Daily devotional

February 7 - The debt paid

“...even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:28 Scripture reading: 2...

Daily devotional

February 6 - Three Kings and God’s prophet

“When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD.” - Proverbs 19:3 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 3:1-27 This sl...

Daily devotional

February 5 - God’s use of the insignificant

“…Not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in...

Daily devotional

February 4 - Bethel or Beth-aven?

“So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel.” - Genesis 35:15 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:23-25; Genesis 28:10...

Daily devotional

February 3 - Living water in Jericho

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” - Luke 19:10b Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:19-22; Luke 19:1-10 Polluted water is like sin; it has a pervasive, detrimental effect on everyone as it permeates and destroys everything in its path. Although salt seemed to be a strange remedy, it symbolizes God’s covenant with us. Salt was required on all grain offerings and is described in Leviticus 2:13, as the salt of the covenant with your God. The cleansing of water in Jericho foreshadowed the work of Christ. Jesus also went to Jericho to do a work of cleansing. He went to the home of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was known as a great sinner. The people said, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” But Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:9,10). In that sense, Jesus is still in Jericho because by His Word and Spirit the Son of Man still seeks and saves those who are lost. As He does so, He goes to the source, cleansing the heart of sinners, just as the polluted water was cleansed at the source, at the spring (v.21). The same One who cleansed the waters of Jericho so long ago can cleanse your heart and mine. He does so first by giving us saving faith in Christ as we are justified. And then, having begun that good work in us, He carries it on to completion as He sanctifies us by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that just as the water in Jericho was permanently cleansed (vs.21, 22), so are we when we believe in Christ, knowing, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). Rev. Ted Gray grew up in a Christian family but lived a meaningless life of futility apart from the Lord for many years. After professing faith at age 30, and later completing seminary, he has had the privilege of serving Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida and a Christian Reformed Church in Vermont. For the past 15 years, he has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 2- Taken into glory

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” - Acts 1:11 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:9-18; Acts 1:1-11 The company of prophets saw that the spirit of Elijah was resting on Elisha, but their eyes were blinded to the reality of Elijah’s ascension into heaven. Unless the Lord in sovereign grace gives us spiritual eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to respond, we will not understand our need for the ascended Christ. As 1 Corinthians 2:14 points out: The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. By God’s grace, by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, do you see the spiritual truths of God’s Word? Do you see that Elijah’s ascension was but a foreshadow of the ascension of Jesus Christ? Do you see that Christ sacrificed Himself for you before ascending into the glory of heaven so that one day you, too, may ascend into glory by His merits and not yours? Do you see that He will return in glory, bodily, not to bear sin but to judge the living and the dead? Do you eagerly await His return and the unveiling of the new heavens and the new earth? If so, then look for every opportunity to serve Him with gratitude and joy, just as Elisha did so long ago, as he served as Elijah’s attendant Suggestions for prayer Thank God for revealing His Son to us through the types and shadows of the Old Testament as well as the New Testament testimonies of His redeeming love. And thank Him that we too will ascend into glory as He will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself (Philippians 3:21). Rev. Ted Gray grew up in a Christian family but lived a meaningless life of futility apart from the Lord for many years. After professing faith at age 30, and later completing seminary, he has had the privilege of serving Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida and a Christian Reformed Church in Vermont. For the past 15 years, he has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 1 - Introduction to Elisha

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples walked with the resurrected Lord Jesus. Luke describes how beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself (Luke 24:27). It is little wonder that after He left them, they said to one another, “Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked to us on the road, while he opened to us the Scriptures?” (Luke 24:31). All of Scripture reveals Christ to us. He is written about in the Old Testament as well as the New, and in the Old Testament there are many types and foreshadows of Christ. Among those who were a type or foreshadow of Christ was the unique prophet, Elisha. He pointed to the ministry of Christ as he cleansed lepers, provided for widows, fed the hungry, raised the dead as well as foreshadowing the ministry of Christ in many other ways. As we look at Elisha’s life, it is my prayer that we see the One whom he foreshadowed, the Lord Jesus Christ. Our dependence on God alone "Abide in me, and I in you. As the branch cannot bear fruit by itself, unless it abides in the vine, neither can you, unless you abide in me." - John 15:4 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:1-14; John 15:1-11 Elisha was called by God to take on the ministry that Elijah had begun. It was an enormous task. Elijah had proved the power of God on Mount Carmel as fire from heaven ignited a water doused altar. Elijah was the one who confronted wicked King Ahab head on. The Lord had even given Elijah power to raise a widow’s son from death. What would Elisha need to fill such a high calling? Would it be imperative for him to be a great orator calling Israel back to the Lord? Would the success of his ministry rely on his ability to be witty and clever, winning the Israelites over with his personality? Not at all. Instead, he recognized his dependence on God alone. He asked for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit. By asking for that blessing, Elisha showed his complete dependence upon the Lord. By asking for a double portion of Elijah’s spirit, Elisha was acknowledging his own emptiness and his need to be filled with God’s Spirit for the work that lay before him. The same is true for you and for me. We need the blessing of God’s Spirit within us. By the Holy Spirit’s regenerating power, we believe in Jesus Christ. He is the true vine; we are the branches. Apart from Him, we can do nothing, but through faith in Him, we have salvation from sin, eternal life and daily strength! Suggestions for prayer Instead of asking for material blessings, ask the Lord for spiritual growth and ask Him for wisdom in living out the truths of His Word in your life. Rev. Ted Gray grew up in a Christian family but lived a meaningless life of futility apart from the Lord for many years. After professing faith at age 30, and later completing seminary, he has had the privilege of serving Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida and a Christian Reformed Church in Vermont. For the past 15 years, he has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 31 - Delighting in confessing our only comfort

“Oh, give thanks to the Lord, for He is good! For His mercy endures forever.” - Psalm 136:1 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 1:1-11 For a month now we have been briefly considering the Christian's only comfort as we travel from this world to the next. And how wonderful that the testimony of the believer rests in Christ. The Father of mercies is the God of Comfort. Christ secures our comfort. The Holy Spirit has been given to guide us in the Truth of Comfort (John 14:26; John 16:13). The Holy Spirit points us to the supernatural revelation of all truth. That truth is secured in Christ and by Christ for the glory of the Father. And in this we are comforted. Oh, what a rich blessing to belong to Jesus! The spiritual vacuum in this world can only be filled by God’s forgiveness and transformational grace. That grace (God’s Riches At Christ’s Expense) ultimately rests in belonging to Jesus Christ. Let us fight hard that the most holy faith does not become commonplace amongst us. Let us be on guard, praying that the LORD will keep us from drifting. "O the deep, unbounded riches of God deserve our praise! How unsearchable His judgments, how marvelous His ways! For who His thoughts has fathomed, or counsel to Him giv'n? And who could make a debtor of God, the Lord of heav'n? For from and through and to Him are all things, now and then, To Him be all the glory forevermore. AMEN" (TPH 226). "Faith receives Christ, and Christ alone, as the whole of our righteousness before God." – John Owen Suggestions for prayer Pray that the chorus of Hallelujah never be far from your lips and heart. And pray that we focus on our purpose: Man’s chief end is to glorify God, and to enjoy Him forever. (Westminster Shorter Catechism A 1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 30 - Sharing our only comfort

“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 Sc...

Daily devotional

January 29 - Telling our children

“We will not hide them from our children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that H...

Daily devotional

January 28 - How I am to thank God

“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” - Job 23:12 Script...

Daily devotional

January 27 - I must know how to be set free

“And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”” - Ex...

Daily devotional

January 26 - I must know my sin

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:23 Scripture reading: Psalm 51:1-19 Transgression. Trespassing. Missing the mark. Lawbreaking. Iniquity. Wickedness. In Adam's Fall, We Sinned All. Sin is pervasive and deadly. Sin is an offense against God and His holiness. It is choosing to go our own way. Sin is refusing to obey God's law. Sin rejects God's standards. It is a failure to love God and our neighbour in the way asked of in Scripture. My sinful heart is drawn to sin like metal to a magnet. What must you know to live and die in the joy of the comfort of the gospel? You and I must know our sin. We must know our problem before we can embrace the solution that can only be received in Jesus Christ. We have been corrupted by our sin. Guilty. Apart from Christ we are disreputable, double dealing, underhanded and two faced (O what horrible things to say about us--but true.) The Catechism speaks of how great the offense of sin is against the thrice Holy God. Sin always produces misery making us miserable. Do you recognize the poison of sin in your life? Do you experience a sense of remorse? How are you progressing in the life of repentance and faith David was brought to know his sin after being exposed by the prophet Nathan. You are the man! And so it was. David thought he could ignore/hide his sin. God sees all. “Every sin is an act of cosmic treason, a futile attempt to dethrone God in His sovereign authority.” R.C. Sproul Suggestions for prayer "God, be merciful to me, on Thy grace I rest my plea; plenteous in compassion Thou, blot out my transgressions now; wash me, make me pure within, cleanse, O cleanse me from my sin" (TPH 51C:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 25 - What I must know

“Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool—He is holy.” - Psalm 99:5 Scripture reading: Psalm 25: 1-22 Today, we in God's grace join with fellow believers as the body of Christ. Day of all the week the best, emblem of eternal rest! It is an immense blessing to be gathered in the presence of God and the company of His angels. In freedom, we congregate. We experience a covenantal dialogue in which God speaks, and in His compassionate mercy we respond. How wonderful to read in Psalm 25 the "friendship of the LORD is for those who fear Him, and He makes known to them His covenant” (vs 13 ESV). This must never become commonplace to us. There are many who worship in secret and are in danger of losing their lives. Christians are being slain every day. In our own setting, the militancy against the Chrisitan faith is rising. We come together to declare God's praise, but most importantly to hear from Him. The proclamation of the Word read and preached remains central to our worship. There are things we must hear and must know. Sin--Salvation--Service. Guilt--Grace--Gratitude. Ruin--Redemption--Renewal. These are essential matters that will lead us on the pathway to become more 'whole-heartedly willing and ready to live for the LORD. As you meet with the LORD and His people, thank Him for revealing Himself to you--speaking through His creation and even more directly by His precious Word. "Cor meum tibi offero, Domine, prompte et sincere," which translates to "My heart I offer to you, O Lord, promptly and sincerely". (Calvin's motto) Suggestions for prayer “Teach me, Lord, teach me truly how to live, that I may come to know Thee, and in Thy presence serve Thee with gladness, and sing songs of praise to Thy glory” (TPH 529:2). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 24 - Living for Jesus (II)

“And He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised.” - 2 Corinthians 5:15 Scripture reading: Romans 12:1-21 1-Living for Jesus a life that is true, Striving to please Him in all that I do; Yielding allegiance, glad-hearted and free This is the pathway of blessing for me.. Chorus: O Jesus, Lord and Saviour, I give myself for Thee, for Thou in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself to me. I owe no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne, my life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ for Thee alone. 2- Living for Jesus who died in my place Bearing on Calv’ry my sin and disgrace: Such love constrains me to answer His call Follow His leading and give him my all. This hymn speaks of the demanding but blessed calling of living for Jesus. It is an echo of many Scriptures including our readings for today. Living for Jesus means we are not ashamed to confess His Name. It is to devote our attention to God's Word and pray in a focused way. Thankfully, we may look forward to the Lord’s Day tomorrow where we may once again be encouraged to live for Jesus. Yes, living for Jesus is a very high calling for which we need much help from above. Let us pray for a life that pleases God. Trust and obey for there is no other way to be happy in Jesus but to trust and obey. May the LORD find us faithful! Suggestions for prayer "Give me the strength to do with ready heart and willing, whatever you command, my calling here fulfilling; to do it when I ought, with all my strength and bless what I have wrought, for you must give success" (TPH 523:2). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 23 - Living for Jesus (I)

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” - Mathew 16:24 Scripture reading: Matthew 25:31-46 How would you describe what it is to live for Jesus who paid the atonement price and gave His life so that we might receive ours? Jesus, who intercedes for us at the right hand of the Heavenly Father. Jesus, who is coming again. Certainly, in a brief devotion we cannot exhaust what it means to live for Jesus. Our Scripture selections are clear. They are challenging. To live for Jesus is to die (ongoing) to sin. Living for Jesus means we know where our real treasure is. It is a life of repentance and faith. We are soldiers of the cross, followers of the Lamb. It is confessing the Name of Christ, presenting ourselves as a living sacrifice of thanks, using our gifts readily and joyfully for the service and enrichment of other believers. It is living in His world as light bearers, speaking for Biblical justice and remembering that we are His ambassadors. No one can serve two masters. We are to prayerfully ask the Lord's help walking in "lowly paths of service free". It is to be intentional about "keeping faith sweet and strong, in trust that triumphs over wrong" (cf. PH 450 -1959). Let us be in prayer for strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, to be found faithful to the most holy faith. "Oh, fair sun, and fair moon, and fair stars, and fair flowers, and fair roses, and fair lilies, and fair creatures, but oh, ten thousand times fairer Lord Jesus! - John Flavel Suggestions for prayer "Take my love; my Lord, I pour at Thy feet its treasure-store. Take myself, and I will be ever, only, all for Thee, ever, only, all for Thee" (TPH 538:6) Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 22 - And makes me whole-heartedly willing

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for ...

Daily devotional

January 21 - Christ by his Holy Spirit assures

“For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offsp...

Daily devotional

January 20 - Because I belong to him

“Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” - 2 Corinthians 5:5 Scripture readi...

Daily devotional

January 19 - For my salvation

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I came to this hour.” - John 12:27 ...

Daily devotional

January 18 - All things

“Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.” - Psalm 115:3 Scripture reading: Romans 8:18-32 All things, not some things for our salvation. This is beyond our understanding and yet of tremendous comfort to the believer. Amazing grace, how sweet the sound! John Piper in his book, Future Grace, wrote "Nothing can blow you over when you are inside the walls of Romans 8:28." What security, what certainty, what wondrous holy delight for those who rest in Christ. And what a blessing to confess together as the body of Christ on this Lord's Day that all things must work together for our salvation! Dear reader, does this speak to you? Do you live with the assurance of God's promise that leads you into eternity? Where does eternal hope rest? Meditate deeply on our Scripture lesson. The believer must always hold tight to the truth of I Corinthians 8:6 "yet for us there is one God, the Father, of whom are all things, and we for Him; and one Lord Jesus Christ, through whom are all things, and through whom we live." Life will have its own questions, but the answers are with the LORD. Today Christians around the world gather to declare the glory of God. They bear witness to their trust that God is working through all the episodes of our life for our salvation. And then how personal for the believer to attest—my salvation. Praise the LORD! “While it looks like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who hasn’t surrendered His authority.” – A.W. Tozer Suggestions for prayer In your prayer testify before the LORD that "The Lord brings to nothing the plans of the nations; He frustrates their counsel and makes their schemes fall. But all that the LORD in His heart has intended, the plans He has made, will forever prevail" (TPH 33:3a). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 17 - Not a hair

“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” - Proverbs 19:21 Scripture reading: John 6:35-40 Can you believe it? Not a hair shall fall from my head without the will of my Father in Heaven. Not a hair!! The Christian believes that nothing can separate a believer from the love of God. The believer confesses that his or her times are in the heavenly Father's hand. Christians understand that the sovereignty of God is of great comfort. We understand something of the blessing of standing under the assurance that nothing can stop or thwart God’s purposes. Job testified to God’s sovereignty in this way “I know that You can do everything, and that no purpose of yours can be withheld from You” (Job 42:2). After his sanity had been restored Nebuchadnezzar confessed “All the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing; He does according to His will in the army of heaven and among the inhabitants of this earth. No one can restrain His hand or say to Him ‘What have You done’” (Daniel 4:35). God ‘works out all things according to the counsel of His will’ (Ephesians 1:11). The Psalmist declares “Whatever the LORD pleases, He does in heaven and in earth, in the seas and in all the deep places, He causes the vapors to ascend from the ends of the earth; He makes lightning for the rain; He brings the wind out of His treasuries” (Psalms 135:6-7). Yes, not a hair! "Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God." – Corrie tenBoom Suggestions for prayer Sing before the LORD "Have thine own way Lord! Have thine own way! Thou art the potter, I am the clay, Mold me and make me after thy will, while I am waiting, yielded and still" (TPH 553:1) Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 16 - Jesus watches over me

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 Scripture reading: Psalm 121:1-8 It is a great comfort for the follower of Jesus Christ to confess His watching care. There is never a moment where Christ loses sight of us. When we speak of the perseverance of the saints, we must recognize that perseverance is rooted in the gracious care of God’s preserving love. If we were left to find our own way, we would soon find ourselves in a quagmire of our own making. In Psalm 121 the Psalmist encourages us three times in the confidence that comes from the Lord's promise. The LORD shall preserve you from all evil He shall preserve your soul. The LORD shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore (Verses Psalm 121:7-8). Does this sound too good to be true? Do you believe this gospel message of the Lord’s promise to be with us and uphold us as we live day by day and yes hour by hour? If the gospel is not true, what is? And if Christ is not true, who is? If we “in our strength confide our striving would be losing”. We do have “the right Man on our side”. Faith to believe is a gift of God’s grace. And in that wonderful grace believers confess the awesome confession Jesus watches over me!! “Ah! What a mercy it is that it is not your hold of Christ that saves you, but His hold of you!” – Charles Spurgeon Suggestions for prayer “Praise the Lord in joyful numbers, your Protector never slumbers; at the will of your Defender every foeman must surrender” (TPH 257:4). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 15 - Set free from the tyranny of the devil (II)

“Then Jesus said to those Jews who believed Him, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free.”” - John 8:31-32 Scripture reading: Matthew 13:24-30; 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12 esp. vs 9 The Bible gives many descriptions for the evil one. Paul Levy (as quoted in Table Talk January 2024) reminds us "When it comes to the devil and his motivation, how are we to understand his ultimate aim? What is he aiming at? The way that the Bible describes him is helpful to us in this—the word Satan means “adversary.” He is the evil one, the prince of the power of the air; the prince of darkness, the god of this world, Beelzebub, the tempter, the old serpent, the dragon, the father of lies. All these titles show him to be the enemy of God. He is the opposer of all that is good and the great promoter of evil. His aim is to be a rival; his motivation was to displace God. Satan’s pride drove him to fall." Now we ought to be careful of two dangers—one is to take him too seriously—the angel of deception is not omnipresent—he cannot be everywhere. But a second danger is to treat him too lightly—we are after all in a battle “against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this age, against spiritual hosts of wickedness in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 6:12-13). Lucifer has his henchmen. How wonderful to confess that Jesus sets free. That freedom can be expressed in many ways. He sets us free from the consequences of our sins and free to serve Him. And we must never forget He sets us free from the tyranny of the devil. Praise God!! Suggestions for prayer "Though Satan's wrath beset our path, and world scorn assail us, while you are near we will not fear, your strength shall never fail us; your rod and staff shall keep us safe, and guide our steps forever; not shades of death, nor hell beneath, our souls from you shall sever" (TPH 475:2). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 14 - Set free from the tyranny of the devil (I)

Daily devotional

January 13 - Through the blood of the cross

“Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” - Luke 22:20 Script...

Daily devotional

January 12 - Jesus has fully paid

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23 Scripture reading: Isaiah 53:1-1...

Daily devotional

January 11 - Belonging to my faithful Saviour

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:28 Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:1...

Daily devotional

January 10 - Belonging body and soul in death

“But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty, and your faith is also empty.” - 1 Corinthians 15:13 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Once again, we come to the final reality of this life—death. Once again, we remind ourselves life is short; death is sure; sin be the cause: Christ be the cure. One day we will all die (unless Christ returns first). Death will be the last moment in our life, and then eternity. Death has its own sense of foreboding. But with thanksgiving to the LORD, the believer confesses that Christ is never absent, even in this last moment. It is a rich blessing to confess that in His mercy, God keeps His people from getting what they deserve. In His grace, God provides for Christ's followers what they don't deserve. Christians can be sure the LORD will take us from this world to the next. Our brothers and sisters gathered at Thessalonica some two thousand years ago were encouraged that those 'who sleep in Jesus' need not worry for the 'dead in Christ will rise first.' Isn't that wonderful? If you fear that moment of death, be sure to turn to the promises of the LORD which are yea and amen in Jesus Christ. Christ has gone before us! Tomorrow, we gather once again as the body of Christ resting in the fruits of the resurrection. May the LORD so add His blessing. “He died for me; He made His righteousness mine and made my sin His own; and if He made my sin His own, then I do not have it, and I am free." – Martin Luther Suggestions for prayer Acknowledge before the LORD "By grace I am an heir of heaven; why doubt this, O my trembling heart? If what the Scriptures promise clearly is true and firm in every part, this also must be truth divine; by grace a crown of life is mine" (TPH 477:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 8 - Our souls also belong to Jesus

“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you. (ESV) ... 20-21 But you, beloved, building yourselves up on your most holy faith, praying in the Holy Spirit, keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.” - Jude 1-2 and Jude 20-21 Scripture reading: Psalm 43: 1-5 How often do we think of our souls as we travel from this world to the next? The Psalmist speaking to himself, wondered as to why his soul was cast down. He pondered as to why his soul was disquieted within him. He was describing a state of unease, anxiety, or perhaps even agitation. I'm sure that over the course of your life this has been your experience. What do you do in such a situation? The Psalmist calls us to hope in God and to hope in His multiple promises. Elsewhere in Scripture we are called to the hope that does not disappoint, and to rest in the fact that the love of God has been poured out by the Holy Spirit who was given to us (Romans 5:5). When we die our souls leave the body. Do they simply go to the abyss? No, our souls belong to Jesus and He will take very good care of them even as we live from day to day. Praise the LORD! And then what a blessing to confess: Kept and keep - beautiful faith words. We are kept by the LORD body AND soul in His keeping care. And in answer we are to 'keep ourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ unto eternal life.' May the LORD so bless your soul! “The chief end of man is to glorify God and enjoy Him forever” – Westminster Shorter Catechism Suggestions for prayer Confess before the LORD "I belong to Jesus, blessed, blessed thought! With His own most precious blood, my soul has been bought" (TPH 187:3). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 7 - Belonging body

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:6,7 Scripture reading: Psalm 56: 1-13 Our bodies are fraught with frailties. There are not only physical aches and pains but various sorrows in this vale of tears. Some have undergone traumas which words cannot fully describe. We think of our brothers and sisters in the persecuted church. One day the final breath will come. Old people must die. Young people can die. And yet, with eyes fixed on the Lord Jesus Christ, we joyfully acknowledge that Christ paid a debt He did not owe to free us from a debt we could not pay. Belonging indicates possession. Whose belonging, are we? In a word: Jesus. And what a blessing it is, what security is ours to know that come what may, believers know in faith that nothing can separate us from our blessed Redeemer who has given His body to secure ours. He has taken His possession—His inheritance—His people—all of grace! Secured by our Saviour’s love on the cross, confirmed in His resurrection, our Redeemer’s love will not let us go no matter what the circumstances of our lives may be. How beautiful to confess with the Psalmist that our tears are in His bottle and in His book. Our cares are His caregiving. In this life, we belong to Him! As you pray for strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow, ground your prayers in rock sure conviction of belonging to Jesus All those who belong to Jesus Christ are fastened with Him to the cross - Augustine. Suggestions for prayer In prayer confess, "I belong to Jesus, He is Lord and King, reigning in my inmost heart over everything" (TPH 187:2). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 6 - I am not my own but belong (II)

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were bought at a price; therefore, glorify God in your body and in your spirit, which are God’s.” - 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Scripture reading: Ephesians 1:1-14 We live in a society that has become obsessed with identity. I identify as ... and then you may receive a smorgasbord of answers. These responses are especially prevalent in matters related to gender and sexuality. Identity is a theme where Western society idolizes self-actualization. How sinful and sad (and nauseating) this whole business of pronouns is. Even a casual perusal of social media reveals the predominant view that our feelings define our identity. According to the world, we’re to craft and mold our own image, declare our own destiny, and “live our best life.” According to the world, we belong to no one except ourselves. Yes, much of this world suffers from an identity crisis. How crucial that the truth of the gospel be proclaimed to the ends of the world. Christians, by God's grace hold to an everlasting answer. And so, it is very important that we be very clear as to our identity and where our identity is rooted. We are the sheep of His sheepfold, the people of His pasture and the sheep of His hand. What blessing to rest in the perfect obedience of the Lamb of God who takes away our sin. If we do not find our identity in belonging to our beautiful Shepherd Saviour then there is something drastic missing. The will of man without the grace of God is not free at all, but is the permanent prisoner and bondslave of evil since it cannot turn itself to good –Martin Luther Suggestions for prayer In prayer confess "I belong to Jesus, I am not my own; all I have and all I am shall be His alone" (TPH 187:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 5 - I am not my own but belong (I)

“For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whe...

Daily devotional

January 4 - Only comfort in death

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” - Psalm 116:15 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 Death is the final...

Daily devotional

January 3 - Only comfort in life

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold...

Daily devotional

January 2 - My only comfort

“Jesus said to him (Thomas and the rest of the world) I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” - John...

Daily devotional

January 1 - Introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism

Our devotions to begin the Year of our LORD 2026 will be based upon the teaching of Lord’s Day 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism. We will follow our beloved opening Lord’s Day phrase by phrase. Our greatest need is the LORD Jesus Christ, to belong to Him as His possession, to belong to our Redeemer body and soul, and to belong to our Saviour through the pilgrimage of this life, looking past our death to the world to come. What blessing beyond compare to confess that Christ has fully paid for the sins of those who are His own. The Bible teaches that there is a lion in our streets, prowling around, looking for someone to devour. To be set free from the tyranny of the devil is a great comfort. The believer’s greatest comfort is to belong to Jesus. Yes, our faithful Saviour Jesus Christ is our only comfort. It is ours in solitude and in the fellowship of congregational life. It is ours amid the racket and often jarring noise of societal life. It is ours when we travel through the valley of sorrows and as we set our sights on the world to come. Our only comfort is what we need for all situations in life. The Scripture selections will speak for themselves. Most meditations will conclude with a quote as food for thought. The prayer suggestions are based on a stanza from the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. May the LORD add His blessing on our meditations together. Lord’s Day One of the Heidelberg Catechism Q. What is your only comfort in life and death? A. That I am not my own,1 but belong with body and soul, both in life and in death,2 to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.3 He has fully paid for all my sins with His precious blood,4 and has set me free from all the tyranny of the devil.5 He also preserves me in such a way6 that without the will of my heavenly Father not a hair can fall from my head;7 indeed, all things must work together for my salvation.8 Therefore, by his Holy Spirit, He also assures me of eternal life9 and makes me heartily willing and ready from now on to live for Him.10 1 1 Cor 6:19, 20. 2 Rom 14:7-9. 3 1 Cor 3:23; Tit 2:14. 4 1 Pet 1:18, 19; 1 Jn 1:7; 2:2: 5 Jn 8:34-36; Heb 2:14, 15; 1 Jn 3:8:; 6 Jn 6:39, 40; 10:27-30; 2 Thess 3:3; 1 Pet 1:5: 7 Mt 10:29-31; Lk 21:16-18: 8 Rom 8:28; 9 Rom 8:15, 16; 2 Cor 1:21, 22; 5:5; Eph 1:13, 14; 10 Rom 8:14. Q. What do you need to know in order to live and die in the joy of this comfort? A. First, how great my sins and misery are;1 second, how I am delivered from all my sins and misery; 2 third, how I am to be thankful to God for such deliverance.3 1 Rom 3:9, 10; 1 Jn 1:10; 2 Jn 17:3; Acts 4:12; 10:43;3 Mt 5:16; Rom 6:13; Eph 5:8-10; 1 Pet 2:9, 10 A most important question: What is your only comfort in life and in death? “Comfort, yes comfort my people! says your God.” - Isaiah 40:1 Scripture reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 By God's glorious grace we have entered the year of our LORD, 2026. And while 'hours and days and years and ages swift as moving shadows flee', believers go forward day by day in the confidence of God's great promises. And where would we be without those precious promises? As the canvas of the new year (D.V.) stretches before us, there will be times of uncertainties (humanly speaking) and perhaps lingering doubts. The world stage is in turmoil. How are Christians 'to proceed'? The opening question of the Heidelberg Catechism with the accompanying answer is foundational for our walk with the LORD. Every day again, we must turn to the LORD seeking His guidance by His Word through the work of the Holy Spirit. Every day again, we need to fix our eyes on Jesus (Hebrews 12:1). While we do not know what the future holds, we know who holds the future. We must always believe that our care is His caregiving. Long ago, Isaiah spoke words of comfort to the covenant community, declaring that their iniquity has been pardoned. We need the comfort of that same pardon. Ask for it. Thank the LORD for abounding mercies. We need the comfort of knowing that our LORD goes before us. We need the comfort which confesses we belong to Jesus. If the Lord be with us, we have no cause of fear. His eye is upon us, His arm over us, His ear open to our prayer – His grace sufficient, His promise unchangeable. – John Newton Suggestions for prayer Thank the LORD that you can sing "Comfort, comfort ye my people, speak ye peace, thus saith our God; comfort those who sit in darkness, mourning 'neat their sorrow's load. Speak ye to Jerusalem of the peace that waits for them; tell her that her sins I cover, and here warfare now is over” (TPH 298:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 31 - And the child grew…

“And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.” - Luke 2:40 Scripture reading: Luke 2:39-40 Luke summarizes Jesus’ childhood in Luke 2:39-40. “And when they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own town of Nazareth” (Luke 2:39). By God’s design, Jesus was raised by earthly parents who trusted God and observed His law. They raised Jesus and His siblings to do so as well. Luke tells us Jesus grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. Jesus had to grow physically and spiritually, like us. He had to learn wisdom. He had to learn His earthly father’s trade. He needed years of training before He could pursue his heavenly Father’s mission. The need for growth and training and submitting to instruction – these were all ways He humbled himself as one of us in our place. Jesus retraced our steps from conception to death to redeem every phase of human life. At every point, He lived the life we should have lived before God. With His active obedience, He built up a perfect record as God’s faithful Son. When we confess our sin and come to God for grace and forgiveness, He credits Christ’s righteous record to us. He assures us that He credited our sinful record to Christ, who paid the penalty for us. In Christ, we too can grow and become strong, filled with wisdom. We, too, are being trained for eternity in God’s presence and service. May the favor of God be upon you as you enter a new year with Him. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for Jesus’ active obedience in your place and His righteousness credited to your account. Pray that you may continue to grow in grace and enjoy the favor of God upon you as you step into 2026. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 30 - Anna

“And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” - Luke 2:38 Scripture reading: Luke 2:36-38 Two elderly people surprised Joseph and Mary in the temple that day. The first was Simeon. The second was an eighty-four-year-old woman named Anna. The temple was God’s dwelling-place among His people. How fitting to meet Immanuel there. Luke tells us that Anna was a prophetess, from the tribe of Asher. Asher had been one of the northernmost tribes in ancient Israel. It was among the first of the ten tribes in the northern kingdom to fall to the Assyrian Empire. Yet God, in His faithfulness, had preserved a remnant even from these tribes to live in covenant fellowship with Him as they waited and prayed for Messiah to come. Anna represents this faithful remnant. She had been married to her husband seven years before he died. From then on, she had lived as a widow. Now she stayed in the temple courts, worshiping, praying, and fasting, night and day. She approached Joseph and Mary when she realized their baby was the long-awaited Messiah. When she saw Him, she responded in two ways. First, she began to thank God. Second, she began to speak of Him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem. This news was too good for this prophetess to keep to herself! She had to tell others that the Messiah had come. She had to tell others that she had seen Him with her own eyes. Perhaps the seeds of her testimony lodged in some hearts, ready to germinate when Jesus began His ministry thirty years later. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for preserving a people through the centuries to trust, love and worship Him and proclaim the gospel of Jesus Christ. Pray that God might use you to proclaim Christ like Anna did. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 29 - Simeon (II)

“And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign that is opposed (and a sword will pierce through your own soul also), so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.”” - Luke 2:34-35 Scripture reading: Luke 2:25-35 Simeon now pivots from praise to prophecy. He turns from blessing God to blessing Joseph and Mary. Then he speaks directly to Mary. Not everyone will receive her Son and His salvation as Simeon did. Not everyone will rejoice at His coming. Many will stumble over Jesus and His message, as over a stone. “And many shall stumble on it. They shall fall and be broken” (Isaiah 8:15aS). Her Son will be “for a sign that is opposed... so that thoughts from many hearts may be revealed.” As Jesus advanced God’s kingdom mission, Satan stirred up opposition to Him. Face to face with Jesus, the hearts of many religious people in Israel would be revealed. Was trust and love for God truly at the heart of their religious life? This would become clear when they met Jesus and recognized and received God in Him. Were their hearts far from God, even as they worshiped outwardly? This would become clear when they met Jesus and rejected God in Him. That was true then. It is still true today. Simeon warns Mary that a sword will pierce her soul also. It will pierce her soul to see how people treat her Son. It will pierce her soul to see members of her home church become a violent mob that tries to throw Him over a cliff. It will pierce her soul to see Him suffer, bleed, and die on a cross. Her Son’s path to the crown is through the cross. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that Christ willingly faced deadly opposition to save us. Pray for grace to move beyond outward religion to receive and rest in Jesus Christ as Saviour and Lord. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 28 - Simeon (I)

““Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in t...

Daily devotional

December 27 - Holy to the Lord

“And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is ...

Daily devotional

December 26 - Born under the law

“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” - L...

Daily devotional

December 25 - Presents or presence?

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” - Joh...

Daily devotional

December 24 - Immanuel

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14 Scripture reading: Exodus 40:34-38 We pivot from Luke 2 to John 1 to meditate on the mystery of Jesus as Immanuel. “The Word became flesh and dwelt among us.” The Word is God the Son, the eternal, all-powerful Speech of God through whom He created the world, reveals Himself and redeems us. This Word became flesh. He became fully human, like us, yet without sin and without ceasing to be God. John 1:14 literally says, “The Word became flesh and pitched his tent among us.” That’s an echo of Exodus 40:34-38. In Exodus, the LORD delivered His people, made a covenant with them, and said, “I’m going to pitch my tent in the middle of yours and come live with you.” We hold our breath in Exodus 32 as Israel betrays her faithful God to worship a golden calf. Surely Yahweh isn’t going to move in among them now! Shockingly, He continues His tent-building program and moves in among them (Exodus 40:34-38). How can the holy God live among such people? This requires the sacrificial blood of another. “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29). What the LORD did in Exodus 40 was radical. Far more radical, however, was the way He moved in among us as Immanuel, God-with-us, in Jesus Christ! In Christ, God united Himself with man in the most intimate way. He came as Immanuel to reveal the Father to us, redeem us with His blood, and restore our fellowship with God. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His radical plan to redeem us by becoming Immanuel in Jesus Christ. Pray that others in your life might be restored to fellowship with God through faith in Him. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 23 - Doxology

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” - Luke 2:20 Scripture reading: Ephesians 1:3-14 Luke 2:8-20 began with the gospel and ends with the shepherds glorifying God. “And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” We have moved from the gospel to glory, from theology to doxology. Theology, the study of God and His special revelation, is never an end in itself. Theological understanding and Bible knowledge should never leave you puffed up, with an air of smug superiority. As Paul says in 1 Corinthians 8:1, “Knowledge puffs up, but love builds up.” No, theology is unto doxology. The knowledge of God must lead to the worship of God. The study of God must bear fruit in ever-deepening appreciation, admiration and adoration of God. After all, our chief end is to “glorify God and enjoy him forever” (Westminster Shorter Catechism, Q&A 1). The gospel of Christ, leading them into the presence of Christ, has turned these shepherds into worshipers of God. Theologian John Piper once said, “Missions exist because worship doesn’t.” The last verse of Psalms proclaims the goal of redemptive history: “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD. Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 150:6). Paul’s run-on sentence in Ephesians 1:3-14 begins with God choosing His children before creation, then relentlessly leads us to the final goal: “the praise of his glory” (Ephesians 1:12c,14c). May we, by God’s grace, join the shepherds “glorifying and praising God” for all we have heard and seen, as it has been told us. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that He is transforming us into children who will glorify and enjoy Him forever. Pray that theology will lead to doxology in your life and in your church community. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 22 - Mary’s meditation

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” - Luke 2:19 Scripture reading: Ephesians 3:14-21 Luke briefly leaves the exuberant shepherds, and puts the spotlight on Jesus’ mother Mary. Mary and Joseph have had a lot to process over the past nine months, as they grapple with who this baby is and will be. Tonight’s events have astonished them afresh and left them with even more to ponder. No doubt, the sudden appearance of the shepherds, and their dramatic testimony prompted fresh reflection. Thus, “Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” “Treasure up” means to file something important in your mind and pull it out periodically to study it. “Ponder” means to think deeply about something and discuss it within yourself. Luke 1:26-38 reveals Mary as a young woman of faith. Even though the miracle of the Virgin Birth astonished her, she humbly offered herself to God’s service and received God’s Son in her womb. From that moment on, Mary’s understanding of her son had to grow along with Him. As Christ revealed His glory in His ministry, death and resurrection, His mother had to ponder anew His person and work. Revelation, pondered by faith, enlarged her view of Him, along with her trust, love and allegiance for Him. May this be true of us as Christ enlarges our view of Him, nourishes our faith in Him, and deepens our love for Him. May you grow to “know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God” (Ephesians 3:19). Suggestions for prayer Praise God that He reveals Christ to us in His Word. Pray that the Holy Spirit will continue to enlarge your view of Christ, along with your trust, love and allegiance for Him. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 21 - Go, know, and tell

“And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” - Luke 2:17-18 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:1-4 How did the shepherds respond to the good news of Christ’s birth? They ran to Him, found Him, then ran off again to tell others about Him. It was a “Go-Know-and-Tell” response to the gospel. The Holy Spirit produces this gospel response in God’s children. Good news! It’s Sunday. Our Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, is about to show up in His word and in worship at your local church. It’s time for a “Go-Know-and-Tell” response. Go to your local church. Ask the Holy Spirit to open your heart to encounter the Triune God, Father, Son and Holy Spirit, so that you might come to know Him or know Him more deeply. Then tell others about Him – about who He is and what He means to you. Start by telling those closest to you. Ask God to give you increasing conviction, courage and love to tell those in your life who don’t know Him. Ask God for opportunities to do so. We can tell others who Christ is and what He has done for us. Only the Spirit can open their minds and hearts to see and receive Jesus in the gospel. That is why we must also pray for them. “And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds told them.” Most likely, they did not come to faith that day based on the shepherds’ testimony. The shepherds, however, scattered gospel seeds that may have produced faith after Jesus died and rose again. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that the Holy Spirit produces living faith in the hearts of His children through the preaching of the gospel. Pray that the Holy Spirit will produce a “Go-Know-and-Tell” response in you. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 20 - Those who seek will find

“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happ...

Daily devotional

December 19 - “Let’s go!”

“When the angels went away from them into heaven,the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, ...

Daily devotional

December 18 - Peace on earth

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace ...

Daily devotional

December 17 - Glory to God

‘And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace ...

Daily devotional

December 16 - Only Jesus gets the choir

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”” - Luke 2:13-14 Scripture reading: Revelation 5:1-14 Isaac, Samson and John the Baptist: what do they have in common? They all got heavenly birth announcements. They got heavenly birth announcements, even before they were conceived as men God chose to use in His plan of salvation. Our Lord Jesus also got a heavenly birth announcement before He was conceived. However, He got far more. He got a heavenly birth announcement right after He was born. “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10b-11). Above all, only Jesus gets the choir! Only when Jesus is born does the whole army chorus of heaven burst into praise following the good news of His birth. That is how it should be. The coming of God’s Son, who is also God the Son, is the high point of salvation history. The angels can’t contain themselves! The army chorus shows up again in Revelation 5. Millions of heavenly beings shout in response to the realization that the risen and reigning Christ has taken His exalted place at the helm of redemptive history. In Revelation 5:13-14, all creation joins the chorus. That is the goal of history – that God’s chosen children, redeemed in Christ, along with all creation, take their place in the jubilation choir to glorify and enjoy Him forever. “Let everything that has breath praise the LORD! Praise the LORD!” (Psalm 150:6). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the reasons He has given us in Christ to sing and shout with the angels. Ask the Holy Spirit to awaken your heart anew to God’s glory and grace, so that you can praise Him more fully with your lips and life. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 15 - A sign

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:12 Scripture reading: Isaiah 53:1-3 The angel has just proclaimed good news of great joy to the shepherds. The Lord has sent the son of David to the city of David. He was born for them as their Savior, their Christ and their Lord. That was a lot for the shepherds to digest. The Lord, in His kindness, gave them a sign to confirm His astonishing word to them. They would find a baby in a blanket in a feedbox If you stumbled upon a baby in a blanket in a feedbox and someone said, “This is our Savior, Christ the Lord!” Would you believe it? No. You would expect to find Him in a mansion surrounded by a security detail, laying in the lap of luxury – unless, of course, God himself told you that “you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” The sign confirms the word. It also confirms what kind of Savior He is: a humble Savior who “had no form or majesty that we should look at him, and no beauty that we should desire him” (Isaiah 53:2b). This was true in His birth, life and death. Today, Christ confirms His presence in the humble, ordinary signs of water, bread and wine. Those who see and seek Him by faith in these signs receive Him and all His benefits. Finally, the angel said to the shepherds, “You will find a baby...” They must seek him to find Him. That is true of us as well. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for giving us signs that confirm His Word and strengthen our faith. Pray for grace to walk by faith and not by sight. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 14 - Christ the Lord

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”” - Luke 2:10-11 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:5-11 The angel proclaims that the Savior born in Bethlehem is “Christ the Lord.” “Christ” is the Greek word for “Messiah.” Both words mean “Anointed One.” In the Old Testament, prophets, priests and kings were anointed with oil when they were ordained to symbolize the filling and power of the Holy Spirit necessary to fulfill their calling. In 2 Samuel 7, the LORD promised David, His anointed king at that time, that His offspring would rule on His throne forever. God’s people looked forward to a future Anointed One, a future Christ, a future Son of David who would redeem God’s people, establish His kingdom and rule forever. (See Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 32). The shepherds now hear that He has come. Jesus is also Lord. This title establishes His sovereign rule over everything and everyone. “Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father” (Philippians 2:9-11). Christ the Lord is our Lord. Heidelberg Catechism Q. 34 asks, “Why do you call him ‘our Lord’?” The reassuring answer comes back, “Because – not with gold or silver, but with his precious blood – he has set us free from sin and from the tyranny of the devil, and has bought us, body and soul, to be his very own.” Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He sent Jesus to be our Christ and our Lord, and for all that means for our lives. Pray for grace to trust and submit to Him as Lord of all. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 13 - A Saviour

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”” - Luke 2:10-11 Scripture reading: Isaiah 45:20-25 The angel proclaims the birth of “a Savior.” If you ask people, “What do you need to be saved from?” they might say, “From cancer, mounting debt, addiction, a toxic person, depression and anxiety, high taxes, corrupt government, crippling grief, bad habits, lust, anger,” et cetera. Our Savior Jesus will save His people from all these things and more. Above all, however, we need a Savior to save us from our sin – our guilty, corrupt condition and God’s judgment against it. We need Jesus to save us from the guilt of sin. Jesus, our Substitute, lived the life we should have lived, and died the death we deserved to die, to remove our sin and God’s anger against it. When we confess our sin and cry out for mercy, God forgives us and justifies us. We need Jesus to save us from the power of sin. Paul cries out, “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!” (Romans 7:24-25a). We need Jesus to save us from the misery of sin – all the miseries that entered this world because of sin, including death itself. All who belong to Christ by faith have this hope: He will return to make all things new. He will wipe the tears from every eye and all the miseries that cause them. “You shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21b). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the gift of Jesus our Savior and all that He saves us from. Pray that He will save you and others from the guilt, power and miseries of sin. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 12 - Good news of great joy

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this ...

Daily devotional

December 11 - Angels

‘And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, ...

Daily devotional

December 10 - Shepherds

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” - Luke 2:8 Scripture reading: 1 Cor...

Daily devotional

December 9 - Rome and Bethlehem

“And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and lai...

Daily devotional

December 8 - Veiled in flesh

“And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” - Luke 2:6-7 Scripture reading: John 1:14-18 Do you envision a small barn with rustic beams, a clean layer of straw, a cozy lantern hanging from the rafters, a V-shaped manger on an X-shaped pedestal, with a donkey, a cow and a couple of sheep encircling Joseph and Mary as they gaze upon the baby in the manger? Those images did not come from Luke 2:6-7. Luke wastes no words reporting Jesus’ birth. His description is matter of fact, understated, ordinary. Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem, and Mary goes into labor. They can’t find a place to stay, so Mary gives birth to Jesus close to a feedbox. Was this feedbox in a barn, a cave, an enclosure? Were animals present? We don’t know. She wraps him tight and lays him in the feedbox. The medium is the message. Luke’s ordinary, unadorned reporting matches the radical chasm God the Son crossed to become flesh, to humble himself as one of us. The circumstances of His birth also foreshadow His humiliation as the suffering Son of Man. He was despised and rejected by men. He died outside the camp, under God’s curse for our sin. Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the Everlasting Lord! Late in time, behold him come, Offspring of the Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th’Incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Charles Wesley. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, stanza 2. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the gift of Immanuel, God with us, the Word made Flesh. Ask God to stir up wonder and adoration in your heart in response. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 7 - Whose decree?

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and lineage of David, to be registered with Mary, his betrothed, who was with child.” - Luke 2:4-5 Scripture reading: Micah 5:1-5a We get frustrated when the decisions of others inconvenience us and complicate our lives. We can only imagine how Caesar’s decree, implemented by Herod, upended the lives of Joseph and Mary This could not have happened at a worse time! Joseph’s fiancée is about to give birth. Joseph will have to shut down his business or place it in the hands of others to make this unplanned ninety-mile trip to Bethlehem at his own expense. But Caesar has spoken. To Bethlehem they must go. Joseph and Mary set out on their ninety-mile, four-day trip from Nazareth to Bethlehem. It included a steep climb from Jericho to Jerusalem. Pictures often show Mary riding a donkey. We don’t know if that’s true. Joseph and Mary were poor. Mary, nine months pregnant, may have walked the whole way! How do you think Joseph and Mary felt about Caesar and his decree as they traveled? Were they tempted to believe Caesar, not God, was sovereign over their lives? Caesar’s decree, it seems, sent them to Bethlehem. Perhaps only later did they realize that God’s decree in Micah 5, which predated Caesar’s decree by 700 years, sent them to Bethlehem! Today we attend worship to get reoriented to the sovereign, life-giving decrees of God, revealed in His word, which govern our lives. We desperately need this weekly reorientation because we get disoriented so quickly in a world where everything and everyone else seems to be calling the shots in our lives. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the opportunity to get reoriented to God’s sovereign and gracious presence. Pray that He will meet you in his word to equip you for the week ahead. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 6 - When Caesar says “jump”

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town.” - Luke 2:1-3 Scripture reading: Isaiah 45:1-13 When Caesar says, “Jump!” you say, “How high?” When Caesar says, “Go get registered!” you go get registered. This is not a suggestion. It’s a command. In worship, we talk about how God is the sovereign, all-powerful Ruler over creation and history. We say things like, “God is in control” and “God is on the throne.” When we leave church, however, it seems like Caesar is calling the shots in our lives. The government prints trillions of dollars and you get stuck with inflation – higher prices for everything. Tariffs drive up prices too. The government passes new regulations that complicate your business and your life. Maybe you feel trapped under the power of a controlling or manipulative person in your life. Maybe it’s your boss, but you need that job. I know a man who sat in jail for four years, only to be acquitted by a jury in the end. Caesar’s decrees impact our daily lives in the trenches, for good or for ill. God’s people would not have seen the hand of God, sovereignly directing the powerful Persian king Cyrus, if Isaiah had not prophesied it years earlier (Isaiah 45:1-13). Remember, we walk by faith, not by sight. Most likely, King Herod had some freedom to implement Caesar’s decree as he chose. He probably implemented Caesar’s decree in a uniquely Jewish way. Jewish people strongly identified with their ancestors and the towns they came from. Perhaps that’s why King Herod ordered them to register in their towns of origin Suggestions for prayer Thank God that kings, rulers and our lives are all in His sovereign hands. Pray for grace to trust God and be Christlike when the decisions of others complicate your life. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 5 - Quirinius

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.” - Luke 2:1-2 Scripture reading: Luke 1:1-4 When we read Luke 2 each Christmas, we treat verse 2 as an afterthought. When we read this passage out loud, we hope we won’t trip over Quirinius. We breathe a sigh of relief when we get through verse 2. It may surprise you, then, that Luke 2:2 is hotly debated. Much ink has been spilled over it. Many don’t just trip over the name Quirinius. They trip over the presence of Quirinius in Luke’s account. They point to historical evidence that Quirinius wasn’t governor of Syria until much later. Others have defended Luke 2:2 in response. We won’t wade into the Quirinius debate here. But consider this: when Luke penned these details, he knew the enemies of Christ would fact check everything he wrote and pounce if they could prove him wrong. Luke was a careful historian. In Luke 1:1-4, Luke assured Theophilus his account was carefully researched “that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4). Luke included Quirinius to assure Theophilus and us that the birth of Jesus was a real event that happened in real time when real politicians were making headlines. Satan has tried to undermine God’s word since the beginning. However, you don’t need to trip over Quirinius, because God’s word is true. We can be confident the Scriptures are true “because the Holy Spirit witnesses in our hearts that they are from God, and also because they carry the evidence thereof in themselves” (Belgic Confession, Article 5). Suggestions for prayer Thank God that Luke, guided by the Holy Spirit, left us with a trustworthy Gospel. Pray that the Holy Spirit will deepen your confidence in God’s Word and convince others as well. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 4 - The decree

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” - Luke 2:1 Scripture reading: Isaiah 55:10-1...

Daily devotional

December 3 - Caesar Augustus (II)

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” - Luke 2:1 Scripture reading: Mark 10:35-45 ...

Daily devotional

December 2 - Caesar Augustus (I)

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” - Luke 2:1 Scripture reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 ...

Daily devotional

December 1 - Introduction to Luke 2

Luke 2 enjoys the spotlight at this time of year. Students recite these verses at Christmas programs. Many of us memorized these verses. Pastors preac...

Daily devotional

November 30 - Anticipation and celebration

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” - Philippians 3:20-21 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 No doubt many of you know exactly how many days there are left until Christmas. As excited as some of you readers may be for that day, today’s devotion is asking you to examine yourself with this question: “Are you equally, less, or more excited for the return of Jesus?” When my middle son was young, he’d get so excited for the company that would visit us during the Christmas break. In fact, he’d stand outside, in the cold, for as long as an hour, waiting for the company to arrive. He’d come into the house with them, having been the first to greet them…even though he’d been shivering for quite a while. Jesus will return. The images in the passage are of people who are so intent on watching and waiting for Jesus’ return, that no thief in the night could possibly catch them unawares. Because they are wide awake, so ready for Jesus, they’d catch a robber before he’d rob them. Did you notice the reference to the breastplate of faith, love and the helmet of hope? The breastplate covers the heart, lungs and vital organs. It covered the guts as well. In those days it was thought your emotions came from your intestines. You know the expression, “I feel it in my guts. Right?” Guarding your vital seat of emotion kept alive the hope and expectation of Jesus’ return. On this day of all the week the best, Sunday, may you grow in joyful anticipation that Jesus will return. His arrival is closer than you think. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Spirit of God to renew in your heart and imagination the wonderful expectation of the return of Jesus; pray that during this season many of your friends, co-workers and family members who do not know Jesus will encounter Him and join you in anticipating His return. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com...

Daily devotional

November 29 - Tempted to praiseless prayer

“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” - Matthew 6:9 Scripture reading: Psalm 81:1-16 Yesterday, a friend sent me a link to a snippet of a comedian’s shtick who was making fun of folks in the gym with massive water jugs. The comedian exaggerated about someone’s water backpack having a hose which led directly to the man’s mouth. He kept opening his mouth to suck on it. Pertinent to what the Psalmist is talking about, though. The Psalmist’s teaching asks “For what do you open wide your mouth?” The first five verses are instructions for the people of God to open their mouths wide to praise God. The opening two phrases are parallels of intensification; sing aloud and then shout for joy to God. Energy and all kinds of musical instruments are to be used to bring glory to God. The people had been neglecting to sing and shout to God. Their voices went out to strange gods. Their knees were calloused from bending to idols. It is a distressing picture. The faithless people who were made for praise, had been opening wide their mouths to that which is worthless. The Lord’s prayer teaches believers the place of adoration. Like Psalm 81, the prayer begins and ends with praise to God. When believers take up the words of Jesus, they realize God the Father alone is the source of satisfaction in life. As water is vital to the person weary from a work-out, so is praise vital to the believer. Adoration revives the heart and inspires the mind to know God as He is. Praising God is as satisfying as the sweetness of honey. Suggestions for prayer Think of some of your most cherished names, or titles for God (like: Good Shepherd, or Father, or The LORD who provides) and pray such back to Him in adoration. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 28 - Tempted to forget the measure of your days

“When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath!” - Psalm 39:11 Scripture reading: Psalm 39:4-6 Three images used to depict what is called the fleeting length of a man’s life. The first is a handbreadth. Look at how long your palm is. Now, compare the breadth of your palm to the length of your arm. Your arm is much longer than your palm. It is a simple visual of how your spiritual life is much longer than your physical life. The measure of your earthly days is short compared to the eternity that stretches before you. The second image is a mere breath, or the word vanity (verse 5). The second time this image is used, it is connected to the destructive work of a moth (verse 11). The Lord consumes what is dear to a man like a moth destroys wool. As the end of life nears, a man’s possessions leave him. Think of senior citizens who move from a house to an apartment and downsize. Then they downsize again to move to a senior’s home. Finally, they are alone, on a bed, as life ebbs away. All of life is vanity. The third image is a shadow. As the morning sun gains strength and rises, shadows flee. At the fullness of day there are no more shadows. Think of how you are longing for Christmas, and the celebrations to come. It will be here sooner than you think. Just like Christmas will be here before you know it, so will the return of Jesus Christ come sooner than you expect. Knowing how fleeting are your days, put all your hope in Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the nearness of Jesus’ return; ask the Spirit to renew in you a deeper awareness of what it means that earthly life is short, and eternity will stretch on with no end so that your heart’s hope will be firmly anchored on Jesus. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 27 - Tempted to Christmas gluttony

“...and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. ” - Proverbs 23:2 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:12-17 What is your favourite memory related to Christmas meals? I clearly remember one aunt who always had potato salad that was a bright yellow. She added mustard to the dish. This was in the 1970’s. That item was added to a table that was already groaning with all kinds of food. Christmas is closely linked to eating. A simple on-line search will reveal that the average Canadian male will gain about 3 pounds (1.2kg) at Christmas time. One local gym promotes their survey results, which reports that it is common for adults to gain 5 to 8 pounds during the extended week that includes the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Is it strange, that at the time of the year when Christians celebrate the Incarnation, they also indulge in gluttony? Think of it, when Jesus left the splendour of heaven, and became human, He endured deprivation and hardship. He had nowhere to lay His head. He was not provided with gluttonous feasts. Yet Christians celebrate with excess. They eat too much food, sweets and candy. I would even suggest attendance at church worship declines because people choose feasts above intentional gathering. When planning your celebratory feasts this Christmas, will you consider what is an appropriate amount of food and what is too much? Maybe, with your family now, plan for meals that are celebratory, but not indulgent. The point is not the food, the point is gathering in celebration of God’s grace. Involve your family so that even in your eating and drinking you honour God. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for the abundance of His provision to you and your family; seek the wisdom of the Spirit in preparing meals. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 26 - Tempted to greed

“The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.” - Proverbs 15:27 Scripture reading: Luke 12:13-21 One i...

Daily devotional

November 25 - Tempted in charitable giving

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your G...

Daily devotional

November 24 - Tempted to wasting time

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” - Ephesians 4:1 S...

Daily devotional

November 23 - Welcome to the Sunday celebration

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” - Philippians 3:17 Scripture re...

Daily devotional

November 22 - Tempted to avoid suffering

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” - 1 Peter 4:19 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19 Think for a minute about who wrote these words. Yes, Peter who pledged to Jesus that even if all the other disciples abandoned Him, Peter would stand up and defend Jesus. When he saw that Jesus was prepared to suffer for the sake of His Father’s glory, Peter crumbled and ran. Worse, he betrayed even knowing Jesus. Rather than dealing harshly with Peter, surely you can empathize. You know how hard it is to stay true to Jesus while friends mock you. It doesn’t matter if you are 10 or 60, the peer pressure that society lobs against Christians tempts you to go soft in your stance for Jesus. First, know that suffering will happen for any Christian. Be assured that suffering confirms that you belong to Jesus. Second, do not claim to be suffering for Jesus, when in fact you are suffering for your own bad behavior. Your bad behavior must be punished so that you will be purified. Third, suffering does not bring you shame if you stand firm against it. In Jesus’ high priestly prayer (which is found in John 17), He asked His Father to glorify His Own Name and His people, as He sends them out into the hostile world. Fourth, suffering guards you against thinking salvation and sanctification are an easy street for believers. They are not. Believers must face suffering. When you suffer, entrust your soul to the care of your Creator, the One Who made you, knowing the purpose for which He designed you. He knows what you can and can’t endure. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Spirit of God to make you aware of the times and circumstances where you are avoiding the necessary suffering to which God has called you to endure. For the suffering you already know you have avoided, ask God’s forgiveness and the grace to be prepared for the next round of it. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 21 - Tempted to drift

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” - Hebrews 2:1 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 30:11-20 One of the board games our family likes to play still has the rule book in the box. We laughed when we finally got around to reading the rules. The rules tell players they can make up rules, if they are consistent with them, and they apply to all the players. That is, sometimes, how believers treat the Word of God. It is a wonderful instruction book for life; however, those who follow Jesus tweak the rules and decide which ones are important and which are not. Paul warned the Hebrews not to drift. Drifting from the faith begins when believers play fast and loose with the commandments of God. What He has instituted are designed for the good of His sons and daughters. Some believers neglect to meet every Sunday, and soon they find going to church difficult. Other believers neglect to read the Bible as a family. The Word loses its power and authority. With that parental authority erodes as well. The whole family drifts. The LORD spoke through Moses, offering His people tremendous clarity. The commandment of God is to keep the Word near to you. The Word of God directs you into life and keeps you in the way that is right. The duo references to life and good certainly foreshadows Jesus’ own words: “I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life”. In Him alone is all the adventure believers ever need. Anchor your mind and heart to Jesus through the reading of the Word, so that you never will drift away from Him. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you and your family members will be securely anchored to Jesus through Scripture reading, prayer and times of worship. Think about church members, or people you know who are drifting, and ask God to bring them back to Himself in love. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 20 - Tempted to all kinds of idle talk

“As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And He did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.”” - Mark 5:18-19 Scripture reading: Acts 2:40-47 A friend and I have this routine of going to the Moncton Market every Saturday morning. It is a bustling place with a variety of international foods. A few weeks ago, he startled me with an observation. He said, “We used to get our food, pray, and while we were eating, discuss our walk with God. Why don’t we anymore?” Too true. We’d discuss devotional patterns, lessons the Spirit was teaching through our Scripture readings, or the sermons we’d heard. We sought to discern the hand of God made evident through the events of our otherwise ordinary days. It’s tempting to lose our focus on God in our daily routines. I believe it is too easy to neglect our conversation about God, and neglect sharing our testimony with others, especially with those close to us. There are so many topics that fill our minds: politics, war, and many mundane things. What grabs my attention in these readings from Acts and Mark is the willingness of new converts to share the gospel. When Jesus returned to the region of the Decapolis, crowds came to Jesus, instead of sending Him away. Surely, the former demoniac had tremendous influence among his countrymen. New believers are contagious. They can’t help it. In view of their knowledge of Jesus and their joy in Him, they are compelled to share their faith. How are your conversations? Are you talking about Jesus here, there and everywhere? I was glad for my friend’s prompting to return to the practice of Saturdays as a prayer and share time. Suggestions for prayer Seek the Spirit’s leading to open doors for conversations about Jesus, and your faith in Him, and that such conversations would happen at home and then among peers, classmates, friends and neighbours. Pray to be bold as were those depicted in today’s passages. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 19 - Tempted to stinginess

“And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed as each had need.” - Acts 4:33-35 Scripture reading: Acts 2:40-47 When we were married, all my possessions became “our possessions”. The little group in Acts 2 was learning the same lesson. When people join the family of God, their possessions are no longer “my things”. All that believers have, are entrusted to them for their service to God. New believers were daily being added to the number of Christians. Just weeks before, while Jesus was still about His earthly ministry, to be added to the body of believers meant that family members might disown you (cf John 9, parents of the man born blind, whose eyes were opened). As Jesus had promised, persecution would increase. No doubt, there were still believers in Jerusalem left over from the Day of Pentecost who were being discipled and trained in the faith. So, there were many needs among the new believers. In view of God’s great gift of Jesus Christ, believers were very open-handed and prepared to share with anyone who was in need. Such past generosity has become complicated for many Christians—Who do we give to? What if they are not worthy? What if I’m taken advantage of in my giving? Legitimate questions. Start by giving to those within the household of faith, those believers who are genuinely in need. It is obvious that believers knew each other so well, that they were aware of those who had financial need. Beyond this, seek the great grace that is necessary, so that with Spirit-filled discernment you will know how to care for those whom the Father brings into your life. Suggestions for prayer As you consider Christmas present purchases, ask the Spirit of God to teach you where you are too self-focused; ask to be led to opportunities to give and be generous close to home as well as toward those far away. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 18 - Opening up for hospitality

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” - Hebrews 13:1-...

Daily devotional

November 17 - Breaking up the Sunday cliques

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” - Hebrews 13:1-...

Daily devotional

November 16 - Hold tight those citizenship papers

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anythi...

Daily devotional

November 15 - Children, youth, what is worth striving after?

Daily devotional

November 14 - Children, who is your teacher?

“God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” - 2 Timothy 2:25b-26 Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-9 You know we are living in the end times. The clearest sign is that children are disobedient to their parents. This is precisely what Paul wrote to Timothy. It is a sign that godlessness has so increased in the land that parents have neglected their duties, and not taught their children the fear of the LORD. There are many men I minister to who have never heard about God, creation, love or sin. There is a vast ignorance where there should have been youthful instruction in the Bible, and through it teaching about Jesus. Once in a great while I’ll hear of a man who, when he comes to Bible study of his own accord, credits a praying grandmother, or mother, for his interest in the things of God. In an over-used cliche, a movie or TV show depicts a child in the family as smarter than his dumb parents. He is witty, abusive, rebellious and ungrateful. It is almost as if the script writer read II Timothy to script the ideal child who is in rebellion against God and headed for hell. The world says be different, but then, ironically demands conformity to its ways by wearing brand name jeans, or buying the it cologne. The Bible teaches that if you’d be truly unique, then be lovers of God. If you want to live and know that your life has meaning, then listen to and obey the teaching of your godly parents. Such children escape the snares of the devil, who seeks only to destroy and kill. Suggestions for prayer Repent, children, if you have been in rebellion against God and your parents. Ask the Spirit of God to give you a willing, humble and teachable heart. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 13 - Do not disregard the role of women

“For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.”” - 1 Samuel 1:27-28 Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 1:3-7 The breakdown of our society includes the tearing down of and the disrespecting of the role of women. The very same society that says women are important is the one that allows abortion to kill daughters in favour of a future son. It is an abomination. In the Bible, God created Adam and Eve, male and female, in His image. Both male and female image bearers are precious in His sight. Consider the women in Timothy’s life: Grandma Lois and Mom Eunice. These women taught Timothy to know the Lord Jesus. Or, Hannah, who longingly prayed for a son, and with great compassion, the LORD answered her prayer, giving her Samuel. As you continue reading you learn God gave her three more sons and two daughters. It is obvious that she is a faithful mother in Israel, while Eli the priest, was an unfaithful father. Hannah’s children were a blessing from the LORD. To honour God, she lent Samuel to the LORD. While Eli’s lack of discipline, and his lack of contact with the LORD (as I Samuel 3:1 implies) meant his sons were wild. The role of women is critical in the household of faith. Women train up children in the way of the LORD. Women are a godly influence, whose work is critically important when, as in the case with Timothy, his dad was not a believer. A godly wife is a great influence on her husband. Women, single or married, can also disciple other women, so that the whole household of faith is built up. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for women in your life and in your congregation who shine the light of Jesus Christ. Pray for these women, married or single, that they too will be blessed and enriched in our precious faith. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 12 - Are you faithful leaders, Fathers?

“Hear my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” - Proverbs 1:8 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-25 Yesterday, the topic was nations; today, it is on the building block of nations: the family. Look at the focus of Deuteronomy 6 where it is commanded that the family spends its time and energy teaching the children of the household to know the LORD. When you walk, you point out the beauty of creation and the power of God. When you return home, you point out the security of your home, and your heart is entrusted to God the Father. When you celebrate, you remind your children that God rescued His people from slavery in Egypt and set them free. As New Testament Christians this lesson is vital. With the same attention to constancy and persistence, take every opportunity to teach your children about the manifold love of God demonstrated in Jesus. The sublime act of salvation in the Old Testament was the Exodus, Moses leading the people out of Egypt foreshadowed Jesus, who leads His people out of the Egypt of sin, into the Promised Land. As we follow Him, we are blessed, being adopted as sons and daughters of God. As we travel, Jesus the Prince of peace, protects and guards His people by the Spirit. Dads, are you feeding your own soul, so that you can teach your children? Dads, are you so focused on knowing Jesus that from the overflow of your heart you can’t help but speak of Him, your Deliverer? It doesn’t matter if your children are ten years old or forty, married or single; you need to be a godly leader. Suggestions for prayer Confess the times and ways in which you, dads, have neglected your duty of being a spiritual leader in your household; pray to be reinvigorated in the joy of the Lord, and share this gift of salvation starting at home and going out from there. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 11 - The temptation of nations

“And, when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.”” - 2 Chronicles 20:21 Scripture reading: Daniel 4:28-37 This devotion was written November 12, 2024. On November 11, 2024, I had several short flights in the United States. Before each flight took off, the cabin crew took a moment to thank the active military men and women for their commitment to their country. There were flags all over the airport. I thought of Nebuchadnezzar and his pride in his country, his achievements and power. As Christians, we know God sets up kings and thrones, prime ministers and leaders, and He also can depose them. Nebuchadnezzar’s pride became his downfall. As soon as he boasted of his prowess and his power, he was humbled. Juxtaposed to that is King Jehoshaphat, whose small army was confronted with a vast enemy army. In humility he turned to the LORD of Hosts who assured Jehoshaphat that he would not even have to fight. The LORD would fight for him. So, with the counsel of Levites and the people, he appointed singers to praise God, going out before the army. It is a beautiful picture. It is stunningly clear that it is not by might, nor by any earthly power, but by the Spirit of the LORD that kings rise and fall, and nations flourish or disappear. What are the lessons for us on this Remembrance Day? God guards the borders of lands and nations. He uses means, like soldiers and weapons, but ultimately the victory belongs to Him alone. The people of God are wise to acclaim Jesus as Head over all, the King Supreme. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for the freedoms you enjoy; pray for all the branches of the military, that they will know (or be taught by Christian chaplains) their defeat or success is solely because of the LORD of Hosts. Pray also for the leaders of your country, that in every rank, at every level, they will acknowledge the Lord God. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 10 - Pride and humility

“Thus says the LORD; “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of ...

Daily devotional

November 9 - Praying scripture

“And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honor me.” - Psalm 50:15 Scripture reading: Isaiah 12: 1-6 It is ...

Daily devotional

November 8 - Tempted to lazy-praying

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equ...

Daily devotional

November 7 - Vision and prayer

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.” - Proverbs 11:20 Scripture reading: I Kings 8:41-43 At...

Daily devotional

November 6 - Tempted to prayerlessness

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.” - I Thessalonians 5:16-19 Scripture reading: Luke 6:12-16 Let that sink in. Before choosing the disciples, Jesus spent a whole night in prayer, no doubt, imploring His Father in heaven to grant Him the right men. As a man, Jesus needed wisdom and direction from the Father to make right choices. Jesus was given the Holy Spirit without measure (John 3:34). In the strength of the Spirit’s power, Jesus yielded Himself fully to His Father, and asked for the answers He needed. The Gospel of Luke records over a dozen instances of Jesus going away to a desolate place and praying. You are likely tempted to prayerlessness. Excuses include: No time; too busy; don’t know what to pray for. The reading in I Thessalonians is a helpful guide. Prayer includes rejoicing. Recite Isaiah 12. It is a brief passage that shows what rejoicing looks like. (Go ahead. Read it.) Pray with thanksgiving. Here are some reasons for thanksgiving: life in Christ; new hope; your family in Christ. At different times all day, give thanks to God. Ask the Spirit, as the day progresses, for discernment to make morally right decisions at work, to do what is good in contrast to what is popular or easy at school, to show yourself faithful to God in daily life. How did Jesus avoid evil? How did Jesus not step into the temptation traps carefully laid out for Him by the devil? He persisted in prayer. Put reminders in your phone to pray at different times in the day. As you pray, you will find talking to God easier. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Spirit of God to open your mind and heart so that you don’t stop the Spirit’s work in your life; look for reasons all through the day to give thanks to God, then offer these up to God in prayer; requesting that God give you the motivation to be a believer who prays without ceasing. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 5 - Banality* and prayer

“The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.” - Psalm 146:7b-9 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:2-6 The Psalms are the prayer-book of God’s people. They teach believers to pray. The 150 Psalms give topics about which believers can pray. Even the short quotation from Psalm 146 gives a wide variety of prayer topics. Such prayers will help young believers overcome the banalities often spoken in prayer. Believers use cliches, like, “Bless the hands of those who prepared this meal.” A favorite of mine is “we lift him before the LORD (I won’t reveal my weight, but I can assure you most people praying for me can’t lift me!) You might hear the phrase “be near to” and then the name of the person in prayer is mentioned. God is always near to His people. So, then what is this request? Paul taught believers to pray for doors to be open to the Gospel. He urged people to petition God that he (and all those who testify to Jesus) would be clear as they testify to Jesus. Believers who follow Jesus need His power to walk in wisdom. There are many things which fill our time; a former prayer partner often prayed, “Lord, help me to make the best use of my time for Your kingdom”. It is tempting to pray sloppy, aimless prayers. Examine yourself relative to how you pray. Those who belong to God and know Him, will grow in their prayer life. Prayer is the lifeblood of our relationship with the King. The more believers know Him, the more intimate and fuller the scope of the matters they bring to Him will be. Suggestions for prayer For the Spirit of God to stir up in you, as believers, a holy awareness of various matters that can be brought to God in prayer; for a deeper intimacy with God. *Banality means flavorlessness, or staleness For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 4 - Tempted by prayer shortcuts

“You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 4:13 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 A visitor to a local Reformed or Presbyterian home might be forgiven if he thought the most important matter for prayer is the physical health of the members in the family. It is not unusual to hear family prayers which focus almost exclusively on health matters. Scriptures teach believers something quite different. Paul had the opportunity to preach to the Galatians precisely because his eyes afflicted him, and he was temporarily stopped from traveling further. In Corinthians, Paul noted he’d asked the Lord to be freed from the thorn in his flesh. Many commentators believe that his thorn was a physical ailment. Paul learned that the grace of God is sufficient even in the hardest times of his life. The goal of prayer is not that everyone be healed, but that God will be glorified. Christians will, by whatever means God chooses to use, train up men and women who are faithful and obedient to Him. Often the instrument God uses for training is suffering and hardship. Perhaps local church pastors, inspired by the Word, will intentionally transform congregational prayers, so they are clearer models of Biblical prayers. Pray for believers to find the grace of God because of their suffering. Ask the LORD to lead the afflicted to doctors and specialists who through the testimony of the suffering believer may hear the gospel for the first time. And, yes, do in proper proportion, pray for the well-being of those who are ill. Suggestions for prayer May the Spirit of the LORD convict preachers and elders, fathers and prayer warriors to be more intentional in their prayers for those who are ill; petition God for those who are ill among us that God’s grace will be sufficient for their needs. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 3 - Desire and knowledge

“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” - Proverbs 19:2 Scripture reading: Psalm 37:1-7 A good friend, a marathon runner, will tell you a runner must have both a goal and a finish line. Can you imagine a marathon runner who will set himself up for a run of 42.195 km, and does not know where the finish line is? It would be crazy. A marathon runner will not start a race without knowing his own pace, one he can sustain for the whole run. The rigorous training he’s undergone in the past will guide him. Psalm 37 teaches the believer to ignore the rising tide of evil which surrounds him. Instead of getting tempted to compromise, or figuring out how closely one can align himself with the world and cross the finish line as a Christian, one must with the Psalmist ask : “Am I delighting myself in the LORD?” Such a devoted believer, having crossed the finish line, longs to hear our Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” So, there is no aimless running, or running in circles, instead, there is a direct line of sight to the finish line, eternal delight in the presence of God. How fast or slow do you run? Proverbs teaches the Christian not to let his feet run faster than his ability to find his footing. Instead, a believer must know the world calls good evil and evil good. Finding your footing in faith requires you to grow in the knowledge of the LORD, which comes by knowing His Word so well that you can make your way in a world filled with troubles. Suggestions for prayer Confess your wrongful desires, repent of areas in your life where you have been compromising with sin; ask the Spirit of God to renew your faith so that you can clearly see the finish line—running this life for the glory of God. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 2 - Beholding Jesus

“One thing I have asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the bea...

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to temptations

Many people are already, no doubt, knee-deep in their preparations for the celebration of Christmas. There are plans to be made for special meals and ...

Daily devotional

October 31 - Grace be with you all!

“All those with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.” - Titus 3:15 Scripture reading: Number ...

Daily devotional

October 30 - Cases of urgent need

“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” - Titus 3:14 Scriptur...

Daily devotional

October 29 - Partners in the gospel

“When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.” - Titus 3:12-13 Scripture reading: Romans 12:3-13; Titus 3:12-15 The endings of Paul’s letters are not always easy to understand. What exactly does the Holy Spirit intend for us in these final greetings? Surely, these endings of letters are not afterthoughts or postscripts. The Holy Spirit has an intended meaning in every passage of God’s Word. Keep in mind these were real people. They were known to Titus and likely to the church in Crete. Artemas we know nothing else about. Tychicus is mentioned elsewhere (Eph. 6.21-22; 2 Tim. 4.12), as a “dearly beloved brother” and “minister.” Perhaps Artemas and Tychicus were both ministers which is why they are being sent to replace Titus. Zenas is a lawyer, perhaps trained in Roman Law. Apollos is probably the Apollos from the book of Acts and elsewhere. All of these men are helpful to Paul in the ministry, and he is urging them to conduct their travel soon because travel to Nicopolis was difficult in winter, so preparations should be made now. The other important point to note is that Zenas and Apollos should be provided for their travel, so “they lack nothing.” The church also serves as a sort of network of material provisions for ministers and elders for the broad ministry of the gospel. Partnership and unity in the gospel of Jesus Christ should show in a practical working together in all these ways. How are you using your gifts in service to the church? Are there other ways you could serve? Suggestions for prayer Thankfulness to God for the various gifts of God’s people for the broad ministry of the gospel. Help to know your own gifts and opportunities to use those gifts in the church. 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 28 - Heretics

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” - Titus 3:10-11 Scripture reading: Jude 1:1–25; Titus 3:9-11 Heretic is not a word you read often. There were plenty of heretics in church history, but we tend to think we are beyond that now—maybe because we think we are more enlightened, or maybe because we think that all our creeds and confessions have answered everything. True, many of our creeds and confessions were written directly or indirectly in response to various heresies, but this does not mean that heresies have altogether ceased. Church discipline is one of the marks of the true church and a necessary function of a true church. Church discipline almost exclusively happens because of an unrepentant life. Yet, church discipline exists to correct, rebuke, admonish and deliver God’s people from false doctrine, as well as from false living. Whatever the false teaching, heretics are very seldom quiet. That is, they rarely keep their false doctrine to themselves. Heretics like to gather followers and create fractures. Such people can leech a consistory’s attention and time. There is a temptation to try to appease such a person to keep the peace in the church. Elders and ministers are exhorted here to give stern warnings (“once and then twice”) and then to excommunicate such a person. The condemnation is actually a self-condemnation because by the false teaching itself, and the refusal to repent, the person shows himself or herself not to be a believer in Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your elders and pastor to have the wisdom and courage to warn false teachers and thereby protect the purity and peace of the church. Pray for wisdom to discern false teaching from the sound doctrine of the Bible. 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 27 - Unprofitable and foolish thing

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissension, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” - Titus 3:9 Scripture reading: Galatians 2:15-21; Titus 3:9-11 Like most pastors, I have been asked some very insightful questions. I have also been asked some obscure questions that are speculative and unhelpful. There is so much sound doctrine in Scripture to meditate upon that it seems utterly unnecessary to follow after unprofitable and worthless ideas. Furthermore, what is called “profitable” in the book of Titus is good work. Rather than spending time and effort on foolish controversies, questions, and quarrels, the time and effort would be better spent doing good works! It seems clear from this verse and Titus 1:10 that what is primarily in view are certain debates within Judaism. What benefit would you gain if you could trace your family lineage to a famous theologian or church leader from hundreds of years ago? Some people like to argue theological points for the sake of arguing. These might be interesting topics, but are they as profitable as doing good works? Such debates have done more harm than good for the gospel witness and for the building up of unity in the church. Some Christians today define Christianity in very narrow terms: a certain Bible translation only, a certain set of songs only, a certain song book only, a certain way to educate children only, certain ways of disciplining children only etc. It’s not that people can’t have preferences for certain things, but it is a problem when those peculiarities are imposed on other Christians as if it were God’s law. We ought to be careful about our scruples. Suggestions for prayer Pray for peace within the church. Pray for insight into your own scruples—whether they are biblically based. Pray for a renewed focus on profitable and excellent things of God. 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 26 - Devoted to good works

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” - Titus 3:8 Scripture reading: Psalm 119:33-40; Titus 3:1-8 Today you rest from your daily labors so that on this festive day of rest you can attend public worship. You are to rest from your sinful ways, as well. Meditate upon good works as the result of the gospel. The gospel leads to good works. The Holy Spirit produces good works in us as He renews us. You might say, “But I’m so sinful, and so selfish, and so weak; I don’t do the good works I should do.” Remind yourself of the words in Titus 2:11-12. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” The grace of Jesus Christ not only makes good works possible, but also necessary. The gospel will always produce good works in believers. Keep God’s Word. Keep the Lord’s Day today. Worship. Do good works of mercy. Visit a widow or shut-in or show hospitality to a stranger. Spend time in prayer and teaching God’s Word with your family. Give generously in worship today. Think about doing good works. Think about the people to whom you can do good and the situations in which you can do good. And remember the basis for it: the saving grace of God. Unbelievers might do nice things as well. But Christians are called to be zealous for good works because they have been saved to do them. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the zeal to do good works. Pray for wisdom and strength from God to do good works. Pray for a heartfelt devotion to doing good works. And make this Lord’s Day a day of worship and good works. 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 25 - Justified and glorified!

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according ...

Daily devotional

October 24 - Why did Jesus save us?

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according ...

Daily devotional

October 23 - What we once were

“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated b...

Daily devotional

October 22 - Submission to rulers and authorities

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreli...

Daily devotional

October 21 - The perfect pastor

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let not one disregard you.” - Titus 2:15 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4:6-16; Titus 2:11-15 There are various versions of The Perfect Pastor: the perfect pastor preaches exactly 20 minutes; he condemns sin roundly, but never hurts anyone’s feelings; he makes $400 a week, wears good clothes, drives a nice car, and gives $300 a week to the church. He is 29 years old with 40 years’ experience; he smiles all the time with a straight face; he makes 15 home visits a day and is always in his study to be available when needed. The perfect pastor is also always in another church! This is the toughest verse in the book of Titus. But we have not considered the toughest part of this tough verse yet, “Let no one disregard you.” Ministers will be disregarded, but Paul tells Titus: “don’t let them.” How can a minister—especially one among the Cretans (1:12)—keep that from happening? The way to let no one disregard you, pastor, is to be faithful to the commands here: declare, exhort, and rebuke. Are you doing that in the Name of Christ, as a shepherd called by the Good Shepherd, and can you answer with a good conscience that, yes, you prayerfully labored to faithfully preach in the sufficiency of Christ, seeking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit? And even though it’s Tuesday, and the sermons from Sunday are not as fresh in your minds and hearts, are you able and willing to evaluate your pastor’s preaching on these terms? Did he faithfully preach God’s Word as God’s Word? Suggestions for prayer Pray for your pastor’s calling and work—as a husband and father; for his preaching, teaching, visiting, counseling, and meetings. If you have a complaint or grudge against a pastor, pray for a soft heart toward him and opportunity to reconcile. Give thanks for the gospel ministry. 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 20 - The toughest verse

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” - Titus 2:15 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4:6-16; Titus 2:11-15 This is the toughest verse in Titus. This verse is tough because the very thing that Christians need—the gospel ministry—can also be the thing they disregard. This verse is tough because ministers are disregarded. Ministers are disregarded when people complain. People complain about preaching—sermons are too long; too deep; not practical enough; sermons are not addressing all the issues people think should be addressed. People complain about the minister’s visiting—he doesn’t visit enough; he is not approachable; he doesn’t mingle enough. People complain about the minister’s time—criticizing how he uses his time. Ministers are also disregarded when they give biblical, sound advice and wisdom, and are subsequently ignored. They are disregarded when they are compared with “celebrity pastors” and conference speakers. Ministers are disregarded when they are expected to have the knowledge, power, and presence of Jesus. Do you prepare to listen attentively to sermons? Do you pray for the minister’s preparations for preaching? When was the last time you encouraged your pastor? Do you respect his day off? Do you respect his family time? If you need a pastoral visit, have you communicated that to your pastor? Do you appreciate the high calling your pastor has from the Lord Jesus Christ to preach and teach sound doctrine, in season and out of season, to proclaim the treasure of the gospel even though he himself is only a vessel of clay? Maybe you need to change your expectations and love your pastor despite his weaknesses. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your pastor’s calling and work—as a husband and father; for his preaching, teaching, visiting, counseling, and meetings. If you have a complaint or grudge against a pastor, pray for a soft heart toward him and opportunity to reconcile. Give thanks for the gospel ministry. 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 19 - Jesus gave himself to redeem us

“… waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.” - Titus 2:13-14: Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 2:11-15 This is the second of Jesus’ “appearings” mentioned in this section. Christ is coming again, having been “crowned with glory and honor” (Heb. 2:9). Jesus is our blessed hope! We have lots of questions about Christ’s second coming and resurrection, and the new heavens and the new earth. The Bible does not give us too many definite answers. But to quote the author of Hebrews once again, it will be “better.” All things will be better. Certainly, the Cretans could look forward to something better than their present lives. Certainly, we can too. May this Lord’s Day be something better in miniature for you: blessed in God’s holy presence, covered in the blood and righteousness of Christ, praising Him, praying to Him, presenting yourself a living sacrifice to Him, gathered together with His people, united in faith, hope and love. Christ redeemed us from all lawlessness. He did that through His substitutionary death, and He did that by imputing His perfect righteousness to us. He sent His Holy Spirit to purify us. He made us His own people, a treasured possession for Himself (see Isa. 43). He makes us zealous for good works. Do you have a zeal for good works? Are you zealous for God’s laws and commandments, statutes and rules (see Ps. 119)? Are you zealous to worship God on this Lord’s Day? Are you zealous to love your neighbor as yourself? Suggestions for prayer That you may be eager and hopeful for Christ’s coming in glory. That you and your family might be ready for Christ’s coming in glory. That you would grow in your zeal for God and good works. 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 18 - The appearance of God’s grace

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age…” - Titus 2:11-12 Scripture reading: 2 Peter 1:3-11; Titus 2:11-15 In life we often get instructions about what to do before we get the reasons why we are to do it. Paul writes that way here, telling us why we must live as Christians. The biblical and theological foundation for Christian living is found in two “appearings.” The first appearing is Christ’s first coming. When Christ came, the grace of God appeared to us more clearly than it had before. The whole Bible proclaims God’s grace. Jesus embodied and lived and demonstrated God’s grace in all His life, ministry, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension. All His teachings and miracles, all His encounters with the people and the Jewish leaders, revealed the truth of the Kingdom of God. We are saved by grace. Christ came because of God’s grace, His undeserved favor upon us. When you hear God’s greeting in worship tomorrow, you will be reminded of that grace of God, given to you in Jesus Christ, which you must receive by faith. God’s grace will be preached. Because we are saved by grace, and because Christ appeared for us, we are now called to and enabled to live for Christ. Christ has “trained” us, taught us as one does as a little child, to do two kinds of things: first, negatively, to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions; second, positively, to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. We must renounce the old way and live in the new way. We can and we must do this because of God’s grace in Christ. Suggestions for prayer That you might be assured of God’s grace in Christ. That you would be prepared for worship tomorrow to receive God’s grace, to rejoice in God’s grace, and to live by God’s grace. 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 17 - Adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour

Daily devotional

October 16 - A model of good works

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching, show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned...

Daily devotional

October 15 - Self-control

“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.” - Titus 2:6 Scripture reading: Proverbs 23:19-24:2; Titus 2:1-10 Young men also have...

Daily devotional

October 14 - The gift of older christian women

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young ...

Daily devotional

October 13 - The gift of older christian men

“Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.” - Titus 2:2 Scripture reading: Proverbs 4: 1-27; Titus 2:1-10 Many older men have been good teachers to me. My father taught me the faithfulness of the Christian life. My father-in-law taught me the joy of the Christian life. My grandfather taught me the love of the Christian life. My wife’s grandfather taught me the peace of the Christian life. A father in the faith taught me the wisdom of the Christian life. Younger men learn from older and wiser men in your church. Older men, be a teacher to the younger. Other older men have taught me what I do not want to be when I am older. Ecclesiastes 7:1 says, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death is better than the day of birth.” The point is to live well, according to sound doctrine, so that you may live well and be well spoken of with a good reputation when you are older. Some older men are grumpy, complaining, insensitive and irritable. This grizzly disposition might have an explanation, but it begs the question whether the gospel was joyfully received by the brother in humility and meekness. Older men are exhorted to be clear-headed, serious and worthy of respect, and self-controlled in their behavior; in short, they should be wise. Wisdom often comes with age, but it’s neither automatic nor guaranteed. Older men should show a wholesome trust in God (against complaining), love toward others (against irritability), and perseverance (which would counteract a lot of the grumpiness at how things have changed so much!). Suggestions for prayer Pray for the older men in your family and in your church—that they may have these characteristics by God’s grace. Pray that you would be humble and teachable enough to listen to the wisdom and life experience of the older men in your life. 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 12 - Sound doctrine and sound living

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” - Titus 2:1 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12; Titus 2:1-10 The Cretans sound like hard people. Do you know someone who is stubborn and is set in his or her ways? We may find such people in our neighborhoods, work places, families and churches. Can such people ever change? Can sinners in general ever change? For people once captivated by a license to live however they please, legalism looks attractive. Titus must be different from the false teachers and the Greek philosophers in every way. Titus must preach and teach sound doctrine. The whole counsel of God is neither license to sin, nor an unbearable legalistic yoke. Biblical doctrine is sound, “healthy,” and “wholesome.” Sound doctrine results in sound living. Teach “what accords with” the sound doctrine,” Paul writes. Titus must teach the words and ways of the Christian life, the measure and manner of it, the commandments and wisdom that agrees with the doctrine itself. Sound biblical doctrine, when properly applied, will starkly contrast false teaching; it is also the God-given method of growing in godliness in the Holy Spirit. Sound doctrine must be taught in the church, in seminaries, in our homes, and in our schools. Sound doctrine, then, will be two things: that which glorifies the grace of God in Jesus Christ, in whom alone we have salvation, and the teaching of a God-fearing and obedient life. The Cretans were being deceived by idle questions and nonsense. There are lots of things in life to be curious about. Christians have many more important things for which to be striving. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate you to understand sound doctrine from the Bible. Pray that God’s people and all of God’s children would be instructed by sound doctrine to be applied properly for godly living. 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 11 - Everyone is a hypocrite

“They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” - Titus 1:16 Scripture reading: Isaiah 29:13-24; Titus 1:10-16 Hypocrisy looks ugly on everyone. An ugly dress on a beautiful bride is still an ugly dress. An ugly piece of artwork in a beautiful gallery is still an ugly piece of artwork. Social media is saturated with people who say (or have said) one thing, and then do another. Everyone is a hypocrite; no one lives life perfectly in line with what they believe. False teachers can be identified by their hypocrisy. They claim a special knowledge about God—by some other kind of “special” revelation. Yet, in their personal lives, these false teachers show anything but good works. They are detestable, or abominable, and the sense is that they pervert justice (see Prov. 17:15; probably by way of bribes; remember, they are greedy for shameful gain); they are disobedient (in private, breaking God’s Law and not repenting of it); they are unfit (unqualified; morally reprehensible). In other words, the lives of the false teachers show a disgusting and repulsive lifestyle that does not at all agree with God’s Word. Contrast all that description to what the Bible requires of elders (1:6-9). Men who are biblically qualified to lead God’s church and teach must have a quality of character that produces a godly lifestyle. Doctrine matters; true doctrine leads to true living. Here are three simple questions to help identify false teaching: 1) Does the teaching agree with Scripture? 2) Is the teaching spiritual and heart-changing? 3) Does the teaching lead to godly living or hypocrisy Suggestions for prayer Pray for the church to be protected from false teaching. Pray for the church to be purified by the gospel of truth and for God’s people to stand firm in sound doctrine. Pray for your elders and minister. 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 10 - Give thanks in all things

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.” - Titus 1:15 Scripture reading: Romans 3:19-26; Titus 1:10-16 If the specific Jewish myths were to do with marriage and what kinds of food they were permitted to eat, then what Paul has in mind is for Christians to be Christians in their marriages, and to give thanks to God for the food they have been given through His goodness and providence. Those who are in Christ can give thanks to God for His good gifts and live for Him in all their relationships. Jesus said, “Everything will be clean to you” (Lk. 11:41). We live in a very legalistic world. There are all kinds of new rules for what you may say and when you may say it, or for what and when you may not say something. Certain kinds of people have social privileges of speech and action that most of us are not granted by the social justice mob. It’s amazing how western society so gradually moved away from God’s Law only to replace God’s morality and purity with a distorted human version. Purity cannot be merely external; if it were, then even the minds and consciences of unbelievers could be changed by mere behavioral adjustments. True purity is internal and moral (see Mark 7:15). Only Jesus can make us pure through His blood and righteousness. As people purified in Christ, let us act in purity in the church, in our marriages, in school, and at work, and with all of God’s good gifts, in moral uprightness. Suggestions for prayer Pray for purity in your church, marriage, and family. Pray for thankful hearts in receiving and using God’s good gifts, trusting that He will give us all we need. 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 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 ...

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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....

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Nearer to God Devotional

Directing you to faith in Jesus Christ and to Biblical truth.

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February 8 - Straight to Christ

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February 7 - The debt paid

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February 6 - Three Kings and God’s prophet

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February 5 - God’s use of the insignificant

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February 4 - Bethel or Beth-aven?

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February 3 - Living water in Jericho

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February 2- Taken into glory

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February 1 - Introduction to Elisha

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January 31 - Delighting in confessing our only comfort

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January 30 - Sharing our only comfort

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January 29 - Telling our children

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January 28 - How I am to thank God

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January 27 - I must know how to be set free

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January 26 - I must know my sin

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January 25 - What I must know

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January 24 - Living for Jesus (II)

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January 23 - Living for Jesus (I)

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January 22 - And makes me whole-heartedly willing

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January 21 - Christ by his Holy Spirit assures

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January 20 - Because I belong to him

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January 19 - For my salvation

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January 18 - All things

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January 17 - Not a hair

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January 16 - Jesus watches over me

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January 15 - Set free from the tyranny of the devil (II)