esther

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:14 Scripture reading: Esther 4:5-14 Esther fe...

Daily devotional

February 9 - The approach to Esther

“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes…” - Esther 4:1 Scripture reading: Est...

Daily devotional

February 8 - The plot against the Jews

“So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus.” - Esther 3:6 Scripture reading: Esther 3:1-15 Haman is an anti-Joseph figure in Esther 3. Haman advises the king to destroy the Jews; the king approves, takes off his ring, and gives it to Haman as a symbol of Haman’s power, second in command (verse 10). In Genesis 41:42, Pharaoh gives his ring of power to Joseph as second in command. Mordecai and Haman’s contrast is set; Mordecai is the Joseph figure and Haman is the anti-Joseph figure. Mordecai is poised to save God’s people, while Haman appears ready to destroy God’s people. Mordecai is not jealous of Haman; he simply refuses to bow to an anti-Christ, while every other knee bows. Haman uses chance to determine destruction’s date, proclaiming it on the 13th of Nisan, the first month of the year – Passover Eve (Exodus 12:18). Chance seems to have triumphed over God’s promises! What Haman did not realize is that while the lot is cast in the lap, its every decision is from the Lord (Proverbs 16:33). God’s people are not delivered to chance; God works all things for their good by His providence in Christ. Haman offers silver to annihilate God’s promises – to assure that every knee would bow to him. Haman differs from Jesus Christ, who offers neither silver nor gold, but His precious blood – not to annihilate God’s promise, but to fulfill it. Haman proclaims death to the world, but the gospel of Jesus Christ proclaims life to the world – to all who bend the knee and confess with the mouth that Jesus Christ is Lord. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving that God does not hand us over to the whims of fate. Pray that the Lord will bring more people to a saving knowledge of Christ – a bend of the knee and a confession of the mouth. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 7 - The plot against the king

“Bigthan and Teresh…became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai…” - Esther 2:21-22 Scripture reading: Esther 2:19-23 Here is a parallel to the Joseph story in Genesis 40, which deals with the cupbearer and the baker. Like Joseph, Mordecai is left temporarily unrewarded. In fact, if we keep reading, the enemy of the Jews, Haman, is the promoted one. Because Mordecai points to Joseph, he also points to Christ. When justice is not immediately served, it bothers us – for Joseph and Mordecai, but also for Christ. What if God would have sent twelve legions of angels immediately to deliver Jesus at His arrest? (Matthew 26:53). What if Jesus would have shown Himself to be God’s Son by coming off the cross right away as people taunted Him to do? (Matthew 27:40). We sometimes wonder about God’s timing, but that is because we are not God. A day is like a thousand years and a thousand years like a day to Him. We want help and justice now. We want our dreams to come true now. Immediate gratification! This passage reminds us that God’s timing is not only sovereign, but also good for His glory and for His people. In the fullness of time God brought forth His Son. At just the right time, Christ died for the ungodly. At just the right time Christ is exalted. At just the right time Christ will return on the clouds of glory and vindicate His people. He will lift us up in due time as we cast our cares upon Him and humble ourselves in Christ under God’s mighty hand. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving that God’s timing is never too early and never too late. Pray that the Lord would supply you the grace to exercise the patience that is needed when our sense of timing is not in sync with God’s good timing for us in Christ. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 6 - The appealing candidate

“Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.” - Esther 2:15 Scripture reading: Esther 2:5-18 In our passage, peace replaces unrest, a better bride fills the previous queen’s spot, a nobody becomes somebody, one humbled has been exalted, and the feast of Esther has begun. By God’s providence, the last has become first so God can save His people in Christ as a type of the salvation that Christ would one day accomplish. The greater purpose is the cause of Christ. This whole situation pictures Christ, foreshadowing His life. Because of the decree of a great king in Rome, Jesus Christ is born of humble beginnings in a manger. Because of the decree of the Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, Christ is crucified on the cross of shame. Yet by these political decrees, God brings glory to Christ; the last would become first; all authority is the Lord’s. If we know Christ through faith, we know that God has brought us high from humble beginnings through His Christ. We were dead in our trespasses and sin, unworthy to sit at His table of fellowship, but because of Christ, God sets a table before our enemies. He has anointed our head with oil, and our cups overflow as we fellowship with God through Christ, our great and good Shepherd-King. Every time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we are reminded that we have been brought from being slaves to sonship in Christ Jesus. We who were last have now become first. Now glory awaits those who are in Christ! We have rest for our souls! Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving that Christ’s humility to exaltation has provided you the greatest turn of events anyone can know – slavery from sin, to a place at Christ’s table. Pray that the Lord will help you even more to live with a gracious spirit that remembers how God has transformed your life in Christ. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 5 - The advice that pleased the king

““And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This pleased the king, and he did so.” - Esther 2:4 Scripture reading: Esther 2:1-4 Joseph of Genesis is reflected often in the episodes of Esther and Mordecai – including this passage. Both Joseph, the young man of Genesis 41, and the young men here in Esther 2 have their advice accepted by their respective kings. Joseph’s advice was godly and served God’s saving providence. These young men’s advice was not godly, but it too served God’s saving providence. King Ahasuerus is viewed as owning everything, doing what he wants with both men and women – herding them from their homes, and sterilizing men to serve his purposes. The advice that Ahasuerus receives as he seeks a better queen than Vashti is not admirable; it is simple superficiality. Character means nothing – only beauty. Joseph was attractive to Potiphar’s wife because of his looks (Genesis 39:6); such – would also be the case with Esther and the king (Esther 2:7). Ahasuerus looks all-powerful, but he searches for a better bride superficially and tyrannically. Belonging to Christ and His kingdom is not tyrannical at all; His Lordship frees us from tyranny. The care of God the Father, the pardon by Christ the Son, and the regenerating work of God’s Spirit reveals to us a King who treasures us as His possession. Oh, to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge! Much better to belong to a bridegroom-king such as Christ! It is better than belonging to Ahasuerus, to ourselves, or to anything else. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving that Christ has dominion over land and sea, but also pray with thanksgiving that in His Lordship He possesses you as that which He treasures. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 4 - The powerless edict

“He sent letters to all the royal provinces…that every man be master in his own household…” - Esther 1:22 Scripture reading: Esther 1:13-22...

Daily devotional

February 3 - God’s providence prevails over the shame

Daily devotional

February 2 - A shameful summons

“…the heart of the king was merry with wine…” - Esther 1:10 Scripture reading: Esther 1:10-12 The drunken king of worldly power summons ...

Daily devotional

February 1 - Introduction to the book of Esther

The book of Esther is well-known as the book in Scripture where the name of God is never mentioned, but where the providential hand of the covenant Go...

Daily devotional

January 31 - Meeting the LORD

“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with the Lord.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:17 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:2-18 Today is the last day of the first month of the New Year. God has seen us safely though to this point in time. Before the month ends, it is good to reflect upon the fact that all earthly days shall end because the Lord Jesus will most certainly return. We do not know the time set by God the Father. Anyone who says he does is a liar. Our sure hope, however, is that the day shall come when we will meet the Lord. Think of that! You are going to meet the Lord Jesus. You will see the Son of God face to face. He will surely come as Judge of the living and the dead. Will He also come as your Saviour? The thought of meeting the Lord- does it fill your heart with fear or does it give you amazing comfort? There is an eternity of difference. Our calling, yours and mine, is to be ready and eager to meet the Lord, for by faith we know Him to be our Saviour. When we have the gift of true faith, and share it, we can encourage one another. So, Christian, be encouraged and comforted by this wonderful promise of God, which gives us hope and consolation. Remember: you shall surely meet the Lord. Are you ready? Those who are, can face future days serenely, because we await our Saviour, Whose return will bring us a joy that human words cannot describe. Suggestions for prayer May the prayer of your heart be: Return to us quickly, Lord Jesus. Ask God to make ready your heart and soul for the glorious return of Jesus. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 30 - The great commission

““Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.” - Matthew 28:19-20 Scripture reading: Matthew 28:1-20 Jesus' command is to go and make disciples, to baptize and to teach. It is the Great Commission. Who can do this? Who is equal to this task? We are. We can. Why? Because we have Jesus' promise, “I am with you always.” In His power and with the guidance of His Spirit, we can fulfill our duty. To make disciples? It is the Spirit who changes hearts and lives, and creates disciples. Yet, He has chosen to do this through His people. There are countless examples of this. Christian parents, by word and with the Spirit's blessing, can make disciples of their children. Those called to ministry and missions can make disciples of those who hear the Gospel message from them, as the Spirit gives guidance. In the power of Christ, you, right where you are, can make disciples through your witness of Jesus. To baptize? It is Christ who gathers His church. It is not human hands that build the Kingdom, but God using such hands. By your prayers for and support of the church, you can participate in this endeavour, and by God's grace, men and women, boys and girls, can be added to the church and receive the sign and seal of His covenant, baptism. To teach? Jesus commands that all be taught. The church has its duty here, to teach through preaching, catechism instruction and Bible studies. Christian parents, by faithfully having family devotions, can do their duty too. Christian day schools are also an important means through which this command of Christ is obeyed. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to give you opportunities to witness by word and deed, so that others may be gathered into the Kingdom. Pray for the ministries of the church and Christian schools too. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 29 - The life giving Lord

“And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” - 1 Corinthians 15:45 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-49 Our inheritance from the first Adam is deeply flawed. Yes, we are living beings. We are descended from Adam and Eve. From them, we receive our human flesh and blood. We also receive a rational mind and an immortal soul. Our first father, Adam, the head of the human race by nature, can only give us a body, mind and soul, which though alive are corrupted by sin; and sin brings death. Jesus Christ came into this world. In His one Person are two natures: human and divine. He, God's Son, is the last Adam, Who came to re-found and re-establish in His people a new human race. He did this by His divine power, and He shares this with His people because He shares a human nature with us. Through His ministry, our Saviour became for us a life-giving spirit. By nature, we follow the first Adam. Sin and worldliness is the natural result. Sadly, multitudes simply accept this inheritance of nature and seek nothing more than to live out their earthly lives and at last die in the pattern of sin. Our calling, yours and mine, is to be a true child of the last Adam. We are to be disciples of Jesus Christ. In all the days of the year ahead, seek by faith to be such a disciple. Find in Jesus your covenant head, Who reforms and reshapes your nature to be conformed to the image of God. Suggestions for prayer Pray for grace to be found as one who inherits life from the last Adam. Ask God to continually work within your heart so that you will be conformed to His image. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 28 - Unpopular judgement

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will bring on this city and on all her towns all the doom that I have pronounced against it, because they have stiffened their necks that they might not hear My words.” - Jeremiah 19:15 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 19:14,15 Today, any mention of God's judgment is intensely unpopular. This is true not just with worldly people and skeptics, but it is also remarkably unpopular with people who consider themselves to be religious. If you read all of Jeremiah 19, you will discover that was also true of many in the days of God's prophet, Jeremiah. What feeling does our text for today stir within your heart? Have you been so stiff-necked, so wilful, so caught up in yourself, that you no longer really listen to God's Word? Then you do well to fear, because the judgment of God will certainly fall upon sinners who do not repent and turn to Jesus for pardon. Our text makes it clear that the judgment of God is not just going to come on murderers, thieves, adulterers, and others guilty of obvious, public sins. It will also fall upon those who just played at being religious, but who in reality were stiff-necked and who, in their inmost heart, would not listen to God's Word. This message of judgment is unpopular. Unrepentant sinners don't want to hear it. Hypocrites don't want to hear it. It is, however, a basic teaching of God's Word, and popular or not, the message of our text is true. God judges people in this life and in the life to come. May you and I be ready for God's scrutiny. May we be found as those who listen to God's Word, and thus be found as those who live by faith, and practice that faith in humble obedience. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to work in your heart so that you be found a careful listener of God's Word, and one who puts that Word into practice in your life. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 27 - Life in Christ

“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” - Matthew 10:39 Scripture reading: Matthew 10:34-42 ...

Daily devotional

January 26 - Celebrating life eternal

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing wit...

Daily devotional

January 25 - The victory

Psalm 16:10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. Scripture reading: Psalm 16:1-11 Tomorr...

Daily devotional

January 24 - Looking for life

“And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.” - 1 Corinthians 15:49 Scripture readin...

Daily devotional

January 23 - The path of glory

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.” - Romans 6:8 Scripture reading: Romans 6:1-11 Each of us, you too, have chosen a path on which to walk through 2025, as our life unfolds. Which choice have you made? It will make all the difference. There are many paths in this world, although all, except one, are on the wide highway that leads to destruction. Popular paths are that of selfishness, hatred, of spiritual carelessness, false religion and so many more. There is, however, only one path to the glory of living with Christ in eternity. This one path is the only route worth following, because God Himself has laid the course, and the destination of this one path is the Heavenly City. It is the path of true faith. Are you on it? Those who are, have been united by faith with Christ Jesus, our Saviour through which we share in the saving power of His atoning sacrifice. He gave His life a ransom for ours. By faith we die with Christ, and, says our text, if that is so, then we are united with Him by the bonds of love and faith. As this year carries us into the future, let us every day in every situation remember to stay on that one path, to follow the Word of God, which leads us in truth. Stay in close union with Christ through all of life's trials. Those on the path of dying with Christ and living in the power of His resurrection, will share forever in the joy of the Lord. We will live with Jesus forever, as our text promises us. Suggestions for prayer Pray for wisdom and perseverance to find and stay on that one sure path that leads to life. Thank God for the saving power of Christ's death on the cross and find your pardon there. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 22 - How are you feeling?

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from sin.” - 1 Peter 4:1 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:1-11 May God grant that you start this new year healthy and happy! Not everyone does, however. That is certainly true physically, and it is also true spiritually. As believers we often can think, “I wish I were a better person! I need to be more like Jesus!” We know how far we are from living a full, holy Christian life. This discourages some. It is a sad thing when a sincere person, who wants closer fellowship with Jesus, just can't seem to find it. Often such folks turn to this or that popular book or magazine. They travel from church to church endlessly seeking. They are always disappointed because they are no better off in the end than they were at the start. Let us not give in to that disappointment and emptiness. The answer is in our text: Christ suffered for us. He bore our sins. He endured suffering in order to give us, as a free gift of grace, salvation, righteousness and eternal life. Arm yourself by believing this, and then accept what suffering you are called to endure in this life. We must take up the cross of denying ourselves, of abandoning our stubbornness and of humbly accepting the leading of God's Word and Spirit. If we are willing to suffer now, then the power of sin, says our text, will be broken in our lives. We will enjoy a closer, dearer fellowship with God. We will learn to be more patient and loving with one another. Be a living sacrifice for the Lord! Suggestions for prayer Seek God's grace to bear whatever burden of physical or spiritual pain that you are dealing with right now. Ask for grace to see that our earthly sufferings point us to Christ, whose suffering won us salvation. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 21 - Children of the Lord

“My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David: His seed shall endure forever.” - Psalm 89:34-36 Scripture reading: Psalm 89:19-37 Inspired by the Spirit, David knew that by nature our children, like we ourselves, are sinners. There are sad circumstances in which children turn their backs on their Christian upbringing and instruction. When that happens, God disciplines such covenant breakers now and in eternity. Thankfully, however, this does not overshadow the fact that God is faithful to those who with humble trust in Jesus keep covenant with Him. In his own family David experienced this. Some of his sons openly rebelled with disastrous consequences. David also experienced, however, the joy of seeing covenant keepers, like Solomon in his family, living in accordance with God's wonderful promise. As this new year begins, perhaps you must deal with similar circumstances in your family. May God give you strength! Do not, though, become fixated on the negative. As you look around and see family, friends and fellow Christians walking in fellowship with the Lord and His church, give glory to God for His covenant promise. We have an amazing assurance that those who are cleansed by the blood of the Lamb will endure in God's grace forever. Look to the Lord Jesus in prayer. Ask Him to restore the wandering ones and give Him heartfelt thanks for those around you who love and serve Him. Praise God for His promise of covenant faithfulness. Suggestions for prayer Intercede devotedly for those whom you know are wandering and have broken covenant with the Lord that they might be restored. Give thanks for family, friends and fellow Christians who are keeping covenant with the Lord. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 20 - Jesus’ sheep

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” - Psalm 23:6 Scripture reading: Psalm 23:1-6 The opening of a new year often makes us think of the passing of time. When we follow Jesus, then our passage through the unfolding years should be marked indelibly with His goodness and mercy. Jesus' disciples should leave behind them a trail marked by that goodness and mercy. Is that true of you? There are those (far too many) who leave behind them a trail of hurt, anger and distress. Their harsh words, thoughtless actions, stubbornness and selfishness leave behind them an aching mark upon everyone with whom they come in contact. No real Christian can live like that. Can you? Do you? If you are a sheep of the Good Shepherd, then goodness and mercy will follow you. You will live as a blessing to all around you. Your words and actions will convince all those near you (family, friends, fellow church members) that the goodness and mercy of the Lord fills you. Is that the reality of your life? Those who truly are a sheep of the Good Shepherd then live with a blessed hope: to dwell in the house of the Lord forever! Nothing can separate us from the love of Jesus. Those who are His, belong to Him forever. Now, and all the days of your life, and on into the future serve the Lord Jesus, the Good Shepherd, as He leads and guides you, so that goodness and mercy will follow you. And rejoice to have a place in His house forever. Suggestions for prayer Pray for wisdom and strength to live a truly Christian life, so that goodness and mercy will follow you. Ask for pardon for all those times when that has been missing from your life. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 19 - Jesus, our priest

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we...

Daily devotional

January 18 - The only Saviour

“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—...

Daily devotional

January 17 - A King’s worth

“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with ...

Daily devotional

January 16 - Nobody is perfect

“For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.” - Psalm 51:5 Scripture reading: Psalm 51:1-9 One of the most commo...

Daily devotional

January 15 - The Lordship of Christ

“Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God’s royal son.” - Psalm 2:11-12 Scripture reading: Psalm 2:1-12 Today it is popular to speak of Jesus' love, of His example, of His concern for the suffering and needy. In orthodox, evangelical circles it is popular to speak of Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. All these aspects of Jesus' ministry are good and we can back them up with Scripture. One aspect, however, is often missing in many hearts and in many churches: the Lordship of Jesus Christ. True Christians know Jesus by faith as Saviour and Lord. We owe Him our allegiance. We accept His rule over us. We confess that Jesus is our King. His Lordship requires our reverence, which is a rare commodity today. We submit to Him not just in outward deeds of service, but also in our hearts as we humble ourselves before Him. Our text for today, like so many other portions of Scripture, emphasizes the Lordship of Christ. That is a fact, but what difference does it make in your heart and life? What difference does it make in your home? What difference does it make in your relationship with God and others around you? If it makes no difference, if there is no heartfelt love for the Lord, no willing obedience, then you are not serving the Lord. Your allegiance must be to this world, and as the Psalm reveals, that is fatal. As 2025 unfolds, the Lord is seeking useful servants, people alive in faith, and disciples who are steady, dependable, and obedient. May that be a description of you, as you live out your faith in service and obedience. Suggestions for prayer Humbly pray that God will provide opportunities for service in His Kingdom, in your home, wherever are, so that you will show your wholehearted acceptance of Christ's lordship in your heart and life. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 14 - Power over fear

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” - Luke 12:32 Scripture reading: Luke 12:22-34 So many in the world today begin this New Year with fear in their hearts. This life and the things of this world are all they care about and all they have. Consequently, they're afraid that their life might be ended by violence or that some criminal might steal their possessions. They worry and complain constantly. It's no way to live. To His little flock, His chosen ones, Jesus says: Do not be afraid. We can be sure that Jesus is not asking us to do the impossible. It can be done; we can live without fear. We can be delivered from the burden of worry. Those who know, by faith, that the Father has given them the kingdom know this deliverance. We can experience it when we turn to Jesus, Who was anointed to be our prophet, priest and king. The prophetic guidance of Jesus, revealed in Scripture, frees us from worry about our purpose and path in life. The priestly sacrifice of Jesus frees us from the fear of judgment and condemnation. The kingly rule of Christ encourages us as we feel His power defending us and His wisdom preserving us. As believers we rejoice to live in confidence, in hope and in trust. It is the good pleasure of the Father to give us these blessings through the blessed work of Christ, His Son. In your hour of struggle, in your moment of temptation, do not be enslaved by worry, for our Saviour says to us: Do not be afraid, little flock. Suggestions for Prayer Seek the Lord's blessing of a confident faith that overcomes the dark clouds of worry. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 13 - Refusing Christ, refusing life

“…yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” - John 5:40 Scripture reading: John 5:30-40 If you have reached this point in our Nearer to God devotional booklet, then you have some good spiritual habits. Others must think of you as a genuinely religious person, and that's commendable. Our text, however, makes it clear that there are some dangers in the path of those who are religious. It warns that you can appear outwardly religious, go to church, live a moral life, read the Bible and this devotional booklet, and yet miss the mark and fail to obtain eternal life by refusing to come to Christ Jesus in faith. To know the Scriptures, but not the Christ of the Scriptures is fatal. To be outwardly religious, but inwardly without faith, is to be walking the path to destruction. If we harden our hearts, give in to doubts, and seek after the pleasures of the world, the light of the Gospel will not shine in our souls. It is not enough to merely search the Scriptures. We must search them with the proper end in view and with a prayer for the Spirit's work to apply the truth to our hearts. As this year unfolds, read and study the Scriptures with a believing heart. Come in faith to a sure knowledge of the truth. To have eternal life we must come to the risen Christ, revealed in the Scriptures. We must make sure that our religion, our spiritual commitment, is more than a habit. Dear reader, search the Scriptures this year. Do so to know the Christ revealed there, and, knowing Him, have eternal life. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to guide, direct, and enlighten you as you search the Scriptures day by day. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 12 - Jesus saves

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12 Scripture reading: Acts 4:1-12 Today is the Lord's Day, a time for Christians to gather for worship. We do so, motivated by faith in our Saviour, Jesus Christ. If an unbelieving neighbour or coworker notices this and would ask you, “What is the basic belief that you have which makes you a Christian?” How would you answer? If you would answer, my basic belief is: “Jesus saves!” you would have given a right and true answer. The fact that Jesus Saves, and our faith in the truth of that statement, is what separates Christians from unbelievers. The dividing line between the Christian and the unbeliever, between salvation and condemnation, is the one basic belief of which our text speaks. It is vital for our Christian lives that we share spiritual life in a church that proclaims this basic, Biblical teaching. If you are a member of such a church, be thankful, and do all in your power to build up the communion of the saints there. Those who are saved and those who would be saved must turn in humble faith to Jesus, acknowledge Him as their Saviour and Lord, and share in worshipping Him in His church. God in His grace has provided a place, a shelter from life's storms, where our faith can be strengthened by the means of grace. That place is His church. Be sure that this Lord's Day you attend worship, so that your faith in Jesus will be built up. Let all who truly worship this day find in their salvation by trust in Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Ask that God will bless all those who worship this Lord's Day with strengthened faith in Jesus, the only Saviour. Pray for spiritual renewal in the hearts of those who neglect the means of grace. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 11 - Powerful trust

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” - Psalm 20:7 Scripture reading: Psalm 20:1-9 We...

Daily devotional

January 10 - Starting with hope

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your heart...

Daily devotional

January 9 - The path ahead

“Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your s...

Daily devotional

January 8 - The Lord’s will

“Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”” - James 4:15 Scripture reading: James 4:13-16 For bel...

Daily devotional

January 7 - A new walk with Jesus

“The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” - John 4:23 Scripture reading: John 4:7-26 In this Gospel account, we meet the Samaritan woman who was enslaved by a sinful past. The fact is, many of us today are chained to the past: old sins, old arguments, old angers, old resentments. It is not the Lord's will or intention to start the year by proving you right in your old, sinful ways. People who refuse a new walk with Jesus will only receive God's justice. Today, through the words of the Gospel, Jesus speaks to us as He did to the Samaritan woman at the well. He says: woman, man, boy, girl, young person (whoever you might be): Believe Me, the time is coming and is now here when your anger, your strong opinions, your human will shall count as nothing. If you cannot shut the door on past sins, then you will not be able to walk with Me or truly worship Me in the days ahead. The time is coming and now is- today- it's the perfect time to set the past in its place, to repent, to receive pardon for your past sins, and to stop reliving old hatreds and bitterness. The time is coming and now is- to get serious and do what is most important: worship God, not just in church on Sunday, but every day. Serve the Lord with faith and obedience and a life of Christian service. That's the person the Father seeks and it is that person who will have the joy of a new walk with Jesus each step of the year ahead. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord for wisdom to recognize when you are caught in old sins. Pray that the Lord Jesus will forgive those sins, and that the Spirit will guide you to become a person whom the Father seeks. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 6 - Expecting the best

“…therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” - Matthew 24:44 Scripture reading: Matthew 24:36-44 The Christian's heart is guided by faith, and is ready at all times for the blessed return of Jesus with glory on the clouds of heaven. Being well prepared for Jesus' return is essential in our walk with the Lord day by day. Surely, the return of our Lord is the best expectation we can have as a New Year begins. Christ Jesus may return this year, and we, as faithful servants, must be found ready. Our Christian homes, our church participation, our daily living should all be found in order. We know that we fall short, and our struggle against sin is very real, but Jesus is our Saviour and we are justified by faith, and have peace with God. Even if Jesus does not return in 2025, being well prepared by expecting the best will surely result in blessings. We will enjoy the blessing of a well-ordered, godly life in our homes, at church, at work, at school, or wherever life will take us in the New Year. We will appreciate the pardon that only Jesus provides, as we turn to Him in faith. We cannot read the future. We do not know what 2025 will bring. God, however, has given us a mind, heart and will, so that we can plan and look ahead. Let us as Christians expect the best. The best thing of all is that Jesus will come at the time of His choosing, to take us to Himself. Then we shall enjoy the wonderful blessing of perfect fellowship with our Saviour forever! Suggestions for prayer Make it your daily prayer that the Lord Jesus will return to us quickly. Pray that through faith you will be ready for that great day. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 5 - Renewing our strength

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:31 Scripture reading: Isaiah 40:25-31 It's the Lord's Day, the New Testament Sabbath. All around the world church doors are open and worship services are held. It is the opportunity we need as a new week begins, to renew our spiritual strength through the preaching of the Word, prayer and Christian fellowship. Attending worship services at church is an essential opportunity for spiritual renewal. On this first Sunday of the New Year, let us consecrate and dedicate ourselves to “wait upon the Lord.” Let us not run ahead of God in fits of human passion. Let us not fall behind the Lord by clinging to human traditions and outward customs. Do not follow the wide highway of glorifying self or personal opinion, which is so common today, but rather let us “wait upon the Lord”. Today, wait quietly upon the Lord by carefully listening as God's Word is read and a sermon proclaimed. Listen with faith, confidence and obedience. By doing so, the Lord will surely bless you; He shall renew your strength! Look forward to a year in which God will renew you, body and soul, through faithful participation in the means of grace. Look forward to receiving from Christ the power that you need to overcome temptation and the comfort of His forgiveness. With God's help and strength, we shall surmount every trouble, every trial, as though we had eagle's wings. As we hasten down the path ahead in the days to come, we shall not be weary, we shall not fail, because those who “wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Suggestions for prayer: Pray that the Spirit will use the means of grace, as you worship today, to strengthen and bless you. Seek wisdom to wait quietly upon the Lord. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 4 - New wine

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” - Luke 5:37-38 Scripture reading: Luke 5:27-38 Jesus' first listeners were familiar with the process of making wine. It was a process that required much care, so that a new batch of wine would prove good. Remember that the people of the ancient near east did not have glass bottles. They used a specially treated, tanned animal skin to store the wine they made. If the wineskin was old and weak, it could not contain new wine, which was still full of the energy of fermentation. The Lord is teaching us here that you cannot contain the energy of newness of Spirit-filled, faithful life in Christ in the old wineskin of unregenerate human nature, which is fatally weakened by stubbornness, hardness of heart, self-will, anger, and spiritual carelessness. If you try, you are bound for disaster. The old wineskin will not be able to take it, and the wine will be spilt and the wineskin ruined. Jesus said that new wine must be put into new wineskins. If you have newness of life in Christ, then you must use the new wineskin of faith, hope, love, obedience and joy. These virtues must mark your life of discipleship. As tomorrow is the Lord's Day, which comes with a call to gather for worship, you need the new wineskin of participation in the life of your congregation. Those who have new life in Christ will be a blessing to the bride of Christ, His church. Use the energy of new life in Jesus to be a blessing and example to those around you. Be sure to worship tomorrow! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to fill you with the new wine of faithful discipleship. Seek the Lord's guidance as you prepare for worship at church tomorrow. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 3 - New Year’s resolutions

“Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already...

Daily devotional

January 2 - A sanctified start

“So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer ...

Daily devotional

January 1 - Introduction to the new year!

For those of us who follow a calendar basically inherited from the ancient Romans, this month of January marks the start of the New Year. We Christian...

Daily devotional

December 31 - The Bride and Spirit in sync

“The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come, let the one who desires t...

Daily devotional

December 30 - His reward is with him

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” - Revelation 22:12 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:6-21 Jesus is coming soon! Of course, we have been hearing that for almost 2000 years! But don’t let that make you dozy, for He will come on a day when you least expect. Any who continue to live in disobedience, who do not take holiness seriously, who live out of harmony and fellowship with God, refusing to live by faith, will suddenly find it too late for all the words of this prophecy will have come true. Then there will be no time to change. Today is a day of salvation! Jesus is coming, bringing His recompense (reward) with Him. Romans 2:6-11 says, He will render to each one according to his works, to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury … God shows no partiality. Those who wash and make themselves clean will enter the city. But those who do not wash, those who love and practice falsehood, will go into the lake of fire. Jesus sent His angel to testify about these things for the churches. The word “you” in v. 16 is plural, meaning this is for all believers to hear and take to heart. Be comforted, He is the Christ, the root and offspring of David, the bright and morning star. Are you comforted in the coming of Jesus to reward each one? Suggestions for prayer Pray for strength to be awake and watching for the day of the Lord. Rejoice together in the certainty of His return to bring us into the fullness of our inheritance! Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 29 - Keeping the vision

“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” - Revelation 22:7 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:6-21 At the beginning of the book of Revelation, we read, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3). Nearing the end of the book we find the thought repeated. We are reminded that these words are trustworthy and true. God sent His angel to communicate to us what must soon take place. How crucial then that we take note of this book and its message. What does it mean to keep the words of the prophecy? It means first to believe, to take to heart. These words are intended to comfort and strengthen us in the days ahead. And if we believe this vision, it also means that we shall live our lives focused on Christ, Who is shown as the conquering, victorious Lord of lords and King of kings. It means then that we shun evil and all that opposes Christ, that we guard ourselves against the dragon, the beasts and Babylon. It means, as we read in verse 14, that we wash our robes, that we clothe ourselves in righteous living even as we have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ. As He forgives, we forgive; as He loves, we love; as He shows mercy, we show mercy. It means we live focused on already being the new society that we shall be in the new heavens and earth. Let us so live. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for His Spirit to enable you to keep the words of this book, that this vision may shape your vision, and that Christ may be your Lord, and His bride your concern. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 28 - His name on our foreheads

“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” - Revelation 22:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-5 The blessedness of the paradise of God is also pictured in the words, “They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.” As finite creatures, we will know Him in glory as fully as we are able. We shall see Him! So we shall be like Him! His name will be on our foreheads, marked as His, as the priests in the Old Testament were, with ‘Holy to the Lord’ written on their foreheads. We will all be priests of God, serving Him. Clearly, we will not be living a life of leisure. We say that our Sundays are a foretaste of eternal rest. This is not because they are idle days, because our Sundays are busy! We spend our Sundays in preparation for worship, worshipping God, enjoying fellowship with God and His people and in doing good deeds. This equips us for living all week long for our God, resting from our sinful ways as we do the work we are called to do. Our life in glory will be filled with constant service and worship. We will have a constant source of nourishment. In glory there will be no night, nothing to hinder our fellowship with God and each other. We shall see clearly, and God will reveal Himself clearly. And we shall reign with God forever! As prophets, priests and kings we will serve and enjoy our God forever! To Him be the glory! Abraham lived looking forward to the city whose builder and maker was God. Do you? Suggestions for prayer Pray for the Spirit’s empowerment to live now in anticipation of the day when sin shall be no more, but we freely live for the praise and full enjoyment of God. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 27 - The trees of life

“Also, on either side of the river, the tree of life, with its twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.” - Revelation 22:2b Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-5 The picture of paradise continues with a picture of a tree of life on both sides of the river of life. We read of the tree of life in Genesis where Eden was at the headwaters of four great rivers. There Adam worked and lived in fellowship with God, glorifying Him in true knowledge, righteousness, and holiness. The tree was a sign and seal of God’s favour, which is the essence of life itself. Apart from God’s favour, there is death. So we see that since man sinned, death reigns along with increasing corruption and disease. Paradise restored gives access to the tree of life on both sides of the river. All restrictions from it are removed, and not only do we have the river that nourishes us, but we continually have the marvellous fruit of the tree of life and its leaves! In glory, we have healing from all our diseases. We have abundant life, indicated by 12 kinds of fruit every month! On either side of the river flowing down the center of the city, we have a picture of a park or paradise. It portrays a place of marvellous fellowship with God and each other. No more curse, for the price has been paid. God Himself will provide all we need for fellowship with Him and each other. God is enthroned in our midst! We will worship Him in our submission to His will, being and doing what we are made to be and do. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the day when there will be no more sin and its consequences. Pray for the day when nothing will inhibit our worship, our glorifying and enjoyment of God in all we are and do. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 26 - The river of life

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of th...

Daily devotional

December 25 - Christ, the light of the world

“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:23 Sc...

Daily devotional

December 24 - A view of the city #2

“And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:22 Scripture reading: Revelation...

Daily devotional

December 23 - A view of the city #1

“ showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jas...

Daily devotional

December 22 - The vision of the bride

“Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:9b Scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-27 When the Queen of Sheba came to see Solomon, she found that the reality of his splendour was far beyond anything she had been told. What we are going to see about the bride, also called the New Jerusalem, is shown in ways we can understand, but when we get to heaven itself, we shall agree with the Queen of Sheba, saying that the half has not been told to us. There will be blessings such as no eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor man has ever imagined. The angel who shows John the vision is one who had a bowl of the seven last plagues. This connects us with what took place in Revelation 15-16, but here in contrast. There John had seen the vision of the great prostitute, who sought to allure us from Christ as if she had something more worthwhile to offer. But she led to death. Now we see the Lamb’s wife. Her glory is in sharp contrast to the prostitute’s doom. John was brought into the wilderness to see the prostitute, but here is brought to a high mountain. And as the Harlot was a picture of Babylon, the city of man in rebellion against God, the bride here is Jerusalem, the city where God dwells with His people, His church. We will see spiritual things in symbolic, physical ways, to help us understand the spiritual beauty and glory that awaits. This is crucial to understand as we look at the New Jerusalem. Suggestions for prayer Ask for the Spirit’s guidance as we begin to look at the New Jerusalem. This Christmas season we can be easily distracted by other things, but need help to focus on what is true and eternal. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 21 - Trustworthy and true words

“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” - Revelation 21:6-7 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-8 The Apostle Peter says that the inheritance of believers is incorruptible, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4). By God’s power believers are guarded through faith for a salvation that will be revealed in the last time. This is trustworthy and true. When Christ returns, we will have a place in the New Heavens and Earth, in the New Jerusalem, a place of eternal blessing with Jesus. This is so certain that in verse 6, we read that it is accomplished! These are the words of God, the One on the throne, Who is the beginning and the end, The Alpha and the Omega. Jesus is faithful and true. He was before all things, made all things, and all things exist for Him. In Him, all things have their purpose. He is the sovereign Lord through Whom and for Whom and unto Whom are all things. So what He says is reliable and trustworthy! Notice, however, what is trustworthy and true. Those who seek after God, who are faithful unto the end will enjoy this inheritance. But for unbelievers, those who live for themselves and this world as it is under the curse, their portion will be in the lake of fire and sulphur, that is, eternal death! Those who thirst for Christ and rest in peace in Him are freely given the water of eternal life. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied”(Matthew 5:6). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His words revealed in this vision, for they are trustworthy and true. Pray for the day when you shall see Christ face to face and be like Him since you shall see Him as He is. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 20 - The new heavens and the new earth II

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” - Revelation 21:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-8 What will the new heavens and earth be like? We are not told much. That there is no sea is a picture meaning no more turmoil of the nations. It will be a place of peace with God and each other. God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying, for the old things have passed away (not to be remembered; Isaiah 65:17). Everything will be made new. The creation will be refined by fire, as it once was by water. Out of the great cleansing fire emerges a whole new earth, reshaped in righteousness and purity; the same earth, but gloriously reshaped with no evidence of the curse. Even our bodies will be renewed like Christ’s glorious body. Everything will be in harmony under Christ. Ephesians 1:9ff says He will, when the times will have reached their fulfillment “unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.” This echoes Colossians 1:19-20, “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of the cross.” The sufferings of this present age are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed in us. Of this glory 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” What a glorious hope. Lord Jesus, come quickly! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the hope we have in Christ. Pray for the Spirit to prepare us for the day of His glorious return. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 19 - The new heavens and the new earth I

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” - Revelation 21:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-8 In the book of Genesis we see the devil’s deceit, but here in Revelation we see him thrown into the lake of burning sulphur. Genesis shows man hiding from God, while Revelation shows man restored to fellowship with God. “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Here the theme of Revelation comes to light. God has faithfully delivered the salvation He promised in the garden. Christ has crushed the serpent’s head. Christ triumphs and we are delivered from the curse and enter a renewed heavens and earth. Hallelujah! In Isaiah 65:17 God said, “Behold I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” 2 Peter 3:13 says, “But according to his promise we are waiting for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” John here sees, in a vision, this happening. As Jesus says, “I make everything new.” What a blessing it will be. As Isaiah 66:22-23 says, “For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me … so shall your offspring and your name remain … all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord.” What a marvellous hope we have. All things shall be made new, and the former things (sins) shall not be remembered (Isaiah 65:15). Suggestions for prayer Pray that Jesus may come quickly. How we long for the day when sin shall be no more, and all things shall be made new, and we will have perfect fellowship with our Savior and Lord. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 18 - Day of judgement

“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it … And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were op...

Daily devotional

December 17 - The destruction of Satan

“…the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be torme...

Daily devotional

December 16 - The victorious in Christ

“Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection.” - Revelation 20:6 Scripture reading: Revelation 20: 4-6 Now John sees ...

Daily devotional

December 15 - The binding of Satan

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hands the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, th...

Daily devotional

December 14 - The great feast

“Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God.”” - Revelation 19:17 Scripture reading: Revelation 19:11-21 Christ is coming to meet all who are opposed to Him. He is going to tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. All His enemies have gathered to defeat Him and those with Him. But the angel calls the birds of heaven to come feast on the bodies of the mighty men, as well as all men, both slave and free, small and great. Any who follow the devil and his minions will be defeated! Thus we read in verse 20 that the beast was captured as well as the false prophet who had deceived so many. Here is the fulfillment of Isaiah 63:1-3: “Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments. “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.” Why is your apparel red…? “I have trodden the winepress alone … in my anger…; their lifeblood splattered on my garments…” Notice that He defeats His enemies by the sword of His mouth, His Word. His Word is not just ancient writings, but the very power of God unto salvation for all who believe, and death for His enemies. As II Thessalonians 2:8 says, “Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth.” We must hold fast to the word of Truth. God’s Word always accomplishes what He intends. We who ride with Him will share in the victory. The beast and the false prophet are destroyed. They are thrown into the lake of fire. Believe the Word. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the assurance that all worldly power and those who proclaim lies will be destroyed, as well as those who serve them. Pray for the Spirit that we may faithfully follow Jesus, Whose word provides life for all who believe. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 13 - The rider on the white horse

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.” - Revelation 19:11 Scripture reading: Revelation 19:11-21 The groom stands in front of the church, anticipating the moment the doors of the church swing open and he sees his bride. And the bride anticipates seeing her groom waiting for her. We anticipate seeing Christ coming, but as heaven opens, we see Him dressed as a warrior, crowned, yet His robes dipped in blood. Behind Him is a whole army, but they are white and pure on their white horses. This is because Christ is the One Who fights our battles and defeats our enemies. He is the word of God that fells our enemies. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. In the order of Revelation, the prostitute is destroyed. But before we see the final victory the Spirit reassures us of the destruction of the two beasts, the antichrist and the false prophet, and the dragon. He takes us back briefly to the last battle of Armageddon, when all the world is posed to destroy the church. We anticipate the wedding feast, but first must come a feast of a different sort! Jesus is coming in victorious judgment to make all things new. He does not come with vicious bloodlust, but with justice, as Psalm 96:13 says. No sin goes unpunished, no one will be judged too harshly. Notice His eyes, like a flame of fire. Nothing is hidden from Him. As Revelation 2:23 says, He “searches out mind and heart” and will “give to each as their works deserve.” Suggestions for prayer Ask God for patience as we long for the day of Christ’s appearance as the victorious Lord. Yet ask Him to come, defeat His enemies, establish His Kingdom, and take us home. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 12 - The marriage supper of the Lamb

“And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”” - Revelation 19:9 Scripture reading: Revelation 19:6-10 The word Hallelujah is often used in music and movies to portray ecstasy. But here in Revelation 19 our hearts soar with the fall of the prostitute and the victory of Jesus, and all believers join in the majestic Hallelujah chorus. Yet, there is further reason to praise God, for we have longed not only for the defeat of our enemies, but for everything to be in submission to God. “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns.” Further we rejoice “…and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and the Bride has made herself ready – it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.” All because we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ! Oh, how blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb. Yes, the church is now the bride. From heaven He came and sought us to be His holy bride; with His own blood He bought us and for our life He died. In anticipation we ready ourselves. How blessed we are, for we do not share in the curse of the prostitute, but rather an eternity with our God. The angel reminds us that “these are the true words of God.” Let us not grow weary, but encourage each other as the day of the Lord draws near. Let us be faithful in our worship of God, for His promises are true and our union with Him is certain. Suggestions for prayer Pray for faith to believe the word, the testimony of our Lord and the spirit of prophecy. Pray for strength to live in anticipation, always ready for the wedding feast of the Lamb. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 11 - Rejoicing in heaven

“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God for his judgments are true and just, for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his saints.” - Revelation 19:1b-2 Scripture reading: Revelation 19:1-5 The word Hallelujah is used only four times in the New Testament, all in this chapter. It means, “Praise the Lord.” It is sung three times over the destruction of Babylon and once over the marriage feast! In response to the destruction of Babylon, John hears the roar of multitude shouting Hallelujah! This is the response of the Church Triumphant. They are rejoicing because of God’s salvation, power and justice. God promised salvation in the Garden and here at the end it comes – all praise and glory belongs to our God. “Hallelujah, the smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” This is perfectly just. God said that those who seek this life will lose it, while those who are willing to lose this life for Christ’s sake, will find it. God is being perfectly true to His promises. And never again shall rebellion and sin arise. Nothing on earth or in heaven shall again detract from God’s glory. Salvation will be complete and eternal. We see the 24 elders, representing the church of all ages, and the four living creatures worshipping God and saying, “Hallelujah!” And from the throne a voice cries out, “Praise God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” Here we are called to praise God, for sin shall be destroyed and we will live in a new heavens and earth. What a glorious day that will be when Jesus comes to judge the world in righteousness. Let us make ourselves pure for that day. Suggestions for prayer Give God praise and glory for His great plan of salvation that He is working out in time. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 10 - The fall of Babylon

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!” - Revelation 18:2 Scripture reading: Revelation 18:1-24 As fascinating and wonderful as our civiliz...

Daily devotional

December 9 - The beast with seven heads

“I will tell you the mystery … of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her.” - Revelation 17:4 Scripture reading: Revelation...

Daily devotional

December 8 - The great prostitute and the beast #2

Daily devotional

December 7 - The great prostitute and the beast #1

Daily devotional

December 6 - The final three bowls

“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” - Revelation 16:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 16:10-21 Many insist on believing the lie instead of the truth. God sends messengers or disasters to call them to repentance, but they refuse to repent. Such people will suffer God’s wrath. In the fifth bowl, the great deceiver and his followers face eternal judgment. All his followers will be plunged into deep spiritual darkness. They will be in anguish and distress, but not repent, like Pharaoh in Egypt. Many are taken in by the pleasures of this life, yet do not find lasting joy and peace, but rather agony and anguish. For this they will curse God. The sixth bowl pictures a way made for the enemies of the church to attack her. It is a picture of the forces of the antichrist gathering for the great battle of the last day. The Old Testament speaks of the great terrible day of the Lord (Joel 2:11) when God will gather the nations together for final judgment (Joel 3:2). Here they think they are going to destroy the church, but God will destroy them. The seventh bowl introduces us to the final day of judgment. A voice from heaven cries, “It is done!” Here is a picture of the final defeat of the kingdom of the evil one, which will be expanded on later in the next chapters. God will use all creation to accomplish His purposes. Though this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us, rejoice! Jesus is coming to judge the world in righteousness. Suggestions for prayer Since you long for the day when all things shall be made new, pray that God may come quickly. But until then pray that we may be used to call all to repentance before the day of final and complete darkness. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 5 - The first four bowls

“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” - Revelation 16:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 16:1-9 All creation speaks of God, and the gospel goes forth daily throughout the world. Yet, many suppress the truth and refuse to believe God and His Christ, or listen to the Spirit. God sends tragedies and disasters as warning calls to all men to repent. Yet, for many these disasters are final judgments, since they refuse to repent, but harden their hearts against God. In the bowls, we see similar judgments as in the trumpets (Chapters 8-9), yet with intensification. The seals spoke of 25 % destruction, the trumpets of 33%, but here the bowls speak of total destruction. The earlier series are calls to repentance. The bowls are not a completely different series of events, but similar events seen from a different perspective, namely, how for the unrepentant these disasters are the point of no return. Here we see the effect of disasters on those who, suppressing the truth and hardened in sin, are facing their final judgment. The second, third and fourth bowl are disasters on the sea, lakes and rivers, and sun. These disasters are total in the sense that they lead not to repentance, but are judgments on those who curse the name of God, and do not repent and give glory to God. Therefore, the angel in charge of the waters sings in verses 5-7 of the justice of what God is doing here. God in His mercy gives us this vision, calling us to repent and believe while we can before some disaster comes and it is too late. Suggestions for prayer While God sends warning judgments calling all men to repentance through various trials and disasters, pray that God gives us true repentance and faith, that we may always be ready when He calls. Pray that the nations may not harden their hearts on the day of trouble. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 4 - Seven angels coming with final plagues

“Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven great plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.” - Revelation 15:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 15:1-8 In Revelation 14, we were given three pictures calling us to endure in the faith. God, in Revelation 15:2-4, assures us of victory. But the end is not yet. The wrath of God is not yet complete! John sees a great and amazing sign. The last time this phrase is used was when the great dragon began his war against the church, calling the two beasts to help. Now we see a great and amazing vision of the final wrath of God to be poured out. Seven angels stand with the last judgments. In Revelation 8-11, we see how throughout history, God has sent warning judgments calling all to repentance and faith. In this chapter we see judgment on those who refuse to repent. The seven angels are ready to do their work. They come from the sanctuary, that is, from the presence of God. The clothing of the angels signifies they come with royal authority, with divine justice. They receive bowls of wrath from one of the four living creatures around the throne. These bowls were full of incense in chapter 5, representing the prayers of God people. Here in response to our prayers of “Thy Kingdom Come” the angels are given bowls full of wrath. God, in His glory (the temple is filled with his glory), gives many warnings for all to flee from the wrath to come. Today is the time to repent and put our trust in Jesus for salvation. Do not harden your heart like those in this chapter. Suggestions for prayer Amid the trials and disasters that come in this life, thank God that He hears our prayers, and though many refuse to repent, praise Him for His mercy in Christ for those who repent and trust in Him. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 3 - Reason for optimism

“And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire – and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name standing beside the sea of glass with harps in their hands.” - Revelation 15:2 Scripture reading: Revelation 15:1-8 After the vision of judgment in chapter 14, we are given another sign in heaven, seven angels with seven plagues who will finish the wrath of God. Then John sees what looks like a sea of glass mixed with fire. In Revelation 4, the sea was like glass clear as crystal, under and before the throne, but in this vision, it is mixed with fire. God, in His radiant glory, shows perfect anger over wickedness. Standing beside the sea are those who are victorious in the spiritual warfare. They have been faithful in trial, trusting the gospel promises, willing to give up all for Christ. Here they hold harps given by God to enable them to rejoice. As Israel sang after passing through the Red Sea, here the saints sing a song echoing that of Moses, but speaking of the redemption of Christ. Each phrase echoes rich Old Testament truth. Great and amazing are the righteous deeds of the Lord God Almighty (see Ps. 81, 130). The righteousness or justice of God’s ways are based on Deuteronomy 32:4. Therefore they sing, “Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name?” They echo Old Testament expectations of the day when all nations would come and worship God (Ps. 86:9), something we see also in Philippians 2:9ff. The day is coming when all creation will worship our God, and God himself will accomplish this through the work of Jesus Christ the Saviour. We have great reason for optimism, for our God is righteous and true. Suggestions for prayer Although we see much opposition to Christ and His church, praise God for His great and amazing deeds, just and true, in Jesus Christ. Rejoice for the day is coming when all nations will glorify God and worship Him. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 2 - The harvest of the earth

“So He who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth and the earth was reaped.” - Revelation 14:16 Scripture reading: Revelation 14:14...

Daily devotional

December 1 - Introduction to Revelation

In December of 2022, I did a series of devotions on Revelation 1-14:12. I was asked to do a follow-up series on the rest of the book of Revelation. I ...

Daily devotional

November 30 - Reckless zeal

“...for in just a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel...

Daily devotional

November 29 - The Lord’s madman

“Rejoice with Him, O heavens, bow down to Him, all gods, for He avenges the blood of His children and takes vengeance on His adversaries. He repays ...

Daily devotional

November 28 - Life and death

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying His voice and holding fast to Him, for He is your life....” - Deuteronomy 30:19-20 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 8:1-15 At the close of Elisha's ministry and the beginning of God's judgment upon Israel, we are shown the necessity of trusting in the Lord. We see the contrast between God's gracious dealings with the Shunammite woman, and the judgment He would bring upon Israel, by Hazael. In the first event we see life and blessing. In the second we see death and the curse. In the seven year famine, by which God was chastening Israel to return to Him, Elisha called the Shunammite woman to leave to find sustenance elsewhere. Obeying Elisha's warning, we see that the Word of the Lord was active not only in judgment, bringing death and the curse, but blessing for those who trust in Him. At the end of the seven years, she returns to implore King Joram to restore her house and land at just the moment Gehazi is there to attest that she is the woman whose son Elisha raised from the dead. As a result, the king restores both her land and the income she lost during her absence. This woman and her son were a living witness of the power of God's word to give life, prosperity and blessing. Yet, Joram continued to walk in the ways of his father, Ahab with terrible consequences. For now Elisha was called to anoint Hazael, as king of Syria, to wreck devastation upon Israel for all her sins. Unlike Israel, we must choose life in our Lord Jesus Christ, not death, as we listen to, and live by, His life giving Word. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to show you where you have failed to put His Word into practice in your life, that you would know the blessing of owning Him as God alone. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 27 - Unsolicited grace (II)

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:24 - 7:20 God again shows Himself to be the God of unrequested grace. Due to Israel's idolatry, Ben-hadad's siege of Samaria has brought upon her the curses of Deuteronomy 28 (see verse 53 ff.). Yet, King Jehoram, refuses to repent. Instead, he blames the Lord and His prophet for this calamity, and comes to kill Elisha - an all too familiar response when faced with the consequences of sin! But, amazingly, God proclaims, through Elisha, that the very next day, famine ravished Samaria would enjoy an abundance of food. Here is unsolicited (unasked for) grace! Here we see Romans 5:20 demonstrating that where sin increased, grace increased all the more. Who could believe that such could be possible? Certainly not Jehoram's captain, who mocked such a thing. So Elisha says to him, You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it. That night, God caused the Syrians to hear an imagined threat and flee in terror. Four lepers, facing death, decided to leave the city and cast themselves upon the mercy of the Syrians. Finding their camp abandoned they gorged themselves on the food left behind. Realizing they were sinning by not announcing this good news to the starving city, they declared this great salvation. The city was saved. But the captain was trampled by the people pouring out of the gates, and did not get a taste of this salvation. Like those lepers, we must tell the world of the Good News of Jesus, who as the Living Bread, gives eternal life to the world. Suggestions for prayer Ask that we may see our sins, and repenting of them, know the blessing of God, And pray that like those lepers, we may tell the Good News of salvation to others through faith in Jesus, our Lord. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 26 - Unsolicited grace (I)

“Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind."” - John 9:39 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:8-23 In this humorous account, God shows His mercy to undeserving sinners, both to Israel and her enemies. This is revealed in His perfect knowledge, His infinite power, and His amazing love. First, though the king of Israel, Jehoram, didn't ask for it, Elisha warned him of the Syrians' plan to attack him every time. Such deliverance should have put Jehoram to shame and brought him and his nation to faith and repentance before their gracious and omniscient God. Secondly, when the king of Syria sends his great army to apprehend Elisha, the source of Israel's intelligence, God shows His power in neutralizing them through blindness. They are led by Elisha to Samaria, where they find themselves captive to Israel. Finally, God shows love to these pagan Syrians by calling Jehoram, through Elisha, not to kill them, but to feed them and send them home. Israel needed to see that like these blinded Syrians, whose eyes were opened to see God's amazing grace in sparing them from destruction, they needed to see this same truth regarding themselves. So do we all. For even though he saw it, Jehoram was blind to it and would not trust in the Lord. The fact that he wanted to kill all his Syrian enemies shows that he didn't understand God's grace at all. Even today, there is a two-fold response to God's grace in Jesus, either sight or blindness. May the Lord open our eyes to really see, and to trust not in our own strength, but in the Lord and in His marvellous grace. Suggestions for prayer Ask that we may truly see God's wisdom, power and grace in our lives, and to show His grace even to our enemies. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 25 - A prophet in Israel (II)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:15-27 Naaman brought lots of money and gifts to pay Elisha for his cure. But all he had to do is believe in the promise of God. So, Naaman humbles himself and dips seven times in the Jordan, as Elisha said. Why seven times? To signify total trust and obedience to the Word of God. For though salvation is free, the Gospel must be obeyed. The miraculous happens! His leprosy is gone, he's a new man! Astounding! But even more wonderful is the cleansing of all sinners, who by grace through faith, entrust themselves to Christ and are washed of all their guilty stains. Now Naaman confesses, "Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel." Thus, what the king of Israel would not confess in his unbelief, this Gentile comes to experience and proclaim. Thankful for his healing, Naaman wants to pay for it. But teaching that God gives salvation purely as a gift of grace that can never be earned or repaid, Elisha refuses anything from Naaman's hands. Gehazi, however, thinks otherwise. What he thought of Elisha's treatment of Naaman, the world thinks of the Gospel. It's too easy and too cheap. Yes, because it's priceless! And receiving payment from Naaman, Gehazi receives, as punishment from God, his former leprosy. Yes, there is a prophet in Israel. And one infinitely greater than Elisha- our crucified, risen and reigning Lord Jesus Christ. Only He can say, I, even I am the LORD, and besides me there is no saviour.(Isaiah 43:11) Suggestions for prayer Pray that our lives may show the wonder of God's grace to us through Jesus Christ alone, and the good works we display as nothing but thankfulness for His salvation. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 24 - A prophet in Israel (I)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…” - Ephesians 2:8 Scripture reading:...

Daily devotional

November 23 - The word of life (IV)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” - John 10:10 Scripture reading: ...

Daily devotional

November 22 - The word of life (III)

“Women received back their dead by resurrection.” - Hebrews 11:35a Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:18-37 The Word of Life - Jesus Christ - gi...

Daily devotional

November 21 - The word of life (II)

“The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.” - Proverbs 14:11 “Blessed are the meek, for they shal...

Daily devotional

November 20 - The word of life (I)

“...concerning the word of life- the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us” - 1 John 1:1-2 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:1-7 This chapter shows us four manifestations of the Word of Life, proclaimed through God's prophet, Elisha. We see foreshadowed the saving power of Christ, the Word of Life to all who trust in Him, Who gives Freedom. Here, the wife of a godly prophet cries out to Elisha against her creditor who, in order to pay off her debt, threatens to make slaves of her sons. Learning she has a little oil, Elisha tells her to borrow as many jars as she can and to fill them with the tiny amount remaining. That she was to act in faith shows that she, personally, had to believe in the power of God's Word. That she and her sons would do so behind closed doors, without Elisha, shows that her faith would not be in Elisha, but in the power of God alone. The oil didn't stop flowing till the last jar was filled! Then, selling the oil at Elisha's command, not only was her debt paid and her sons saved from slavery, but they were supplied with an abundance to live on. Apart from Jesus, all are slaves to sin and Satan and condemned to eternal death in Hell. But Jesus, the Word of Life incarnate, has proclaimed good news to the poor and freedom to the captives (Luke 4:18). He came to give His life as a ransom for many. And from the cross he declared, for those who believe in Him, that their ransom has been paid in full! (John 19:30) Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would appreciate the freedom for which Christ has set you free, and show it by serving your fellow believers, in love (Galatians 5:13). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 19 - Fighting Moab

“For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain, and Moab shall be trampled down in his place, as straw is trampled down in a dunghill.” - Isaiah 25:10 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 3:1-27 Old Testament history is real and relevant to our lives. Moab stands for the world and like Israel of old, the danger for any congregation, and for you as a believer in Christ, is not just losing influence upon the world, as Israel lost control over Moab, but of being overcome by the world, as Israel was overcome through the collapse of her borders. Jehoram, king of Israel and son of Ahab, was as godless and idolatrous as his father. But Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, served the Lord. This whole account demonstrates God's response to faith and unbelief. For Jehoshaphat's sake, Elisha saved the armies of Israel and Judah by prophesying water for their thirsty troops and a great triumph over those of Moab. But then, something seemingly inexplicable happens. Seeing the battle against him, Mesha sacrifices his oldest son as a burnt offering on the wall of his city to his idol god. Then, we read "And there came great wrath against Israel." This wrath was of God, against covenant breaking Israel and their faithless king, Jehoram. Forced to retreat, his control of Moab was lost forever, and because of their ongoing sins, so was the future of Israel. As Isaiah says, the "Mountain," upon whom the "hand of the Lord will rest" is the church of true believers in Jesus Christ, through whom Moab "shall be trampled down." Indeed, For "this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith" (1 John 5:4). Suggestions for prayer Pray that you may overcome the world through faith, with the spiritual weapons of God's Word, "and take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 18 - Elijah’s ascension

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” - John 14:12 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:1-25 When a great leader is about to leave the scene, we ask who will take their place? God answers in the ascension of Elijah. His exit from the world was prophetic. It declared that the Word of the Lord, spoken through Elijah, would triumph. Thus, with Elisha at his side, he encourages his spiritual sons, the prophets, on his last day on earth. Three times he bids Elisha to stay behind. Why? In view of what happens, this could not have been a command, but a test of Elisha's faith as to whether he recognized his own weakness and his utter dependence upon the Word and Spirit of the Lord. Having miraculously crossed the Jordan (a picture of death), on dry ground, Elisha asks, at Elijah's prompting, for a double portion of his spirit. Then, as they are separated by a whirlwind, with Elijah going up into heaven with chariots and horses of fire, Elisha cries, “My father, my father! the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” According to Elisha, Elijah was in effect, the true force and defence against Israel's enemies. So Jehoash would declare of Elisha, when he was about to die, in 2 Kings 13:14, when no chariots were in sight. That a double portion of the Spirit was received by Elisha is evident in his ministry. But what Christ, by His ascension, has given us at Pentecost, is infinitely greater! “For in this world you will have tribulation. But take heart,” says Jesus, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Suggestions for prayer Ask to be filled with the Spirit of our chief Prophet, only High Priest and Eternal King, Jesus Christ, and trust that you will be able to accomplish far greater things than even Elisha. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 17 - Lord of the flies

“Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” - John 3:18 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 22:51 - 2 Kings 1:18 What would you think of one who, seriously sick, refuses the care of a skillful doctor, but seeks the opinion of a quack who has healed no one? Representing all who spurn the grace of God in Jesus Christ was Ahaziah, son of Ahab. The famine prayed down by Elijah, the exposure of Baal's powerlessness on Mt. Carmel, and all the other of the Lord's awe inspiring dealings with his father, were known to Ahaziah. Yet, deadly sick from his injury, he inquires not of Elijah, but of Baal-zebub (lord of the flies whose swarms falsely foretold the future), the god of Ekron, concerning his recovery. In so doing, he proclaimed that in Israel (the Church), the real God is not known, or is unable to save. So we also proclaim when we trust in the gods of security, money, peer acceptance and pleasure, or our own good works, rather than in Christ. Yahweh's omnipotence, however, was strikingly shown when Ahaziah's messengers were intercepted by Elijah. “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub...?... you shall surely die." Rather than repent and submit himself to God, Ahaziah sends three captains of fifty men to arrest Elijah. Two are completely destroyed; one sues for mercy and is spared. But unrepentant Ahaziah dies in unbelief. Today, as you hear the "Word of Christ" (Romans 10:17), may you hear the Word of the Lord, who says, Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live (Isaiah 55:3). Suggestions for prayer Implore the Lord to give you the grace, today and always, to forsake your trust in idols, and to trust in Christ alone. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 3:22). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 16 - The 401st prophet

“But Jehoshaphat said, "Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?"” - 1 Kings 22:7 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 22:...

Daily devotional

November 15 - In Naboth’s vineyard

“Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria; behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession.” - ...

Daily devotional

November 14 - Treasonous treaties

“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world make...

Daily devotional

November 13 - The call of Elisha

“Then he (Elisha) arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.” - 1 Kings 19:21b Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:19-21 In the Lord's callin...

Daily devotional

November 12 - Discouraged?

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” - Romans 12:11 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:1-18 What a contrast to the previous chapter! There the prophet confronted the prophets of Baal without fear, now he flees from the wrath of one woman. Elijah failed to see the impotence of Jezebel to do what she threatened. Elijah feared dying by Jezebel's hand and what this would mean for the kingdom of God. Thus, he asks that he might die. Clearly, he expected more from the victory on Mt. Carmel. His response is, “It is enough... take away my life.” In other words, “What's the use?" And so we can be tempted to say in regard to the seeming weakness of our witness and work for Christ. Elijah was suffering battle fatigue and wanted to get off the battlefield. We could provide a list of discouraging complaints, as well. But Elijah was only an agent in God's sovereign plan. God had His 7,000, in service to Himself, besides. And through Hazael, Jehu and Elisha (vv 15-17), God would fulfill His plan. So, What are you doing here? (vv. 9,13). Have you abandoned the place of witness God has assigned you to? Have you withdrawn from the battle? Only after He finished His work for our salvation could Jesus say, “It is finished!” Only then could He say, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Oh, may we serve the Lord with unceasing zeal, right where He has placed us. No matter what battles we seem to have lost, know that by His death and resurrection, Christ has won the war! Suggestions for prayer Pray that you might persevere in your witness to Christ, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 11 - A sound of rushing rain

“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain and the earth bore its fruit.” - James 5:17-18 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:41-46 Elijah had prayed for drought so Israel might realize that in forsaking the Lord they had, in the words of Jeremiah 2:13; 3:3, forsaken the Spring of living water, that the showers have been withheld and no spring rains have fallen. And God answered his prayer in accordance with Deuteronomy 11:16-17. But now, following the Lord's demonstration of His grace and power on Mount Carmel, Israel's confession that the Lord is God, and her faith and repentance shown in destroying the prophets of Baal, the way of blessing is opened up, as God promised Elijah in verse 1. So for us, there can be no blessing until we are reconciled to God through faith in Christ and repentance of our sins. On the basis of this reality, Elijah can say to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” For this Elijah prays, as we must pray, alone, in humility, on the basis of God's revealed will, with definite requests, fervently, and with watchfulness and perseverance. For six times his servant returned to tell Elijah that there was not even one cloud! Yet, Elijah kept on praying. Finally, a little cloud like a man's hand was rising from the sea. And soon, the torrential downpour of blessing fell. So we must pray in regard to all of our needs, confidently and expectantly, in the assurance of Christ's perfect sacrifice. In your own prayer life, do you hear the sound of the rushing of rain? Suggestions for prayer Ask that you might learn to pray according to God's revealed will in Scripture, with confidence and perseverance, on the basis of Christ's once for all sacrifice of Himself on the cross. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 10 - The God who answers by fire

“...and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” - Hebrews 12:28-29 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:20-40 Here, the Lord reveals Himself as the prayer-answering God, - the God who answers by fire! That revelation was needed to call His people back to the worship of their covenant God. In the contest on Mt. Carmel, Baal, humanly speaking, had all the advantages. As the storm god, it should have been easy to provide just one bolt of lightning to ignite his altar. Furthermore, he had 850 of his followers calling upon his name, whereas the Lord had only one. They also got to choose the best bull for the sacrifice. As if this were nothing, Elijah drenches the Lord's altar with 12 jars of water to make it impossible to light. But Baal, like our idols of pleasure and possessions, cannot hear or answer prayer, regardless of our shouts and sacrifices. Thus, mocked and exhausted, his prophets give up in despair. Taking 12 stones to set up Yahweh's altar, Elijah reminds the people that all Israel, those to whom the word of the Lord came (verse 31), belonged to the Lord by His covenant promise. Then he prays, and the fire of God consumes the sacrifice and licks up the stones and the water, as well. And the people cried, “The Lord, He is God!” On this Lord's Day, let us remember the fire of God that fell upon Jesus, that we might be reconciled to God. Let us draw near to Him in worship and prayer, with reverence and awe as we tremble at the preaching of His Word - for our God is a consuming fire. Suggestions for prayer Pray that today, you may realize that the God who acted on Mt. Carmel is the God who speaks to you now. Pray that as Elijah prayed, you may expect, in Jesus' name, fire on the earth (Luke 12:49). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 9 - Limping between two opinions

“Whoever is not with me is against me.” - Matthew 12:30 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:16-24 There's no half-way in our response to the Lord. For "If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him." God is a jealous God Who will not tolerate rivals (Ex. 20:5). But limping between two opinions -catering to two religions diametrically opposed - that's what Israel, under Ahab, was doing. Thus, he tolerates godly Obadiah along with the 450 prophets of Baal. In a day when many claim to be "spiritual" and in their own way "Christians”, the Word of God confronts us and says, "If the Christ of the cross be the Saviour, then follow Him, but if the "christ" of popular opinion be true, follow him." One demands the surrender of our hearts and wills to Him, and says take up your cross and follow me - that you must lose your life in order to find it. The other is simply an add-on to an otherwise worldly life. One is the pathway of liberty from sin, the other is the "freedom" to sin as you please. One leads to the joy of everlasting life; the other to temporal misery and eternal death. Unwilling to commit themselves to one or the other, many, even in the church today, "limp" between these two opinions, showing little steadiness in their walk, as they continue to attend church, but align themselves with the world. In the midst of a confused generation and a halfhearted church, may we show the world what Elijah's name really means: that "My God is Yahweh (the LORD)"-and that He is Lord alone! Suggestions for prayer Pray for consistency in renouncing the "Baals" of our culture for devotion to Christ. Plead that you not be conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind through the Word of God. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 8 - True troublers of Israel

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad...for s...

Daily devotional

November 7 - The word of truth

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”” -John 11:25 Scriptur...

Daily devotional

November 6 - Blessings in Zarephath

“... there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over a...

Daily devotional

November 5 - Covenant wrath (II)

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord God, when I will send a famine on the land- not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of he...

Daily devotional

November 4 - Covenant wrath (I)

“Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods...then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you and He will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain...and you will perish....” - Deuteronomy 11:16-17 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 17:1-7 With Ahab, the worship of Baal was elevated to the status of state religion. Meanwhile, Jezebel was putting the prophets of the Lord to death. At such a time comes Elijah, like lightning from a dark sky. His name means My God is Yahweh, and he comes uninvited and unwelcome into the palace of Israel's faithless king. Filled with the holy indignation of the Lord and fiery zeal that His honour be restored, Elijah delivers the disagreeable message to the most powerful man in Israel. Boldly, he says to Ahab's face, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word." Unlike Baal, Yahweh, the true God, sees, hears and acts as the living God. He demands covenant faithfulness, without which He will visit His people with covenant wrath. Oh, that every preacher of God's Word was as bold as Elijah! For according to His Word, the land flowing with milk and honey would be reduced to a barren wasteland of famine and death. In the next three years not one drop of water was to fall upon Israel that she might repent and turn back to the Lord. These words were written not only for Israel, but for you and me. If we serve the gods of popularity, prosperity or pleasure, we will suffer pain and destruction. Only in service to the true God, through Jesus Christ, in Whom is forgiveness of sins and eternal life, can we know His covenant blessing. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you might recognize the idols leading you astray from pure devotion to Christ. Pray for a jealous zeal for God, just as pure as God's jealous love for you. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 3 - An inscription erased (III)

“In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram, his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which He spoke by Joshua....” - 1 Kings 16:34 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 16:29-34; Psalm 95 Under Ahab, the rebuilt Jericho would no longer testify to God's salvation by grace through faith. Instead, it would declare that only through Ahab's power could Canaan be protected. That's why its curse fell upon Hiel, who laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram, his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son, Segub. The curse that fell upon Hiel is more terrible than it sounds. The Hebrew indicates that Hiel lost all his sons; that the curse began with the oldest son and continued as Hiel progressed in his work. When he finally finished, he lost the last of his sons, the youngest. Worst of all, he lost his name and inheritance in Israel, which his sons represented. He lost a place among the people of God. In this curse the Word of God was confirmed to the last letter. Yes, Hiel rebuilt the walls of Jericho. But next to his work was the Lord's: the tombs of Hiel's sons. The Lord kept pace with Hiel - both projects were completed at the same time. Because those graves were bound to Jericho's walls by God's living Word, Jericho continued to speak, but with a new inscription: cursed is anyone who seeks to be saved by works of the flesh. On this Lord's Day, may we see Jesus, the true Joshua, and enter the heavenly country, the true land of milk and honey. At its gateway is an inscription Ahab could never erase: By grace through faith in every Word of the Lord! Suggestions for prayer Pray that today you may hear the living preaching of Christ and, through faith, enjoy a foretaste of Paradise in the Canaan to come. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 2 - An inscription erased (II)

“And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him.” - 1 Kings 16:30 Scripture reading: Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings 16:29-34; Hebrews 11:30 As the gateway to Canaan, Jericho's fallen walls proclaimed a message. There was a song in those ruins sung for centuries. No Israelite could pass by without reading the declaration spelled out in its pile of stones: this city was received as a gift of grace through faith in Israel's God. Hence, God's curse upon anyone who would rebuild it. That Word, pronounced by Joshua, bound the judges and kings up to the time of Ahab. Though they did much to strengthen the cities of their kingdom, they allowed Jericho's ruins to speak. Though they often broke God's commands, they did not disturb those fallen walls. But Ahab represents a turning point in Israel's history. He needed a strong border - right where Jericho stood! Thus, he couldn't escape the question as to how he was to defend his country. Was he to rely on the Lord, or on human strength? Deaf to Jericho's divine message, he could only see this unfortified city as a threat. The purpose of Hiel's rebuilding was not to make it habitable again - for there were already people there - but to make it a fortress again. Ahab's trust was not in the Lord, but in weapons and fortifications. Jericho was no longer to be a testimony to the gospel of God, but to the power of Ahab. In regard to your salvation and blessing, where is your trust? In Christ alone, or in your own abilities Who is your refuge and strength? Will you live by faith in God's infallible Word or by sight? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to show you where you lack faith in Him. Implore Him for His grace, in the face of your temptations, trials and fears, to trust and live by His unfailing Word. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to God’s faithfulness

From 1 Kings 16:29 to 2 Kings 10:36 we find the rise and fall of the house of Ahab, the seventh king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who had broken away from the southern kingdom of Judah, and the dynasty of David, some sixty-two years before. It's a record of unbelief and sheer apostasy as Israel decides to go her own way, under her own king, and to her own way of worshipping God. Claiming to worship Yahweh, the one true and faithful, covenant keeping God, as the First Commandment stipulates, she failed to worship Him according to His Word, as He demands in the Second Commandment. Hence follows the increasing slide to perdition which reached a crescendo under Ahab and Jezebel. Yet, amazingly, the grace and love of our jealous God confronts His faithless people and calls them to faith through the ministry of Elijah and Elisha. Not until the appearance of God's final prophet, priest and king, our Lord Jesus Christ, would He display such power and grace to such an undeserving and unbelieving people. In the colourful events to follow, may we see Jesus and His grace, love and power, to us and our adulterous generation, to save us from our sins and restore us to abundant life and fellowship in and with Him. An inscription erased (I) “In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which He spoke by Joshua…” - 1 Kings 16:34 Scripture reading: Joshua 6 (especially verse 26); 1 Kings 16: 29-34 By the Spirit of God, there is attached to the list of sins committed by Ahab, the account of the rebuilding of Jericho's walls. In this, we see just how far he was turning Israel down the path of apostasy (see verse 33). Consider the significance of Jericho's broken walls. As the gateway to Canaan, Jericho was the first city that Israel, under Joshua, 600 years earlier, destroyed. Strategically located, the Canaanites had made it an invincible fortress on the border of their land. But praise God, without a fight its mighty walls collapsed when at His command His people marched around it, blew their trumpets and gave a shout. They destroyed the city through faith in the mighty power of the Lord! Joshua pronounced the curse upon any who would rebuild it. It had to remain an open city, a sign post not to be erased. As the gateway to Canaan, its ruins represented an inscription of grace that applied not only to Jericho but to the entire land of Canaan - the land of promise - and like salvation in Jesus, our true Joshua, was received as a gift of grace through faith. Jericho was to witness how Israel was different from all the other nations - that her salvation and very life was not of herself, but by the grace of her almighty and faithful God. That's why the moment Hiel went to work clearing away the ruins of Jericho, he unleashed the curse pronounced by Joshua. For the Word of God, regarding our blessing or cursing, cannot fail! Suggestions for prayer Praise God that His word cannot be broken, that His promise of life, through faith, in Jesus Christ, just as His curse upon unbelief, will not disappoint. Claim the promises of His Word (John 3:16-18; Jeremiah 17:5-8), by faith. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 31 - Persevering grace

“But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy o...

Daily devotional

October 30 - Preserving grace

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out ...

Daily devotional

October 29 - Unstoppable grace

“. . .his dominion is an everlasting dominion. . . He does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth and...

Daily devotional

October 28 - Christ’s successful death

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing...

Daily devotional

October 27 - Chosen, not choice

“...For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you...” - Deuteronomy 7:6-8 Scripture reading: Acts 13:13-52 “Tis not that I did choose thee, for, Lord this could not be; this heart would still refuse thee, hadst thou not chosen me.” Now that we know the glory and grace of God in Jesus Christ, it seems incredible that we would ever refuse One so gracious and kind. Yet, such is the depravity of the human heart that we would have. The stream of God's grace can be traced back to before the creation of the world. From all eternity the God of our salvation selected from the human race some who would be recipients of eternal life. And it's that eternal choice which leads some to choose to believe in Christ when they hear the gospel of salvation. That explains why the Gentiles in Acts 13:48 embraced the gospel. They were ‘appointed to eternal life’. The elect are chosen by God, but not because they are choice people; they are selected but not because they are select. God chose those He wanted to choose because He loved them. And if you ask why He loved them, the answer is because He did. This truth of unconditional election not only magnifies the glory of God, but it also offers unspeakable comfort to unbelievers and believers. If salvation were based on justice or merit, no unbeliever could have hope that he might be saved. Since salvation depends on God's eternal good pleasure, everyone who knows Christ can know as well that his salvation is secure. God will never stop loving us because God never started loving us since from all eternity God had set his affection upon us. Suggestions for prayer Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus that He has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world. Pray that God’s sovereign election would make us humble before His majesty and before others. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 26 - Very, very bad

“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” - Genesis 6:5 Scripture reading: Romans 3:9-20 As sinners, we are very, very bad. Sadly, the proof that we are by nature lost sinners is self-evident, even if everywhere disputed. God didn't create us this way, but we have become this by our fall into sin with the first Adam. Created good, we are, untouched by grace, incapable of doing any good at all, of any kind. By nature, we hate both God and our neighbour. In fact, we are so bad we are even unable to rescue ourselves from this self-inflicted mess. There is no spark of goodness in us that, given the right conditions, we could fan into flame and become Christians. We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1). We are both unable and unwilling to come to Christ that we might have Life. Won’t this teaching put off unbelievers from pursuing Christ? If you tell them they can't believe, isn’t it more likely that they won't? I don't think so. It is actually the sense of our total depravity that spurs us to seek the mercy of God in Christ to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We are very, very bad. But Christ is very, very good. Thanks be to God that in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, not only are our sins forgiven, but the devastating spiritual deadness is destroyed, so that by the Spirit of the ascended Christ we are made alive with Him. It is, after all, by grace that we have been saved. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Spirit of God might, through the preaching of his Word tomorrow, bring the dead to life for the praise of God’s glorious grace. Pray that God would give us a sense of our sinfulness that we might glory all the more in the gospel of free and sovereign grace. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 25 - Ascension and succession again

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” - 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:15-18 It isn't exactly clear what was behind the request of the sons of the prophets when they pressed Elijah to allow them to seek Elijah. It is clear, however, that it was not Elijah they should have been seeking. Like Elisha, they should have been asking, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” (v. 14) That should be our concern too: Where is the Lord Who can do mighty things for the honour of His name and the blessing of His people? Elisha is Elijah’s successor. So are we. We can see this by looking back and forward from the story. If you look back you will find another tag team that wrestles with the forces of darkness, namely, Moses and Joshua. Elijah is the new Moses and Elisha the new Joshua. Looking ahead we see that John the Baptist is the new Elijah (Matt. 17:11-13) which makes Jesus the new Elisha. Joshua, Elisha, and Jesus have names that mean the same, begin their ministries at the Jordan, and all receive the Spirit for ministry. Jesus is unique, of course. He is the only Saviour Who reconciles sinners to God. And He is also the only One Who gives the Spirit to His own to carry on His mission of bringing all things under His Lordship. We do that through missions and evangelism, but also by bringing our lives as churches, families, and individuals in subjection to His authority. Do you see areas of your life where you need to wield the sword of the Spirit that you might better please our sovereign? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to enable you to examine your lives so that we might better please our God and Redeemer. Pray that He would empower us by the Spirit so that we might have the courage and conviction to work for Christ’s honour in every sphere of our lives. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 24 - Ascension and succession

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” - Luke 24:46-49 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:1-14 There's no doubt that Elijah’s leaving would leave a big hole. He had been God's ‘army’ on Israel’s behalf. His loss will be devastating. But God will provide for His work. He has a succession plan in place. In his farewell tour, Elijah visits the school of the prophets, probably to encourage them to continue their fearless promotion of God's claims on His people. There's also Elisha. He had served with Elijah for some years and now it was time for Elisha to fly solo. Elijah tests him by suggesting that he abandon Elijah on his final tour. Elisha refuses to bail. That's the kind of people that the kingdom of God needs, people who will not turn back even when the future is unnerving. And then the final moment arrives. Elisha asked for something that Elijah is unable to give, a double portion of his spirit. How wise that Elisha recognizes that he cannot minister in his own strength. However, Elijah promises his successor that, if he sees him being taken, he shall receive the double portion. Elisha does see the glory of God – God coming down in chariots and horses of fire and therefore receives the promised Spirit. Leaving the Jordan in the power of the Spirit, Elisha does Elijah's farewell tour in reverse, across the Jordan, to Jericho and Bethel, before returning to Samaria. That succession is complete but the succession of the servants of God continues and what we need is what Elisha needed: a vision of God’s glory and the outpouring of God’s Spirit. And God delights to grant both. Suggestions for prayer Pray with Moses, “Please show me your glory.” Confess that our help is in the name of the Lord and ask for the Spirit to be poured out on us so that we may be faithful and effective servants of the Lord. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 23 - Our God is a consuming fire

“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be a...

Daily devotional

October 22 - Living like an atheist

“The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LOR...

Daily devotional

October 21 - Does the Lord not see?

“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the LORD and said, "O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my co...

Daily devotional

October 20 - Does the Lord not see?

“This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering- since...

Daily devotional

October 19 - The righteous sufferer

“So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” - Hebrews 13:12-14 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 21:1-16 Naboth was a righteous man. He refused Ahab's offer, not because he was churlish, but for righteousness’ sake. He knew the Lord's laws forbade, under most circumstances, the selling of one's land (Lev. 25:23-28). The gift of the land was part and parcel of Israel's redemption. Redemption was not simply escaping from slavery but provision for the future. The promise of God to the fathers was realized only when Israel possessed its inheritance in the land and enjoyed life there with their Redeemer. Naboth treasured God’s blessing and was not going to part with it. Esau did. So did Demas (2 Tim. 4:10). Would you? His determination cost him. He suffered through wicked machinations. Remarkable how similar Naboth's experience was to our Lord’s: Christ was accused of blasphemy against God and king, two false witnesses spoke against him, and he was put to death outside the city. The similarity is not so much because Christ joins us in our suffering as that we join Him in His. But even as Christ received His inheritance following His suffering, so will the saints receive theirs following suffering. Naboth is dead but not forgotten. His name is mentioned seven times after his killing. And after his death his vineyard is still called ‘the vineyard of Naboth’ (v. 18). Nor did he not lose his eternal inheritance. Neither shall we who trust in the righteous Sufferer, Jesus Christ. Our names are engraved on His palms, those palms that were outstretched on Golgotha’s cross for your salvation, a salvation that rescues you from tyranny to bring you into an inheritance. Suggestions for prayer Pray that we would be encouraged to embrace suffering for Christ’s sake by the confidence that we shall share in His glory. Pray for your minister that he may preach Christ and Him crucified and that God’s Word would both comfort and convert for the glory of the Saviour. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 18 - From desire to death

“Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” - James 1:13-15 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 21:1-16 This story and every sin’s saga begins with a desire. Not all desires are evil, of course. Some we should have, like the desire to be a better Christian. Some we may have, like the desire for children, though even here we must be careful if God in His grace and wisdom withholds from us what we legitimately may desire. Some desires we may not have. We may not crave what God forbids. There is no nuance here. Ahab had the wrong kind of desire. He may have had a green thumb, but he also had a green heart. He envied Naboth's vineyard so he could turn it into a vegetable garden closer to the palace. And that desire led to death. When righteous Naboth turns down the offer, Ahab goes home and sulks like a petulant child. By the way, how we respond to thwarted desires often can reveal whether our desires are godly. Wicked Jezebel is no help. Had she been godly, she could have encouraged him to applaud Naboth for his righteousness and to be thankful that God didn’t let him have what he sinfully desired. It is a blessing to marry well. Instead, Jezebel uses forgery, blasphemy, and perjury to steal the vineyard from Naboth. Ahab got what he wanted, but he got more. His desire led to death. Naboth's. But his own too. What a warning to us to kill sin before it kills us. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to show us where we have ungodly desires so that by His Spirit we may put them to death. Pray that we would rejoice in the blessings of God to others and be content with His kindness to us. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 17 - Carrying the cross for Christ

“And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life."” - Luke 18:29-30 Scripture reading: Luke 14:25-33 Clearly our Lord Jesus calls us for a whole-souled commitment. He demands that we reorder our loves (v. 26), release our lives (v. 26), recount the costs (vv. 28-32), and relinquish our grip on our possessions (v. 33). This is what it means to be his disciple. Have we done that? Have we given up our cherished desires, even for legitimate things, for the sake of Christ? Are we willing to give up time and money and energy and reputation and comfort to serve our Redeemer? Are you ever uncomfortable for the gospel’s sake? Christ is not necessarily asking us to sell everything and go to Nepal as a missionary. Though it would be great if we sent out more missionaries! But he is asking us to give more of our time for prayer and our money for missions. He’s asking us to forego visiting with family some Sundays so we can be a blessing to those in the congregation who are unlike ourselves. He’s asking us to show hospitality, to visit the elderly, and to witness to unbelievers despite our discomfort. He wants you to speak to the visitor at church even though you are quiet and introverted. He is calling children to serve their parents and siblings. He is calling us to be uncomfortable for Him. Sound restrictive? Not if you see it as service to the Saviour. At the end of a long life of suffering for the Lord Jesus, the great missionary, David Livingstone, said his hardships were ‘nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice.’ Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to teach us where we might serve Him as Christ’s disciples. Pray that God would raise up ministers and missionaries to go to the ends of the earth with the gospel of life. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 16 - Joyfully serving Christ

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” - Titus 2:11-14 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:19-21 Well, that was a surprise! Elisha is plowing on his family's farm and suddenly Elijah throws his cloak on him. Somehow Elisha knew what that meant and joyfully responds. He runs after Elijah, eager to do God's work. He bids farewell to his parents, kissing them goodbye. He slaughters his oxen and burns the yokes, indicating that he was making a complete break both with his former work and future inheritance. And he celebrates his call to service with his friends. Elisha eagerly responds to God’s call. That's a good word for us, isn't it? Our service to God is too often bare duty. We serve in Church office because the congregation elected us. We care for our elderly parents because it is the right thing to do. We attend worship because God calls us to. We resist sin because it is against God’s law. It is right to do things because our Master places these obligations upon us, but shouldn’t there also be delight in our doing? These obligations are opportunities to do something for Christ. And shouldn’t joy saturate our service? It wasn’t going to be easy for Elisha. He was leaving a large farm and an affectionate family. Farming was just becoming fun again now that the drought was over. And the life he was going to lacked security and promised hardship. And notice, he was called to be Elijah’s assistant. Hardly glamorous. By the grace of God, he heeded God's call. Should not Christ’s service to us win our service to Him? Shouldn’t the grace of God make us zealous for good works? Suggestions for prayer Ask that God would forgive us for our, at times, begrudging obedience. Pray that the Holy Spirit might conform us to the image of Christ who said, ‘I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.’ Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 15 - The voice of grace and judgement

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in hea...

Daily devotional

October 14 - Covenant prosecution

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, a...

Daily devotional

October 13 - Discouraged

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to...

Daily devotional

October 12 - Effective prayer

“...I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end ...

Daily devotional

October 11 - Showers of blessing

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” - James 5:16c-18 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:41-46 There are more blessings here than simply the rain. For example, Elijah commands Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink.” The contest on Carmel is more than a contest. It is a covenant renewal ceremony. Elijah prepares the altar as a burnt offering. In the Old Testament the burnt offering was followed by a fellowship offering. There is a feast after the fire - wonderfully depicted in the Lord’s Supper. We remember the sacrifice of Christ and then eat His flesh and drink His body. Fellowship restored. Then there is the rain but before it comes down, prayer must go up. Yes, God said He was going to send rain but He still wishes to be asked for His promise to be fulfilled. So with humility (notice Elijah’s posture) and persistence (seven times) Elijah prays on behalf of his people as their mediator even as Christ intercedes for us so the blessings may fall. And the Lord answers. How much we owe to our Mediator’s prayers. Then there is that peculiar detail at the end of the chapter. It must be significant because the hand of the Lord is involved. He gives Elijah energy to lead Ahab on the 17 mile journey back to Jezreel. It appears that for a while anyway, things are as they should be in Israel. There is confession, fellowship, rain, and the Word of the Lord (represented by Elijah) leading the way of the king. The king was never meant to follow his own wisdom. Nor are we. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that He is willing to have fellowship with sinners through the death of our Lord Jesus Christ and thank Him for the Lord’s Supper. Pray that God would make us men and women, boys and girls, who pray for His promised blessings that we may glorify and enjoy Him. Ask Him to teach us His Word so that we would know His promises and live according to His commands. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 10 - The contest

“I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.” - Isaiah 42:8 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:19-40 You might think that the contest is between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal. But it isn’t. It is between God and Baal. For too long the people have been giving their allegiance to Baal. Now God was challenging Baal to a duel to demonstrate who was really deserving of devotion. He did this as a kindness to His people so that they would know Him and their hearts would be turned back to Him. Baal, the storm god, was a fertility god. For three years he had been impotent and before God was going to send rain, He wanted to display publicly Baal’s weakness and His own glory. The contest was in Baal’s area of expertise. Baal had more backers, 450 prophets and they had the first choice of the bull. Elijah was alone, the altar of God was in ruins, and the rebuilt altar was soaked. Certainly, Baal would answer by fire and win. But Baal didn’t answer that day. God does because, unlike Baal, He exists. And the people declare devotion to Him. This story highlights God’s judgement on the wicked. Notice the slaughter of the prophets of Baal. But you shouldn’t miss the mercy. The fire could have fallen on the people. They deserved it. But it fell on the altar instead. It had done that before in Israel’s history (Leviticus 9:24; 1 Chronicles 21:26-27) and it would do so again on the cross when the fire of the Lord falls on the Lord Jesus so that it would not fall on those who bow before Christ and say, “My Lord and my God!” Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would demonstrate His glory in His Church and our nation so that people might confess Christ as Lord to the glory of the Father. Thank the Lord for the mercy displayed in the cross of our Lord Jesus so that believers would be spared the wrath of God. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 9 - Divided hearts

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” - Matthew 6:24 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:17-22 Ahab pulls one of the most common tricks guilty people use. He tries to shift blame. ‘Not I,’ said Adam, ‘but you, God, and Eve are to blame.’ ‘Not I,’ says Ahab, ‘but you, Elijah, you are the troubler of Israel. Elijah rebukes him. He had simply announced God’s judgement; Ahab’s abandonment of God had earned it. Israel was experiencing God’s promise for disobedient people (see Deuteronomy 28:15, 23). And notice Ahab’s response. Not an outright rejection of the Word of God. He obeys Elijah and summons the prophets to Carmel. Having confronted the king, Elijah addresses the people and asks them why they will not give wholehearted devotion to their covenant God. They are wavering. They do not want to forget the Lord nor do they wish to reject Baal. They want both. This is a temptation we all face. For a variety of reasons—fear, peer pressure, boredom—we don’t give unwavering devotion to Christ. But he calls us to. If we confess the Lord is God, which we unfailingly do, then we must follow Him. We must let nothing—money, pleasure, reputation—capture our affections. A jealous God is looking for exclusive devotion. The Bible tells us the people did not answer Elijah’s confrontation though it doesn’t tell us why. What is your response to this call to commitment? Only the conviction of both the futility of other gods and the destruction of those who serve them and the surpassing greatness of having Jesus Christ as Lord will compel us to respond with, ‘We will take up our cross and follow Christ.’ Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would teach us His way that we may walk in His truth, that He would unite our hearts to fear His name (Psalm 86:11). Ask that God, by His Word and Spirit, might capture our affections by showing us the Prince of Glory so that we would gladly give our souls, our lives, our all. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 8 - The king and his servants

“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:43-45 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:1-18 Ahab and Jezebel are opposed to God and His Church. Jezebel, aggressively so. That wicked woman cuts off the prophets of the Lord as she seeks to eradicate God’s worship. We wouldn’t do that, of course, but we need to guard against a more sophisticated way of killing the Lord’s prophets, like listening to preaching without submitting to it. Then there is King Ahab. He ignores the plight of his people, but cares for his animals of war, trusting in them for victory rather than in the Lord. He also ignores his soul. He pursues grass and not the grace that would remove God’s wrath and bring blessing to his parched soul and realm. Too many within the church imitate him, giving their best energy to pursue what will wither rather than God’s enduring blessings. They care more about grass than grace. And how stubborn Ahab is! Repentance would bring blessing to him, his people, and his animals. But how the human heart resists repentance. God has His own amidst the apostasy of His Church. There is Elijah and at least 100 other prophets hidden by God’s faithful servant Obadiah. Rather than suggesting that Obadiah compromised to be employed by an enemy of the Church, the passage highlights his devotion to the Lord. Admittedly, Obadiah does hesitate to go public with his devotion but finally agrees when Elijah reminds him of the big God they serve, the Lord of hosts. Aren’t you grateful that Christ cares more for His subjects than Ahab did and is willing to bear God’s wrath for their blessing? And doesn’t this spur you on to serve Him faithfully, whatever the cost? Suggestions for prayer Give thanks for our servant King, the Lord Jesus and ask God that by His Spirit we would be faithful servants of Christ and not exhibit the characteristics of the enemies of the gospel. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 7 - Resurrection life

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through th...

Daily devotional

October 6 - Revive us again

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” - Romans 8:1 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 17:17-24 How painful! ...

Daily devotional

October 5 - Marveling at his grace

“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his ki...

Daily devotional

October 4 - Not by bread alone

“And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that ma...

Daily devotional

October 3 - God’s gracious judgement

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” - Romans 2:4 Scripture reading: Matthew 3:1-12; 1 Kings 17:1-7 Talk about a short-term ministry! No sooner does Elijah begin than he is sent away. What is God doing? He’s judging his people. They refused to listen to His Word. Now He refuses to speak it. He’s sending a famine, not only of food, but of the hearing of the Words of the Lord (Amos 8:11). Sobering, isn’t it? But in God’s judgement, we see grace. In the midst of the famine, He preserves Elijah by feeding him with ravens because God has a plan to send him back. He has not completely deserted His people. Prophets communicated God’s message both by their lives and their mouths. We hear God’s judgement in “Neither dew nor rain these years.” That’s God’s response to incessant rebellion. But even this announcement is gracious. First, God is going to showcase the incompetence of the storm god, Baal, so that Israel would abandon him and return to the Lord. Second, threatened judgement is always a call to repentance so that we might experience God’s forgiving grace. Notice how John the Baptizer warns in preparation for the coming of grace in Christ. What a mercy when your engine temperature warning light brightens your dashboard! Imagine if God had abandoned them to their sin like He had the other nations. Jesus, the greater Prophet has come. We have heard the warnings from His mouth and have seen the seriousness of God’s wrath in His death. What have we learned? Though not soft on sin, our God is gracious in His judgements. How much more gracious is He in His grace! Suggestions for prayer Pray for His Spirit so that we would cherish the Word of God we have, both as we read it and hear it preached. Praise the Holy God that He is gracious and forgiving. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 2 - God’s man

“Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”” - 1 Kings 17:1 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 1 Kings 17:1-5 No scholar seems able to tell us about Tishbe. Neither do we know much about Elijah’s parents except what is most important: in a day of rampant unbelief they confess their faith in the covenant Lord by naming their son Elijah, meaning, My God is the Lord. God’s chosen servant’s beginnings are clouded in obscurity yet Elijah’s character explodes in this introduction. Elijah is a man of courage, addressing the king of Israel, one who is no friend of God’s prophets. What emboldened him? First, conviction that God lives, in contrast to Baal, who according to pagan mythology, annually died. Second, consciousness of God. God was not simply one before Whom he stood but before Whom he stands. To Elijah, the colossal figure of the King towers above the king. Third, confidence in God’s promise to punish idolatrous people (Deuteronomy 28:15, 23-24). Elijah is also a committed man. He is told to go and he goes (vv. 2, 5). It doesn’t seem that significant except that people like that were scarce in his day and also in ours. But it should be common among Christians. Whatever God calls me to do, I will do. Whatever He forbids, I will forgo. This is the man Elijah. He was like Christ, the greater Prophet, who was chosen from obscurity, courageous before men, and committed to serving His God unstintingly. The Spirit upon Christ is the Spirit upon Elijah and is the Spirit upon us to shape us to be that kind of Christian. Suggestions for prayer Ask that God would pour out His Holy Spirit upon us to conform us to the image of Christ so that we might fearlessly serve Him in his Church and our nation. Pray that God would make your Minister a man of courage and commitment. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 1 - Introduction to the word of God

The word of God is living and active. It is not only something we study, it studies us. As the Bible reveals truths about itself, it also, simultaneously, reveals truths about us. That's what you will discover as we work our way through the sacred account of the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, Elijah. From his sudden appearance before Ahab to his surprising disappearance before Elisha, his successor, these studies will highlight the astonishing grace of God to his people in his Son, Jesus Christ, the greatest of all prophets and the final Word of God. In the lead up to Reformation Day, and in light of the Synod of Dort, we will end the month looking at the five main points of doctrine in dispute in the Netherlands in the early 1600s, not so much for disputation, as for celebration. Hope in dark days “. . .according to the word of the Lord” - 1 Kings 16:34 Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 16:29-34 There were dark days in Israel when Ahab came to the throne and they only became darker. It was bad enough that Ahab sanctioned the breaking of the second commandment by worshipping God through the golden calves. He also promoted the worship of Baal, the nature god of the Canaanites. Ahab bears responsibility for this because, contrary to God’s gracious command, he married the pagan Jezebel who had an evangelistic zeal to supplant the Lord‘s worship with Baal’s. Ahab further demonstrated his contempt for God’s Word by rebuilding Jericho, the ruins of which were a monument to God’s grace and judgement. Ahab wants to worship God and Baal. Would to God that this sin of syncretism, attempting to serve two masters, were only a past malady in Christ’s Church. Alas, we see those same Ahabian tendencies when we limit the Lordship of Christ to specific areas of our lives. Christ is Lord, we confess, but I will marry whom I will. I will not let that confession interfere in maximizing profits in my business or His Lordship dictate what will entertain me. He is as Lord as I make Him Lord. Syncretism. But if the sons of Hiel die according to the Word of the Lord (Joshua 6:26) doesn’t that encourage us to believe that other promises of God will be fulfilled too, including the promises to destroy the serpent, to forgive syncretistic sinners, and to sanctify His people? Indeed it does! Suggestions for prayer Ask that God would unite your heart to fear His name (Psalm 68:11) and praise Him that none of His promises fail, neither His promises of judgement nor of blessing. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 30 - We shall be like him

“Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” - 1 John 3:2 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:1-3, 16-18; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 We can replace the word love with the name of Christ in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: “ is patient and kind; does not envy or boast; is not arrogant or rude. does not insist on own way; is not irritable or resentful; does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. love never ends.” And we all say, “Amen!” Do that with your name or anyone else’s name and no one says, “Amen!” If we are honest, we all fall far short of this portrait of love. But thanks be to God that we see Christ, our Saviour, in this portrait! And we can say, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Here is an amazing truth: One day, in the new creation, we will be able to put our names in vv. 4-8, because one day we will be perfectly like Christ (1 John 3:2). We will love God and each other perfectly. Isn’t that amazing?! What a day that will be! If you long for that day, then strive to walk in love more and more by God’s Spirit, as you behold the glorious love of Christ in the Gospel (2 Corinthians 3:18). Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He, “shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Thank God that Christ loved you to the end (John 13:1). Pray that the Spirit would produce Christ-like love in your life this day and thank God that one day you will be perfectly like Christ. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 29 - The character of the God we worship

Daily devotional

September 28 - Faith, hope, love: The greatest is love

Daily devotional

September 27 - Then I shall know fully

“Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” - 1 Corinthians 13:12 Scripture reading: Romans 8:28-39; 1 Co...

Daily devotional

September 26 - Seeing a mirror dimly vs. face to face

Daily devotional

September 25 - The age of childhood vs. the age of adulthood

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” - 1 Corinthians 13:11 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-11 The contrast between this age and the age to come, is like the contrast between childhood and adulthood. Children behave in a way that is appropriate to their age. When they are toddlers they speak with a limited vocabulary. They lack the wisdom and discernment to recognize dangerous situations. They also are very cute in the things they say and do. But if an adult acts like a toddler, we think there is something wrong with them. Adults should know not to touch a hot stove. It’s funny when a toddler rams cake into their mouth with their bare hands and gets frosting all over their face. But it’s odd for an adult to eat cake in such a manner. What Paul is saying here is that this age is the age of childhood, where we do things appropriate to childhood. The age to come is the age of adulthood, to be consummated at Christ’s return. This relativizes the gifts that the Corinthians were boasting in. Just as children eventually grow up and make a definitive break with childish ways, so too, they will one day leave these gifts behind. But love abides forever. And whatever gifts God gives us now are not to demonstrate how “spiritual” we are. Rather, they are to be used in love for the building up of the body of Christ. Let us then grow in Christ, and use our gifts in loving service of others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Spirit would mature us in the image of Christ so that we use our gifts, not for childish/selfish reasons, but in loving service of others, just as Christ first loved us. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 24 - We know in part

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” - 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 The problem in the Corinthian church was not a lack of knowledge and prophecy. The problem was a lack of humility and love, in how they used that knowledge (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:1). Thus, Paul impresses upon them, “we know in part and prophesy in part.” This ought to instill humility in us. While we may know the Bible and systematic theology better than any seminary professor, we need to be humble because it’s still a partial knowledge. We still have so much to learn. The revelation that we have of Christ now, while it’s far greater than what they had in the Old Testament, is still a partial revelation compared to the full revelation of Christ’s glory at His second coming. It’s a sufficient revelation for this age (2 Timothy 3:16-17), but we look forward to “the perfect” (i.e. the full revelation of Christ at His return). Then the partial will pass away and we will have a theology of glorified saints. Additionally, we do theology now as those who are tainted by sin. But in glory we will be entirely free from sin forever. Older Reformed theologians called their theological summaries and systems “our humble theology” and “a theology for pilgrims on the way.” Good theology ought to humble us, and be used in love and humility to build up the body of Christ. Let us walk in love and humility looking to the love and humility of Christ in our salvation (Philippians 2:1-11). Suggestions for prayer Confess to God the times that you have been proud and unloving in how you’ve used your knowledge of the Bible and theology. Rest in God’s love and forgiveness in Christ, and pray that the Spirit would enable you to walk in humility and love. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 23 - Love never ends

“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.” - 1 Corinthians 13:8 Scripture reading: Romans 5:1-8; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 Paul says climactically, “love never ends.” More literally, love never falls down or falls apart. It doesn’t fall to pieces in hardship. It has no expiration date. Remember, Paul is in the midst of a discussion on spiritual gifts. The Corinthians were enamoured with the gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge. But as Sinclair Ferguson puts it, “Gifts are secondary; love is primary. Gifts are tools. What matters is how a person employs them.” And Paul says that these gifts will pass away. Anthony Thiselton writes, “how can preachers and prophets have anything to say when the last judgment not only reveals, but evaluates and pronounces judgment upon, everything. The sermons of prophets and the ‘knowledge’ of theologians are rendered redundant, while the character and fruit of love does not fall apart. To prophecy would be like switching on a in the full light of the noonday sun.” When Christ returns and ushers in the glories of the age to come, these gifts will no longer be needed. Some were even part of the foundation laying era of the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20). But love never ends. Indeed, Christ’s love for us never fell apart in hardship. Christ loved us all the way to the cross and will love us for all of eternity. And His “love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). Therefore, let us walk by the Spirit in Christ-like, never-ending love! Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for the never-ending, never-failing, love of Christ. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you with a Christ-like love that never ends. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 22 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” - Psalm 100:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 100:1-5 We are called to worship God with thanksgiving. Why? Because “He made us, and we are His” (v. 3). God is our Creator and Redeemer. We owe Him thanksgiving for creating and sustaining us, and for the manifold gifts that He gives us in creation. Has not God given you good gifts like food, clothing, shelter, transportation, music, art, technology, movies, books, board games, family, friendships and more? Enter His gates with thanksgiving! Even more, God has ransomed us, not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). Christ is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us and gives us eternal life (John 10:11, 28). “Christ…suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). It is by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone that we can say, “we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture” (v. 3). And because of the blood of Christ we not only enter God’s courts with praise, we also “have confidence to enter the holy places” (Hebrews 10:19). In the Old Covenant only the High Priest could enter the holy of holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. But now in Christ, we can confidently enter the holy of holies and draw near to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). How can we not enter God’s presence with thanksgiving today and every Lord’s Day? Suggestions for prayer Confess your ingratitude for the many blessings of creation and redemption and rest in God’s promise of forgiveness in Christ (1 John 1:9). Pray that God would grant you and the other worshippers grateful hearts as you enter His presence with singing and His courts with praise. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 21 - Love endures all things

“Love…endures all things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love endures through the good time...

Daily devotional

September 20 - Love hopes all things

“Love…hopes all things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10; 1 Corinthians 13:7 The idea here is that love hopes f...

Daily devotional

September 19 - Love believes all things

"Love…believes all things" - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture reading: Psalm 15:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:7 The idea here is not that love believes ...

Daily devotional

September 18 - Love bears all things

“Love bears all things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:22-25; 1 Corinthians 13:7 The word “bears” has the idea of �...

Daily devotional

September 17 - Love rejoices with the truth

“Love…rejoices with the truth” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:17-25 Love rejoices with the truth. Love rejoices when truth and integrity win the day, even when it is injurious to oneself. It rejoices when the truth of the Gospel is proclaimed. Love rejoices when the truth of God’s Word exposes the lies of the devil. It does not want to hear and pass on lies, gossip or slander. Love doesn’t share things on social media carelessly because it confirms one’s bias. Love goes the extra mile to fact check things, not believing everything on the internet. It wants truth to win, even if it isn’t what one wants to hear or believe. Love joyfully celebrates truth! Again, Jesus fulfills this aspect of love. Jesus not only rejoiced with the truth but He IS the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He is Truth Incarnate. He never rejoiced at wrongdoing. He never lied, gossiped or slandered. No deceit was found in His mouth (1 Peter 2:22). Rather, He always delighted to speak the truth in love. He always rejoiced to reveal the truth of who God the Father is (John 4:34; 14:9; 17:4). And He rejoiced to reveal the truth of how we can be reconciled to God through faith in Him (John 5:24; 6:47). By His Spirit He now sanctifies us in the truth of God’s Word, so that we also love the truth and speak the truth in love. As followers of the Truth let us rejoice with the truth! Suggestions for prayer Ask God for forgiveness for the times you’ve failed to rejoice with the truth and rest in the truth of the Gospel. Pray that the Spirit of Truth would help you to always rejoice with the truth and to rejoice in the Lord, who is the Truth. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 16 - Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing

“Love…does not rejoice at wrongdoing.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 Scripture reading: Romans 5:6-11; Philippians 4:8 The Corinthians were arrogantly blessing some terrible wrongdoing (Christians taking other Christians to court, sexual immorality, mistreating the poor, and more). But love does not bless sin and rejoice in wrongdoing. Sometimes we do this when we see our political candidate acting sinfully towards his/her political opponent. We rejoice because it makes the opponent look bad and our candidate look good. Or sometimes we might take pleasure in the bad behaviour of others because it makes us feel better about ourselves and it gives us the opportunity to correct them from a self-righteous pedestal. Instead, we should genuinely care about helping others who are caught in sin and restore them in a spirit of gentleness (Galatians 6:1). At other times we rejoice in wrongdoing when it happens to someone we envy, find annoying, or who has mistreated us. But love does not rejoice at wrongdoing. Love rejoices in righteousness. Love rejoices in the truth. Love rejoices when it sees others walking in God’s ways. Love Incarnate taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). He not only taught this, He lived it to the point of death, even death on a cross, where He prayed for and died for His enemies (Luke 23:33-34). Indeed, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11). Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins of rejoicing in wrongdoing. Rest and rejoice in what Christ has done in his perfect life and sacrificial death to reconcile you to God. Pray that the Spirit would help you to rejoice in God and His grace, truth, beauty and goodness. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 15 - Come into his presence with singing

“Come into his presence with singing!” - Psalm 100:1 Scripture reading: Psalm 100:1-5; Ephesians 5:18-20 Not only is it a great privilege to come into God’s presence by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22), it’s also a great privilege to come into His presence with singing. God commands His people to sing in worship throughout the Old Testament. When we come to the New Testament, it’s no different. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Music is a great gift from God! It’s a powerful means of impressing the truth of God’s Word deep within our hearts and stirring up our affections for God in worship. And when we come into His presence with singing let us remember that we are not only addressing our songs to God, but also to each other (Ephesians 5:19). Even more, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it, “It is the voice of the Church that is heard in singing together. It is not you that sings, it is the Church that is singing, and you, as a member of the Church, may share in its song…Thus all singing together that is right, must serve to widen our spiritual horizon, make us see our little company as a member of the great Christian Church on earth, and help us willingly and gladly to join our singing, be it feeble or good, to the song of the Church.” Let us delight to come into God’s presence with singing today! Suggestions for prayer Pray for yourself and those with whom you will gather for worship today, that the Word of Christ would dwell in you richly as you sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Pray that the Spirit would fill you with reverence and awe, and with joy and gratitude for the grace and glory of God. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 14 - Love is not resentful

“Love…is not…resentful.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Scripture reading: Matthew 18:21-35; Luke 23:32-34 The word for “resentful” has the idea of keeping records of wrongs with a view to paying back injury. Paul is saying that love keeps no record of wrong-doing. It doesn’t keep tabs and harbour bitterness, always ready to bring up past offences. Perhaps you yourself struggle with resentment towards someone. How can we be free from resentment? Only the Holy Spirit can set us free as we meditate deeply on the love and forgiveness of God in Christ. Psalm 130 says, “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sin, O LORD, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness.” God remembers our sins no more! (Jeremiah 31:34). That doesn’t mean that he literally forgets them. It means that he won’t remember them against us. Instead, He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He casts them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). No one ever had more reason for resentment than Jesus. But He did not come into the world to pay back. Instead, His surprising mercy and sacrificial love led to the cross that “cancelled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands” (Colossians 2:14). His sacrifice covers all our sins and has the power to dissolve our resentment. Therefore, by the Spirit of Christ who dwells within us, let us put away all bitterness and resentment. Let us forgive one another, as God in Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:31-32). Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins of resentment; know that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Pray for the Spirit’s power to forgive others, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 13 - Love is not irritable

“Love…is not irritable.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:21-25; Romans 8:28 Are you ever irritable? Maybe at certain...

Daily devotional

September 12 - Love does not insist on its own way

Daily devotional

September 11 - Love is not rude

“Love…is not…rude.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Scripture reading: Matthew 11:28-30; Titus 3:1-8 A Christian man once told me that he didn�...

Daily devotional

September 10 - Love is not arrogant

“Love…is not arrogant.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: Proverbs 16:5; Philippians 2:3-8 Arrogance is another word for pride or be...

Daily devotional

September 9 - Love does not boast

“Love does not…boast.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 The Corinthians struggled with boasting in their gifts and status. They also boasted about their favourite teacher (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:3-4, 21-23). In doing this, they were really just boasting in themselves and looking down on others for choosing a less gifted teacher. No doubt, we struggle with boasting in our own ways. We often boast about ourselves on-line. We often interrupt someone’s story to boast about ourselves and tell a better story. This word can also be translated as “vainglorious,” which is inordinate pride in oneself or one's achievements; excessive vanity. It’s to brag and go on and on about one’s achievements. Proverbs 27:22 says, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” What is the antidote to such boasting? It’s to repent of vain glory seeking and to acknowledge that all that we have is a gift from God. As Paul said earlier, “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). And so, rather than boasting, we are to be thankful for whatever we have been given and give God all the glory. We also must acknowledge that, apart from Christ, we are sinners who deserve God’s eternal wrath. Let us then be thankful for His amazing grace in Christ! “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would help you NOT to vainly seek your own glory, but to humbly seek HIS glory and thank HIM for all the good gifts HE has given you. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 8 - Serve the Lord with gladness

“Serve the LORD with gladness!” - Psalm 100:2 Scripture reading: Psalm 100; Hebrews 10:19-25 The command to “serve the LORD” has in mind participating in corporate worship, which is where we get the phrase, “worship service." Serving the Lord is much broader than corporate worship. As Paul says in Romans 12:1, “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship/service.” Indeed, our whole lives are to be a grateful service to God. But our first and primary service to God is to worship God with His people. And that’s what it means here, as it’s paralleled by the command, “Come into his presence.” Sadly, many professing Christians today consider corporate worship to be optional. But it’s not optional in the Bible. In both the Old and New Testaments, it’s something that God commands of His redeemed people (e.g. Hebrews 10:19-25, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”). I’ve never met a mature Christian who does not faithfully gather with God’s people on Sundays for worship. On the flip side, I have met many who attempt the Christian life apart from corporate worship and they are like a piece of wood that’s been pulled out of a bonfire that quickly goes out on its own. Corporate worship is vital to the Christian life. It’s both a duty and delight. Let us serve the LORD with gladness! Let us come into His presence with singing! Suggestions for prayer Pray that all the members of your church would come into God’s presence for worship today and serve the LORD with gladness! Pray for those who are unable to attend, for whatever reason, that God would bless them and enable them to return next Sunday. Pray for those who stay home willingly, that God would convict them of their sins and draw them back to “serve the LORD with gladness!” Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 7 - Love does not envy

“Love does not envy.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:3-8 Paul returns to negatives. Here he says that love does not envy. He mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:3 that there was “jealousy/envy” among them. When we are overly focused on our own gifts, especially in comparison to the gifts of others, we can easily fall into envy, wishing we could have what others have. But we must put to death the envy in our hearts. Envy can make our bones rot and leave a bitter taste in our mouths (Proverbs 14:30; James 3:14). And it leads to competition, strife and division in the body of Christ. How can we die to envy and grow in contentment? We must remember that God is infinitely wise, just, good and gives each of us the gifts, resources and opportunities that we have, according to His perfect plan to glorify Himself and bless His people. We must remember that we are one body and we all benefit from each other’s gifts (1 Corinthians 12:14-26). We must look to Christ “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:5-7). Behold the beautiful love, humility, and contentment of Christ in our salvation, and strive to be more and more like Him in gratitude. Pray for the Spirit to grant you contentment for it will only come by His strength (Philippians 4:11-13). Suggestions for prayer Who or what are you tempted to envy? Pray that God would help you to resist the sin of envy and to be content with the gifts, resources, and opportunities that He has given to you, according to His infinite wisdom and goodness. Pray that you’d be “content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified” (Anna L. Waring). Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

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Search CATEGORY: Daily devotional

Daily devotional

March 25 - Lured and enticed by our own desires

Daily devotional

March 24 - Temptations make us exercise our faith

Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional