Daily devotional

June 25 - Counterfeit joy (III)

“For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” - Mark 8:36 Scripture reading: Mark 8:31-38 C.S. Lewis...

Daily devotional

June 24 - Counterfeit joy (II)

“Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when th...

Daily devotional

June 23 - Counterfeit joy (I)

“By faith Moses… refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the f...

Daily devotional

June 22 - The joy of believing

“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1 Scripture reading: John 20:24-29 Thoma...

Daily devotional

June 21 - Resurrection joy

“"Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord."” - John 20:18 Scripture reading: John 20:1-18 It is clear from reading John’s account of Jesus’ resurrection that Mary Magdalene didn’t expect Jesus to rise from the dead. When she went to the tomb early in the morning and found it empty, her first reaction was not, “He arose” but rather, “Someone has taken the body” (v. 1). Then a little later, when the angels asked her why she was weeping, she answered, “They have taken away my Lord” (v. 13). You see, Mary and Jesus’ other followers lived in the same world we live in, a world in which dead people don’t rise again. That is precisely John’s point in this passage. While our experience tells us that dead people don’t rise again, Jesus actually did. People who weren’t expecting to see Jesus alive again saw and believed. Some speak of the resurrection as a “symbol” of Jesus’ continuing influence in the world, but scoff at the idea that He actually rose from the dead, bodily. But John and the other Gospels record eyewitness accounts that Jesus, after He was laid in the tomb, was actually seen upright and walking, heard talking, ate meals and was touched. And this must be the case, else we have no Saviour. His death on the cross conquered death so that death could not hold Him. His resurrection was the Father’s approbation of Christ’s atonement. His resurrection is the promise and guarantee of the resurrection of His people. It was no “symbol” or metaphor. He really rose from the dead. Hallelujah! Christ arose! Suggestions for prayer Give thanks that Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the guarantee that when He returns, your body will be raised to eternal life. Pray that the church will never compromise the message that Jesus actually, bodily rose from the dead. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 20 - For the joy set before him

“Looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:2 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-17 Yesterday was Good Friday, the day that Christ, the Lamb of God, in full obedience to the Father, gave His life as a substitutionary atonement for our sins. He was wounded for our transgressions and was bruised for our iniquities. And yet, despite the pain and shame and rejection, Jesus was joyful. He had spoken about His joy just before His arrest in the Upper Room with His disciples. In Hebrews 12, we are encouraged to keep running the race of faith, all the while looking to Jesus. Not only was Jesus joyful while on earth, but He looked forward to a fuller and greater joy ahead. It was the joy of a mission accomplished. He endured the pain, suffering and shame of the cross because He knew that there was even greater joy on the other side. We too are blessed with joy today, but there is a greater joy ahead. And realizing that blessedness should encourage us to keep running the race of faith. We might be discouraged, weary and worn out, but “no eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him” (I Corinthians 2:9). For the joy that is set before you, keep running! Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would take your eyes off your circumstances and be focused on Jesus. Rejoice that Christ your Saviour is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 19 - Jesus’ seventh word on the cross

“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” - Luke 23:46 Scripture reading: Luke 23:44-49 This word, like the fourth and fifth, is a quotation from Psalms. Psalm 31:5 says, “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have redeemed me, O Lord, faithful God.” Jesus began His ministry with the Scriptures on His lips when Satan tempted Him and now He breathes His last with the Word of God on His lips. Luke tells us that Jesus spoke this seventh word after the curtain of the temple was torn in two. Since Christ had accomplished His mission, the way into the Holy of Holies is now open. Christ Himself is the way, the truth and the life. Luke also says that He spoke this word with a loud voice. This is significant. Jesus had said, “No one takes My life from Me; I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10:18). This means that death didn’t come until Jesus allowed it to come. When He was ready, He embraced it. He didn’t die in weakness, but in strength. He didn’t speak with a whimper, but with a loud voice. And further, He says, “Into Your hands I commit My spirit.” I commit, not as some passive, helpless victim, but as the One Who holds the keys of death. Jesus died, safe and secure in the Father’s hands. Understand that He did so as our mediator and substitute. As He committed His spirit into His Father’s hands, He is committing our spirits into His Father’s hands. Like Jesus, we can die safely and securely because our covenant head and Saviour died safely and securely. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would have the joy and peace of being secure in the Father’s hands. Give thanks that Jesus has conquered death. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 18 - Jesus’ sixth word on the cross

“It is finished.” - John 19:30 Scripture Reading: John 19:28-30 You and I might not finish something we’ve begun. Due to laziness, weakness or for reasons outside our control, that project you were working on or letter you were writing or diet you started, didn’t get completed. But that can never be said of Christ. Jesus’ sixth word on the cross is a word of triumph. He fully completed what He came to do. In 1 John 3:5 we read, “You know that He appeared to take away sins.” A few verses later John says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” These purposes are not separate, but the same. Christ came to take away our sins and thereby to free us from the tyranny of the devil. There are times when I’m keenly aware of my own sins and conclude, as did Paul, “O wretched man that I am” (Rom. 7:24). At those times, when the devil points his finger at me and says “guilty,” I remind myself of this sixth word on the cross. “It is finished.” Christ paid it all. That truth restores the joy. Horatio Spafford got it right when he penned this stanza in his well-loved hymn, “It is Well with My Soul”: “My sin – O the bliss of this glorious thought! – My sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more; praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul! Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would forgive your sins because of Christ’s sacrifice for you and that He would grant you a deeper assurance that your sins are forgiven and that it is well with your soul. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 17 - Jesus’ fifth word on the cross

“I thirst.” - John 19:28 Scripture reading: John 19:28-30 Jesus’ fifth word on the cross is only one word in Greek which, when translated ...

Daily devotional

June 16 - Jesus’ fourth word on the cross

“…My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?” - Matthew 27:46 Scripture reading: Matthew 27:45-56 I wonder if the onlookers at Jesus’ cru...

Daily devotional

June 15 - Jesus’ third word on the cross

“…He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her ...

Daily devotional

June 14 - Jesus’ second word on the cross

“And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."” - Luke 23:43 Scripture reading: Luke 23:35-43 We might...

Daily devotional

June 13 - Jesus’ first word on the cross

“And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."” - Luke 23:34 Scripture reading: Luke 23:18-34 Looking forward to Good Friday and Resurrection Sunday, I want to spend the next several days looking at the seven words of Christ on the cross. My prayer is that you will find and experience great joy in hearing and understanding them. The spiritual leaders of Israel, in hatred and jealousy, brought charges of blasphemy and sedition against Jesus. The Roman governor, Pontius Pilate, cowardly washed his hands of this debacle. The Roman soldiers scornfully beat and mocked Jesus. Finally, they nailed Him to the cross between two criminals so that the sinless Son of God was, as Isaiah had prophesied, “numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). Jesus didn’t rant and rave against His oppressors, He didn’t defend Himself against the injustice of it all. Instead, the first words from His lips are, “Father, forgive them.” Forgiveness. This is why Jesus came into the world – to forgive sins. When Joseph wondered what to do about Mary when she was pregnant, the angel reassured him and said, “You shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” This first word of Christ on the cross brings great joy to sinners like you and me. We cannot out-sin His grace. And just as He interceded for the sinners of His day, so He continues to lovingly intercede for you and me today. Hebrews 7:25 says, “He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” Hallelujah! What a Saviour. Suggestions for Prayer Pray that God will forgive your sins for the sake of Jesus Christ and give thanks that Jesus is your great High Priest Who continues to intercede for you. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 12 - Jesus’ joy

“But now I am coming to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” - John 17:13 Scripture reading: John 17:1-13 Jesus prayed that we would have His joy. What does that look like? How are we to understand His joy, much less experience it? First, Jesus’ joy is a holy joy. It is, if I may put it this way, a “serious” joy. It is not flippant. It is not showy or boisterous. It is not produced. It is the joy that results in being in fellowship with the Father. And that is precisely what Christ has accomplished for us – fellowship with the Father. He has the joy of that fellowship and prays that you and I may have the same joy. Second, when Jesus speaks of His joy, He is speaking of the joy that comes from Himself. As we’ve already seen, Jesus is the source of all joy. It is impossible to have true, lasting joy apart from Jesus Third, Jesus’ joy is a joy completely independent of earthly circumstances. Jesus was about to be crucified and He knew it, but that didn’t affect His joy. He would soon be leaving His disciples in this world full of hatred, anger and murderous intent. Yet, He prayed that they would be more than conquerors filled to overflowing with His joy. And that is His prayer for you and me. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you will be able to know Jesus' joy in spite of your circumstances. Rejoice that though you were once alienated from God, in Christ you’ve been reconciled. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 11 - Joy in this world

“But now I am coming to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.” - John 17:13 Scripture reading: John 17:1-13 In John 17, just before His arrest, trial and crucifixion, Jesus prayed to the Father with the disciples listening in. Often referred to as His High Priestly prayer, Jesus prayed several petitions for His followers. He was fully aware of what was about to transpire, yet one of His petitions was that the disciples would have His joy. In spite of His imminent crucifixion, Jesus had joy. There are some people who think that being a Christian is a joyless life in which you will miss out on all the fun. Or they say that whatever joy a Christian might experience will only be in the future. Satan, the father of lies, would have us think that we’re missing out. But that clearly isn’t Jesus’ position. Remember that Jesus had just said, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). Jesus intentionally prayed this prayer in the disciples hearing so that they would have His joy immediately. Yes, Jesus has gone to prepare a place for them (and us), and our eternal existence in the “new heavens and the new earth” will be joyful beyond our imagining. But it isn’t only for that future that He has redeemed us. We are to enjoy the blessings of our redemption in this world as well as in the world to come. And one of those blessings is joy. The Christian is meant to be joyful today Suggestions for prayer Be thankful that your future is one of joy unimaginable and pray that you will experience the true foretaste of that joy today. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 10 - The fruit of joy (II)

“…rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” - Luke 10:20 Scripture reading: Luke 10:1-10 The reason that joy is a fruit of the Spirit is because the Spirit always brings us back to Jesus. When Jesus was comforting His disciples, He told them that after His departure, the Holy Spirit would come. He said, “He (the Spirit) will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14). The Holy Spirit’s primary purpose is to reveal, to shine the light on Jesus. Where Jesus is preached, where Jesus is praised, where Jesus is glorified, there the Spirit is at work. And since Christ is the ultimate source of joy, joy is an inevitable fruit of the Spirit. We have a tendency to find joy in lesser things – our marriage, our work, sports and recreation, our children or grandchildren, etc. We might even find joy in “spiritual” things like our church, our teaching responsibilities or our serving as office-bearers. But even here Jesus sets us straight: Luke 10 tells us that Jesus sent out His followers on a mission and gave them extraordinary, miraculous powers. They went out into the villages and were able to heal diseases and cast out demons. When they returned to Jesus they were filled with joy because they were able to do all these things. But Jesus reoriented their focus and said, “Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that your pastor would faithfully preach Christ and Him crucified and give thanks that your name has been written in the Book of Life. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 9 - The fruit of joy (I)

“But the fruit of the Spirit is… joy…” - Galatians 5:22 Scripture reading: Galatians 5:16-25 My family and I lived in Hawaii for sev...

Daily devotional

June 8 - Joy in tribulation

“Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” - J...

Daily devotional

June 7 - Worship with gladness

“Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing!” - Psalm 100:2 Scripture reading: Psalm 100:1-6 Since joy in our salva...

Daily devotional

June 6 - Joy in God’s revelation

“In the way of Your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches… I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget Your Word.” - Psalm 119:1...

Daily devotional

June 5 - Joy in the God of my salvation

“I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” - Habakkuk 3:18b Scripture reading: Habakkuk 3:1-19 When the Bible speaks of our joy, we discover that it is the Christian’s response to all the blessings we have from God. But the wellspring, the fount of joy is our salvation in Jesus Christ. For example, James instructs us to “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…” (James 1:2). But we cannot be joyful in our trials apart from our salvation in Christ. In Psalm 119 the Psalmist says that he delights in God’s Word, in God’s commands and in God’s testimonies. But we cannot find joy in God’s revelation without being in Christ. At the end of Luke’s gospel, just after Jesus’ ascension, we read that His disciples “worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:52). But we cannot worship joyfully apart from being in Christ. Habakkuk was a prophet during very difficult days. In the short, Old Testament book of Habakkuk the prophet raises complaints to God about the sorry state of affairs in Judah. He is burdened because God seems to be indifferent to the appalling spiritual condition of His people (Habakkuk 1:2-4). But after God answers his complaints, Habakkuk responds with those beautiful words, “I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Is that your joy? God sent His only begotten Son to save you. He is the God of your salvation. Do you take joy in Him? Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would impress on you His great love for you. So great is His love that He gave Jesus to be your salvation. Pray that your joy would be evident and recognized by others. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 4 - Joy and peace

“I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.” - John 16:33 Scripture reading: John 16:25-33 Being a Christian does not mean you become immune to the hardships of life. Anyone who’s lived long enough knows that we suffer pain and sickness, financial hardships, death of family or friends, inter-personal conflicts and are scorned by the world for holding Biblical convictions. Granted, there are some false teachers that preach a “health and wealth” gospel, but they didn’t learn that from Jesus. He made it clear that if they persecuted Him, they will persecute His followers. And, in the passage above, He says, “in this world you will have tribulation.” Not “might have,” but “will have.” But Jesus then says “take heart.” Do not wallow in your hardships. Do not despair. Take heart! He isn’t saying “just grin and bear it.” He tells us that He has overcome the world. The hurts and pains we experience are temporary. As Paul says in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.” Why? Because Christ has overcome the world and He will make all things new. This truth affords the Christian a “peace that passes understanding” because by faith the Christian can see beyond the present circumstances. And that, in turn, brings great joy to the believer. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would remove the hardships, or reconcile the conflicts in your life and that if it is His will to allow these to remain, you will trust in the future grace of our Saviour, Jesus Christ. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 3 - Abide in me

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” - John 15:11 Scripture reading: John 15:1-11 In chapters 13-17 of John’s Gospel, Jesus is alone with His disciples in the upper room. These chapters are often referred to as “The Upper Room Discourse” because in them our Lord teaches and speaks words of comfort to His beloved disciples. In the middle of that discourse, Jesus tells the disciples, and us, that He is the Vine and we are the branches. Apart from Him, He says, we can do nothing. Apart from Jesus, we cannot bear fruit. Apart from Jesus, we are nothing but withering branches, only good for being “gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned” (v. 6). So Jesus lovingly instructs and encourage us to abide in Him. Only then will we thrive, bear fruit and live. Only then will we know the joy that Jesus promises. As we focus our attention this month on Christian joy, I want to impress on you that it is only by abiding in Christ that we can and will have joy. Romance will not bring lasting joy. Recreation and sports cannot offer lasting joy. Politics and governments cannot bring you joy. Only by abiding in Christ will you have joy. Why? Because He is the ultimate and only source of joy! To abide in Jesus means that you believe the good news of the gospel. It means that you are resting in and trusting in His righteousness, not your own. It means that you humbly embrace His atonement on your behalf – so that your joy may be full. Suggestions for prayer Pray that we would truly believe and know the comfort and joy of belonging to Jesus and that we would bear fruit for Christ’s glory and our neighbour’s good. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 2 - Tidings of comfort and joy

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it— the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” - Romans 3:21-23 Scripture reading: Romans 3:9-26 Yesterday I began by saying: “I want to live in joy, and I want to die in joy.” And we saw that Jesus is the only true source of joy. But Jesus lived over 2000 years ago. How can my joy in 2019 have anything to do with Jesus? The Heidelberg Catechism is a summary of biblical teaching and begins by asking the question, “What is your only comfort in life and in death?” The answer can be summarized: “That I belong to Jesus.” But notice what the second question asks: “What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?” Then it lists three things. That is, if you desire (as I do) to live in joy and to die in joy, you need to know and understand these things: First, that I am a sinner. And not only am I a sinner, but I have no hope of earning or meriting God’s favour on my own. Because I am a sinner, I deserve only God’s punishment. Second, that God in love sent His only begotten Son to save sinners like me. There is no other Saviour but Jesus Christ and I am trusting in His salvation. Third, that my gratitude is the inevitable response to God’s grace in Christ. This gratitude is not only a feeling, but shows itself in a life of obedience to God’s will. When you know, understand and believe those three things, you will have joy. Suggestions for prayer Pray for a deeper appreciation for the gospel. Pray that the gospel will be the pillar and foundation of your church’s ministry. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for 35 years. He served as the pastor to two URCNA churches in Michigan, then planted a URC on the island of Kauai, Hawaii and is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo United Reformed Church in Centennial, Colorado. He is also the General Co-editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal, a joint publication of the United Reformed Churches and the Orthodox 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

June 1 - Introduction to the Christian joy

June's theme is The Christian's Joy. Joy is the possession of every child of God. The triune God is a God of joy and the source of joy to all who trus...

Daily devotional

May 31 - Be firm in your faith!

“Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after ...

Daily devotional

May 30 - Your adversary

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour.” - 1 Peter 5:8 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

May 29 - He cares for you

“...casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” - 1 Peter 5:7 Scripture Reading: Psalm 55:1-23 Verse 7 is governed by the ...

Daily devotional

May 28 - Are you humble (II)

“Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.” - 1 Peter 5:6 Scripture reading: Proverbs 11:1-31 Peter continues his teaching on humility in verse 6. He tells us to humble ourselves so that God may exalt us. Pride can be viewed as dependence or confidence in oneself. A person may think he is fully independent of others and self-sufficient. Is this true? Are we completely self-sufficient without any dependence on others? The reality is, no matter where we are in life, we do rely on others. We all appreciate family, friends, employers, customers, retail workers, doctors and nurses and the list goes on. Think about all the people you rely on each day to make your life better and easier. We are not truly alone. There is One Who is actually in your life whether you recognize it or not. The Lord directs all of your affairs by an all-wise Providence. You don’t live in a chance world. Peter brings us to the place where we need to recognize God working in our lives. Humility is having a full dependence on and confidence in God. This verse could be translated allow yourselves to be humbled, under the mighty hand of God. We must permit ourselves to be humbled. We must consent to let God take control. We must surrender to His will as He knows what is best for us. His hand is mighty and powerful. He breaks the power of sin and pride and molds us to be like Christ by His Spirit. He will exalt us in due time. Will you allow yourself to be humbled? Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord He is faithful and powerful so that we can truly depend upon Him. Praise the Lord that when we humbly submit to Him, He will exalt us in His perfect time. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 27 - Are you humble? (I)

“Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble. Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you.” - 1 Peter 5:5-6 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:1-30 How important is humility? According to Peter very important! Pride not only hurts our relationship with God, but also our relationship with others. How many friendships and marriages have been damaged or ruined over hurtful or angry words? How many families and workplaces have been divided by resentment and bitterness? How many reputations have been ruined through jealousy and hateful gossip? How true are the words, "Pride goes before destruction, and a haughty spirit before a fall" (Proverbs 16:18). Do you have a humble spirit or have you allowed pride to impact your relationship with your spouse? Family member? Co-worker? Even Christ Himself? Peter declares, "Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." How can we clothe ourselves with humility? The term clothe refers to a servant’s garment or apron that would be worn over other clothing and tied so that it would stay tightly fixed to the body. Peter’s imperative here is that humility must be part of us like a garment tightly wrapped around the body so it can’t fall off. This garment is to be on all the time and never removed. Humility is essential in the Christian life. Just as Paul taught when he said in Philippians 2:3, "Do nothing from rivalry or conceit, but in humility count others more significant than yourselves." Why do this? "God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble." How important is humility to you? Suggestions for prayer Give praise to God; He is willing to give His grace to the humble. If you struggle with pride, ask the Lord to grant you grace and help today so that you can repent of this sin and come to Him with humility and faith. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 26 - Biblical leadership

“So I exhort the elders among you,… shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God would have you; not for shameful gain, but eagerly; not domineering over those in your charge, but being examples to the flock.” - 1 Peter 5:1-3 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:1-14; Titus 1:1-16 What makes for a spiritually healthy church? I could list many things that would contribute to the health of a church, but the most important is a strong dedication to the Word of God as our only authority for faith and practice. What makes a strong dedication to God’s Word happen? The answer is strong leadership. Most churches stand firm or fall with the quality of their leadership. Of course, leaders can’t fulfill their calling without supportive and spiritually minded members of the church. Both leaders and members must be Biblically minded and work together in humility with a desire to serve Christ so that the church can grow and flourish. Even though this text is directed towards elders, it should speak to all of us to recognize the importance of Biblical leadership in the church The primary task of the elder is to shepherd the flock of God. Like the Good Shepherd, this means he is to pray for, guide, care for and nurture the church which is Christ’s flock. He is to exercise spiritual oversight over the church to ensure the faithful preaching of God’s Word and that the purity of the Word, the sacraments, the doctrines and holiness of life are maintained. This is a calling he accepts willingly and reverently and not for shameful gain or benefit. He is not to abuse his authority and be domineering, harsh or arrogant, but to be an example of Christ. May the Lord give us strong Biblical leadership! Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord will give us Biblical and faithful elders and pastors to lead Christ’s church on earth and pray for and support the leaders the Lord has called to have oversight in His church. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 25 - Are you prepared?

“...but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defence to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you.” - 1 Peter 3:15 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-17 It can be very challenging to share your faith in Christ with others and there are many questions we can ask ourselves. Will I say the right things? Will I be able to explain the gospel correctly? Was I sincere? Or, why couldn’t I remember that verse, it was perfect?! We can play mental gymnastics before, during and after witnessing to someone. Many feel uncomfortable talking to others about Christ. They can be afraid of rejection, of looking foolish or of offending others of a different faith. Yet, our aim should always be to share our Saviour with a lost world (Mark 16:15-16). We must always remember, we are not in the business of converting people; that is the work of the Holy Spirit, but we are in the business of planting the good seed of God’s Word in the hearts of others. We leave it to the Lord to apply His Word to hearts and give the growth (1Corinthians 3:7). Peter tells us, as those who are dedicated to Christ by true faith, to always be prepared to make a defence of the reason for our Christian hope at any time. You share real hope every time you speak to someone about Christ, a hope that has a foundation, a hope that has a real future, a hope that will not disappoint! Know the truths of God’s Word and pray for the Spirit’s help so that you will always be ready to share your hope. Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord He revealed Christ to us and that we were enabled to come to Him in repentance and faith for our salvation. Pray that we will be able to share this hope we have in Christ with others. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 24 - Who can really harm you?

“Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have ...

Daily devotional

May 23 - The war against your soul

“Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul.” - 1 Peter 2:11 Sc...

Daily devotional

May 22 - Our privilege and responsibility

“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 ca...

Daily devotional

May 21 - We are living stones

“...you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to ...

Daily devotional

May 20 - Our living stone!

“As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious.” - 1 Peter 2:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 118:1-29 How does Peter describe Jesus for us? He is a Living Stone, rejected by men, but chosen by God. This means that the Lord has set forth Christ to be the great foundation upon which the Church is built. How do we come to Him? Of course, we come to Him in salvation when we first believed. But that is not what Peter has in mind here. The verb tense he uses means we are to come to Christ repeatedly. This does not refer to our conversion, but to our daily communion with Him. We must come to Christ continually so that we may be built up in Him. Peter calls Jesus a Living Stone. He is living in that He died for our sins, but was raised from the dead and is alive, gaining victory over sin, death, and hell. He is the author and giver of life, able to impart spiritual life to all who believe in Him. Because He is living, Christianity is not a religion of dead rituals, superficial worship, and paying lip service to God. It is a relationship with the living Lord of the universe! Christ is the only solid foundation for your faith for time and eternity. This should be very comforting because your faith rests on what Christ has done for you. You can put your trust in Him and know that you will not be disappointed or put to shame (1 Peter 2:6). Is Jesus your Living Stone? Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord that He has given us Jesus, our Living Stone! That there is no other foundation for our faith and that when we place our faith and trust in Him we will never be disappointed. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 19 - Desire pure spiritual milk

“So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you may grow up to salvation - if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good.” - 1 Peter 2:1-3 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-25 As we now come into chapter two, Peter gives us a list of five things we are not to possess as Christians. These are not the only things that hinder our growth in Christ. Peter uses a figure of speech here, where the part represents the whole. Peter just finished telling us in chapter one that holiness and love for others are to mark every aspect of the Christian life. The Greek word for put away means to get rid of or to remove. Any vice must be removed like clothes that are dirty and defiled. We are to strip off anything that spoils our holiness and love for God and others. What place do malice, deceit, hypocrisy, envy and slander have in your heart as a believer in Christ? Does Christ not save us from all forms of vice and wickedness? What should we desire? The believer is to crave one thing, the truth of God’s Word. Just as babies need fresh milk and good nutrition to grow up strong and healthy, so we also need the pure spiritual milk of God’s Word. Newborn babies have an intense craving for their mother’s milk. It doesn’t matter if it’s 3 a.m., if they’re hungry, they let you know about it and don’t stop until they are fed! When was the last time you had such a desire for God’s Word? It is only through the Bible that we may grow up to salvation and know that the Lord is good. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you deal with any type of vice and sin in your heart. Pray that the Lord would grant you a strong desire to know His Word and that you would experience His goodness in your life. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 18 - The shortness of life

"All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever." And this word is the good news that was preached to you.” - 1 Peter 1: 24-25 Scripture reading: Isaiah 40:1-31 Imagine there is a bank that credits your bank account each morning with $86,400. It carries over no balance from day to day. Every evening deletes whatever part of the balance you failed to use during the day. It’s almost overwhelming to think about it if such a sum of money was given to us each day like this! Yet, each of us has such a bank. It’s called TIME. Every morning, it credits you with 86,400 seconds. Every night it writes off as lost whatever of this amount you have failed to invest to good purpose. It carries over no balance. Each day it opens a new account for you. Each night it burns the remains of the day. If you fail to use the day’s deposits, the loss is yours. There is no going back. There is no borrowing against tomorrow. You must live in the present on today’s deposits. How are you spending your time? Peter quotes Isaiah 40:6-8 in this text: "A voice says, 'Cry!' And I said, 'What shall I cry?' All flesh is grass, and all its beauty is like the flower of the field. The grass withers, the flower fades…" The reality we all face is that life is so very short. Thankfully, the Word of the Lord remains forever! Make sure in all the busyness of life that you stop to take care of the most important thing with your time - a right relationship with God through Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to direct you to the best use of your time so that you do not look back over life lamenting much wasted time, but rather use your time for spiritual life and growth in God’s Word through Christ. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 17 - Born again

“...since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” - 1 Peter 1:23 Scripture reading: John 3:1-36 I read a story about an old church that sat empty and abandoned for a long time in a rundown neighbourhood. The decaying building blended naturally into the whole area. Storefronts were boarded up. An old school building was padlocked. The place was grim, unswept, forgotten. Then one night everything changed. The old church was lit up. Parked cars lined the streets. The sound of music filled the air. What had been dead and abandoned had come to life. There have been many people like this old church, spiritually dark, empty, and without any life. Then, as if someone turned on a switch, they came to life! What makes such a radical change in a person’s life? God makes His people born again by His Holy Spirit! The new birth gives us a new nature as well as a new and living hope (1 Peter 1:3). Peter explains that the new birth comes through the living and abiding word of God. By the Word (logos), he means "God's self-revelation," which would include both His spoken message of the Old Testament and the message of the gospel through Christ, our great prophet in the New Testament (Hebrews 1:1). God's Word is living because it gives life to all who hear it and respond to it in faith. Has the Bible made an impact on your life? Does it continue to make an impact especially on this day of worship? God’s Word is life to all who respond to its message! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the new birth and that He does not leave us dead in our trespasses and sins. Ask the Lord to enable His Word to have a continual impact on your life by His Holy Spirit. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 16 - An earnest love

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart.” - 1 Peter ...

Daily devotional

May 15 - Made manifest for us!

“He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for your sake, who through Him are believers in God, wh...

Daily devotional

May 14 - We are redeemed by precious blood

“...knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with...

Daily devotional

May 13 - Live in fear?

“And if you call on Him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exi...

Daily devotional

May 12 - We are to have a right moral standard

“...but as He who called you is holy, you also be holy in all your conduct, since it is written, "You shall be holy, for I am holy."” - 1 Peter 1:15-16 Scripture reading: Isaiah 6:1-13 There are two elements to God’s holiness. The first is the idea of being set apart. God is totally above and beyond us and He is in a class by Himself. There is a profound difference between Him and those He has created. The second aspect of holiness (the one we generally think of first) is the idea of purity. This is His intrinsic and transcendent purity, the standard of righteousness according to His moral law to which the whole universe must conform. He sets the standard for our morality as He is the Sovereign Lawgiver. Peter gives a command here that we are to be holy in all our conduct as God is perfectly holy. This is a high order for us! How can we achieve such a command when we live lives that are so unholy even with a desire to obey the Lord? A couple of things to keep in mind, the moment we put our faith in Jesus Christ as Saviour, we are positionally sanctified or set apart unto God. "If any man be in Christ he is a new creation" (2 Corinthians 5:17). Then we must be progressively sanctified by growing in holiness. This is a lifetime of dying unto sin and living more unto righteousness (Galatians 5:16; Romans 8:13). When we enter glory we will be perfectly sanctified, made completely like Him. If you desire to be holy, your relationship with Christ must grow because only He can make you holy. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to fulfill your calling by making you holy and that as His people, we will be able to more and more die unto sin and live unto righteousness through Christ Who makes us holy. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 11 - We are to have right obedience

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance.” - 1 Peter 1:14 Scripture reading: Ephesians 2: 1-22 Paul told us that naturally, we are all spiritually dead and disobedient, living in the passions of our flesh and by nature children of wrath (Ephesians 2:1-3). What changes all that? "But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ – by grace you have been saved" (Ephesians 2:4-5). When we recognize the riches of God’s grace and mercy in His salvation, bringing us from spiritual death to life, what impact should this have? True salvation always results in obedience from disobedience. We obey God as a response to the grace and salvation He has so freely given to us. Jesus declares, "If you love me, you will keep my commandments" (John 14:15). For right obedience, we need to go to the right source for our authority which is Christ Himself. When we say we love Jesus this also means we obey Jesus. We are not to conform or live after the pattern of an unchristian lifestyle marked by human passions (any kind of self-seeking whether wealth, power, or pleasure). We don’t try to use Jesus to fulfill our desires to make us happy and comfortable. Rather, as obedient children, we turn from self-centred living to living under Christ’s lordship and keeping His commands. At the end of the day, what are you living for? Do you have right obedience and submit yourself to Christ? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to give you a heart that desires to obey Christ rather than to surrender to human passion and sin. Pray that those who are alive in Christ, by grace through faith, will also live for Him by faith and grow their sanctification and holiness. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 10 - We are to have right thinking

“Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” - 1 Peter 1:13 Scripture reading: Psalm 26: 1-12 I read an illustration about a California driver’s license examiner who spoke about a teenager who had just driven an almost perfect test. “He made his only mistake,” said the examiner, “when he stopped to let me out of the car. After breathing a sigh of relief, the boy exclaimed, ‘I’m sure glad I don’t have to drive like that all the time!’” We should never approach our Christianity like this boy. Just put on a good front while at church or when someone is watching, but the rest of the time it's okay to make our own moral standards and pay lip service to God. Whew, I am glad I am out of church today and don't have to live like that all the time! Peter now brings us to the place where we are to live responsibly to God and others in light of the salvation and living hope we have in Christ. Today is a day of worship, but Sunday is not the only day we live responsibly before God and others. This means you are to have a ready mind to obey the command to set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Be sober-minded or have clarity of mind that results in good judgment. Your attitude determines your actions. What you think determines how you live. As Paul put it, take every thought captive to obey Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5). Have you prepared your mind for action today? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to grant you right thinking and a disciplined mind. Pray that you would set your hope fully on the grace that comes to you in Christ and that you would have a mind prepared for action. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 9 - The prophets spoke about him

“Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories.” - 1 Peter 1:10-11 Scripture Reading: Hebrews 1: 1-14 Peter continues to encourage suffering Saints by telling them that even the prophets of old looked for and testified concerning God’s salvation and grace given to His people. This should encourage us as well! The Lord had a plan to save a people and, over time, revealed that plan in the progression of His revelation through His Word to the prophets, various other means and now to us through His Son Jesus (Hebrew 1:1). What did the prophets search for? God made a gradual discovery of Christ from the time of Adam down through the running centuries to the New Testament times. Each prophecy from the prophets was a part of the full picture that Christ would come to reverse the curse that the fall of Adam brought upon all mankind. Christ Himself declared to the men on the Emmaus road, "'…O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?' And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself "(Luke 24:25-27). Christ needed to come, to suffer, to rise from the dead and to enter into His glory to fulfill the plan of salvation for us as well as all those who came before us and those who belong to Him in the future. How great is God’s grace for His covenant people! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to also testify to the good news of the gospel, that salvation has come and Jesus sets sinful captives free. Pray that as the prophets spoke about Jesus, we would be able to do the same through His Spirit and by His grace. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 8 - How can we see him?

“...whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining the...

Daily devotional

May 7 - A genuine faith

1 Peter 1:7 ...so that the tested genuineness of your faith–more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire–may be found to resu...

Daily devotional

May 6 - Rejoicing in tough times

“In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, as was necessary, you have been grieved by various trials.” - 1 Peter 1:6 Scripture read...

Daily devotional

May 5 - Guarded by God’s power

“...who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.” - 1 Peter 1:5 Scripture readin...

Daily devotional

May 4 - The Christian’s inheritance

“...to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you…” - 1 Peter 1:4 Scripture reading: Romans 8:1-17 Usually, our concept of the word hope has the idea of desiring something in the future which is not guaranteed, a desire based on uncertainty, and it might happen or might not. Is that what we have here? Does Peter present to us an uncertain expectation of future blessing and life? No, the substance of this living hope is an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, unfading and kept in heaven for us. The only hope that lasts must be based on what the Father gives to us in Christ and not just on what we think or feel. So, this is not some kind of wishful thinking or uncertain expectation that stands alone without a foundation. It is actually something real and substantial, that which the believer possesses in Christ! Once we realize we have this inheritance, then we can have confidence and boldness in our faith! The word for inheritance has the idea of property, possession or that which is real and substantial. Here on earth, estates can change in value over time, or even lose value. Buildings and other property that are part of an inheritance can become rundown if they're not maintained. But there are no such problems with our inheritance in heaven. Peter is telling us that we will possess something that can’t be ruined, spoiled, wear out or be taken from us. It is kept or reserved for us. Praise God, He made us joint-heirs with Christ and has given us a lasting legacy! Suggestions for prayer Praise Him that everything He promises us in His Word is not wishful thinking, but has real substance and will come to pass as He has told us. Praise the Lord that He encourages us with the future hope and expectation of our inheritance in Christ. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 3 - Why should we praise God the Father?

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” - 1 Peter 1:3 Scripture reading: Psalm 145: 1-21 This festal day of rest is a day of worship and praise of our covenant God. An important motivation for our worship is due to the fact that our Heavenly Father delights to show us mercy and give us a future living hope in Christ. Peter declares His great mercy which shows that the Father’s mercy is rich, abundant and overflowing! As He is great, so also is His mercy toward us! It is because of the richness of His mercy that He has caused us to be born again. What is this? If I could say it simply, it involves a radical change in a sinner from spiritual death to spiritual life and centres on what God does to bring spiritual life in the heart of one who is dead in trespasses and sins. Jesus tells us …unless one is born again he cannot see the kingdom of God (John 3:3). Thus, the Father’s mercy is necessary just as our spiritual life is necessary if we are to enter the Kingdom of God. Note the important connection between the death and resurrection of Jesus and the spiritual life of the Christian. It is because of Jesus’ physical death and resurrection that we have spiritual life, which rescues us from spiritual death. Think of it this way: if we do not have this spiritual life within us, our lives are actually hopeless even if we don't realize it! Are you born again in Christ? If you are, you possess a living hope! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that His mercy is rich, abundant and overflowing and that because of this mercy, He has granted His people spiritual life from spiritual death and that He willingly gives us a living hope rather than leave us in a life of misery and hopelessness. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 2 - The triune God saves us

“…To those who are elect…according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and for sprinkling with His blood: May grace and peace be multiplied to you.” - 1 Peter 1:1-2 Scripture reading: Ephesians 1: 1-23 In verse 2, Peter now tells us that the Triune God saves us! Christians are ordained to spiritual life by the sovereign choice of God the Father. This choosing was not based on foreseen faith, but divine choice alone, because God knew us before the world began. Paul declares, "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world and that He predestined us for adoption through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of His will" (Ephesians 1:4-5). God's people are those who are chosen in Christ and in God's perfect time He ordained that we would repent, believe the gospel, and be saved. Those who are in Christ by faith have been appointed for cleansing by His blood. The word sprinkling here refers to the ceremonial cleansing of the Old Testament sacrificial system. The many sacrifices and priestly rites were shadows of the one offering and priestly work of Christ on behalf of His covenant people. We are also partakers of Christ's obedience and thus made to conform to God's standard of holiness. Christ makes us perfectly acceptable to God the Father. The Holy Ghost applies to us Christ's work of redemption and fulfills the Father's will for our election. The Spirit's work is inward and He deals with our hearts to make us willing to accept Christ as our Saviour. He illuminates our minds to see our sin and to see our need for a Saviour to cleanse and save us. What a great Triune God Who saves us! Suggestions for prayer Praise the Triune God Who saves His people from their sin. Thank God the Father that He did not leave us to perish and die, but sent His Son to shed His precious blood to cleanse us and send His Spirit to awaken us to our need for Jesus Christ. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 1 - Introduction to 1 Peter

In May, we will study the Epistle of 1 Peter. I am not able to cover the entire book; however, we can take a good look at chapter one, most of chapter two, some verses in chapter three and chapter five. This epistle is a very practical book, not just for those who lived during Peter’s day, but also for us as we experience growing hostility in our society as believers dedicated to Christ. The main theme of this book is suffering for Christ. Peter wrote to encourage these Christians who were going through difficult times. They faced terrible persecution, most likely at the hands of the Roman Emperor, Nero, and Peter tried to encourage them by pointing them to their future hope and inheritance (1:4-5), to the fact that suffering has a purpose (1:6-7), and to the knowledge that Christ also suffered for us (2:21). Peter touches on a variety of different themes and doctrines in his book and uses some key terms. One key concept is precious. He calls the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold (1:7). He declares that we have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot (1:19). Christ is the living stone chosen and precious (2:4, 6). And he gives instructions to wives when he says, let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious (3:4). My desire as we look at this epistle for the month of May is that Christ would be more precious to you and that your love and devotion to Him would grow and thrive within your heart. Encouraged by election “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia.” - 1 Peter 1:1 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1:1-25 As we begin to look at this chapter, Peter is writing to a church that is suffering, oppressed, experiencing pain and enduring persecution. In verse 1, he says they are scattered and exiles in this world, and in verse 6, he speaks of the suffering of grief in all kinds of trials. Peter does not try to encourage them by telling them their trials will end, the pain will cease or even that the world will become a friendlier place if they can just hang on and persevere long enough. What does Peter present to the suffering church? Living hope in the living God! This living hope comes as they are a chosen people granted salvation by God. This should also give us hope and assurance in the Christian faith. He is the One Who appointed a people for Himself to be His covenant children. In the Bible, election is always declared to encourage the Saints and never to discourage them. We are not told to try and figure out if we are elect or not, but to repent from our sins, believe and come to Jesus by faith and be saved. Election teaches us that true believers cannot be lost and have real assurance of God’s salvation. Why are you to persevere and have hope in a fallen and cursed world as a Christian? By faith in Christ, you are also chosen by Him and belong to Him as God set His love upon you to save you Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that we can also be encouraged, even in our trials, because as true believers we belong to Him. He is the One Who chose us and tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. He graduated from Geneva Reformed Seminary in Greenville, SC. After graduation, he served in the Free Presbyterian Church for 10 years, primarily ministering at a church plant in London, ON. He is married to his wife, Karen, who works as a Christian School teacher. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

April 30 - Praise

“When Peter came to himself, he said, “Now I am sure that the Lord has sent his angel and rescued me from the hand of Herod and from all that the ...

Daily devotional

April 29 - A praying church

“So Peter was kept in prison, but earnest prayer for him was made to God by the church.” - Acts 12:5 Scripture reading: Acts 12:1-10, 20-25 ...

Daily devotional

April 28 - Far-reaching love

“And he said to them, “You yourselves know how unlawful it is for a Jew to associate with or to visit anyone of another nation, but God has shown ...

Daily devotional

April 27 - Go to the nations

“And the voice came to him again a second time, “What God has made clean, do not call common.”” - Acts 10:15 Scripture reading: Acts 10:9-2...

Daily devotional

April 26 - Resurrection message

“Turning to the body he said, “Tabitha, arise.” And she opened her eyes, and when she saw Peter she sat up.” - Acts 9:40b Scripture reading: Acts 9:36-43 Peter spoke to ears that could not hear. Some people ask if God first put life back into Tabitha so that she could hear the words of Peter. But the Lord used the words of Peter and by that word, brought Tabitha back to life. We see the blessing of the resurrected Christ. Tabitha is raised from the dead to display the power Christ has over the grave. With the medical technology we have today, this is all the more amazing. If someone has a stroke and there is no blood circulation in part of the brain for a certain amount of time, the brain will be damaged beyond restoration. But Tabitha was dead for hours, maybe even a whole day, and Christ gives restoration. This is the good news of the resurrection! Brothers and sisters, do you see for us the blessing of Jesus Christ? Like Tabitha was dead, we are dead on account of our sins. Like Tabitha, we cannot even call for or ask for help. But the Lord came to us. Though nothing could make us worthy of His mercy, the Lord speaks life into us. This is the power of the resurrection. His living Word awakens us. This is part of why it is important to go to church on Sundays. We receive His Word and Spirit and by these we are given restoration. What was damaged and what was lost is all restored. We have a Lord who has conquered death. He has authority to raise us from the grave! Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord today for His mighty Word. Pray that God’s Word will be faithfully preached and thankfully heard, and that God will equip you by His Word for service to His glory. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 25 - The dangers of power and pride

“But Peter said to him, “May your silver perish with you, because you thought you could obtain the gift of God with money!”” - Acts 8:20–21 Scripture reading: Acts 8:9-25 Simon was amazed by the power which the Holy Spirit worked through Peter. Simon figured that everything was for sale for the right price, so he asked to buy the power and the gift of the Holy Spirit. But God gave Peter discernment to see right through what Simon asks. Peter told Simon that his heart is not right before God. This is a difficult story. The man said he believes and he was baptized, but his heart is not right. Simon received the sign of the sacrament, but not the truth of it. We see his sinful heart exposed; he wants power and will not submit himself to the Lord. This must remind us of our need to humble ourselves before the Lord. Simon made himself his own god and in doing so became his own worst enemy. When we want to have God’s blessing, but live for our own glory, we end up with nothing. Peter sharply calls Simon to repent and pray for forgiveness. Even though Simon acknowledges the power of Christ, he would not let it change his life. The grace of God is a gift given freely. It can neither be bought nor bribed. Receive it, and let it change your heart and life so you are not only forgiven, but are made into a faithful servant of Jesus Christ our King. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Ask that the Holy Spirit be given to you, that you may grow in humble service to God’s glory. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 24 - Obedience that is good

“But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge.”” - Acts 4:19 Scripture reading: Acts 4:18-31 In this section, Peter and John refuse to listen to the authorities of the world. Sometimes Christians take this verse and use it as an excuse to avoid taxes or to do something illegal. But is that the point? May a Christian ignore the rules of government and the law because we are going to instead serve God? No. Peter writes about a corrupt and anti-Christian government in 1 Peter 2:17, Honour everyone. Love the brotherhood. Fear God. Honour the emperor. But what about when obedience to the authorities means we must disobey God? What if the government says we must proclaim that the Bible is false and the Koran is true? What if the government says we may not speak of or warn people of hell? Then we must listen to God and not man. This is where being a disciple of Jesus can get costly. It can mean losing jobs, friends, money or comforts. This is why we need to be constantly in prayer, asking God for the strength and boldness that only He can provide. Who are you looking to please today? Are you more concerned with keeping others off your back than you are with serving the Lord? Do you listen to others or your own sinful nature rather than to God? Suggestions for prayer Pray for wisdom to see when others want us to disobey God. Ask that God help you to be respectful of all those in authority and give you boldness to serve Him faithfully. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 23 - Shockingly bold

“Now when they saw the boldness of Peter and John, and perceived that they were uneducated, common men, they were astonished. And they recognized that they had been with Jesus.” - Acts 4:13–14 Scripture reading: Acts 4:5-18 Healing in the name of Jesus Christ caused an uproar in the temple courts. Peter and John are placed in prison and put on trial. They know that at any minute they could be stoned to death or sentenced to crucifixion. And yet it seems they are not afraid. Are they relying on their own thorough training and expertise? Are they relying on the name they have made for themselves? No. We read that they are nobodies. But that makes no difference for they know the strength of the Lord Who is with them. Jesus once told them “Do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul.” They no longer fear man; instead, they have a healthy fear of the Lord. Not only do they not back down, but we read that Peter continually challenges the ones who put him on trial to accept Jesus Christ as their Saviour. He doesn’t apologize for what he did, but declares that they too should confess their wrong and follow Jesus. All this boldness is very impressive. The leaders do not know what to say, because they know Peter was with Jesus and they can see the lame man standing right there with him. This is the power of God in His servants. How do you act when the pressures of life and the world want you to give up or compromise your faith? Do people see that your strength doesn’t come from yourself, but instead comes from knowing and trusting the Lord God? Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He is stronger than all the powers of the world. Confess your sin of fearing man and ask the Lord to give you strength to stand bold in your faith. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 22 - Better than money

“But Peter said, “I have no silver and gold, but what I do have I give to you. In the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, rise up and walk!”” - ...

Daily devotional

April 21 - What is a sinner to do?

“Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive t...

Daily devotional

April 20 - Going forward in faith

“Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses an...

Daily devotional

April 19 - Give all glory to God

“In order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ. To him belong glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.” - 1 Peter 4:11b ...

Daily devotional

April 18 - The God of all grace will do it

“And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” - 1 Peter 5:10 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:6-11 We saw this week how Peter learned humility and the blessing of grace. Now about 30 years later, Peter is writing to encourage believers to rely on God’s grace in times of suffering. Do you put your hope in the Lord? Do you hear Him calling you to trust Him? That is the only way we can make it through this life in service to God. We don’t have it in ourselves to persevere in faith until death. But in the Lord we have what we need. Think about what it means that God is the God of all grace. This fact is easy to forget. We are quick to think that God will not help us in our troubles. We might believe the lies of Satan and start to think we are better off looking for help or comfort in ourselves, in possessions, in other people, or in other things. But there is no grace in other things. God, however, is a fountain; there is more and more grace so we can say, even in our suffering, “our cup overflows”. Keep turning to the Lord. Do not wonder if God will have the grace to forgive you when you stumble for the umpteenth time. Do not wonder if God is able to uphold you when your world is turned upside down or when you feel so utterly disappointed and hopeless. There is grace. Turn to the Lord and find His grace. It is always sufficient. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His faithfulness in holding onto us. Ask God to forgive our grumbling and doubt of His goodness, and pray for patience and trust in all circumstances. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 17 - To glorify God

“When you are old, you will stretch out your hands, and another will dress you and carry you where you do not want to go.” - John 21:18b Scripture reading: John 21:15-25 Does this sound like happy news? To go where you do not want to go? Peter is told he will walk down a path of suffering and die a terrible death. The Bible does not give us the account of Peter’s death, but historians tell us that after preaching in many places, Peter went to Rome. Nero was the emperor and the common story is that Peter was crucified upside down. What we know for sure is that Peter would die as a martyr. Now, how is that comforting? It is good news to hear that Peter will not be led by his selfish desires, but by his commitment to Christ. It would be hugely comforting for Peter to know that in his death he would glorify God. Peter once claimed he would die with Jesus, but he ended up being afraid of a servant girl. Thanks be to God, Peter will not go down in history as a coward, but as a faithful servant. We will all face trials and some of us might face persecution; our faith is tested when hardships from disease or loss come to our lives. How can we glorify God in life and in death? Only when we stop looking to ourselves. Like Peter, we learn how weak we are and this must, like Peter, direct our gaze, not to ourselves and our cares, but every single day to Christ Who gives us what we need so we can be faithful unto death. By His grace and mercy, we wretches can glorify God. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that you do not need to have a meaningless life. Ask God to give you faith and humility in all circumstances to live a life which glorifies Him. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 16 - Confidence in Peter?

“He said to him, “Feed my sheep.”” - John 21:17b Scripture reading: Matt 16:13-23 Jesus said, “Feed my lambs”, “Tend my sheep”, and “Feed my sheep”. Jesus once praised Peter’s confession of Who He was and promised Peter the keys of the kingdom of heaven. But Peter, in turn, denied Jesus; Satan came and Peter gave in. How can the church be built on the ministry of one who falters so easily? Peter is not a rock; he is crumbling sandstone. Perhaps you have wondered how you can be useful to the Lord when you have failed in the past and continue to fail. It is no small matter to feed the precious sheep of Christ. Peter is going to be looked up to. If the shepherd does wrong, the sheep suffer. We are tempted to say that Peter cannot be trusted. And we might suspect the same of ourselves, thinking we should not try to be a blessing to others or are not fit to lead our family because we have failed in the past. But Jesus knows how to build His church; it is not built on man’s power, but on God’s grace. Remember what Jesus said to Peter before? “I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:32). Peter will lead the way in calling sinners to believe in the Lord Jesus. Peter knows what grace is, and Peter knows how a wretch can be saved. Salvation is not by man’s doing, but by the grace of God. Do you rest in this grace? Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His grace given to you. Ask God to keep you humble and firm in your faith so that you may be a blessing to those around you. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 15 - A trusting Peter

“He said to him a second time, “Simon, son of John, do you love me?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”” - John 21:16a Scripture reading: Psalm 116:1-19 Jesus asks again, “Do you love me?” How do we respond to that? How can we say, “I love you” to God? Especially when we, like Peter, know how weak and pale our love is compared to God’s pure and perfect love for us. Peter does not dare to claim perfect love. The word Peter uses to say, I love you is not the same as the word Jesus uses; he uses a lesser word for love. Why? Because talk is cheap. We see it today. People claim to love their spouses, but go on to forsake them. Hypocrites will boast how much they love God, acknowledging Him with their lips, but in their hearts loving other things more. Peter was there. Now there is no boasting with words. “Lord you know my heart, you know I am frail and my love is not perfect, but you know that I love you.” So is that the answer to how we say “I love” you to God? Is the key to just use humble language? No, talk is still cheap. We need to show our love. Peter had a heart that was willing to be rebuked and to serve or to go wherever the Lord would lead him. Peter’s life will show his love. That is the key. Do you love the Lord? Recognize every good thing we have is only by the grace of God who is loving toward us and call on His name in trust, in praise and in thanksgiving. Show your love with your life. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God will keep your relationship with Him honest, that we will not lie when we sing and confess our love to God, but that we will be keenly aware of His great mercy toward us. Pray that God will help you show your love with a life devoted to Him. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 14 - A humble Peter

“Jesus said to Simon Peter, “Simon, son of John, do you love me more than these?” He said to him, “Yes, Lord; you know that I love you.”” ...

Daily devotional

April 13 - Futile faith?

"And if Christ has not been raised, then our preaching is in vain and your faith is in vain." - 1 Corinthians 15:14 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthian...

Daily devotional

April 12 - Risen victorious

“But Peter rose and ran to the tomb; stooping and looking in, he saw the linen cloths by themselves; and he went home marveling at what had happened...

Daily devotional

April 11 - Darkness is my only friend

“It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour.” - Luke 23:44 Scripture reading: Luke 23:40-...

Daily devotional

April 10 - Forsaken by friends

“But Peter said, “Man, I do not know what you are talking about.” And immediately, while he was still speaking, the rooster crowed.” - Luke 22:60 Scripture reading: Luke 22:54-60 and Luke 23:32-43 First Judas betrayed Jesus and now Peter denies Jesus. Peter was sure he would never do such a thing, but Peter shows us what happens when we rely on ourselves. J.C. Ryle writes, "The best and highest saint is a poor weak creature, even at his best times.” No matter how strong we might feel or godly we might appear, we are often on the edge of falling hard into sin if we do not watch and pray and if the grace of God does not hold us up. Now Christ will face the cross alone. The cross was a symbol of being cursed by God. Jesus would be nailed to the cross and, though innocent, everyone around would mock Him and no one would come to His defence. Isaiah 53 says, We esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted. But He was pierced for our transgressions. That is the amazing part! Jesus endured rejection by man and God in order to give grace to those who by nature rejected Him. Two criminals hanging near Jesus also mocked Him. Later, one had his eyes opened to see that Jesus had done no wrong. This stranger received grace. See how our rejection does not prevent Christ from bringing salvation? He still is the Lamb Whose blood was shed to take away the sins of the world. Peter would weep over his sin, and as you consider Christ crucified today, weep for your sin, for godly sorrow produces a repentance that leads to salvation (2 Corinthians 7:10). Suggestions for prayer Confess your sin and your need for Christ to suffer and die on the cross. Praise the Lord for willingly being rejected so that we may be forgiven and accepted by God in mercy. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 9 - Betrayal with a kiss

“But Jesus said to him, “Judas, would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?”” - Luke 22:48 Scripture reading: Luke 22:47-53 A kiss was a common greeting among close friends, a sign of sincere love. We wonder how Judas can approach the One Who is true and good and betray Him with a kiss. Unfortunately, this action is nothing new. Isaiah 29:13 speaks of God’s people who draw near to God with their mouth and honour Him with their lips, while their heart is far from Him. If we are honest, we will admit that we too are guilty of this. How often do we come to church, sing songs that speak of adoring God, but yet in our heart we fantasize about something God hates, or we grumble in anger against God’s providence? When our hearts love anything more than Jesus, not only is our worship phoney, but we betray the Lord. Judas betrayed Jesus because he loved himself more. Jesus knew this and therefore warned Judas, asking him, “Would you betray the Son of Man with a kiss?” When in our hearts we don’t love the Lord, but we love other things more, we must hear the warning and repent. Psalm 2 closes with the call to “Kiss the Son… lest you perish in the way.” Yes, kiss the Son. Not with a traitor’s kiss, but with fear and trembling, with a humble heart of earnest love, seeking Christ’s forgiveness and grace. Kiss the Son, remembering that Christ let Himself be defenceless and handed over to death, so that those who confess their sin may find perfect forgiveness in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord will give you a heart that hates sin and idols, and loves Him above all. Pray that the Lord will help you to love Him with a whole heart. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 8 - Prayer and temptation

“And when he came to the place, he said to them, “Pray that you may not enter into temptation.”” - Luke 22:40 Scripture reading: Luke 22:31-46 Yesterday we saw the great blessing and comfort in the fact that Jesus prays for His people. Now Jesus commands His disciples to pray for themselves. This is not just offering a quick prayer, but to be praying. We all need to be praying so we can face the temptations and hardships that lie before us. Even Jesus needed to pray. He went off on His own, where in agony, He laid His prayers before the Father. While Jesus pleads for mercy, the disciples fall asleep. I see myself there. Do you ever have it when you know you need to look to the Lord and lay your needs before Him, but you feel even that is too hard? Or does it happen that you know God has given you a task, but you can only focus on your own desires and you forget about what you are called to do? It is ironic how we think prayer is so hard when what Jesus did is infinitely more difficult. Jesus was going to the cross. Jesus would drink the cup of God’s wrath right down to the dregs. Jesus would suffer and die for the sins of many. And Jesus stayed up all night, praying and trusting, and then would go to the cross. Let this be a wakeup call for us. We are often spiritually asleep and vulnerable. We need to be living in prayer, laying our burdens before God in prayer, and looking to the Lord in trust. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God will teach you and help you to pray. Turn to Psalm 62 and make that your prayer to God. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 7 - Prayer and protection

“I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” - Luke 22:32 Scripture reading: Luke 22:31-3 and John 17:6-13 Jesus is the High Priest Who had just given the disciples the Passover. Now as High Priest, He prays for them. Jesus prays specifically for Simon Peter, knowing the trial he will face, and He prays for all the disciples as well as all His followers today. And we need this. We saw last time how weak we are; apart from the Lord intervening and praying on our behalf, there is no hope. And it really is amazing that Jesus prays, asking the Father to have mercy on us. Is anyone worthy of God’s care and protection? Is there anyone who has not slandered God when they grumble, who has not insulted God in the way they boast in themselves? No one. Peter will deny Jesus, leaving Jesus without any companions. And yet, Jesus says He will pray for Peter. Jesus’ prayer is a great strength for Peter. By Jesus’ prayer, Peter does not lose faith. Though he trips, he will stand in faith again. Like Peter, we too have Jesus praying on our behalf; when we face temptations, when we have trouble in our home, in our life, with our relationships, Jesus is praying that our faith may not fail. Take courage and look to the Lord to uphold you by His love in the difficult times. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you realize His grace and love. Pray for specific situations where you need the Lord to help and protect you. Thank the Lord for His patient prayer for you. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 6 - Through the thresher

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat.” - Luke 22:31 Scripture reading: Luke 22:31-34 and Job ...

Daily devotional

April 5 - Seeking greatness

“For who is the greater, one who reclines at table or one who serves? Is it not the one who reclines at table? But I am among you as the one who ser...

Daily devotional

April 4 - A new supper, the Lord’s supper

““This is my body, which is given for you. Do this in remembrance of me.” And likewise the cup after they had eaten, saying, “This cup that is...

Daily devotional

April 3 - A longed-for passover

“And he said to them, “I have earnestly desired to eat this Passover with you before I suffer. For I tell you I will not eat it until it is fulfil...

Daily devotional

April 2 - Betrayal

“Then Satan entered into Judas called Iscariot, who was of the number of the twelve. He went away and conferred with the chief priests and officers how he might betray him to them.” - Luke 22:3–4 Scripture reading: John 6:60-71 As it was chosen beforehand by God that Christ would come to suffer and die to be the Passover Lamb Who purchases salvation for His people, so it was already ordained that one disciple, Judas, would betray Jesus. We wonder why Jesus would choose Judas to be one of the twelve. Why not choose someone more loyal? But Jesus did not come to find an easy life and the people Jesus came to are not so different than Judas. We see ourselves in Judas: we love ourselves, we love money and our allegiance is easily swayed. Maybe we wonder why Jesus never held Judas at an arms’ length. Judas was treated just like the rest of the disciples, sent to preach and do miracles and entrusted with the money bag. But this Judas would betray the Lord. This betrayal is sad and discouraging, but we do not need to wonder Who is in control. Judas is responsible for his actions, and yet God knew this would happen and will use it to bring the promised Lamb to the altar and to bring salvation to sinners. This is humbling for us, but also encouraging. It is humbling to see that even someone who was so close to Jesus would rather betray Him than believe in Him. We need to pray that God will give us eyes of faith. But this is also encouraging because no foe or betrayal puts a roadblock in front of the work of God. God will bring salvation, and though people turn away, Jesus’ mission will be accomplished and He will be exalted. Suggestions for prayer We will always be surrounded by sin while on this earth. Pray that God will not let us be led away from Him, but that we would grow in faith, believing that nothing can hinder the Lord from working salvation and that sinners like us are saved by God’s grace. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

April 1 - Introduction to God’s great love

Our calendars tell us that Easter is this month. There is much debate on the accuracy of the date and if Christians should participate in Lent and how to celebrate Easter, but we should never take lightly nor forget what occurred and what it means that Jesus let Himself be betrayed, arrested, placed on trial and crucified. And then we need to think about what it means that Jesus rose from the grave and ascended to heaven. The identity of the Christian is found in the death and resurrection of Christ. This month we will spend time looking at and learning from the events leading up to the death of Christ and then we will look at how the ministry of Christ is carried out after His resurrection. We will pay close attention to Peter, who is famous for denying Christ and then later leading the church. As we look at Peter, the point is not to learn from and be like Peter, but to see ourselves in Peter as an example of one who is nothing without the Lord, but who in the Lord is able to live a life to the glory of God and service of His kingdom. I pray that this month you grow in your awareness of your sin and weakness and as you do so, grow in your amazement at the great love of God shown to us in Jesus Christ. As you grow in your grasp of who Christ is and are filled with Christ, I pray that your life will show a more humble faith and more eagerness to live a life to the glory of God. A national holiday “Now the Feast of Unleavened Bread drew near, which is called the Passover. And the chief priests and the scribes were seeking how to put him to death, for they feared the people.” - Luke 22:1–2 Scripture reading: Luke 22:1-6 On April 1st, many families like to play jokes on each other. One April fools morning I hid all of our bowls and then asked the kids to set the table. They were baffled to discover the bowls were nowhere to be found. We might laugh at a joke about breakfast, but one thing that no Israelite would find funny would be a joke about the Passover feast. This was their national holiday and it celebrated the victory and identity God gave them when they were rescued from Egypt so many years ago. In the days of Jesus, the Israelites were once again under foreign oppression. The glory and the freedom of the former kingdom had long since faded. They only held onto hope. But this Passover would be different. On this night, Jesus is the Passover Lamb Who will soon be slain to deliver His people from bondage, to free them from their sin and from the oppression of Satan. At Passover, the Jews celebrated the angel of death passing over them because the blood of the lamb was on their doorposts. They were celebrating salvation. But now Jesus will show them how He has come that whoever believes in Him may have life and salvation. This is still a matter of life and death - not something to joke about, but instead, something we need to ponder and learn about. See what Jesus would do and endure in order to be our Passover Lamb. Suggestions for prayer We are so easily distracted. Pray that God will help you to ponder what Christ has done. Ask God to help you grasp the love of Christ in coming to set His people free. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta and attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. He married Jodi in 2006 and they 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

March 31 - The Lord Jesus Christ and God’s goal of creation

“So Abraham called the name of that place, “The Lord will provide”; as it is said to this day, “On the mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”” - Genesis 22:14 Scripture reading: 2 Chronicles 3:1 God guarantees Abraham that He will bless the nations through the church when it lives in His presence in the Spirit through faith by being receptive to His voice, open to His provision and available to the leading of the Spirit. This guarantee was not fulfilled in the Old Testament because Abraham’s descendants wanted to be like the nations. Israel failed to be a blessing for the world, but God sent His Son to do what Israel failed to do. With the sacrifice of His life and the sacrifice of His death, the Lord Jesus Christ perfectly reflected the glorious presence of His heavenly Father and lived for the other by being a person where heaven and earth meet. In Him, all the families of the earth are blessed when they are joined to Him by faith because the Holy Spirit enables them to live for the other by becoming people where heaven and earth meet and God’s mission for His glory is worked out in and through them. II Chronicles 3 links the place where Abraham sacrificed a ram instead of Isaac to Mount Zion where later the temple was built. This links the ram that was sacrificed as a substitute for Isaac to the Lord Jesus Christ as our substitute. This gives a deep meaning to the name Abraham gave to this place: the LORD will provide. The ram pointed to Him because in Him God provided the church with the One Who would enable it to succeed in reaching the goal of His creation. Suggestions for prayer Ask your heavenly Father to enable you to daily live in His presence by living in Christ through the Holy Spirit by faith. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 30 - God guarantees to bless the nations through Abraham and his descendants

“And Abraham went and took the ram and offered it up as a burnt offering instead of his son.” - Genesis 22:13b Scripture reading: Genesis 22:15-19 Because Abraham lived in the Spirit through faith God intervened and called off the sacrifice of Isaac. Because God providentially led a ram that had its horns caught in a thicket to where Abraham was, Abraham sacrifices the ram instead of Isaac. Moreover, God rewards Abraham’s living in the Spirit through faith with the promise He would bless him so that he could be a blessing to the nations around Canaan. He does so by using language He had already used in Genesis 12, 15, and 17 to indicate this. God would bless him, multiply his offspring like the stars of heaven and the sand of the seashore, his offspring would possess the gate of their enemies and in him would all the nations of the earth be blessed. God guarantees His promise with an oath (v. 15). Now oaths always contain not only a blessing, but also a curse. The oath swearer calls a curse down upon himself if he does not fulfil the blessing. The curse can be either verbal or ritual, such as cutting animals in half as had occurred in Genesis 15. Because God’s oath does not contain a verbal curse, there must be a ritual curse. I believe we find this ritual curse in the sacrifice of the ram as a burnt offering. God is saying: “May I be sacrificed like that ram if I do not fulfill my oath of blessing the nations through Abraham’s descendants when they wholeheartedly live in the Spirit through faith and obey my voice.” Suggestions for prayer Thank your heavenly Father that He has guaranteed to bless the world through the church, Abraham’s offspring, when it lives in the Spirit through faith and is obedient to His voice. Ask Him to enable you to live in the Spirit through faith. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 29 - Wholeheartedly living in the Spirit through faith and the goal of God’s creation

Daily devotional

March 28 - Baptism as a sign of the goal of God’s creation

Daily devotional

March 27 - Circumcision as a sign of the goal of God’s creation

Daily devotional

March 26 - God’s second covenant with Abraham and the goal of creation (II)

Daily devotional

March 25 - God’s second covenant with Abraham and the goal of creation (I)

“I am God Almighty; walk before me, and be blameless that I may make my covenant between me and you, and may multiply you greatly.” - Genesis 17:1b-2 Scripture reading: Genesis 17:1-8 After making a covenant with Abram in Genesis 15, God makes a new covenant with him in Genesis 17. Yesterday, we read why this was necessary. By being people and places where heaven and earth would meet, Abram and Sarai had to realize the fulfillment of God’s promise of a great nation through which God wanted to deal with the chaos and disorder caused by Adam. They tried to do this through the flesh of the world and the flesh in their own hearts, leading to uncertainty whether God can still use Abram and Sarai for this purpose. Thus, it should not surprise us that when God addresses Abram, He does so as ‘God Almighty’. He says to Abram that He can deal with the problem of their childlessness, making the barren fertile so that he can be a blessing for the world. Moreover, it should not surprise us that God commands Abram to walk before Him. You need to walk in the Spirit and not in the flesh. You need to live in My holy presence and reflect My holy glory. You need to be blameless. You need to be wholehearted in your service of Me. You need to surrender everything to Me and be completely devoted to Me. Only in this way can I use you in My mission for My glory and make all things new in a world where My people and My world will once again dwell in My loving presence and be people and places where heaven and earth meet. Suggestions for prayer Ask your heavenly Father to show you what changes you may need to make in your life so that you are living in His holy presence and reflecting His holy glory. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 24 - The flesh of the world and the flesh of our own hearts

“And he went in to Hagar, and she conceived.” - Genesis 16:4a Scripture reading: Genesis 16:1-16 Last week Wednesday, I wrote that if we want to succeed in being a blessing for the world by being people and places where heaven and earth meet, we need to entrust ourselves to the Lord Jesus Christ, opening ourselves to His entrance into our souls with His Holy Spirit so that He becomes flesh and blood in our lives. For Abram and Sarai to succeed in being a second Adam and Eve who would bless the world and deal with the problem caused by Adam’s sin by being people where heaven and earth meet, they too would have to live in the Spirit and not in the flesh. However, our Scripture reading shows us that both of them intentionally choose to live in the flesh when it concerns the fulfillment of God’s promise to make them into a great nation. Instead of waiting on God to fulfill His promise in His time, they take matters into their own hands and try to fulfill God’s promise their way, by having Abram go into Hagar and father a child with her according to the cultural custom of those days. But this is not how we succeed in being a blessing for the world. If we want to bless the world by being people and places where heaven and earth meet, we need to live in the Spirit and not the flesh of the world or the flesh of our own hearts. All the misery that the birth of Ishmael brought about is clearly proof of this truth. Suggestions for prayer Ask your heavenly Father to show you where the flesh of the world or the flesh of your own heart is hindering you in succeeding to become a blessing for the world by being a person where heaven and earth meet. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 23 - The blood of the covenant

“For this is my blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins.” - Matthew 26:28 Scripture reading: Matthew 26:26-29 On Saturday, we saw that God makes a covenant with Abram according to the custom of those days where covenant partners cut animals in half and then walked between these animals, thus guaranteeing their commitment to the covenant they just made or cut. When the Lord Jesus Christ instituted the Lord’s Supper, He picked up on the image of the blood of the animals that were used to cut a covenant (cf. also Exodus 24:8). He told his disciples that when they drink from the cup during the celebration of the Lord’s Supper in remembrance of Him, this cup with wine symbolizes His blood of the covenant, which is poured out for many for the forgiveness of sins. This shows us that when God swore an oath that if He did not fulfill His promise of giving Abram and his descendants the land of Canaan which foreshadowed the new heaven and new earth, He would cut Himself in half, He meant what He said. For while God did not need to cut Himself in half in order to fulfill his promise of the possession of the land of Canaan, because of our sin, He did need to cut Himself in half in order to fulfill the promise of what this land foreshadowed: the fullness of the eternal kingdom of God. In the death of the Lord Jesus Christ, God cut Himself in half in order to remove the obstacle of sin that hindered us from inheriting the new heaven and new earth. Suggestions for prayer Thank your heavenly Father for the blood of the covenant that removed the obstacle of your sin so you can receive your reward of faith and enter the coming kingdom of heaven. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 22 - The land of Canaan and the new heaven and the new earth

“For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” - Hebrews 11:10 Scripture reading: Hebrews 11:8-16 God is on a mission for His glory to make all things new in a world where His people and His world will once again dwell in His loving presence and be people and places where heaven and earth meet. This means that the Christian life is a journey to this glorious life-giving, light-giving, and loving presence of God, also known as the fullness of God’s eternal Sabbath rest. From our Scripture reading, it would seem that Abraham understood this. We are told that he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God. Moreover, it tells us that he acknowledged that he was a stranger and exile on earth who desired a far better country than the one he had just left, namely, a heavenly country, a city prepared for him by God. This means that the land of Canaan, in addition to being a real land, also functions as a type or foreshadowing of the new heaven and the new earth. And just as God dealt with the problem of uncertainty in Abraham’s life with regard to the possession of the land of Canaan by making a covenant with him that guaranteed His commitment to this promise, so God also deals with any uncertainty we may have that His commitment to His mission for His glory, resulting in a new heaven and a new earth, will be fulfilled with this same covenant. May He be cut in half if He does not fulfill this promise for us. Suggestions for prayer Ask your heavenly Father to enable you to hang on loosely to this world and the things of this world as you travel the journey to the new heaven and new earth as a stranger and sojourner on this earth. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 21 - God’s first covenant with Abraham and the goal of creation

Daily devotional

March 20 - Faith and its reward

“And he said to him, “I am the Lord who brought you out from Ur of the Chaldeans to give you this land to possess.”” - Genesis 15:7 Scr...

Daily devotional

March 19 - Doubting the fulfillment of God’s mission for his glory

Daily devotional

March 18 - Succeeding in being a blessing for the world

Daily devotional

March 17 - Failure to be a blessing for the world

“They went after false idols and became false, and they followed the nations that were around them, concerning whom the Lord had commanded them that they should not do like them.” - 2 Kings 17:15b Scripture reading: 2 Kings 17:6-23 God encouraged Abram to make a complete break with his past, go to the land of Canaan and be a blessing by living for the other, the nations, by promising him that He would make him into a great nation and that the nations around him would identify with him and his God. In fact, in him, all the families of the earth would be blessed. Were these two promises fulfilled in the Old Testament? Well, the promise of becoming a great nation was fulfilled, even though Sarai was barren and Abraham himself was already 75 years old, and it took another 25 years before Isaac was born. However, Jacob had twelve sons and traveled to Egypt with a family of 70. In due time Israel entered Canaan with a few million people under the leadership of Joshua and reached its high point as a great nation during the time of David and Solomon. But what about the promise of an international community? Did the nations bless Israel? Were they on good terms with Israel and did they identify with this nation and their God? Was this promise fulfilled in the Old Testament? No, it was not, because Israel wanted to be just like the nations. They were idolatrous, worshipping and serving the things of this world instead of worshipping and serving God and their neighbour and living for the other by being people and places where heaven and earth meet, reflecting the glorious presence of their God and drawing others into this glorious presence. Suggestions for prayer Ask your heavenly Father to show you whether there is any idolatry in your life that hinders you in living for the other. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 16 - Blessed to be a blessing

“And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great, so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonors you I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” - Genesis 12:2-3 Scripture reading: Genesis 12:1-9 God makes a new beginning and calls Abram and Sarai. He is going to use them as a new Adam and Eve and deal with the problem caused by their sin. He is going to use them to subdue the chaos and disorder caused by sin and to invite humanity and creation into His Sabbath rest by reflecting God’s glory through being people and places where heaven and earth meet. In order to do so, He calls Abram to make a complete break with his past, to leave behind everything that is dear to him and to go to the land that He would show him. However, the whole father’s house leaves the city of Ur and travels to the land of Canaan. They settle down in Haran. That’s why Genesis 12:1 can be translated, “God had said to Abram . . . . ” It would seem that God renewed the call that He had made in Ur. He encouraged Abram with the same promises He had made in Ur: the promise of a great nation and of an international community. But the latter promise would depend on a nation’s attitude to Abram. Those who would be on good terms with him and identify with him and his God, God would bless. However, those who would be hostile to him and treat him lightly, God would curse. But God’s overriding concern was that in Abram all the families of the earth would be blessed. God blessed Abram to be a blessing by living for the other, the nations. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to show you how He has blessed you. Then ask Him to use these blessings for the sake of the other. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 15 - Called to be a blessing for the world

“Now the Lord said to Abram, “Go from your country and your kindred and your father's house to the land that I will show you."” - Genesis 12:1 Scripture reading: Genesis 11:27-32 How are you a blessing to those outside the church as an individual and as a Christian congregation, living for the other by being a person and a place where heaven and earth meet? God had also called Noah and his family to be a blessing for the world by living for the other and by subduing the chaos and disorder in the world by increasingly entering into the fullness of God’s Sabbath rest and urging others to do the same. But the chaos and disorder were not subdued because the intention of the human heart was still evil. And so the chaos and disorder only got worse. However, because God had promised not to destroy humanity and creation with a flood, He confused their language and dispersed them over the face of the earth. So, what does God do? Does He give up? No, He does not! He cannot give up because He is on a mission for His glory to make all things new in a world where His people and His world will once again dwell in His loving presence and be people and places where heaven and earth meet. And He had demonstrated His commitment to advance this goal of His creation with a covenant with Noah and a second covenant with him and all of creation. And so, God makes a new beginning. He calls Abram to be a blessing for the world and to live for the other by becoming a people and place where heaven and earth meet. Suggestions for prayer Ask your heavenly Father to enable you to be a blessing for the world and to live for the other by being a person where heaven and earth meet. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 14 - The rainbow as a sign of the goal of God’s creation

“I have set my bow in the cloud, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth.” - Genesis 9:13 Scripture reading: Genesis 9:12-17 We have seen that in the Old Testament the Sabbath was a sign of the goal of God’s creation. For Israel, the Sabbath was the weekly reminder to enter into the fullness of God’s Sabbath rest by being people where heaven and earth meet. It is as well a promise that one day this fullness, where God will be all in all, would descend from heaven on a new earth. For New Testament believers, Sunday is a weekly reminder that they are a new creation in Christ, called to bear witness to this new creation by being people where heaven and earth meet. It is as well, a promise that they will bear witness to the fullness of this new creation when Christ returns. Today, we see that God gives another sign of the goal of His new creation: the rainbow. But signs only function in our life of faith to the extent that we remember them. We need to remember them and allow them to become constructive forces in our consciousness that shape the way we think and behave. However, the interesting thing in our Scripture reading is that God says that when the rainbow is seen in the clouds, He will remember His covenant with Noah and creation. This means that He will act upon His covenant commitment and bring the goal of His creation to fruition in a glorious new heaven and earth where a new humanity and creation will live in His loving presence and participate in His life in Christ through the Holy Spirit. Suggestions for prayer Ask your heavenly Father to help you cultivate the spiritual discipline of remembering the signs of the goal of His creation. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 13 - God’s covenant with Noah and creation

Daily devotional

March 12 - The recreation of creation

“And God made a wind blow over the earth, and the waters subsided.” - Genesis 8:1b Scripture reading: Genesis 8:1-9:1-7 After 150 days, G...

Daily devotional

March 11 - The uncreation of creation

“...on that day all the fountains of the great deep burst forth, and the windows of the heavens were opened.” - Genesis 7:11 Scripture readin...

Daily devotional

March 10 - God’s covenant with Noah (II)

“But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you.” - Genesis...

Daily devotional

March 9 - God’s covenant with Noah (I)

“But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons' wives with you.” - Genesis 6:18 Scripture reading: Genesis 6:9-21 I’m sure those who are married have not forgotten their marriage vows. Perhaps, as a groom you made a vow like this: “I solemnly declare to take to myself and acknowledge as my wife _______. And I promise that I will, with the gracious help of God, love, honour and maintain her, live with her in the holy bonds of marriage according to God’s ordinance, and never forsake her, so long as we both shall live.” As the bride, you made a similar vow. Why are vows necessary? Why not solemnize a marriage without vows? Well, vows are necessary because of the fall into sin. Before the fall into sin, there was no need for formally bonded relationships, because there was no uncertainty in the relationship. After the fall into sin, all sorts of uncertainty crept into relationships. And so, because of the fall into sin, we make covenants with each other. We seal these covenants with an oath in the presence of God and each other. God Himself also makes covenants with humanity and His people. Why would it be necessary for God to make covenants with human beings? Well, this is necessary because of the fall into sin. Because of the fall into sin, there often is uncertainty in the relationship between God and us. And so, God finds it necessary to formally guarantee His commitment to us as well as His commitment to His purposes for us and His world. This is also the reason why He makes a covenant with Noah. Suggestions for prayer When you feel uncertainty in your relationship with your heavenly Father, ask Him to take this away by having you focus on His commitment to you, signed and sealed with your baptism, a promise that He will provide you with everything good and protect you from evil or turn it to your benefit. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 8 - God’s decision to destroy humanity and creation

“So the Lord said, “I will blot out man whom I have created from the face of the land, man and animals and creeping things and birds of the heavens, for I am sorry that I have made them.”” - Genesis 6:7 Scripture reading: Genesis 6:1-8 Today is Sunday. A day on which we remember that the Lord Jesus Christ successfully dealt with the problem of sin, death and the devil with His death on the cross, and ushered in the new creation which had been the goal of God’s first creation: a creation where we cannot sin, cannot die, where there is no devil, and where we bask directly in the light of the glorious, loving presence of God. Sunday is also a day on which we are encouraged to bear witness to the new creation that we are in Christ, by resting from our evil ways and letting the Lord work in us through His Spirit. In doing so we begin the eternal Sabbath in this life. Our Scripture reading is also about evil works. Human wickedness was so great during the time of Noah that people thought and imagined evil continually from morning to night. This evil was so bad that God was sorry that He had made the human race and decided He would blot it out from the face of the earth, including the birds in the air and the animals on the ground; with the exception of Noah and his family, for Noah was a righteous man who walked with God and found favour in God’s eyes. In order to keep Noah and his family alive, as well as at least one pair of every sort of animal, God commands Noah to build an ark to house him and his family and the animals. Suggestions for prayer Thank your heavenly Father for this day of rest He gave you. Ask Him to enable you to be open to the work of the Holy Spirit in your life so that you can learn to rest from your evil works and begin in this life the eternal Sabbath. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 7 - Finding rest in the Lord Jesus Christ

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” - Matthew 11:28 Scripture reading: Hebrews 3:7-19; 4:11 Wednesday, we noticed that God commanded Adam and Eve to enter the fullness of God’s Sabbath rest by extending the borders of the Garden of Eden over the whole earth through having an extended family that would spread the glorious presence of God. Moreover, they were to do this by subduing the earth and having dominion over it. Yesterday, we noticed that Adam and Eve failed in fulfilling this task through their lack of obedience. What happened to Adam and Eve, happened time and again throughout history. For instance, the people of Israel were also called to be people and places where heaven and earth meet, reflecting God’s glorious presence to one another and the nations around them. However, they also failed to fulfil their task. Accordingly, many of the desert generation did not enter into the rest of the Promised Land and those who did enter, did not enter into the fullness of God’s promised rest that this land foreshadowed. The Hebrew Christians were running the risk of making the same mistake. Accordingly, they are urged to strive to enter into the fullness of this rest. They and we do this by coming to Jesus and being yoked or joined to Him through faith. When we do, He will not only reproduce His own Sabbath rest in our lives, enabling us to be people where heaven and earth meet, but He also safely leads us to the fullness of this Sabbath rest on the new earth. Suggestions for prayer Ask your heavenly Father to daily enable you to go to the Lord Jesus Christ through faith and experience the rest He gives. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 6 - The Sunday as a sign of the goal of God’s creation

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Scripture reading: Romans 6:1-11 Even though God had blessed Adam and Eve for their task of extending the glorious presence of God over the whole earth, Adam and Eve failed in fulfilling this task. As a result, the chaos and disorder that God had subdued with His six days of creation, slowly but surely, began to return in God’s good and harmonious creation. We know this chaos as sin, death and the devil. In order for God to fulfil the goal of His creation, He has to deal with this threefold problem of sin, death and the devil. He does so by sending into this broken world, His Son, Who paid the penalty of sin, broke the power of sin, cleansed the pollution of sin, destroyed the partition caused by sin, and defeated death and the devil. When the Lord Jesus arose from the dead on the first day of the week, He demonstrated that He had successfully dealt with the problem of sin, death and the devil by ushering in the new creation that had always been the goal of God’s first creation. When we are united to Christ through faith, we experience the first fruits of this glorious new creation through the fellowship of the Holy Spirit. Sunday, the first day of the week, is a weekly sign or reminder of our being a new creation in Christ and a promise that one day we will enter into the fullness of the rest of this new creation. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to direct you in how you can bear witness to those around you that you are a new creation in Christ. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 5 - The Sabbath Day as a sign of the goal of God’s creation

Daily devotional

March 4 - Entering God’s rest

“And God blessed them. And God said to them, “Be fruitful and multiply and fill the earth and subdue it, and have dominion over the fish of the s...

Daily devotional

March 3 - God’s glory and God’s rest

“And on the seventh day God finished his work that he had done, and he rested on the seventh day from all his work that he had done.” - Genesis 2...

Daily devotional

March 2 - God created for his glory

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

Daily devotional

March 1 - Introduction to God’s mission for his glory

This month’s meditations will be about God’s mission for His glory. God created the world for His glory, that humanity and creation would reflect His life-giving, light-giving, and loving presence by being people and places where heaven and earth meet. As such, God would be praised by both humanity and creation. Because this changed with the fall into sin, God embarks on a mission to make all things new in a world where His people and His creation would once again abide in His loving presence and be people and places where heaven and earth meet (Genesis 3:15). However, from the end of Scripture, we know that the end is better than the beginning. The beginning of creation is only the beginning of the life of glory, while the new heaven and new earth are the perfection or consummation of the life of glory. In other words, right from the beginning of God’s good creation there was room for growth to reach the perfection and fullness of living in God’s life-giving, light-giving, and loving presence. The biblical covenants made or cut in Scripture are designed with a view to advancing and guaranteeing God’s commitment to His goal for creation and to having His people participate with Him in the achievement of this goal. Covenants regulate an existing relationship. Covenants often deal with a problem that causes uncertainty in this relationship. A new covenant often updates an earlier one to the new situation that the new covenant is facing. Because of space restrictions, these mediations only focus on the biblical covenants mentioned in the book of Genesis. That’s why I have entitled these meditations: God’s Mission for His Glory and His Covenants with Noah, Creation, and Abraham. I look forward to continuing this series some time in the future and deal with God’s mission for His glory and His covenants with Israel, His covenant with David and the promise of a new covenant. But that will have to wait for some other time. I enjoyed writing these meditations. I was edified in doing so. I hope and pray that you will be too. God’s mission for his glory “And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God".” - Revelation 21:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-8 In the Garden of Eden, Adam and Eve lived in the loving presence of God. As such, they participated in His life, light and love and reflected this to one another and throughout the Garden. This made Adam and Eve people where heaven and earth meet. And it made the Garden of Eden a place where heaven and earth meet. As such, Adam and Eve and the Garden of Eden reflected the glory of God, His life-giving, light-giving and loving presence. With the fall into sin, all of this changed. Because Adam and Eve lived outside the Garden of Eden, they no longer lived in God’s loving presence nor participated in His life, light, and love as they once used to. Moreover, they no longer lived in a place, nor were they people where heaven and earth met, who could give each other and those around them an encounter with God’s presence, His glory. However, God had no intention of leaving things this way. He immediately declared His intent to embark on a mission for His glory. All things would be made new, where His people and His world would once again dwell in His loving presence and be people and places where heaven and earth meet (Genesis 3:15). Throughout Scripture we encounter God on this mission for His glory. At the end of Scripture, we see that God achieves the goal of this mission for His glory. What a beautiful and encouraging mission this is! Suggestions for prayer Ask your heavenly Father to show you how He is on a mission for His glory in your life. Rev. Dick Moes is a graduate from the Theological University in Kampen, the Netherlands and the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) in Langley, BC, Canada. He and his wife Elsina have five children and 14 grandchildren. He is pastor emeritus of the Surrey Covenant Reformed Church in Surrey, BC. and lives in Langley, BC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

February 28 - Wholehearted commitment

“So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him.” - 1 Kings 19:19 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:1-21 | Luke 9:57-62 In retrospect, when Elijah saw Elisha plowing with a yoke of oxen, he cast his cloak upon him. Elisha knew the symbolism of receiving Elijah's cloak. He realized that Elijah was picking him as his successor. But more than that, Elisha realized that the cloak wasn't being presented to him just by Elijah but by the Lord. That's why Elisha did not offer any excuses. He did not say, “I will follow you after we get the plowing finished.” Or, “I will follow you when the harvest is in.” Instead, verse 20 describes how Elisha left his oxen and ran after Elijah. When he caught up to Elijah he had only one request. He said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” By that request, Elisha was not evading the call to serve like those described by Jesus in Luke 9. Rather, Elisha was fulfilling the teaching Jesus would later give to His disciples when He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Elisha’s life of commitment reveals the truth that Jesus would later speak, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). What an example Elisha set! No matter what calling or vocation you have, use your time, energy and talents to serve the Lord. For His glory and the building up of His kingdom! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He calls each one of us to be a fellow worker with Him and gives all of us a place of service within His kingdom, as every Christian is vital to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). 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 27 - Resurrection power

“The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 13:20-21 | 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 Skeptics of the Bible find 2 Kings 13:21 to be another fanciful story. But to those of us who know the resurrection power of Christ, there should be nothing surprising about that verse. The unique experience of the corpse coming to life points us to the certainty of our bodily resurrection and assures us that death holds no victory for those whose faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ. But this unique account also portrays the gift of everlasting life given to everyone who by God’s grace encounters the Man of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, through saving faith in Him alone Elisha was a type – or foreshadow – of Christ. Chapter by chapter we read how he was called the man of God. He was a foreshadow of the true eternal Man of God, the eternal Christ who took on human flesh, Jesus. And we know that spiritual life is given to all who have faith in Christ, just as physical life was given to the dead man thrown into Elisha’s tomb. As Jesus said, “For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will” (John 5:21). This passage, along with many others, reminds us that the Lord is the author and giver of life, both spiritual and physical, for which He is to be forever praised! Suggestions for prayer Thank God that even in the valley of the shadow of death we need fear no evil (Psalm 23:4) because death has been swallowed up in victory through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). 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 26 - Lukewarm?

“So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth.” - Revelation 3:16 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 13:14-25 Why did Joash only strike the ground three times? Some commentators believe that he thought the whole scenario was foolish. Some liken it to Naaman’s initial reaction when Elisha’s servant told him to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman thought that would be foolish and was angered by the command. Some believe that Joash had a similar reaction to the instructions Elisha gave him. Others point out that it represents a spiritual lukewarmness. Instead of recognizing it as an opportunity to receive God’s blessings, Joash responded apathetically and just “went through the motions.” But it wasn’t just Joash who was apathetic to the commands of the man of God. Many professing Christians treat the commands of Scripture the same way. For example, many professing Christians treat prayer the way Joash responded to Elisha’s command to strike the ground with the arrows. They pray a few times, and that’s enough. The same type of prayer is lamely offered before each meal, and perhaps before turning in for the night, but enthusiastic, fervent prayer isn’t offered because there is that same spiritual lukewarmness. Each one of us must look at the response of Joash to the man of God and ask ourselves how fervent we are in our response to the Man of God whom Elisha foreshadowed. How fervent and responsive are we to Him, in our prayer life, and in all the other aspects of our day to day living? By God’s grace, may our response be fervent, faithful obedience always! Suggestions for prayer Ask forgiveness for lukewarmness and pray for an ever-increasing hunger and thirst after righteousness. 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 25 - Warning of God fulfilled

“Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him.” - John 3:36...

Daily devotional

February 24 - History as his story

“The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of...

Daily devotional

February 23 - The deadly power of sin’s enticement

Daily devotional

February 22 - God’s perfect timing

“… Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to appea...

Daily devotional

February 21 - So close, yet so far

“There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out.” - Luke 13:28 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 7:3-20; Luke 13:22-30 The remarkable passage in 2 Kings reminds us that for the sake of Christ, God provided food for His people (v.16), just as He does today, in lean times and times of plenty (Matthew 6:25-34). But it also teaches us that we are not to savour the feast without telling others the good news of the gospel. The lepers feasted on the food left behind by the Syrian army. But they realized what they were doing was not right. In verse 9 they said, “What we are doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves.” But do you realize that a lot of Christians today do the same thing as those lepers did? Is it possible that in your life, you have done that? I know that in my life, unfortunately, many times I have feasted on the gospel without telling others the good news. The passage is also a graphic warning, reminding us that the punishment of unbelief includes the torment of seeing the blessing, but not partaking of it. Elisha had told the captain, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” The captain was so close to abundant blessings, and yet so far. But he is not alone. All those who reject the Word of God and harden themselves in unbelief will come under the Lord’s judgment. And part of that judgment will include seeing the blessing and glory of salvation for others, but not tasting it themselves (Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 13:28). Suggestions for prayer If you have entered the narrow door of salvation (Luke 13:24), thank God for His grace. If you are unsure, pray that God will enable you to strive to enter the door of salvation by faith in Christ alone. 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 20 - The floodgates of heaven

“But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.”” - Luke 18:27 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:32-7:2 We should not be surprised by the unbelief of the king’s officer who exclaimed, “If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” In his response, we see the natural response of humanity to God. Unbelief in the human heart is so strong that Jesus taught, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31). It is only by God’s grace that any of us believe in Him. If God, in immeasurable grace, did not transform your heart and my heart by the regenerating power of His Holy Spirit, we would be just as unbelieving as the servant who expressed his great doubt to Elisha. In contrast to a heart of faith is a heart of unbelief. Consider King Jehoram. When he heard that the woman had eaten her son, he immediately blamed the Lord and Elisha (vs.31, 33), even though the Lord had warned the people that such a horrific disaster would come upon them if they rejected Him and His Word (Leviticus 26:27-29; Deuteronomy 28:15, 53-57). The view of Jehoram, that God is to be blamed for our hardships, is hardly a unique view. Proverbs 19:3 serves as an incisive commentary on the wicked blaming the Lord as it declares, When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD. May your heart and mine be focused in faith on Jesus Christ, not doubting His power to save, but always rejoicing in Him! Suggestions for prayer Thank God that all things are possible for Him, even our salvation from sin and the gift of everlasting life through saving faith in Jesus Christ. 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 19 - Worldly sorrow and true repentance

“I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin.” - Psalm 38:18 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:24-33 King Jehoram surprised the people by wearing sackcloth beneath his royal robe. Wearing sackcloth was highly significant; it denoted great sorrow and implied repentance for sin. However, an outward expression of repentance means nothing if it isn’t sincere. Immediately after revealing that he was clothed in sackcloth, Jehoram described how he planned to kill Elisha that very day (v.31) and blamed God’s servant for the disaster (v.33). Perhaps you have known people who are quick to apologize, but then they go back to doing the same thing that they apologized for. A genuine apology and true repentance require a change in conduct. In fact, that is the meaning of the word repentance. It means to turn. To repent is not just to say to the Lord, “I’m sorry for my sin,” but it involves turning from that sin. All of our life involves repentance, but unfortunately, because of the sinful nature within us, we never completely turn from sin. Instead, until the day we die, we struggle with sin and temptation. In the life of every true believer, repentance from the heart is so crucial, for godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10). King Jehoram, like so many others, including Judas Iscariot, had a worldly sorrow. But by God’s grace may you and I have true repentance that leads to salvation, as our sins are covered by the precious blood of Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Pray the prayer of David, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” (Psalm 51:1-2). 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 18 - God’s angelic army

“Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.” - Isaiah 41:10 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:8-23 If you were Elisha’s servant, looking out at the forces of Syria surrounding you, how afraid would you be? From the servant’s point of view, he and Elisha were doomed. The Syrians had surrounded them; there was no way of escape. By contrast, Elisha was as calm as could be. When his servant exclaimed, “What shall we do?” Elisha replied, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v.16). Elisha had no doubt that God’s angelic force was there. He understood that God’s army is far greater and more powerful than any human army. He understood the truth that is written in Psalm 91:9-11: Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Elisha exemplified the truth of Psalm 20:7: Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God and he exemplified the truth of 1 John 4:4, He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. With that knowledge, would you be afraid? We may not face the force of the Syrian army, but we face the attack of the evil one and his followers. But the same God who protected Elisha and his servant says to us, “Fear not!” and promises to be with us, even to the end of the age! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He has power over the forces of evil in a fallen world and thank Him for the promise of His Son, “I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). 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 17 - He cares for you!

“Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble.” - Matthew 6:34 ...

Daily devotional

February 16 - God is not mocked

“He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made.” - Psalm 7:15 Scripture reading: Judges 1:1-7 Reflecting on Naaman...

Daily devotional

February 15 - God knows your heart

“So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow.” - 2 Kings 5:27b Scripture reading: 1 John 1:5-10 As we see Gehazi’s leaving Elisha�...

Daily devotional

February 14 - God’s judgment

“For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil.” - Ecclesiastes 12:14 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5...

Daily devotional

February 13 - A gift that cannot be bought

“Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot.” - 1 Peter 1:18 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:8-14 Naaman discovered that salvation is a gift of God’s grace that cannot be bought. He could not buy his cure with gold or silver, not even with ten extremely valuable suits. Naaman, to his initial dismay, also found that he could not be cured of leprosy by influence, not even with a letter from the king. Yet there are many people today who try to buy their salvation with deeds of self-righteousness, not realizing that we have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment (Isaiah 64:6a). Many others try to be cured of their sin by influence. “I have been a lifelong member of the church,” they might say. Or, “Because of my baptism, I know that God will receive me.” But the sacraments, precious as they are to those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, can never save us. The only way to be cleansed from sin, which is represented by Naaman’s leprosy, is to be cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus which is portrayed by the cleansing that Naaman received as he washed himself seven times in the Jordan River. When we come to Christ in saving faith we are cleansed from something far worse than leprosy; we are cleansed from sin and granted eternal life, which is why we are to live to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6)! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that the day prophesied by Zechariah was fulfilled at Calvary by Jesus Christ: On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness (Zechariah 13:1). 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 12 - A terminal condition

“…He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper.” - 2 Kings 5:1 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:1-10 Naaman would be one of those people who would be hard to buy a present for. I’m sure you have encountered that. Maybe you have a friend or family member who seems to have everything. At Christmas or their birthday, what can you possibly buy for them? Naaman was like that. He had everything that those in the world value; he had a great job as the commander of the Syrian army and he had prestige, success and wealth. Yet, even though Naaman had all these blessings, there was not a single person in Syria who would trade places with him, for, as verse 1 points out, He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. His leprosy was no minor rash. It was a serious skin disease. There was no human cure. He needed the cleansing that only God can provide. And in that way, Naaman was just like you and just like me. His leprosy was like our sin. The wages of sin is death, the Bible warns, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). We need the cleansing that only Jesus can provide. Naaman sought out Elisha, the man of God. Have you and I, by God’s grace and Holy Spirit’s power, sought out Jesus, the Man who is true God, yet truly human, sent to save His people from their sins through faith in His cleansing blood? If so, what gratitude we should have! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for all His blessings, especially for the cleansing from sin that comes through saving faith in Jesus Christ. 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 11 - A childlike faith

“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” - Mark 10:15 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:1-5a; Mark 10:13-16 Naaman had the death sentence of leprosy on his life until, by God’s gracious providence, a young girl witnessed to him. Although this girl was young, she had experienced excruciating trial. Verse 2 explains, Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. It was a terrifying experience to be taken captive. Yet, like Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon, she continued to live out her faith in the Lord. And because she did, she had the respect of Naaman and his wife. They listened when she said to her mistress in verse 3, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” Although she had been taken captive in war, she had steadfast faith and trust in God. She had faith that God would work through Elisha to bring healing for Naaman. Despite her circumstances, she focused in joyful faith on the Lord and witnessed to others about Him. Jesus taught that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. In the trials of your life and mine, do you and I remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God’s mysterious providence? And through our trials and our joys, do we witness to the cleansing power of our Lord so that others may know Him? By God’s grace, may you and I follow the example of the young girl and always have a childlike faith! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to give you the same trust in His Fatherly care that a young child has in a godly earthly father, praying the words of Mark 9:24, “I believe; help my unbelief!” 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 10 - The bread of life in Gilgal

“Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.”” - John 6:32 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:38-44; John 6:22-51 As the Lord sustained Elisha and the prophets through a severe famine, we see that He uses whatever means He wills to accomplish His purposes, even a little bit of flour and twenty small loaves of bread. But that should not surprise us because it points to the biblical truth that God will always provide daily bread for His people (Matthew 6:11, 25-34). It also foreshadows the truth that Jesus is the Living Bread who cleanses and sustains all who look to Him in saving faith. All the Old Testament writers looked forward to Christ. Every cleansing is a foreshadow of the cleansing that Christ brings. Even the cleansing of the stew foreshadows the cleansing, the purification, that God brings to rancid sinners. The bread brought by the man from Baal-shalishah is pointing ahead to Him who is the Bread of Life, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In John 6:51 Jesus declared, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh” (the flesh being a reference to His body being pierced and crucified at Calvary). It is by grace through faith in Christ alone that we are sustained in this life and raised up in perfection, body and soul, on the last day. If you truly believe that, then live to the praise of God’s glorious grace, today and always! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His cleansing power and thank Him for His Son Who is the Living Bread Who sustains us throughout the pilgrimage of this life and throughout eternity. 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 9 - Life from above

“And you were dead in the trespasses and sins …But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were d...

Daily devotional

February 8 - Straight to Christ

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:16 ...

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 the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God.” - 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 3:1-12 This passage reminds us that the Lord often uses insignificant people and events to accomplish His purposes, for nothing is too hard for Him When the three kings realized how perilous their predicament was, Jehoshaphat asked where they could find a prophet of the Lord. Who pointed the way to Elisha? It was an unnamed officer of the king. It was just a common everyday person who answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah” (v.11). The pouring of water on the hands refers to a menial task that Elisha had in his service with Elijah. Elisha had left his family’s prosperous farm to become a humble servant of Elijah’s. During that time, about a decade, nothing is written about Elisha’s service. But we gather from verse 11 that he served willingly in whatever job was put before him, even the menial task of providing water for Elijah. He is an example of what Paul would write to the Colossians about: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23). You might feel insignificant, as though there is no purpose for you in God’s kingdom, but God has no insignificant people. Even those whose names we don’t know are known to God, for He knows each one of us by name, and has a purpose for our lives! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He has a purpose for you. Ask Him to reveal His purpose for you with clarity, and then strive to live according to God's purpose – His will – for 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

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 28:10-22 The account of Elisha at Bethel seems harsh until you consider the history of Bethel. Bethel means “house of God” and was given that name by Jacob after he had a dream about a ladder ascending into heaven (Genesis 28:19). Bethel was later called “Beth-Aven” meaning “house of evil” (Hosea 10:5) because Jeroboam built a temple for a golden calf at Bethel (1 Kings 12:28-30). The jeering of the youths reflected the mindset of the community. They jeered him, not just for his bald head, but because he was a prophet of God and not a follower of Jeroboam’s golden calf. Their mocking phrase, “Go up, you baldhead!” was likely intended to mock the ascension of Elijah. Their taunting and disbelief foreshadowed the taunts given to Jesus on the cross. This short sad account reminds us that religion itself is not ridiculed by the world. False religions are accepted, just as calf-worship was revered in Bethel. It is biblical, Christ-centered religion that is ridiculed (John 15:18-25). It also teaches us that there are blessings for those who listen to God’s Word and accept His messengers (2 Kings 2:19-22), but judgment for those who reject His Word and His messengers (2 Kings 2:24). By way of application, all humanity is either in Bethel or Beth-Aven. But we are only in Bethel – in God’s house – through saving faith in His Son, Who alone is the way, the truth and the life, the only way to the Father (John 14:6)! Suggestions for prayer If you are a member of Bethel, a child of God through faith in Christ, thank God for His grace and mercy! If you are still in Beth-Aven, on the outside looking in, pray remembering the promise of Jesus, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37). 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 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 interpre...

Daily devotional

January 31 - Delighting in confessing our only comfort

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 Scripture reading: Psalm 116:1-19 When we look through the prism of God's comforting, fortifying grace; when we meditate on what is necessary to make one belong body and soul to our Messiah, we cannot remain indifferent. When we humbly ponder what Jesus did to set His followers free; to secure salvation; to deliver us to the Father in heaven above, there must necessarily follow a life of thanksgiving and gratitude. Saved from the adversaries' hand and from the wrath of God against our sin, we need not fear the afterlife. Deliverance from and out of our sin and misery is a blessing that has no comparison. Our sin is a breach of relationship with the LORD. Only Jesus by His sacrifice can restore that relationship. And now, we give thanks as we are privileged to do so. How is it that you express your gratitude? If you were to make a list that characterized your thankfulness, what would you put on that list? Certainly, we ought to thank the Lord daily for His abiding favour. Believers have the Word of Truth setting forth the Line of Promise; the way of the covenant; the doctrines of grace; the story of salvation history; the way to live before the face of God. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!! Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it. – AW Tozer Suggestions for prayer "O thank the LORD, for He is good; His mercy e'er endures. So let the LORD's redeemed ones say, the ones He saved from fear. He saved them from their enemies and brought them from the lands, from east and west, from north and south, from adversaries' hands" (TPH 107A: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 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.”” - Exodus 20:1-2 Scripture reading: John 8:31-36 Apart from Christ, we remain in bondage and slaves to sin. Only Christ can set us free from the penalty and the power of sin. We need deliverance; to be released from condemnation; to experience liberation; to receive double imputation--my sin to Jesus His righteousness coming to me. There is no other name under heaven, by which we must be saved. Jesus, who is the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25) For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2) Who the Son sets free, is free indeed (John 8:36) For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. (Psalm 118:5) Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (I Peter 2:16) We say it again: only Christ our Redeemer can set us free. Glory Hallelujah! I thought I could have leaped from earth to heaven at one spring when I first saw my sins drowned in the Redeemer's blood. – Charles Spurgeon Suggestions for prayer "O Lord, our Saviour help, and glorify Your name; deliver us from all our sins and take away our shame" (TPH 79B: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 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...

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...

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 reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-15 Once more, we have that beautiful word--belonging. Because I belong to Jesus. Believers can never tire of confessing their security in Christ. Jesus’ followers confess because I belong to Him, Christ by His Holy Spirit assures me of eternal life. What glorious, blessed assurance! The good news promises--guarantees--convicts me of what is yet to come. Disciples have an eye on the glory day, and we praise God for it. This world is filled with uncertainties. But in the most holy faith we may confess certainty. God will lead us from this world to the next, and it is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict our hearts of the life to come. Christians can live knowing we are safe in Jesus' hands, and it is the Holy Spirit who assures us that Christ's hold is sure. Our calling is to trust the LORD at His word. How tragic it is to know that so many of our neighbours live without the assurance that can only be given through the Holy Spirit. There are millions who are lost. So many remain dead in their trespasses; blind to their need for salvation and the reality that is yet to come. And what a calling to be used by the LORD to persuade others. "The real truth is that while He came to preach the Gospel, His chief object in coming was that there might be a Gospel to preach.” R.W. Dale Suggestions for prayer “I belong to Jesus; He has died for me; I am His and He is mine through eternity” (TPH 187:4). 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 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 Scripture reading: Mark 14:26-47 The line of promise. The bonds and blessing of the covenant of grace. The abiding mercies of the Lord upholding and protecting the eternal plan before time. The virgin birth of Christ. Our Redeemer's mission and ministry. A ministry opposed each step of the way. Gethsemane. (Lord, forgive us for the times we have read about Gethsemane with dry eyes). Our beautiful Saviour who took the curse upon Himself. He was born of a virgin and laid in a crude cradle. The cruel cross. The Messiah's testimony of His Father's forsakenness. The declaration of victory--it is finished. The curtain was torn from top to bottom. Buried in the stone-cold tomb. Resurrected on the third day. Ascended to the right hand of the heavenly Father. The custodian, keeper, guardian and protector of our souls. The promise of the second coming. Our LORD who saves to the uttermost. Oh, how rich a redemption for the believer. And then to say for my salvation. Simply amazing. If you are reading this as an unbeliever, I urge you to turn to Christ. Salvation is our greatest need. Without it, you are lost eternally. Trust in the promises of the WORD of God. Apart from Christ there is no hope to reach the blessing of eternity. Apart from the One who was sent to be a ransom for many, there is an eternity of separation from the love and grace of God. "Gethsemane is not a field of study for our intellect. It is a sanctuary of our faith.” – Klass Schilder Suggestions for prayer “Sing praise to God who reigns above, the God of all creation, the God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation. My soul with comfort rich He fills, and every grief He gently stills: God all praise and glory" (TPH 214:1). 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 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 r...

Daily devotional

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

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 53:1-12 Jesus paid it all! He paid our debt. He paid to remove the curse. He paid to satisfy God's justice. He paid to wash the believer as white as snow. By God’s grace we testify that the death of Christ has infinite value. We read in the Reformed Confession Canons of Dort Chapter 2 Articles 3&4: This death of the Son of God is the only and most perfect sacrifice and satisfaction for sins,1 of infinite value and worth, abundantly sufficient to expiate the sins of the whole world.2 1 Heb 9:26, 28; 10:14. 2 1 Jn 2:2. This death is of such great value and worth because the person who submitted to it is not only a true and perfectly holy man,1 but also the only-begotten Son of God,2 of the same eternal and infinite essence with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for these qualifications were necessary for our Saviour. Further, this death is of such great value and worth because it was accompanied by a sense of the wrath and curse of God3 which we by our sins had deserved. 1 Heb 4:15; 7:26.2 1 Jn 4:9, 3 Mt 27:46. Do you believe this? Infinite Value—the fullness cannot be fully comprehended. Trust the final and once for all sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. "Faith is never something isolated or alone. You must never divorce faith from its object. Faith is always linked to the object. What is the object? The object is the Lord Jesus Christ and His perfect work and his perfect righteousness." – Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Suggestions for prayer Confess before the Lord: "And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save my lips shall still repeat. Jesus paid it all, to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed me as white as snow" (TPH 276:4). 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 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 1:1-4; Isaiah 50:4-7 There are many characteristics/qualities that are to be attributed to our Messiah. He is the beautiful Saviour. Believers confess the wisdom, the compassion and the humility of Christ. What a soul strengthening description the opening words of Hebrews 1 give us about the person of Christ. Christians around the world recognize that Jesus is 'the way, the truth and the life.’ Only through Jesus can we arrive safely home in our Father's house. He is the friend of sinners--the LAMB of God who came to take away the sins of the world. He is the light of this dark world. Our H.C. describes Jesus as our faithful Saviour. This is a beautiful confession. Jesus was faithful to His task to the end. He set His face as flint to Jerusalem where He as a sacrifice for our sins would be crucified, dead and buried. The faithful Saviour who saves to the uttermost was unwavering in His commitment to fulfilling God's plan of salvation. He is reliable and trustworthy, always keeping His promises to those who believe in Him. Jesus was fully devoted to God's purpose and mission Today as the body of Christ we bring our worship. Our LORD is worthy of our adoration. Devote yourself to declaring His glory. May our hearts know something of 'Hallelujah what a Saviour'! “The glory of the Gospel is that the one from whom we need to be saved is the very one who saves us." – R.C. Sproul Suggestions for prayer "My song forever shall record the tender mercies of the Lord; your faithfulness will I proclaim, and ev'ry age shall know your name" (TPH 89B: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 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.” -...

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...

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, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.” - Psalm 139:7-10 Scripture reading: Psalm 139:1-18 As we travel to the world to come, our great need remains the comfort of the gospel. Comfort not meaning comfortable but the necessary strength to travel each day with the assurance that our LORD goes before us, come what may. The word "comfort" originates from the Old French "confort", which itself comes from the Late Latin "confortare", meaning "to strengthen greatly". This is our great need in this vale of tears. This is our great need as we prepare for eternity. This is our great need to be enabled to live Coram Deo-- before the face of God. Your life may have had more than its share of struggles. And yet who do we have but the LORD? Let us in the congregation and in our homes praise the LORD that our greatest need has been supplied in the mercies, the grace and the compassion of our great Triune God. It has been given to all true believers who look to Jesus Christ for salvation. As we set ourselves to gather with the congregation in which we have been placed, may the LORD add His blessing, so that we again may be strengthened in the comfort, the wonderful comfort of the blessed promises secured in Jesus Christ our LORD. There is no erratic power or action or motion in creatures, but they are governed by God's secret plan in such a way that nothing happens except what is knowingly and willingly decreed by Him. – John Calvin Suggestions for prayer Confess before the Throne of Grace--"Father, I know that all my life is portioned out for me; the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see; I ask Thee for a present mind, intent on pleasing Thee” (TPH 500:1). 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 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 14:6 Scripture reading: John 14:1-7 In this world filled with sin and misery it is to our great comfort to speak of our ONLY comfort. While there may be other realities that encourage us in our journey, ultimately there is only ONE comfort--Jesus Christ--Lord and Saviour for all who believe. Do you share this conviction? There are many so-called religions. All claim to have answers to basic questions. All other religions stress what man must do. Christianity insists we must trust what Christ has done and is doing. The Christian faith rejects all other claims. The Christian faith boldly declares that there is but one way to be received into the world to come. Jesus on the road to the cross, declares for all that He alone is the way, the truth and the life. And praise God that through Him, Christ’s followers are promised the abundant life to come. The Christian faith is an exclusive faith. It excludes all who do not receive the Saviour. As someone else has put it: "The most controversial yet fundamental claim in the Christian faith is that Jesus alone has accomplished everything necessary for the salvation of all who believe in Him. For this reason, He must be trusted. This doctrine separates Christianity from every other worldview, and it unites every other doctrine within our faith". “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” – C.S. Lewis Suggestions for prayer In prayer confess before the LORD: "I have no other comfort which life and death endures than that I am my Savior’s, whose death my life secures. To you with soul and body, O Jesus, I belong; You are my only Master and my Redeemer strong" (TPH 480:1). 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 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.” - L...

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 t...

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.” - Luke 2:21 Scripture reading: Galatians 4:1-6 We return to Luke 2. The shepherds have come and gone. The magi have not yet arrived. Jesus is eight days old. In obedience to the angel, Joseph and Mary name him Jesus (Matthew 1:21). In obedience to the law, they have him circumcised. Two thousand years earlier, the LORD had commanded Abraham to apply circumcision, the sign of the covenant, to all boys born into the covenant family when they were eight days old (Genesis 17:12). Circumcision proclaimed the need for cleansing and spiritual renewal. It proclaimed God’s gracious promise to include, cleanse and renew believers and their children in his covenant family. As a bloody sign, it also proclaimed, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus was sinless. He did not need cleansing! He did not need spiritual renewal! Yet he identified with us as sinful humans to receive the sign of inclusion, cleansing and renewal in God’s covenant family. This was part of His humiliation. Paul would later say, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). It was for our cleansing and inclusion in God’s covenant family, that Jesus submitted to circumcision. The shedding of His blood marked the beginning and the end of His life on earth. His blood secures our inclusion, cleansing and spiritual renewal in God’s covenant family. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that Jesus chose to identify with us as sinful humans, so that we might identify with Him by grace as God’s covenant children. Pray that our children might embrace their place and purpose in God’s covenant family through faith in Christ. 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 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.” - John 1:14 Scripture reading: Luke 2:1-20 His parents showered him with gifts. However, he wished they had been around more. They showered him with presents (p-r-e-s-e-n-t-s) but he preferred their presence (p-r-e-s-e-n-c-e). Our deepest need is to be restored to life in God’s presence. “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11b). God the Son became flesh and dwelt among us as Immanuel, God-with-us, to atone for our sin and restore us to life in God’s presence. All who turn from sin to trust in Christ enjoy His presence, by the power of His Spirit, already now. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b). Jesus is God’s ultimate Christmas present to us! Receive Him by faith, and you will find all God’s other presents wrapped up in Him: forgiveness, righteousness, peace, adoption, the Spirit, spiritual growth and fruit, purpose, an inheritance and resurrection. A rich man lost his only son. He put up his estate for auction. Hundreds came, hoping to snag a treasure. The auction began with a painting of the man’s beloved son. “$1000?” No bids. “$10?” Again, no bids. Suddenly, the son’s friend burst into the hall and raised his hand. “Going once, going twice, sold!” The exuberant man claimed the painting of his friend. The auctioneer then shocked the crowd, saying, “This concludes today’s auction. He who gets the son gets it all.” He who gets the Son gets it all. Merry Christmas. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His ultimate Christmas present, Jesus Christ, and every other gift we receive in Him. Pray that you might grow to treasure Christ and His gifts more and more. 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 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 leave...

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...

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 among those with whom he is pleased!”” - Luke 2:13-14 Scripture reading: Luke 1:67-80 The gospel of Christ brings glory to God in the highest. It also brings peace on earth. It brings peace on earth “among those with whom he is pleased.” A literal translation of the Greek reads, “peace among men of good pleasure.” Do you long for peace on earth? Do you long for a world with no more war, no more violence and bloodshed? Do you long for a world without divorce, family feuds, bitterness, betrayal, broken friendships and bad blood between people and people groups? Do you long to be at peace with God, others and yourself Only people “of good pleasure” will enjoy the kind of peace promised here forever. The “good pleasure” mentioned in Luke 2:14 is the pleasure God has for His children in Christ. He delights in them only because they share Christ’s delightful status through faith in Him. Thanks to Christ and His perfect life and death in our place, God now says to us what He once said to Jesus: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22b). God’s forgiven children enjoy peace with God through faith in Christ (see Romans 5:1). His Spirit then empowers us to live at peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ (see Ephesians 2:14-18; 4:1-3; Romans 12:18). Ultimately, “peace on earth” will include perfect harmony and well-being with God, each other, within, and the rest of creation. Then we will give “glory to God in the highest” perfectly forever. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the undeserved pleasure and peace we enjoy in Christ. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s power to be a Christlike peacemaker in your relationships and in your sphere of influence. 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 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 among those with whom he is pleased!”” - Luke 2:13-14 Scripture reading: Romans 11:33-36 A dear saint in my congregation who has since gone to be with the Lord, approached me one Christmas Day after my sermon on this passage. “Pastor,” she said, “the Bible does not say the angels sang these words.” I conceded she was right. I suppose I love the idea of a mass heavenly choir singing these words. These words have certainly since been put to beautiful music! Whether sung or said, these words proclaim two great results that flow from God’s marvelous work of sending His Son into the world. The first great result is “glory to God in the highest.” The second result is “on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. God deserves all the glory for his jaw-dropping, redemptive work for us in Christ, beginning with the incarnation. He deserves to be acknowledged, admired and adored for His glorious character and attributes displayed in Christ, and His saving work for us. In fact, the goal of God’s redeeming work is to draw us back into fellowship with our Triune God to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. The Romans 11 doxology trumpets the goal and result of God’s astounding ways – His sovereign ways in redeeming a people to glorify Him, beginning with election and ending in glorification. “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!... For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:33a,36). Suggestions for prayer Praise God, specifically, for all He has done for you in Christ, and what that reveals about His character. Pray that the gospel increasingly fills you with wonder, awe and adoration for our Triune God. 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 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 ...

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 ...

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 Corinthians 1:26-31 Rome is not where the action is, Bethlehem is! The spotlight shifts from Bethlehem to a field not far away. Shepherds are tending their sheep, out in the open, under the night sky. Jewish tradition tells us these men were not trusted or respected in Jewish society. The testimony of shepherds and women were not accepted in court. Jewish society looked down on both. Did you just connect the dots in your own mind? The Lord chose shepherds to proclaim the birth of Christ and women to proclaim the resurrection of Christ! “For consider your calling, brothers: 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 the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Jewish tradition also tells us these shepherds raised sheep for temple sacrifices. Such sheep required special care to preserve them without blemish: no cuts, no scrapes, no wounds. Not far away, the Lamb of God, the Lamb without spot or blemish, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, lay bundled up in a feedbox. He, too, would be raised for a sacrifice, one not far from the temple grounds. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the way He uses humble vessels to accomplish His purposes. Pray that God would form and use you for His purposes, strengths, weaknesses, and 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 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 laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” - Luke 2:6-7 Scripture reading: Luke 1:26-38 When I was in grade school, I hated writing ‘Mediterranean Sea’. The ancient Romans called it ‘Mare Nostrum’ – ‘Our Sea’. I wish it had that name when I was in school! ‘Our Sea’ proclaims, “We own it all.” Under Augustus, the Roman Empire encircled the entire sea and controlled every inch of its coastline. Look at a map of the ancient Roman Empire. See Rome, the power center at its heart. Now look for little Bethlehem, on the eastern fringe of the great empire. Rome and Bethlehem: great is the contrast! Great is the contrast between the emperor in Rome and the baby in Bethlehem. Thankfully, a snapshot in the middle of time does not tell the whole story. Nor does it tell us where history is headed. The angel had said to Mary, “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus... The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31,32b-33). Luke 2 begins in Rome, with Caesar Augustus on the throne. Within sixty years of Christ’s birth, however, many in Rome would say, ‘Christ is Lord,’ instead of ‘Caesar is Lord.’ Acts, the sequel to Luke’s Gospel, ends with Paul preaching the gospel of Christ in Rome itself. Augustus is dead, but Jesus lives and rules as king. Bethlehem triumphs over Rome in every age. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for revealing to us that Christ is Lord in a world that says, ‘Caesar is Lord.’ Pray for courage and confidence to show and tell others the good news that Jesus is 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 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....

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June 26 - Counterfeit joy (IV)

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June 25 - Counterfeit joy (III)

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June 24 - Counterfeit joy (II)

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June 23 - Counterfeit joy (I)

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June 22 - The joy of believing

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June 20 - For the joy set before him

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