Daily devotional

October 9 - Rebuke them sharply

“Therefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn aw...

Daily devotional

October 8 - Preach the gospel to these people?

“One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true.” - Titus 1:...

Daily devotional

October 7 - Silencing false teachers

“For there are many insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are up...

Daily devotional

October 6 - God’s stewards

“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,...

Daily devotional

October 5 - Elder essentials (II)

“If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or subordination.” - Titus 1:6 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:1-9 We are not naturally bent to submit to authority. We are naturally inclined to be suspicious of authority, to mistrust, to question leadership and authority, and to rebel against it—either with a hard heart, or with an arrogant attitude. We think we should be the authority because we would do it better. Increasingly in the service industry, customers are becoming more demanding. It seems more church members are taking that same consumer attitude toward the church. We expect elders to be perfect. “Above reproach” does not mean perfect; if it did, every man in every church would be disqualified. “Above reproach” means “without blame” or “unaccused”; elders must be of “unquestioned integrity,” or “unimpeachable.” If you consider the doctrine and life of an elder, it should be clear that he has left no loophole open for heinous sin. Elders must be “above reproach” in three particular areas of life: marriage and family, personal character and conduct, and in doctrine. The first set of characteristics do not require an elder to be married; rather, if he is married, he must only have one wife. This would rule out anyone who has multiple wives, or anyone who is unlawfully divorced and remarried. If he has children, it should be clear that they are being nurtured in the Christian faith at home—they should be believers and not rebels or prodigals. 1 Tim. 3.5: “for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” Suggestions for prayer Pray for the elders in your church. Pray that the Lord will raise up men with the biblical character of elders. Pray that the Lord will use the elders to shepherd and protect the flock. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 4 - Elders essentials (I)

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…” - Titus 1:5 Scripture reading: Ezra 3: 1-13; Titus 1:1-9 If you manage a busy household, you know a little about what Paul is writing here. Likewise, if you serve on a committee or have management responsibilities at work, you know about this too. There are always details that need attention. There are tasks with targets and goals that need to be finished. Your calendar says you have three kids who need to be in four different places, and there are perhaps only two adults to drive them all there— on an average day. The church needs management, too. There are things “that are lacking,” areas that need to be strengthened or addressed. There are always things that need to be put into order—and not just calendar items, and certainly not production schedules or department projections. God’s people need to be cared for and shepherded. God’s people are sinful and need to be exhorted, encouraged and corrected. God’s people are weak and afflicted and need to be comforted, visited and prayed for. God’s people need to worship God faithfully and in an orderly manner; they need to be taught biblical doctrine. All this would require elders in the church, even in a perfect world. The reality is that the world is not perfect and neither is the church. Sinful and imperfect church members need to be cared for and taught, and they will be led by sinful and imperfect men who will serve in Christ’s Name as elders. How can you encourage and faithfully follow the elders of your church? Suggestions for prayer Pray for the elders in your church. Pray that the Lord will raise up men as elders with the biblical character. Pray that the Lord will use the elders to shepherd and protect the flock. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 3 - Grace and peace and the common faith

“To Titus, my true child in a common faith: grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” - Titus 1:4 Scripture reading: Romans 10:5-21; Titus 1:1-4 Who is the gospel for? Some say Jews only (see 1:10). Some say only the super-enlightened (see 1 Cor. 3-4). Does it belong to those only who already possess it? Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). The faith is common to all of God’s chosen ones: Jews, Gentiles, male and female ,old and young, poor and rich, small and great, people who grew up in the church and people who did not; people with relatively clean backgrounds and people with messy ones. Titus was a Greek (see Galatians 2:3); yet he holds the faith in common with Paul. Both are saved by grace (see Acts 15:9-11). Paul extends “grace and peace” to Titus from “God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” This is a typical greeting. Just because it is typical does not mean it is without significance. Titus will need grace and peace; and so do we. We need grace to remain steadfast in Christian faith, knowledge and hope, to worship and fellowship with difficult people, to walk in godly ways and do good works. We need peace in Christ for our assurance (see 3:4-8), and to continue to live among ungodly people (see 1:10-16). Suggestions for prayer Pray for grace and peace from God for your day. Pray for your assurance of God’s grace, and for the Holy Spirit to help you live for God among ungodly people. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 - Entrusted with preaching

“…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in His Word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior…” - Titus 1:2-3 Scripture reading: Hebrews 11:1-3; Titus 1:1-4 The further intent of the gospel ministry is to produce hope. We don’t think about hope as much as faith or love. Hope means “confident expectation” as opposed to “sight” or “possession.” You hope for health when you’re sick, or a better financial situation, or a resolution to a tough conflict. When you have good health, or financial stability, or peace, you don’t hope for it any longer. Paul serves God in Jesus Christ for the sake of their hope. To raise eyes and hearts and minds away from the things of this world, we must live with that same hope and confident expectation. This gospel hope is based in God, “who never lies”; that is, Christ promises eternal life in His Word, which is certainly true. Secondly, our hope was “promised before the ages began,” which means eternal life was always God’s plan and purpose for His people. Thirdly, our hope has been “manifested in His Word through the preaching…”; through faithful preaching we hear and believe and come to anticipate this eternal life. Christ promises this hope; Christ died to secure this hope; Christ is at God's right hand to maintain this hope; and He is coming again to fulfill this hope. Stay hopeful. So now already from the beginning of this letter we are called to three things: faith in Christ, knowledge of the truth and the hope of eternal life. Christians live for things very different from the world. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your minister’s preparation to preach the gospel. Pray for your brothers and sisters in the Lord—for their faith in Christ, knowledge of the truth, and hope of eternal life. Pray for the wisdom to live for the Lord today. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 Titus

Titus was a “partner and fellow worker” of Paul (2 Cor. 8:23) and served to encourage the Corinthian church to be as generous as the Macedonian ch...

Daily devotional

September 30 - To God be the glory

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the ch...

Daily devotional

September 29 - The love of Christ

“…may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that sur...

Daily devotional

September 28 - Do not lose heart

“So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” - Ephesians 3:13 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 11:...

Daily devotional

September 27 - The power of God’s grace

“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” - Ephesians 3:7-8 Scripture reading: Romans 1:1-7 Our lives are complicated. We have many different opportunities and responsibilities. There are many wonderful and encouraging experiences and opportunities to which we are called by God. For the Apostle Paul, it seemed his main purpose in life was to preach to the Gentiles. Once his life was changed by his encounter with the risen Lord, he was forever changed. Paul’s desire is for the lost and the message he has for them is the message of the “unsearchable riches of Christ.” What greater purpose can a life have than to be the bearer of good news of great joy. When we reflect upon God’s grace in our life, we ought to reflect a similar desire. God’s grace can make the filthiest sinner clean. There might be people in our minds that we think are beyond the potential reach of God’s grace. They are not. God’s grace is sufficient. Paul, in Eph. 3:8, calls himself the least of the saints. We know he thinks this because he was the great persecutor of the church. However, Paul was seized by the grace of God. Let God’s grace seize you as well. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to give you sight to see the power of his grace. Pray for an unbelieving acquaintance, and the opportunity to speak the gospel. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 26 - The mystery of Christ

“When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ…” - Ephesians 3:4 Scripture reading: Acts 2:1-13 In the verses that follow Ephesians 3:4, the mystery is described with great clarity. The mystery is that Gentiles (non-Jews) are included in the people of God. This was revealed by the Holy Spirit, and we can see this clearly at Pentecost. Thereafter, the gospel begins to spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the Earth. The Apostle Paul is known as the missionary to the Gentiles. What is clear is that the unconditional election of God from before the foundation of the world reached far beyond the borders of Israel. With the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D., we have further testimony that the church will not be centered in Jerusalem or anywhere else. Already at the time of Pentecost, we can see from Acts 2 that there were people living in Jerusalem “devout men from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5). We can see in Israel’s history many Gentiles who were included in the commonwealth of Israel. Even in the family tree of our Lord Jesus Christ, we see Gentiles (e.g. Ruth the Moabitess). The mystery is revealed in Christ and is therefore no longer a mystery. God’s plan of redemption continues to unfold, and it involves all peoples on the face of the earth. This is the picture we receive in Revelation of all nations worshipping the Lord. Praise God! Let us pray for the lost in all the nations of the world. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for the calling in both unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. Thank God for all that we have in Christ. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 25 - God’s dwelling place

“In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” - Ephesians 2:22 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-3 The language at the end of Ephesians 2 describes a building. It is God who is doing the work of building the structure, but it is Christians who are the objects being built. In the days after Israel left Egypt and wandered in the desert, one great comfort they could have was that God was with them. They could physically see the pillar of cloud and fire. When the cloud moved, they moved. Therefore, they knew, in that way, that God was always with them. By faith, we are united to Jesus Christ. We have been given the Holy Spirit. The comfort Christians have knowing that they are never alone is inexpressible. We each carry our own struggles with fear and anxiety, sin and shame, balancing the busyness of life and taking time in quiet time with the Lord. In all places and in all circumstances, God is with us. God dwells with us in an even greater way than the cloud of the Old Testament, or the Ark of the Covenant in the Temple which reminded the people of God’s presence. Let us thank God for this special union. See it as an opportunity to depend wholly upon Him, to pray without ceasing, and to know that nothing happens outside of His will. It can be difficult to understand why some things happen in life. In Jesus Christ, we never need to wonder if God is on our side. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that you are never alone. Ask God to remove any fear, stress, or anxiety you might be struggling with in your life. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 - A solid foundation

“…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” - Ephesians 2:20 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 3: 1-23 As I write this devotional, 133 Roman Catholic Cardinals are meeting in the Sistine Chapel to choose a new pope. The Pope is the spiritual successor of the first Bishop of Rome, the Apostle Peter. Since Christ gave Peter authority as the rock of the church, the Pope continues to possess that authority, including the authority of infallibility. This false teaching is contrary to Ephesians 2:20. We confess to an “apostolic church.” What that means is that the church’s teaching is to be derived from the inspired writings of the apostles. That is the New Testament. We have in the scriptures, all that we need to know for doctrine and life regarding our salvation before God. The Bible is about the Cornerstone, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is one grand story of one Triune God revealing the one way of salvation by the grace of God. Salvation comes by faith and through grace. We can relate to the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, because we are looking unto the same covenant promises in Jesus Christ. Let us examine our hearts and lives to make sure that we are content with what God has told us. We do not need the false wisdom of the world around us. We are given the foundation of our life in the Holy Scriptures. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for his completed revelation in the Bible. Ask God to strengthen your faith in him. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 - Citizenship

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” - Ephesians 2:1...

Daily devotional

September 22 - Access to the Father

“For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” - Ephesians 2:18 Scripture reading: John 10:22-30 I’ve always wondered ...

Daily devotional

September 21 - Preaching peace

“And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.” - Ephesians 2:17 Scripture reading: Romans 10: 1-2...

Daily devotional

September 20 - One new man

“…that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace…” - Ephesians 2:15b Scripture reading: Galatians 2:15-...

Daily devotional

September 19 - Our peace

“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” - Ephesians 2:14 Scripture reading: Psalm 139: 1-24 In the ancient world, when one king would visit another, he would bring some type of gift to present to the other king. The importance of such a gift was that it was a sign of respect and peace. The visiting king did not want to go to war with the other king. It was something that signified that peace. In Jesus Christ, we not only receive a picture that signifies peace, we receive the actual peace. The need for peace was occasioned by the sin of our first parents. In Adam, we waged war on God. He is the offended Creator. But in Christ, that wall which separated us from God has been broken down. This was pictured at the death of Jesus Christ. When our Lord gave up his spirit upon the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn in two. This pictured our access into the very throne room of God. The Holy of Holies had been opened. So, the question arises, how can we approach the throne room of God empty handed. We have no present to bring. Our works fall short of even a minimal understanding of the law and righteousness. What we bring before God is none other than Jesus Christ. He is our peace, and we are accepted in him. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the peace accomplished in Jesus Christ. Ask God to grow you in your love for your Savior. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 18 - Brought near

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” - Ephesians 2:13 Scripture reading: Acts 8:26-40 There is a legend in Ethiopia that after the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8, the Ethiopian eunuch then took the gospel down to Ethiopia, and established the Christian church in that place. That legend might be true; I am not sure. However, I do know that Ethiopia is not very close to Jerusalem. As the Ethiopian eunuch took the gospel South to Ethiopia the new converts there would have been brought near. But where were they brought near? Was it to Israel? Jerusalem? In a sense, yes. They were brought near to spiritual Israel. They were brought near to the covenant, the inheritance, etc. Being “far off” isn’t so much a geographical indicator as it is a spiritual indicator. The contrast is extreme. Far off and near are two opposites when it comes to grace. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who bridges that gap. Now, in Christ, all believers are one (Gal. 3:29). The dividing wall has been broken down. Pentecost made it clear that the gospel is for all nations. That is good news for us. The comfort we can have in Christ’s work, is that when we are brought near by the blood of Jesus, we will never again be far off. We belong to him, in life and in death. Be comforted in the gospel of being near unto God. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that you have been brought near to him and his people through the blood of Jesus. Pray that God might bring many more unto him. (Pray that prayer with specific people in mind) Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 17 - For a purpose

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:10 Scripture reading: James 2:14-26 God’s salvation is not only about our eternal destiny, it is also about our present reality. It is easy in the midst of the trials of this life and the burden of growing older, to merely be thinking and dwelling on the life that is to come. We should, after all, have a heavenly mindedness. However, God calls us in this life, to live a life of godliness and good works. The Christian life is to be one characterized by a desire to grow more and more Christ-like. But we must not forget that this isn’t something we work on our own. We are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus…” In Jesus Christ, all things are new. Parents seek to teach their children good habits. The power of habit is powerful. The picture given in Ephesians 2:10 deals with our manner of walking. By faith we walk. Hebrews 11 gives us the example of saints that have gone before us. To live by faith is to live in reliance upon God. After all, we are his workmanship. He has redeemed us for a purpose. On the one hand God’s purpose in us can be simply understood as a whole life redeemed in Christ. On the other hand, God has special and particular purposes for us unto godliness. Seek that out through prayer and wisdom. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you balance a heavenly and an earthly mindedness. Thank God for granting your life purpose in Christ. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 - All of grace

“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: Titus 3:1-11 Who can be proud of what he receives? This adage is sometimes asked to teach children about gratitude. It is one thing to be born with natural talent, it is another thing to perfect a craft, skill or ability. Natural talent is a gift. As Paul writes to the Ephesians, it seems as if he can anticipate potential arrogance or superiority for those who are believers. However, this is stripped away when the focus is put upon grace. This is a gift from God. God was not obligated to give it to us as though we deserved it. We deserved the very opposite. It isn’t a question about “fairness”….otherwise no one would be saved. It is all of grace. The former slave trader, turned Christian knew this. John Newton wrote, “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!...Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.” Let that grace of God be precious to you not only upon the hour you first believe. Let it be precious all the days of your life. Meditate upon it, tell others about it, and live through it. You don’t have to be a former slave trader like John Newton to be a witness of God’s grace. You simply have to recognize what you deserve and what you receive. Amazing grace! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the ways you can see his grace in your life. Ask God for opportunities to speak of the grace you have received. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 - Resurrection

“…even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” - Ephesians 2:5 Scripture r...

Daily devotional

September 14 - But God…

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us.” - Ephesians 2:4 Scripture reading: Romans 3:9-31 In two ...

Daily devotional

September 13 - Our natural condition (II)

“And you were dead in…..sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and...

Daily devotional

September 12 - Our natural condition (I)

“And you were dead in…..sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and...

Daily devotional

September 11 - Head of the church

“And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” - Ephesians 1:22 Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:22-33 In Ephesians 5, we have a beautiful comparison which sets the stage for Christian marriage. In that passage, the husband-and-wife relationship is mirrored with the church’s relationship to Jesus Christ. In a world that rejects biblical norms for marriage, Ephesians 5 is a refreshing picture of the unity and love that can flourish in an obedient marriage. Though Ephesians 5 focuses primarily on marriage, Ephesians 1:22 is speaking of the headship of Christ. As the head of the church, the church is to be obedient to Christ. This enables the church to direct her worship according to the scriptures. The means of grace and Christian discipline are all Christ-centered and focused. The call of the gospel is the call of Christ as he calls in the lost sheep of spiritual Israel. As the Lord sits at the right hand of God the father, He continues to rule His church through her office bearers. That is a tremendous calling for anyone in the special offices. There are many applications flowing from the truth of the headship of Christ over the church. Many of these applications flow out of the word pictures given in the Bible to describe the church. In the New Testament, the church is called a light on a hill. Believers are salt and light. Christians, according to 2 Corinthians 5:20 are “…ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us…” I cannot think of a weightier calling than being an ambassador for Christ. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to make you a faithful ambassador for Christ. Ask God to direct you in ways you can serve the head of the church. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 10 - Christ’s exaltation

“…that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” - Ephesians 1:20-21 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:5-11 Philippians 2:5-11 might have possibly been an early Christian hymn now contained in the scriptures. The Apostle’s Creed follows the same flow of Christ’s humiliation which leads into His exaltation. The exaltation of Jesus Christ is important for many reasons. We not only have our own flesh in heaven, but He sits at God’s right hand as our Mediator. Hebrews calls him our Great High Priest. He also is the king of the church. He has “authority and power and dominion” given to him by the Father. Jesus’ exaltation also coincides with the pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise of a comforter (John 14 and 16). Praise the Lord. From Ephesians 1, we see this exaltation of Christ was orchestrated by God who raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in the heavenly places. Matthew 28:16 says that “All authority in heaven and on Earth” has been given to Christ. He is the ruler and head of the church. He is also the ruler of the nations, and in fulfillment of Gen. 12:3, all the nations of the Earth are being blessed through Him. This rule of Christ, Ephesians 1:21 says, does not end in this life, but extends beyond the grave and into the new age to come after His return. Through faith, we are secured in an eternal relationship with the Lamb of God. It is comforting that there is nothing that can sever that beautiful covenant relationship with our Savior (Rom. 8). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the mediator at his right hand. Ask God to increase your trust in Jesus. We are exalted in Christ…thank the Lord! Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 9 - Praying for the saints

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.” - Ephesians 1:16-17 Scripture reading: Psalm 30:1-12 If you are a student of the New Testament, it is not a surprise that the Apostle Paul was in constant prayer for the people of God. The form of prayer mentioned in the text today is a prayer of thanksgiving. When praying for others, we might be quickest to think of supplicating prayers. In that, we bring the needs of others before God. In a prayer of thanksgiving, the apostle is thanking God for his church in Ephesus. God puts people in our lives to be a blessing to us. We can be encouraged and strengthened from others. How often is it the case that our prayers are focused only upon ourselves. Believers have different patterns and habits of prayer, and God gives us that freedom. We do not have to pray 5 Muslim-type prayers a day. But it might be helpful to write down prayer joys, thanksgivings, and concerns and work through them. It can be a true encouragement to know that someone is praying for you. If you are praying for someone, you might want to tell them. Not only will this encourage them in the communion of the saints, but it avails much (James 5:16). We can pray for all people, but the example here is a special prayer for the saints. May God make us people of prayer. Suggestions for prayer Think about who or what your churches can pray for. Thank God for bringing fellow praying believers into your life. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 - Sealed by the Holy Spirit

“…were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” - Ephesians 1:13b-14 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 When a sinner believes in Jesus Christ, they are given the promised Holy Spirit. Throughout the ministry of our Lord, Jesus continued to promise the Holy Spirit (e.g. John 14, 16). The language used in Ephesians speaks of being sealed with the Holy Spirit and being guaranteed an inheritance. The inheritance is promised and secured, but it is not possessed yet at this time. This is a reference to the completion of our total salvation in Jesus Christ. In the Christian life it can be easy to get discouraged from time to time. This world is one of constant toil and struggles. However, the child of God knows the best is yet to come. It is secured. It is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the infallible down payment on our eternal life. God will never renege on his promise to us in grace. What this affords us is trust and assurance. No matter what takes place in this life, we have the Holy Spirit. We never need to fear if God will remove his love from us. His truth is sure. He is faithful and good. As the Lord was about to leave his disciples, He told them in John 16:13a “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the work of the Holy Spirit. In particular, thank him for the Spirit’s work of convicting you from sin, assuring you of love, guiding you in truth, and sealing you. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 - The word of truth

“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”...

Daily devotional

September 6 - Inheritance obtained

“In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of Hi...

Daily devotional

September 5 - All things in him

“… as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” - Ephesians 1:10 Scripture reading:...

Daily devotional

September 4 - Adopted as sons

“He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” - Ephesians 1:5 Scripture rea...

Daily devotional

September 3 - Chosen unto godliness

“…that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love…” - Ephesians 1:4b Scripture reading: 2 Peter 2:1-12 Sometimes in professional sports you hear about role players who are on a team for a particular purpose. In baseball, it might be a closing pitcher or pinch hitter. In hockey it might be a strong enforcer who protects the star of the team. Their role is their purpose for being on the team. In Ephesians 1:4, we see immediately the purpose to which God has chosen his people. They are chosen to be holy and blameless before him. To be holy before God refers to the fact that they are set apart. They are set apart from the whole lot of fallen humanity, and set apart as a child of God. I Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Their position is unto holiness. Their calling is unto godliness. To be blameless before God in Eph. 1:4 does not mean to be morally free from any flaw. Rather, it means to have a heart devoted to God alone. The great heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 could be called blameless even though each one of them was a sinner saved by grace. The role God calls us is to seek first the kingdom of God. Our Lord said in John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commandments.” That is the call for those set apart in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that our identity is found in Jesus Christ. Ask God to continue to sustain you by His grace and Holy Spirit so that you might seek first His kingdom. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 2 - Chosen in him

“…even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world….” - Ephesians 1:4 Scripture reading: Romans 8:29-39 Ephesians 1:3-14 is the longest sentence in the Bible. In our English translations it adds some punctuation to break it up, but in the original, it is one sentence. Try diagramming that sentence. In that long sentence, we see the preposition “in” used often. In verse 4, we see that we are chosen “in Him.” To be chosen in Christ puts us in a unique relationship. We are then “in Christ.” Before the foundation of the world, in God’s electing love, we were given to Christ. We can understand this in two ways. We can understand that in election. God ordained Christ’s work on behalf of his people. This is the primary way we should understand this. Another way to understand this is in terms of a relationship, which we will see explained in the following verses. Since it is a relationship established in eternal election, it is an eternal relationship. Romans 8 makes this clear in such a beautiful way as it describes the unbreakable chain of salvation in Rom. 8:29. This truth is never simply theoretical. It is practical. This is why Romans 8 ends by saying that there is nothing that will, “…be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:39b)” Our election “in Him” ensures that our eternal life will be in the presence of the Lord. Though we might face many trials and temptations, we are held fast by God’s eternal decree of salvation. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for his electing love in Jesus Christ. Ask God to give you a heartfelt fervor to walk in fellowship with Him. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 1 - Introduction to Ephesians

Our devotions this month will be taken from Ephesians 1-3. The book of Ephesians can easily be separated into two parts. The first half, which we will be studying together this month, deals with the comfort and peace we receive from being found in Christ. This deals with the teaching of salvation. The second half of the book is an application of that salvation to different areas of life. In the letter to the Ephesians, we see the Apostle Paul writing, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to the believers in Ephesus. An interesting aspect of the Ephesian church is that we know more about it than most of the other local churches in the New Testament. We know that the Apostle Paul had been there on his second missionary journey with his friends Priscilla and Aquilla (Acts 18-20). The year was 52 A.D. We also know that the pastor in Ephesus was a young man named Timothy. Paul wrote two letters to this young pastor of Ephesus, which are also found in the New Testament. Paul would return to Ephesus to live for three and a half years. Ephesus was the second largest city in the known world behind Rome. It contained one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world which was the Temple to Diana. It was an important city, and it housed an important church. In this letter to the Ephesians, Paul is laying out the glorious mystery of God’s salvation. He begins with election and carries his teaching all the way to glory, ending this section (3:20-21) with a doxology to the Lord. Join me, as we seek comfort in the glorious works of God this month. A peaceful greeting "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 1:2 Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:1-23 You greet your grandmother differently than you greet your elder at church. Though you love both, you likely would not give the elder a kiss on the cheek when you see him. Greetings are important. As we begin our look at the letter to the Ephesians, we see a greeting of grace and peace. That is a comforting thought. Many cultures greet each other with the term “shalom” or “salaam” which means peace. But the peace of Eph. 1:2 is altogether different. The source of the greeting is from where the comfort is taken. The grace and peace are from the first two members of the Trinity, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The reason the believers in Ephesus can be greeted with grace and peace is because of the work of the Father and the Son. That work will be fleshed out as we make our way through this important letter. Really, this verse contains a summary of the entire letter to the Ephesians. It is this: we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. This is all by grace. On this Labour Day, as you thank God for work and your daily bread, pause and thank him for the greatest work. You can call God your Father in heaven because of Jesus Christ His Son. Ask God to help you understand more clearly during this month the true peace which surpasses understanding. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that we can have peace with Him through Christ. Ask that God would grow you in your love for him as you reflect upon his glorious work on your behalf. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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

August 31 - The “so-that” mission continues

“And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi.” - Genesis 25:11 Scripture reading: Genesis 25:1-11 Our reading today may not seem exciting. Abraham dies, and he’s buried. That’s it. What are we to take from this? One thing we must remember is that the story is not ultimately about Abraham. He was a sinner like us, with challenges and failings. The story is about God - His grace, and His faithfulness to His promise and purpose. That’s a comfort to us. The words of Moravian missionary Nikolaus von Zinzendorf are helpful: “Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten!” It’s encouraging to read that Abraham died full. He lived a full 175 years, but literally verse 8 simply says that he was full. He was full because he walked with the promise-keeping God. He died in full confidence in God’s promises. Blessed are those who die in the Lord! By grace we can say, “I am full,” in Christ (Philippians 4:11). Abraham gave gifts to his other children, but gave everything to Issac (v.5). The focus was on Issac. The work of God would continue as promised. “In Issac your seed shall be called” (Genesis 21:12). It had to be from Issac that Jesus would be born. God’s blessing continues from generation to generation. The work goes on. The promise will be fulfilled. The nations will be blessed. And one day, there will be a multitude no one can number from every tribe and tongue. We are part of the great work. May God bless us to be such “so-that” people from generation to generation. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the fullness we have in Christ. Praise Him for the confidence we may have in death. Pray for faithfulness from generation to generation in God’s “so-that” mission and preach, die, and be forgotten. Soli Deo gloria. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 30 - I will go

“Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.”” - Genesis 24:58 Scripture reading...

Daily devotional

August 29 - Pilgrim hope in death

“So the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the f...

Daily devotional

August 28 - Jehovah Jireh

“And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.””...

Daily devotional

August 27 - Where is the Lamb?

“But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood...

Daily devotional

August 26 - God tests the faith of his friend

“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”” - Genesis 22:1 Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-19 Have you ever had those moments when you wanted to cry out, “Lord, what are you doing? Why is this happening? Have you forgotten your promises?” That’s likely what Abraham was thinking when God came to him in this way. But from the very first verse, we’re told—this is a test. God never intended for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (see Jeremiah 32:35). What God is doing is showing Abraham—and us—that His call is total. “I want you, all that you treasure, all your desires. I want your whole heart. Give me your all!” So, we must ask: If God took what’s most precious to you, would you still trust Him? Would you still worship Him? Is He still worthy of praise? Yes, He is! In response, Abraham rises early. He’s ready to obey. What God asks, he will do promptly. Three times in the passage we hear him say, “Here I am” (vv. 1, 7, 11). What a way to begin the day! Why not begin your day saying to God “Here I am. I want to serve You. I want to obey. I need your help, Lord, here I am!” The wonderful thing about all this is that ultimately the Lord in His love provides for Abraham, and Isaac is spared. This is the point: the Lord gives what He asks. Take heart, the LORD asks the world of us, and we are weak. It's too much for us. But in His grace to us in Jesus Christ, God gives what He asks. He is faithful. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for grace to begin each day with a willing heart: “Here I am!” Praise Him for His faithfulness to provide all He asks of us, through Christ. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 25 - God is with you in all that you do

“And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that you do.”” - Genesis 21:22 Scripture reading: Genesis 21:22-34 An old gospel song says, “This world is not my home; I'm just a passing through.” There’s truth in that for Christians. We live with an eternal perspective, seeking the things above. Yet even with all the challenges we face, we’re not called to run and hide. As God’s “so-that” people, we’re called to be a blessing, here and now. Abraham had a difficult history with Abimelech (chapter 20). At that time, Abraham failed to be a blessing. But now, by God’s grace, the king of Gerar sees something different in him: “God is with you in all you do!” How encouraging! Do people see that in you? “God is with you; I can tell.” Do they see it in how you work, raise your family, or handle success—without arrogance? Do they see it in how you respond to hardship or confront sin? Back in chapter 20, Abraham had to be humbled before the king because he’d lived a lie. But now, having dealt honestly with his sin, he is a true blessing. That’s what grace does. We can openly acknowledge sin because we have peace by the blood of Jesus. Abraham is even bold enough to rebuke the king. The world, so lost and confused, still needs the truth. Let it never be said of us, “You never told me.” So, like Abraham, let’s sojourn on with a priority for worship, a passion for prayer, and a willingness to be a blessing right where we are. Suggestions for prayer Pray that it may be evident to others that God is with us. Ask for courage to speak the truth in love. Pray for God’s blessing on your daily work and your relationships with those around you. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 24 - Laughing at the promises?

“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing.” - Genesis 21:9 Scripture reading: Genesis 21:8-21; Galatians 4:21-30 We’ve heard Sarah laugh with joy over God’s faithfulness. Now, in the next portion of Scripture, we hear Ishmael, Abraham’s son by Hagar, laughing at young Isaac. The Hebrew word is the same, but the meaning is very different. Ishmael is scoffing at God’s promises. He hated this little boy, Isaac; “Why is Isaac so special? Why does he get all the attention? I want him gone!” Remember, Ishmael was Abraham’s son. He was circumcised. He had grown up hearing about the promise of blessing for the nations through Abraham’s seed. But he despised the promise. That promise pointed forward to Jesus, and Jesus would come through Isaac. Ishmael’s contempt for Isaac was really contempt for Jesus. So, God affirms that Ishmael and Hagar must go. John Calvin suggests that Abraham’s meager provisions may have been meant to keep them nearby, within reach of God’s covenant blessing. But they are not interested in God’s covenant promises, and walk away. The chapter closes with Ishmael marrying an Egyptian. The choice against God's promise was complete. From this sobering story, we learn two things. First, we learn from God’s own example that we must have compassion for those outside of a saving relationship with God. Second, we must take seriously the spiritual wilderness that awaits those who reject His promises. As God’s “so-that” people, our calling is to point others to Jesus, the promised seed. The promise is for all who believe. Will you laugh with the joy of salvation—or scoff and walk away? Suggestions for prayer Reflect on your response to the promises of God. Pray for God’s blessing on worship today, that all may be encouraged in the gospel. Pray that the promise of salvation for all who believe will bear much fruit. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 23 - Laughing with the promises!

“And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.”” - Genesis 21:6 Scripture reading: Genesis 21:1-7 When was the last time you really, really laughed? As Christians, we have every reason to laugh with deep seated joy because of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. That’s the kind of laughter we hear from Sarah in our passage today. This is the birth announcement of the promised son, Isaac—whose name means “laughter.” We’ve heard Sarah laugh before, but then it was the laughter of unbelief. Now, it is the joyful laughter of thankfulness in God’s faithfulness. And don’t miss the emphasis in these verses: everything is happening just as God had said. His promises are sure. His Word is gold. God has done the impossible. And of course—He always does! The blessing of salvation is not by human effort, but by His sovereign and amazing grace. Salvation is of the Lord. This whole scene points us forward to Christmas. When the virgin Mary was told she would bear the Savior, she was shocked too. But, she too was reminded: “With God, nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). God has done the impossible for us. We have so much to laugh, shout and sing about in the grace God shows us here! Sarah was convinced that all who heard would laugh with her. And as God’s “so-that” people, let it be our joyful privilege to echo her call: “Come on, let’s laugh with Sarah!” Share the good news of salvation in Jesus; and invite others to join us in our rejoicing! Suggestions for prayer Reflect on the joy we have in God’s faithfulness to His promises. Pray that your heart would be filled with thankful laughter. Ask God to help you spread joy in Christ and invite others to rejoice with you in the hope of the gospel. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 22 - Remember who you are!

“Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you shall live.” - Genesis 20:7a Scripture readi...

Daily devotional

August 21 - The Lord being merciful

“And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and th...

Daily devotional

August 20 - Lot: Lessons from a covenantal drifter

Daily devotional

August 19 - God comes to judge

“And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when ...

Daily devotional

August 18 - Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?

“Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” - Genesis 18:25 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:16-33 What becomes very clear from Abraham’s appeal to the LORD is the acknowledgment that God is the judge of all the earth, and His judgment is always right and just. God is perfectly righteous, and everyone must answer to Him. Abraham had already been told in Genesis 15:16, that the land he was promised would not be his immediately—because the sin of the Amorites was not yet full. God was longsuffering with them. In His dealings with Sodom and Gomorrah, we now see that judgment does come. The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah were full. The time for judgment had come. As we sing in Psalm 98, God will come to judge the nations with righteousness. There will be no injustice. Everyone will get what they deserve. God will judge—and His judgment will be right. Are you ready for that? By God’s grace, we can be. But only if we are in Jesus Christ. In His coming to earth and going to the cross, Jesus took upon Himself what our sins deserve. As believers, we may say Jesus has taken our stand before God. And in pouring out His wrath upon Jesus in our place, God—the judge of all the earth—has done what is right. He is both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:25–26). As we trust Him, we may rejoice to be counted righteous, just as Abraham was. Suggestions for prayer Remember that Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead. Rest in the fact that He has already taken what your sins deserve. Pray as “so-that” people, urging others to flee the wrath to come and find their refuge in Jesus. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 17 - Standing before the Lord

“Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD.” - Genesis 18:22 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:16-33 In our passage today, we see that God is moving toward Sodom. We already know Abraham’s nephew Lot lives there with his family, and that Sodom is “an exceedingly wicked and sinful city” (Genesis 13:13). It appears the time for judgment has come. So, God also comes to Abraham to speak with him as His friend about the judgment that is to come. As the two other visitors go on toward Sodom, Abraham remains standing before the LORD. Abraham just has to speak with the LORD about this. He teaches us the importance of prayer. He has an audience with the King of kings. And boldly, as a strong intercessor, Abraham boldly pleads with God: would He spare the city for 50? 45? 40? 30? 20? 10? Abraham isn’t being a pesky toddler who doesn’t know when to stop. He is rightly concerned. Yes, about Lot and his family, but even more, Abraham shows Christ-like compassion for the lost, the broken, and the sinful. And so, he must pray. He intercedes for the wicked city. As we look around and see much sinful brokenness today, are we taking our place, standing before the LORD in prayer for our cities, our nations and for the lost? God takes no pleasure in the death of the wicked (Ezekiel 18:32), and He is patient, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9). As God’s friends in Christ, we are called to pray for that blessing. “So-that” people pray. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your city and nation. Pray for the sinful and confused to come to repentance and faith. Ask for grace to go forth from worship today as strong intercessors in Christ. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 16 - Chosen for a “so-that” purpose

“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousness and justice, that the Lord may bring to Abraham what He has spoken to him.” - Genesis 18:19 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:16-33 Do you ever wonder why we are here? When the Lord blesses His people with children, what’s that all about? What are we raising them for? For what purpose has he loved us, known us, and chosen us? In our passage today, God lets us in on the purpose for which He has chosen Abraham, His friend. And what God has to say here is also very instructive for us as sons and daughters of Abraham. Take note of all of the “so-that” statements in our theme verse today. God chose Abram “so-that” he would train his children, “so-that” they would keep God’s commandments “so-that” the Lord may bring about what He had promised to Abraham. And what had God promised to Abraham? That all the families of the nations of the earth would be blessed through Him! Sometimes we ask ourselves, what should we spend our time and energy on. Is it the covenantal nurture of our children, or the evangelization of the world? The answer is: yes! Don’t fall for a false dilemma, and do not separate what God has joined together. How often have our children heard us share the gospel with an unbeliever? Remember that the purpose for which God has chosen us, and given us children, is “so-that” we may teach God’s children to walk in all of His ways in everything they do “so-that” many, many more may come to know Him too. Do you see yourselves and your family as God’s “so-that” people? Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help us and our children see ourselves as “so-that” people. Pray that we may be used of God to see many come to salvation. Pray for God’s blessing in worship tomorrow. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 15 - Is anything too hard for the Lord?

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” - Genesis 18:14 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:1-15 One of the main purposes of God’s visit with Abraham and Sarah was to remind and assure them that the promise of a son for Sarah (Genesis 17:19) would be fulfilled within a year—exactly as God had said. To Sarah, it all seemed laughable and in fact completely unbelievable. Eavesdropping behind the tent door, she found it impossible to accept. She was already so very old. But when God asks, “Where is Sarah?” and then gently confronts her laughter, we need to see how gracious and kind He is. He’s not condemning her; He’s engaging her. He’s drawing her in to believe: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Baby Isaac would be born, as God had promised. But he would be born, “so-that” one day baby Jesus would be born of the virgin Mary. “Impossible?” But is anything too hard for the LORD? Do you ever wonder if someone like you could truly be saved? Do you worry about loved ones or neighbors who seem too far gone? Is anything too hard for the LORD? Remember: “With man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Mathew 19:26). God asked, “Where is Sarah?” Today, we might ask ourselves, our families, our neighbors—“Where are you with the promises of God?” Don’t be afraid of God’s question. Be encouraged to trust Him. God is faithful to do the impossible. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on the impossible wonder of your own salvation. Pray for those whose salvation seems impossible. Ask God to do what only He can do—and trust that nothing is too hard for the LORD. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 14 - Do not pass me by

“My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant.” - Genesis 18:3 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:1-15 Our pa...

Daily devotional

August 13 - You shall keep my covenant

“And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.”” - Genesi...

Daily devotional

August 12 - I will be your God

“And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to ...

Daily devotional

August 11 - Seeking blessing our way, not God’s way

Daily devotional

August 10 - How can I know?

“And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”” - Genesis 15:8 Scripture reading: Genesis 15:6-21 Yesterday we revelled in the blessing that Abram was counted righteous by faith. Today, as we follow Abram further, he has another question for God: “But how can I know?” Maybe you’ve asked the same. We need to know. God graciously gives Abram the answer—through a covenant ceremony. Animals are cut in two, and a pathway of blood is prepared. This was the formal “cutting” of a covenant—a binding relationship. Both parties would normally walk the path, declaring: “If I break this covenant, let me become like these carcasses.” Understandably, this would have overwhelmed Abram. He knew he could not keep such a covenant perfectly. Neither can we. The pathway of blood pictured the curse we all deserve. But here’s the wonder: God causes Abram to fall into a deep sleep. Abram doesn’t walk through the pieces. God alone passes through. God is saying, “I am so committed to My promise that I would rather be torn apart than break My word.” All of this is fulfilled in Jesus. At the cross, He walked the pathway of blood. He became the curse for us, so we could receive the blessing of Abraham. He was “cut off” so we could be brought in. So how can we know? By looking to Jesus. God keeps His covenant forever. He has staked His own life on it. These things are written so you may know. And we know, “so-that” the world may know. Suggestions for prayer Bring your doubts and uncertainties to God. Thank Him for the certainty found in Jesus’ finished work. Pray this blessing would be confirmed in worship today and overflow through us to others. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 9 - Counted righteous by God

“And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” - Genesis 15:6 Scripture reading: Genesis 15:1-7; Romans 4:1-8 Do you ever ask yourself, “What does God think of me?” or “What does God say about me?” Do you know that everything is right between you and God? That’s one of the most important things anyone can know. And from what we read about Abram today, we learn that it is something we can know—by God’s grace. We, too, can be counted righteous before God and have peace with Him. That’s an amazing truth when we consider how holy and majestic our God is—and then consider our own sin and weakness. But Genesis 15:6 doesn’t say God saw Abram was impressive and therefore counted him righteous. No—we read simply: Abram believed God. It is by faith, not works, that we are justified (Romans 3:28). The focus isn’t on Abram’s strength, but on God’s grace. That’s good news for us weak and struggling sinners: God justifies the ungodly (Romans 4:5). There’s hope for you! In essence, because Abram believed God and the promise of offspring—he believed in Jesus. And the promise is that whoever believes in Jesus will not have their sins counted against them. Jesus paid it all, and His perfect righteousness is credited to us, as if we had never sinned. By faith, we are counted righteous. We have peace with God. Believe the God of Abram. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, and you will be saved. Live in that peace today. And let that peace fuel your “so-that” purpose—proclaiming this blessing to others. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on the blessing of being counted righteous by faith alone. Pray that the peace of God would shape your life today. Ask for His blessing on the preaching of this good news in church tomorrow. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 8 - Your shield and exceedingly great reward

“After these things the word of the Lord came to Abram in a vision, saying, “Do not be afraid, Abram. I am your shield, your exceedingly great reward.”” - Genesis 15:1 Scripture reading: Genesis 15:1-5 “Do not be afraid” is one of the most common commands in Scripture. Yet coming from God, it’s not so much a rebuke as a gentle and gracious encouragement. It has a gospel ring to it. After Abram’s bold rescue of Lot, perhaps he feared revenge from those powerful kings. Life is full of such fears, but God Himself comes with compassion to encourage Abram: “Do not fear!” Abram need not fear, because “‘I’ am your shield,” God says. The “I” is emphatic—God Himself is Abram’s protection. “I am your exceedingly great reward.” You have Me! Whatever else may come, what more could Abram want? What could be greater than having God Himself? But Abram still wrestles with childlessness. Don’t misunderstand. Abram is not saying, “God, You’re not enough; I want kids.” No, Abram is working with God’s promise. He knows God’s blessing to the nations will only come through his descendants. So, God graciously confirms His promise: “Look up at the sky and count the stars, if you can. So shall your descendants be!” What are you afraid of? The future? Failure? Your own sin and guilt? Take hold of God’s promise. He has given Himself to you in His Son. Trust Him. He is your shield and exceedingly great reward. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on what makes you afraid. Bring those fears to God in prayer. Embrace and engage His promises. Thank Him that in Christ He has given Himself to you. Ask for courage to live as a “so-that” person—blessed to be a blessing, in confidence that God is your protection and your reward. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 7 - Blessed by the greater one

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him.” - Genesis 14:18,19a Scripture reading: Genesis 14:1-24 Remember Lot, with the dollar signs in his eyes? We should have been concerned when Lot settled next to Sodom. Soon the whole region is in trouble. Lot and his family are taken captive. Word reaches Abram. They know where to find him because by God’s grace he has become a man of significance. What had Lot ever done for Abram? Yet Abram mounts an army to rescue him—because Lot is family; Abram is his brother’s keeper. He looks a lot like Jesus here, who despite our unworthiness, is not ashamed to call us His brethren (Hebrews 2:11). After Abram’s victorious return, he is ministered to and blessed by a mysterious king named Melchizedek. His name means king of righteousness, and he is king of Salem, which means peace. God encourages Abram through this king who foreshadows Jesus—in Him, righteousness and peace have kissed (Ps 85:10) at the cross. The king of Sodom offers Abram abundant riches as a reward, but Abram refuses. He chooses the righteous blessing of Salem over the wicked booty of Sodom. Where do you find your blessing? When our blessing is in Jesus, we know it’s because He’s not ashamed to call us His brethren, though we gave Him every reason to be ashamed. He has come to rescue us, undeserving sinners. We brought wickedness and hostility; He is our righteousness and peace! As you live your life of blessing, are you choosing Sodom or Salem? Suggestions for prayer Give thanks Jesus is our righteousness and peace and not ashamed to call us His brethren. Pray to be a better brother’s keeper. Pray that our “so-that” lives would show a love for holiness—Salem over Sodom. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 6 - Lift your eyes to the promises

“And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, e...

Daily devotional

August 5 - Losing sight of the promises

“Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land.” - Genesis 12:10 Scr...

Daily devotional

August 4 - Going on with our covenant God

“There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. So Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.” - Genesis 12:8a, 9 ...

Daily devotional

August 3 - The “I wills” of God

“Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeare...

Daily devotional

August 2 - Go and be a blessing!

“And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” - Genesis 12:2b,3 Scripture reading: Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:6-14 The Lord’s call for Abram to “get out and go” is often seen as the Old Testament background for Jesus’ “Great Commission” in Matthew 28. Abram is promised a blessing, told he will be a blessing, and therefore called to be a blessing. “Blessing” here is far more than just a nice feeling or having plenty of money. This blessing is the God-given gift of right fellowship with God, through Jesus Christ. God has prepared that blessing for all the families of the earth, and here He begins to unveil it by blessing Abram. This is the gospel God preached to Abram (Galatians 3:8). Abram didn’t deserve this at all. His family had been idol worshipers and had settled in Haran. His blessing is entirely God’s grace and initiative. The fivefold repetition of “bless” in these verses stands out, especially compared to the emphasis on “curse” in Genesis 3-11. God’s curse is what we all deserved. But the good news of the gospel is that Jesus became the curse for us, so the blessing might come upon the Gentiles (Galatians 3:13). By God’s grace, the gospel has come to us. As we sing at Christmas in Isaac Watts’ hymn, Joy to the World: “He comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found.” Believing Him, we are so blessed. Now let’s be a blessing as, a “so-that” people, and bring that blessing to others! Suggestions for prayer Reflect on the blessing Christ became a curse for you to know. Pray to be a blessing. Pray for God’s blessing on the preaching and worship of the Lord’s Day, that many more may come to know that blessing. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

August 1 - God’s mission for his “so-that” people

This month we are going to be taking a look at the unfolding of God’s covenant promises made to Abraham, our father, in Genesis 12-25. From the opening words of Abraham’s call to follow God, and in the words of blessing and promise, God spoke to him; it was plain that God had glorious purposes in view: one day all of the families of the earth would be blessed! God’s focusing of His covenant promises in Abraham had always been with a view to the gospel’s one day going out to the whole world. In Genesis 18:19, God Himself lays out His Missionary heart and purpose with a chain-of-events. Why has God chosen Abraham and known him in love? So that he may command his children after him, so that they may keep the way of the Lord. Why? So that God may bring about the promise spoken to him, namely, so that the gospel would bring blessing to all nations, to the ends of the world. May we be challenged, encouraged, and equipped to be such a conscientious “so-that” people through our study together this month. O God, show mercy to us, and bless us with your grace; And cause to shine upon us the brightness of your face; So that the whole world over, may truly know your way, And so that your salvation all nations see displayed. O God let peoples praise you; let all the peoples praise. Let nations come rejoicing and songs of gladness raise. Since God, our God will bless us. Yes, God will blessing send, That all the earth may fear Him, to its remotest end. Psalm 67-B from the Trinity Psalter Hymnal Get out of your comfort zone “Now the LORD had said to Abram: Get out of your country, from your family and from your father’s house, to a land that I will show you.” - Genesis 12:1 Scripture reading: Genesis 11:26-12:9; Matthew 28:18-20 That are we here for, really? For the glory of God, for building Christ’s church, for the good of our neighbor. But too often we get distracted, don’t we? Have we grown too comfortable? God called Abram to follow Him with glorious purposes. Through Abram, God would one day bless all the families of the earth. That was Abram’s—and our—“so-that” mission. But somehow, Abram got waylaid. Distracted from the call, he settled down in Haran. Thankfully, God would not let him stay comfortable and graciously persisted: “Get out, come follow Me, and go!” God’s call still goes out today. He may not call you to leave your country, or even your family, but He calls you to come to Him for mercy, to follow Him in faith, and to count all else secondary to His great purpose: bringing the gospel to the nations! Are there areas where you have settled and grown too comfortable? Are you settling in sin? God graciously calls you to come to Him for mercy and to follow Him more closely. He won’t let you remain stuck in your comfort zone or your sin. His call is gracious, kind, compelling, persistent, and powerful. Praise God! Humanly speaking, things didn’t look hopeful for Abram, who was to be a father of many. Sarai, his wife, probably about 65 then, was barren. But is anything too hard for the LORD? God isn’t finished with Abram, yet—or with you! Suggestions for prayer Reflect on where you’ve grown too comfortable—even in sin. Pray for forgiveness, and in that joy pray for new strength to get up and go! Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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

July 31 - The God of fellowship

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” - 1 John 5:21 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:21; 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1 Some find this verse an odd conclusion to John’s epistle. In fact, as we think about John’s overarching theme of fellowship with God, a warning against idolatry makes perfect sense. By definition, an idol is anything in thought or form that is put in the place of God. We can create an idol by carving an image in wood just as we can create an idol in our minds when we think something of God that is not true. We have been reminded over and over in this epistle that God has done everything necessary that His people might truly have fellowship with Him. God wants us to know Him, not a false conception of who He is. Idolatry is the exact opposite of what God intends for us! With this in mind, John reminds us that we, as sinful human beings, are prone to make idols in our hearts. Each time we do, we threaten the fellowship that God intends to have with us. We must keep looking to Jesus Christ and God’s Word in humble reliance on the Holy Spirit that we might be nurtured in true fellowship with God. There is so much mediocre Christianity in our world today because there is so much idolatry in the church. This verse comes to us as a warning. Pray diligently that you be kept from idols and that you would not be satisfied with anything taking the place of God in your soul. Suggestions for prayer Pray not only for yourself, but pray earnestly for the Church of Jesus Christ – that we would be kept from idols. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 30 - We know!

“We know that we are of God…” - 1 John 5:19 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:18-20; Ephesians 3:8-21 John brings his epistle to a close with words of confidence. We find the phrase ‘we know’ three times in these three verses. As these verses come to us as a conclusion to the entire epistle, we find John leaving us with vital truths that are essential to having fellowship with the one true, living God. The key that unlocks these glorious truths is Jesus Christ. In other words, if you are a believer in Jesus these things are true of you! Be encouraged today as you meditate on these truths. John tells us that we know that all of the enemies of our soul have been defeated in Jesus Christ: sin, Satan and the world. In other words, there is not an enemy in this universe that can stop God from carrying out His purpose of bringing you to full and perfect fellowship with Him. We know that the Son of God has come in order to fulfill the Father’s will that we might know Him Who is true. As you think about these realities, make sure to live your life reflecting these truths. Do not give in to the enemies of your soul. In Christ, fight against sin, Satan and the world. Actively pursue fellowship with God seeking to walk with Him daily. As we look to the Lord Jesus Christ we know these things! Do not waste them. God wants us to live confidently in these promises. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would know and live the Gospel with clarity and conviction. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 29 - The necessity of praying for one another

Daily devotional

July 28 - A glorious promise

“…if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us....and we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” - 1 John 5:14,15 ...

Daily devotional

July 27 - Delighting in God

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” - Exodus 20:8 Scripture reading: Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Having fellowship with G...

Daily devotional

July 26 - God desires fellowship

“These things I have written to you who believe in the Son of God, that you might know that you have eternal life.” - 1 John 5:13 Scripture r...

Daily devotional

July 25 - Obedient fellowship

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” - 1 John 5:3 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:1-5; Psalm 119:17-24 What comes out of our lips is a reflection of who we are. If you listen to someone for any amount of time, you soon learn what type of person he is. This is equally true of God. The Bible is His Word and as His Word, it tells us who God is. The moment a person comes to faith in the Lord Jesus, there is a new relationship established between that person and God. In Jesus Christ, we truly desire to know God and to please Him. It is precisely for this reason that a true believer loves God’s commandments. These commandments tell us something about the God that we love and these commandments teach us how to best please Him. The Psalmist can declare that God’s testimonies are his delight (Psalm 119:24) and he pleads with God to allow him to see wonderful things from the Law (Psalm 119:18). If we love God, then His commandments are not burdensome. Because the Bible is God’s revelation of Himself, it is essential for our fellowship with God. We must come to the Bible first and foremost with the desire that our fellowship with God would be nurtured in that Word. Some study the Bible to prove it wrong, some study it to win an argument, but those who truly know the Lord Jesus Christ will come to the Bible with a longing to know God better. Be encouraged, God always honours this humble attitude! Suggestions for prayer Pray for a humble heart that the Lord would bless your devotions to your soul. Pray that you would know deeper fellowship with God each time you read the Word. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 24 - The imperative of love

“And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” - 1 John 4:21 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:19-21; 1 Peter 3:8-12 As we have been working through the book of 1 John, it seems that John repeats a number of themes over and over. One of the most repeated themes is that of the necessity for believers to love the brethren. Instead of giving in to the temptation to say that we have already covered this theme and skip it, we must stop and ask why John is emphasizing this theme so much. If you are involved in a local church (and I hope and pray that you are), then you know that the number one difficulty in any church is interpersonal relationships. It is hard to love as we ought! John’s emphasis on this theme is far from a mistake. It is the love and wisdom of God saying to us that we need to be often encouraged in this. We are reminded in these verses that loving God means loving those whom God loves. As you think about life in the church, don’t first ask yourself if you love this person or that. Instead, ask yourself if Christ loves this person! If Christ loves him, then that means that we must! This, of course, doesn’t mean that everyone is equally easy to get along with, but what it does mean is that we should be the first in line to help people with their walk with the Lord. Instead of complaining about people, ask yourself how you can lovingly help them. Suggestions for prayer Continue to plead with the Lord that you would have a heart that can truly love all those whom He loves. Pray for grace to be able to love as Jesus loves. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 23 - Unashamed fellowship

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” - 1 John 4:15 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:13-18; Matthew 10:32-39 John has reminded us often of the difference that exists between a true child of God and a child of this world. The child of God has fellowship with God while the world is in league with the Devil. Therefore, John has even spoken about the fact that there is animosity between the believer and the world as he says, “Do not marvel my brethren, if the world hates you” (3:13). Making a profession of faith in Jesus is a declaration as to which side of this reality we are on. It is not enough that we simply have the bare facts that God sent His Son as Saviour of the world. We must confess this before men. What this means is that we are able to say before a hostile world, “Jesus is my Saviour and He is my King." We must confess "that we have known and believed the love that God has for us." Often this confession comes at a cost. The louder we confess Jesus as Saviour and the more faithfully we walk as He walked, the harder the world pushes back. Sadly, this pushback can even come from family and friends. As hard as these realities are to deal with at times, the great comfort that John brings to us is the fellowship that we have with God. The world and its system might hate us, but it cannot take that which is most precious to us, namely, our fellowship with God. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would unashamedly confess the name of Jesus among men. Pray also for those in your life who are hostile to the Gospel that they might come to know Him as Saviour. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 22 - Love’s motivation

1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. Scripture reading: 1 John 4:7-12; Ephesians 4:25-32 This passage has been described as throwing open the doors of God’s throne room and introducing us to the essence of God. We are told here that God is love. Like every other of God’s attributes, we must not think that love is only one part of God; instead, the Bible tells us that God IS love. Because God is love, all those who are born (again) of God will also love. The greatest demonstration of this attribute of God comes to us in the giving of His only begotten Son that we might live through Him. A sinner comes to God dead in sin and an enemy to His holiness. It was into this dead and hateful world that Jesus came in order to take the just penalty of God’s wrath against sin for all who would believe on Him. This is love! When we look to Jesus in faith and taste God’s love in Him, we are called to demonstrate this same love as we live amongst each other. Not only is Jesus Christ the source of our ability to love as we ought, but He is also our motivation. It is only as we look away from ourselves and look in faith to the limitless display of love in the cross of the Lord Jesus that we are enabled to love as God loves. We are to love even as God loves – a high calling indeed. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would grow in your understanding of God’s love in Jesus Christ. Pray also for the grace needed to love as God Himself does. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 21 - More than conquerors

“…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” - 1 John 4:4 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:4-6; John 10:22-30 As we look aroun...

Daily devotional

July 20 - A Lord’s day focus

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” - Romans 10:17 Scripture reading: Romans 10:14-21 The Lord’s Day is a gi...

Daily devotional

July 19 - The Spirit of fellowship

“…And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” - 1 John 3:24 Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:24-4:3; Romans 8:1...

Daily devotional

July 18 - Confirming our fellowship

“For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.” - 1 John 3:20 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:19-23; John 21:1...

Daily devotional

July 17 - Love exemplified

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” - 1 John 3:16 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:16-18; Romans 9:1-3 John moves from the negative example of Cain and sets before us the example of none other than Jesus Himself. Jesus is the perfect reflection of love. As we think of Christ and His work on the cross for His people we see that love is selfless, self-sacrificial and enduring. Jesus laid aside all His comforts, turned His back on His privileges, endured the cross and bore the judgement of a holy God for the sins of a lost and sinful people. Amazingly, this is the pattern that John calls us to follow. As we think about the love Christ showed for sinners, John says, “Go and do the same for your brother and sister." We certainly cannot save them, but we are called to mimic Christ’s love in our actions towards them. John does not leave us guessing as to what this love should look like. He tells us that talk is cheap in this regard and that true love is shown in action. He encourages us to take all that God has commanded us to do in regard to our neighbour (the summary of the second table of the law) and actually DO it. We are to live out the truth of God in the context of the lives of those around us. Our lives need to be poured out in the service of others. John tells us that just as Jesus laid down His life for us, we should lay down our lives for the brethren. Suggestions for prayer Pray specifically that the Lord would give you opportunity to serve. Thank Him that in so doing He is giving you the opportunity to be a witness of His grace. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 16 - Love one another

“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.” - 1 John 3:14 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:10-15; Genesis 4:1-15 One of the key differences that separates the children of God from those who ultimately belong to the Devil is love for the Lord and His people. In fact, this is one of the outward tests that John lays before us to determine who is a child of God and who is a child of the Devil. The Scriptures tell us that God is a God of life and love and that Satan is one characterized by death and destruction. God and Satan are exact opposites. It follows that those who believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and who are children of God will reflect the God with whom they have fellowship. On the other hand, those who are of the wicked one will ultimately reflect Satan. The account of Cain and Abel is a perfect example of this principle in action. Cain, who was of the wicked one, hated Abel his brother. Why? Because he was of the wicked one and reflected him in his actions. As we think about this basic reality, it should cause us to pause and reflect on our own life and relationships. Who ultimately do we reflect in our relationship with others? Life and love come only through the Lord Jesus, death and destruction from Satan. If you are struggling with relationships, be sure that you focus firstly on your relationship with Jesus. It is only in and through Him that we can truly have fellowship with God and with others. Suggestions for prayer As you look to Christ, think about the relationships in your life. Pray that the Lord would sanctify those relationships to reflect His love. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 15 - A new creation

“And you know that He was manifest to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.” - 1 John 3:5 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:4-9; 2 Corinthians 5:12-20 John uses some pretty strong statements in our passage today. He says that, "Whoever abides in Him does not sin” (v.6) and “Whoever has been born of God does not sin” (v.9). John is certainly not contradicting what he said in chapter 1:8 and 2:1; instead, he is speaking about the radical difference between a believer and an unbeliever in the essence of our lives. When we put our faith and trust in Jesus, our minds are enlightened to the things of Christ, our wills are renewed and our affections are inclined toward God. Simply put, we are a new creation. John’s point in this section is that sin can never characterize a true believer’s life. Believers sin, but this sin is foreign to us. Sin is something that doesn’t belong and must be fought against. There are some very important applications that come from this truth. As we walk in fellowship with God in the light of the Gospel, we must remember that sin should never be viewed by us ‘normal’. The fact that we struggle with sin should never lead us to conclude that it is OK. When we fall into sin, we must be quick to repent of it and to seek after new obedience. It is only for the world that sin is ‘normal’. Christ Jesus was manifest, not so we would look and act like Satan, but instead that we would more and more look like Him. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would view sin as God views it. As you look to Jesus, pray that God would give you the strength to fight against sin in your life. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 14 - Children of God!

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” - 1 John 3:1 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:1-3; Romans 8:12-17 There is no greater way to express the intimacy of the fellowship that believers enjoy with God than in the reality of our adoption into His family. As we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we are united to our Saviour and so become children of God. As we truly bear the name of God, we have all the rights and privileges of being in God’s family. These rights and privileges are essentially every promise of blessing contained in the Scriptures! Every time you come across a promise of blessing in the Bible you can say, “it is mine by right of my union with Christ!” John wants us to be so clear on God’s love that he begins these verses with the emphatic “Behold!” We must think often of the beauty of God’s adopting love. Being adopted into God’s family comes with some very obvious implications. John reminds us in this, that believers are radically different from unbelievers. As the world refuses to believe in Jesus, they do not have God as their Father. In essence, the believer and the unbeliever have different homes! The believer longs for fellowship with God and so longs to go to heaven to be with God. We look forward to the coming of Jesus: to that day when our fellowship with Him will be complete and we will finally be at home with our heavenly Father. Make sure to live out this day with this hope clearly before you. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would enable you to understand more and more of His adopting love. Pray for a keenness of heart to live each day as a pilgrim on this earth longing for the consummation of our salvation. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 13 - Calling the Sabbath a delight

“If…you call the Sabbath a delight….Then you shall delight in the Lord.” - Isaiah 58:13,14 Scripture reading: Isaiah 58:1-14 Isaiah 58:1...

Daily devotional

July 12 - The confidence of fellowship

“…abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” - 1 John 2:28 Scripture reading:...

Daily devotional

July 11 - Fellowship in the truth (II)

“If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.” - 1 John 2:24 Scripture reading: 1 Jo...

Daily devotional

July 10 - Fellowship in the truth (I)

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?” - 1 John 2:22 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:18-23; John 18:28-38 There are many ...

Daily devotional

July 9 - Fellowship and the world

“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” - 1 John 2:17 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:15-17; James 4:1-10 As the Scriptures speak to us about our love for God, one thing is very clear; our hearts cannot be divided in that love. Either love for God is the driving principle of our lives or something else is – it can’t be both. John speaks here of the love for the world, which represents anything that is opposed to Christ and His kingdom. He clearly states that anything that is generated from the lust of the flesh, or lust of the eyes, or from selfish pride is antithetical to God and has no place in the affections of a believer. None of these things come from the fellowship that is established with God in the Gospel of Jesus. The fact is, that we do struggle with this from time to time. As we allow our eyes of faith to drift ever so slightly from the Lord Jesus, the things of this world become more pleasing to us. John encourages us once again to keep our focus on the love of the Father. This love, as it comes to us in our Saviour, is an eternal love that can never fade or pass away. This is contrasted to the fleeting reality of the world and its system. The simple fact is, that there is nothing that this world has to offer that can even begin to compare with the gift of fellowship with God. As we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the world will hold no allure to us. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would enable you more and more to see the world and its system as He sees it. Pray for eyes of faith to behold glories that belong to all who call on the name of the Lord. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 8 - The blessings of fellowship

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…” - Ephesians 1:3 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:12-14; Ephesians 1:1-14 John pauses and speaks to representatives of the entire congregation to which he is writing. He does so in order to encourage us all in the blessings that come to us in the Gospel. We are reminded that it is in Jesus Christ that our sins are forgiven (v.12); that because of the work of Christ on our behalf, we have fellowship with God the Father and His Son Jesus Christ (v.13); that we have overcome Satan and all of our enemies (v.13,14); and that we have the Word of God abiding in us. This is a wonderful summary of the fact that every spiritual blessing comes through, and only through, the Lord Jesus Christ (make sure to read the Ephesians passage). It is well worth our time to pause regularly and think on this fact. The blessings of fellowship with God, and all that flow from them, come to us in no other way than by faith in the Lord Jesus. It is not enough to belong to a faithful church family, or to have memorized a catechism, or to be a member in good standing in the visible Church. While all of these realities are wonderful and should be used to point us to Christ, they can never secure for us the blessings that John and Paul are speaking of. Only Christ himself can secure these things for us. Suggestions for prayer Spend some time meditating on the riches of the blessings that are ours in Christ Jesus. Pray thanksgiving to God, all to the praise of His glorious grace. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 7 - Fellowship expressed in relationships

“He who loves his brother abides in the light…” - 1 John 2:10 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:7-11; John 13:31-35 When we think about fellowship with God as a result of believing on Jesus, our initial response is to focus on the relationship that has been established between a holy God and the individual sinner. This, of course, is to be expected. However, as we think longer on this reality, we must begin to realize that this relationship also must change the way in which we view others who too have fellowship with God, through Jesus. As we are united to our Lord Jesus by faith, we are also united to those who, like us, are united to the same Saviour. Christ is the centre of not only our relationship with God, but also the centre of our relationships with all who are united to Him by faith. John places great emphasis on this reality as he encourages us in our fellowship with God. God’s people have always been commanded to love their neighbour (eg. Leviticus 19:18), but with the coming of Christ, we have this love and fellowship perfectly exhibited in the person of our Redeemer. There is no greater demonstration of love than is demonstrated in the Gospel. John tells us that this love is not only "true in Him", but also is "true in you" (v.8). As we walk in the light of the Gospel, we will love God’s people more. If you are struggling in your relationships, make sure to first assess your relationship with the Lord. Good relationships begin and continue in the Lord. Suggestions for prayer Think about a specific relationship that you have that might not be the healthiest. Pray for yourself and for the other person that you might both put Christ first in that relationship. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 6 - Lifting our eyes to heaven

“Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.” - Psalm 123:1 Scripture reading: Psalm 123:1-4 Psalm 123 is one of a group of Psalms known as the Psalms of Ascent. They were used by the Old Testament Church to prepare themselves for the corporate worship of God. This particular Psalm takes us to the very heart of that preparation as we are encouraged to look to the very throne room of heaven. You see, the Old Testament people of God were summoned to regularly use the outward means of grace (Temple, sacrifices etc.), but they were at the same time not to be satisfied with just the outward means. They were to see beyond the means of grace to the One seated on the very throne of heaven itself. This is an extremely important principle for us, even in the New Testament. While the outward means of grace have changed to reflect the coming and finished work of Christ, the principle of Psalm 123 ought to be alive and well in us. As you go to worship today, you will experience the outward use of God’s means of grace (preaching, sacraments etc). Please do not be content with merely these externals! Enter into the courts of the Lord longing to behold the very throne of heaven where Christ is seated at the Father’s right hand. Go to the house of the Lord looking to the Lord for mercy – and do not be satisfied until (v.2) that mercy is received. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would prepare your heart for worship today. Ask Him to bless you and your congregation with a renewed sense of the Lord’s mercy. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

July 5 - Fellowship in action

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” - 1 John 2:6 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:3-6; John 14:19-24 W...

Daily devotional

July 4 - Christ our advocate

“…if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” - 1 John 2:1 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:1-2; Hebrews 7...

Daily devotional

July 3 - A life of repentance

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…” - 1 John 1:9 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:8-10; Psalm 32 As we ...

Daily devotional

July 2 - Fellowship in the light

“God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” - 1 John 1:5 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:5-8; Ephesians 5:8-21 Light is a common metaphor...

Daily devotional

July 1 - Introduction to 1 John

This month we will be working through the epistle of First John. The main theme of this book is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowship with God that comes through Him. I am assuming that you are using this devotional because you are interested in deepening this fellowship. Whether you are seeking truth in Jesus for the first time or whether you have walked with God for many years, John’s first epistle is a wonderful guide. As many of you will already be aware, it is important that you approach God’s Word humbly and prayerfully. I pray that this month will be a wonderful one for your walk with the Lord. May the Lord bless you each day as we explore the wonderful theme of fellowship with God. I have written these devotionals so that you will read through First John in its entirety over this month. I have also included passages that will help with the theme for the day. I encourage you to read both Scripture readings as each devotional will tie these passages together. The Christ of fellowship “…truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” - 1 John 1:3 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:1-4; John 1:1-14 There is nothing more essential to mankind than the question, "Who is Jesus Christ and what did He do?" John begins his first epistle with a gloriously clear answer to this very question. In a few short words, John declares to us that Jesus Christ is both He Who was from the beginning (see also John 1:1) and He Who took on flesh and so could be seen and touched. John introduces us to none other than the second person in the Holy Trinity Who took on flesh in order to save sinners – Jesus Christ the God\man Just as it is important to know who Jesus Christ is, it is equally important to understand what He came to earth to do. We have already said that He came to save sinners, but what does that really mean? It means that by Christ’s work, all who believe in Him are forgiven of their sins. But what is the result of having one’s sins forgiven? In verse 3, John makes the statement that in Christ "our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ". You see, Jesus Christ came into the world so that all who believe on Him would have true fellowship with God. This is the essence of true biblical Christianity! Suggestions for prayer As you look to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith, pray that the Lord would help you to grow in the fellowship that John is speaking of. Pray for a sense of the joy that he is speaking of in 1 John 1:4. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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

June 30 - Jesus, our best shepherd

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant, make you complete in every good work to do His will, working in you what is pleasing in His sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever.” - Hebrews 13:20 Scripture reading: Hebrews 13:20-25 The Hebrews, like the people of Israel, and like us, are a church in the wilderness of life. We need a leader; we need a Shepherd! And when our faith, hope and love is focused on Christ alone… We have a Shepherd that is more gracious and more glorious than anyone or anything else in life! Jesus is our Peacemaking Shepherd – He made peace through the blood of the everlasting covenant. And now we have peace with God, peace with people around us, and we can even have peace of conscience and peace of mind, because our Shepherd cares like no one else! He laid down His life for His sheep! Jesus is our Risen Shepherd – That means He is full of power to conquer our worst enemies, sin, death, hell and the devil! He paved the way! He entered death and finished it! What a Savior! Jesus is our Great Shepherd – That means He is highly exalted! He has a name above every name! He is a Shepherd above any shepherd! Peter calls Him the Chief Shepherd, who will one day come with the clouds and great glory to judge this world! How great this Shepherd is! Jesus is our Covenant-Keeping Shepherd – Over and over, the book of Hebrews has reminded us of the glorious promises of the new covenant. Never forget that Christ earned the blessings of this covenant for us (Look up: Jer. 32:41). As you look to this Shepherd by faith, He will sanctify you. He will make you obedient, for His glory! Suggestions for prayer Thank God that the work of Christ as the good Shepherd transforms our lives into lives filled with good works! Ascribe to God all glory for being such a gracious and glorious Shepherd! Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 29 - Jesus’ better transforming love

“Let brotherly love continue…” - Hebrews 13:1 Scripture reading: Hebrews 13:1-19 While chapter 11 was about faith, chapter 12 about hope, this chapter is about love. This chapter gives two ways in which Christ’s love comes to us: Jesus’ loving presence with His people is unchanging – In verse 5 He promises: I will never leave you nor forsake you. This verse contains one of the strongest ways of saying “No!” in Greek. In other words, Christ will no, never, ever forsake us! That’s why the verse adds: So we may boldly say, the Lord is my Helper, I will not fear, What can man do to me? I think we realize how reassuring this was for the Hebrew Christians facing persecution. But this is reassuring for every believer, whatever circumstances we face. Jesus Himself is unchanging, so is His love – Verse 8 tells us: Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever. How has He shown his faithful and unwavering commitment to sinners like us? Read verses 10-12. Jesus suffered outside the gates of Jerusalem! Jesus loved you so much to shed His blood for you! Jesus’ love should transform us to love others better; this chapter shows us 10 areas: Continual brotherly love (vs. 1) Love for strangers (vs. 2) Love for prisoners (vs. 3) Faithful marital love (vs. 4) No false love for money (vs. 5) Love for church-leaders (vs. 7,17) Self-sacrificial and Christ-like love (vs. 13) Love for worship and praise (vs. 15) Love through sharing (vs. 16) Love through prayer (vs. 18) Suggestions for prayer Pray that as you focus more on Jesus’ love, it will transform you to love others better. Ask forgiveness and grace to show more of Christ’s love in areas in which you have failed. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 28 - Jesus brings us to a better place of worship (II)

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” - Hebrews 12:22 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12: 18-29 What makes Mount Zion so special? Yes, the uncountable number of angels worshipping God with unceasing joy and adoration. Yes, it is those who are part of the church of the firstborn; those who can say with Psalm 87 that they have been born in this city. Yes, it is the spirits of all the Old Testament saints who are already made perfect. What joy to know that when we worship here on earth, we already join the saints and angels of heaven. The worship there is called a general assembly, which means: a festal gathering. That makes worship so glorious! Oh, that we would realize this more, and take worship more seriously, seeking to worship God acceptably with far more reverence and godly fear (vs. 28). But, there is nothing that makes worship better than the fact that we have a glorious Mediator of the New Covenant, and His promises make worship full of bliss! Think about it. He has promised to no longer remember our sins! He has promised to write the law upon our hearts! He has promised to make us walk in His ways! And on top of that, He gives us the hope that one day we will arrive in heaven safely! Jesus brings us to a better place of worship, better than Mount Sinai, better than the earthly foretaste of heaven in our worship here below, yes, far better! One day He will bring us to heaven itself, the place where streams of pleasure forever flow, and boundless joys abide! Suggestions for prayer Pray for tomorrow’s Lord’s Day, that you would worship God acceptably through Jesus; that you would not only have the foretaste of heaven, but a firm hope of worshipping Jesus in heaven one day. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 27 - Jesus brings us to a better place of worship (I)

Daily devotional

June 26 - Jesus shows us a better way to suffer (II)

Daily devotional

June 25 - Jesus shows us a better way to suffer (I)

Daily devotional

June 24 - Jesus prepared something better for us (II)

Daily devotional

June 23 - Jesus prepared something better for us (I)

“And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise. God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” - Hebrews 11:39-40 Scripture reading: Hebrews 11: 1-40 We’ve probably come to the most well-known chapter of the book of Hebrews. I think we all love the stories of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and all the other saints of the Old Testament which are mentioned in this chapter. What is the aim of the author to the Hebrews with this chapter? At the end of chapter 10, you can see that some Hebrew Christians were ready to draw back from the faith. And he warns them with the strongest and fiercest warnings in the Bible, condemning apostasy. In this chapter, he shows that every Old Testament saint faced similar difficulties, tests and trials as they did. And how did they overcome them? By faith! Abel had to give his own life for his faith and Noah was mocked for building the ark. Abraham did receive a promise but had to wait for it; he did not receive it here below. Instead he looked to inhabit a better city by faith. Moses had to overcome his love of pleasure and his fear of man, as he chose to be part of God’s people and led them out of Egypt. And the examples in this chapter are multiplied by how people learned to live by faith despite all odds. These heroes of faith are there to ask us: Will you continue to obey God? Will you overcome trials and obstacles? Will you live for something better than this world? Will you treasure the things unseen? Will you live by faith? Suggestions for prayer Pray for the increase of your faith. Pray for the grace to live with an eternal perspective. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 22 - Jesus’ better way to God (II)

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. (…) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (…) Let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, nor forsaking the assembling of ourselves together (…)” - Hebrews 10:22-25 Scripture reading: Hebrews 10:19-39 In light of the enormous privilege of being able to enter the Most Holy Place, by the new and living way, paved by the blood of Christ, how should we then live? That is the question the text of today answers us. We should live with faith (vs. 22), hope, (vs. 23), and love (vs. 24). Faith – We may now come with full assurance of faith to God’s throne of grace, our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. When a priest would enter, after a stop at the altar, he would cleanse himself at the laver. But, the author to the Hebrews says that through the Great High Priest’s finished work, you now have become a priest, and you may come close to God in full assurance! The way is open! And by faith you may be assured that you are completely cleansed through union with Him! Hope – In chapter 6, the author to the Hebrews has talked about the anchor of hope, which is cast beyond the veil. Christ is beyond the veil in heaven for us. Through His promises we may now be assured that our little ship, anchored to Christ, will one day reach the safe haven of heaven. Love – Having experienced such glorious love of Christ, the author now calls the Hebrew Christians and us to express that love to fellow-Christians. How? By stirring each other up through expressed love and good deeds, and by faithful church attendance and fellowship to build each other up Suggestions for prayer Pray for the strengthening of your faith and hope during worship today. Ask the Lord for specific ways in which you can express your love to fellow-Christians in your local congregation today. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 21 - Jesus’ better way to God (I)

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us (…) let us draw near!” - Hebrews 10:19-20,22a Scripture reading: Hebrews 10:1-25 Every High Priest entering the Most Holy place would enter with the utmost caution. I am sure you remember what happened when Aaron’s sons were only on their first day on the job, bringing in strange fire. They were killed on the spot! Did you notice how the author of the Hebrews asks believers to enter in the Holiest? Not with caution, but with boldness, complete openness… Why? How can that be? Because the blood of Jesus is better than any other blood, and His blood opens the way into the Holiest, which is a picture of heaven itself! The author to the Hebrews tells us that this is a new and living way, consecrated for us. What does that mean? New means: freshly slaughtered! Ever fresh! Blood that will never dry up or lose its power! Why? Because it is also a living way. Jesus after his death is alive, interceding in heaven for us. Jesus opened up the way to heaven with His very own body and blood. And so we may come with boldness to His heavenly throne room in prayer. In other words: He is saying to every believer: Come closer! Enter in! Andrew Murray said it like this: “It calls to enter in through the rent veil, into the place into which the blood has been brought, and where the High Priest lives, there to live and walk and work always in the presence of the Father.” You see? Jesus opens a better way to God! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the new and living way into God’s presence. Pray that you would be more aware of the enormous privilege to always live and dwell in His glorious presence. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 20 - Jesus leaves us a better testament (II)

“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” - Hebrews 9:11 Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:15-28 The first covenant was ratified with the sprinkling of blood by Moses (vs. 19-20). The day that Moses made the covenant, almost everything was somehow touched with blood. The vessels, altar, scrolls, priests and people, they all needed the blood of sprinkling. Blood, lots of blood was needed Do you understand the preciousness and power of the blood of the New Covenant? Moments before His death, Jesus instituted the New Covenant with the words: This is My blood of the New Covenant, shed for many for the remission of sins. He was saying: My blood needs to be shed, so that it can sprinkle many people, that many share in my inheritance. Without my blood there is no forgiveness! That night and the following day, Jesus’ blood flowed! He sweated blood in the garden, crawling over the ground as a worm. His back was brutally plowed, and slashed open (cf. Psalm 129:3). The crown of thorns made his head bleed. The nails would be driven through His hands and feet. The spear would pierce his side… Why? Because Jesus’ blood is better than Moses’ blood of sprinkling! Isaiah tells us, just in the chapter prior to that grand 53rd chapter: SO! (In this way) shall He sprinkle many nations! (cf. Isa 52:15). This was needed so that our spiritual life can be cleansed… Our prayers, worship, good deeds, words, emotions, desires, will, and our whole life, needs to be pardoned and purified… And our future inheritance be assured! Suggestions for prayer Confess your need for the pardon and purification of the blood of Christ for your whole spiritual life, and for the assurance of your future inheritance. Ask Him to apply it with renewed power to your soul. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 19 - Jesus leaves us a better testament (I)

“For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it...

Daily devotional

June 18 - Jesus, minister of a better sanctuary (II)

Daily devotional

June 17 - Jesus, minister of a better sanctuary (I)

Daily devotional

June 16 - Jesus, mediator of a better covenant (II)

Daily devotional

June 15 - Jesus, mediator of a better covenant (I)

“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, insomuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” - Hebrews 8:6 Scripture reading: Hebrews 8:1-6 Can you picture it? Moses is coming down from the mountain, and has been in God’s very own presence. But the Lord sent him back down. Why? As he comes closer to the foot of the mountain, he knows why… He sees that God’s people who promised obedience to God’s covenant and law, have terribly broken His commandments. They are feasting and dancing around the golden calf! In wrath and disappointment Moses throws the two stone tablets of the law down into shambles, a visible sermon: a broken law, a broken covenant! Why did they break the covenant? They were led out of Egypt, but Egypt was still in their hearts! They needed laws that were not just written down… They needed a law in their hearts! That’s why the Lord made a new covenant with them, a similar covenant, but one of a better quality. A covenant that climaxes and excels all the other previous covenants, made with Abraham, Noah, Moses and David. Now, notice what verse 8 tells us about the Maker and Initiator of the covenant. I will make it! The word ‘make’ here means conclude, or consummate. In other words, this is going to be the climatic, final, and most glorious covenant! This is covenant with transforming power! It is all based on God’s promised ‘I wills’, all of grace! This covenant is a one-sided covenant! That means God will take the punishment when it is broken by His people. That’s why Jesus is the Mediator of a better covenant! Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins against God’s broken law and covenant. Ask the Lord to remove all your sins and deeply change your heart. And thank God for His one-sided covenant and trustworthy covenant promises. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 14 - Jesus’ better intercession (II)

“For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless and undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens.” - Hebrews 7:26 Scripture reading: Hebrews 7: 24-28 Robert Murray McCheyne said: “If I could hear Christ praying for me in the next room, I would not fear a million enemies.” And that is perhaps how you feel too. If I could only hear or see Jesus pray for me, what a difference that would make! McCheyne then corrected himself and said: “Yet distance makes no difference. He is praying for me!” And so it is for every believer. What a glorious comfort that should be for us. With regard to Jesus’ intercession, His work for us is not done, it is ongoing, uninterrupted! Now verse 26 tells us that this High Priest fits exactly with our weaknesses and sins… We cannot come before the Lord, just as Joshua the High Priest (Zech. 3) could not appear before the Holy God without being accused of sin and filth. But Jesus, our interceding High Priest is perfect. Why will a Holy God hear Him? Because of His holy life; because of His harmless, that is: innocent life; because of His undefiled and unblemished life, because of His devoted and separated life unto God. That’s why He, unlike any other High Priest, is such a Perfect Intercessor! Before the throne of God above I have a strong, a perfect plea; A great High Priest, whose Name is Love, Whoever lives and pleads for me. When Satan tempts me to despair, And tells me of the guilt within, Upward I look, and see Him there Who made an end of all my sin. Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord for Jesus’ perfect and spotless righteousness, which makes Him such a fitting interceding High Priest. Trust His perfect righteousness and come with boldness to His throne of grace with all your needs. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 13 - Jesus’ better intercession (I)

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” - Hebrews 7:25 Scripture reading: Hebrews 7: 24-28 Every day one of the Aaronic priests, after having sacrificed at the bronze burnt offering altar, would draw near into the holy place, offering up prayers on behalf of the people. And as the cloud of incense would waft up and over the veil into the Holiest, the Priest would know that prayers have been set before the Lord. But priest after priest did this work and died, and their intercession ended. So, the question was, could their prayers really save or change something? This is different with Jesus! Jesus’ intercession is better! We can see in verse 21 that Jesus is a Priest after the order of Mechizedek, a different order than Aaron’s. Psalm 110 tells us about that order, that therefore He is a forever priest! Just as verse 16 already told us, that He is a Priest according to the power of an endless life! This makes a tremendous difference for the power of Jesus’ intercessory prayers! This means that: Jesus has an unchangeable Priesthood! Jesus doesn’t need successors, because Jesus is the Priest par excellence! Jesus is full of life-giving power and prayers! Jesus’ prayers and the power of His sacrifice will always prevail! And not only that! Jesus is available 24/7! Jesus ever lives to make intercession for sinners! And even that is not all! This means that Jesus can save us to the uttermost! In other words, forever and completely! Therefore, let us trust His intercession fully, and come boldly to Him! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the forever and complete salvation of Christ, and His intercessory prayers on His people’s behalf. Thank God for His 24/7 availability and ask the Lord for grace and dependence to make more use of His intercession. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 12 - Jesus, the better Melchizedek

“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him.” - Hebrews 7:1 Scripture reading: Hebrews 7:1-24 Have you ever heard a story or sermon about Melchizedek? I guess you haven't heard very much about him, often. Yet, this obscure figure that appears mostly in Genesis 14, has much to teach us, since he is a wonderful type of Christ. Just like Melchizedek, Christ is both King and High Priest. But both His Kingship and High Priesthood are far better than Melchizedek’s. Melchizedek was king of Salem (later Jerusalem), but Jesus is King of the heavenly Jerusalem! Melchizedek is called a king of righteousness, but Jesus Christ is the King of righteousness. His character is holy, harmless and undefiled! Melchizedek was a king of peace, peace-loving in a violent world, but Jesus came to bring everlasting peace, through the shedding of His own blood! We have peace with God, peace with our neighbors and peace even in our hearts. Melchizedek was a priest of the Most High, Jesus is not just a priest, He is the priest of the Most High. Powerful and Sympathetic, He is able to deliver us from our sins, able to stand in our place, continually interceding for us! Melchizedek blessed Abraham with a temporary blessing, but Jesus because He lives forever, can bless us with everlasting blessings! Melchizedek met Abraham and brought him bread and wine. Jesus met us in the sacrament and served us bread and wine, signs and seals that show His love, His salvation and make us long for eternal peace in heaven. Do you see it? Jesus is our better Melchizedek! Suggestions for prayer Praise Jesus Christ, for ruling, for being righteous, for bringing peace, for interceding and blessing us with spiritual blessings (Eph 1). Pray that whenever you partake of the Lord’s Supper, you would relish in His love and long for the New Jerusalem. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 11 - Jesus, our better Isaac

“Saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”” - Hebrews 6:14 – Scripture reading: Hebrews 6:13-20 ...

Daily devotional

June 10 - Jesus supplies a better maturity

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end.” - Hebrews 6:11 Scripture reading: Heb...

Daily devotional

June 9 - Jesus, better than Aaron (II)

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” - Hebrews ...

Daily devotional

June 8 - Jesus, better than Aaron (I)

“… So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest…” - Hebrews 5:5a Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10 What a tragic mo...

Daily devotional

June 7 - Jesus’ rest better than Joshua’s (II)

“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” - Hebrews 4:9 Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:1-13 In this passage the author to the Hebrews stresses that the rest God offers is still for today. Although the Lord swore the oath negatively, yet, the opposite is true too. Those who believe will no doubt enter into God’s offered rest! Indeed, those who learn to mix the Word of God with faith, while they hear it, will find rest for their souls! Those who learn to rest from their own works, will enter into God’s rest. Although Joshua brought the people into the Promised Land, the people did not yet experience the final and full rest of God’s promises (vs. 8). You remember how the enemies had to be driven out, and were still in the land years later… No, Joshua didn’t bring perfect rest or peace. Five hundred years later David came. He wrote Psalm 95 and tells us that God has not given up on the idea of giving His people rest, but there again the rest was not final. What rest did God promise? Temporal rest? Physical rest in Israel? No! God promises spiritual rest, true sabbath rest, eternal rest! He promises Jesus’ rest, which is better than Joshua’s! He invites us to come and rest today: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Mt. 11:28). This is the rest verse 9 talks about. A rest that points back to creation before the fall, and forward to the future, final and perfect rest in heaven, the glorious Promised Land. Suggestions for prayer Thank and Praise God for offering spiritual rest in Christ! Pray that you might enjoy more of this rest as you live by faith in the promises of God. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 6 - Jesus’ rest better than Joshua’s (I)

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” - Hebrews 3:19 - Scripture reading: Hebrews 3:7-19 “But there are giants!... and we feel like grasshoppers! The land is amazing, we agree! The land is good! Yes! But we will never be able to overcome them! We will never be able to conquer the land! You should have seen those enormous walls! These people will swallow us up alive! If they all unite against us, we will have a huge problem!” That’s how the people of Israel responded, when they were just at the edge of the Promised land. Almost there! And yet, they did not enter… Why? Unbelief! What a horribly ugly sin, unbelief is. Verse 10 shows us that unbelief makes us go astray and keeps us from knowing God. Verse 12 shows unbelief comes from an evil heart that departs from the living God. Verse 13 shows unbelief hardens our heart and deceives us. The Lord hates unbelief. He swore an oath (Ps. 95) that unbelievers would not enter into His promised rest… This oath is still true today… In contrast, Joshua and Caleb responded in faith… They said: “Let us go up at once! We are well able to overcome it! It is an exceedingly good land! If the Lord delights in us, He will give it to us! The Lord is with us! Don’t fear!” What a beautiful gift of God, faith is. It makes us strong and courageous, it makes us realize that if God is for us, who shall be against us?! Have you found rest in God’s promises? Suggestions for prayer Pray that God will help you kill all remaining vestiges of unbelief in your life, and that the Lord will give you strong and courageous faith, that honors Him and doesn’t fear people and difficult circumstances. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 5 - Jesus, better than Moses

“…And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant…” - Hebrews 3:5a Scripture reading: Hebrews 3:1-6 The Hebrews, who were tempted to go back to Old Testament ceremonies, revered Moses. Moses built the tabernacle (house), just according to God’s plan. Moses delivered the law, just as the Lord told him. Moses, pleaded and interceded for God’s people many times, one time even offering his own life… Moses, the mediator of the Old Testament, was a wonderfully faithful servant of God. He was meek, humble, dependent and he was obedient, at least, for the most part… But Moses could not be the final and faithful Mediator! Moses himself was a sinner in need of grace and Christ. Unlike Moses, Christ was not only a faithful, but a sinless Mediator. Jesus is better! Infinitely better! Why? This passage gives us two reasons: Moses is part of the building God is making, Jesus is the Builder of the house and everything else (vs.3-4)! Yes, He is God Himself! Moses was by God’s grace a living stone in God’s final temple, the church. Moses is a servant in the house of God, but Christ is the Son who has all authority in the house/church! Moses was shepherding the church in the wilderness, but Christ is the Son, the authoritative Heir and Shepherd who laid down His life for His flock! The same is true for us. We are part of the building, we are servants, but Christ is the Builder and the Son. Let us trust His obedience, His life-giving power and sacrifice, and let’s serve Him faithfully! Suggestions for prayer Pray that we realize our place in God’s church, that we serve God faithfully as living stones in His temple (1 Peter 2:5), trusting in Christ’s perfect redemption as the Builder of and Son in God’s Church. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 4 - Jesus, lower yet still better than the angels

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” - Hebrews 2:9 Scripture reading: Hebrews 2:5-18 Adam was crowned with glory and honor as one who was created in God’s image. All things were put under his feet. But his and our tragic fall with him, took the crown from our heads. The image of God in us is marred, and all of us must now die… But there is One, who is better than Adam, He is the One under whose feet all things will be placed! His name is Jesus! And in order to stand in Adam’s place… He was made a little lower than the angels… He, for whom the angels bow, and He whom the angels worshipped eternally. Think about that! He became lower than the angels! Why? To suffer death… To taste death for everyone The Father said to Him: “Son, taste death,” when He crawled as a worm and not a man on the ground of Gethsemane! As He looked into this cup of God’s eternal wrath over our sin, this poisonous cup of death… He tasted it, yes, He drank it! Hallelujah! He drained it empty on behalf of His people! And after He tasted death, He rose victoriously and went back to the place of glory and honor, the place higher than the angels! Why? So, that you and I, sinners as we are, can taste the cup of God’s grace, and be crowned with glory and immortality! None of the angels could do this! He who became lower than the angels, is better than the angels! What a Savior! Jesus is better! Suggestions for prayer: Praise Jesus for stooping so low, tasting death for sinners like us. Pray that you would drink deeply from the cup of His grace, and eagerly look forward to being crowned with glory and immortality. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. 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

June 3 - Jesus, better than the angels

“… having become so much better than the angels…” - Hebrews 1:4a Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:4-2:4 The Jews believed that one of the gr...

Daily devotional

June 2 - Jesus, better than the prophets

“…Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person…” - Hebrews 1:3a Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:1-4 Jesus is b...

Daily devotional

June 1 - Introduction to Hebrews

The book of Hebrews is not an easy Bible book to understand but, when after diligent study it is opened up to us, we see it is worth the effort! The b...

Daily devotional

May 31 - Without excuse

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in th...

Daily devotional

May 30 - God’s timeline and our salvation

“Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” - John 5:28, 29 Scripture reading: Daniel 12:1-13 Daniel 12, in symbolic language, succinctly describes time and eternity and the destiny of all humanity, both the wicked and the righteous (2, 10). Throughout the Bible we read how God governs time for the specific purpose of saving His people from their sin. Consider that Jesus was born to redeem us at “the fullness of time” (Galatians 4:4, 5). Jesus also spoke about time when He described the apostasy, wickedness and false teaching that will overwhelm people toward the end of history as we know it. But even as He described the turmoil that will come upon people living in the last times, He gave this great encouragement in Matthew 24:22: “But for the sake of the elect those days will be cut short.” We see that same truth in Ephesians 1:10 which describes how God’s purpose for history will be put into effect when the times will have reached their fulfillment, for He has “a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” We look at our world in all its depravity, hostility and immorality, and ask, “How long, O Lord?” And God’s answer is to wait for “the fullness of time” when Christ returns. Meanwhile, Scripture teaches us that now is the time of salvation. If you have never placed your faith in Christ, prayerfully seek Him, trusting His promise to freely pardon all who come to Him in humble repentance and true saving faith (Isaiah 55:6, 7). Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He governs time so that sinners like ourselves have an opportunity to come to Him without delay, knowing that “now is the day of salvation” (2 Corinthians 6:2). Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 29 - Grateful praise to our ascended Lord!

“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf.” - Hebrews 9:24 Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:11-28 Did you notice how verse 24 points out that Jesus entered heaven “to appear in the presence of God on our behalf”? That phrase describes an amazing truth concerning the ascension. Jesus ascended into heaven to intercede eternally on behalf of those who by His grace have saving faith in Him alone “since he always lives to make intercession for them” (Hebrews 7:25). As He intercedes, He does so with great compassion for He has been tempted in every way as we are, yet is without sin (Hebrews 4:15). He knows the human experience completely. He has experienced hunger, thirst and conflicts from angry people. He has lived under ungodly political rulers. He knows what it is like to live in a fallen world and face the attacks of the evil one. And as the Mediator of the New Covenant, He has shed His blood to cover – propitiate – the sins of His people. Not only does the ascension assure us of our salvation through saving faith in Christ, but it also assures us that just as Jesus ascended bodily into heaven, so will we on the last day when He returns in glory (1 Corinthians 15:35-58; Philippians 3:20, 21). Most people don’t give much thought to the blessings that flow from the ascension. Yet the knowledge of our ascended Savior instills within us praise and adoration. Jesus Christ has entered heaven to intercede on our behalf! Our redemption is complete in Him! He is returning again to receive us to Himself! Alleluia! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Savior, Jesus Christ, for His perfect life of obedience, His sacrificial death, His resurrection, and His ascension into heaven to “appear in the presence of God on our behalf” (24). Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 28 - Immeasurable love

“…Know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” - Ephesians 3:19 Scripture reading: Ephesians 3:1-21 The apostle Paul was amazed at the depth of God’s love for him. He had persecuted the church and yet the Lord still loved him, redeemed him, and used him for His glory. The same was true for Peter. Do you think Peter understood something of the depth of the love of Christ when he was forgiven and restored? He was forgiven and restored even after denying ever knowing Jesus, three times over, with curses, before the rooster crowed. Or what about Thomas? What depth of love Christ used, dealing gently with doubting Thomas, restoring and bringing him into fellowship again! Perhaps there are some who wonder, “Could God really love me? Would God really love me since He is omniscient and knows my thoughts? Does God really love me knowing my actions, knowing my apathy, knowing my sinfulness?” The prayer of the apostle is that you and I would know the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love – that yes, it reaches down into the depth of depravity in your life and mine and redeems us and sets us in the heavenly realms with Christ, for as He Himself said, “I have not come to call the righteous but sinners to repentance” (Luke 5:32). Having experienced an inkling of that vast love of God, we are to love Him above all else and our neighbors as ourselves as we look forward to an eternity of discovering the magnitude of God’s steadfast love! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to give you a greater comprehension of the breadth, length, height, and depth of Christ’s love. Pray for increased love for Christ, and pray for His love to radiate out from your life into the lives of others. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 27 - Eternal grace

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—” - Ephesians 2:4,5 Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 Grace has been defined in many ways, but the essence of grace is unmerited favor. We deserve damnation, yet those who have saving faith in Christ experience unmerited favor – the grace of God – in the past, present, and future. If you have saving faith in Christ, it is because of God’s “purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Timothy 1:9), as your name was inscribed “before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 13:8). We experience God’s grace and are secure in our salvation through the eternal work of Christ, our Savior. But we also experience the grace of God each day of our lives, even in trials. Consider the Apostle Paul: What was the greater blessing for him – having the thorn removed from his flesh, or having the promise that God’s grace is sufficient for every thorn? (2 Corinthians 12:9). But grace isn’t given to us just in the past and the present. We will experience the fullness of God’s grace in the life to come. After describing how it is by grace that we are saved from sin (5), the Holy Spirit describes how we are already in principle raised with Christ in the heavenly realms (6) “so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (7). Such is the marvelous and eternal grace of our loving Lord! Suggestions for prayer Sincerely thank God for His immeasurable and eternal grace. And show the sincerity of your prayers by living a life of grateful obedience, doing the good works that God has before ordained for you to do (10). Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 26 - Mercy, grace, and steadfast love

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” - Psalm 103:8 Scripture reading: Psalm 103:1-22 Three ...

Daily devotional

May 25 - Christ, our passover lamb

“Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” - 1 Cor...

Daily devotional

May 24 - The active obedience of Christ

“…So that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21b Scripture reading: Zechariah 3:1-10 When Jesus, in His p...

Daily devotional

May 23 - The passive obedience of Christ

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin…” - 2 Corinthians 5:21a Scripture reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 In our electronic age, g...

Daily devotional

May 22 - Redemption through the Son

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” - John 3:14,15 Scripture reading: Numbers 21:4-9 The experience of the Israelites described in Numbers 21 seems far removed from us. Yet we have something in common: Each one of us has been bitten by the deadliest of serpents; we have within us the venom of sin. It is bad enough that we have been bitten by the serpent, but what is worse is that all of our sin, even when it is directed toward another human being, is ultimately against God. Did you notice verse 5? – “The people spoke against God and against Moses.” God, being just and holy, must punish sin. He sent fiery serpents among the people; they bit the people and many Israelites died (6). The wages of sin is death, and the Lord allowed these serpents in the camp to inflict the venom of death. But God is also merciful. He provides a way out from the wages of sin, from the fangs and the venom of the serpent. In verse 8 God graciously provided a means of salvation from the bite of the snakes. A bronze serpent was placed on a pole and when the people were bitten by snakes and looked at the bronze serpent, they lived (9) Jesus used this example to point us to Himself. He alone can save us from our sins (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Timothy 2:5). Although we are sinners stricken with the serpent’s venom, through saving faith in Christ we are spared, given new life from above, and adopted into God’s family. Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins, and then thank the Lord that although “…the wages of sin is death…the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 6:23). Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 21 - New life from the Spirit

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 1:3 Scripture reading: John 3:1-15 Jesus emphasizes to us, as He did to Nicodemus, the necessity of the Holy Spirit’s work in our lives. None of us would have saving faith in Christ if it were not for the Holy Spirit. He regenerates us with life from above as we are “born again” and have a new heart and spiritual eyes to see what so many others miss (1 Corinthians 2:14). The Holy Spirit’s work is crucial for our salvation and our sanctification, that is, our growth in grace, knowledge, love, and service. Yet, have you noticed how often Scripture focuses on the Father and the Son but not on the Holy Spirit? Consider most of the greetings in the New Testament letters, such as 1 Corinthians 1:3. The Holy Spirit isn’t mentioned. The reason is that the Holy Spirit doesn’t seek attention, praise, and glory. Rather, He directs glory to the Son who in turn directs His glory to the Father (John 17:1; 1 Corinthians 15:28). In this way, the Holy Spirit serves – and delights to serve – as the spotlight on the cross. A former church had an illuminated cross that was highly visible at night. Many people asked if I pastored the church with the cross, but no one asked about the necessity, power,and importance of the spotlight that illuminated the cross. Without the spotlight no one would see the cross; without the Holy Spirit, no one would “see” Christ and be reconciled to the Father through saving faith in Christ alone. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that by the Holy Spirit’s power we are given new birth, conviction of sin, assurance of pardon, growth in grace, power in prayer, adoption into God’s family and the guarantee of our salvation and eternal inheritance. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 20 - The electing love of the Father

“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spirit and with full conviction…” - 1 Thessalonians 1:4,5 Scripture reading: Romans 9:1-29 Election and predestination are woven throughout the Bible. Yet their teaching angers many people causing them to charge God with unfairness. But who are we to charge God – the Potter – with His decisions? (19-21). The question isn’t, “Why didn’t God choose to save everyone?” but “Why did God choose to save anyone?” And the question can be turned around: “Is it fair that you and I should be saved, since we are sinners deserving eternal damnation for our sins?” But we understand that it is not a question of fairness. That we are lavished with the love of our triune God reveals God’s awesome and astonishing grace! (Romans 9:22-24; Ephesians 2:8-10). When we think of election, we often think of it only in regard to our salvation. But we are God’s chosen people not only for salvation, but for service. As Jesus said in John 15:16, “You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit…” God chose us not only to save us from our sin, but to sanctify us for good works, which also, with the Holy Spirit’s indwelling (Romans 8:16), gives us certainty about our calling and election. (You can read about that in the context of 1 Thessalonians 1:4-10, 2 Peter 1:3-11, and other Scriptures). Many people stumble over the teaching of election and predestination, but praise God that through His eternal decree we experience the fullness of His love and grace through no merit of our own! Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He has graciously predestined us to live to the praise of His glorious grace (Ephesians 1:11, 12). Pray that your life would produce much fruit and reflect deep and sincere gratitude for His unmerited favor. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 19 - Only through Christ

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” - Hebrews 10:31 Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 6:1-11 In 1 Samuel 6 we read that seventy men were killed because they looked into the ark of the Lord. In 2 Samuel 6 we read how Uzzah was put to death as he tried to steady the ark when the oxen stumbled. The people of Israel experienced the truth of Hebrews 10:31 long before it was written. Why was God’s judgment so severe? The judgment was severe because the men who were put to death didn’t approach the ark in the way that God had commanded. Specific instructions were given to the priests concerning the ark (Exodus 25:12-14; Numbers 4:15; 1 Chronicles 13:10; et al.) because that is where God Himself dwelt symbolically. The mercy seat covered the ark. Once per year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the mercy seat. That shed blood pointed to Christ. It is only through faith in Him and His shed blood that anyone can enter the presence of God. Many people today take the Lord’s presence as casually as those who were slain in the Old Testament era. But apart from saving faith in Christ they will find the truth that God, perfectly just and holy, must pronounce judgment for sin. Christ took the judgment of sin upon Himself for all who have saving faith in Him alone. But all others will find that apart from Christ it is indeed a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the serious warnings in His Word. Take the warnings to heart, and pray for those who have no regard for the holiness of God and His righteous eternal judgment on unrepentant sinners. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 18 - Who is able to stand before this holy God

Daily devotional

May 17 - Providence in retrospect

“For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.” - Psalm 119:83 Scripture reading: Psalm 119:81-88 ...

Daily devotional

May 16 - Providence and civil government

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.” - Proverbs 21:1 Scripture reading: Exodus 2:...

Daily devotional

May 15 - Providence and redemption

“Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife.” -...

Daily devotional

May 14 - Providential protection

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings…” - Psalm 17:8 Scripture reading: Psalm 91:1-14 Have you ever complained about being stuck in traffic, yet further down the road you see a tragic accident, a mangled mass of metal, and you wonder, “Did anyone survive?” And then you realize that if you had not been in the traffic jam that caused you to complain, you would have been in that horrific accident. God not only works for our good by what He does, but also by what He prevents. It is the “preventive providence” of God for which we often forget to thank Him. That is the providence Psalm 91:3 describes: “For He will deliver you from the snare of the fowler…” A snare is that unseen death trap that catches its prey unaware. How often have you been spared from snares you didn’t even see. But more important than physical protection, the Lord, with His eye on His people, gives spiritual protection. We pray about that in the Lord’s prayer when we pray: “And lead us not into temptation…” (Matthew 6:13). That petition is a prayer for strength in facing temptation, but also for the “preventive providence” of God. It includes asking the Lord to prevent circumstances that would lead us into temptation. Looking back on your life, even if you are young, you can undoubtedly see situations and circumstances where God intervened in unique ways to protect you from harm, to provide for you, and to guard you from further temptation. Why? Because He is the omniscient, loving God whose eye is always on His people. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the many times He has spared you from tragedy and temptation, even though at the time you were unaware of the danger you faced. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 13 - Worry quelled by providence

“…The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:5-7 Scripture reading: Esther 5:9-6:14 God’s providence includes His sovereign guidance over all the circumstances of our lives. It was because of God’s providence that the king could not sleep (6:1) which shed light on Mordecai’s unrewarded protection of the king (6:2), and ultimately led to the demise of Haman, the ruthless enemy of God’s people (6:13). Because God works His providential care through everyday circumstances, we can be patient when things go against us, thankful when things go well, having full confidence that nothing can separate us from God’s love (Heidelberg Catechism, Lord’s Day 10). Those who trust in God’s providence have no reason to worry, though we often do. And although we trust God’s providence through the everyday events of our lives, we are still to make plans. As Ecclesiastes 11:6 teaches: “In the morning sow your seed, and at evening withhold not your hand, for you do not know which will prosper, this or that, or whether both alike will be good.” We are not to be idle like those in Thessalonica who, expecting the Lord’s imminent return, quit their jobs. The apostle had to remind them, “If anyone is not willing to work, let him not eat” (2 Thessalonians 3:10). But even though we plan, and work, and diversify as Ecclesiastes 11:6 tells us to do, we have no reason for worry. The same God who watched over and delivered Esther and Mordecai from Haman and his cruel edict is the God who watches over you and me. Suggestions for prayer Read, memorize, and pray back to the Lord Philippians 4:5b-7 and Matthew 6:25-34. Those passages quell the worry that rises up within each one of us. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 12 - Providence and reliance on God

“Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” - 2 Corinthians 1:9 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 1:3-11; 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Providence includes the hard times in our lives. Consider how the apostle Paul faced tremendous suffering including riots, imprisonments, and ridicule – all part of God’s divine providence. In addition, he had poor eyesight, was small in stature, and had that “thorn in the flesh” that he writes about in 2 Corinthians 12. He writes how he had prayed – he uses the word “pleaded” – that God would take away the thorn. But the Lord did not answer the prayer the way the apostle had hoped. Instead, God answered the prayer with something better. God gave Paul – and gives us – this promise: “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness” (2 Corinthians 12:9). And the apostle Paul found great comfort in that answer. It was through his suffering that the apostle learned to rely more completely on God (2 Corinthians 1:9). And the same is true in your life and mine. The Lord sends us hard providences at times because when we are at our weakest point, we realize most acutely how much we need the strength, comfort, and guidance of our gracious, omnipotent God. Hard providence also reminds us of the great suffering Christ endured on our behalf, “For as we share abundantly in Christ’s sufferings, so through Christ we share abundantly in comfort too” (2 Corinthians 1:5). Our suffering reminds us of Christ’s great love for us, that He would leave the glory of heaven for a life of suffering on earth. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the suffering of Christ on your behalf; thank Him that His grace is sufficient for every thorn in your life and that His strength is made perfect in your weakness. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 11 - The ultimate work of providence

“This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” - Acts 2:23 Scripture reading: Matthew 26:1-16 In verse 2 Jesus predicted His death as He said to His disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Meanwhile, the chief priests and the elders were plotting how they might kill Jesus, but they set a wholly different timeline. They said, “Not during the feast, unless there be an uproar among the people” (5). These verses teach us that Jesus arranged every detail of His crucifixion, even the exact time at the Passover. He was not caught by surprise by the kiss of betrayal. He was not caught by surprise by the Roman troops; there was no surprise at the judicial trials he faced. He knew His destination from all eternity. Before the world was created, He had willingly offered Himself as the only sacrifice that can take away our sin. The shadow of the cross was imprinted in His heart and mind throughout His days on earth. When a fireman risks his life to save the lives of those in a burning house, it is indeed a heroic act. But the intent of a fireman is to rescue people and then escape alive. But Jesus knew from all eternity that our salvation would cost Him His life. Yet, He willingly planned out every detail of His death in the ultimate act of providence. It is yet another reminder of His great love for those whom He came to redeem. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that His providence governs the smallest events – the random arrow, the sparrow that falls to the ground, but also the most profound and awesome event in the world – the sacrifice of His Son for our salvation. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 10 - Not by chance

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” - Proverbs 16:33 Scripture reading: 2 Chronicles 18:28-34 Not onl...

Daily devotional

May 9 - The new heavens and earth

“But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” - 2 Peter 3:13 Scripture reading...

Daily devotional

May 8 - An unbreakable covenant

“While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” - Genesis 8:22 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

May 7 - New creations in Christ

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

May 6 - Our place in the world

“What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” - Psalm 8:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 8:1-9; Hebrews 2:5-9 If you have ever stood at the edge of the ocean, or watched a sunset over picturesque mountains, or stood in a meadow soaking in the sun’s rays while surrounded by a forest of trees, you can relate to David’s exclamation in verse 1. But as we soak in God’s creation, we can also relate to David’s question in verses 3 and 4. We are so insignificant compared to the vastness of creation! We are so temporary and frail compared to the longevity and power of the sea, mountains, plains and forests God has created. Yet the Lord, having created us in His image, crowns us with glory and honor, and gives us eternal significance, even “dominion over the works of (his) hands” (6) – not in ourselves – but in Christ. The author of Hebrews quotes from Psalm 8 in Hebrews 2:6-8, and then makes the remarkable observation that Christ, through Whom the world was created (Hebrews 1:2), was made a little lower than the angels for our sake (9). After quoting this Psalm, the author of Hebrews points out that at present we don’t see everything in subjection to Christ. Often it looks just the opposite to us, as though evil has dominion and the evil one rules. But by faith we know that Christ is now far above the angelic realm, “crowned with glory and honor” (Hebrews 2:9), because by His death and resurrection He has given life to all who by God’s grace have saving faith in Him alone. Suggestions for prayer Express deep and sincere gratitude to Christ that He was willing to subject Himself to humiliation – lower than the angels He created – to redeem sinners who trust in Him alone for their salvation. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 5 - God’s wisdom and knowledge in creation and providence

“By the word of the LORD the heavens were made, and by the breath of his mouth all their host.” - Psalm 33:6 Scripture reading: Psalm 33:1-22 When God created the universe, He did so with precision that is hard for us to grasp. For instance, although it seems as though we are standing still, the earth’s rotation at the equator is 1,037 miles per hour (1,670 kilometers per hour). And we should be thankful! The rotation of the earth gives us day and night. In addition, gravitational pull and inertia ensure that the earth revolves the exact distance from the sun to make it habitable, neither totally scorched nor totally frozen. It reminds us of the infinite wisdom of our Creator! As we move, we are tilted. It seems straight but in actuality, we are at a twenty-three-and-a-half-degree angle. Before trying to straighten up, be glad that the earth is on its axis at just the right angle. If it wasn’t, there would be no seasons of winter, spring, summer and fall. No wonder the account of creation, in Genesis 1, declares: “God saw everything that he had made, and behold, it was very good” (Genesis 1:31). The Lord not only created the cosmos with perfection and precision, but He also carefully watches over His creation. He brings the counsel of nations to nothing (Ps. 3:10) and thwarts even the largest armies (16, 17). This knowledge of creation and providence should instill within us great joy in our daily walk (1-3), and firm confidence for the future, for He Who created the world “is our help and our shield” (20). Suggestion for prayer Thank God for His creation and His providential care for it. Ask forgiveness for taking for granted the unique and amazing way that the Lord created the heavens and the earth, and how He providentially watches over His creation. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 4 - Revealed in the world and the word

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork...The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the LORD is sure, making wise the simple…” - Psalm 19:1,7 Scripture reading: Psalm 19:1-14 Psalm 19 records how God’s identity is revealed through the world He created (1-6) and the Word He inspired (7-11). God created the world, not just as a place for us to live, but as a way to reveal His glorious deity to all humanity. As the Belgic Confession puts it in Article 2: “…The universe is before our eyes like a beautiful book in which all creatures, great and small, are as letters to make us ponder the invisible things of God: His eternal power and His divinity, as the apostle Paul says in Romans 1:20. All these things are enough to convict men and to leave them without excuse.” But to see the reality of who God is by what He has created, we need, in John Calvin’s words, “spectacles.” In the Word of God, by the Holy Spirit’s regenerating power, we see God’s identity not just as the awesome Creator of the Cosmos, but as the Redeemer of all who have saving faith in Christ alone. His law, testimonies and precepts (7, 8), along with all of Scripture, reveal our sin in the piercing light of the law, but they also reveal our Savior in the glorious light of the gospel. As we gather to worship, may our focus be on Him who is revealed in the Word that is proclaimed. But may our focus be on Christ and Him crucified and risen, not only on Sunday, but each day God grants us grace to live. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the universe He created and the Word He inspired. Thank Him that His Word is more precious than gold and sweeter than honey as it reveals our sin, but also our Savior, Jesus Christ. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 3 - Our Creator and our Helper

“Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” - Psalm 124:8 Scripture reading: Genesis 1:1-31 The creation of the entire cosmos and all that is in it was not a long, hard process for our triune God. It wasn’t a project in which He enlisted the entire host of angelic powers to assist Him so that finally, through a great cosmic effort the world came into being. Not at all! He spoke and this world, this cosmos, came into being by the power of His spoken word! Psalm 124:8 teaches us that our help comes from the all-powerful Creator of the Cosmos. As such, the Lord is more than able to help you. Sometimes we want to help someone with whatever trial or hardship they face, but we recognize our own inability and weakness. Although we want to help, we ourselves are helpless. That is never the case with the Lord! His qualification to help you is that He is the Creator of heaven and earth. After all, God created the entire cosmos, including the solar system for “He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names” (Psalm 147:4). He also sees the sparrow falling to the ground (Matthew 10:29-31). The Lord knows and cares. How much more does He know about your situation and your needs? And because He knows our every need better than we know our needs, He assures us that He will work all things for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Romans. 8:28). Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that as our compassionate heavenly Father He is willing to help us. And thank Him that as the Almighty Creator of the Cosmos, He is more than able to help us. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 2 - Wonderful are your works!

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” - Job 38:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 104:1-35 ...

Daily devotional

May 1 - Introduction to God’s creation

Can you imagine an artist painting a picture without a plan or purpose for that picture? Even an abstract artist has a purpose for the abstract art th...

Daily devotional

April 30 - It is finished

“…they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.” - Psalm 22:30 Scripture reading: Ephesians 1...

Daily devotional

April 29 - Covenantal continuity

“Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the LORD to the coming generation…” - Psalm 22:30 Scripture reading: Psalm 78:1-8 It’s q...

Daily devotional

April 28 - Every knee shall bow

“All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive.” - Psalm 22:29 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:1-11 Verse 29 begins with a contrast to verse 26. In verse 26 it had been the poor in Israel feasting with the Lord, and now it’s the rich of the world who are sitting down at that table. Those in the world who are so full of what they have and what they have done, have to put all that aside in joining the poor at this meal. That is truly humbling – that is when a king is so powerful all are worshipping him. And this King alone is that One, for this is the spiritual feast brought about by the mighty act of rescue God has done! It is no wonder those who are brought out of the dark pagan night embrace this so joyfully. Because it is good news – this is truly living! In the words of Robert Browning, Easter day breaks! Christ arises! Mercy every way is infinite! Earth breaks up; Time drops away; In flows heaven with its new day of endless life! How humbling it is for them, is accentuated in the rest of verse 29. It’s the rich and the poor, who see that they cannot keep themselves alive, who come to faith in Jesus Christ. Those brought to the overwhelming sense of their complete sinfulness are granted forgiveness. They have bowed the knee! Suggestions for prayer Plead with God that we would always be bending the knee in our walk with Jesus. Thank God that Jesus is King and there is no better Master. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 27 - It’s on his head

‘All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. For kingship belongs to the LORD, and he rules over the nations.” - Psalm 22:27-28 Scripture reading: Psalm 22:22-26 It is all coming to a head. However, in complete contrast to earlier in this psalm when it all came upon the suffering Servant’s head, now we see what was on his head all along because he wears the crown! The suffering Servant is the King! The previous five verses have quite rightly raised up the thanksgiving of the congregation through the public worship of God’s people then – Israel. The suffering Servant is their ruler – He is ‘The King of the Jews’. Mark 15:26 tells us this was written upon the cross. Yet Christ was always much more than this. Verse 26 declares that he rules over the nations. The Hebrew word for His ruling here describes a king being exalted above others by virtue of His office. He is the King above all kings, he is the ruler of kings on earth, to quote Revelation 1:5. The suffering Servant expects that as a result of His rescue, the conversion of the nations will take place. So the work He has done, when it’s proclaimed throughout the nations, will mean many more coming to worship the Lord God through Him. How much wouldn’t that sound wrong to physical Israel! But how much doesn’t it make us right with God – we, the pagans spread throughout all the nations. This is what David prophesies here, for no other experience of suffering and divine deliverance, other than our Lord’s experience of the cross and resurrection, has had such a universal effect. Suggestions for prayer Thank Jesus for His victory over sin, death and hell, which is what we celebrate every Lord’s Day again. Ask for His Spirit’s help to live that truth out in our lives. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 26 - The ends of the earth

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the LORD, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.” - Psalm 22:27 Scripture reading: Psalm 22:27-31 This great psalm is drawing to its logical end. In fact, this psalm has drawn out for us the planned end of the entire human history! This is the really big picture. What we have here now is where the world is inevitably headed. The blessing extended to physical Israel in Palestine at the end of verse 26 is going to go out to the spiritual Israel found throughout the world. There can be no doubt that here we see the Messiah’s missionary spirit, for this prophesies the coming Pentecost and thus the New Testament age. This is especially seen with the word “remember” in verse 27. For what is it that those pagan nations will recall? Ah, it can be nothing less than what was lost in paradise. For what has been missing from their lives for thousands of years, has always been known in their hearts. However pagan they may have been, each one of them has had the sense of the divine within them. In the words of Romans 1:19 this is what has been plainly shown to them by God. It is the world-wide spread of the gospel which will make them turn aside from their paganism – their worship of themselves. They will turn to what they knew was right in their hearts all along! Paradise lost will be paradise regained, because not only will they return to the Lord in repentance – they will stay with Him in obedience! Suggestions for prayer Pray for a genuine biblical revival that starts with you. Praise God that He is bringing all things to a head. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 25 - Joyful affliction

“The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live forever!” - Psalm 22:26 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 24:19-22 The joy in this section of the psalm is such that all are blessed by it. Verse 26 affirms this as it speaks of the afflicted eating of this and being satisfied by it. This is something which here goes beyond what the Law said. It may be seen as a natural extension of the provisions for the poor, but it is yet more. And it is something more here because of what it is spiritually. Those who are the poor are found worshipping God seriously – this is a festival that will go on for two days. Naturally the poor know they will be fed here but, as part of the covenant people, they are also being fed spiritually. John Calvin brings out how the joy of such an occasion would minister to them in their misery when he says, For they saw in that feast, as in a mirror, the goodness of God set forth to all who are in affliction, which might assuage with wonderful consolation the grief arising from all their calamities. How different this is from the parties of this world. They only have their friends who are their social peers. And they certainly wouldn’t want any ministers around to dampen the spirit! As is fitting for a service of thanksgiving, there is a parting blessing. The text ends with, May your hearts live forever!, because now we may live forever in the presence of the One whose joy we celebrate for all eternity. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that he is no distinguisher of persons, but any may come to Him. Pray that many more may come to worship Him. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 24 - A cloud of witnesses

“From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him.” - Psalm 22:25 Scripture reading: Hebrew...

Daily devotional

April 23 - Here is the lowest

“For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.�...

Daily devotional

April 22 - Praise is the highest

“You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!” - Psalm 22:23�...

Daily devotional

April 21 - Expressing thanks

“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you…” - Psalm 22:22 Scripture reading: Hebrews 2:8...

Daily devotional

April 20 - The vital hinge

“Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns of the wild oxen!” - Psalm 22:20-21 Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:11-14 To say my soul is to emphasize the uniqueness of this life. It is a one off, an unrepeatable, once only event. And it’s laid out in this prayer to the Lord to be saved from the sword, the dogs and the lions and the wild oxen. What a contrast – the life of this man, compared with these evil men and animals. Will He be yet another one killed by the hatred and brutality of mankind? Is what He came to do going to be wasted on the altar of greed and perversity? No way! This One is the Way, the Truth, and the Life – to use the words of John 14:6. And verse 21 ends exactly on this note, doesn’t it? True, it begins with a plea. There, for the fifth time, he cries out for rescue! But he ends up thanking the Lord. The Hebrew literally says, You have answered me! This helps to make this the vital hinge of the psalm. Here it turns from the oppression of darkness to the dispersal of joy. And that ties in with the fulfilment of these words in the New Testament. As Hebrews 5:7 says, In the days of the flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence Christ’s sacrifice was acceptable – that’s why He arose. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the perfect sacrifice of His Son and thus His fulfilling the Father’s will. Pray that we will live the resurrected life in all we do. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 19 - Faith cries

“But you, O LORD, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid!” - Psalm 22:19 Scripture reading: Psalm 22:9-18 This is where the text changes around. Verse 19 begins the way verses 3 and 9 began. While they said, Yet, and this said, But, it has the same meaning – it’s the same Hebrew word. This is a word which is a conjunction. It means, in spite of that, or, however. Now in the third and final time this word appears in Psalm 22 it is all coming to a climax. The severe afflictions of the verses 12 to 18 bring out here a series of urgent cries. And it’s clear who He’s crying to. It’s the God of the covenant – YAHWEH. This is about the special relationship God has with His people. And there’s another word David uses for the Lord here. O you my help, he calls Him. In the depth of his utter weakness, he confesses God as the idea of strength. He declares the Lord is everything he is not! That’s faith. That’s believing when I am weak, He is strong. In the words of John Calvin, As his miseries had reached the utmost height, and as he saw not even a single ray of hope to encourage him to expect deliverance, it is a wonderful instance of the power of faith, that he not only endured his afflictions patiently, but that from the abyss of despair he arose to call upon God. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He is always there, even when we are so much in despair. Pray for His guidance and strength to sustain you through it all. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 18 - Who won what?

“...they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” - Psalm 22:18 Scripture reading: John 19:23-27 Our text contains the words directly quoted in John 19:24. You could not get words more directly fulfilling than what those Roman soldiers did, in their custom as executioners, claiming the possessions of the executed one. And in this case it was even more accurate, since, as the only thing of value was his tunic, and its value lay in being kept whole; they gambled for it using a type of ancient dice. The description about the death of this man is a specific one, since dividing up the possessions of the executed happens after the executioner’s work is done. The spoils of war come after the battle is won. But who has won what? If we think the devil has finally got his way, there is a huge disappointment coming for him and those who are his. Well might they think that they got their wicked way, but the light of day will soon show the foolishness that it is. This is all because Christ arose victorious over sin and death and the devil. In the words of a well-known hymn we sing together at this time, Up from the grave he arose, with a mighty triumph o’er his foes, He arose a victor from the dark domain, and he lives forever with his saints to reign. He arose! He arose! Hallelujah! Christ arose! Suggestions for prayer Praise God that His promises come true – which greater promise is there than His Son’s ultimate victory? Rejoice, for this is the day the Lord makes all His promises come true. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 17 - Seeing ourselves

“I can count all my bones – they stare and gloat over me…” - Psalm 22:17 Scripture reading: Isaiah 52:13-15 Someone able to count all his bones is invariably a person who is malnourished. But despite what He has been through you cannot say that our Lord would be in such a condition. There would have been a good amount of flesh and muscle tissue on Him. So how are these words foretelling us about why He would be described this way? Well, think about Christ on the cross. Look at His writhing in agony – it is the most extreme pain. And with His body being stretched out by that pain you can see all his bones. The people staring and gloating recalls the description in verses 6 to 8, but here it specifically relates to His physical suffering, and to the ghoulishness in watching someone die so cruelly. We would think that seeing someone die like this would have pulled at their heart-strings. There should have been a sense of compassion. But not here! This is the culmination of a campaign against Him, and so they delight at what they think is their victory. This is the moment that brings out the worst in human nature. But what’s especially tragic is that this is actually what our human nature is like. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that His Son died so that our nature is completely turned around. Pray that the old man is being put off while the new man is being put on – that which is created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph.4:24). Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 16 - Pierced

“For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet…” - Psalm 22:16 Scripture reading: John 20...

Daily devotional

April 15 - A suffering all of its own

“...my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.” - Psalm 22:15 Scripture readi...

Daily devotional

April 14 - The only way we could die

“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast...” - Psalm 22:14 Scriptu...

Daily devotional

April 13 - Walking right in

“Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; they open wide their mouth at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.” - Psalm 22:12-1...

Daily devotional

April 12 - Facing the bullies

“Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me...” - Psalm 22:12 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:18-25 It is all coming a lot closer now for the suffering Servant. In fact, the enemy is already all around Him. And there’s a definite ‘pack’ mentality about them. You see, they are circling Him. Verse 12 uses the imagery of bulls. And they’re strong bulls – the bulls of Bashan. Bashan, now that’s an arrogant place! Amos 4:1 describes the people there as being quite full of themselves, because they certainly had no room for anyone else. Why would they? Their land was fertile, their crops and cattle made them rich, as Deuteronomy 32:14 testifies. And didn’t they let you know it! From their position of power they move to oppress the weak. Here are the bullies of that time – the bullies who find each other and in joining together become a mob. So, while previously the psalm has pictured, in verses 1 and 2, the suffering Servant being left alone by God, and in verse 6 to 8 undergoing intense psychological scorn, now it becomes physical. In the words of Charles Spurgeon: The mighty ones in the crowd are here marked by the tearful eye of their victim. The priests, elders, scribes, Pharisees, rulers, and captains bellowed around the cross like wild cattle, fed in the fat and solitary pastures of Bashan, full of strength and fury; they stamped and foamed around the innocent One, and longed to gore Him to death with their cruelties. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the gift of His Son who bore it all for us. Ask for a Christ-like spirit to face the bullies of today as they try to have their way. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 11 - There is always prayer

“Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help.” - Psalm 22:11 Scripture reading: Luke 22:39-46 What we hear in verse 11, with the cry to God that trouble is near and there’s no one to help, is a man in prayer. In fact, verse 11 is the loudest cry for help thus far in this psalm. Here the words are very direct for the first time. You see, we were not made to be on our own. It is when we are so alone that we particularly realize this. However, you are never actually really alone. The Lord is always with you. He never lets you down. But we let him down. We accept that Jesus had to tread the winepress alone. Yet, how much it would have hurt Him that all His disciples had deserted Him. Mark 14:50 says that they all fled. Christ had laid it all in His Father’s hands, however. He confessed in verse 10 that he was completely dependent upon Him. In God’s time He knows He will be delivered. Let’s do the same. Let’s look to Him when trouble is near and seemingly there is no one there. But let’s also do this when it seems as if you do have everything you need here! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord that you will turn to him in prayer – real prayer. Not the quickly muttered and recited formulae, but with heartfelt and genuine words. And let’s pray for this in bad times – and good! Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 10 - True trust

“On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.” - Psalm 22:10 Scripture reading: Matthew 6:25-34 Verse 10 parallels verse 9. It is a common literary device in the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly in the Psalms and Proverbs. The theme of the safe-keeping of the Lord God is replicated to bring it home to us. You cannot help but note this when reading the two verses. And how much doesn’t verse 10 wrap up the theme here with saying, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God? The Psalmist knows in whose hands he is in. Despite all that he finds himself against, he trusts in God. Bishop Hooper of Gloucester showed this same spirit. When Queen Mary, the strong Roman Catholic monarch, came to the throne after young Edward VI died, he did not flee. After being imprisoned for his faith (in September 1553), he wrote, All men and women have this life and this world appointed unto them for their winter and season of storms. The summer draweth near, and then shall we be fresh, orient, sweet, amiable, pleasant, acceptable, immortal, and blessed, forever and ever; and no man shall take it from us. We must therefore, in the meantime, learn out of this verse to say unto God, whether it be winter or summer, pleasure or pain, liberty or imprisonment, life or death, ‘Truly God is loving unto Israel, even unto such as be of a clean heart.’ Is this same spirit in you, too? Are you confessing that God is good to you and yours? Then you’re a true disciple following in the footsteps of the Master. You are truly trusting. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the spirit of the Messiah in this verse to be in you. Ask God to see more clearly His way in what can be very bleak and dismal days. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 9 - Yet!

“Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.” - Psalm 22:9 Scripture reading: Psalm 139:1-16 Yet! This is the conjunction which completely turns the text around as verse 9 begins. But how is this so? What has changed things here? There is nothing that has changed, though. He is still cut off and universally scorned. However, here something stronger comes through all this. Something similar to what verse 3 introduced. For there he responds by looking higher whereas, here in our text he looks deeper. Having set his mind on God’s glory and fame in verses 3 to 5, David now focuses on God’s personal, life-long care of him. This is about the Father’s compassionate love. Here Charles Spurgeon notes: Our birth was our weakest and most perilous period of existence; if we were then secured by Omnipotent tenderness, surely we have no reason to suspect that divine goodness will fail us now? He who was our God when we left our mother, will be with us when we return to mother earth, and will keep us from perishing in the belly of hell. Exactly when you think this man would be full of doubt, he looks a different way. Instead of looking at those around him, he looks within. He realizes how he got to where he currently is. Imagine: If you and I know God’s care for us how much more wouldn’t the Saviour realize His Father’s love for Him in all circumstances? Suggestions for Prayer Thank God the Father for His love for us – His chosen and precious children – and, especially, His love for His Son. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 8 - Words do hurt

“All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he del...

Daily devotional

April 7 - This pains because be belongs

“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.” - Psalm 22:6 Scripture reading: Luke 23:13-25 We come here...

Daily devotional

April 6 - Where the past comes in

“In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame...

Daily devotional

April 5 - He looks up

“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” - Psalm 22:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 4:1-11 Verse 3 shows this sufferer’s ...

Daily devotional

April 4 - A type of grief

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.” - Psalm 22:1-2 Scripture reading: Isaiah 53:1-3 The image of the child pleading for his parent continues here in verse 2. And not the nagging speech of a naughty child either! For here is a child who is quite lost. In the words of Derek Kidner, It is not a lapse of faith, nor a broken relationship, but a cry of disorientation as God’s familiar, protective presence is withdrawn. This is a pleading from the heart. We can equate what’s pictured here in verses 1 and 2 with a type of grief. There is tremendous sadness, a loss reaching to the very depths of his soul. However, this is no grief of the world. Indeed, this is not a sorrow without hope. In fact, after this world would have given up any thought of rescue ages ago, this man is still looking up. Right when it couldn’t get any deeper, he actually reaches for the highest rock of all! That’s faith. Moreover, in no one else is it more perfectly shown than in God’s Son – the Messiah Himself? David could only ever be a mere shadow of the substance. Suggestions for prayer Pray, confessing that it was your sin that meant God’s Son had to undergo this worst of all grief. Thank our dear Saviour that he did all this looking up perfectly to the Father. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 3 - Why?

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not answer, and by night, but I find no rest.” - Psalm 22:1-2 Scripture reading: Matthew 27:45-54 The word “why” is so compelling here. For here is no sigh of impatience and despair but instead it is a cry of alienation and yearning. The person saying this – the sufferer – feels himself utterly rejected by God. This is not the “why” of a sinful questioning of one whose heart rebels against this humbling, but rather the cry of the lost child who cannot understand why his father has left him. And he so desperately longs to see his father’s face again. He has lost God’s loving presence and thus he is undergoing divine wrath. Nevertheless, he’s not letting go! He calls out twice “My God” – three times when you add verse 2. He doesn’t think for a moment, ‘This is it’, for right behind the dark cloud he knows there’s the sunshine of God’s love. We realize that the imagery of “day” and “night” in verse 2 alludes to the literal day and night Jesus faced on the cross. This is what we read in Matthew 27:45, just before Jesus uttered the words of verse 1. While his situation is dark, the light couldn’t be brighter. Suggestions for prayer Thank God this being separated from His love is only what His Son could bear – and He did! Pray that we will trust in God, especially in our darkest moments. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 2 - The psalm of the cross

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” - Psalm 22:1a Scripture reading: Psalm 22:1-8 These are words we all know. And we especially know them because they became the words our Lord and Saviour cried out when he hung upon the cursed cross as the ultimate sacrifice for all of our sins. We may well wonder how David’s experience could come anywhere near to being what Christ suffered for us. But here we must understand the hint of the substance that was to come in Christ and which so much drenches the Hebrew Scriptures. And how much don’t we see this the further on we read through this psalm? It is as Peter says in Acts 2:30-31, that, as a prophet, David saw what was ahead and so spoke of the Christ. Charles Spurgeon in his inimitable way says of this psalm, It is the photograph of our Lord’s saddest hours, the record of his dying words, the sadness of his last tears, the memorial of his expiring joys. David and his afflictions may be here in a very modified sense, but, as the star is concealed by the light of the sun, he who sees Jesus will neither see nor care to see David. Before us we have a description both of the darkness and of the glory of the cross, the sufferings of Christ and the glory which shall follow. Oh for the grace to draw near and see this great sight! Suggestions for prayer Pray for the grace to draw near and see this great sight; pray that many would come to see He who is the Light. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 1 - Introduction to the prophecies of the Messiah

The Old Testament is full of prophecies regarding the coming Messiah – the greater Son of David. Isaiah has often been called ‘The Gospel According to Isaiah’ as it is so detailed in describing the birth, ministry, suffering, death and victory of God’s Son – the Servant King. In the New Testament we see many references from the Psalms, to God’s promise working itself out in His coming to live amongst us. Psalm 22 stands out amongst these songs as particularly foretelling what Jesus Christ would experience in His suffering and death. Hence, journeying through its verses will provide much encouraging reflection in this time of Lent, as we look forward to remembering the passion of Christ and His victory over sin and death and the devil. It is no surprise that Psalm 22 has become known as ‘The Psalm of the Cross.’ May you not only be humbled in seeing what He suffered for you but also appreciate the great comfort this good news brings to a world so full of bad news. Reading the whole Psalm Psalm 22:1-31 - To the choirmaster: according to the doe of the dawn. A Psalm of David Scripture reading: 1 Chronicles 23:1-6 An elder was once reproached following a worship service where he had read a psalm. The man admonishing him was quite clear: “You didn’t read the whole psalm!” He replied he was sure he had read all the verses in the psalm. Then the man said, “But you didn’t read the title of the psalm. You know that’s a part of the psalm also, don’t you?” He was right. The titles given at the beginning of many of the psalms are a part of what was originally written. In the Hebrew Scriptures these titles count as the first verse of those psalms. You will find an extra verse in many psalms, because their numbering begins with the title. It is the title that can give us an insight into the subject of that psalm. But let’s also note it tells us how it’s sung. It is to be sung by a choir. In preparing the way for temple worship taking over from what God’s people had had in tabernacle worship, David set aside specific families within the Levitical priesthood to be singers. These are words especially for them as they led that ancient worship. Next it is given a tune to sing by – according to the doe of the dawn. These singers knew the tunes, and now they had the words to sing to that tune! Finally, consider King David himself – used by the Lord to reinvigorate His people’s worship of Himself through the institution of Temple worship. How inspired wasn’t he as the Lord wrote these words through him? Suggestions for prayer Praise God for faithful congregations joyfully singing God’s Word. Pray that where there is no wholehearted looking to the Lord, His Spirit will bring it about through His Word. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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 31 - The Father of lights who does not change

Daily devotional

March 30 - We have thought on your steadfast love

“Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that ...

Daily devotional

March 29 - God is good

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to chang...

Daily devotional

March 28 - Lured and enticed to our death

“Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” - James 1:15 Scripture reading: 1 Jo...

Daily devotional

March 27 - Be watchful

“Desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” - James 1:15 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:6-11 James talks about desire and temptation as if they were a man and a woman. Temptation comes along, it meets your desire and when they get together, desire conceives a child, called sin. This is where our selfish and hateful words and actions come from. When God warned Cain in Genesis 4:7, He spoke about sin as if it were a predator: “If you do not do well, sin is crouching at the door. Its desire is contrary to you (or, for you).” Again and again, when it comes to dealing with temptation and sin, Jesus and His apostles repeatedly warn us to be watchful (e.g. Matthew 26:41, I Corinthians 16:13, Galatians 6:1, I Peter 5:8). That means that God gives us the responsibility for the choices we make. When your desire meets temptation and you give in, your desire conceives sin. What you do is what you chose to do. No one else, not even the devil, can “make you” sin. For all his power and his influence, he can’t make you do anything. It’s true, as we also confess in Lord’s Day 52, that “in ourselves we are so weak that we cannot stand even for a moment.” But God doesn’t leave us to face temptation on our own: “God is faithful, and He will not let you be tempted beyond your ability, but with the temptation He will also provide the way of escape, that you may be able to endure it” (I Corinthians 10:13). Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to recognize that sin seeks to destroy you and to turn to Him in times of temptation so that you may remain faithful. 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 26 - Tempted in our suffering

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” - James 1:14 Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10 Usually, when we think about temptation, we think of the temptation to do immoral things, to commit sexual sin, to steal something we want, or to cheat on a test or on our taxes. But we also face temptations when we suffer, when God doesn’t give us what we want. It’s not wrong to want our sick child to be healed, or to want our broken marriage or friendship to be restored, or to want relief from the heavy burdens that we carry. Many of the psalms are prayers for that kind of relief. But when those normal and good desires become demands, our desires are luring and enticing us, and leading us into sin. The temptation that we face when we’re suffering is discontentment, which is really unbelief. We then won’t accept God’s sovereignty in our lives, and that He really is allowed to do whatever He wants with us. It’s not enough for us that God promises that all things work together for good for those who love Him and that He will glorify Himself in our struggles. When you are tempted by discontentment, remember that you have a High Priest who stands at the right hand of God, to pray for you, a High Priest “who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:15-16). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the gracious ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ on your behalf, and ask the Holy Spirit to help you believe that He has been tempted in every way as you have been, so that He can sympathize with your weaknesses. 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 25 - Lured and enticed by our own desires

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” - James 1:14 Scripture reading: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Lord’s Day 52 of the Heidelberg Catechism teaches us that we have three sworn spiritual enemies – the devil, the world and our own flesh – and that they never stop attacking us. James doesn’t say anything here about the devil, or the world. He focuses on the attacks that we experience from within ourselves, from our own flesh. He says that’s where temptation comes from: “each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desires.” It’s critical for us to believe what James tells us, that our own desires are at work to lead us to destruction. Whenever you meet trials, and you find yourself thinking that you have good reason to be angry at God or to pull away from the church, to close your Bible and to give up on prayer because you’re so disappointed by what God is allowing to happen to you, remember: that’s exactly what your enemy wants you to do, because it serves his purpose. Our natural reaction to disappointments and setbacks is anger, stress and fear. We just want our problems to go away and our lives to go the way we thought they would. James says that reaction is natural, but dangerous: your own flesh will use your desires to rob you of your contentment and your faith in God’s promises. “Watch and pray that you may not enter into temptation. The spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak” (Matthew 26:41). Suggestions for prayer Acknowledge to God the sinful desires that live in your heart, and ask Him to recognize what your spiritual enemies are up to when they attack 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....

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Daily devotional

October 10 - Give thanks in all things

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October 9 - Rebuke them sharply

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October 8 - Preach the gospel to these people?

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October 7 - Silencing false teachers

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October 6 - God’s stewards

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October 5 - Elder essentials (II)

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October 4 - Elders essentials (I)

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October 3 - Grace and peace and the common faith

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October 2 - Entrusted with preaching

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October 1 - Introduction to Titus

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September 30 - To God be the glory

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September 29 - The love of Christ

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September 28 - Do not lose heart

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September 27 - The power of God’s grace

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September 26 - The mystery of Christ

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September 25 - God’s dwelling place

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September 24 - A solid foundation

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September 23 - Citizenship

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September 22 - Access to the Father

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September 21 - Preaching peace

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September 20 - One new man

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September 19 - Our peace

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September 18 - Brought near

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September 17 - For a purpose

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September 16 - All of grace

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September 15 - Resurrection

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September 14 - But God…

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September 13 - Our natural condition (II)

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September 12 - Our natural condition (I)

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