Daily devotional

January 15 - The Lordship of Christ

“Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God’s royal son.” - Psalm 2:11-12 Scripture reading: Psalm 2:1-12 ...

Daily devotional

January 14 - Power over fear

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” - Luke 12:32 Scripture reading: Luke 12:22-34 ...

Daily devotional

January 13 - Refusing Christ, refusing life

“…yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” - John 5:40 Scripture reading: John 5:30-40 If you have reached this point in our Nearer t...

Daily devotional

January 12 - Jesus saves

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

January 11 - Powerful trust

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” - Psalm 20:7 Scripture reading: Psalm 20:1-9 We Christians are blessed to have the most powerful trust of all: a wholehearted faith in Jesus Christ, the only Saviour. When we trust Jesus to deliver us, we escape the vicious circle of disappointment that worldly people experience as one by one their earthly trusts are betrayed. Those who trust in Jesus are never disappointed, rather they gain a wonderful confidence and peace. Those who trust in earthly schemes, weapons, human reasoning, secular politicians, biased professors and other academics are sure to have their trust betrayed just like those in David's day, who trusted in chariots and horses. Sadly, those who will not put their trust in God, will trust anyone or anything that catches their fancy, no matter how fatally flawed. As a child of God, wisely avoid that trap and put your trust in the Lord alone. In Jesus we find all things necessary for our salvation in this world and in the world to come. Those who put their trust in Jesus find that they share in the most powerful trust of all, because the Lord will never disappoint us. Jesus alone is faithful and able to protect us, to surround us with divine care, to lift us up in sorrow and earthly trials, and to bestow forgiveness and eternal life. In the days ahead, put your trust in God, not in human plans or promises. The more you trust Jesus, the greater will be your spiritual strength, your peace of heart, your experience of pardon, and your joy in the Lord's salvation! Suggestions for prayer Pray for wisdom to turn away from all worldly powers to which the evil one seeks to direct you. Pray that the Holy Spirit will direct you to trust in Jesus alone. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 10 - Starting with hope

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” - 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 Scripture reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 As this New Year unfolds, we look forward to the Lord strengthening us. Surely we need that help in 2025. Our text speaks to us of the good hope that we have, a gift of God, which comes to us through God's amazing grace. Our hope is the expectation we have for the future. Good hope is a positive attitude, a deep rooted feeling of joy, since we know that God will do great and good things for us, His people. David knew that feeling as he composed Psalm 31:24, “Be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord.” Daily let your prayer rise up to the Lord Almighty for hope to sustain us in each day that He gives us. When the Apostle Paul wrote this inspired epistle to the Thessalonians, he wrote that God gave them this gift of hope. They had it. Thankfully we Christians of the 21st century can testify to this also. The Lord has been good to us, and in the confidence of faith, we continue to pray to God for the blessing of hope, so that we can have a positive outlook on life, a life which trusts that God is in control. God only gives us the encouragement and strength we need. Look to the Lord, asking Him in humble prayer for His gift of hope, so that strong in faith, sound in doctrine, faithful in good deeds and encouraged in heart, we will live with hearts filled with hope, as we follow Jesus in true discipleship. Suggestions for prayer Seek God's gracious help through prayer for a heart, directed by faith, which is filled with good hope. Ask Him for confidence as you await His will to unfold in your life. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 9 - The path ahead

“Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” - Jeremiah 6:16 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 6:16-21 God wants us not only to know the right path: the ancient path where the good was, is the Covenant of Grace. He also wants us to walk in it. This means that we repent from the sin of walking in the wicked way of worldliness. We must decidedly turn off the wicked way of sin, and by the grace of God turn onto the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. If you have ever read the New Testament, then you know the way. The path has been revealed to you. In this world, however, the problem is that too many know the path of life, but they do not walk in it. They let things big and small, unnecessary doubts and fears, self-will, unconfessed sins become a hindrance to them. We can take a lesson from the inhabitants of Judah who said, “We will not walk in it.” The result was that each passing year grew worse for Judah, until at last they were destroyed. Let nothing hinder you or make you turn aside. Stand by the road; come alive in Christ. Look and see with eyes of faith. See the straight and narrow path that leads to life. Its gate opens only at the Name of Jesus and leads to the Holy City, the new Jerusalem of God. Ask about it. It is ancient and well known, for the Bible speaks plainly about it. Walk in it. Travel forward in the fellowship of faith in Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you as you read the Scriptures, so that you will know the true path of life and walk in it. Pray that those around you, family and friends, will likewise find the path of life and walk in it. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 8 - The Lord’s will

“Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”” - James 4:15 Scripture reading: James 4:13-16 For believers, God and His divine will should be so much a part of daily experience, that we consciously acknowledge it each step of life's way. Christians are to make a point of acknowledging the plan and power of God. This is true for our walk with God now and it is also true for the future, as a New Year stretches out before us. It's not merely a matter of saying, “If it is God's will.” Mere words are easily said and can be an empty habit. It is, rather, a matter of a heart which loves the Lord. It is the experience of a heart of faith that knows it is in God that we live and move and have our being. Living in that faith, we place our life, our hopes and plans for the future in God's hands. We humbly declare our wholehearted willingness to serve the Lord, trust and obey Him, and live in His will. As a New Year has begun, time stretches before us like a road into the distance. What kind of road will it be for us in 2025? We don't know, but God does. Christian, may God bless you in 2025 with a good life and crown your life with success. In all your living and in all your accomplishments, be humble and thankful to the Lord. By His will alone you are able to walk down the path He wants you to travel. Now and always, in all that you say, do and plan, seek God's will. Suggestions for Prayer Pray for true humility not just merely to accept, but rather to obediently live in God's will now and always. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 7 - A new walk with Jesus

“The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people t...

Daily devotional

January 6 - Expecting the best

“…therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” - Matthew 24:44 Scripture reading: Matthew 24...

Daily devotional

January 5 - Renewing our strength

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall ...

Daily devotional

January 4 - New wine

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But ne...

Daily devotional

January 3 - New Year’s resolutions

“Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.” - 1 John 2:8 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:1-11 As Christians, we walk in newness of life. We want a new song in our hearts. At the start of 2025 it is good to think of this, since the past is past and the future stretches out before us. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, marks a turning point in history. The Spirit of the Lord applies the perfect work of Christ Jesus to us, His disciples. There is a change that must take place in our hearts and souls, if we are going to live by a new commandment this year. The Apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us that this new commandment is to show love. We must shine with the loving light of Christ. The darkness of sin: personal shortcomings, hatreds are passing away, not passed away; we are not yet perfect. Rather passing away, because Jesus, the light of the world, has come and completed His ministry of love for His people, and His Spirit is at work within us to renew us. If you desire a happy 2025, live each day by an old, yet new, commandment: love God above all and your neighbour as yourself. Exercise Christian love in your homes, your congregations, when you interact with family and neighbours. That is the challenge put before you in our text. Only those who turn to Jesus will be able to live by this new commandment. Find newness of life in Him and then live out your faith in practical, Christian living. Make that your prayer in this new year. Suggestions for prayer Pray for a Spirit-directed resolution to live by the new commandment. Pray for opportunities to show the love of Jesus to those around you: family, friends, coworkers, neighbours. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 2 - A sanctified start

“So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly.” - Job 1:5 Scripture reading: Job 1:1-5 For many, the Old Year ended with celebrating, and that drew my attention to our text. We read in the opening verses of Job that his children lived in luxury. Daily they held a feast. Weekly their hospitality continued. When each cycle had run its course, Job knew he had to do something. He knew his children were not perfect. Sin easily enters into celebrations. Before we go further into the New Year, we do well to consider our standing, and that of our families, before the Lord. Maybe in our celebrations this season, we have sinned. Can we enter a New Year with a burden of sin upon our hearts? No. Surely it is the desire of every disciple of Jesus that we have a sanctified (that is, holy) start before God, as we advance into the New Year. The Spirit of God gave Job to see that a sanctified life (a life dedicated to God) is no once in a while thing. That is why Job gathered his family for a time of worship with a sacrifice every week. It was his constant practice. May the year 2025 be off for a good start for you. Know your need: you must be sanctified. Offer to the Lord a sacrifice of prayer and praise each week as you attend worship. Above all, look to Jesus and His sacrifice to cleanse and renew you. As a forgiven disciple, enter into the New Year with your burdens removed, your sin pardoned, your heart encouraged and your life set in the right direction. Suggestions for prayer Seek the Lord's forgiveness through the sacrifice of our Saviour. Pray for discipleship that seeks worship, fellowship and forgiveness week by week. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 1 - Introduction to the new year!

For those of us who follow a calendar basically inherited from the ancient Romans, this month of January marks the start of the New Year. We Christians do not follow the Old Testament calendar, which marks a new year near the beginning of autumn. (Rosh Hashanah - in 2025 this falls on September 22). Although there is no Biblical demand that we celebrate the New Year starting on January 1, this holiday does mark an event in human life, noted around the world, which should cause us to reflect on the passing of time and our responsibility before God to use our time wisely. It is my hope and intention that this month of devotionals will do exactly that: urging us on to spiritual reflection and serious consideration of our use of the time God gives us throughout the course of our earthly lives, as each day that we receive is a gift from the Lord of time and eternity. May God bless us, one and all, in this Year of Our Lord 2025. First things first “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.: - Matthew 6:33 Scripture reading: Matthew 6:25-33 Today is the start of a New Year! All of 2025 stretches before us. We prayed our first prayer, ate our first meal. Many attended the first worship service of 2025 this morning. In our text, Jesus calls us to seek, before all else, a living relationship with Jesus by seeking His kingdom and His righteousness. That relationship is not just going to fall into our lap. Those who treat Christianity as a minor aspect of their existence, who do not faithfully attend church, who never pray or open their Bibles are not going to find the power, beauty and joy of a life lived fully in God's kingdom. Jesus' command is: Seek first! Right at the top of your agenda for 2025 must be a willingness to invest time and energy in God's Kingdom. Also, we are to seek “His righteousness.” Here is a challenge for us all. Often we seek God's forgiveness, but how often do we actively seek His righteousness? The Lord calls us to live a holy Christian life. A righteous life is a powerful witness of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is vital for ourselves, our families, our congregations and our witness that we seek Christ's righteousness in all we say and do in 2025 and onward through life. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. May that be your guiding light in this New Year. Rise to the challenge. Dare to live by Christ's high standard. Those who do, will not lose, for “all these things will be added to you.” Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to work His sovereign will in your heart, mind, and soul so that as 2025 unfolds you will, indeed, put first things first. Pray for wisdom to make God's kingdom and righteousness the first priority of your life. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 31 - The Bride and Spirit in sync

“The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come, let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” - Revelation 22:17 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:12-21 Here, at the end of the book, we are not in the vision any longer. The Spirit of God and the bride (not the Lamb’s wife) are together in their longing for the completion of the plan of God, where everything will be in submission to God, as Ephesians 1 talks about. In response to the vision, the body of believers, whom the Spirit has united in faith, longs for the coming of Jesus to make all things new, and to see the destruction of the wicked. We pray, “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done!” Let this full salvation come quickly. Amid our longing, we extend with John the invitation. Anyone who is thirsty for the abundant and free life, whoever longs to know forgiveness and mercy and righteousness and love, let him drink the water of life without price. Christ has paid the price, and all may come to Jesus to find life. Free salvation is offered. Just believe that Christ has accomplished justification for confessing sinners on the cross. As the Heidelberg Catechism says, “All I need to do is accept this gift of God with a believing heart.” Jesus makes everything new. He makes us new creations. This whole creation will be renewed to the glory of God. All who long for this, who work for this, take heart. Jesus is coming soon. We invite all sinners to repent, believe and enjoy the abundant and eternal life found in Jesus. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Suggestions for prayer As you anticipate a new year, pray that your anticipation may, more importantly, be for the day of Christ’s appearing and the new creation! In this hope, purify yourself as He is pure (John 3:3) Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 30 - His reward is with him

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” - Revelation 22:12 Scripture reading: Rev...

Daily devotional

December 29 - Keeping the vision

“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” - Revelation 22:7 Scripture reading: Rev...

Daily devotional

December 28 - His name on our foreheads

“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” - Revelation 22:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-5 The blessedness ...

Daily devotional

December 27 - The trees of life

“Also, on either side of the river, the tree of life, with its twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were fo...

Daily devotional

December 26 - The river of life

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the city.” - Revelation 22:1-2a Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-5 The beauty of the church is her fellowship with God. The Lamb’s wife, for eternity, shall live with Him and He with her. The church is here described as a garden (paradise) inside the city, as it were, and we first see the River of Life. The river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and the Lamb, and down the middle of the great street of the city. A River of Life! Life is essentially found in fellowship with God, something we have on the merits of Christ’s life and work. Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Now this He said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:37-39). In the paradise of God, a river flowing from the Throne symbolizes that the Triune God is our eternal source of life and strength. In Ezekiel 47, the river flowed from the temple, the presence of God into all the world to gather the elect. In glory, we will have pure fellowship with the Triune God because of the work of the Spirit poured out by the glorified Christ and the Father. One life, through the Spirit, fills all believers, uniting us in fellowship with the Triune God. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to fulfill His promises speedily and thank Him for His Spirit Who is a guarantee of our eternal inheritance found in Christ alone. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 25 - Christ, the light of the world

“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:23 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-27 Today, we celebrate the incarnation of Christ as the Light of the world. In the new heavens and earth, where our dwelling with God will be perfect, we shall see clearly, for we shall see Christ, Who is the light of God, face to face, and He shall illumine all things. Now we see as through a glass darkly, but then we shall see clearly. No temple is in the city, because God dwells with His people and they with Him in perfect fellowship. There is no sun or moon because Christ Himself perfectly radiates God. The glory of God radiates everywhere, so the nations walk in His light. Haggai prophesied a day when God would shake the earth and the wealth of the nations would pour into the temple. Believers are the precious jewels that come pouring into this radiant fellowship with God. John sees the gates of the city open, and people from all nations entering. But no one and nothing evil shall be found within the gates, within the wall. Only the glory and honour of the nations, those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, are found in this city. All impurity, falsehood and what is detestable will not be found in the city coming down out of heaven. If we have done shameful, impure things, do we have hope? Yes, there is forgiveness in Christ, Who took on flesh to bear our guilt. Everyone who trusts Him has their name written in the Lamb’s book of life. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the birth of Jesus, Who took on flesh to take away our guilt so that we could be restored to perfect fellowship with God. Thank God for the purity we have in Jesus, and our eternal fellowship with our Triune God. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 24 - A view of the city #2

“And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:22 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-27 As we read the description of the city for the third time we certainly must see that its description is rather fluid. The wall is jasper, clear as crystal. Jasper is usually green, red, or blue, but here it is like a crystal, so pure. The city itself is made of gold, but pure gold, like clear glass. The wall has 12 foundations, and 12 angels at the 12 gates. The names of Israel’s tribes are on the gates, and the names of the apostles on the foundations. Each gate is a single pearl. The idea portrayed is that the church is a combination of Old and New Testament believers, perfectly united in faith in Christ. Ephesians 2 says, “Consequently you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” The church is portrayed as a city, not because she is made of buildings, but because she is a new society, a sharp contrast to Babylon. Babylon’s work, recreation, art and education was all for the glory of man, but the church exists for the glory of God. People come from all directions into this unity with Christ! So beautiful! Suggestions for prayer As you reflect on Christ’s first coming, remember that He came to earth to bring us to heaven. Pray for His second coming, when all the elect shall be gathered in and the church will be complete, one in Christ. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 23 - A view of the city #1

“ showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.” - Revelation 21:10b-11 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-21 We see the city, the bride of the lamb, as it is coming down out of heaven from God. This is the Church that was built by Christ, whose inheritance is kept in heaven with Christ, and He shall bring it to completion on the glorious day. It is filled with the glory of God, a radiant, clear crystal. The church has been made pure and perfectly radiates the glory of God! This city is a perfect cube, 1380 miles in every direction. Traveling 55 miles per hour it would take 24 hours to cross the city, which stretches the approximate distance from Nags Head, NC, to Salina, Kansas, from Southern Maine to North Florida, and then as high. The church is immense, a number we cannot count. John is not seeing a literal city, but a symbol of the victorious church, the Lamb’s wife. The church does not live in the city, but the city is the church who dwells in perfect harmony with God. The beauty of the church here is our perfect fellowship with the Triune God. As Revelation 21:3 says, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God.” No more tears, death or pain. All will be new. On earth we are the bride, but we will be the lamb’s wife, perfectly reflecting the glory of our Transcendent God. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His work in bringing His church to completion. Thank Jesus for coming in humility to take away our sins, so that we may look forward to the glory that shall be ours when He comes again. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 22 - The vision of the bride

“Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:9b Scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-27 When the Queen of Sheba ...

Daily devotional

December 21 - Trustworthy and true words

“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without paymen...

Daily devotional

December 20 - The new heavens and the new earth II

Daily devotional

December 19 - The new heavens and the new earth I

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” - Revelation 21:1 ...

Daily devotional

December 18 - Day of judgement

“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it … And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened … and the dead were judged by what was written in the books.” - Revelation 20:11, 12 Scripture reading: Revelation 20:11-15 Today we catch a glimpse of the day of judgment. We see the great throne and Him Who was seated on it. Creation is seen to flee from God’s presence and it is as if all people were left ‘alone’ before the Judge. All are here; even the sea, and death and hades give up the dead. No one misses judgment day! Then the books opened, including a book of life. All who have died were judged, along with all who are yet living, by what was written in the books, according to what they had done, which reflects what was in their hearts. We see Death itself and Hades thrown into the Lake of fire, along with everyone whose name was not written in the book of life. All who believe, whose sins are covered in the Lamb’s blood, whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life from before the foundation of the world (see chapter 13:8), are saved. Not because they are worthy, but because God graciously gave them faith and life eternal, clothing them in the righteousness of Christ, and they believed and followed Jesus, striving to live as He lived, loving and forgiving as He loved and forgave them. Jesus secured their salvation in His death, resurrection, and ascension. He loses none of those who are His. Believe this and rejoice in the certainty of Christ’s work! Don’t fear the final judgment: your Judge is your Redeemer. Only those who do not believe need fear Jesus’ coming. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the coming judgment and give thanks to God that we are, by God’s mercy, clothed in the righteousness of Christ and our names written in the Lamb’s book of life. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 17 - The destruction of Satan

“…the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever...” - Revelation 20:10 Scripture reading: Revelation 20:7-10 At the end of the Thousand years (a symbolic term for the age of the Christ reigning in heaven) the devil will be released to deceive the nations again, and he will unite the world in opposition to Christ. We have already seen pictures of this great battle in which the beasts are destroyed along with the great city. “Gog and Magog” is an expression taken from Ezekiel 38-39 that refers to a great attack against the people of God. Little chance of survival, yet God’s people survived. This pictures, just before the final judgment, how the devil, when he will try once more to be victorious over the seed of the woman, will be defeated and thrown into the lake of burning sulphur where the beast and false prophet had been thrown. From this he will never escape, but suffer torment forever. Hallelujah! Christ is victorious. So here is another assurance of the defeat of Satan and our enemies. Nothing, no one will stop the Word of God from accomplishing what He says, what God has planned from before the foundation of the world. As we read in Ephesians 1, His purpose is to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and on earth. And in Him, we who believe have the guarantee of the Spirit until we acquire possession of our inheritance, to the praise of God’s glory. Considering the growing opposition we see to our Lord and His church, we should take courage and rejoice. Our victory is certain. Suggestions for prayer Give God glory. Express your trust in His Word, His promises of our inheritance in the new heavens and earth, of an eternity of fellowship with our Triune God. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 16 - The victorious in Christ

“Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection.” - Revelation 20:6 Scripture reading: Revelation 20: 4-6 Now John sees thrones upon which are seated those who have been given authority to judge. Here are those who have died for Christ’s sake and all believers who died prior to the second coming. They are reigning. Early Christians expected a quick return of Christ, and when family and friends began dying, they began to wonder about the reality of the kingdom and the promises of Christ. John's vision shows them that they are alive with Christ and share in His victory and authority. They have come to life and reign with Him. Those in glory are one with us who yet live. The first resurrection includes all who confess Jesus and follow Him rather than serve the creation and the gods of this world. All who have died to sin with Christ share in His life, His resurrection, and since we are raised with Him, we also reign with Him in glory. Even on earth, we are the authority of the Word, which has the power to make alive forever those who are dead in sin. In Christ, as 1 John 2 says, we have been given victory over the evil one. Those who are not in Christ do not share this new life, but blessed and holy are those who know the joy of this first resurrection. Though we die, we still live, forever! Our Mediator reigns, and we with Him by faith while we yet live on earth, but by sight if we have ascended to glory. Suggestions for prayer Praise our Triune God for the marvellous blessing of everlasting life, for God has set us apart for His praise for all eternity. Pray for the day of complete and final victory. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 15 - The binding of Satan

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hands the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, that ancient serpent, who is the devil and Satan, and bound him for a thousand years.” - Revelation 20:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 20:1-6 The book of Revelation is a book of comfort, assuring us of our victory in Christ. The book gives us a look behind the scenes of what takes place in our world to encourage us to be faithful. It doesn’t give us a timetable, but pictures to assure God's sovereignty and justice in all things. In 2 Corinthians 4:4, we read that “the god of this age has blinded the minds of unbelievers so that they cannot see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ.” Satan at that time was free. He was the prince of the world who was deceiving the nations and often the covenant people. Thus the Old Testament period was one of darkness. God had promised a light would come to shine, revealing sin, but also destroying all darkness. Christ came into the world, as 1 John 3:8 says, to destroy the devil’s work. And in His ministry He said, upon hearing that the demons were subject to the gospel, “I saw Satan falling like lightning from heaven.” This was the beginning of the binding of Satan that will last until close to the end of time, when he will be loosed again. This is what John sees here in a vision. While at times it seems like Satan reigns supreme (some think he is loosed again!) remember that Christ is proclaimed and worshipped throughout the world, and is sovereign over the nations. Trust Him and be strong. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for assuring us that Jesus is victorious. Satan is subject to His authority, and those who believe share in the victory of Christ. Those who die in the Lord are reigning with Him! Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 14 - The great feast

“Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great...

Daily devotional

December 13 - The rider on the white horse

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes wa...

Daily devotional

December 12 - The marriage supper of the Lamb

“And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are t...

Daily devotional

December 11 - Rejoicing in heaven

“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God for his judgments are true and just, for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupt...

Daily devotional

December 10 - The fall of Babylon

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!” - Revelation 18:2 Scripture reading: Revelation 18:1-24 As fascinating and wonderful as our civilization is, we must take note of the warning this chapter gives. After all, most of our culture and world leads us not to the worship and praise of God, but to live apart from Him and for ourselves, for our pleasures, serving created reality rather than the Creator. This is why John hears the voice from heaven calling, “Come out of her, my people, lest you take part in her sins, lest you share in her plagues.” For indeed she is headed for destruction. This chapter paints the destruction of the prostitute of Babylon, as sudden and swift. The kings of the earth who committed adultery with her will mourn, “… for in a single hour judgment has come.” Merchants will weep because all their goods will be gone in an hour. Those who transported these goods will mourn, for in a single hour the city is destroyed. This is the final day of judgment when God destroys the world for the sake of God’s people (v. 20). The angel throws a stone demonstrating the violence with which the city will be overthrown. The sounds of culture and civilization will be heard in her no more, for she refused to worship God, and she was guilty of the blood of prophets and saints, killing them physically and spiritually. She was guilty of deceiving the nations. Only the saints of God will be saved for the new civilization of the new heavens and earth, which is pictured later in Revelation. Suggestions for prayer Pray that Jesus will come quickly, and all His enemies be destroyed so that this world will once again be filled with God’s glory, and sin forever banished. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 9 - The beast with seven heads

“I will tell you the mystery … of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her.” - Revelation 17:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 17:7-18 The beast, John is told, once was, is not now, but will come out of the abyss and go to its destruction. One head had a fatal wound that was healed. As one early power falls, another takes its place, but will also go to destruction. The seven heads here are seven hills (Rome was built on seven hills), but notice they are also seven kings or kingdoms. Now we need not identify the seven kingdoms or kings because they represent all ungodly governments, and the prostitute is supported by them and headed for destruction. Governments spend much money on cultural things, including arts, sports, civic buildings, all which seem good, yet they do so to glorify themselves and man, not God, and so they can be deadly. Ten horns represent several governments, confederates of the beast as it wages war against the lamb along with the dragon. Yet, John is told that the Lamb will be victorious because He is the Lord of Lords and the King of kings. With Him are His called, chosen and faithful followers. Christ will lose none of those who are His, and here He assures that we are one with Him in victory. Notice how in the last verses the beast turns on the prostitute and brings her down. The kingdoms of the world become disillusioned with peoples and their activities, and God will use this to the destruction of both the prostitute and the beast. Human civilization will always self-destruct. Only in Christ is their lasting victory. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that He is sovereign, and for His promised salvation. Thank Him for the assurance that no matter how powerful our enemies, Christ is victorious in the spiritual warfare, and we share in that victory. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 8 - The great prostitute and the beast #2

“The woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet, and adorned with gold and jewels and pearls, holding in her hand a golden cup full of abominations and the impurities of her sexual immorality.” - Revelation 17:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 17:1-18 Purple is the colour of royalty, scarlet of splendour, but in the Old Testament it was also the colour of sin (Isaiah 1:8), and the colour of the dragon and the beast. The woman wears jewelry and beautiful clothes to entice. She holds a golden cup. Society always offers the best, promising pleasure and prosperity, but it always ends up empty. The cup is only a device to entice people to join her in her evil and ungodly ways. As Christians we must be careful in our world, not to be taken in by the pleasures of sin, or the promises of prosperity in a world apart from God. Divorce can seem attractive, adultery delightful, sexual indulgence thrilling, but it is never satisfying in the long run. The Prostitute has the name Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth. John may have thought of Rome (the culture, people and the government). But it represents all civilization that leads people to find their pleasures in this world, not in the maker of the world. John sees her celebrating victory over Christians (she is drunk with their blood). Many Christians are seduced by the world and she is ecstatic over this. Notice how we see the prostitute and the beast are together. Tomorrow we will look more at the beast, to which John pays more attention. But human civilization depends on human governments and power to succeed. May we be on guard against the Prostitute (Proverbs 1). Suggestions for prayer Thank God that we live where we do by God’s appointment. Pray that we be kept from temptation and delivered from the evil one, so that God receives all glory and praise. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 7 - The great prostitute and the beast #1

“And he carried me away in the Spirit into a wilderness, and I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast that was full of blasphemous names, and it had seven heads and ten horns.” - Revelation 17:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 17:1-18 The Spirit isolates John so he can see the Great Prostitute and the Beast on which she sits. She is gloriously arrayed. She is the great city that has dominion over the kings of the earth (v.18). In other words, she is human civilization, not in submission to Christ, but in harmony with the beast. She is a picture of any ungodly civilization: people working and living together in business, commerce, labour, entertainment, arts, education, theology, etc., but all apart from God. This civilization is seen as a prostitute because, while looking attractive, she leads people away from God to serve created things. This is adulterous. When God’s people were taken in by this world, Isaiah exclaimed, “See how the faithful city has become an adulteress (Isaiah 1:21). The prostitute is always the insolent and idolatrous society (Tyre in Isaiah 23:16, Nineveh in Nahum 3:4) that seeks to lead even God’s people astray. Civilization here is a whore, not an adulteress. Babylon is a prostitute, never the lamb’s wife. She sits on many waters, or many peoples that are opposed to God. She is also on the beast out of the waters, which is any ungodly human power or authority. Civilization cannot exist apart from human government, so she is seen here dependent on the beast. Tomorrow we will see why we should not be taken in by her, but remain as we are, redeemed to be a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a people set apart unto the Lord. Suggestions for prayer Although the society in which we live is very enticing, her music and art, work and science beautiful, pray that we may remain a distinct and holy people for God’s glory. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 6 - The final three bowls

“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” - Revel...

Daily devotional

December 5 - The first four bowls

“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” - Revel...

Daily devotional

December 4 - Seven angels coming with final plagues

Daily devotional

December 3 - Reason for optimism

“And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire – and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its n...

Daily devotional

December 2 - The harvest of the earth

“So He who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth and the earth was reaped.” - Revelation 14:16 Scripture reading: Revelation 14:14-20 The last picture in Revelation 14 is of the final judgment described as a harvest with two parts, a general harvest and a harvest of grapes, or the wicked. Notice that it is Jesus Who brings in the harvest, Who swings the sickle in v. 16. He comes to judge. Many do not like to see Jesus this way, but John the Baptist said of Jesus, His winnowing fork is in his hand and He will clear his threshing floor, gathering the wheat into his barn and burning up the chaff with unquenchable fire (Matthew 3:12). In Revelation 19 Jesus is seen treading out the winepress of the fury of God’s wrath. Here the unrighteous are trampled in the winepress of the wrath of God. This happens outside the city because the wicked are not allowed in the city. Those who do not believe in Jesus as the atoning sacrifice for sins will never know the joy of the new heavens and earth, but will suffer the torments of eternal punishment. They will never enter the glory of the New Jerusalem (Rev 21:27). While there is time, they should repent and put their faith in Jesus. Today is yet a day of salvation. This picture of the harvest is one of great comfort for believers. We are saved by the grace of God through a faith expressed in our following of Jesus. We rejoice in the hope of the resurrection to eternal life. Jesus comes to judge the world in righteousness. Suggestions for prayer As we anticipate celebrating Christmas this year, pray that we will keep in mind that Christ came to make all things new, and is coming again to do that in the final judgment. Praise God for the hope we have in Him. Pray for courage to call the world to repent before Jesus returns. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 1 - Introduction to Revelation

In December of 2022, I did a series of devotions on Revelation 1-14:12. I was asked to do a follow-up series on the rest of the book of Revelation. I am happy to do so as this book helps us live in anticipation of the return of our Lord, comforting us with the assurance that Christ our King is returning to bring us to spend eternity with our Triune God in the New Heavens and Earth. Although in this world we face the opposition of the evil one and his minions, our hope is sure. May He come quickly! We begin our devotions this month at the end of a section of Revelation. Each section of Revelation describes the warfare of Satan against God and His church, and God’s response to Satan as He protects and saves His church. Revelation 14:6, which we finished off in our devotions two years ago, shows us the first of three angels who give messages and warnings for the comfort of the saints. This first angel calls us to “Fear God and give him glory, because the hour of judgment has come.” This is indeed the awesome news the world needs to hear. The devil’s time is short, and Christ is coming soon! In fact all the signs of His coming are evident around us. We see the false prophet and the beast from the sea, that is, all human powers encouraging men to live apart from God. We see the various partial judgments warning all to repent and believe in Jesus for salvation! It should be evident to all that the destruction of man’s kingdoms is just around the corner! Therefore we are called to worship the Creator and to patiently endure to the end, remaining faithful to Jesus. Jesus says He is coming soon (Revelation 22:20). Assurance of victory “Write this: “Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on.” “Blessed indeed,” says the Spirit, “that they may rest from their labors, for their deeds follow them.”” - Revelation 14:13 Scripture reading: Revelation 14:6-13 The first angel called all people to fear God and give Him glory, because the time of judgment has come, and he calls all to worship the creator. This is followed by two other angels, the first announcing the fall of Babylon, the second the judgment on those who follow in the ways of Babylon. Babylon represents people united against God in their daily living. Our culture is primarily anti-God, with people united in denying truth to assert their own ‘truth.’ This includes the secular powers (the first beast) and false teachings (the image of the beast) that promote such self-centred living. All will fall since they tempt followers of Jesus to join them in their materialism and godlessness in behaviour. The vividness of this punishment should not escape us. His wrath will be poured out day and night forever. Jesus speaks of unquenchable fire and eternal weeping and gnashing of teeth. All who live according to the principles of this godless culture will perish eternally. Such a picture of hell calls believers to patiently endure, to stay true in following Jesus wherever He leads. God's judgment is coming, and He will bring justice. Believers who die in the Lord before Jesus comes are called blessed, for they rest from their labour. Assurance is given that their works, which are a sign of their faith, will follow them. Let us who believe maintain our faith and follow Christ, not the world. Suggestions for prayer That God would grant His Spirit that we might believe the promises of salvation in Jesus, and remain faithful to Jesus as we follow Him. Pray that we may be kept unspotted from the world. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 30 - Reckless zeal

“...for in just a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel.” - Hosea 1:4 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 10:1-36 What a ruthless character is Jehu! What an agent for cleansing the church and state! What an impressive figure as he welcomes Jehonadab into his chariot and says, “See my zeal for the Lord.” Yet, Jehu's zeal was a reckless, self-serving zeal, doing right things the wrong way for the wrong reasons, because his heart was not right before God (verse 31). This is what earned him God's judgment upon his own house, as declared in Hosea 1:4. Though we can marvel at the shrewd ways he destroys the house of Ahab and the idolatrous worship of Baal, Jehu's motives were clearly political. In spite of doing what was right in the eyes of the Lord (verse 30), he did it to secure his own throne. He allowed the worship of the golden calves at Bethel and Dan (verse 29) for reasons of state - to prevent the return of the northern ten tribes to the house of David. Because of his impure zeal, true reform never happened. While Israel continued to be chastised by Hazael, and reduced by his raids, Jehu died, unable to save the nation. It would take another, with a greater and more perfect zeal than Jehu. One who would conquer not merely over flesh and blood, but the power of sin and Satan in our hearts. It's this Lord Jesus Christ Who is coming in judgment to destroy all the godless and to usher in a righteous world. Until that Day, may all of us, unlike Jehu, display a pure and wholehearted zeal for Him! Suggestions for prayer Pray that God, Who sees our hearts, may fill them with a zeal that is motivated by a pure devotion to Him, in all that we desire and do. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 29 - The Lord’s madman

“Rejoice with Him, O heavens, bow down to Him, all gods, for He avenges the blood of His children and takes vengeance on His adversaries. He repays those who hate Him and cleanses His people's land.” - Deuteronomy 32:43 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 9:1-37 With the anointing of Jehu as king over Israel, God's promise to Elijah, in 1 Kings 19:10, to cleanse His people of idolatry is fulfilled. As God promised, Jehu will put to death any who escape the sword of Hazael, and Elisha will put to death any who escape the sword of Jehu. Elisha has been anointed, and so has Hazael. Now it’s time to anoint Jehu who would be let loose as a consuming fire to annihilate the house of Ahab and destroy the godless. Thus, one of the sons of the prophets is commissioned to anoint Jehu, the commander of Israel's army as king. So he does, with the commission to wipe out Ahab's entire family in order to avenge the blood of God's prophets and servants spilled by Ahab and Jezebel. Like a madman, Jehu first slays Joram, son of Ahab. In his fervour, he also executes Ahaziah, king of Judah, a grandson of Jezebel. With the death of Joram, Elijah's prophecy regarding God's revenge on Naboth, was fulfilled (v. 26; see 1 Kings 21:21-4). This prophecy is further fulfilled by Jehu's execution of Jezebel. We see that the Lord is a jealous and avenging God Who will not tolerate the breaking of His covenant nor the murdering of His children. We also see the reliability of the promises and threats of the word of God as they are fulfilled against the House of Ahab. So Israel was led to repent and trust in the Lord, alone. So must we. Suggestions for prayer Pray that in the face of so much injustice, we may repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to what is honourable in the sight of all (Romans 12:17). For at the judgment seat of Christ all will be made right. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 28 - Life and death

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that yo...

Daily devotional

November 27 - Unsolicited grace (II)

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19 Scripture reading: 2 Kings ...

Daily devotional

November 26 - Unsolicited grace (I)

“Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind."” - John 9:39 Scrip...

Daily devotional

November 25 - A prophet in Israel (II)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may bo...

Daily devotional

November 24 - A prophet in Israel (I)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…” - Ephesians 2:8 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:1-14;6:1-7 Can guilty sinners such as you and I be saved? We might as well ask, can an incurable leper be healed or an iron axe head float! Naaman was a great general who had given victory to Syria, but he suffered from the miserable, and ultimately fatal, disease of leprosy. By God's grace an Israelite girl, captured by the Syrians, in the service of Naaman's wife, pointed to his cure: the prophet Elisha, in Samaria (Israel). So Naaman goes to Elisha's house. But expecting special treatment by Elisha, himself, he was told by a messenger to wash in the Jordan seven times to be healed. Naaman turns away in a rage. This was an insult to his dignity! The rivers of Damascus are better than any of the waters of Israel. In effect, he says, "If I want to take a bath, why don't I just go there? Since they're far more beautiful and impressive, why not?" For one reason only: because salvation is found in Israel alone! In fact, it's found in Christ and the power of His cross alone! To many, like Naaman, God's prescription for salvation is degrading. And no wonder! For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Corinthians 1:18). Persuaded to believe the word of God's prophet, Naaman was healed. And like a lost axe head, his life was restored. So may we hear and believe God's ultimate prophet, Jesus Christ, and be restored today! Suggestions for prayer Pray that we might not only hear the Word of Christ, our Chief Prophet, but like the captive Israelite girl, cause others to hear His life giving Word, as well. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 23 - The word of life (IV)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” - John 10:10 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:38-44 The Word of Life brings Freedom and A Future. And it also brings Favour and Fullness. As verse 38 says, in the midst of a famine, Elisha sought to feed the sons of the prophets. Food was scarce, but to make it worse, one of the men cut up pieces of a wild gourd, a poisonous one, making the stew bitter and inedible. But in obedience to Elisha's command, they bring him some flour, which he throws into the pot, to make the food good. Thus again, we are shown that Elisha's words, when heeded, bring life out of death; bringing what is wholesome out of what is noxious, deadly and foul! So the Word of Christ is for us. Like all people, we also encounter trials and hardships in our lives. But believing God's Word, and knowing that such are sent to us as loving discipline, to make us like Jesus, then we can know the joy of life abundant, as we submit to Him, the Father of our spirits and live forever (Hebrews 12:9). For the world, hardships are only bitter, making their whole life bitter, ending in death. But for the Christian they make life better, under the favour of God, for such is the power of the Word of Life. Finally we see, in verses 42-44, the power of the Word of Life to give Fullness to meet our every need. For out of scarcity, the word of Life brings satisfaction. As what could never feed 20, feeds 100, so Christ, the Word of Life declares, whoever comes to me will never hunger, whoever believes in me will never thirst (John 6:35). Suggestions for prayer Ask God to show you the Freedom, Future, Favour and Fullness you have in Christ, the Word of Life, and to live it out each and every day. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 22 - The word of life (III)

“Women received back their dead by resurrection.” - Hebrews 11:35a Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:18-37 The Word of Life - Jesus Christ - gives not only Freedom, but a Future, not only for this life, but A Future For Eternity. With the birth of a son, the Shunamite woman and her husband were greatly blessed. But their faith was tried when their child died. Yet, her faith did not die. She shows strength and no complaint comes from her when she asks her husband to provide her a way to go to the prophet Elisha. When he asks, "Why?” she simply responds, "All is well." Literally, she says shalom, for even in the face of tragedy the believer can know peace which surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). Her faith convinced her that, somehow, Elisha could again be instrumental in doing the impossible and that God would make sense of this horrible situation. Thus, she goes to pour out her heart to him who bore the Word of Life. Once a person is gripped by the Word of the Lord, they will and must claim that Word for victory and life- no matter what- and never in vain. Elisha is filled with compassion for her- the very compassion that Jesus has for us today. And her son is raised to life! This is no promise of no more funerals, if only we have faith, but a pledge to those who believe in God's Word - the Word of Life - that in Christ - the resurrection and the life - we have an eternally glorious future beyond the grave, and the power to live our lives to the full, today! Suggestions for prayer Pray for the faith to trust the Lord,no matter how turbulent the circumstances, knowing that we can have confidence in Him, for all grace and help, in our time of need. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 21 - The word of life (II)

“The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.” - Proverbs 14:11 “Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.” - Matthew 5:5 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:8-17 The Word of Life, spoken through Elisha, grants not only freedom, but a Future. In a godly home, dwells two of those 7,000 who have not bowed down to Baal. The wife in this wealthy home is rich in faith, and asks her husband if they can supply a room for Elisha "who is continually passing our way." This Shunammite woman is impressive in her display of that imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious (1 Peter 3:4). She puts her hope in God and shows herself to be a true daughter of Sarah (see 1 Peter 3:5-6). We see this again, when Elisha says, “See, you have taken all this trouble for us; what is to be done for you?” and she refuses to take advantage of his offer. She could have asked for anything, but content simply to belong to the people of God, says, “I dwell among my own people.” From a human perspective she had a cause to be bitter, for she was childless; a situation regarded, in Israel, as a reproach of God, since, without a son, the future of her husband's name and inheritance in Israel would be cut off. Elisha promises that within a year she would be holding a newborn son. And by the power of the Word of Life, it happened! Faith in Christ - the Word of Life-Incarnate - is not always the cure for empty arms, but it is always the cure for an empty life and a hopeless future! Suggestions for prayer Ask that you may know and show, no matter what griefs you may now bear, that your life is forever rich in Christ Jesus, Who is the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 20 - The word of life (I)

“...concerning the word of life- the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was ...

Daily devotional

November 19 - Fighting Moab

“For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain, and Moab shall be trampled down in his place, as straw is trampled down in a dunghill.” - Is...

Daily devotional

November 18 - Elijah’s ascension

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to...

Daily devotional

November 17 - Lord of the flies

“Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only So...

Daily devotional

November 16 - The 401st prophet

“But Jehoshaphat said, "Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?"” - 1 Kings 22:7 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 22:1-40 If ever there was a need for a true prophet to speak the truth, in politics, education, labor and science, and above all, in the church, the pillar and foundation of the truth (1 Tim. 3:15), that time is now. Yet, this is nothing new. Determined to regain Ramoth-gilead, Ahab only wanted "prophets" to confirm his will, however misguided, as God's will. Like many preachers, today, who deliver just what their hearers want, his 400 "prophets" knew "what side their bread was buttered on." Thus, with one voice they say, "Go up, for the Lord will give it into the hand of the king." One of them, Zedekiah, acting like a moron with iron horns on his head, said, "With these you shall push the Syrians until they are destroyed." False prophets can quote Scripture - his words come from Deuteronomy 33:17. But Jehoshaphat wasn't taken in by these pseudo-prophets. Thus, they call for Michaiah, who, as the apostate king complains, "Never prophesies good concerning me, but evil." In spite of the pressure to conform, Micaiah breaks with the monotony of the 400 and declares to the king the truth. The truth was confirmed when Ahab, rejecting it, and failing to take Ramoth-gilead, died in battle. As you prepare to hear God's word in church tomorrow, pray that your preacher may in no wise cave to identify with the 400, representing the majority of false prophets today, but with the 401st, who says, "As the LORD lives, what the LORD says to me, that I will speak." Suggestions for prayer Pray that you may both hear and apply the Word of God to your life, as you read it today and hear it proclaimed from the pulpit tomorrow. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 15 - In Naboth’s vineyard

“Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria; behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession.” - 1 Kings 21:18 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 21:1-29 More than covetousness, murder and theft against Naboth, Ahab's action constituted an attack upon the Kingdom of Christ. That vineyard represented the Lord's inheritance. God said in Leviticus 25:23, The land shall not be sold in perpetuity, for the land is mine.Israel belonged to the Lord, and His peoples' inheritance in it was a pledge of having a part in God's kingdom forever. Naboth and his sons, who were murdered with him (2 Kings 9:26), clearly comprised the 7,000 faithful Israelites who had not bowed their knee to Baal. As a follower of Baal, Ahab was not content with his extravagant land and ivory palaces. He had to have more and wicked Jezebel saw that he would. She paid off two scoundrels (literally, sons of Belial-the devil) to falsely accuse Naboth of cursing God and the king and they stoned Naboth and his sons to death. Hatred for Christ and His kingdom motivated Ahab's wife. More than land, she wanted Nabal's blood! How often such blasphemous and hypocritical pretexts, in the name of justice, are employed in persecuting the righteous today. As God's condemnation by Elijah fell upon Ahab, so it will fall by Christ upon all who oppose Him on the last Day. The mills of God’s justice may grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine! Don't sell your inheritance in Christ for the things of this world. Naboth's vineyard is God's pledge that all who trust in Him will see the punishment of the wicked and the fullness of their salvation in Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Pray for strength to hold on to your inheritance - your faith - amidst all the pressures of the world to deny it. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 14 - Treasonous treaties

“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God.” - James 4:4 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 20:1-43 Here again, the Lord shows Himself as Yahweh Sabbaoth - the Lord of Hosts - the God of the armies of Heaven - calling His people to fight in His Name by putting their trust in Him. Here too, He shows His grace and faithfulness to His covenant people who, under Ahab their king, had become faithless, weak and wicked. Thus, He grants them a tremendous victory over the invading and much larger armies of Ben-hadad, the king of Syria. And not once, but twice! Yet, what does Ahab do? He makes peace with the enemy, literally a covenant or treaty with Ben-hadad, and shows himself an enemy of God. As the prophet declared to him in verse 42, Thus says the LORD, "Because you have let go out of your hand the man whom I had devoted to destruction, therefore your life shall be for his life, and your people for his people. "This sentence was soon executed (see 1 Kings 22:37;2 Kings 8:12). Like Israel of old, we are called to holy warfare. We are called to Put to death what is earthly in you: sexual immorality, impurity, passion, evil desire and covetousness, which is idolatry (Colossians 3:5). We are called to fight the good fight of the faith (I Timothy 6:12). We are not to be traitors and enemies of God by forging treaties with Satan, sin and a corrupted world. As Romans 8:37 says, We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us. So let us fight the evil within us and without, however great and mighty it may seem. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the victory that is ours in the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for a spirit, not of fear, but of power and love and self-control (2 Timothy 1:7). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 13 - The call of Elisha

“Then he (Elisha) arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.” - 1 Kings 19:21b Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:19-21 In the Lord's calling of Elisha, we see the mighty zeal of God. What an encouragement this is when we, like Elijah, despair of our witness and work for the church and kingdom of Christ. Though Israel's reformation could have continued through Elijah, God chose Elisha to take up the torch. Why? Undoubtedly, to impress upon Elijah, and us, that the Lord is not dependent upon any one person to carry out His sovereign purposes; and that as great as Elijah was, he was not indispensable. Thus, as Paul says of the church in 1 Corinthians 3:6-7: I planted, Apollos watered, but God gave the growth. So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God who gives the growth. On how many mission fields wasn't it the missionaries' successors who saw the fruit of their labours? Thus, throughout all the Old Testament, there would be a succession of workers, even as today, who would testify to the powerlessness of any single person. No, there would only be One who would do what no one else was able to do and to finish God's work. Only One without any successors. Only One who could say, “My food is to do the will of Him who sent me and to accomplish His work” (John 4:34). And only One who, accomplishing our salvation on the cross, could cry out, It is finished! (John 19:30). May God’s zeal in Christ inspire ours! Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would raise up servants to proclaim the finished work of Christ to the world, and that, like Elisha, we may be quick to respond to His call. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 12 - Discouraged?

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” - Romans 12:11 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:1-18 What a contrast to t...

Daily devotional

November 11 - A sound of rushing rain

“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the...

Daily devotional

November 10 - The God who answers by fire

“...and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” - Hebrews 12:28-29 Scripture r...

Daily devotional

November 9 - Limping between two opinions

“Whoever is not with me is against me.” - Matthew 12:30 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:16-24 There's no half-way in our response to the Lor...

Daily devotional

November 8 - True troublers of Israel

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad...for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” - Matthew 5:11-12 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:1-18 After three years of drought, death and despair, faithless Ahab meets the very prophet who by the Word of the Lord had prophesied these calamities upon his covenant breaking nation. Predictably, when Ahab saw Elijah he said to him, "Is it you, you troubler of Israel?" And Elijah answers, "I have not troubled Israel, but you have...because you have abandoned the commandments of the Lord and followed the Baals." Like many, when they get into trouble, Ahab fails to lay the blame where it rightly belongs and to confront the real troubler of Israel - himself! For no one could have mistaken the sun's scorching rays from the heat of God's wrath. Yet, Ahab refuses to own his sin. Milton says in Paradise Lost, "Fallen man would rather rule in hell than serve in Heaven." And that's true of all of us, apart from Christ. For anytime you point out sin, in yourself or another, the flesh will cry out against you and accuse you of causing trouble. So it happens, personally, politically and denominationally when people, societies and churches stray from the truth of God's revealed Word and are called to repent. Thank God that One far greater than Elijah has come not only to confront us as the true troublers, but to bear the consequences of our trouble - our sin - on the cross! Suggestions for prayer Ask for a broken, contrite heart that trembles at the hearing of God's Word. Ask for the kind of repentance and faith in Christ that shows your deliverance, not only from the penalty of sin, but from its power. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 7 - The word of truth

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”” -John 11:25 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 17:17-24 Only in the home of the widow of Zarephath, outside of Israel, was there the blessing of food and life in the midst of famine and death. In spite of her dire circumstances, she believed the Word of God through Elijah, promising her unending oil and flour for as long as the drought would last. Responding by faith, she gave all she had left, her very last meal for herself and her son, to God's prophet. And true to God's Word, from that time forward, she and her son never missed a meal! As a foretaste of Pentecost, God was showing His grace to a Gentile. He would show even more in the resurrection of her son when he fell sick and died. Contrary to her first thought, this was not God's judgment upon her past sins, but a demonstration of His grace. Elijah implores the Lord to restore the child's life. This was "in faith" because God had promised this family life. As we see with all of Elijah's prayers, they were powerful because they were always based upon God's revealed will, as declared by His Word. Elijah dared to pray for this because of the truth of God's Word. Presenting her son to her alive, the widow exclaims, "Now I know that... the word of the LORD in your mouth is truth." Yes, because He who says "I am the way, the truth and the life" (John 14:6), is also He who says "I am the resurrection and the life." Suggestions for prayer Pray that you may know God's will according to His Word, and pray for what you know He is more than willing to give. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 6 - Blessings in Zarephath

“... there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over all the land, and Elijah was sent to none of them but only to Zarephath.” - Luke 4:25-26 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 17:7-16 These words of Jesus highlight the point of our passage in 1 Kings. Its purpose is not just to show us that apart from heeding the Word of God there is want, nor that wherever the Word of God is, there is blessing, but that these blessings can only be enjoyed by faith. Thus, while God reveals His wrath upon Israel, He reveals His covenant of grace to a pagan, but believing, widow. She is poor; she didn't even have fuel for a fire! She and her young son have just enough food for one meal, before they die. And all they have is exactly what Elijah asks of her, promising that according to God's Word, she will be supplied. In the covenant of grace, God asks for everything! All we have and are. Like this widow, we either entrust everything to the Lord, receive back 100 fold, and with it eternal life, or we hang on to what little we have, die soon after, and lose everything. As the martyr missionary Steve Elliot said, "He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose." Thus, in the midst of famine, this widow and her son were miraculously supplied. Eternal life and the blessings of a covenant relationship with the Lord are not assured by anything but by exercising faith in the Word of the Lord. For as Jesus says, "Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, whoever believes in me will never thirst” (John 6:35). Suggestions for prayer Pray that regardless of your circumstances, you may by faith, commit your life and future into the hands of our faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 5 - Covenant wrath (II)

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord God, when I will send a famine on the land- not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.” - Amos 8:11 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 17:2-7 Elijah's pronouncement that there will be neither dew nor rain in the next few years, was striking, and one that left Ahab and his nobles speechless. Israel was absolutely dependent upon the early and late rains for their harvests and, during the months of the dry season, the dew that was heavy enough to sustain the crops. But for neither dew nor rain to fall would be a terrible judgment, indeed! With God it is either/or. Either blessing or curse. Either covenant favour for those who love Him, or covenant wrath for those who deny Him. This is especially made clear in the drought of the Word of the Lord. For immediately after Elijah delivers God's message to Ahab, he is told to depart and hide himself by the brook Cherith. This was not to protect himself from Ahab, but to show that God was cutting His people off from His life giving Word. Bound up with God's prophet is God's Word - the only source of salvation and blessing. While Elijah is miraculously fed bread and meat by the ravens, Israel is starving. Yes, we can only live by every word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. Though a mighty prophet, Elijah could enforce faithfulness to God's covenant, but not secure the keeping of it, nor satisfy the law's just penalty for breaking it. Only Jesus, God's incarnate Word can, and did, by His death on the cross. Unlike Elijah, His name means not only My God is Yahweh, but Yahweh who saves. Suggestions for prayer Ask that you may know God's Word in all its fullness and its life giving power in every aspect of your life. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 4 - Covenant wrath (I)

“Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods...then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you and He will...

Daily devotional

November 3 - An inscription erased (III)

“In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram, his firstborn, and set up its gates at the co...

Daily devotional

November 2 - An inscription erased (II)

“And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him.” - 1 Kings 16:30 Scripture reading: Joshua 6:...

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to God’s faithfulness

From 1 Kings 16:29 to 2 Kings 10:36 we find the rise and fall of the house of Ahab, the seventh king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who had broken...

Daily devotional

October 31 - Persevering grace

“But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” - Jude 1:20-21 Scripture reading: Jude You might have noticed in yesterday's reading that Jude bookends his short letter by reassurances that Christians are kept (Jude 1) and that God will keep Christians (Jude 24). That's God's preserving grace. But then in verse 21, Jude surprises us by pressing upon the believers the need to keep themselves in the love of God. What's Jude doing here? He's reminding them of what the Holy Spirit reminds Christians of everywhere in the Bible. Christians must persevere in the Christian life. God will finish the work He has begun, and Christians must complete the race they started to run. Christians must work out their salvation with fear and trembling. Or as we see in our reading today, God's power guards us through faith (1 Pet. 1:5). God has prepared an inheritance for His people. It will be revealed when Christ returns in glory. But will we be faithful to the end so as to receive what has been prepared? This is an especially poignant question in light of the various trials we face. The Bible answers that we must. The writer to the Hebrews warns us not to shrink back but to live by faith lest we throw away our confidence (Hebrews 10:37). The Bible also answers that we will be faithful. God enables us. God guards us, and He guards us through faith. Oh, how we must have Christ continually placarded before our eyes that we might always put our trust and confidence in Him Who is faithful. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that the light of the gospel was recaptured in the Reformation during the 1500s. Pray that God would enable us to be faithful with the deposit that we have been given and that we would continue to cling to Jesus Christ, the one mediator between God and man. Ask God to enable your pastor to preach the unsearchable riches of Christ in demonstration of the Spirit and of power. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 30 - Preserving grace

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out of my hand. My Father, who has given them to me, is greater than all, and no one is able to snatch them out of the Father's hand.” - John 10:27-29 Scripture reading: Jude You probably have fastened a picture to the wall with Scotch tape only to have gravity yank it down. You re-attach it, applying pressure until your thumb is paralyzed. You watch it for a while and it stays put. You think you've succeeded, only to have it flutter to the ground the moment you turn away in triumph. Do you think the Triune God has that frustration with those whom He saves? Are they safe one minute and lost the next? The glad and glorious answer is “No!”. Christians are Christians forever. The God Who calls them is the God Who keeps them. As Jesus said, no one will snatch them out of His hand or His Father's hand (John 10:28-29). That is not to say that some won't try. Satan as always attempting to undo the work of God. And he has his allies. The world without seeks to form us in its mould and the flesh within fights against the Spirit to divorce us from Christ. The Christian is the battleground between the forces of light and darkness. And at times the battle can be so intense that Christians can wonder if they will remain Christians. But we have no reason to fear. The hand that measures the waters in its palm keeps us. The hands that were pierced on Calvary and now rule the universe protect us. For Christ there are no lost causes. Christians are kept (Jude 1) and God keeps them (Jude 24). Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that our salvation depends, from start to finish, on His sovereign grace and mercy. Ask the Lord to humble us so that we might not become either self-reliant or spiritually careless with our Christian walk. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 29 - Unstoppable grace

“. . .his dominion is an everlasting dominion. . . He does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth and none can stay his hand or say to him: ‘What have you done?’” - Daniel 4:35-36 Scripture reading: John 6:25-40 How can the Lord Jesus speak with such confidence when He says, “All that the Father gives me will come to me . . .”? How does He know they will come? What if they don't want to? Will they then be forced to come to Jesus? How can Jesus be so sure? Jesus’ confidence rests on a number of pillars. First, the Bible teaches that God's plans always come to pass and that no one can thwart His purpose. If God, the Almighty One, has purposed to save someone from eternal punishment, that will undoubtedly happen. Second, Christ knows what He is going to do. He knows that He is going to Calvary for the forgiveness of sins of those whom the Father designs to save. He also knows that His death will defeat Satan, the enemy of our souls. That means that Satan's grip on us will be broken and we can be delivered from the domain of darkness. Third, the Lord Jesus has promised the Holy Spirit upon completion of His work on earth. Christ knows that that Spirit, Who is the divine matchmaker, will bring the sinner and the Saviour together. The one chosen by the Father and redeemed by the Son will receive new life by the Holy Spirit so that he willingly and freely comes to Christ as He is freely offered in the gospel. It will happen. Guaranteed. The Triune God’s grace is unstoppable. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that the Holy Spirit persisted in His work to bring us to the Saviour, conquering our natural resistance to God and to grace. Pray that many would come to the Saviour that they might have life and that we might be instruments to point them to Christ. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 28 - Christ’s successful death

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word, so that he might present the church to himself in splendor, without spot or wrinkle or any such thing, that she might be holy and without blemish.” - Ephesians 5:25-27 Scripture reading: John 10:1-18 If you have ever given blood, sweat, and tears to something you desperately wanted to succeed, only to see it collapse in failure, you will know the sense of dejection and frustration that arises. Many have experienced this. Our Lord Jesus, however, did not. He went to the cross to save His people from their sins and everyone for whom He died will undoubtedly be saved. Imagine bearing God's wrath and curse for someone who ends up bearing the same in hell. That would be unthinkable! Jesus’ death really accomplished what Jesus set out to do. The Father had given Him a flock of sinful, wandering sheep who are on the road to eternal punishment. For them, Christ had to intervene. For them, Christ had to bear the judgement of God. And for them, He did exactly that. As the Lord Jesus Himself said, “I lay down my life for the sheep” (John 10:15). But didn’t the Lord Jesus make propitiation “for the sins of the whole world” (1 John 2:2)? Not if you mean that he died for every man, woman, and child individually. If that were the case, all would be saved because Christ’s work can't be frustrated. We wouldn’t object to that if the Bible taught that. However, it does speak of outer darkness for some. But if by “world” you mean that He died for all sorts of people (not just one race) and for a great number that no one can count, then yes, we gladly declare that Jesus is “indeed the Savior of the world” (John 4:42) and, by grace, ours too. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that the death of Christ really cleanses from all sin and that we need to make no contribution to our salvation. Pray for missionaries, ministers, and evangelists that all those for whom Christ died will hear the voice of their Shepherd and be brought into the fold. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 27 - Chosen, not choice

“...For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peo...

Daily devotional

October 26 - Very, very bad

“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.”...

Daily devotional

October 25 - Ascension and succession again

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine ...

Daily devotional

October 24 - Ascension and succession

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be ...

Daily devotional

October 23 - Our God is a consuming fire

“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him.” - Psalm 2:10-12 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 1:9-18 Evidently, Ahaziah wasn't keen on the prognosis. But God's announcements of judgement are often conditional. If he had done what Nineveh would later do, that is, repent, we can be confident the Lord would have had mercy and healed him.But Ahaziah doesn't respond this way. With arrogance, he declares hostility against Elijah and his God and demands Elijah come down. The Lord doesn't take kindly to such defiance against His servants and twice sends down fire to consume the king's messengers. The third captain sees what a jealous God has unleashed against His comrades and falls on his knees begging Elijah for mercy. Expectedly, the Lord spares his life when the poor man called and saved him from his troubles (Psa. 34:6). Here is a model response for Ahaziah and us all. In wrath God remembers mercy. In the New Testament (Luke 9:51-56) Jesus is travelling through an unwelcoming Samaritan town. James and John asked if He wanted them to call fire down to destroy them. Jesus rebuked them, in part, because now was a time of grace. If fire was going to fall anywhere, it was going to fall on Him on Calvary just like the fire fell on the altar on Carmel. The story in 2 Kings falls between Carmel and Calvary and reminds us that, if the fire doesn't fall on the God-appointed sacrifice, it will fall on the sinner, if not on Christ for us, then on us. Another hair clad prophet with a leather belt around his waist preaching repentance (Mark 1:4) reminds us of what we ought to do. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the grace of repentance that we might know the blessing of forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Rejoice that Christ willingly became the sacrifice for sinners to reconcile us to God. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 22 - Living like an atheist

“The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LORD, have not forsaken those who seek you.” - Psalm 9:9-10 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 1:1-8 Like father, like son. Like mother, like son. Both adages are true with regard to Ahaziah, Ahab's son and successor. Ahaziah’s significant injury left him quite unwell. Concerned about his future, he sends messengers to inquire of Baal-zebub, the Philistine god of Ekron and to see if he would recover. Everyone who knows the history of Israel sees the folly in this. In the days before the kings reigned, the Philistine gods were helpless before the ark of the God of Israel (1 Sam. 5). The narrator highlights the folly by mockingly changing the name of the god from Baal-zebul (Glorious Baal) to Baal-zebub (Lord of a Fly). What Ahaziah has done is plain silly. It's also plain sinful and this is what Elijah confronts him with. ‘Ahaziah,’ Elijah asserts, ‘you are living as if God does not exist.’ Ahaziah has rejected the God of Israel. That's his sin and that's his folly. God's judgement is that Ahaziah will surely die. Two things I wish to point out for you to ponder. First, who we go to in our troubles is an indication of where our trust is. Why is God often the port of last resort for many troubled Christians? Second, it is a signal kindness of the Lord that intervenes through Elijah to head off Ahaziah’s folly and sin. Ignoring the Lord doesn't make the Lord go away. This isn’t always true; sometimes He leaves us to our sin. But what a mercy when He does arrest us. How will Ahaziah respond to such kindness? How do you? Suggestions for prayer Pray that we would instinctively call on the Lord in times of trouble when we are convicted of sin, concerned about the future, or otherwise in distress. Ask that the Lord would give us sensitivity so that when the Spirit convicts us that we are going the wrong way, we would respond with repentance and gratitude. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 21 - Does the Lord not see?

“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the LORD and said, "O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my country? That is why I made haste to flee to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.”” - Jonah 4:1-2 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 21:25-29 We concur with God's announcement of judgement against Ahab. He deserves to die. And so we are wholly unprepared for what happens in vv. 27 to 29. Who would have thought that Ahab would show such humility after his arrogant accusation in v. 20? But what is even more surprising is the Lord's response. He relents. He postpones judgement. Is God gullible? Is He taken in by Ahab's repentance? It is clear from the next chapter that, like many unbelievers, Ahab's repentance is like the morning dew that quickly dries up. Many people show remorse for a time before life returns to normal. And yet God shows mercy to Ahab. How could He? We feel this even more intensely because of the description of Ahab in vv. 25 to 26. It certainly shows that the Lord loves to show mercy. Does that bother you about God, the fact that He is merciful? Jonah hated it. The Pharisees did too. The natural man tends to think that mercy comes to the deserving. God here demonstrates that it doesn't. Thank God it doesn't! It certainly is instructive that Paul describes himself in the same way Ahab was described. Paul complains, ‘I am of the flesh, sold under sin’ (Rom. 7:14). No wonder he laments his wretchedness and lauds Christ for His redemption (Rom. 7:24-25). That is the kind of God we have, one Who delights in steadfast love (Micah 7:18). Just listen to the crucified Lord Jesus asking the Father to forgive those who clamoured for His death. Who would have thought? Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would humble us so that we would see and rejoice in the fact that our salvation is ‘mercy all, immense and free’. Pray that we might point all sinners to drink from the same fountain of grace that has refreshed our souls. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 20 - Does the Lord not see?

“This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering- since indeed God considers it just to repay with affliction those who afflict you, and to grant relief to you who are afflicted as well as to us, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven with his mighty angels…” - 2 Thessalonians 1:5-7 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 21:17-24 Surely God must have seen what had happened to Naboth. Why then doesn't He do something about it? Well, He does. He sends his servant Elijah to confront Ahab and announce judgement against him. The vineyard was stolen through Jezebel’s schemes, but Elijah assesses blame to Ahab. Ahab killed a man and seized his property (v. 19). Ahab was wicked and weak. He should have led his household in righteousness and truth. Judgement will fall on Ahab and his descendants because he sold himself to do evil in the sight of the Lord (v. 20). Jezebel will be judged too and become dog food for her sin (Deu. 28:26). Though it might be tempting to pay back evil to those who mistreat us, remember the Lord’s declaration, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord” (Rom. 12:19). The wicked will get what is coming to them. God will bring it about. But what about Naboth? Why didn't God intervene? Good questions. Here are some more. Why was Peter delivered from prison and James killed? Why are Syrian Christians crucified and we have freedom? Why does your friend have cancer while you have health? Good questions. We need to trust the wisdom of God Who makes no mistakes. And we need to be confident in His goodness. Naboth was treated unjustly but God, Who saw that, will also see to it that Naboth gets his reward. “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven” (Matt. 5:10). Suggestions for prayer Remember the persecuted Christians throughout the world as they worship on this Lord’s Day and ask God to encourage them and fortify them to be faithful to the end. Pray that the Lord will teach us to trust His wisdom and goodness in times of difficulty and confusion. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 19 - The righteous sufferer

“So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear...

Daily devotional

October 18 - From desire to death

“Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person ...

Daily devotional

October 17 - Carrying the cross for Christ

“And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingd...

Daily devotional

October 16 - Joyfully serving Christ

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self...

Daily devotional

October 15 - The voice of grace and judgement

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 25:41 Then he will say to those on his left, ‘Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels.’” - Matthew 11:28-30 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:9-18 So what does God think of Elijah's accusations? He agrees. Israel deserves judgement. When Moses was on the mount (Exodus 34) God passed by him giving Moses a revelation of Himself. Here in the mount, God reveals Himself to Elijah with four different manifestations: wind, earthquake, fire, and a low whisper. Notice that the first three are destructive, the last one is calm. What does this mean? The three correspond to the three judgements that God will unleash on His people through Hazael, Jehu, and Elisha (verses 15-17). But judgement is not God's only Word. Seven thousand will be reserved as true worshippers. Nor is judgement God's preferred Word. I get this from the contrast between the three and the one. He was not in the three, but He was in the one. That is, though God will bring judgement, he delights to show mercy. Some years later we find Elijah on another mountain with Moses and Jesus (Luke 9:28-36) discussing Jesus’ departure, His coming death, which was God’s Word of judgement against Jesus. Weren’t there also rocks splitting and an earthquake at Jesus’ death? His death was for His people’s failure to keep covenant and to worship God faithfully. And then a cloud enveloped them and a voice spoke. Was it a low whisper? The voice said, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him.” Jesus is the voice we must listen to. Today His voice speaks grace and invites us to come. One day it will speak judgement and will command us to depart. Listen to Him! Now. Suggestions for prayer Adore God that the Lord Jesus was willing to take our judgement so that we might hear His voice of grace. Pray that through our personal evangelism and the ministry of Christ’s Church many would come to Jesus instead of bowing knees to idols and kissing false gods. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 14 - Covenant prosecution

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, and in a day of salvation I have helped you.” Behold, now is the favorable time; behold, now is the day of salvation.” - 2 Corinthians 6:1-2 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:9-14 The first thing to notice is that Elijah is at Horeb/Sinai on covenant business. Horeb is where God met Moses to commission him to lead Israel out of Egypt in faithfulness to His covenant promises. Horeb/Sinai is where the covenant of God with Israel was given. Horeb/Sinai is where the covenant was broken when Israel worshipped the golden calf. Elijah is at covenant mountain, a place of both grace and judgement, to transact covenant business. When God asks, “What are you doing here, Elijah?”, God the Judge is inviting Elijah to state his case against Israel. Elijah is the covenant prosecutor laying charges against his own people for their failure to keep covenant with the LORD. Elijah doesn’t mince words: ‘For the people of Israel have forsaken your covenant, thrown down your altars, and killed your prophets with the sword.’ You might think Elijah should speak for Israel rather than against them. Moses often did. But that's not what all the prophets do, nor are they only ministers of grace. Jeremiah accuses God's people of unfaithfulness and God forbids him to intercede for them (Jeremiah 7:16). Instead, he must announce God's rejection of them (Jeremiah 7:29). Elijah's return to Mount Sinai marks the end of one era, one characterized by Divine patience, and the beginning of another, one characterized by Divine purification. The temptation for covenant people is to think God's patience lasts forever. That is simply not true which means that today is always the optimal day to seek the grace and mercy of God in Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God by His Spirit would protect us from receiving the grace of God in vain and that we would do the work of God which is to believe in Him Whom He has sent. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 13 - Discouraged

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to the Gentiles. He will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles will hope.” - Matthew 12:18-21 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:1-8 The ESV says in verse 3 that Elijah was afraid. The NKJV translates the same word as ‘saw’ and I think it's correct. It is not that Elijah became unhinged and ran in terror. It's closer to reality to say that Elijah determined from Jezebel's obstinacy that there wasn't much hope for change amongst God's people. Despite the people's confession, Ahab's weakness and Jezebel's opposition led Elijah to conclude that there was no sense continuing his ministry in Israel. In a quest to understand what has happened, Elijah intends to go back to where it all began, to Mount Horeb, where the covenant Lord had first met with His people. We meet up with Elijah in the desert where, exhausted and discouraged, he lies down under a broom tree and asks God to sweep him away. He feels ill-equipped for the ministry of turning the hearts of God's people back to Him. In a sense he's right. A greater Prophet than him or his fathers was needed, one Who could baptize with the Spirit. Elijah is too hard on himself. But God doesn't rebuke him and neither should we. There is something holy about his lament. Paul wept over the Jews (Romans 9:1-3) and Jesus did over Jerusalem (Luke 13:34-35). Don't you think we're too casual about the plight of millions who go to a Christless eternity? The angel ministers to Elijah in his discouragement and provides food for his continued journey to Horeb. Elijah might think he's finished but God has further plans for him just as Jesus did for the Christ-denying Peter. How tender He is to His often discouraged servants. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would encourage His ministers as they preach the gospel today with evident fruit for their labours. Ask that God would give us a concern for Christ’s honour and the plight of the lost that we might be engaged in evangelisation here and among the nations. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 12 - Effective prayer

“...I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end of the desolations of Jerusalem, namely, seventy years. Then I turned my face to the Lord God, seeking him by prayer and pleas for mercy with fasting and sackcloth and ashes. Scripture reading: James 5:13-20 What is the secret to effective prayer, prayer that is both heard and answered? The Apostle James tells us that the power of prayer does not lie in the person praying. Elijah prayed for the rain to stop and start and God stopped and started the rain. But notice that although Elijah was a righteous man, he was a man with a nature like ours. The power in prayer is to pray what God promises. Elijah knew that God promised drought if his people abandoned him and rain if they repented (See 1 Kings 8:35-36). Elijah turned the promises into petitions. God uses means to accomplish His ends, including the prayers of His saints. Further, God delights to be asked for the things promised. We see the saints doing this throughout Scripture. For example, Daniel knew that God was going to release Israel from Exile after 70 years. As the time approached, Daniel prays to that end. We know that the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD (Isaiah 11:9), and our Lord Jesus tells us to pray for the coming of God's kingdom. This is the prayer of faith. Pore over the Bible, discover God’s promises, turn them into petitions, and trust that God will be faithful to His Word. As the Heidelberg Catechism reminds us, we must ask God ‘for everything He has commanded us to ask Him’ (Lord’s Day 45, Q&A 117). Suggestions for Prayer: Pray that God would teach us to grasp His promises so that we may pray according to His will. Remembering His promise that His Word shall not return to Him without accomplishing what He intends (Isaiah 55:11), pray that God would bless the reading and preaching of His Word tomorrow in the public gathering of His people. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 11 - Showers of blessing

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might ...

Daily devotional

October 10 - The contest

“I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.” - Isaiah 42:8 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:19-40...

Daily devotional

October 9 - Divided hearts

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You canno...

Daily devotional

October 8 - The king and his servants

“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of ...

Daily devotional

October 7 - Resurrection life

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead…” - 1 Peter 1:3 Scripture reading: Luke 7:11-17 When hundreds of years after Elijah you read of a prophet raising a dead son to life and giving him back to his mother, who is a widow, you are encouraged to link Elijah’s miracle with that story. Though written by many writers, the Bible has one divine Author and through the similarities between the stories, the Holy Spirit is alerting us that 1 Kings isn’t just about Elijah but about a greater than Elijah, the great Prophet Who has arisen among us, God, Who has visited His people. That is, the Old Testament is about Jesus Christ. So, in reading about Elijah, we should learn about Jesus. In this New Testament counterpart to yesterday’s reading, we learn of Jesus’ compassion for the needy. He is willing to enter enemy territory. By touching the bier, Jesus demonstrates that He shares our uncleanness. He bears our sins and enters our death by experiencing God’s curse on the cross. He engages in conflict with the devil and triumphs. The risen Christ is the victor over sin, death, hell, and Satan. His resurrection life revives our spiritually dead souls and He takes us and presents us to the Father, saying, ‘See, Your son/daughter lives.’ If they glorified God in Nain because they saw the Lord Jesus’ miracle as an evidence of God’s visitation, how much more ought we to glorify God for the resurrection of the Lord Jesus Himself and His resurrection power that raises the spiritually dead. Surely, God has visited us. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would visit us and bring to life the spiritually dead in our church and nation and praise Him that He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 6 - Revive us again

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” - Romans 8:1 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 17:17-24 How painful! It isn’t just that her son died. That is hard enough. Some of you know this firsthand. He was taken after such a miraculous intervention that spared his life. That makes it particularly poignant. What kind of God had this widow just been introduced to? Does he sustain life just to snatch it? Even Elijah appears flummoxed by this providence (v. 20). In her confusion, she accuses God of being against her and treats this providence as punishment for her sin (v. 18). This is worth probing. Sometimes we feel this way in hard times because there actually is unconfessed sin in our life and the Holy Spirit is convicting us to repent. But at other times we feel this way because, prodded by the devil, we entertain harsh thoughts of God. More than a few Christians are always waiting for something bad to happen in their lives. They haven’t grasped sufficiently the sheer grandeur of grace. Tragedy isn’t God’s punishment for His dear children. We need to say to this woman (and each other), “Your son doesn’t die for your sin. God’s Son dies for your sin!” This is the blessing of the Lord’s Day as we are reminded again of God’s astonishing grace. God does graciously correct her misapprehension. Elijah takes the child and God’s resurrecting power revives him. Through that kindness her spiritual life revives too, and she boldly confesses the truth spoken by the man of God. This trial, like all trials sent by a gracious Father, is for the strengthening of faith. Behold the grace and wisdom of our God. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would protect us from improper thoughts concerning Himself so that we would neither think Him too soft (that we continue in sin) or too hard (that we despair of forgiveness). Pray that He would keep the cross of our Lord Jesus fixed in our hearts and minds. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 5 - Marveling at his grace

“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his kindness. Otherwise you too will be cut off.” - Romans 11:22 Scripture reading: Luke 4:16-30 As Jesus said, God could have sent Elijah to many widows in Israel. So why to a foreigner? Our multi-tasking God did this for at least two reasons. First, as a judgement on His own people. God’s prophet was unacceptable in his ‘hometown’ and so he was sent to shower grace to a foreigner. He came to his own but his own did not receive him. Second, to showcase His grace. Grace comes to those who don’t seek it. Clearly, the widow wasn’t a believer. She speaks about the Lord, Elisha’s God (1 Kings 17:12). But the Lord sought her. Grace comes to enemies. Zarephath is of Sidon. Wicked Jezebel introduced the worship of the Sidonian god, Baal, in Israel and to that place and those people the Lord sends His servant and His grace. As seen in the incarnation of the Lord Jesus and the Great Commission, God directs His grace to enemy-occupied territory. Grace stops at nothing to save the elect. God used the disobedience of the chosen nation to send His prophet to save this chosen foreigner. The Jews’ rejection means salvation for the Gentiles (Romans 11:11) and the death of His Son is a price God is willing to pay to save His own. Grace comes to those who believe. The widow’s faith is evidenced by her works. She trusted the word of the prophet and ‘did as Elijah said.’ Christ, the final Prophet, invites us to come to Him and faith does precisely that, repenting and receiving the offer of salvation. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the Holy Spirit to open the eyes of your hearts that you may marvel at the glory of His grace and mercy. Pray that your minister may faithfully proclaim God’s Word, reproving, rebuking, and exhorting, with complete patience and teaching and that you would receive Christ as He is offered to you. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 4 - Not by bread alone

“And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that man does not live by bread alone.” - Deuteronomy 8:3 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 17:7-16 What an encouragement the dried-up brook must have been to Elijah. God was fulfilling His promise of withholding dew and rain! It also meant that God was going to provide for Elijah some other way. He reaches Zarephath and, encountering the widow, he instructs her to bring him some water. As she leaves to comply he asks for a morsel of bread too. This unleashes an outpouring of her pitiable story. She has nothing baked, little flour, little oil, few sticks, and little time left to live. You might think that Elijah might respond with something like, “I’m sorry. Yes, I understand. I’ll ask someone else. Just the water will be fine.” You might even think that would be the kind and sensitive thing to do. But he doesn’t. He intensifies the request. Do what you are going to do “but first make a little cake of it and bring it to me.” Does it need to be said that God’s request should have given her no hesitation? If obedience meant that yesterday’s supper was her last meal she should have given a morsel of bread to the man of God. God doesn’t ask for our leftovers or what we can conveniently part with. He demands our all to be given without hesitation. But notice the Lord’s gentleness. He wins her obedience with a sandwich of assurance. Top slice: ‘Do not fear.’ Bottom slice: ‘The jar of flour shall not be spent, and the jug of oil shall not empty . . .’ And every day thereafter was a reminder of the faithfulness of the Lord and His Word. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to teach us how generous and gracious He is, even in His demands, so that we might trust Him for His daily provision of grace and cheerfully give Him whatever He asks of us. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 3 - God’s gracious judgement

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?...

Daily devotional

October 2 - God’s man

“Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither d...

Daily devotional

October 1 - Introduction to the word of God

The word of God is living and active. It is not only something we study, it studies us. As the Bible reveals truths about itself, it also, simultaneou...

Daily devotional

September 30 - We shall be like him

“Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we sha...

Daily devotional

September 29 - The character of the God we worship

“For the LORD is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” - Psalm 100:5 Scripture reading: Psalm 100:1-5 Who is the LORD that we worship? “The LORD is good” (v. 5). “The LORD is good to all, and his mercy is over all that he has made” (Psalm 145:9). But above all we see His goodness in our redemption. “The goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared…He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy.” And because of Christ, our Savior, we are “justified by grace” and “heirs according to the hope of eternal life” (Titus 3:4-7). Truly the Lord is good! Even more, “His steadfast love endures forever “(v. 5). God is love. And His covenant love for His people endures forever. It’s permanent. It doesn’t fluctuate, like our love so often does. It’s a loyal, eternal love. And it’s supremely demonstrated in the cross of Christ. “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8). Amazing love! Even more, “His faithfulness to all generations” (v. 5). Our God is a promise-keeping God. He always follows through on His Word. We can bank on His promises. If God said He’s going to do it He WILL do it. As Charles Spurgeon put it, “As our fathers found Him faithful, so will our sons, and their seed forever…Our heart leaps for joy as we bow before One who has never broken His word or changed His purpose.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would impress His goodness, love, and faithfulness upon your heart and the hearts of those who gather with you for worship today. Pray that you all would worship God with wholehearted thanksgiving today. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

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

“So now faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love.” - 1 Corinthians 13:13 Scripture reading: Romans 8:18-24; 1 Corinthians 13:8-13 Faith, hope and love are marks of all true believers. But why is love the greatest? Because now we walk by faith, but at Christ’s return we will walk by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). If faith continues in eternity in some form, we certainly won’t have faith in the same way that we have faith now. Now our faith is dependent on hearing God’s Word. But in heaven we will see the Word of God in the flesh when we see Christ face to face. Similarly, hope vanishes when what we hope for comes firmly into view (Romans 8:24). Our blessed hope is the appearing of Christ (Titus 2:13). When Christ appears, hope will either fade away or be experienced differently in heaven. But we will continue to love in the same way for all of eternity. Love will continue to be patterned after the self-giving love of Christ in the Gospel. In glory, we will love our Triune God and each other perfectly, without any taint of sin. What a glorious thought! Furthermore, faith and hope do not make us like God, but love does. God does not possess faith or hope. But God loves, for He is love (1 John 4:8). And “God's love has been poured into our hearts through the Holy Spirit” (Romans 5:5). Let us then “be imitators of God, as beloved children and walk in love, as Christ loved us and gave himself up for us” (Ephesians 5:1-2). Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would help you to know in greater measure His love for you in Christ. Pray that, as a beloved child of God, you would imitate your Heavenly Father today by walking in Christ-like, self-giving love. Give thanks that one day you will love perfectly! Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 27 - Then I shall know fully

“Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” - 1 Corinthians 13:12 Scripture reading: Romans 8:28-39; 1 Corinthians 13:12 Peter was confused when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet. But Jesus said, “What I am doing you do not understand now, but afterward you will understand” (John 13:7). This could’ve been said to any of the saints in the Old Testament. We have the privilege of seeing the big picture in light of the whole of Scripture. We see how God used Joseph’s sufferings not only to save many from a famine but also to preserve the line of the promised offspring so that the Saviour of the world could come. The Old Testament saints only knew in part what would be more fully revealed at Christ’s first coming. Thankfully, we have the privilege of a fuller revelation! But like Peter’s confusion when Jesus washed the disciples’ feet, there are still things that we don’t understand. We don’t fully understand the Bible perfectly. We don’t fully know Christ face to face. We don’t fully understand why God allows certain trials to come into our lives. But we can be sure that we will know fully when Christ returns, and we see Him face to face. And we will see that God had a good purpose behind all that we went through in this age (Romans 8:28). We can trust His goodness now because He knows us fully (v. 12) and yet still loves us, and gave His only begotten Son for us on the cross (Romans 8:32). If God so loved us, let us love one another. Suggestions for Prayer Pray that God would help you to walk by faith and patiently trust His sovereign and good plan for your life. Pray that the Spirit would produce the fruit of Christ-like love in your life, even when you are confused and don’t fully understand what God is doing. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

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

“For now we see in a mirror dimly, but then face to face. Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” - 1 Corinthians 13:12 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 Again, Paul is contrasting this age with the age to come. In this age we only see as one looking in a dim mirror. It’s like looking at a photograph. It’s not direct. It’s indirect. It’s not face to face. But at Christ’s return, then we shall see Him face to face. And it will be far more glorious than our knowledge of Christ in this age. Even the best theologians in this age only have a partial knowledge of God. But in the age to come our theology of God will be perfected. Now it’s a theology of pilgrims on the way. Then it will be a theology of the blessed who see Christ face to face. Paul is putting spiritual gifts in their proper place in the present age. He’s correcting the Corinthians for exalting the gifts so highly, especially the gifts of prophecy, tongues and knowledge. They thought those gifts were a mark to be proud of, as if one had arrived spiritually. But Paul is teaching them to view them in light of the age to come, namely that they will one day cease. Whereas love will endure forever. Love is the more excellent way. All our gifts are nothing without love. The one who is spiritually mature is the one who looks to Christ in the Gospel, rests by faith alone in His completed work of salvation, and then in gratitude loves as Christ first loved us. May this be true of us today! Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would help you, by His Spirit, to walk in humility and love today. Pray that you would use your gifts to serve others in Christ-like love. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

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

Daily devotional

September 24 - We know in part

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” - 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 Scripture readin...

Daily devotional

September 23 - Love never ends

“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.” - 1 Corinthians 1...

Daily devotional

September 22 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” - Psalm 100:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 100...

Daily devotional

September 21 - Love endures all things

“Love…endures all things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love endures through the good times and the bad times. Love doesn’t forsake people when life is hard and one’s energy is zapped. Love never tires of supporting the other person for their good. Love perseveres through hardship, pain, suffering and misfortune. Love doesn’t love only when it’s convenient. Love is inconvenienced for others. Love bears and endures all things. How can we love like this? Well, again, with us it’s impossible. We cannot muster it up from within. We must look to Christ and pray that the Spirit would fill us with Christ-like enduring love. Jesus is the one who came to save us from all our sins. Jesus is the one who “bears all things…endures all things” in our salvation. He loved us to the very end and gave Himself for us on the cross (John 13:1; Galatians 2:20). Even now He continues to endure with us and serve us in love as our Great High Priest at the Father’s right hand (Hebrews 7:25). “Therefore…let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 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 12:1-2). Let us look to Christ for the mercy and grace we need, not only for forgiveness, but also for the strength to endure with others in love. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for forgiveness for the times you’ve given up on loving others when life has become difficult, or they have become difficult. Rest in God’s love and forgiveness in Christ and pray for the Spirit to empower you with a Christ-like love that endures through the good times and the bad times. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 20 - Love hopes all things

“Love…hopes all things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10; 1 Corinthians 13:7 The idea here is that love hopes for the best in others. Why? Because we believe in the God who raises the dead. God is able to take spiritually dead people and resurrect them spiritually (Ephesians 2:5). He’s able to regenerate their hearts, forgive them of their sins, and transform them by His Spirit. Indeed, “nothing will be impossible with God” (Luke 1:37). Are you the type of person who just assumes that others will never change for the better? Turn away from such thinking and put on love for others. For love, there are no hopeless cases. Paul modelled this in how he treated the Corinthians. When you read 1 Corinthians you are tempted to think that if there was ever a hopeless case of a church, it’s the church in Corinth. But Paul perseveres with them in love. He hopes in God’s power to change them by the Spirit, through the Gospel. And so, he continues to address them as saints in Christ, to preach the Gospel to them, and to call them to walk in a manner worthy of the Gospel. So too, let us not give up on one another. Remember that you were once dead in your sins and trespasses, but God mercifully and powerfully made you alive in Christ (Ephesians 2:4-5). And all who are in Christ are “His workmanship” (Ephesians 2:10). Therefore, let us always have hope that God is able to change others for the better. Suggestions for prayer Confess your lack of faith in God’s power to change the hearts of others. Rest in God’s love and forgiveness in Christ and ask Him to grant you the love that hopes for the best in others because of the immeasurable greatness of His power toward us who believe (Ephesians 1:19-20). Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 19 - Love believes all things

"Love…believes all things" - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture reading: Psalm 15:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:7 The idea here is not that love believes anything and everything. The idea is that love believes the best about people. As John Calvin put it, “not that a Christian…strips himself of wisdom and discernment…not that he has forgotten how to distinguish black and white!” He adds that love avoids wronging “his brother by an unfriendly suspicion.” Are you the type of person who tends to interpret the actions of others in the worst possible light? Do you impute motives to others? Love believes the best about people and gives them the benefit of the doubt. Love exercises the judgment of charity. Isn’t this how we want others to view us? Didn’t Jesus exhort us, “love your neighbour as yourself?” (Matthew 22:39). What motivates us to love like this? The love of Christ in the Gospel does. Christ never assumed the worst in others. He never judged others actions without knowing the full truth. He always judges rightly, based on solid evidence. He is the one “who walks blamelessly and does what is right and speaks truth in his heart; who does not slander with his tongue and does no evil to his neighbor” (Psalm 15:2-3). “He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth…He himself bore our sins in his body on the tree, that we might die to sin and live to righteousness” (1 Peter 2:22, 24). Therefore, let us love our neighbour as ourself by believing the best about others. Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins of being uncharitable towards others. Rest in God’s love and forgiveness in Christ and pray that the Spirit of Christ would produce the fruit of loving others with a judgment of charity. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 18 - Love bears all things

“Love bears all things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:22-25; 1 Corinthians 13:7 The word “bears” has the idea of “to cover” or “to pass over in silence.” As a noun, this word refers to a “roof.” We could say that love in a relationship is like a roof that covers a house and can cope with all kinds of weather. That doesn’t mean we can’t pray for better weather in a relationship! In love and humility, we do strive to help others become more like Christ, even as we first remove the plank from our own eye (Matthew 7:3). But along the way we bear with others in love and cover a multitude of sins (1 Peter 4:8). When we love someone, we put up with a lot. We don’t forsake them when the relationship gets difficult. Rather, we love because Christ first loved us while we were difficult to love. This doesn’t come naturally for us. We must meditate deeply on the Gospel and pray for the Spirit to conform us into the image of Christ. When you find it difficult to bear with someone in love, remember that Jesus bears with you in love. He even bore the cross for you, so that you don’t have to bear the judgment of God for your sins (1 Peter 2:24). In Christ, all of our sins are covered, like a roof over us. We are hidden in Christ from the wrath of God. In gratitude, let us bear with others in love. Suggestions for prayer Confess where you have fallen short of the love that bears all things and covers a multitude of sins. Rest in God’s love and forgiveness in Christ and pray for the Spirit’s strength to love like Christ, even when it’s difficult. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 17 - Love rejoices with the truth

“Love…rejoices with the truth” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:17-25 Love rejoices with the truth. Love rejoices whe...

Daily devotional

September 16 - Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing

Daily devotional

September 15 - Come into his presence with singing

Daily devotional

September 14 - Love is not resentful

“Love…is not…resentful.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Scripture reading: Matthew 18:21-35; Luke 23:32-34 The word for “resentful” has th...

Daily devotional

September 13 - Love is not irritable

“Love…is not irritable.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:21-25; Romans 8:28 Are you ever irritable? Maybe at certain times of the day (e.g. in the morning before you’ve had your coffee)? Maybe around certain people who annoy you? Maybe in certain circumstances (e.g. waiting in traffic)? Love is not irritable. If anything exposes our sin, it’s this. Let us repent of our irritableness! And in those moments when we feel irritable, let us pray for the Lord’s strength to love others with patience and gentleness. Let us remember how patient and slow to anger God is with us in Christ. Let us remember that “nothing comes to us by chance, but by His fatherly hand” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 27). He has a good purpose behind all the irritating circumstances and people we encounter (Romans 8:28). That doesn’t mean we can’t try to change our circumstances. But, as Sinclair Ferguson puts it, “Only when we have yielded to the sovereign will of God, knowing that He will work everything together for our good, do we learn a healthy spiritual detachment from the irritations of life…The remedy for my irritability, therefore, will not be found in a determination to be less irritable, but only in a sense of the love of God for me, and in the trust in Him it produces.” Jesus encountered many irritating people and circumstances. Yet, there was no irritability in Jesus. Thanks be to God that He never sinned, and died to save us from all our sins! Let us patiently love others in gratitude! Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins of irritableness to God and rest in the complete forgiveness of all your sins in Christ. Pray for the Spirit to produce the character of Christ in you so that you trust God’s good and sovereign will and are patient and loving towards others. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 12 - Love does not insist on its own way

“Love…does not insist on its own way.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:1-8; 2 Corinthians 5:14-15 Do you insist on your own way in the church? Perhaps you rationalize that your way is better and will benefit others. Sometimes that might be true. But to insist on it and ram your way through, when it’s not a matter of sin, is to make it into an idol. It’s selfishness. It’s harmful to others and creates discord in the church. If the Bible is indifferent on something, we have to be careful not to insist on our own way. Our sinful tendency is to elevate our personal preferences and cultural traditions to the level of moral requirement and a place of superiority over others. We might not put it in these terms, but functionally this is what we are doing. We need to remember that love does not insist on its own way. Rather, it invites a conversation on matters upon which the Bible is indifferent. It doesn’t insist, “THIS is the way it SHOULD be done,” end of conversation. The song of our hearts should be “Have Thine own way Lord” not “Have mine own way, Lord.” As Paul writes elsewhere, “the love of Christ controls us” for He died, “that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for him who for their sake died and was raised” (2 Corinthians 5:14-15). And so, “Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others. Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 2:4-5). Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins of insisting on your own way. Rest in Christ, who died for your sins of insisting on your own way. Pray that the love of Christ would control you so that you no longer live for yourself but for Christ and His interests, for the good of others. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 11 - Love is not rude

“Love…is not…rude.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Scripture reading: Matthew 11:28-30; Titus 3:1-8 A Christian man once told me that he didn’t think he had sinned against me in what he said, though he admitted, “it was rude.” But rudeness doesn’t get a pass in the Christian life. The Apostle Paul clearly writes, “Love…is not…rude.” Let us not be known as being rude in our speech, being abrasive or curt with others. Let us not be rude and inconsiderate in the homes of others. Let us not be rude in the morning or evening, even if we are tired. Let us not be rude to others at church, whether by being distracting during worship or rude at a fellowship meal. Rather, let us be considerate of others in the way we talk, text, e-mail, and interact on social media. Let us “be gentle, and…show perfect courtesy toward all people” (Titus 3:2). Jesus was never rude. The Scriptures bear witness to the opposite: “My servant…will not quarrel or cry aloud, nor will anyone hear his voice in the streets; a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench” (Matthew 12:18-20); “All…marveled at the gracious words that were coming from his mouth” (Luke 4:22); “I am gentle and lowly in heart” (Matthew 11:29). Thanks be to God that our Saviour was not rude! Thanks be to God that our Saviour died for the times we’ve been rude! May we show our thankfulness by being polite, respectful, caring, thoughtful and well-mannered. Let us walk by the Spirit in Christ-like etiquette. Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins of being rude to others and rest in Christ’s completed work on the cross to atone for all your sins. Ask God to help you not to be rude and to enable you to walk in Christ-like courtesy toward all people. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 10 - Love is not arrogant

“Love…is not arrogant.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: Proverbs 16:5; Philippians 2:3-8 Arrogance is another word for pride or being puffed up. The Corinthians were puffed up against each other (1 Corinthians 4:6). As we saw yesterday they had their favourite teachers and looked down on other groups who followed other teachers. They also were puffed up in knowledge and looked down on weaker Christians who lacked such knowledge. But love doesn’t puff up, it builds up (1 Corinthians 8:1). Love doesn’t pridefully look down on others. Love is humble. Humility flows out of what we said yesterday regarding the fact that all that we have is a gift from God, and the fact that we’ve been saved by God’s grace alone (1 Corinthians 1:26-31; 4:7). An arrogant person thinks too highly of themselves. Even more, they simply think too much about themselves. Someone once said, “true humility isn’t thinking less of yourself, it’s thinking of yourself less.” To fight against arrogance, we must think more about Christ in the Gospel (Philippians 2:3-8). No one was as humble as our Lord, who humbled Himself in the incarnation, who humbled Himself to serve others, even washing His disciples’ feet, and who humbled Himself all the way to the cross to save us from our arrogance. How can we be arrogant and proud at the foot of the cross? As Isaac Watts so powerfully put it, “When I survey the wondrous cross, on which the Prince of glory died, my richest gain I count but loss, and pour contempt on all my pride.” Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins of arrogance to God. Pray that He would grant you true humility so that Christ is magnified in your life and others are blessed because of it. Remember how you’ve been blessed by the humility of Christ in your salvation. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 9 - Love does not boast

“Love does not…boast.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 The Corinthians struggled with boasting in their gift...

Daily devotional

September 8 - Serve the Lord with gladness

“Serve the LORD with gladness!” - Psalm 100:2 Scripture reading: Psalm 100; Hebrews 10:19-25 The command to “serve the LORD” has in mi...

Daily devotional

September 7 - Love does not envy

“Love does not envy.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:3-8 Paul returns to negatives. Here he says that love does not e...

Daily devotional

September 6 - Love is kind

“Love is patient and kind.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:4-8 Kindness flows out of patience. Kindness i...

Daily devotional

September 5 - Love is patient

“Love is patient.” - 1 Corinthians 13:3 Scripture Reading: Exodus 34:5-7; James 1:19-21 Having addressed the necessity of love, Paul now describes the character of love, starting with patience. The word he uses here means “to be long-tempered.” We have the word short-tempered in our dictionary, but, interestingly, you won’t find the word long-tempered. Perhaps that’s because being long-tempered is so rare. We are all too easily provoked, quick to anger and short-tempered. We need to be long-tempered by the Spirit. Jerry Bridges put it this way, “This kind of patience does not ignore provocations of others; it simply seeks to respond to them in a godly manner. It enables us to control our tempers when we are provoked and to seek to deal with the person and his provocation in a way that tends to heal relationships rather than aggravate problems. It seeks the ultimate good of the other individual rather than the immediate satisfaction of our own aroused emotions.” How can we grow in patience? It doesn’t come naturally to us. But we can grow in patience, by the Spirit, as we remember that God has a good plan behind all our circumstances (Romans 8:28). And we can be patient with difficult people because we know they are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26). As we think deeply about the patience of God towards us in Christ, it compels us to be patient with others. “Beloved, if God so loved us , we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:11). Suggestions for prayer Who is God asking you to be more patient with this week? In what circumstances are you usually irritable? Pray that the Spirit would remind you of God’s patience in Christ towards you and produce the fruit of patience in your life. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 4 - Nothing without love (II)

“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing.” - 1 Corinthians 13:2-3 Scripture reading: Philippians 3:7-9; Hebrews 13:20-21, 1 Corinthians 13:2-3 In vv. 2-3, Paul is speaking of these gifts in the greatest way we can imagine them: “if I…understand ALL mysteries and ALL knowledge…have ALL faith…give away ALL I have…” When you add up the various gifts and services he mentions here, can you think of anyone greater than this from a human perspective? Surely this is Time Magazine’s “Person of the Year!” This is the most gifted, most “spiritual” person you can imagine. Any church would be dying to get this person as a member. But Paul looks at this person and says, “they’re nothing.” What does Paul mean? The guy who just got all this person’s wealth might beg to differ! Well, Paul means, this person is nothing in God’s eyes, because God looks on the heart. What is the motivation of your heart as you use your gifts? Is it to boast or to get something from others? If so, Paul says you are nothing in God’s eyes. Where then is our hope of pleasing God when selfishness taints even our best works? Our hope is in Christ alone. Christ loved God and others perfectly and died for our sins so that we might be pleasing to God, through faith in Christ. Now we are free to love, not to gain something from others, for we’ve already gained everything we ultimately need in Christ. Let us then look to Christ by faith and love others from the heart, for the glory of God. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would assure you that you are a beloved child in Christ. Pray that the Spirit would enable you to walk in love, as Christ loved you and gave Himself up for you (Ephesians 5:1-2). Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 3 - Nothing without love (I)

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” - 1 Corinthians 13:1 Scripture reading: Ephesians 1:3-14; 1 Corinthians 13:1 Paul now shows the Corinthians the “more excellent way” (1 Corinthians 12:31). He starts in 13:1 with the gift that they thought was one of the greatest: tongues. Tongues are known languages in the Bible (Acts 2:6, 10). Corinth was an isthmus connecting the Greek mainland with the Peloponnesian peninsula. Because of this, there was much sea traffic and a diversity of cultures. Speaking multiple languages was highly valued. But Paul says, “If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love…” Paul isn’t speaking literally here, as if to teach that angels have their own language and they could speak it. He’s using hyperbole. He’s essentially saying, “even if I spoke in the most exalted languages imaginable, the tongues of angels, but have not love, what does that make me? Does that make me a great blessing to others? No! Without love it just makes me a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. It makes others want to put in earplugs, or get away from me.” So too, you might be very gifted at something, but it doesn’t matter if you don’t love others. People won’t want to listen to you or be near you. Are you more concerned with using your gifts, or with loving others? Focus on loving others as Christ first loved you, and your gifts will naturally be a blessing to them. Jesus did nothing without love and we’ve been supremely blessed in Christ (Ephesians 1:3-14). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His love for you in Christ. Thank God for every spiritual blessing that you have in Christ. Pray that the Spirit would produce Christ-like love in you so that others are blessed through your gifts for the glory of God. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 2 - A more excellent way: Love

“But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” - 1 Corinthians 12:31 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 12: 1-31 The Corinthians coveted certain gifts that they deemed to be of higher spiritual and social status. Thus, Paul exhorts them to earnestly desire the “higher/greater” gifts. Paul is speaking in an ironic way. He knows they desire “greater” gifts. But now he’s going to redefine what is “greater” (“And I will show you a still more excellent way,” v. 31). It’s as if Paul has them on the edge of their seat, eagerly awaiting his answer. It’s like when my kids ask me for a treat and sometimes I say, “You want a treat? I have a treat for you…here’s a nice sweet Gala apple!...fruit is like God’s candy that’s good for us!” They usually aren’t impressed. But I’m trying to teach them to eat healthy sweets and to desire something better. In a similar way, Paul is like a loving father who is teaching what’s best for them and the whole church, and what’s ultimately sweet and satisfying. It’s the way of love. Love is the more excellent way. No matter how gifted you are, if you don’t love, your gifts amount to nothing (13:2-3). This is why Jesus is so great. Jesus was the most gifted person who ever lived, AND He was the most loving person who ever lived, even loving us to the point of death on a cross, in order to reconcile us to God. Let us then in gratitude use our gifts to serve the body of Christ in love. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His love towards you in Christ. Pray for the Spirit to give you the fruit of love so that you serve others with your gifts, not for what you can get from them, but in order to love them as Christ first loved you. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 1 - Introduction to the love chapter of the Bible

Daily devotional

August 31 - Farwell

“I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” - Colossians 1:18 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:7-1...

Daily devotional

August 30 - A new humanity: The Christian in the world

Daily devotional

August 29 - A new humanity: The Christian at work

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You ar...

Daily devotional

August 28 - A new humanity: Christian fathers

“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” - Colossians 3:21 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 & Hebrews 12:3-11 It is, no doubt, safe to say that Paul’s words here certainly have application for mothers, too. Mothers are instrumental in bringing children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. As a Christian man and as a Christian minister, I am beyond indebted to the Christian instruction and example that I received from my mother. But Paul singles out the fathers. And he does so in light of the fact that husbands and fathers are the head of the home. Therefore, the primary responsibility falls on the father. From Colossians 3 and Ephesians 6, we learn that fathers are to do two things. Negatively, fathers are to be careful that they do not provoke their children to anger. And positively, they are to bring their children up in the discipline and instruction of the Lord. To be sure, discipline must be given, but it must be done carefully and consistently. Any form of discipline that is not modelled off the heavenly Father’s discipline is bound to provoke and discourage. Parents need to remember that they don’t discipline their children simply because they want their lives to be easier or to run more smoothly. But parents discipline their children in order that they might respond to God in faith and in subsequent obedience to his commandments, which this obedience is best nurtured by love and encouragement, not by shame and fear. Suggestions for prayer Pray for all the parents in your congregation. Ask God to give them wisdom teaching their children to love the Lord and to keep His commandments. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 27 - A new humanity: Christian children

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” - Colossians 3:20 Scripture reading: Proverbs 1:8-19 & Luke 2:41-51 The Apostle recognizes that children are part of God’s covenant family (1 Corinthians 7:14). And Paul wants the children to know that everything he has said so far in his letter about Christ and the transforming power of His glorious gospel pertains also to them. This is one of the reasons why we do not send our children away from the worship service for so-called “children’s church.” Because even though they might squirm and struggle to sit in the pew, God’s Word – and the preaching of God’s Word – pertains to our children as much as it pertains to parents. And it is a means of grace as much for them as it is for adults. We believe that when the Word of God is faithfully preached, Christ’s sheep hear His voice. This is true not only for the seasoned sheep in the congregation, but also for the little lambs. Jesus has a word – a word of gospel instruction – for our children: He calls them to obey their parents in everything. And He motivates them to that end with the promise that, in so doing, they will please the Lord just as their Saviour pleased the Father by submitting to Joseph and Mary. Suggestions for prayer Pray that covenant children would come to embrace both the promises and the obligations of the covenant. Pray that their obedience to their parents would bear witness to the power of God’s saving grace. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

August 26 - A new humanity: Christian husbands

“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.” - Colossians 3:19 Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:25-33 & 1 Peter 3:7 In Ephesians Chapter 5, Paul clearly anchors the husband’s responsibility to love his wife in Christ’s love for the church. The Lord Jesus calls husbands to love their wives with a love that is selfless, sympathetic, and sacrificial. Husbands are to mirror their Saviour, living with their wives in an understanding way, even as Christ so lived with us when He sojourned on the earth. Christ took on human flesh in order that He might understand us fully and so minister to us according to knowledge. And in so doing, He left husbands an example. No husband should ever say of his wife, “I don’t know why she is the way she is!” It is his duty to know. Consider just how intimately Christ knows the needs of His bride, the church. He knows all of her struggles. He knows the sins that she wrestles with and the doubts that despair her. And by His Word and Spirit, Christ ministers to her. And He reminds her, again and again, that He loves and cherishes her. This is what God calls husbands to do with their wives. The figurative crown of authority that God has given to husbands is a crown of thorns that obliges them to be more concerned for their wives than they are for themselves. Suggestions for prayer Pray that Christian husbands would love their wives as Christ loved the church and gave Himself up for her. Pray that this would bear witness to the watching world. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 25 - A new humanity: Christian wives

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” - Colossians 3:18 Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:22-24 & 1 Peter 3:1-6 Your relationship with Christ must have an impact on your relationships with one another. This is really Paul’s burden in this section of his letter. In Verses 18 and 19, Paul begins with perhaps the most fundamental relationship there is: the relationship between a husband and his wife. Wives are called to submit to their own husbands as is fitting to the Lord. To our 21st Century ears, these words are radically counter-cultural. To our Western world, these words are regarded as being repressive and misogynistic. But Paul’s words are no more counter-cultural today than they were when Paul originally wrote them. They’re just counter-cultural for the exact opposite reason. When Paul was originally writing to the Colossians, wives had no real status or standing in society at all. In Greco-Roman society, wives were typically regarded as being nothing more than the possessions of their husbands. But here in Colossians 3:18 and elsewhere in the Bible, their status is exalted. The Apostle Peter calls wives co-heirs of the grace of life. And as such, wives have the unique opportunity to mirror their Saviour to their husbands and to the world through their Christlike submission. Just as Christ submitted Himself to the will of his Father, Christian wives are to follow in their Saviour’s steps by submitting to their own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Suggestions for prayer Pray that Christian wives would submit to their own husbands as is fitting to the Lord. As they do so, pray that the world would see something of Christ in their beautiful submission. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 24 - A new Humanity: Mirroring my Saviour

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” - Colossians 3:12 ...

Daily devotional

August 23 - A new humanity: Mortifying my sin

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…” - Colossians 3:5 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:5-11 Do you love Christ enough to kill f...

Daily devotional

August 22 - A new humanity: The Christian’s new destiny

Daily devotional

August 21 - A new humanity: Hidden with Christ in God

Daily devotional

August 20 - A new humanity: The Christian’s new mentality

“Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.” - Colossians 3:2 Scripture reading: Philippians 3:12-21 & Colossians 3:1-4 In his work on Spiritual Mindedness, the Puritan Pastor and theologian John Owen, asks his readers the question: “What do you think about when you are thinking about nothing in particular?” To state his question another way: What is the default setting of your mind? When you’re driving home from work, and the traffic is light – when you’re just cruising along – Where does your mind most immediately go? How we answer that question says a great deal about us, doesn’t it? And what the answer to that question probably says for many of us is that our hearts and our minds are fixed on earthly things when they should be fixed on heavenly things. Now, there are some who might raise the objection at this point and caution against this notion by saying, “Those who are so heavenly minded are of no earthly good.” And yet, if you read on into the rest of the chapter, what you’ll soon discover is that those who are heavenly minded do the most earthly good. For if your head is in heaven, that’s going to have an extraordinary impact on the use of your hands and your feet on the earth. If your head is in heaven – if the affections of your heart and the thoughts of your mind are fixed upon Christ and governed by Christ, the blessedness of that will bleed into every area of your life. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to forgive our earthly-mindedness. Ask Him to grant us heavenly-mindedness. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 19 - A new humanity: Raised with Christ

“If then you have been raised with Christ” - Colossians 3:1a Scripture reading: Colossians 2:16–3:4 In Colossians 3:1-4, Paul sets before us the gospel pathway to spiritual security and maturity. Having just addressed the paths that lead only to ruin: the paths of empty philosophy (2:8-15) and legalistic piety (2:16-23), Paul now sets before our eyes the path that leads to glory. But in so doing, Paul not only seeks to remind his readers of where they’re going, but he also seeks to remind them of who they are. Whoever the false teachers in Colossae were, they were not only seeking to rob the Colossian believers of their security, but also of their status. Their insistence on various rites and rituals and religious experiences was causing some in the church to feel as though they were lesser. But in Chapter 2:20, Paul assured them, saying, “If with Christ you died to the elemental spirits of the world, why as if you were still alive in the world, do you submit to regulations?” And by asking that question, what Paul was essentially saying to them was – “Don’t you know who you are? Don’t you know that you have died with Christ, and that since you have died with Him, you’ve also been set free in Him?” Paul was reminding them of their new status in Christ. And this is the thread that Paul is going to pick up in Chapter 3: our new status and the implications of it in the Christian life. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for the freedom that we have in Christ. Pray for the grace to live in light of the reality that we have not only died with Christ, but that we have also been raised with Christ. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 18 - “He disarmed the rulers and authorities”

“He disarmed the rulers and authorities and put them to open shame, by triumphing over them in him.” - Colossians 2:15 Scripture reading: Romans 8:31-39 & Colossians 2:11-15 Paul’s words are steeped in the imagery of the ancient world. A victorious king would line up his vanquished enemies, and he would strip them of all their weapons and all their armour. And in this way, he would put them to open shame. He would take away their capacity to rise up against him or his people ever again. According to Paul, this is what Christ has done in His death and resurrection. He has disarmed the rulers and authorities and has put them to open shame, by triumphing over them. Christ has not only set us free from the guilt of sin, but also from the power of sin. The rulers and authorities that Paul speaks of here include all the demonic powers arrayed against Christ and His church. But in virtue of His death and resurrection, Christ has already put them to open shame. The great victory over the evil powers of this world has already been won. And although we must remain vigilant, we must also recognize that in our struggle with sin, we’re dealing with an enemy who has already been defeated. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for the “double cure” of our salvation, namely freedom from both sin’s guilt as well as sin’s power. And pray for the grace to engage in the spiritual battle in the confidence that we’re not the underdogs, but that we are already now on the winning side. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 17 - Nailed to the cross

“This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” - Colossians 2:14 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-21 & Colossians 2:11-15 Do you recognize that you used to be dead? At one time, you were dead in your sins and trespasses, following the prince of the power of the air. But in His astounding grace and mercy, God made you alive together with Christ. You used to be guilty, but now you’ve been reckoned righteous. For God has forgiven you all your trespasses. He has cancelled the record of debt that stood against you with its legal demands.” As the Psalmist says in Psalm 130, “If God should mark our sins, who of us could stand? But grace and mercy dwell at his right hand.” Every I.O.U. for every sin that you ever acquired was nailed to the cross and you bear it no more. As Paul says in 2 Corinthians 5, “God made Him to be sin who knew no sin, so that in Him, you might become the righteousness of God.” This is what Christ accomplished at the cross for you. From now on, your accomplishments don’t distinguish you, nor do your failures destroy you. But when God sees you – He sees His own beloved Son, Who paid the ransom of all your sins. Suggestions for prayer As you prepare your heart for worship, give thanks to God for the wonder of the cross. And with a view to the Lord’s Day, pray that the message of the cross would resound from every pulpit in our land and in our world. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 16 - Paul’s pastoral warning

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit.” - Colossians 2:8 Scripture reading: Psalm 16:1-11 & Colossians ...

Daily devotional, Uncategorised

August 15 - Walking in Christ

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.” - Colossians 2:6-7 Scripture reading: Psalm 1:1-6 & Colossians 2:6-15...

Daily devotional

August 14 - Paul’s mission

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” - Colossians 1:28 S...

Daily devotional

August 13 - Paul’s model

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.” - Colossians 1:24a Scripture reading: 1 Peter 3:8-13 & Colossians 1:24-27 Just as Chri...

Dimly lit courtroom with serious looking judge.

Daily devotional

August 12 - Christ’s gracious purpose in reconciliation

“…in order to present you holy and blameless and above reproach before him.” - Colossians 1:22b Scripture reading: Zephaniah 3:14-20 & Colossians 1:21-23 The purpose of Christ’s reconciling work is clearly stated in the latter part of Verse 22. The word that Paul uses here for present is a word that was typically used when a person was being presented in court. The point that Paul is making here is that the believer can know in the present what the verdict will be in the future when he stands before God on the last day. As Article 37 of the Belgic Confession puts it, on the last day, God’s people will “receive the fruits of their labor and of the trouble they have suffered. Their innocence will be openly recognized by all. . . And their cause, as present condemned by the world, will be acknowledged as the cause of the Son of God.” We live in a world that mocks and reviles the church of the Christ. The world celebrates what God calls evil, and the world despises what God calls good. And to the world, we’re all fools for following Christ. But on the last day, they’re all going to acknowledge that our cause was the cause of the Son of God. We shall stand vindicated – presented holy and blameless and above reproach before Him. There will be no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for rendering us righteous in Christ. Consider the persecuted church and pray that this coming day of vindication would be a great consolation to them as they endure the mockery of the world. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Sun coming up over mountains with the word reconciled centred.

Daily devotional

August 11 - A personal Saviour

“And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death.” - Colossians 1:21-22a Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:11-22 & Colossians 1:21-23 Here we see that Paul wants his readers to know that the supreme Saviour is also a personal Saviour. In verses 15-20, Paul took his readers into the stratosphere of Biblical truth. He pulled back the veil, as it were, and he gave us a glimpse of the glory and the majesty of Christ. But Paul would not have his readers conceive of themselves as mere spectators or onlookers only. It’s not just that we are spectators of Christ’s transcendent glory, but we ourselves have become partakers of it. The very same Christ through Whom God has begun to reconcile all things unto Himself has also reconciled you unto Himself. You’ll notice the shift in Paul’s language. Whereas in Verses 15-20, Paul spoke in the third person, here in Verses 21-23 he now speaks in the second person. He says, “And you!” “And you who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled.” No longer are we God’s enemies, but in Christ, we have been made His friends. Indeed, there is great power in the blood of Christ – great power to remove the enmity between us and God. This is what Christ accomplished for us at the cross. “But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” (Ephesians 2:13) Suggestions for prayer Reflect on the wonder of the cross and on what it means to be a friend of God. Pray for the grace to live as such. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Background mountains with sun coming up behind a cross in the foreground.

Daily devotional

August 10 - Jesus: our King and friend

“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.” - Colossians 1:19-20 Scripture reading: John 4:7-15 & Colossians 1:15-20 Once again in his letter, Paul brings the idea of fullness into focus – “In Christ all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell.” We need not look for another, or rather seek without ever finding (Belgic Confession 26). But Christ is sufficient to be our all and our everything. And that’s what He must be. He doesn’t need to be supplemented by anything or by anybody else. Whatever earthly joy or pleasure you think you’re lacking, whatever earthly joy or pleasure you think you need to be fulfilled, Paul says, “You only need Christ. You don’t need to supplement Him or add to Him. You just need Him.” And to press this home even further, Paul brings us to the cross. And this he does so as to highlight the wonder of all wonders – that the Supreme Lord of the Universe is not only able to give us all good things and spiritual fulfillment, but He is also willing. This is what we discover at the cross – the exceeding willingness of the Son to grant you everything you need. The cross reveals to us the wonder that this Jesus is both king and friend. He is not only great, but He is also good – exceedingly good even to sinners. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on Christ’s fullness and seek God’s grace to find your all and your everything in Him. Give thanks to God that in Christ we have both a king as well as a friend. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Dusk with sunset and church with steeple and lights in the foreground.

Daily devotional

August 9 - And He is the head of the body

“And he is the head of the body, the church.” - Colossians 1:18 Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:9-20 & Colossians 1:15-20 Here in Colossians 1:18, Paul brings Christ’s supremacy down to earth, as it were. He now applies the supremacy of Christ specifically to this little Church of Colossae and to your church as well. Taken together, writes William Hendrickson, Christ’s Supremacy over the cosmos and His supremacy in the Church paints the picture of a Christ “who holds in his mighty hand and embraces with his loving heart both the realm of creation and that of redemption.” He is both creator and redeemer. The King of the Universe is also the Head of the Church. The firstborn of creation is also the firstborn of the dead. The very same Christ who has counted the stars and knows everyone of them, knows you and me as well. Kuyper’s famous maxim about every square inch is not only written over the cosmos, but also over the church and over our individual lives. By referring to Christ as the head of the body, Paul is saying that the church’s dependence must rest upon Him alone, and the church’s direction must come from Him. Without a head, a body is lifeless. And so it is, without Christ. Without Christ, the church becomes nothing more than a lifeless institution that has nothing better to offer than what the world has to offer. Suggestions for prayer As you examine the various areas of your life, pray that God would expose those places where Christ is not preeminent. And pray that Christ’s preeminence would be manifest in your local church and in the world. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 8 - In him all things hold together

"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." - Colossians 1:17 Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:15-20 Abraham Kuyper onc...

Daily devotional

August 7 - Christ is the image of the invisible God

Daily devotional

August 6 - Transferred

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness o...

Daily devotional

August 5 - The purpose of Paul’s prayer

“So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him.” - Colossians 1:10 Scripture reading: Psalm 1:1-6 & Colossians 1:9-12...

Daily devotional

August 4 - Paul’s petition

“That you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” - Colossians 1:9 Scripture reading: 2 Peter 3:14-18 & Colossians 1:9-12 Here in Colossians 1:9, Paul moves from thanksgiving to supplication. And his petition dovetails with the overall burden of his letter. Paul prays that the Colossians would be filled, not with the wisdom of the world, or with some secret knowledge available only to a select few as the Gnostic heretics were asserting, but Paul prays that they would be filled with the knowledge of the will of God. The same word of truth, through which the Colossians were first brought to faith in Christ is the very same word through which they must continue to grow up in Christ. Paul never ceases to pray for this because being filled with the knowledge of God’s will is something that we can never get enough of. Yes, the Colossians, like us, had come to know God in the Lord Jesus Christ. And they had come to know His will. But they needed to grow in it more and more. They needed to understand it more fully. They needed to be filled up with it. And the same is true for us today. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would fill His people with the knowledge of His will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. Give thanks to God that the knowledge of His will is not hidden from us, but that it has been revealed to us in His Word. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 3 - The word of truth has come to us

“Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing.” - Colossians 1:5b-6 Scripture reading: Psalm 22:22-31 & Colossians 1:5b-8 Paul reminds us here that Christian hope is based upon the word of truth, the gospel. It is based upon an announcement of something that God has done in the Lord Jesus Christ. In His grace and mercy, God spoke to the Colossians in the gospel of His Son through the ministry of Epaphras, and their lives were never again the same. And this is what God has done in our own lives as well: God has spoken to us in the gospel, and He has changed our lives forever. No word in all the world is as powerful as the gospel word! It’s a word that transcends human cultures, ethnicities and languages. It’s a word that demolishes human pride and arrogance. It’s a word that has the power to save all men because it answers the need that all men have, namely, to be made right in God’s sight. This is why the very same message that bore fruit and increased so long ago continues to bear fruit and increase as the message of salvation goes out into all the world. Indeed, “The ends of all the earth shall hear and turn unto the Lord in fear; all kindreds of the earth shall own and worship Him as God alone.” Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God that the word of truth has come to us. Pray that this word would continue to bear fruit and increase, both in the world and in our own lives as well. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 2 - Thankful to God

"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven." - Colossians 1:3-5 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1:3-8 & Colossians 1:3-8 The Colossians’ faith was a sincere faith. And for this, the Apostle Paul was exceedingly thankful to the Lord. Indeed, Paul’s gratitude for them was not directed to them. But Paul’s gratitude for them was directed to the Lord. Paul did not give them the credit for the sincerity of faith that he saw in them. Rather, Paul rightly recognized that God Himself was the author of their faith, love and hope in Christ Jesus. And this is precisely the way it is with us as well. Behind our faith, behind our love and behind our hope in Christ is the Spirit of Christ who worked these things in our hearts when He caused us to be born again. When Paul considers the effect that God’s grace has had on the lives of his readers, he cannot help but burst forth into thanksgiving and praise. Paul never ceases to thank God when he prays for them. Is the same true of us? When we consider the faith, hope and love of our fellow church members, are we likewise able to say with Paul, “We always thank God” when we consider the wonder of His grace at work in the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Lord? Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for the faith, love and hope that you see in the lives of your congregation. And pray for God to give us eyes to see all the ways in which He is at work in the lives of His people. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 1 - Introduction to the book of Colossians

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians in order that he might present every one of them mature (or complete) in the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:28). In Chapter 2:9-10, he writes of Christ in this way: “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him (or, you have found your completion in him), who is the head of all rule and authority.” And In Chapter 4:12 he says, “Epaphras also greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature (or complete) and fully assured in all the will of God.” This apostolic aim is the theme that ties all the threads of this cherished epistle together. Paul’s desire for the church way back then is Christ’s desire for the church today: that we also should stand complete in Him. In this month’s set of devotions, we’re going to trace this theme throughout the letter in order that we ourselves might learn to look more and more to Christ as the all-sufficient Saviour and come to see more clearly that everything we truly need can be found in Him and in Him alone. “In Christ, at Colossae” “To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” - Colossians 1:2 Scripture reading: Acts 9:1-6 & 1 Timothy 1:12-17 As is customary in all of his letters, Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with an apostolic greeting. Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God to remind his readers that what he says, he says with Christ’s authority. What Paul writes in his letter, therefore, cannot be shrugged off to the side. For these words are not just Paul’s words, but the very words of Christ Himself. And what an amazing thing it is to be mindful of this reality when we read the manner in which Paul addresses his readers. He addresses them as “the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae.” Now, we all recognize that no church is perfect. Every church on this side of heaven is full of sinners. But the wonder of the gospel is that sinners like us, and sinners like the Colossians so long ago, have become a whole new thing – “saints and faithful brothers in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Yes, Paul’s original readers lived in the city of Colossae. That’s where they worked and went about all their daily tasks. Colossae was their physical location. But Paul tells us that their spiritual location was in Christ, in Whom they had come to share in all the benefits of salvation. The same is true for us today; we, too, are in Christ Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for bringing you into the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for the grace to live in light of this reality. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 31 - Grace be with you

“I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” - Colossians 4:18 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:18 ...

Daily devotional

July 30 - Fulfill your ministry

“And say to Archippus, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord."” - Colossians 4:17 Scripture reading: Colossians...

Daily devotional

July 29 - Sharing the treasure

“And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodice...

Daily devotional

July 28 - The communion of the saints

“Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.” ...

Daily devotional

July 27 - The praying pastor

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.” - Colossians 4:12-13 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:12-13 We do not know too much about Epaphras. It is likely that Paul, while he spent his three years in Ephesus, worked closely with Epaphras to have the gospel preached in Colosse. After first being a faithful preacher, he became a diligent pastor. When he saw the difficulties of Jewish formalism mixed with the oriental mysticism and the false religions and vain philosophies surrounding the young church, he went to see Paul while in prison in Rome. There, he worked with Paul to understand the truth and learn how to apply it and defend it in light of the heresies attacking the church. There are times when pastors go through challenging times. There are times when wise speech or godly rebukes are not always met with the kind of change of thinking or behaviour we hope for in the Church of Jesus Christ. What, then, is the pastor left with? Looking at Paul and us, we see it is prayer. In difficult times, nothing is left but for your pastor to go to the ground before almighty God, begging, pleading and interceding because there are things that only God can do. If it's true that the Lord sends forth reapers for the harvest, he also sends shepherds for the sheep. This is what the church needs. Praise God if you have that kind of shepherd and elders who love and care for you, and are wrestling before the throne of God for the well-being and maturity of the people of God in your congregation. Suggestions for prayer Pray that your congregation and you will make the burdens of the elders and pastor as light as possible and that they will have time for prayer and care of the flock. Pray that your pastor's work for the Lord's Day tomorrow will be blessed. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 26 - Men of the ministry

“These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.” - Colossians 4:11 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:8-11 The church sings: "Lord of harvest, send forth reapers!" The devil must have figured he had put a stop to the Great Commission work of Jesus. He had the number one man, humanly speaking, behind bars. The churches in Philippi, Ephesus, and Colosse were rattled because their beloved Paul was in chains and perhaps facing execution. Yet Paul writes, "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has served to advance the gospel so that it has become known throughout the imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much bolder to speak the word without fear" (Philippians 1:12-14). Look at the list of men, Jews and Gentiles that are mentioned now to the Colossians and us. What great hope! Jesus Christ, the head of the church, firstborn of the creation, and image bearer of the invisible God, cannot be stopped; the Gates of Hades cannot prevail. Even in prison, where Paul looks for an opportunity to speak the truth to the prison guard, we see the hand of God. The work of Jesus continues today with brave men on the mission field, both abroad and at home. Preachers bring the word faithfully from week to week here and worldwide. Please do not miss what God is doing and continue to sing and pray: "Lord of harvest, send forth reapers! Suggestion for prayer Pray the hymn, “Far and near the Fields are Teeming” Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 25 - The pastor’s love

“Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,” - Colossians 4:7-8 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:7-8 We turn to Paul's final greetings. These letter endings are interesting. Why are they included? Should we meditate on them? They are part of the holy and infallible Word of God. Paul is like a father, always concerned for his family. His work has led him to prison, and the children in Colosse are far away; Christ knows each sheep there, but Paul is separated from them. With no phones or electronic communication, it took time and effort. Paul, the pastor, needs to know how their flock is faring, so he sends Tychicus. Paul was concerned about the fledgling church founded there, which was attacked by false religions and vain philosophy. He sends Tychicus to encourage the flock. Tychicus goes to preach, teach and offer pastoral care to the saints in Colosse, but he is also a source of encouragement and blessing to Paul. Christ, the Good Shepherd, cares for Paul and the saints by calling Tychicus, who is faithful to the task. Christ continues to care for the flock He died for through the leaders and preachers of the Word. They are to be faithful men who want to know how each flock member is doing, to love them, not just to lead, but to care for and encourage. We need pastors who remember Christ's sacrifice and can teach and speak with the people of God to comfort and encourage them. Pray for elders and deacons who can do that, too. Thank God if you have that kind of leadership and pastor care in your congregation. Suggestions for prayer Ask for a blessing for your congregation's leadership. Pray that the men who lead will have the heart of Christ. Pray that the Lord will raise up such men for the church leadership. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 24 - Speech seasoned with salt

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” - Colossians 4:6 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:6 Today, we consider how our talk ought to match our walk. We are called to walk in wisdom and to have our speech seasoned with salt. So what does that entail? All of you have been called by Christ, the head of the church, to serve Him, the supreme Lord, Who has placed you in the community in which you live. You walk and talk with your neighbours not only at church, but also at work, in your neighbourhood, and in your community. You speak their language and understand how to communicate. You know the jokes and joys, and God uses you with your gifts and talents to talk about the truth of God through the Spirit in love. The Colossians were called, as you and I are, to talk gracefully. From the heart of thanksgiving and the longing for the salvation of all that we meet, we ask for the purging of evil from our lips, so that our speech would be a sacrifice of praise to God for the goodness of the members of our community. How do we speak about our spouses, parents, bosses, leaders, politics and the economy? Have we become angry, irritable or frustrated? Do they hear the salt-seasoned speech of grace or the bitter Christian frustrated with the mess of society? Do we only criticize or offer suggestions, wisdom and hope? We have been called to this by Christ to serve Him and speak on His behalf. Walk in wisdom and speak in grace! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for placing you in your community. Pray that you will be given the speech of grace and courage to comfort, challenge and call to Christ those who need to hear the Words of God's wisdom. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 23 - Walk in wisdom

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” - Colossians 4:5 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:5 Right after askin...

Daily devotional

July 22 - Praying for the preacher

“At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in pris...

Daily devotional

July 21 - Continue in prayer

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” - Colossians 4:2 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:2 Paul continue...

Daily devotional

July 20 - Work for the Lord

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You ar...

Daily devotional

July 19 - Fathers and children

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” - Colossians 3:20-21 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:20-21 The man clothed with Christ not only loves his wife, but his children, too. Children who put on Christ reveal Christ when they obey their parents in everything. Paul turns our attention to family unity because it is also part of the church community, characterized by love, peace and thankfulness. When the church has a family in crisis, it has a crisis of witness and effectiveness. Paul, the Shepherd, also tends to these needs of the flock. It has been an interesting past decade of unrest. It makes sense considering the trajectory of the so-called sixties revolution anti-establishment discord. Parents have become frustrated and the youth, miserable. Raising children as if they were morally sound and needing but minor guidance, we have a rebellious and unhappy generation raising the next. But Christ, through Paul, directs us to the better way of raising our children in love, in the fear of the Lord for the glory of the Lord. Christ, the Great Shepherd, knows the way of happiness and liberty and gives us the path for blessings for the family that will be a blessing for His Kingdom and church. We note that call to the fathers to be in Christ by loving their wives and children. Fathers are warned against bitterness. Here is the way to compelling masculinity, which is vital to the church. As Christ laid down His life in love, so ought the men of the congregation. Suggestions for prayer Pray for a blessing for your own family and the families of the church so that children will see their call to obedience, that the fathers will love, and that parents will guide the children of the covenant. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 18 - Husbands and wives

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.: - Colossians 3:18-19 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:18-19 And in whatever you do, be thankful! Put on love as the bond of perfection. Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. That is what life in a church looks like and it starts at home. Wives and husbands, be thankful and love one another. Strive for peace. Christ shows us the way now. He calls us to our gender roles. There are two in marriage, male and female, each with a specific task. If a woman loves Christ more than her husband, she will submit to Christ's will and love her husband by becoming a helpmate fit for him. She sees herself in a new union with her husband to serve Christ as a forgiven sinner who puts on Christ. Husbands, too, must be patient. Being the head and representing Christ is challenging. For mere human men, it is also impossible. But he must be forgiving as he has been forgiven. When trials and struggles come, as Christ, who never becomes bitter against the church, the husband representing Christ will minister in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in thankfulness for redemption and for his wife. He will minister to her for her well-being and benefit. He reminds her of the sacrifice of Christ and the peace we have in Him. If the marriage is broken, the church has strife, but we recall the blessings of God upon unity. Husbands and wives should reflect the image of the invisible God through love and submission to Christ and let peace rule in their hearts. Suggestions for prayer If you are married, pray for a loving, unified marriage rooted in Christ and His love. If you are single, pray for these kinds of marriages in the church. If you hope for a partner, pray for one who, with you can live out of these commands and blessings. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 17 - Put on love

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” - Colossians 3:14 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:14-17 Put on love, which is the bond of perfection. What beautiful language, but what does it mean? Paul is referring to either a clasp that holds all the other articles of clothing together or an overgarment that binds it together. It is the virtue that defines us as the body of Christ. As Christ has loved us, we reflect that love by our virtuous living together, one in the spirit of the Lord and love. I think of Psalm 133: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! For there the LORD commanded the blessing—Life forevermore." By love, we can put on the peace of Christ. By that peace, we have peace with God. We have shalom that things have been made right through the blood of Christ. We, by love, seek peace, strive for unity and community, and when we need to, are quick to forgive. As mentioned, these virtues of love and peace were sneered at by the Greeks and scoffed at by the Jews. But when we live by the Word, we sing and minister to one another as a community of joy, worship, and love. There, you will find the body of Christ and see the Good News in action. There, you see Christ in us and through us as we put on the clothing of Christ and bear the image of the invisible God so that He is known! Suggestions for prayer Pray for unity, God's blessing upon it and that your church will be the beacon of light and love of Christ in your community. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 16 - Clothing ourselves with Christ

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” - Colossians 3:12-13 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:12-13 Paul uses the language of clothing. First, he calls us to remove the robes of unrighteousness and stop sinning. Christ, through Paul, calls us to put on the new robes of righteousness and be clothed with Christ's holiness. We have seen He is the image bearer of the invisible God, and we, too, bear His image, which displays itself in true righteousness and holiness, whereby we strive to live holy and pleasing lives. Jesus taught us that by their fruits, men are known and that if we abide in Him as the vine, we will become fruitful branches. We cannot bear fruit without Him, but we are to be engaged in bearing fruit (John 15). Paul teaches us from Galatians five of the fruits of the Spirit and to walk by the Spirit. He lists those fruits as: "Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). That list of virtues is utterly anticultural for that day. It is for us, too. Ours is a world of self-promotion, self-determination, to be “woke”, filled with pride. Whether regarding gender or morality, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, many have decided they are god and will do as they please. But we must be a different community. They will know we are Christians by our love and the fruit that we produce. That is Christ in us, and we live out of that faith, hope, and love, forgiving as we have been forgiven. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the fruits of the Spirit, to be forgiven and forgiving, and to live by grace alone, by faith in Jesus, not by works. Pray for blessings on your daily work, walk, and new opportunities to serve God and your neighbours. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 15 - Conversion

“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to ...

Daily devotional

July 14 - Put to death the old man

“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth:” - Colossians 3:5a Scripture reading: Colossians 3:5-7 With the Heidelberg Ca...

Daily devotional

July 13 - Set your mind on things above

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things ...

Daily devotional

July 12 - Let no one judge you

“So let no one judge you in food or drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substanc...

Daily devotional

July 11 - You he made alive

“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses,” - Colossians 2:13 Scripture reading: Colossians 2:11-15 How did we receive Christ? Through the preaching of the Word. Paul is consistent! Using this letter to the Colossians, he keeps preaching Christ. He appeals to the truth of circumcision, pointing to the need of shedding blood for the forgiveness of sins. But we need more than just cutting away some flesh that can cause infection. We need the heart to be cleaned. We need soul cleansing, which only the blood of Jesus can accomplish. We need to die with Christ and be raised to a new life. We can only actively walk with Christ when He activates us. Baptism reminds us of our need for the blood of Jesus and the Holy Spirit to walk with the Lord. When Jesus died on the cross, all the guilt of that law of God that damned us was wiped out. In Christ, God remembers our sins no more. As the song goes, "My sin not in part but the whole is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more. It is well with my soul. Paul preaches Christ, Him crucified, and then connects us to Him, reminding us of our baptism and what circumcision means. Think about your baptism more often. It points to the cross of Jesus and opens for us the beauty of the good news—we are sinners forgiven by the grace of God. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the good news to penetrate deeply into your heart. Take some time to praise and thank God for the beautiful gift of salvation and Christ's beauty, and I hope it will be well with your soul. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 10 - Walk in Christ

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,” - Colossians 2:6 Scripture reading: Colossians 2:6-10 It is challenging sometimes to appreciate preaching because we hear so much of it. Our criticism of it can be so much about the length, how interesting it was or the gifts or lack thereof of the preacher. It is easy to get distracted from the message. It is true that if preachers are not doing their job, the preaching is pointless. If Christ is not preached, we cannot receive Him, and if not, how can we walk with Him? But if we are receiving Christ, no matter the style or length of the sermon, we have what we need for faith and faithfulness. In Him, we can be established and grow. Do you think we are so critical of preaching the Word because of the vain philosophy of the world? Today, modern thinkers accentuate the positive, making us feel good about ourselves while leaving us on our way to hell and hopelessness in the same way the heretics did in Paul's era. We need to hear about the completeness we have in Christ. For the Greeks, it was repulsive to think that the Godhead existed in human form. How could the perfect divine live in the corrupt physical? Yet God accomplished just that, which now destroys the philosophy of the Greeks and leaves us with the hope that the divine and human are reconciled. Paul urges us to walk in the Christ we have received. If you have received Him by preaching of the Word, be careful of criticism, but glad and thankful. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your preachers that they will preach what we need to receive. Ask for an open heart to accept Jesus and walk with Him in joy and thankfulness. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 9 - Paul’s shepherd’s heart

“Though I am absent in the flesh, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.” - Colossians 2:5 Scripture reading: Colossians 2:1-5 It was a struggle for Paul because the desire was deep to lead, guide and pastor the flock in Colosse. Though he had not been there, the news of Christ's work had reached him, and in prayer from the heart of thanksgiving, Paul diligently interceded for this young church. Paul is also a protector and desires that they will not be deceived. We know his reason for the thanksgiving and prayers and his desire for the Colossian church, which would be for their unity and maturity. Knowledge is such an essential part of the Christian walk. The more we learn about God and His Son, the cross, and our forgiveness, the more we can mature to become forgiving individuals and a community of love, faith, and grace. Grace and mercy are known in a community like that. The city of Colosse needed a community like that. And so does your community. God has blessed our cities and towns with churches. Our prayer ought to be for our churches' growth, maturity and doctrinal unity as places of growth, love and forgiveness and for those who live in the full assurance of grace in a graceless world. As Peter would write about, Paul's prayer and desire were for growth in grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we head further into the letter, we will see Paul's instruction and guidance to maturity and wisdom. We hope that this will be beneficial for us, too. Suggestions for prayer Please pray for your church community's growth, unity and maturity. Pray that you and your church will bless your community, and pray for your local community that the Gospel will be preached and blessed. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 8 - Rejoicing in suffering for preaching

“I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God,” - Colossians 1:24--25 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:24-29 It was a fantastic time in world history, let alone church history. Jesus sent men into communities that had never heard the good news. Walls were falling, hearts were changing, and the Kingdom of God was growing. Although Paul is likely in prison while writing to the Colossians, he can rejoice. The Lord fills Paul with joy as the gospel goes forward and the mystery is revealed. What is that mystery? Paul writes that it is Christ in you, the hope of glory. The Greeks loved their glory, power politics, the arts and culture. The Jews dreamed of a past glory of a Davidic Kingdom. How many dream of glory and fame today? But what is genuine glory? It is faith! It is Christ in us. The love of God gives us hope both for this life and for eternity. Yes, Paul can rejoice in a prison cell! You are part of Jesus's mission to the world. We give and pray for missions. We call and pray for preachers who bring the Word. If this preaching has changed you, your life will show it. Your life must show it. We have been perfected and are being perfected by the cross of Christ, which Paul preached then and the church preaches now. We could hear it yesterday by God's grace. We rejoice. Let us pray for men to be called to continue the joyful work of preaching the good news of the death and resurrection of the Son of God that the mystery may be made known to all the world. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord will give many opportunities for the gospel to be preached this week. Ask that He will provide you with an opportunity to share the Gospel. Finally, pray that the Lord will create and call men to be preachers. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 7 - The gospel preached to you

“…if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preac...

Daily devotional

July 6 - The head of the church

"And He is the head of the body, the church, the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it please...

Daily devotional

July 5 - Christ the firstborn over all creation

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him, all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invi...

Daily devotional

July 4 - Our independence

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His bloo...

Daily devotional

July 3 - Praying for our church

“For this reason, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you,” - Colossians 1:9 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:9-12 As an apostle, Paul is a shepherd of the flock in Colosse. Like a good father, he prays for the children who have come to the Lord Jesus through the work of Epaphras, and Paul wants to encourage that work so that the children there may be strong, healthy and energetic for their calling as the flock of Christ and the children of God. Later in the letter (3:17), Paul writes, "And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him." He praises God, asking for the thankful heart for what He has done and hopes he will continue to do. It is with regret, too often, that ministers frequently feel as if there is not enough time to pray and give thanks for our flocks. As mentioned yesterday, as church members, we can be too quick to see the broken, not the good. Yet, seeing the brokenness, are we a praying church? True, we are not apostles like Paul, but we are members of that inheritance Christ, through His death and resurrection, has won for us. We know our Redeemer prays for us at the right hand of God. As the body of Christ, let us be a praying people, devoted to the great Shepherd and His flock so that we might grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray from the words of Paul's prayer in Colossians 1:9-12. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 2 - Thankful for our church

“We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you” - Colossians 1:3 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:3-8 A few commentaries note that too many pastors neglect to thank God for their congregation and Christ's work in them. That may also be true for those in the congregation. Trouble hits, and it glares; we can easily be offended and distracted by the sin in the church, miss the mighty work of God the Father by the Son through the Holy Spirit. But Paul does not. The thanksgiving is not so much for what the Colossians have done or are doing, but from amazement at God's work in the church's growth in Asia Minor. Let's not miss that, beloved. Are we thankful for what Christ does in our church and the churches around us? Do we see the blessings of the preaching of the Gospel, the comfort of the sacrament of baptism and the strength and joy of celebrating communion together? Can we not see the gift of faith among us? Have we not stood by the hospital bed, at funerals, through broken relationships, loved ones walking away from the faith, betrayal and yet brought hope to one another and our community? Is that only a thing that was true in Colosse? There could be no faith in Colosse or our communities, unless the Holy Spirit sent believers into that community to live out of and share the good news. Yes, we have troubles and trials in the church, but don't miss what God in Christ is doing in our churches and thank Him. Suggestion for prayer Consider whether you are thankful for your congregation. If not, or sometimes not, ask forgiveness. List the good things in your congregation, thank God for them, and ask for His continued blessings for your church. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 1 - Introduction to Colossians

The meditations for this month are based on Paul's letter to the Colossians. Much like his letter, written from prison, to the Ephesians, the first part of the letter concerns theology. Addressing some of the heresy that had infiltrated the Colossian church, Paul, by the spirit, reveals the supremacy of Christ over all things for the church and as our only and sufficient Redeemer. The second part of the letter deals more with practical theology regarding how we ought to live as new creatures in Christ, both individually and as a church. We will also look at Paul's pastoral theology in terms of preaching and preachers. I have kept the daily reading short, as I hope you can take some time to memorize these verses for the day and take them along with you. I pray that Christ's beauty will inspire us and want to represent Him as the body of the redeemed and converted. Grace and peace to you “Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother, To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” - Colossians 1:1-2 Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:1-2 What god is like our God? Other gods demand, want and ask for things, but our God gives freely in Jesus Christ. Paul and Timothy send the saints in Colosse greetings from God with grace and peace. We think for a moment when the Angel of the Lord brought God's good news to Gideon. In Judges 6, we read how Gideon was filled with fear when the Angel of the Lord brought the sign of fire and disappeared. Then God told him, "Peace be with you; do not fear, you shall not die." When John meets Jesus, as we read in Revelation 1, he falls, but Jesus says, "Don't be afraid." When the Father comes to His own, in this case by letter, through the Word, that is, Jesus by the pen of Paul and Timothy, He comes in the grace and peace He provides. He puts us at ease, though we know our guilt, which causes us to fear before a holy God. "Grace and peace," He says. Who is a god like ours? There is no other! Why do we deserve this shalom? We don't, of course, but, that the Father has sent the Son to make atonement on the cross for our sins. With that grace, the letter is full of faith, love, hope, challenge and even rebuke. He is the Lord our God Who has brought us out of the bondage of our sin. Let us not forget to give Him the glory for this freedom! Canadians celebrate Canada Day today. Let us glorify God for the shalom (peace) that Canada is still able to celebrate and pray for those who long to have God’s shalom in their country. Suggestion for prayer Thank God for the freedom still enjoyed in North America and in other countries. Pray for a tremendous outpouring of grace and peace throughout the world and give God the glory due to His name. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

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Search CATEGORY: Daily devotional

Daily devotional

January 16 - Nobody is perfect

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January 1 - Introduction to the new year!

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December 31 - The Bride and Spirit in sync

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December 30 - His reward is with him

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December 29 - Keeping the vision

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December 28 - His name on our foreheads

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December 27 - The trees of life

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December 26 - The river of life

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December 24 - A view of the city #2

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Daily devotional

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