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Daily devotional

November 29 - Avoiding appearance of evil

“Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22

Scripture reading: Psalm 84:1-12

The ESV translated the text as: “Abstain from every form of evil”, but other Bible versions translate it to read, “Avoid all appearance of evil”. Although both translations are valid, in the context of testing the teachings of false prophets, and the injunction to “hold fast to what is good”, it would appear that Paul is warning about prophecies that might “appear” to be false. Calvin, reflecting on this text, observes that any teaching, not having been proven false, but yet gives the appearance of perhaps being so, is to be avoided.

Any teaching based on Scripture and the “Three Forms of Unity” (Heidelberg Catechism, Belgic Confession and Canons of Dort) are to be accepted, but if an interpretation raises doubts and questions, it is better to avoid it unless and until more clarity can be given from Scripture. In other words, Paul’s advice to the Thessalonian Christians is to not only reject any and all teaching clearly in conflict with what they had been taught previously by himself, but they were also to avoid any interpretation or teaching that was doubtful or questionable. Paul’s love for the Thessalonians compels him to warn them of the danger of being led astray while on their road to God and eternity.

In another place, Paul speaks of the Deceiver and those who are deceived. Here he warns of the danger of falling victim to the Deceiver by allowing ourselves to be deceived by false prophets. We need to know the Scriptures so we can test and separate the false from the true.

Suggestions for prayer

Ask the Lord for the gift of discernment, enabling you to distinguish truth from error.

Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.

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Daily devotional

November 28 - Test the spirits

“Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 Scriptur...

Daily devotional

November 27 - On despising prophecy

“Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good” - 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 Scripture reading: Psalm 27:1-14 The Holy...

Daily devotional

November 26 - Respect for office-bearers

“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:12 Scripture...

Daily devotional

November 25 - Salvation through Christ’s death

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or aslee...

Daily devotional

November 24 - Spiritual watchfulness

“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:6 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:6-10 Paul has taught the Thessalonians that they and all other Christians are sons of light and not of darkness. They belong to the day, not to the night and therefore Paul exhorts them not to sleep, but to remain watchful and sober. To sleep, in this context means to live as if there will be no tomorrow or never be a day of judgment. Paul is warning against spiritual and moral lethargy. To be watchful is to live a sanctified life, conscious of the coming Judgment Day. The watchful individual has his lamp burning and his loins girded and in that spirit, he looks forward to the return of the Bridegroom. Christians need to be awake and sober. Paul contrasts the soberness of the Christian with the drunkenness of the worldling. The world stumbles around in drunkenness and darkness, but the Christian walks soberly and expectantly in the light. But for the Christian, watchfulness does not mean simply being passive while waiting. That was Paul’s point to the Thessalonians. They had become passive in their waiting and watching and now Paul stirs them up to intense activity. Paul tells them that their calling as children of the light is to carry the light into the world. They were to fight the good fight of faith and conquer the darkness with the light of the gospel. The question Paul presses upon us today is this: to which kingdom do you belong, light or darkness? Are you still asleep or awake? Has the light of Jesus Christ shone upon you? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith so that the light of Christ may shine ever more bright in you. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 23 - Children of the light

“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:5 Scripture reading: Matthew 27:45-50 In verse four of this chapter, Paul addresses the Thessalonians affectionately when he refers to them as “brothers”. Here Paul again uses the affectionate term. He addresses them as “you all”. Paul is not using “all” in the universal sense, but he identifies the “all” as: “all” those who by sovereign grace have been adopted into the family of God through Jesus Christ. All those, says Paul in verse five, are “lights”. By nature we are all children of darkness. There is darkness in our hearts and we walk in darkness; but that all changes when God works the miracle of regeneration. He had done so in Thessalonica. God had blessed the preaching of Paul and had worked faith into the hearts of His elect, who in turn had responded to the call of the gospel, had come out of darkness and entered into the kingdom of light. Their sin-darkened minds had been illumined, their stopped-up ears and closed eyes had been opened, enabling them to see their need for Christ and hear His call. In grace, the light of Jesus Christ has shone in their hearts and they are destined for the realm of everlasting light. Because Jesus is the light of the world, the Thessalonian Christians also were lights in the world. God’s Word now would be a light upon their feet and a lamp upon their path and they would take that light into the world. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for more opportunities to take your light of faith into the dark world in which you live. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 22 - Like a thief in the night

“While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman, and they will not escape.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:3 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:1-5 Although Paul cannot tell the hour of Christ’s return, he does give us several clues; it will come “as a thief in the night.” When he uses that imagery, his point is not only the thief, but also the night. In fact, the emphasis falls on Christ’s return taking place in the night. His imagery is not literal, but figurative. Jesus will return in the dark night of moral degeneration and spiritual darkness. We are living in the “evening hours” of this world. The spiritual darkness is becoming ever darker and more oppressive. Then, when people are congratulating themselves on mankind’s incredible progress, claiming to see peace and security all around them, Jesus will return. The imagery of the thief in the night also contains the idea of surprise. A thief doesn’t announce his presence or send advance notice of his plan to rob you so that you could prepare yourself. Those who have prepared themselves, who are awake, have nothing to fear. It is only the careless ones, who are at ease in Zion, who slumber with their doors wide open, are the ones in danger. What about us? Are we worried about earthly things, but unconcerned about the heavenly? Are you postponing your conversion, continuing in sin, certain that there is plenty of time? Do you expect the Lord will let you know when He will take you out of this life? Tomorrow is always too late. Provide for the safety of your soul by turning to Christ while it is still the day of grace. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to daily remind you that His return will be sudden and unexpected. Ask to live joyfully each day, eagerly anticipating His coming because you know that even death will not separate you from the love of God in Christ. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 21 - Encouraging one another

“Therefore encourage one another with these words.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Paul was not telling the Thessalonians anything new when he said, “We shall be caught up in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air.” That’s precisely what they expected and had been waiting for. They longed to “greet Him in the air”. They longed to prepare a “joyous entry” into the new earth under a new heaven. Every day they had been listening for the voice of the archangel signalling Christ’s return and the end of time as they knew it. Then something happened for which they were totally unprepared: death entered their midst and took some of their members away. Death is always painful for those who remain behind, but those deaths in the Thessalonian congregation were exceptionally painful and confusing for the church. They had believed that Christ would come soon, and would find them all alive, waiting for Him. Then death entered the picture. They had not expected that and were confused. What was most painful for them was the question: what would happen to those who died before Christ returned? They did not know where the dead would be when Jesus returned. Paul sets their mind at ease. Paul declared that “we who are alive, we who are left until the coming of the Lord, shall not precede those who have fallen asleep”. The dead will not be left behind. They will be awakened and then the living and the dead will be taken up in the clouds together. Comfort one another with those words. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for that glorious prospect of joining Him for all eternity. When death approaches a loved one or even yourself, give thanks to God that death is not death, but is your entrance into eternal glory. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 20 - Our daily labour

“1 Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Scripture re...

Daily devotional

November 19 - Concerning love to the brothers

“Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.” - 1 T...

Daily devotional

November 18 - God’s Holy Spirit is in you

“Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:8 Scripture reading: R...

Daily devotional

November 17 - A life pleasing to God

“But we urge you, brothers, …to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may wal...

Daily devotional

November 16 - Living moral lives

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Scripture reading: Matthew 5:27-32 Paul begins where we would like to stop. We think that once we have been regenerated, we have reached our goal, but the Bible teaches us that once having been reborn, we are only getting started. A long, fearsome road of struggling against the world, the devil and our own flesh begins after rebirth. God wants us to be sanctified! In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 Paul tells the Thessalonians what is involved in sanctification. He mentions that their sanctification must first be worked out in the area of marriage. Even in their marriages, they must make it obvious that they are a changed, converted people. It is easy to see why Paul would mention the need for sanctified marriages when we remember that these people had only recently been converted from paganism. They had only recently become Christians, but they had come from and were still living in a heathen environment. It would not have been easy for them to break from their heathen customs and practices. Paul teaches them that marriage was ordained by God for God’s glory and for man’s benefit and enjoyment. It was to be a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. What God had joined together may not be broken by man. Paul still speaks to the church today. We too live amidst a pagan culture where marriage is no longer sacred or honoured. Tragically even among church members we see so much brokenness and sin in the area of marriage and human sexuality. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would help us to live morally pure lives. Ask Him to help us to love, honour and cherish our marriage partners. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 15 - Pleasing God in our walk

“Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you are doing, that you do so more and more.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:1-8 Paul is still conducting himself towards the congregation as a mother nurturing her infant child. Patiently and lovingly, Paul urges the congregation to greater sanctification. He doesn’t come with any heavy handedness; he doesn’t exercise his authority and command the church to holiness. No, we read he “urges” them. Because of their union with Christ, Whom he represented and Whose Spirit inspired him, Paul’s desire is that they may excel or abound more and more in the business of leading holy, sanctified lives, doing the will of God and conducting themselves properly in their daily walk. It is evident that Paul’s desire for them is that they would keep God’s law for holy living out of gratitude for what God had done for them. In love and with great tactfulness, he assures them that he has noticed that they were indeed already conducting themselves in a manner that pleased the Lord, but their road to sanctification needed to continue. They should not stagnate. Paul’s desire was that the branches that were already bearing fruit would bear even more fruit (John 15:2). The members of the Thessalonian church had just recently been converted from paganism and although there was evidence of genuine zeal among the congregation, that zeal needed to be taught and directed. We know from Scripture that in this life even the holiest of men have yet but a small beginning towards sanctification and that was certainly the case here among these new believers. They needed to be taught in order to grow. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for all of the Biblical instruction available to us. We have preaching, catechism, Bible Study groups, Christian Schools and we have the Bible in our homes. Ask God to help you in your efforts to grow. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 14 - Abounding in love

“…And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:12 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:11–13 Unconverted men and women by nature, hate God and their neighbour. That’s what comes naturally to men and women who know not the Christ. Yet, by the miracle of rebirth, all of that changes. When God opens the hearts to the preaching, hearts are changed and true conversion is seen. As a natural consequence of that change, love is seen emanating from the hearts and lives of the born-again Christian. We see love for God and love for one another. That change had taken place in Thessalonica. Paul had preached, the Holy Spirit had worked and men and women were called out of darkness into God’s marvellous light. A spirit of love took hold of the congregation. Where they had formerly been enemies and haters of God and neighbour, there was now love, love for God and love for one another. But that love was not yet perfect; it needed to grow. The Thessalonians needed to grow in grace, faith and sanctification. Their love for God and for each other needed to grow, day by day. Through Christ’s intercessory prayers, the congregation needed to develop a deeper, stronger, more intense love. There needed to be true empathy and compassion for one another. They needed to be in constant prayer for one another. They needed to learn what it meant to: “Love God above all else and their neighbour as themselves.” If the Apostle Paul was to examine your congregation, if he was to examine your heart and life, would he find that so necessary love? Suggestions for prayer Ask God to create in you a deeper, stronger, warmer love for Him and for your fellow man, beginning with those in the household of faith. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 13 - We have been comforted about you through your faith

“… for this reason, brothers, in all our distress and affliction we have been comforted about you through your faith.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:7 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 3:6–10 Paul and his companions worked day and night among the Thessalonians, but they were soon forced to leave. It appeared to them that many of the Thessalonians had accepted the gospel enthusiastically, but after leaving, the apostles wondered if the conversion they had seen had been genuine and so Paul sent Timothy back to Thessalonica to gauge the faith of the congregation. He returns bearing great news. Paul’s missionary work had been blessed by the Lord. Despite his affliction and suffering, Paul was greatly comforted by what he heard. His fear, that perhaps his missionary efforts had been in vain in Thessalonica, was now quickly dispelled. Timothy was able to report that there was evidence of love and faith in the church. The congregation also had spoken well of Paul’s work among them. They remembered him with fondness and they longed to see him again. That longing was reciprocal. Paul was concerned about his sheep. He loved them, longed to see them and hoped to see them joyfully serving the Lord, despite their hardships. In turn, the sheep longed for their shepherd. He had brought them to Christ and they now loved him and longed to see him again. Does that reciprocal love between shepherd and sheep exist between you and your pastor? As he labours in his calling, can your minister rejoice as he sees evidence of your faith at work in you? Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you to develop a deeper love for those who labour in the churches as ministers. Pray that your minister may be comforted and rejoice in the faith he sees at work in you. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 12 - Being moved by afflictions

“…that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:3 Scripture readin...

Daily devotional

November 11 - For you are our glory and joy

“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” - 1 Thessalo...

Daily devotional

November 10 - You received the Word of God

“And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men ...

Daily devotional

November 9 - Working night and day

“For you remember, brothers, our labour and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you t...

Daily devotional

November 8 - But we were gentle among you

“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:19–26 In 2 Tim. 2:24, we read, “And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone.” Paul demonstrated that gentle spirit in his interaction with potential converts during his missionary journeys. He was kind and gentle towards them. He describes the necessary spirit of missionary workers by comparing himself to being a mother towards the Thessalonian church members. He says, “We conducted ourselves as a nursing mother, taking care of her own children”. As a missionary, Paul acted in the spirit of the Good Shepherd. He tells his audience he was ready to share not only the gospel with them, but he was willing to give himself wholly to them because they had become very dear to him (vs.8). Paul uses the metaphor of a nursing mother towards her child. A mother will sacrifice herself for her child because of her indescribable love for the nursing infant. No task is too great. A mother is kind and gentle towards her children because of her intense love for them. We see in the example of the apostles the great love of Christ toward His children. His love for them is so intense that not only is He kind and gentle, but He sacrificed His life on the cross of Golgotha in order that His children may have life. May we demonstrate that same spirit of the apostles in our interaction with those who do not yet know Him. Suggestions for prayer Ask God not only for more opportunity to witness, but also that He would make you into a humble servant of the Lord, demonstrating a kind, gentle and loving spirit towards the unconverted. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 7 - Not seeking the praise of men

“Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:6 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1–6 Paul and his fellow servants never sought the praises of men in their missionary efforts. Despite the fact that they worked day and night and despite the suffering they endured, all that mattered to them was that God would be glorified and that He would get all the credit. As they preached, they were determined to preach only Christ and Him crucified for their transgression and raised for their justification. They spoke only the word God gave them. They did not stroke the audience or tickle their ears to tell them what they thought they wanted to hear. They refused to compromise the message. They preached the truth and could confidently say: “thus saith the Lord”. But they also spoke it in love. Speaking the truth in love is not as much about having a gentle demeanour as it is about the way that truth and love go hand-in-hand. Because we love one another, we must speak the truth, but because we know Christ, we must also be a people characterized by love in our efforts to win others for Christ. God has graciously revealed Himself to us in Jesus Christ and we are now called to be instruments in His hand to share the good news with those who do not yet know Him. We are called to love those who do not know Christ and the best way we can show love is to share with them the truth of the gospel. Suggestions for prayer When attempting to witness, ask God to give you the courage to present the gospel in truth, but ask also that He will give you the gentleness to speak it in love. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 6 - We had already suffered

“But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of God in the midst of much conflict.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:2 Scripture reading: Acts 16:13-24 Paul and Silas had experienced suffering in Philippi. They had been tortured and imprisoned, but none of that could cause them to abandon their mission of evangelism. The oppression and persecution could not hinder them from preaching Christ and Him crucified. When Paul refers to the shameful treatment he and Silas endured, he is not only thinking of their being falsely accused in Philippi, for that was only part of what the apostles had suffered. The apostles of Jesus Christ had been dragged into the marketplace before the rulers; they had been slandered, arrested, robbed of their clothing, imprisoned and had their feet locked in stocks. Nevertheless, in spite of this shameful suffering, by virtue of their union with Christ and therefore by His grace, they had summoned the courage to continue their work. They had heard Christ say: “When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next.” (Matthew 10:23). That’s precisely what they had done. They fled Philippi and journeyed to Thessalonica and continued to preach the gospel. Sometimes we become discouraged when living in a world filled with devils and here the Holy Spirit encourages us by showing us these disciples, desiring so eagerly and earnestly to tell the good news of the Gospel. They exerted themselves in order to do the will of God and win the Thessalonian people for Christ. Their example is given to spur us on in our attempts to evangelize. Suggestions for prayer Ask that God would fill you with a desire to witness and that He would give you the courage to speak His name boldly despite the opposition. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 5 - Turning away from idols

“For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:9 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:6-12 By nature, every person is an idol worshipper. That’s how the Thessalonians and we too, are born as a consequence of the “fall” in the Garden. But the Lord performed the miracles of rebirth in Thessalonica. Paul preached, the Spirit was active and hearts were made new. Idol worshippers were transformed into God worshippers. False Gods were abandoned and the true God was embraced. Those two activities always accompany true conversion. Turning from idols to God is evidence of authentic rebirth. When a man continues to serve idols he is not familiar with true conversion. The same is true for one who turns only temporarily from false gods. Think of Orpah (Ruth 1:14). She had been told of the true God of Israel by Naomi. When Naomi informed her daughters-in-law that she was returning to the land of the true God, initially Orpah followed her, turning away from her false gods and going with Naomi to the true God. However, she turned and returned to her country, her people and her false gods. Authentic rebirth had not found root in Orpah’s heart. However, in Thessalonica God had performed the miracle of regeneration. Think about that today as you go to worship, for it is still through preaching that men and women are regenerated. God will never abandon the work of His hands. What a blessed comfort for us to know that: He who began a good work in you will bring it to completion on the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). Suggestions for prayer As you worship on this Lord’s Day, ask God to show you the idols in your life and then ask Him to turn your heart away from them. Ask Him for the necessary grace and desire to serve only Him. Thank Him for the miracle of rebirth. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 4 - God has chosen you

“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:4 Scripture reading: Ephesians 1:1-12 It doesn’t matte...

Daily devotional

November 3 - We give thanks to God for you

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:2 Scripture reading: Psalm 65:1-...

Daily devotional

November 2 - Grace to you and peace

“To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Scripture rea...

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November 1 - Introduction to Thessalonians

Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians opens a window onto a newly planted church in the middle of the first century AD. It tells us how it came i...

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October 31 - Heavenly citizenship

“Since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” - Hebrews 11:40 Scripture reading: Philippians 3:12-21 Blessed Reformation Day to you! Over 500 years ago, Martin Luther nailed ninety-five theses on a church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This sparked the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation spread through Germany and into France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, etc. Now, some 500 years later, we are citizens of the US or Canada or wherever as sons and daughters of the Reformation. However, from our Scripture reading, in Philippians 3:20, we see that our citizenship is in heaven. We live here on earth and might have a nice life. Maybe you thoroughly enjoy life and you are experiencing good health, a strong faith, etc. Maybe not. In either situation, the words of Hebrews 11:40 must be taken to heart, “God had planned something better for us…” We also have a spiritual life, faith, devotion to the Lord, watchfulness unto Christ’s return, and sanctification in the Spirit. On this Reformation Day, thank God for the recovery of the Word, so that we do not have to live in the shadow of the Latin Vulgate (Medieval Bible), but that we may read the Word of life and place this central in our homes and lives. We have a great advantage over all the saints found in Hebrews 11; none of them had the complete Word of God. We see more promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ than the Old Testament saints could see, but even now, we look ahead to the culmination of all things in the Lord Jesus Christ. On this Reformation Day let us pray “Maranatha, Lord Jesus, come quickly.” Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the Protestant Reformation. Ask the Lord to sanctify His Word in our hearts that we might walk in its light. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 30 - Commended for their faith

“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,” - Hebrews 11:39 Scripture reading: I Corinthians 10:1-13 As Christians, we are not too quick to praise men for their faith. After all, Ephesians 2:8-10 says it is a gift from God. However, I Corinthians 10 mentions that some things are recorded in Scripture to be examples to us. These examples might be to warn us of a complacent faith. For instance, are you living your Christian faith merely out of habit or out of a heartfelt desire to serve and glorify God? There are examples in Scripture to encourage us in our walk with God and we have been seeing these things from Hebrews 11. The Christian is called to contend for the faith by being faithful and fruitful. By grace, God will reward our good works, both in this life and in the life to come. The danger is to look for God’s commendation in this world alone. Some were commended for their faith, like the martyrs and it resulted in their death. True blessing and commendation from God cannot be measured by the material things and events around us. Our battle is not against flesh and blood and our reward for faithfulness, by the grace of God, is not made up of gold or silver. Our reward is the true blessing of God, as those who will definitely receive what our gracious God has promised. God is holy and sovereign and yet we are responsible to believe. When you deny yourself and follow Christ, you will be commended for your faith, not from man, but from your heavenly Father. Suggestions for prayer Ask for a heartfelt desire to serve and glorify God and that looks ahead to a heavenly reality. Ask for a persevering faith. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 29 - The faith of the martyrs

“…of whom the world was not worthy (NKJV).” - Hebrews 11:38a Scripture reading: II Kings 2:1-18 All men are conceived and born in sin and worthy of condemnation. Without grace, there is no hope for the sinner. However, every once in a while, the Lord raises up a servant of such godliness that those who see him, see a unique servant of God. Elijah was one in the Old Testament of whom it could be said that this world was not worthy of him. Over four hundred and fifty years ago, there was another man whom this world was not worthy of. He was in prison, ready to be hung after the Spanish Inquisition condemned him for his Calvinistic beliefs. Shortly before his death, he sat in prison and wrote one of the greatest love letters ever written to his dear and distraught wife. It is long, but let me quote in part, “…my dearly beloved….Consider the honour that God has done you, in giving you a husband who was not only a minister of the Son of God, but so esteemed of God that he allowed him to have the crown of martyrs. It is an honour the like of which God has never even given to the angels.” Shortly after writing this letter, at the age of 45 years, Guido de Bres, the author of the Belgic Confession of Faith, was pushed off the platform mid-speech by the hangman and received the crown of the martyrs. This world was not worthy of him. He has received his reward in Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to bless those who face death for the gospel. Many will be worshipping in secret tomorrow because of persecution. Thank God for faith. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 28 - The faith of the martyrs

“They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword.” - Hebrews 11:37a Scripture Reading: Acts 7:1-60 (shorter reading Acts 7:54-60) Hebrews 11:36-37 As we approach Reformation Day, we are mindful of those who have gone before us and have paid the ultimate price for their faith. The martyrs have given their lives. In Acts 7, we read the account of the first Christian martyr named Stephen. In Acts 7, we have one of the longest sermons found in the Scriptures and as sometimes happens when the truth is told, those who are not walking with the Lord become angry. He called his hearers stiff-necked and they did not like that. What was the result for Stephen, whose name means “crowned one”? They picked up stones and they stoned him to death. It is a very graphic death and if you are reading this to children, you will have to explain that for some, the cost of walking with Jesus will be their very lives. Stephen was privileged to testify of the work of Jesus Christ with his life. If, as the enemies of the resurrection claimed, that the disciples stole Jesus’ body, why would the apostles give their lives for a lie? They wouldn’t. Their lives testified to the fact that Jesus is risen and reigning. Stephen denied himself the riches of this world in order to inherit a crown of many jewels in the life to come. The faithful have always been persecuted and this will continue until that time when every knee will bow and every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for those who have gone before and given their lives as martyrs. Ask for strength to live with such fortitude/courage for the gospel. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 27 - Resurrection hope

“Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.” ...

Daily devotional

October 26 - By faith the weak become strong

“…were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” - Hebrews 11:34b Scripture reading: Judges 16:23-31;...

Daily devotional

October 25 - Rahab’s faith

“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” - Hebrews 1...

Daily devotional

October 24 - Jericho’s destruction

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” - Hebrews 11:30 Scripture Reading: Joshua 6:1-27 H...

Daily devotional

October 23 - Walk by faith

“By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land…” - Hebrews 11:29a Scripture reading: Exodus 13:17-14:31 Pharaoh changed his mind. After letting the people go, he realized his labor force was headed East. He decided to force them back. However, the Lord protected the people. The pillar of cloud and fire that led the people moved. Now, it separated the Israelites from the Egyptians, making it dark on one side of the cloud and light for Israel. They crossed the Red Sea which the Lord had miraculously parted. When the Egyptians tried to cross, the Lord let the waters return and the Egyptians were drowned. By faith, God’s people crossed the Red Sea. This becomes a picture of salvation, as mentioned in our baptism form. The same path which gave life to some, was the occasion of death for the others. Through water, Israel received life; by water, Egypt received death. The same waters of baptism which picture Christ’s blood washing away all of our sins, will be the same waters that picture death, if the salvation pictured is rejected. By faith, God’s people crossed the Red Sea because they trusted the promises of God. We also are called to walk by faith and not by sight. What do you think an Israelite child thought as he looked at the wall of water around him? His parents surely would have told him that the Lord is our protector. Grab hold of your baptism and say, “Yes, I believe those promises are mine.” Then walk the route the Lord has opened to you in His Word. Suggestions for Prayer Ask God for mercy to walk the path He calls us to walk. Praise God for His grace amidst judgment. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 22 - The faith of Moses

“By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.” - Hebrews 11:28 Scripture reading: Exodus 12:1-30 After nine plagues were unleashed upon the Egyptians, the tenth plague would be the worst. The angel of death would pass through each house and snuff out the life of the firstborn son. There would be a very real and serious consequence to oppressing those whom the Lord called His firstborn in Exodus 4:22. There was only one way to escape the great punishment. The faithful were to slaughter the Passover lamb and paint the door frame of their homes with the blood of the lamb. When the angel saw the blood, it would pass by that house. Here we have a picture of what Jesus Christ, that last and ultimate Lamb of God, would perform. God’s judgment against sin is also very real and serious. The consequence is to spend eternity in hell. There is only one way of escape, there is only one way for the angel of death to pass by and that is to have the blood of the Lamb of God sprinkled upon your hearts. Jesus' blood was shed upon the cross in order to forgive our sins. The paintbrush of the Holy Spirit applies that to our hearts by faith. We are called to receive with the hand of a beggar, not merely a passing by of death, but of a glorious inheritance as we reign forever with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our Passover. Suggestions for Prayer Thank God for a glorious salvation. Ask for grace to find in Jesus all that you need to be made right before God. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 21 - The faith of Moses

“By faith…he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” - Hebrews 11:27 Scripture reading: Exodus 4:1-17 In Exodus 4, Moses makes three more protests to God. He is concerned the people won’t believe him (v.1); he next says he is not eloquent in speech (v.10); thirdly, he simply says “please send someone else” (v.13). Why would the Lord call Moses to such a task? From a human perspective he seems so unfit for the work. He is already 80 years old, he might have a speech impediment, he lacks confidence, he doesn’t take rejection very well (Exodus 6) and he doesn’t want to do it. In a way, this makes Moses the perfect candidate. There will certainly be no room for pride in Moses when he realizes that God can shoot straight with a crooked arrow. God has chosen the foolish things of this world to accomplish His purposes. It is not by might or power, but by the Word of the Lord that the kingdom expands and permeates the world around us. The “foolishness” of preaching is able to soften the heart of the hard-hearted. It is by the Word that the sorrowful are comforted, the wayward are called back, the searcher is shown the path. How many men have been elected to church office and thought, “Certainly Lord, there are far more qualified men.” But, the Lord calls us, sometimes to great and sometimes to difficult positions and places in this life. Will He also give us the grace for that? Yes, because He has promised to do so (II Corinthians 12:9). Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord for strength to fulfill your calling(s) in life. Thank Him for His patience with you. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 20 - The faith of Moses

“By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” - Hebrews 11:27 Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:1-22 After Moses killed the Egyptian, he fled to Midian and there he settled down. He found a wife, had two sons and became a shepherd for his father-in-law. How would Moses lead the people out of Egypt if he was a shepherd, far away? Just like God did with Abraham, He miraculously came to Moses. In Exodus 3, we see the theophany of the burning bush. Here Moses saw Him Who is invisible. The Lord had a great plan for Moses and for the people. He was going to bring them out of slavery in Egypt. However, it would be a difficult process. More than once, the Lord prepares Moses for Pharaoh to say, “No.” (Exodus 3:19; 4:21). Pharaoh’s heart will be hardened to the requests of Moses and Aaron to let the people go. Moses’ faith will be tested. He will cry out to God in Exodus 5:22-23 after Pharaoh makes things even more difficult for the Israelites. It would be a redemption that took time, just as it would be 1500 years later. Our Lord Jesus Christ had to endure many hardships to save His people. He had to be tested and tempted by the Evil One. He had to endure the shame, the cross and the grave, in order to be raised victorious on Easter morning. Moses is going to deliver the people from slavery to Pharaoh. Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer from sin, death, and hell. “Hallelujah, what a Saviour.” Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving through the steps of Christ’s humiliation and exaltation as found in the Apostle’s Creed. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 19 - The faith of Moses

“choosing…the people of God…” - Hebrews 11:25 Scripture reading: Exodus 2:11-15; Hebrews 11:24-28 Over the next few days we will talk ab...

Daily devotional

October 18 - Disobeying pharaoh by faith

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afra...

Daily devotional

October 17 - Joseph’s bones

“By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.” - Hebrews 11:22�...

Daily devotional

October 16 - Jacob’s blessing

“By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.” - Hebrews 11:21 Scripture rea...

Daily devotional

October 15 - Isaac’s blessing

“By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.” - Hebrews 11:20 Scripture reading: Genesis 27:1-40 This is an interesting verse, because it deals with a situation where Isaac was deceived. Jacob pretended and lied saying that he was the older son, Esau. Yet, when Isaac found out, he did not take the blessing back, but kept it, for he knew it was the will of the Lord. The promise of the covenant would flow through Isaac to Jacob. The fact that Jacob, who was younger, is mentioned first, is likely either in that order because he was blessed first, or probably because of the covenant prominence as being elect. Jacob and Esau are used later in Scripture in Romans 9 as an example of God’s electing grace. It is not by the will of man, but by the power of God. Isaac believed the Lord, but it was the Lord who used Isaac in his old age, unable to see, to give the promise first given to Abraham; and the church on earth, through God’s redemption, continues to grow. The battle belongs to the Lord. Moses had to learn this, Gideon had to learn this and we have to continue to remember this. We are called to work and pray, but it is God who ultimately accomplishes His good purposes. Hebrews 11:20 mentions Jacob and Esau’s future. This is what it comes down to…what will the future hold? Flee to Christ and receive the assurance of an everlasting inheritance from the Lord. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His mighty hand in saving sinners. Ask the Lord to give you a future-oriented heart as you live in the present. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 14 - Isaac resurrected

“He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” - Hebrews 11:19 Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-19 (notice anything new the second time?) When Abraham loaded up his donkey and headed to sacrifice, Isaac was as good as dead. Isaac was going to be sacrificed to God, because God told Abraham to do exactly that. Once they got to the mountain, Isaac asked Abraham a very telling question in Genesis 22:7, “’The fire and wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’” We know the answer to the question; the offering was going to be Isaac. Abraham responded honestly, but in a unique way, “God will provide the lamb,” he said. They get to the spot of sacrifice and right when Abraham is going to kill Isaac, the angel stops him. Just then (vs. 13), Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns. Abraham took it instead and sacrificed it. In a precursor to Jesus Christ, God provides the sacrifice. It wasn’t a coincidence that the ram happened to be there, caught in the thicket. God directed this. By faith, Abraham followed directions just as God had told him to do. By grace, God provided a ram in the bushes as the sacrifice, just as he would eventually provide the Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom it was said by John the Baptist, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29). Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He provides a Saviour from sin. Ask God to give us the Spirit, that we might live by faith and take God at His Word. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 13 - Abraham and Isaac

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac,” - Hebrews 11:17 Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-19 Year after year, Abraham and Sarah waited for a child to be born. After all, didn’t God tell Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the sand on the seashore and the stars in the sky? Sarah had given up. But one day, that all changed. Finally they had a son of their own, named Isaac. It was with that son that God was going to test Abraham. What would Abraham have thought as he headed toward the mountain? If Isaac dies, how is the promise going to be fulfilled? The rest of Hebrews 11:17 shows the spiritual struggle. God had said one thing, but now it seems that God is saying something very different. There is no such thing as an untested faith. Now, when it seemed that to carry through with what God said would undermine God’s own plan, will Abraham listen to God, or to his own logic? Abraham was tested and he was shown to be obedient. The Lord Jesus Christ was brought up on the temple and he was tempted by the Devil. He was obedient to the Lord. He obeyed God’s Word, even though Satan was twisting it. There are times in our lives when we will have to recognize that God is wise and we are not. We must continue to deny self and follow Christ. Let us pray, not my will, but Your will be done. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank the Lord that trials strengthen our faith. Ask God to protect you from temptation and to fight against sin, for His glory. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 12 - God’s city

“Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” - Hebrews 11:16b Scripture reading: Genesis 19:1-29 (graphic) alternate reading: Gen. 19:12-29 Most of this week so far, we have been developing the theme of a non-earthly city of God. We have seen that this city is heaven, or technically, the new heavens and earth. But, it is not here yet; therefore we must wait. In John 14, Jesus tells the disciples and us that He is going to heaven to prepare a place for us. It is His city. In our Scripture reading, we see a very different city, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot and his family are the only ones rescued before fire and brimstone came down from heaven and destroyed that city. Though Lot’s family made it out, one member didn’t make it very far. Lot’s wife looked back, contrary to what the angel had instructed, and she became a pillar of salt. Every child can picture this in his mind, a tall salt pile. For us today, we are not in danger of turning into a pillar of salt. However, there is a danger of looking at the wrong thing. Paul, in Philippians 3, speaks of straining ahead, running a race, seeking a prize of the heavenward call. When we take our eyes off Jesus Christ and put them on ourselves, the things of this world, etc. we become easily lost. As pilgrims on a journey, let us stay the course. God has promised to bring us safely there. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that God is not ashamed of us: He calls us His children. Ask the Lord to strengthen us so that we may keep our eyes on Jesus. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 11 - Pilgrims on earth

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that the...

Daily devotional

October 10 - Stars and sand

“…descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” - Hebrews 11:12b Scripture readi...

Daily devotional

October 9 - The land of promise

“For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” - Hebrews 11:10 Scripture reading: Genesis 13...

Daily devotional

October 8 - Abraham believed

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was...

Daily devotional

October 7 - Noah the righteous (part 2)

“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” - Hebrews 11:7 Scripture reading: Genesis 7-9 or Genesis 8:18-9:17 As with many Old Testament narratives, we see grace amidst judgment. Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord. As a righteous man, when Noah got out of the ark, he sacrificed to the Lord and like Abel before Him, Noah’s sacrifice was pleasing to the Lord. The flood narrative can be compared to the covenant established with believers and their seed. The rainbow becomes a visible proclamation of an invisible reality, just like the waters of baptism. However, the object of the sign must be trusted. We must not put our trust in our baptism or in a rainbow, but in the God who supplies both. The rainbow, like witnessing a baptism, is a continual call to conversion (faith and repentance). In Hebrews 11:7, both condemnation and an inheritance of righteousness are mentioned. If you have been baptized, then you are still outside the ark and in great peril. If you have been baptized, then you must grab hold of that baptism and say in your heart, “Yes, I believe Jesus has washed away all of my sins and He gives me His righteousness.” When you do that, then you may offer a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord. We do not do this with the killing of an animal, but with a living sacrifice of thanks (Romans 12:1-2). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for baptism as a visible reminder of what He has done. Ask God to strengthen you so that your life is a pleasing sacrifice to Him. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 6 - Noah the righteous (part 1)

“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” - Hebrews 11:7 Scripture reading: Genesis 6:9-22 We don’t get very far in the Bible until we see that the world has become increasingly corrupt. It seems that sin and corruption spread as quickly as the human race filled the earth. In the midst of the wicked, there was one found to be righteous, named Noah. Though Noah, like all of the other heroes of faith was a sinner (cf. Genesis 9:21), yet, he believed the Lord. As a righteous man, Genesis 6:9 tells us, Noah listened to the Lord. He built an ark in order to preserve life on the earth. He was to take his wife, his three sons and their wives on the ark, along with two of each of the animals. The Lord gave Noah the exact specifications for this ark. It was a huge undertaking, especially in Noah’s days. But he did it. Noah heeded the warning of the Lord. We are all descendants of Noah because Noah believed the Lord. The world in which we live mocks the idea of any real danger in the future, in a similar way that Noah’s neighbours must have mocked him. The urgency of the gospel is that the storm clouds of the flood are on the horizon; the time is near. Will you be in the ark when the rain begins to fall? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to give you faith in what is not seen and to take God at His Word. Pray also for your unbelieving neighbours, that they might heed the call of the gospel. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 5 - A God-pleasing faith

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek him.” - Hebrews 11:6 Scripture reading: Luke 6:43-49 The Heidelberg Catechism teaches, in Lord’s Day 24, the nature and reward of our good works. It begins with the fact that we are sinners. However, it continues by explaining that we do good which is rewarded. How can we do good? We can and must do good because we are renewed. In Luke 6, Jesus teaches that a good tree bears good fruit. In Galatians 5, Paul talks about the rotten fruits of flesh and then he continues on and explains the fruit of the Spirit. Those who are grafted into Christ live through Him. I knew a man who had an apple tree in his yard. Over the years, he had grafted four different kinds of apples onto that tree. Green, yellow and red apples testified to a very clear reality. That tree was not naturally that way. So too, it is with us. At the end of the day, we must conclude, but for the grace of God, what would we be? We are brought, supernaturally, to a position we are not in by nature. Praise be to God! When we read a verse like Hebrews 11:6, we are both comforted and encouraged in the Christian walk. As you live in grace, seek to bear the fruits of righteousness. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would make you fruitful and diligent in your walk with Him. Ask the Lord to make His grace shine through you so that others may be won over to Christ. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 4 - Enoch walked with God

“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commended as having pleased God.” - Hebrews 11:5 Scripture reading: Genesis 5:21-24 Enoch goes down in history as one who never experienced an earthly death; 365 years of living and then he was taken. Why? Because he pleased God. Genesis 5 says that he walked with God. There is much written about Enoch in extra-biblical sources. But, if we stick just with the Bible, there is not much information. He walked with God. The Lord took him. The point is not that if we walk with God we will be translated out of this life. A takeaway, however, must be that the Lord rewards those who are obedient to him. In Enoch’s case, that reward came in life. The reward of righteous living is given by grace. It comes to one in a different way than another, in this life and the next. What does it mean to “walk with God?” It means to trust Him, in Jesus Christ (Romans 6:4), to live in and through Him; it means to love Him and serve Him. The goal of one’s life as he walks with the Lord, goes from self glory to God’s glory. May it be our prayer that at the end of our lives, though we were sinners, it may be said that we “walked with God.” Suggestions for Prayer Ask the Lord to strengthen your walk with Him. Repent of ways which have kept you from walking with God and resolve to keep Jesus as your central focus. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 3 - Abel still speaks?

“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting hi...

Daily devotional

October 2 - Creation out of nothing!

“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” - Heb...

Daily devotional

October 1 - Introduction to the reformation

As we walk in this world as those seeking to be Nearer to God, it is a tremendous comfort to know that others have gone before us. The path that we mu...

Daily devotional

September 30 - To God be the glory!

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” - Romans 11:33: ...

Daily devotional

September 29 - Jesus, the only way

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”” - John 14:6 Scripture reading: John 14:1-6 In Proverbs 9, we met Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly. Both women competed for the attention and affection of the young man about to step out into the big world. Lady Wisdom woos us to walk with her in the way of life in fellowship with God. Lady Folly woos us to walk with her in the way of death, apart from God. Jesus is Lady Wisdom. He tells us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Lady Folly confronts us through a variety of voices that claim otherwise. They lecture that this exclusive claim is dangerous. It leads to a sense of superiority, oppression and violence. Other voices insist that worshipers from a variety of religions worship the same God. There are many ways to Him, not just one. Maybe you work or connect with people who find the exclusive claims of Christ hateful. Maybe you find that intimidating. First, know in your heart that reconciliation with God through Christ is your deepest need and theirs. Second, drink deeply of the gospel so that humility and love for lost people in your life will drive out all smugness, self-righteousness and superiority. Third, seek to order your life according to God’s wise blueprint in humble reliance on the Holy Spirit. This will make your life attractive. It will give you opportunities to point others to Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for reconciling you to Him in Christ. Ask Him to draw others to faith in Christ through you. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 28 - Heart smart

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” - Proverbs 21:2 Scripture reading: Proverbs 21:2; Proverbs 3:5-6 Are you heart smart? Are you self-aware? Are you ever blind to the deeper motives of your heart, to how others experience you, to things about you and your ways that everyone sees but you? “Every way of a man is right in his own eyes” (Proverbs 21:2). Wise people assume this is naturally true of them. They recognize their need to be aware of this gut-level dynamic and work against it. In our fallenness, we tend to trust our own judgment over the judgment of God and others. We are convinced that we are right. We are convinced that our course of action is right. We are convinced that our motives are right. We will not allow others to throw us off course with their inconvenient questions, observations and arguments. This is pride. In fact, this is the pride of Adam and Eve in the garden who ate the fruit when the serpent promised, “you will be like God, knowing good and evil” (Genesis 3:8b). Remember that “the LORD weighs the heart” (Proverbs 21:2b). We must rely on Him, in His word and through prayer, to evaluate our ways. We must also value the way God uses others to challenge our delusions of rightness in line with His Word. May God Himself give us the humility and security in Christ to invite Him to weigh our hearts. May we treasure the ways He uses godly people we trust to show us our self-deception and blind spots. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for the humility and security in Christ that you need to be open to correction. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 27 - Deep sea fishing

“The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” - Proverbs 20:5 Scripture readings: Proverbs 20:5; Psalm 139:1-24 Space has been called ‘the final frontier.’ Space, however, is not the only unexplored realm in God’s vast creation. The ocean depths are also largely unknown to us. They contain many mysterious creatures, waiting to be discovered! Proverbs 20:5 tells us that the human heart is like the ocean deep. The purposes of our hearts, the deepest loves, desires, fears and gut-level emotions that drive us, operate at a subconscious level. They remain unexamined, yet they drive us. Think of a time the intensity of what you felt or how you reacted to something, surprised you. Had someone asked about it, you could not have explained it. At that moment, you need “a man of understanding” who “will draw it out” (Proverbs 20:5b). You need someone in your life who will go deep-sea fishing in your soul. This person asks the right questions that help you clarify what is driving you on the heart level. This is one quality of a wise, effective counsellor. God can use you to do the same for others. Above all, the God of Psalm 139, who knows you inside and out and who knit you together in your mother’s womb, will show you the deep, driving purposes of your heart. That is why Psalm 139 ends with the prayer, “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23-24). Suggestions for Prayer Thank God that He knows and can show you what is deep in your heart. Pray the prayer of Psalm 139:23-24. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 26 - Gossip

“The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.” - Proverbs 18:8 Scripture readings: Proverbs 18:8; Ephesians 4:15-16 Today’s proverb makes a sobering observation about sinful human beings. We have a taste for gossip. “The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body” (Proverbs 18:8). When a whisperer offers us a scrumptious gossip-morsel on a platter, we eagerly receive and savour it. It hits the spot. It goes down into the inner parts of the body. This proverb prompts us to ask, “Why?” Why is it so hard to let the gossip-platter go by without partaking? Why are such morsels so delicious? The answer is found in the sinful heart. That is where this proverb aims to take us. Let the truth of this proverb drive us to prayer: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” (Psalm 139:23–24). Something in us enjoys hearing about the sins, scandals, skeletons, struggles and secrets of others. It makes us feel better about ourselves. It makes us feel superior to them. It feeds our self-righteousness. It makes us feel powerful to possess a sensitive bit of information that we could use to shame or hurt them. Maybe a juicy bit of gossip gratifies some perverse lust. Maybe, you feel important, like the star of a drama, when you can tell someone else. Then you become a whisperer yourself. Father, forgive us. Holy Spirit, sanctify us. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to forgive you for and purify you from your appetite for gossip. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 25 - The fear of the Lord, the fear of man (part 2)

Daily devotional

September 24 - The fear of the Lord, the fear of man (part 1)

Daily devotional

September 23 - Wisdom about companions (part 2)

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” - Proverbs 18:24 Scripture readings: Prove...

Daily devotional

September 22 - Wisdom about companions (part 1)

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” - Proverbs 13:20 Scripture readings: Proverbs 13:20; 1...

Daily devotional

September 21 - Talk and toil

“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” - Proverbs 14:23 Scripture readings: Proverbs 14:23; Isaiah 55:10-11 “You’re a big talker.” That describes the person who always tells you what he is going to do, but never gets around to doing it. He says, “I’m going to start my own landscaping company” but turns down a summer landscaping job to sit around. She says, “I’m going to run a marathon for charity,” but never gets up early to run. They pledge to meet weekly for prayer, but two-thirds of the group peels off after two weeks. “Mere talk tends only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23b). If you only talk about the great job you’re going to get, but never actually go out and get one, you will remain penniless. In addition, if you never put feet to your ideas, they will remain fruitless. However, “in all toil there is profit” (Proverbs 14:23a). A teenager lands a summer landscaping job. Eventually, he starts his own business. A young woman starts running three miles three times a week. Eventually she runs a marathon, raising $10,000 for missions. A small group meets consistently to pray for conversions in the church and community. The Holy Spirit begins to change hearts. The proverb does not say “talk tends only to poverty”, but “mere talk tends only to poverty. Deeds begin with dreams. Initiatives begin with ideas. Above all, God is not a “big talker.” Isaiah 55:10-11 alerts us that His words give birth to life-giving works. We see this especially in the redemptive words and works of our Lord Jesus. Suggestions for Prayer Thank God that His life-giving words produce life-giving results. Ask Him to help you walk your talk. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 20 - Watch your mouth (part 2)

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1 Scripture readings: Proverbs 15:1; 1 Kings 12:1-15 I was in a public space, chatting with several people I did not know. Initially, they were friendly with me and each other. Then one of them made a comment about covid vaccines. The other responded with a snide remark. The first escalated with an insult. Suddenly, they were yelling insults and obscenities at one another. I tried to intervene, without success. “A harsh word stirs up anger” (Proverbs 15:1b). We have all fallen into this, even if not as dramatically as the two people above. Someone tells you to stop chewing with your mouth open. Annoyed, you tell her to leave the room if she doesn’t like it. She calls you a slob. You call her a control-freak. Soon, the words ‘always’ and ‘never’ get used and a host of past grievances surface. However, “A soft answer turns away wrath” (Proverbs 15:1a). This truth is so wise and so simple, yet so easily goes out the window when we get angry. When someone’s words leave you irritated or defensive, pause and count to ten. Use that time to pray briefly and silently for wisdom, grace and self-control. That prayerful pause increases the likelihood that your response will defuse anger. Consider King Rehoboam in 1 Kings 12. His subjects approached him, exasperated by high taxes. His father’s advisors recommended a soft answer that would have turned away their wrath. His peers, however, advised him to respond harshly. This escalated into a full-blown rebellion that split the nation. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the love and wisdom necessary to turn away wrath rather than to stir up anger. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 19 - Watch your mouth (part 1)

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” - Proverbs 12:18 Scripture readings: Proverbs 12:18; Ephesians 4:29 There’s an old saying, “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me.” That’s not what Scripture tells us. “There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts” (Proverbs 12:18a). We have all done it when we are angry. We use our tongues like a weapon, hacking and slashing. Or we direct our words, like a scalpel, with cold, calculated precision, to cut where it hurts most. This is true of our cyber-tongues on social media as well. Once the words are out, you can’t take them back. James reminds us, “No human being can tame the tongue. It is a restless evil, full of deadly poison. With it we bless our Lord and Father, and with it we curse people who are made in the likeness of God” (James 3:8-9). However, we can humble ourselves before God and others and confess our reckless words. The blood of Jesus washes away our guilt and God forgives us. His Spirit within can tame our tongues. “The tongue of the wise brings healing” (Proverbs 12:18b). Maybe you have experienced the joy of saying something that encouraged or comforted another person. Maybe someone else’s words have restored you. Above all, Jesus speaks to us in the gospel with life-giving, healing power. “Let no corrupting talk come out of your mouths, but only such as is good for building up, as fits the occasion, that it may give grace to those who hear” (Ephesians 4:29). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His life-giving speech. Ask Him to sanctify your mouth. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 18 - Thoughts on wealth and poverty

“A rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.” - Proverbs 10:15 Scripture readings: Proverbs 10:15; 1 Timothy 6:17-19 Proverbs 10:15 is descriptive, not prescriptive. It is an observation about what it is like to be rich and poor in our world. Wisdom begins with awareness, leading to reflection, leading to wise action. “A rich man’s wealth is his strong city” (Proverbs 10:15a). When you are a middle or upper-class person, your money buys a lot. It buys you the best education. It buys you better healthcare. It buys you a home in a more secure neighbourhood. It buys you a better lawyer when you need one. It buys church buildings, programs and theological training. It buys provision for old age. When we have money, we don’t think about how much it does for us. When we inhabit middle or upper-class communities, we also don’t think about how “the poverty of the poor is their ruin” (Proverbs 10:15b). This proverb invites us to do so. It invites us to step into the lives and world of the poor, invite God to shatter our simplistic assumptions about them and consider what it looks like to embody the gospel among them. This proverb also alerts us that we probably trust in our money over God more than we realize. “As for the rich in this present age, charge them not to be haughty, nor to set their hopes on the uncertainty of riches, but on God, who richly provides us with everything to enjoy” (1 Timothy 3:17). Let us acknowledge God as the Source of our wealth. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His material blessings. Ask Him to open your eyes and heart to the plight of the poor. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 17 - Wisdom, folly, and sin

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” - Proverbs 28:13 Scripture re...

Daily devotional

September 16 - Check your heart (part 2)

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offences.” - Proverbs 10:12 Scripture readings: Proverbs 10:12; Proverbs 19:11 “Love covers a...

Daily devotional

September 15 - Check you heart (part 1)

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offences.” - Proverbs 10:12 Scripture readings: Proverbs 10:12; Mark 7:20-23 Proverbs 10:12 con...

Daily devotional

September 14 - Make hay while the sun shines

“He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.” - Proverbs 10:5 Scripture readings: Prover...

Daily devotional

September 13 - Laziness and diligence (part 2)

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” - Proverbs 10:4 Scripture readings: Proverbs 10:4; Colossians 3:23-24 Proverbs 10:4 contrasts laziness and diligence. Laziness is the avoidance of the effort necessary to accomplish a goal. Diligence, however, is the application of the effort necessary to accomplish a goal. “The hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4b). A diligent person applies himself at work. He embraces work as part of God’s wise design for human thriving. He knows that hard work will help him grow, earn the trust of those he works for, and help him advance in the workplace or expand his business. A diligent person knows that if she focuses on her studies, her study habits and learning will develop her character and competence for her next chapter in life. The diligent person is willing to work hard to repair a relationship. She knows that active listening and Christlike communication will not be easy, but they are worth it. The diligent person understands that spiritual growth in communion with God requires gospel-driven effort. Diligent people sometimes lose their focus or slide into discouragement. Isaiah 49:4 prophesies of Jesus, “But I said, ‘I have laboured in vain. I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense is with my God’.” Christ’s diligence produced the salvation of all who repent and believe in Him! “Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Suggestions for prayer Thank Jesus for His diligence in our place. Ask God for the faith and discipline to be diligent. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 12 - Laziness and diligence (part 1)

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” - Proverbs 10:4 Scripture readings: Proverbs 10:4; Galatians 6:6-9 Proverbs 10:4 presents a sharp, two-line contrast between the way of laziness and the way of diligence. Laziness is the avoidance of the effort necessary to accomplish a goal. A lazy person loves a paycheque but works as little as possible to get it. He goofs off when the boss isn’t watching. Then he gets upset when his hard-working co-worker gets a promotion and a raise, but he doesn’t. A lazy student does the bare minimum to get by. Her teacher says, “If Beth would apply herself, she could really go places.” Laziness takes other forms. Maybe we lack the drive to practice disciplines that will help us grow spiritually. Maybe we avoid the effort required to restore a damaged relationship through Christlike communication. “A slack hand causes poverty” (Proverbs 10:4a). This refers primarily to material poverty. However, it also applies to spiritual, relational and developmental poverty. We become lazy when we lack vision, hope or focus. If I have no vision for how hard work will help me glorify God, grow as a person, provide for others, add value to others’ lives, or get ahead, why bother? If I believe there is no hope of restoring a relationship, why try? If I have no focus on how I can grow in fellowship with God, why pursue spiritual habits that will help me? “And let us not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up” (Galatians 6:9). Suggestions for prayer Ask God to forgive you for any laziness in your life. Ask Him for the grace of diligence. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 11 - What is a proverb?

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wise and their riddles.” - Proverbs 1:5-6 Scripture reading: Proverbs 1:1-7 A proverb is a catchy saying that captures some truth about life. All cultures use proverbs to hand down wisdom from generation to generation. Consider some pithy sayings in our own culture. “Make hay while the sun shines.” “Haste makes waste.” “Fail to plan, plan to fail.” “Why buy the cow when you can get the milk for free?” “A stitch in time saves nine.” “You can lead a horse to water, but you can’t make it drink.” “Play with fire, and you’ll get burned.” “Don’t dish it out if you can’t take it.” Discuss these and others you know. Proverbs is a collection of inspired proverbs, given to us by God. Handle individual proverbs with care. Misapplied, they are useless at best, harmful at worst. “Like a lame man’s legs, which hang useless, is a proverb in the mouth of fools... Like a thorn that goes up into the hand of a drunkard is a proverb in the mouth of fools” (Proverbs 26:7,9). Take Proverbs 22:6: “Train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it.” Treated as an absolute promise rather than a generalization, it can torment the souls of faithful parents when a child goes astray. Also, many proverbs are descriptive rather than prescriptive. For example: “‘Bad, bad,’ says the buyer, but when he goes away, then he boasts” (Proverbs 20:14). This is not a recommendation for how to do business with others! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for giving us a treasury of proverbs. Ask Him to help you understand and apply them. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 10 - With all your heart, in all your ways

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” - Proverbs 3:5-6 Scripture reading: Proverbs 3:5-6 People listen to and follow someone they trust. Ninety years ago, many trusted Hitler to lead them down the path to prosperity. They listened to his lies and followed him. Hitler led Germany to ruin. Wisdom begins with trusting Someone trustworthy. “Trust in the LORD with all your heart” (Proverbs 3:5a). You can trust Him to guide you down life-giving paths because He is wise and He loves His children. We must not trust ourselves. “Do not lean on your own understanding” (Proverbs 3:5b). Too often, we trust our own instincts and perspectives without consulting God and others. We assume that we know best. This is arrogant and foolish. “The way of a fool is right in his own eyes, but a wise man listens to advice” (Proverbs 12:15). Our thinking is finite and fallen. Sin within deceives us and blinds us to our true motives. “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick; who can understand it?” (Jeremiah 17:9). “All the ways of a man are pure in his own eyes, but the LORD weighs the spirit” (Proverbs 16:2). We must consult the LORD as we navigate our paths. We must trust and listen to His voice in His Word. When we do, “He will make straight your paths” (Proverbs 3:6b). Today we gather with God’s people in His presence. May the Spirit enable you to trust in the LORD and listen to His voice. He will make your paths straight. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you trust Him as you meet Him in worship today. Ask Him to make straight your paths. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 9 - Two women, two days

“Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars... The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing.” - Proverbs 9:1,13 ...

Daily devotional

September 8 - The beginning of wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” - Proverbs 9:10 Scripture reading: Proverbs 9:...

Daily devotional

September 7 - What is wisdom?

“The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight…” - Proverbs 1:1-2 Scr...

Daily devotional

September 6 - The Spirit of Wisdom (part 2)

“For the palace is forsaken, the populous city deserted; the hill and the watchtower will become dens forever, a joy of wild donkeys, a pasture of f...

Daily devotional

September 5 - The Spirit of Wisdom (part 1)

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep.” - Genesis 1:1-2 Scripture reading: Genesis 1:1-2 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). He created it in line with His wise design. Christ turned the blueprint into breath-taking reality. But someone else was also involved: the Spirit of Wisdom (Isaiah 11:2a). Imagine a construction site with piles of material that needs to be ordered into a building, then filled with people and pets. God created the building materials. Then, in Genesis 1:3-31, He formed them into a creation-temple and filled it with life. “Now the earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep” (Genesis 1:2a). Here we see the jumble of building materials. Creation was still ‘tohu’ and ‘vohu’. That means ‘without form’ and ‘void’ in Hebrew. Now the Spirit enters the text. “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2b). He turned ‘tohu’ into order. He created water, sky and land rooms for creatures to live in. Then He turned ‘vohu’ into life, by breathing life into the creatures that would live in those rooms. Try this with Lego. Dump a jumbled pile of Lego on the floor. That pile is ‘tohu’, without form. Build that Lego into a structure with rooms. The structure is still ‘vohu’, void of life. Put Lego people and toy animals in the structure. Now it is filled with life. God the Spirit breathes order and life into God’s world. Thank Him for His wise and wonderful work! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the way His Spirit breathes order and life in creation and redemption. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 4 - Christ, the wisdom of God

“And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” - Colossians 1:17: Scripture reading: Colossians 1:15-20 Yesterday we saw how Lady Wisdom points to Christ, Who turns God’s creative and redemptive blueprints into reality. Christ is “the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation” (Colossians 1:15). “Firstborn” can describe a relationship, without describing origin. In Paul’s day, a Roman Caesar could adopt a successor as his legal heir, making the adopted son Caesar’s “firstborn”. God the Son has forever been His Father’s “firstborn” Son and Heir over all creation. By Him, God created all things. Paul then makes the astonishing claim, “He is before all things and in him all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16). The atom is the basic building block of the universe. Hydrogen excepted, every atom has a nucleus of multiple protons that cling to one another. Like positively charged magnets, they should repel one another. Yet, a powerful, awe-inspiring force holds them together. If it didn’t, everything would fly apart. Christ is that force. He holds all things together! In a world where everything falls apart, He is the One who puts it back together. “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 the cross” (Colossians 1:19-20). At the heart of His plan to hold creation together and to put it back together is His plan to put us back together in fellowship with Him. Call on Jesus. Be reconciled to God. Suggestions for prayer Thank Jesus Christ for reconciling you to God. Pray for those in your life who still need to be reconciled to God. Pastor Richard, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 3 - Introducing Lady Wisdom

“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old.” - Proverbs 8:22 Scripture readings: Proverbs 8:22-31; John 1:1-3 In the beginning, God enlisted a construction partner. She was Lady Wisdom. God had already drawn up the blueprints for the cosmos. Lady Wisdom eagerly took her place at His side, turning His blueprints into breath-taking reality, with great wisdom and skill. She executed His grand plan for a world with ocean depths, flowing springs, rugged mountains, majestic skies and human beings. God delighted in her marvellous skill and she rejoiced in Him. Together, they rejoiced in their finished masterpiece. Lady Wisdom is a personification of wisdom. John, however, alerts us that Wisdom is a Person – the Second Person of the Trinity who entered the world as Jesus Christ. “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through him and without him was not anything made that was made” (John 1:1-3). Jesus is also turning God’s blueprint for our redemption into reality. He is the Lamb of Revelation 5 who was worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals to move God’s plan of salvation forward. In the beginning, Father and Son rested and rejoiced in their finished masterpiece on the seventh day. One day, Father and Son will rejoice together over their completed masterpiece – God’s redeemed children and creation. This Lord’s Day, our Triune God calls us to gather to rest and rejoice in Him and in Christ’s finished work for us on the cross. Suggestions for prayer Thank King Jesus for moving God’s wise plan for redemption forward in our fallen world. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 2 - “What in the world…?” (part 2)

“O Lord, how manifold are your works! In wisdom have you made them all; the earth is full of your creatures.” - Psalm 104:24: Scripture reading: Psalm 104:24-35 God, in His wisdom, ordered the universe, down to its intricate details, so that life can thrive on earth. This God, “who out of nothing created heaven and earth and everything in them... still upholds and rules them by his eternal counsel and providence” (Heidelberg Catechism, Q&A 26). Science confirms what the Word proclaims. As of 2001, scientific studies had identified 150 precise conditions that must be in place and work together perfectly for life to exist on earth. Let’s consider several of those conditions. If earth were slightly larger, increased gravity would make life impossible. If earth were slightly smaller, decreased gravity would make life impossible. Extreme temperature swings would result if earth took longer than twenty-four hours to rotate. Extreme winds would result if earth took fewer than twenty-four hours to rotate. God commissioned Jupiter to be earth’s gigantic, magnetic bodyguard, sucking all kinds of space debris into itself that might otherwise hit planet earth. Our moon is just the right size to stabilize earth’s axis and ensure that the tides are just right to sustain life*. To declare this a mindless, cosmic accident makes as much sense as saying a tornado created a Boeing 747 when it whipped through a junkyard. Let us marvel at God’s wise design and rejoice that in Christ “all things hold together” (Colossians 1:16). *Eric Metaxas. Miracles: What They Are, Why They Happen, And How They Can Change Your Life. “Chapter 4: Is Life A Miracle?”. New York: Dutton, © 2014, pgs.40-41. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for specific ways that He upholds creation and provides for you day by day. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 1 - Introduction to God’s wisdom

Wisdom is one of our Triune God’s many glorious and beautiful attributes. He is the Source of all wisdom revealed and discovered in both creation an...

Daily devotional

August 31 - Maranatha, come Lord Jesus!

“And the Spirit and the bride say ‘Come!’” - Revelation 22:17 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:12-21; Philippians 3:7-14; Romans 13:11-14 ...

Daily devotional

August 30 - The new Jerusalem

“God Himself will be with them and be their God.” - Revelation 21:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-27; Ephesians 5:25-32; Song of Songs 6...

Daily devotional

August 29 - Vengeance belongs to God

“Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come…” - Revelation 14:7 Scripture reading: Revelation 14:6-20; Romans 12...

Daily devotional

August 28 - Redeemed purity

“These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins.” - Revelation 14:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 14:1-5; 1 John 1:5-2;2; Colossians 3:1-4 Do the celibate have a higher standing in the eyes of God? If I am married, or have fallen into sexual sin, can I join the 144,000? The character described in Rev. 14 is the character in Christ of the redeemed. They are redeemed, not perfect. The description of purity is best understood as a picture of the church as she faces the temptation of Babylon to participate in its worldliness (14:8). This means that though believers once fought on the wrong side, they fight on that side no longer and this now impacts the way they live. They are kept pure by actively fighting sin, living for Christ, and resisting the temptation of Babylon. Through daily grace they follow Jesus wherever He goes. God’s word reminds us that, in the end times, holiness matters. Fighting sin matters. While we will still commit sin until glory, God’s call on our lives is that we may not sin. But the emphasis here is not only on holiness, it is also on joy. Following Christ wherever He goes means the redeemed are worshipping Him in Zion even while battling on earth. We sing songs of redemption while still in the fight, while still experiencing daily victories and defeats. We thus see that the Christian life is neither casual with sin, austere in holiness, or having self-righteousness. It is a joy-filled, redemption-secured, Christ-pursuing life that, by grace, lays hold of victory. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to have the joy of Christ as I fight daily sin. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 27 - The 144,000 take two

“The hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.” - Revelation 14:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 14:1-5; Ephesians 2:1-10; 2 Timothy 2:23-26 What does it take to defeat a dragon? In stories the mightiest dragons often have a fatal flaw, a vulnerability which a single arrow might expose! In Revelation 14 we are shown how to beat a dragon. It is in a certain identity with specific characteristics that mark the victors. The first characteristic of v. 3 is this: they are redeemed from the earth. Take a moment to consider this. The 144,000 had to be redeemed. This means they once fought for the ‘other’ side. They fought against the Lamb, instead of for Him. Media and human nature encourage us to look at those standing across the aisle from us with tremendous animosity. We can mock them, ridicule them, expose them and shame them. We can come to church and pray, “Lord, I thank You that I am not like other men!” But the 144,000 weren’t flawless. They weren’t so wise that they never fell for the lie of the enemy. To the contrary, each and every one once stood ‘across the aisle.’ What made the difference was not their brains or brawn, but a God who redeemed. God still saves sinners. This is the fatal flaw in the devil’s strategy; Christ saves condemned sinners from right under the devil’s nose! In an age of increasing animosity, let us be a church marked by truth and grace, rejoicing that through the Gospel, God still saves sinners even from the ranks of the enemy. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help us to see Your saving power saving sinners. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 26 - The enemies of Christ: the enemies of the church

“Then he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God…” - Revelation 13:6 Scripture reading: Revelation 13:1-18; Matthew 24:1-14, Romans 12:1-2 Revelation 13 describes the dragon’s attack on the church. Earthly empires will attack God and His people using worldly power (pictured in the first beast). A powerful second ‘beast’ of propaganda (later in Revelation called ‘the false prophet’) will use deceit and ‘wonders’ to deceive the world into worshipping the first beast. Through persecution, power, pressure, and propaganda the world will be led further from God, and the power of these beasts will be such that only those with the seal of God will resist the lie. Revelation 13 is a terrifying chapter. God is showing us that in the end times there will be many reasons to compromise our faith. Apart from compromise, we won’t be able to buy or sell. Apart from compromise, we could face prison or even death. With the persuasion of the false prophet, compromise will seem reasonable. Who can make war with him? But there is One who can make war with him, and who has already crushed his head. All those who stand in Him will also find victory over the beasts. The 144,000 redeemed of Revelation 7 will appear again in Revelation 14, and despite the battle, not one will be lost. Today, we face manifestations of these foes. We may face pressure that makes us feel like compromise is the only way, the only reasonable option. But the enemy is defeated. The Lion of Judah is victorious. Glory awaits. Suggestions for prayer Lord help me to bow only to You and stand against sin. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 25 - The place of victory

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…” - Revelation 12:11 Scripture reading: Revelation 12:7-17; Romans 6 1-14 In the “Great” war we are called to fight, the outcome is never in question. The devil is defeated, and he is defeated through three key elements. First, believers overcome by the blood of the Lamb. It is the life, death, and resurrection of Christ that crushes the head of the serpent. Under His blood the accusations of the devil lose their power; we bear our sin no more. This grace empowers us to live for God’s glory and resist temptation. Second, they overcome by the word of their testimony. The gospel, as testified through the church, turns men “from the power of Satan to God” (Acts 26:18). When the church boldly and without apology proclaims the good news of salvation in Jesus Christ, (Romans 1:16) Satan himself is overcome by God’s Word and Spirit. Third, they overcome because they do not love their lives to the death. To gain Christ, they are willing to lose all. The devil is defeated as the church rejects his kingdom of darkness and embraces the kingdom of God’s glorious light. Today, we fight the same enemy, and use the same tactics: we must find forgiveness in the blood of Jesus, see Satan’s power broken through the Gospel of Christ, and follow Christ even to the death. The battle is won, we need not fear the outcome. Armed with this assurance we can bravely press on to victory! Suggestions for prayer Lord help me to fight with Christ as my strength, and may we know the battle is won. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 24 - The great war

“And war broke out in heaven…” - Revelation 12:7 Scripture reading: Revelation 12:1-6; Ephesians 6:10-20 After the assassination of the Ar...

Daily devotional

August 23 - Faithful until death, rewarded in resurrection

Daily devotional

August 22 - The two witnesses

“I will give power to My two witnesses…” - Revelation 11:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 11:1-6; Zechariah 4:1-7; Acts 1:6-8 Super heroe...

Daily devotional

August 21 - Eating the word

“Take and eat it…” - Revelation 10:9 Scripture reading: Revelation 10:8-11; Ezekiel 2:1-3:15 I once stood waiting for an elevator, with ...

Daily devotional

August 20 - The importance of repentance

“But they did not repent…” - Rev. 9:21 Scripture reading: Revelation 9; Psalm 51 Albert Einstein is attributed with the quote: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” Revelation 9:20-21 is one of the saddest passages in the book of Revelation. At the sound of the seven trumpets the Lord poured out His wrath on the human race. The price of sin is death. Earthly devastation, demonic torment, and widespread death all fall upon the earth. But the human race does not change. They see the fruit of their actions yet, in the terrifying words of Revelation 9:20-21, they do not repent. This hardness of heart is by nature present in each and every one of us. Have you ever seen a little child, caught in a lie, refusing to acknowledge the truth? The heirloom is broken on the floor, the rogue ball lies at their feet, no one else is home but they adamantly maintain it was the neighbour’s cat? The tragedy is not merely that we sin; the tragedy is that we sin and do not repent. We think things will improve without the need to humble ourselves and turn to God. This is insanity, and yet it lives in each of us apart from the redemptive work of Jesus. Where are we refusing to repent? Right now, God in His grace may be seeking you out. Don’t follow the pattern of this world. Return to the God who does not despise a broken and contrite heart! Suggestions for prayer See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 19 - Let all the earth keep silent

“There was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” - Revelation 8:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 8:1-12 Revelation repeatedly shows us the same world history – the period from the first coming of Christ to His second. The periods of judgment and redemption in those cycles culminate in the return of our Lord. Generally, the conclusion of one cycle (here the seals) marks the beginning of the next (the trumpets). Before the seven trumpets comes silence. To this point, every time our eyes have been directed to heaven it has been to witness the worship of the redeemed in the presence of God. In 8:1, the heavens are quiet for a full 30 minutes. There is a sobriety and weight in the plan of God which, at times, calls us to silence. What we are about to see is humbling. God will pour out His wrath upon the wicked. The judgment of the wicked gives the Lord no pleasure (Ez. 33:11), and the silence of heaven reflects the heart of God as He prepares to release another cycle of condemnation upon the world. As God’s people we must learn the discipline of silence. We must remember we deal with ultimate matters of heaven and hell, the King of kings, and the eternal damnation of men’s souls outside of Christ. Silence reminds us we are dust and He is the Lord. Such things should lead us to silence even as they lead us to praise. Suggestions for prayer Lord as I consider You today, help me to take time in quiet reverence before the greatness of Your name. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 18 - The good shepherd

“The Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them…” - Revelation 7:17 Scripture reading: Revelation 7:13-17; Psalm 23:1-6 Every year loved ones, either in our church, family, or friend circle, finish their earthly race. In Revelation 7 God gives us a special picture of heaven. He lets us know what we can expect when we are called home and the comfort we can have when this happens to Christians we love. Those who go to Christ in glory are forever in the presence of God. From the day of death to eternity, the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them (v17). When Jesus is surrounded by angelic hosts and vast multitudes praise Him in glory, He continues to shepherd and personally care for each of His children. He leads them to fountains of living water. God wipes away every tear from their eyes. Will we weep from godly sorrow over our past sins, or grief in being parted from loved ones? The Bible doesn’t tell us, but the Bible does tell us one thing. The tears won’t last long. God Himself will brush them away. We will be close enough to our Saviour that He will be able to reach out and wipe tears from our cheeks. God is good, and those who go to Him in glory experience a depth of His love and care we can never experience on earth. Don’t fear the final foe of death; just over the hill stands a glory that God guarantees for all who stand by faith in Him. Suggestions for prayer Lord, thank you for the comfort of Yourself in glory. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 17 - The centrality of worship

“Be to our God, forever and ever, Amen.” - Revelation 7:12 Scripture reading: Revelation 7:9-17 I had a Christian friend who often reminded us to be ‘re-centered.’ They were referring to the tendency that we forget what life is all about; the tendency to get a little too caught up in the things of this world, a little too distracted by the toys or the cares that present themselves on a daily basis. Amid distraction we need re-centering, and that comes through one practice - fixing our eyes on glory, fixing our eyes on Christ. In today’s vision of glory, several things come to the fore. First, all nations in great multitudes, will one day come before the throne of God in Spirit-filled devotion and praise. The greatest worship service you have ever experienced is waiting just around the corner, and it will not be stopped. It will have the most joyful songs, the most devoted focus, and the most glorious message. It will be a service with people from all nations who have one simple thing in common. All have washed their robes white in the blood of Christ, and now they come to praise Him. The book of Revelation repeatedly ‘re-centers’ us on worship. Is it still central in your life? In your day? Is Sunday worship the highlight of your week? In a life with many distractions, we all need re-centering. May our times of praise with the people of God anchor us on the beauty of Christ, and the blessings of serving Him! Suggestions for prayer Father, please help me not to lose a focus on Your glory in my daily living. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 16 - The 144,000

“Do not harm the earth…till we have sealed the servants of God…” - Revelation 7:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 7:1-8; Luke 21:10-19 T...

Daily devotional

August 15 - Refuge in the blood

“Hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb!” - Revelation 6:16 Scripture reading: Revelation 6:9-17...

Daily devotional

August 14 - The voice of the martyrs

"How long, O Lord?" - Revelation 5:10 Scripture reading: Revelation 6:9-11; Isaiah 49:14-23 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not h...

Daily devotional

August 13 - The four horsemen and the sovereign God

Daily devotional

August 12 - Worthy is the lamb

“For you were slain and have redeemed us to God…” - Revelation 5:9 Scripture reading: Revelation 5 What is necessary to carry out God’s work in the world? Surely qualities like zeal, holiness, or perseverance may come to mind. We may think of the need for better political leaders who can stem the tide of sin through righteous laws and just enforcement. We may yearn for a greater Christian influence in the media. But while all these answers can be God glorifying, the key in enacting God’s will is redemption, accomplished through Jesus, the One who is worthy to open the scrolls. God’s will cannot be accomplished through military power, or even righteous laws. It cannot be done in this way because God’s will is not merely to create an outward show of holiness. God’s will is to create a new people in Christ who will love Him and serve Him not from compulsion, but from the heart. And for this to happen the Lion of Judah must become the Lamb who was slain. For this to happen, we must be redeemed. Sometimes we can forget this all-important quality as we live in a world increasingly polarized between those on the supposed ‘right’ or ‘left’. Sin can anger us, causing us to forget both what God saved us from and the redemptive plan of God for those from every tribe, tongue, people and nation. To paraphrase the old song, “For not with swords loud clashing, or roll of stirring drums, with deeds of God’s salvation, the heavenly kingdom comes.” Suggestions for prayer Lord help us to see Your glory through the power of the Gospel. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

August 11 - The lion of Judah

“The Lion of the tribe of Judah…has prevailed…” - Rev. 5:5 Scripture reading: Revelation 5:1-8; Daniel 12; Matthew 6:9-10 While interpreting visions takes care, understanding the scroll in the hand of God is essential. It contains God’s purpose and plans for the future of His creation. This can be known with confidence because of what we read as the seals are opened (see Rev. 6:1-8:1), as well as the comparison to a similar vision in Daniel 12. When the angel asks who is worthy to open the scroll, he is asking if anyone is worthy to bring about God’s purpose on the earth. When no one is found, it teaches us that no mere human can bring God’s purposes to pass. We need to learn the sorrow of John in recognizing that in the billions of people on earth, not one could carry out or accomplish God’s will. We need to recognize that if God’s purposes depended on us, all would be lost! But here, we also need to learn the joy of Christ. Because of Jesus, John is commanded not to weep. Because of Jesus, God’s purposes won’t fail. Because of Jesus, it doesn’t matter how much opposition Christians face. God will secure His sheep. Because of Jesus, we should not lose hope even in the face of our own sin. God’s purposes depend not on us, but on His Son. Revelation 5 teaches us to lift up our heads. The Lion of Judah has overcome, and God’s purposes will triumph in Him both for this world and for you and me. Suggestions for prayer Lord, teach me the unfailing hope of knowing the victory found in Christ. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 10 - O worship the King

Revelation 4:8 Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty... Scripture reading: Revelation 4; Isaiah 6:1-8 How important is worship? On a scale of 1-10, how important, how life giving, is the worship of God to you? It is a humbling thing to realize how frequently the book of Revelation shows us the glory of God. Revelation will reveal to us the future. There will be visions of dragons and beasts, wars and martyrdom. But above it all, undergirding it all, is the glory of God and His worthiness to be praised. This is the emphasis of Revelation 4. Before we see the tempest of the following chapters, God shows us Himself. God is holy. He is separate from sin, most assuredly, but He is also separate from creation. He is above all things and even the sinless angels cannot stop praising Him in holy fear. The elders, who symbolize the victorious people of God, cast their crowns before Him and proclaim God alone as worthy. The reward of their perseverance, they cast before His feet: to God alone be glory! Worship is foundational to what life is about. It is something God calls us to participate in and consider repeatedly. It is never an option; we cannot do without it. It redirects our hearts away from the shaking sands of this world to the One who is immovable. It reminds us of who we are saved for. We have been made and redeemed for God’s glory; whatever this life may bring may we give Him the praise! Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to know Your glory, and give You praise. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

August 9 - Knowing need and fulfilling need

“But you do not know that you are wretched…buy from Me gold…” - Rev. 3:17-18 Scripture reading: Revelation 3:14-22; Judges 16:16-22; Isaiah 55:1-3 There is a particular verse in the Bible that always stops me dead in my tracks. The Philistines come upon Samson after his fall, and he says, “I will go out as before…and shake myself free!” But the verse continues, “But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.” Laodicea was a church that did not realize how far they had fallen. They thought they had it all. Like Samson, Laodicea was self-deceived, believing their strength came from themselves. Perhaps they thought that wealth and good standing was proof of God’s favour. But they did not know that the Lord had departed. Jesus warns them of their danger: He tells them He would vomit them from His mouth! Such words would be gut-wrenching to hear, but it is followed up immediately by encouragement. The encouragement is simple: Come to Jesus. You are more impoverished than you realized, but come buy gold, come buy clothes and buy because these things, from the hand of Christ, are free. Jesus shows that His harsh words to Laodicea are a proof, not of condemnation, but of love. He is driving them to Himself. At the end of his life, John Newton wrote: “Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Saviour.” Whatever material blessings God may send, may we not forget the great poverty we have in ourselves, and the great supply that is found in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to know my need and its satisfaction in Christ. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

August 8 - Hard pressed, but not destroyed

“For you have a little strength…” - Rev. 3:8 Scripture reading: Revelation 3:7-13; Luke 17:1-10 Have you ever admired those men and wome...

Daily devotional

August 7 - A good name

“Hold fast, and repent.” - Revelation 3:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 3:1-6; Isaiah 42:1-9 A lot can be said about a good reputation, but ...

Daily devotional

August 6 - A mark of the true church

“I know your works…nevertheless you allow that woman Jezebel…” - Revelation 2:19-20 Scripture reading: Revelation 2:18-29; Acts 20:17-36 ...

Daily devotional

August 5 - Pure devotion

“You have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam…” - Revelation 2:14 Scripture reading: Revelation 2:12-17; Numbers 24:15-25:3 The ci...

Daily devotional

August 4 - Poverty and riches

“…but you are rich.” - Revelation 2:9 Scripture reading: Revelation 2:8-22; 2 Corinthians 8:9 The church of Smyrna struggled to make its yearly budget. The pastor worked for peanuts and the people had little more. Church potlucks were well attended and joyful occasions, but not because of an abundance of food. The church lived for Christ, but because of this they learned what it was to suffer and go without. Of the seven churches Jesus writes to in Revelation only two are not rebuked. The first of those two is Smyrna. Living in physical poverty, spiritually they were millionaires. More hardship would come; Jesus reveals they would face prison and even death for His cause. This letter (like them all) is for us. There are times in these last days when to follow Christ will mean letting go of all this world has to offer, both financially and physically. Even today, following Christ can mean being willing to suffer for Him. It may be ridicule at school or work, losing a family business, or simply less earthly comfort as we support kingdom causes. It often means a life we did not anticipate. But Christ is worth it. There is greater glory ahead than what lays behind. Faithfulness unto death gains the crown of life. We are all called to count the cost of following Jesus. Let us join Smyrna, embrace the cross, and be truly rich. Suggestions for prayer Lord help me to follow You whatever the cost, and teach me the joy of gaining Christ. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

August 3 - A loveless church?

“You have left your first love.” - Rev. 2:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 2:1-7; 1 Corinthians 13 The church of Ephesus was known for diligent service and doctrinal faithfulness. They worked hard in God’s kingdom; if we knew them today we might see them supporting Christian schools, the pro-life movement, or care for the homeless. They were both discerning and diligent, two necessary traits! But because they lacked one thing, this church was warned by Jesus that unless they repented, they would cease to be a church. It’s hard to imagine that discernment and hard work for God’s glory can have a fatal flaw, but it can. It can lead to pride and a failure to love grace, or the sinners we are called to serve, or even the very God in whose name we serve. If someone described you as a Christian, would they say first and foremost that you loved Jesus, and secondly that you loved others? Sometimes we think the greatest danger in our world today is compromising on what is right, but the first thing Jesus warns His church about is losing love. When we recognize that we have ceased to live by love we need not despair. Jesus provides a way of escape. We need to remember the love that filled our hearts when we first learned of Christ, to ask God for forgiveness for having lost it, and recommit to pressing nearer to God and others in Christian love. God can rekindle this love and keep the lampstand burning, and He promises this grace for all who turn to Him. Suggestions for prayer Lord, rekindle my love for Christ. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

August 2 - Safe in the storm

“I am the Alpha and Omega…” - Rev. 1:8 Scripture reading: Revelation 1:4-8 Anchors may not be considered great treasures, but they can be invaluable tools. Not only do they steady a boat to enjoy fishing on a beautiful day, but in storms they keep boats from rocky shores. The future revealed in this book is at times stormy. There will be fearful visions of beasts and dragons, evil empires and earthly calamities. But before these things appear, God points us first to Himself: the Anchor who holds. Who is this God? He is the sovereign, all-powerful, resurrected Lord who loves us, washes us, and makes us glorious in Christ (even when we do not feel glorious). He is the victor, the One who is to come in glory, and who will be worshipped by all. He is the Almighty. Whatever the future may reveal, this God is the anchor for He is the One who holds the future in His sovereign hands. This God promises us grace and peace in Christ. The implication is that we will still struggle with sin and fear in these last days. But it also implies that when we do, all we need to overcome these things will also freely be supplied by Him. As we experience life in the end times, may God keep our eyes on the One who holds all in His hand and who provides from His loving abundance all we need to be safe in the storm. Suggestions for prayer Help us to keep our eyes on Christ, the Anchor of our souls. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

August 1 - Introduction to the book of Revelation

This month Pastor Greg Bylsma leads us through a series of devotions on the book of Revelation. Two Scripture readings are given for each day. The first is foundational to the devotion, the second allows you to dig a little deeper into a similar teaching in God’s Word. We encourage you to take the time to read both! Unfortunately, due to space the entire book of Revelation is not covered. After finishing Revelation 14 the devotions skip to Revelation 21 and 22 for the closing days. We trust it may still be a help to you in understanding God’s message from the book of Revelation. Revelation “The revelation of Jesus Christ…” - Revelation 1:1a Scripture reading: Revelation 1:1-3 Have you ever wished you could know the future? The idea seems to fit into the realm of science fiction, yet God tells us from the beginning of Revelation that His purpose is to reveal to His church what must “shortly” take place. As incredible as it seems, God is revealing the future. Sometimes when we look at the book of Revelation we consider it to be anything but a revelation. At best it is confusing, and at worst divisive. The name of the book, which means ‘unveiling’ hardly seems to fit. Yet if we believe Rev. 1:1-3, this book not only reveals what is to come, but gives us key truths to live by when it does. This book has a purpose, and it is to reveal to us the future so we can follow God’s plan as we step into that future. The call to us this month is to hear God’s words about what is coming and to keep them. His word is not always easy, but it is always good and always brings blessing to His bride as she seeks to obey and glorify His name as she does so. As we approach another month of drawing nearer to God, may we do so prepared to hear God’s revelation and live by it. May we see how God prepares us for the trials to come so that, through Christ, we may be more than conquerors. Suggestions for prayer Help us to understand and obey Your revelation to the church. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 31 - Having peace with God

“Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” - 1 Peter 5:14 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:14 and Romans 5:6-11 Peter ends his letter similar to t...

Daily devotional

July 30 - Standing in the true grace of God

“I have written briefly to you exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God.” - 1 Peter 5: 12 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:12-1...

Daily devotional

July 29 - The God of grace restores his children

“The God of grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” - 1 Peter 5:10 ...

Daily devotional

July 28 - Be sober-minded and watchful

“Cast all your anxieties on him, Because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful.” - 1 Peter 5:7-8a Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:6-9 ...

Daily devotional

July 27 - Clothing ourselves with humility

“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” - 1 Peter 5:5 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:1-5 In today’s passage, Peter addresses both elders in the church and those shepherded by the elders. All are to clothe themselves with humility. Elders are to be examples of humility. Peter addresses them as a fellow elder who witnessed the suffering of Christ and saw the glory of Jesus on the mount of Transfiguration. In saying this, Peter is suggesting that if elders are truly acquainted with the suffering that Christ endured for their salvation and know of the glory that is waiting for them, they will serve not under compulsion, but willingly. They must not have a domineering spirit, but a humble heart, serving Christ’s church as under-shepherds of Christ, the Chief Shepherd. While they are saddened because they still sin, they serve as those saved by grace, looking forward to the coming glory. In the same way, those who are placed under the elders’ leadership are to be subject to the elders. They are to trust that Christ set these elders over them for their spiritual well-being and must listen to them, respecting them, even though they will make mistakes and not always be perfect examples. They can only do this with humble hearts. This is why Peter ends this section by stressing that we all need to continually clothe ourselves with humility. This is to be an ongoing action. It means fighting the temptation of pride and growing in our understanding of grace, keeping this in mind that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Suggestion for prayer That we could continually work on being humble, whether we are in a leadership position or being led by others. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 26 - Entrusting our souls

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” - 1 Peter 4:19 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:19 Knowing that God has a purpose for struggles in our life, we are more likely to endure and be more optimistic about the future. Many today are pessimistic about the future. Threats of war, predictions of global warming and financial struggles can bring many down. Verse 19 begins with the word “therefore” directing us to reflect on the previous verses telling us that when we suffer trials, God wants us to trust that He is purifying us through these. If we look back in our life, we should see how God molded us through the struggles He allowed in our lives. It is often, through the struggles in our life, that our Christian faith matures and blossoms, for it is then that we call out to Him for comfort and help. From this perspective Peter tells us we should have an optimistic view of the future. For the Lord, Who matured us as we went through various trials in the past, will never forsake us. This is why Peter says, let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator. Entrusting our lives to our faithful God should show itself in doing what is good and pleasing to our God. When we truly trust God, we will not be full of ourselves and the things of this world, but God’s love and care will overwhelm us in such a way that we will have a deep love for our Lord. This will show in how we respond to God and our neighbour. Suggestion for prayer That we would always entrust our lives to our faithful God. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 25 - Purified by God

“For it is time for judgement to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us; what will be the outcome of those who do not obey the gospel of God.” - 1 Peter 4:17 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:15-18 When we suffer for being a follower of Jesus Christ we will be blessed. However, it is not good to suffer for doing wrong. Peter specifically tells us not to suffer for being a murderer, thief, evildoer or meddler. Jesus taught that saying “you fool” is considered murder and stealing starts with desiring what does not belong to you. An evildoer is anyone who does anything considered to be evil by God. A meddler wants to know everything and thinks he can fix everyone’s problems. If we are honest, we have to admit that we do these things at times and deserve to be punished. But as followers of Jesus Christ, when we suffer for doing sinful things, we should not turn from God. Instead, as His children, we are to turn to God, seeking His forgiveness. Then we can go on our way thankfully, glorifying God, seeing that God punished us to purify us, so that more and more we live for Him in the joy of our salvation. Peter goes on to ask that if God brings judgement on us to purify us, what will He do to those who do not follow the gospel call to repent and believe in Jesus Christ? When Peter quotes Proverbs 11:31, he does so to warn us: accept His discipline, repent and believe. Those who are ungodly and sin with no care in this life will receive their suffering, not as a purifying force, but as an eternal punishment in hell. Suggestion for prayer That we would accept the discipline of the Lord as a blessing that is purifying us as His beloved children. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 24 - Sharing in Christ’s suffering

"Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you." - 1 Peter 4:12 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:12-14 In high school I remember a coach saying, “I will bring you through these hard tests in practice to strengthen you so that in a game you will be able to serve the team.” Peter tells us that God brings us through fiery trials to test us in a similar way in order to better serve Him. It is about declining to go places or participating in ungodly activities because you are a follower of Jesus Christ and being criticized for it or about not taking a position at work, or joining a sports team because it would limit your ability to worship and serve the Lord. In allowing us to experience fiery trials in these ways, God wants us to trust Him. He tests us to strengthen us in our service for His glory and in our ability to do His will. The Bible has many stories demonstrating how God tested His children through various trials. Think of Daniel and his three friends. When we suffer for Christ through a fiery trial, Peter says we share in Christ’s suffering. Christ suffered for the glory that would come through His suffering. We are called to be patient when we suffer fiery trials in our service of Jesus Christ, trusting that when His glory is revealed we will see our Saviour not only in all His power and might, but in all His love expressed to us in the words, “My good and faithful servant”. Suggestion for prayer That we would be willing to suffer for Christ and be patient when we go through a fiery trial. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 23 - Good stewards of God’s varied grace

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” - 1 Peter 4:10 Scripture reading: 1 Pet...

Daily devotional

July 22 - Showing hospitality

“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” - 1 Peter 4:9 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:9 If you love someone, it is easy to invite ...

Daily devotional

July 21 - Being a faithful, loving community

“The end of all things is at hand.” - 1 Peter 4:7 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:7-8 Then this age ends, the Lord Jesus will come as the gre...

Daily devotional

July 20 - Being in the world but not part of the world

Daily devotional

July 19 - Suffering as beloved children of God

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking,..” - 1 Peter 4:1 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:1-3 & Psalm 73:1-28 The fourth chapter of this letter tells us how we are to live as God’s beloved children in this rebellious world. As adopted brothers and sisters of Jesus, we should now think like Jesus did in respect to suffering. That is, we have to be willing to suffer in the flesh. Jesus is our great example in this. Peter was writing to Christians who lost their homes, their freedom, and even at times their physical lives because they no longer lived as they used to, but lived for the Lord. This caused those around them to become angry, saying and doing much evil to them. Although Christians today might not have the same struggles, we also need to be ready to suffer as children of God. We have to say no to things that the world says are good. We have to give up some comforts in our service to the Lord. We have to be willing to be seen as “strange” by people of the world for having Sunday as a special day to worship, for serving God above worldly success and pleasure, for saying no to drinking parties, for not doing whatever feels good and for putting God and His commandments first in our lives. This can mean being left out or ignored at times by others and not enjoying things they do. It can mean seeing others having it all while we fight against being jealous. We can only suffer in this way when we see how Jesus suffered for us. Suggestion for prayer That we would trust in the great blessings we have as believers in Jesus Christ and so be willing to suffer as beloved children of God. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 18 - Christ, our risen Lord and Saviour

"Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but made alive in the spirit." - 1 Peter 3:18 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 3:18-22 Yesterday’s passage emphasized that if we suffer in the faith, we will endure. Today, we read why. Jesus suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God. Just as Jesus died in the flesh but was made alive by the Spirit, we are called to trust that when we believe in Christ, our old self has died and we are made alive by the Spirit. Peter goes on to state that Jesus did not rise from the dead just to give us hope. He also proclaimed to the spirits in prison waiting for their eternal punishment how foolish they were in rebelling against God. Their efforts to stop the coming of God’s Son to bring salvation, failed. Jesus rose to show that He won victory for all who put their faith in God’s promises. Just as Noah and his family were saved through water, we are saved through faith in Jesus’ death and resurrection. Peter points out that our baptism by water points us to this fact. Baptism does not wash dirt from our bodies, but assures us that just as water washes dirt away, Christ washes our sins away through faith in Him. The result of trusting that Jesus rose from the dead and is able to wash our sins away gives us a clean conscience before God. Since Jesus has gone into heaven with angels, authorities and powers now subject to Him, we can have great assurance that our salvation is secure. Suggestion for prayer That we would have confidence that Jesus not only died for us, but rose again and ascended into heaven as our all-powerful Lord and Saviour. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 17 - Setting apart Christ in our hearts

“In your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy.” - 1 Peter 3:15 Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-17 In calling us to brotherly love, Peter encourages us to be witnesses in this dark and often confusing world. When we suffer any kind of opposition from a hostile world while seeking to follow God’s Word, Peter tells us that no real harm will come to us. As we seek to serve the Lord in the joy of salvation, we are called to trust that God will turn all things for our eternal good. Even death will be turned to our good, for then we will see our Saviour face to face. Peter tells us to have no fear of those who oppose us as children of God. Instead, we are all the more to set apart Christ in our hearts. That is, we are to get to know Christ. He truly is the joy and treasure that satisfies our hearts. As we grow in this, Peter tells us to be ready to give the reason for the hope we have in this broken world. We must live in such a way that our joy and hope are noticed by those around us, to such an extent that they would ask why we have hope in this broken and rebellious world. We are to talk of Jesus with humility and not as if we deserve this hope and joy because we are better than others. We are to talk of our hope and joy in such a way that they would think this can be theirs through faith in Jesus Christ. Suggestion for prayer That we set apart Christ in our hearts and that we would be able to speak of our hope to others with tact and love. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 16 - Showing we are God’s children

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” - 1 Peter 3:9 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 3:8-12 Peter finishes this section on how to interact with others by calling us to live a certain way with everyone. If we are honest, we have to admit that these godly virtues are not easy to follow. They can only come from a heart that knows how deeply we are loved by God. Many times within church communities we allow pet peeves and little arguments to divide us. When we have differences with fellow Christians, may we see that, our Saviour and our desire to serve and worship Him is what must unite us. This should cause us to have sympathy for each other when we see brothers and sisters going through struggles, even when these are caused by their own foolishness. Brotherly love is all about loving our fellow Christians because we are one in the Lord, even though we have differing opinions on certain matters. We need to have a tender heart toward each other and be humble as we deal with each other, not seeking to repay evil for evil, reviling for reviling or gossiping with gossiping. We are called to bless each other; that is to approve of each other as beloved children of God. When we do this we will receive a blessing from God. We need to remember that God sees all. If we speak badly towards or about others, we need to remember that God is displeased with us when we do this. But when we speak lovingly and faithfully towards our brothers and sisters, God sees this with delight. Suggestion for prayer That we would refrain from speaking badly toward or about each other, but encourage and bless each other. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 15 - Healthy relationship

“Wives be subject to your husbands . . . husbands live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honour to the women.” - 1 Peter 3:1 & ...

Daily devotional

July 14 - Following Jesus

“Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.” - 1 Peter 2:21 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:18...

Daily devotional

July 13 - Governing authorities instituted by God

“Be subject for the Lord to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme or to governors as sent by Him.” - 1 Peter 2:13 ...

Daily devotional

July 12 - Being a chosen race

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called...

Daily devotional

July 11 - Building our lives on the solid rock

“As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious, you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house.” - 1 Peter 2: 4-5 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:4-8 & Psalm 118:14-29 Here we see that living the Christian life is an ongoing commitment to Jesus. This involves building our lives more and more on the firm foundation of Jesus and what He did for us. He was rejected by mankind and put on a cross to die. Yet, it was the Father’s will that Jesus would go through this so that He could be that chosen and precious stone in which we can find security as beloved children of God. In Jesus we have a new reality as we build our lives on the firm foundation of Jesus and what He did for us. As believers, we are to see ourselves as being built up together, a spiritual house bringing glory to Christ, Who is building us up. As a holy priesthood, we are to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. We are to offer our lives in service to Him, submitting to His commands and will, wanting His name to be adored and His Kingdom to come. We are to see God’s great love in laying Jesus as the cornerstone on which we can build our lives. We are to do this with devotion, not shying away from how Jesus wants us to live and from telling others about Him and what He has done for us. To shy away from this is like stumbling over a rock that you won’t acknowledge. You are not to stumble over Jesus, but acknowledge Him and build your whole life around Him. Suggestion for prayer That we would continue to show that Jesus is the solid rock in our lives, in following His ways and wanting others to follow us in following Jesus. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 10 - Growing in contentment because of Jesus Christ

"Like new born infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that you may grow up into salvation - if indeed you have tasted that the Lord is good." - 1 Peter 2:2-3 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-3 & Philippians 4:4-13 If we believe the good news of Jesus Christ, we must now live a new type of life. We are to get rid of every kind of malice, hypocrisy, deceit, envy and slander. Malice is living in any way contrary to loving God and our neighbour. Hypocrisy is pretending to be someone you are not to make yourself look better. Deceit is lying to take advantage of someone or to get something you don’t deserve. Envy is wanting what someone else has. Slander is trying to make someone else look bad so you look better to others. Peter calls us to love God and our neighbour, accepting all that God gives us while being happy with what God gives our neighbour. That only happens when we are content in our relationship with God because of Jesus. When we are content in our relationship with God, malice, hypocrisy, deceit, envy and slander will more and more be put out of our life. Since it is not easy to always be content, Peter tells us to long for a better understanding of the good news of Jesus Christ. Like a healthy newborn baby desires milk, we are to desire more knowledge and understanding of Jesus and our salvation from God’s Word. In this way, we will become mature, content followers of Jesus Christ. Peter points out that if we are not maturing in our salvation and growing in our contentment in our life, we need to examine ourselves, if indeed we have tasted that the Lord is good. Suggestion for prayer That you would mature in the faith, seeking a deeper understanding of the gospel, so you would be more content in Him. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 9 - The living and abiding word of God

“Love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God.” - 1 Peter 1:22-23 Scripture reading: Romans 10:5-9 Peter encourages us to have a healthy fear of God, to be in such awe of Him that we always want to do what is pleasing in His sight. He goes on to say that our souls have been purified by our obedience to the truth to develop a sincere love for our brothers. Notice that Peter does not say by our obedience to the commands of God, but to the truth. The good news of Jesus Christ is the truth. Obedience to the truth is trusting Jesus truly saved us. Peter tells us that if we believe the gospel, we will have sincere brotherly love. We who have become new people through faith in Jesus Christ, are called to love one another earnestly because we have a new heart. We are to show that we are new persons in Jesus Christ by having a deep love for brothers and sisters in the Lord. We are to do this even if we do not always get along with them. Why is this both possible and necessary in our lives? It is because we have been born again, or made into a new person, by the living and abiding Word of God. This Word, the Good News of Jesus Christ, changed us and will keep on changing us so we will not only have a desire, but also an ability to love one another. If it is not changing us so that we are starting to love others, it has not yet saved us. Suggestions for prayer That the living and abiding Word that saves will continue to change you to love one another. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 8 - Have a proper view of our heavenly Father

“Conduct yourself with fear throughout the time of your exile knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ.” - 1 Peter 1:17-19 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1:17-21 In the prayer that Jesus taught us to pray, He instructs us to call His Father our heavenly Father. Peter tells us that if we do call God our Heavenly Father, we should conduct ourselves in a certain way, showing we have a special fear of God. This fear of God is the opposite of having a fear of man. As children of our heavenly Father, we should first seek to do what is pleasing to Him, not our fellow man. We are to do this while we wait for the time when He will call us to our heavenly home. We are to live our lives, remembering the payment made for us to become part of the family of our heavenly Father. The payment was made with the precious blood of Jesus Christ, the Son of God. May we trust that God, from eternity, wanted to send His son to make this payment so that we could be His beloved children. God sent His Son into this world to sacrifice His life on the cross. He sent His Son to do this so that sinful, undeserving people can call God their loving, heavenly Father. Do you believe that Jesus paid the price to ransom you from the futile ways of this world to be a beloved child of a heavenly Father? In believing this, you are called to conduct yourself as one who does not fear what man thinks, but what God thinks. As His beloved child, you are called to do what is pleasing to your Heavenly Father. Suggestions for prayer That we would grow to fear man less and our heavenly Father more. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 7 - Having our focus on Jesus’ return

“As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passion of your former ignorance, but as He who called you is holy, you are to be holy in your con...

Daily devotional

July 6 - The blessing of our position in history

“…the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully.” - 1 Peter 1: 10 Scripture reading: 1 P...

Daily devotional

July 5 - The inexpressible joy

“…obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls.” - 1 Peter 1:9 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1:1-9 Yesterday we looked ...

Daily devotional

July 4 - Glorifying God in our struggles

“…that the tested genuineness of your faith … may be found to result in praise and glory and honour at the revelation of Jesus Christ.” - 1 Pe...

Daily devotional

July 3 - Why we should praise our God

“He has caused us to be born again . . . to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefined and unfading.” - 1 Peter 1:3-4 Scripture reading: John 3:1-14 After praying for grace and peace to be multiplied in the lives of his readers, Peter tells us why we should praise God. It is not because we have nice homes and families, good jobs or health, but because He has caused us to have a new life. Most important of all, we have a living hope because of the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. Peter is calling us to believe that just as Jesus rose from the dead, we now have a new life as children of the living God, an eternal relationship that will never end. While living on this earth with struggles and problems, we can trust that nothing will be able to separate us from the Love of God. This means that we always have a reason to praise our God and Father. But there’s more. Peter says we are to praise our God because we have an inheritance in heaven that will never perish, fade or spoil. Jesus promised that He not only died to secure our inheritance, but went to heaven to prepare it for us. He is there now making a place for us where we will no longer be sinful and the devil will never be able to come there. This inheritance will never go bad, get boring or be too much for us to handle. We will experience the reality of being completely at home, with no sadness or fear, only joy and contentment. This is a great reason to praise our God and Father. Suggestions for prayer That we rejoice in what we have as children of God now and be overjoyed with what is coming our way in heavenly glory. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

July 2 - A blessing for Christ’s church

“May grace and peace be multiplied in you.” - 1 Peter 1:2b Scripture reading: Romans 1:1-7 After Peter announces who he is and to whom he is writing, he declares something very important. Many pastors also declare a blessing to God’s people at the beginning of a worship service. They give a special blessing to those who have come to worship the Lord in spirit and truth. This sets the tone of our worship services. God gathers and welcomes us to bless us as we come to worship Him under the reading and preaching of His Word. In declaring a blessing to the Christians, Peter is also summarizing what the letter is about: God extending grace and peace to His people in abundance. The first Christians to read this letter faced persecution and displacement and were often struggling with why God was allowing this in their lives. Today, we may not deal with the struggles early Christians faced, but we still face various situations that challenge our faith. We are blessed when we believe these words are not just from the man Peter, but from our Lord. God wants us to believe His grace has been abundantly supplied to us in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Out of a great love that we did not deserve, God the Father sent His only Son to take the punishment for our sins, so that we can become God’s beloved children, adopted into the eternal family of God. He did this so that we can have eternal peace with God, a peace that no one and nothing can take away, not even death. Suggestions for prayer That we would trust God’s grace and peace are ours because of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional, Uncategorised

July 1 - Introduction to 1 Peter: holding fast to Christ in a rebellious world

During the past years, our governments and the people of our lands have shown more rejection of God and His Word. We see ungodly lifestyles promoted. We see what Paul explained in Romans 1. Although they knew God, they neither glorified Him as God nor gave thanks to Him, but their thinking has become futile and their foolish hearts are darkened. Although they claim to be wise, they have become fools, exchanging the glory of God for images and heroes of their making. We see that God is giving them over to their sinful desires. When we see the foundations of our culture being destroyed, we wonder what the righteous can do. Peter wrote his letter in a time of great persecution, immorality and confusion. We are not sure what lies ahead for us, but Peter tells us where to find our hope and comfort, and how we are to live as saints set apart in the midst of a rebellious world, being ready to give a reason for the hope we have as beloved children of God. We will be going through the first letter of Peter this month. Peter tells us to praise God in the midst of a fallen, rebellious world for the great blessings we have because of Christ our Saviour. He also tells us how we are to live for Him as His beloved children, fighting sin and encouraging each other as fellow citizens of the Kingdom of heaven, looking forward to a glorious future that will never perish, spoil or fade. May Peter’s words encourage us to be faithful, so that we will not give up following Jesus, continuing in the mission He has given us: to tell others about Jesus and show that Jesus is a true and loving Saviour. Having our identity in Christ “Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ. To those who are elect exiles of the Dispersion . . . according to the foreknowledge of God the Father.” - 1 Peter 1:1-2a Scripture reading: John 21:15-19 Peter starts this letter by emphasizing the identity of those who believe in Jesus Christ. Earlier, Peter had struggles in this area. On the night Jesus was arrested, Peter was asked if he knew Jesus. He denied it three times. But Peter repented and now calls himself an apostle of Jesus Christ; one who represented and witnessed for Jesus Christ. And he gives special designations to those to whom he is writing. First, he calls us God’s elect, chosen to be God’s beloved children according to His eternal, unconditional love. God sent His Son to die for His people. He also sent the Holy Spirit to enable His children to believe and live in joyful obedience because of Christ’s sprinkled blood. Peter encourages us to trust in Jesus Christ, find our identity as His beloved, chosen people and confess our faith in Him. In the second designation, Peter calls us strangers. Peter was writing to those who were scattered throughout the world. Although they were scattered among various places they were citizens of a new Kingdom, the kingdom of God. Peter is encouraging us to see that this world is not our real home. We should seek to be a blessing to any country we live in, yet in believing in Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour. May we see that we are strangers to this world and part of God’s chosen people, the Kingdom of God. Suggestions for prayer That we would more and more see our identity in Jesus Christ as members of God’s elect people, strangers in this world living in obedience to our Lord. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 30 - Jesus the radiance of the glory of God

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O LORD, my rock and my redeemer.” - Psalm 19:14 Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:1-4 Radiance is a rarely used word in the Greek New Testament. It means shining brightness. That probably doesn’t help matters much in terms of trying to define what radiance is. What I love about this title for Jesus is, it really is at the very edge of both our language and ability to explain that Jesus is the Beautiful One. Thinking about Him and His work is like following a sunbeam that pierces the clouds after a rainstorm. As you follow the outward edges of the sunbeam upwards your eye is drawn to the source of its light, the sun. So it is with Jesus, the more you consider Him, the longer you gaze into Scripture and contemplate Who He is, the more your senses will be drawn upwards in Jesus, up toward the brilliance of the Living God, Who alone lives in unapproachable light. It is the contemplation of the Names of God and the Attributes of God which clarify your understanding of Who He Is. As you spend more and more time thinking about God, your imagination gets stirred up and your soul soars in hymns and prayers to Him. If He did not reveal Himself, His radiant brilliance and His glory would remain hidden. He has shown us His salvation. He invites you to keep learning of Him, so that in the endless reaches of eternity, you will still shout: “Oh, Jesus, radiance of the Father’s glory, show us more that we may give more love to You, Triune God, and serve You ever more joyfully!” Suggestions for prayer As you continue to read the Bible, pray that the Spirit of God will show you more of the beauty of God, His glorious Self-Revelation, so that your vocabulary for praise and worship will grow and your delight in the LORD our God will be infectious to all around you. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 29 - Jesus the Nazarene

“And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: “He shall be called a Nazarene”.” -...

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June 28 - Jesus a son

“…an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream saying, “Joseph, son of David, do not fear to take Mary as your wife, for that which is concei...

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June 27 - The Lord who brought you out of the land of Egypt out of the house of slavery

Daily devotional

June 26 - Jesus: Teacher and Lord

“If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet.” - John 13:14 Scripture reading: John ...

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June 25 - Jesus the Lord of the Sabbath

“So God blessed the seventh day and made it holy, because on it God rested from all His work that He had done in creation.” - Genesis 2:3 Scripture reading: Matthew 12:1-14 It is confusing for many people to know what the Sabbath means. In his commentary on this passage, Lange noted that from the time Jesus made this declaration as being the Lord of the Sabbath, He was on the run. This title moved Jesus from being acclaimed and loved, to becoming harassed and questioned. Jesus is Lord. He has the right to interpret the Sabbath: why it was given and what it is designed to achieve. Genesis 2 teaches that the LORD blessed the seventh day and made it holy. That first Sabbath, Adam and Eve experienced the joy of knowing Him and being loved by the LORD. Adam’s fall disrupted the pattern of Sabbath. When Jesus fed His disciples or healed the broken on the Sabbath, He was fulfilling Psalm 23. As He prepared to restore the soul, He first provided food and water. The weary, thirsty soul cannot rest content in Him when the belly is growling and the heart is parched. So, it is with Jesus’ works on the Sabbath, He feeds, He heals so that His people can truly be refreshed in the presence of the King. This day, confess your sins, knowing these are forgiven because of Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, so that nothing will hinder your walk with God. This LORD’s Day, do you know someone who needs mercy or help? Demonstrate the kindness of God so that they will experience the blessing of God. In this way Jesus, Lord of the Sabbath, will be made known to this generation and beyond. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord of the Sabbath will open your eyes to the needs of the people around you, the broken places of their lives where your acts of mercy will help them to see Jesus; praise God the Father that He has given us this joyful day of fellowship and blessing. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 24 - God who hems us in an knits us together

“You hem me in, behind and before…You formed my inward parts; You knitted me together in my mother’s womb.” - Psalm 139:5a & 13 Scripture reading: Psalm 139:1-24 Two striking images of God the Father stand out in this Psalm. These are two particularly intimate images of the LORD: He hems me in and He knitted me together. While teaching this passage in a Bible study in prison, one man noted the expression “to hem in” eluded him. I thought about it for a moment and asked, “Have you ever had pants that were too long for you?” He nodded. “To hem the pants is to fold the edge back over itself and sew it so the pants will be the appropriate length. That fold is the hem—and the picture is of God folding us close to Himself and keeping us there.” The LORD our God surrounds us with His goodness. It is like He sews us close to Himself so that we will not stray from Him. It is silly to think of the Father with knitting needles and a string of DNA, clattering those needles together to form His people. Yet, the image of a knitter making a sweater or a pair of socks, is something that teaches the believers about the intimacy of God’s workmanship. He knows the purposes for which He makes us. He knows how He put us together. He knows what is good for us; what will unravel us, and He hems us so that we do not fray and become useless. This nearness of God is not based on our feelings, or our sense of His presence or absence. He is near. Trust the Word of God on this. Suggestions for prayer Pray that your mind and heart would own the promise of God that He is near; thank Him for His nearness; pray by name for friends, co-workers and family members who do not yet know God as near and loving, so that they too will rejoice in God as Saviour and Lord. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 23 - Jesus: the holy one, the true one

“And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write: “The words of The Holy One, The True One, Who has the Key of David.”” - Revelation 3:7 Scripture reading: Revelation 3:7-13 The Holy One, The True One are titles which, applied to Jesus, draw together many teachings of Scripture. He has the power to shut the Kingdom to wicked people and open it to sons and daughters of the Most High God. In the hands of ordinary people, such power would corrupt. Humans strive for power, promising to use it for good, but achieving power, we find out how corrupt their hearts are. Jesus is the Holy One with God the Father, co-equal in power, majesty and holiness. Jesus’ power to open or shut heaven is always, perfectly and honourably carried out. Though Jesus is fully man and fully God, His humanity is conformed in perfect obedience to the will of God. He cannot be corrupted. Therefore, His warning to the people of Philadelphia and to us today, is an important teaching. Believers must hold fast to Jesus Christ as the only foundation for their salvation. We are called to be holy as He is holy. He is the Only True One. This makes sense when we think of the idiom: ‘He is a true friend’. When you say that, you mean his friendship will withstand the tests of time, betrayal and reconciliation after hurts are healed. Jesus is True. When His own people waver in affection, Jesus stays true. Nothing can stop His steadfast love which is poured out on His people through the presence of the Holy Spirit. This love brings the people under His care to a place of patient endurance for the sake of His Name. Suggestions for prayer Bring any struggle in your faith to Jesus, The Holy One, the True One, trusting in His steadfast love; if things are good in your life, intercede for those experiencing hardship in their walk with God; when such trials are covered by the merciful love of God, give thanks. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 22 - Jesus: holder of the key of David

“And he shall be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and to the house of Judah. And I will place on his shoulder the key of the house of David. He shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open.” - Isaiah 22:21b-22 Scripture reading: Revelation 3:7-13 To understand this title, one must know what the Key of David is. When King David ruled, the steward of his household was the key holder who had the authority to grant access to the king. Later in the Old Testament, God prophetically used the title, “the key of David”. This use of the title was both for the time of Eliakim and was used as a foreshadowing of the time of the Messiah, the True One, Who is the ultimate holder of the Key of David. In the time of Eliakim, holding the Key of David meant God granted him the authority to open or shut. Eliakim would be a father to the inhabitants of Jerusalem and the people of Judah. A father defends his people from imposters. Previous leaders were false leaders and kings. These false holders of the Key of David led the children of God into apostasy. They embraced wickedness and spawned evil children who rejected the Living God. Jesus is the Holder of the Key of David: He exposes those who are false children though they claimed to be God’s sons and daughters and true Jews. Jesus shuts out of the Kingdom those who think they can come to Him based on their works, based on how well they kept the Law. The only way to enter the Kingdom is based on receiving Jesus’ righteousness. He alone is our righteousness. Jesus welcomes true sons and daughters, bringing them to the City of God, ushering them into the presence of the Great I AM. Suggestions for prayer Examine your heart for any falseness leading to rebellion against God; praise God the Father for giving Jesus the Key of David; praise God for the work of the Spirit to reveal to believers this gift of life which ushers believers into the presence of the Father. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 21 - Arbiter

“There is no Arbiter between us, Who might lay His hand on us both.” - Job 9:33 Scripture reading: Job 5:7 Perhaps this proverb from Job i...

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June 20 - Jesus who has the seven spirits and seven stars

Daily devotional

June 19 - He who keeps it steady

“We give thanks to You, O God; we give thanks, for Your Name is near. We recount Your wondrous deeds. When the earth totters, and all its inhabitant...

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June 18 - The father of lights

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

Daily devotional

June 17 - The good shepherd

“I AM the Good Shepherd. The Good Shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” - John 10:11 Scripture reading: Ezekiel 34:1-10; John 10:11-16 This may be one of the most familiar titles for Jesus—The Good Shepherd. You may be familiar with this title from Psalm 23. Our reading in the Gospel of John highlights the work of Jesus. The Old Testament reading fills in the background. Why did Jesus need to come? Why did He upset the religious leadership so much? Notice the very ones who were supposed to be caring for the people of Israel, the kings, priests and prophets of Israel, were taking advantage of the people of God. They took as much as they could from the people of God for themselves. Even the vulnerable of the land were ravished with no concern for the fact that the LORD of Hosts Himself was looking at these leaders, judging them, and calling them to account. The glorious, ancient promise of the LORD of Glory was: “I will rescue my sheep from their mouths” (Ezekiel 34:10). When Jesus called Himself the Good Shepherd, He was bringing forward this ancient accusation from Ezekiel against all the false shepherds. Jesus called out the priests and prophets. He used the Old Testament prophecy to expose the faults of this false leadership. We call Jesus the Good Shepherd because He laid down His life for the sheep. We experienced being gathered up from our lost condition, our wounds being healed and brought into His people. As Christians we see the sweep of history and, with thanksgiving, recognize that the Living God has fulfilled the ancient promises of coming to the earth to shepherd His people. Suggestions for prayer Bless God as the One Who keeps His promises. Give thanks for Sunday and prepare your mind and hearts to worship God. Ask God to bless His under-shepherds, the preachers and evangelists, missionaries and Bible teachers who will bring the Word. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 16 - The Lord is a man of war

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many diadems…” - Revelation 19:11-12a Scripture reading: Exodus 15:1-21 Yesterday the title was: The God of Peace. Today, the LORD is a Man of War. It may seem jarring. Know this, peace is not possible until all the enemies of the LORD have been thrown down. Why is the LORD “a man of war”? The word ‘man’ can also be used for a husband. It gives the sense of the LORD as the Bridegroom Who defends His bride, the Church. She is not strong enough to engage in war; she is surrounded by hostile forces and gathered hosts of enemies who hate the LORD. The context of today’s passage is the LORD’s protection of His people from the army of Pharaoh and the Egyptians. After 400 years of slavery, the LORD delivered His people; they did not even need to raise a single sword in their own defence. After they left Egypt, Pharaoh recanted his submission to the LORD, the Man of War, summoned his army and went after Israel. The LORD would not let His people be harmed. He is the Man of War, Who brings His people to salvation and peace. In Revelation, Jesus is depicted as seated on the white horse. He judges and makes war. He will reign until all the enemies of God are conquered. There will be no throne, power, person or demon that can resist Him. He does this for the glory of God. He makes way for the new heaven and the new earth, where devils and death will be no more. Blessed be the LORD, the Man of War. Suggestions for prayer Thank the LORD for His protection; praise Him that He is both strong and loving so that He can conquer His enemies and defend His Bride. Confess the areas in your life that need to be exposed because of sin, so the victory of the Man of War will be known. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 15 - The God of peace

“Now may the Lord of peace Himself, give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with you all.” - 2 Thessalonians 3:16 Scripture reading: Hebrews 13:20-21 Peace. What a sweet concept. It eludes many. Night terrors haunt some. Financial woes squeeze others. Perhaps hounding peers are cruel and vexatious. Where can one find peace? There are those whose lives are bound up in sin, living as slaves to it and are so wretched that every temptation is instantly obeyed, even knowing that by doing so, they are digging their own grave. How can peace ever be attained? Death breaks the hold of sin. Sin cannot reign over dead men’s bones. Jesus, the Sin-bearer, was punished under the wrath of God and bore the sins of the world. When Jesus went to the grave, rose after three days, death and sin had no power over Him. All who are in Christ are now free from the tyranny of the devil. It is this work of Christ which puts peace into the Father’s hand so that those who believe in Jesus receive such a measureless treasury of peace. Peace is not like a country-song played backwards — you know, now you get your dog back and your house back and so on. No, peace is the deep assurance that no matter what this brief existence throws at you, God knows your name. He has you in the grip of His grace. He will give you every good thing so that the result of this life will be the joy-filled experience of eternity lived in the presence of the Triune God. That is true peace. That is God’s to give to those who believe. Suggestions for prayer When experiencing troubles, ask God to direct you by His Spirit to know the source of such things—is it because of unconfessed sin, or for the purpose of growing you in grace, or providential suffering common to all? Pray for God’s grace so that by His Spirit’s power you will be sustained, sealed in as one covered by the blood of Christ. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 14 - The Lord the judge

“The heavens declare His righteousness, for God Himself is Judge!” - Psalm 50:6 Scripture reading: Psalm 50:1-23 Little ones have great imaginations. And they have great fights. One expression you might hear is, “You can’t tell me what to do!” Adults, often mistakenly thinking they are more sophisticated when they fight, might use an expression like, “Don’t judge me!” Oh, how our sinful hearts rebel against authority. As we read in earlier devotions, the LORD the Creator is also the Judge. It is His right to judge all He has made. What the world often misses as it chafes against the title of Judge, is that the LORD’s laws and His warnings are merciful. He speaks to the people of the earth and declares to all peoples what is right and just and good. As people measure their words, actions and thoughts against His standard, they find themselves under conviction. Those who know themselves to be unclean and wicked in His sight find that is the precise moment when His mercy is evident. To sinners and rebellious people, to those who realize they have forgotten God, He offers a chance for repentance. The laws of God point out the sins of man and their need for the Saviour, Jesus Christ. The Old Testament sacrifices which were given with thanksgiving (verse 23), pointed the believer directly to Jesus Christ. New Testament believers know what they saw in faith. Jesus is the One Who stands in our place—He was punished, that all who believe in Him are set free to serve Him. Today the LORD, the Judge, offers mercy to all who repent and believe in Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for mercy and opportunity for repentance; for family members and friends who do not yet believe, ask the Spirit to show them their need for repentance and ask for the opportunity to share the Good News of God the Judge and Jesus the Saviour. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 13 - Jesus the good teacher

“Good Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?” - Mark 10:17 Scripture Reading: Mark 10:17-27 What a strange response Jesus gave t...

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June 12 - The Lord, the lifter of my head

“He will drink from the brook by the way; therefore He will lift up His head.” - Psalm 110:7 Scripture Reading: Psalm 3:1-8 Helpful inform...

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June 11 - God the creator, part II

“The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.” - Isaiah 40:28 Scripture reading: Acts 17:16-34 This passage is per...

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June 10 - The creator

“The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth.” - Isaiah 40:28 Scripture reading: John 1:1-18 Perhaps the most radi...

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June 9 - His name is holy

“For thus says the One who is high and lifted up, who inhabits eternity, whose name is Holy.” - Isaiah 57:15 Scripture reading: Isaiah 57:14-21 Friday is here and Sunday is near. The Sunday liturgy includes a time of confession. Why do we have this communal time of confession? A maturing relationship with God highlights the need for confession. In fact, it becomes an essential activity in the life of the believer. In Isaiah, God declares His Name is “Holy”. Everything about Him Is Holy. His every action is Holy. His character is Holy. His attributes, like love and justice, righteousness and mercy, and how all these work together is in a very real sense, His holiness in motion. How does that relate to confession? Consider these words: “Let me never forget that the heinousness of sin lies not so much in the nature of sin committed, as in the greatness of the Person sinned against” (From the Puritan Prayer: “Humiliation”). That captures the significance of the holiness of God as it relates to sinful man. He is so perfect in His holiness, that any sin is a blasphemy against His Nature. The fact that He has given sinful people an avenue for access to Himself, through the reconciling work of Jesus Christ, is a great gift beyond description. Confession is a wonderful gift. Fellow believer, take time to confess your sins to God. As you do so, cultivate the awareness of His holiness. In so doing, Jesus will truly be for you the Beloved One. The Spirit’s work of sanctifying you will proceed. More sins will be exposed and thrown down and your life will bring God glory. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Spirit of God to increase your awareness of God’s holiness; pray that times of confession will not be mere routine, but true times of making yourself vulnerable to God to allow for deep confession, true repentance and a deeper walk with Him. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 8 - The Lord God is an everlasting rock

“Trust in the LORD forever, for the LORD GOD is an everlasting rock.” - Isaiah 26:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 125:1-5; Philippians 4:7 Our lives are filled with upheavals and difficult circumstances, but even joyous events, like a wedding can cause ripples in life, waves that require careful handling to restore peace. What a blessing it is to know God is an everlasting rock. To the Psalmist, the Everlasting Rock is like the mountains which surround Jerusalem. Those mountains, which cannot be moved, are a visible, tangible sign of God’s blessing. They remind the believer the Covenant-Keeping God is steadfast, unmovable, their security. In Isaiah 26:3, the man who trusts in God, the Everlasting Rock, is a man who has perfect peace. This peace does not depend on things going well in the life of the believer. No matter the circumstances or trials, being set on the Rock means one has the peace of God. Philippians 4:7 weaves the metaphor of God, the Everlasting Rock, together with the promise of perfect peace. In Philippians 4, it is God Who guards His people. That recalls the picture of the Rock-Solid reliability of God—in the Old Testament and in the New—He is the security of His people. Jesus is the guarantee of both the security and the peace of God. Jesus has overcome the world, the devil and even the wickedness of our own sinful flesh. Believers are made alive in Jesus Christ through the power of the Spirit and can pour out before Jesus all their anxieties and fears, their wrong-doing and their burdens, knowing He hears and answers. He is their security and peace. Suggestions for prayer Quiet your heart before God and let the Spirit show you where you have been worrying, struggling, or hiding guilt from God. Pray to God, the Everlasting Rock, that He will restore your security and peace in Jesus Christ. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 7 - Jesus the cornerstone

“Jesus said to them, “Have you never read in the Scriptures: ‘The stone the builders rejected has become the cornerstone; this was the Lord’s doing, and it is marvelous in our eyes’?”” - Matthew 21:42 Scripture reading: Isaiah 28:14-16 By the work of the Spirit, the Word of God shines with the Self-Revelation of God—Who He Is and How He Acts. The LORD declared that He has laid a foundation in Zion, a Cornerstone. This is a clear reference to Jesus Christ, Who referred to Himself as the “Cornerstone”. Jesus is the gift promised long beforehand. History is oriented to the coming of Jesus Christ when the judgment and mercy of God would be revealed. Jesus is the Cornerstone. The orientation of a building is set by the position of the cornerstone. Jesus’ life teaches the believer to set his life’s course by the direction Jesus has set. As Jesus’ life on earth was lived in obedience to the Father, so too the believer conforms his life in obedience to the direction set by the Cornerstone. The cornerstone bears the weight of the building, but believers, built on Christ, are not called to carry burdens by themselves. Instead, sharing burdens and joys (I Corinthians 12:26) means bringing all these to Jesus in prayer. God the Father guarded His people through history, until the time when the foundation He built was prepared for the Cornerstone, Jesus Christ. The Spirit of God directs believers to conform to Jesus in obedience to the Word until the building, that is, the whole community of Jesus is built up in true faith. Jesus carries the weight of the whole building of believers. He has the strength to do so and He has the compassion large enough to do so. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for keeping His covenant promises as seen in the gift of Jesus; ask of the Spirit guidance and perseverance to live according to the direction set out for you in Jesus Christ. Ask the LORD to give the children in your church, family and community new life and direction in accordance with the promise that Jesus is their Cornerstone also. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 6 - The Spirit of the fear of the Lord

“And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might, the Spirit of knowledge and the fear of the LORD. And his delight shall be in the fear of the LORD.” - Isaiah 11:2-3a Scripture reading: Job 38:1-30 In my years of preaching and writing devotions, one Bible-phrase I’ve used that will almost always generate pushback is “the fear of the LORD.” Those who hear this phrase will naturally protest and claim there is no reason to be afraid of God—He is, after all, loving, merciful and kind. This is true. But it misses the fact He is All-Powerful. He is appropriately angry with the wicked. Sinners cannot stand in His Presence. The work of the Spirit, in His seven-fold brilliance, is the work of instilling in believers an appropriate reverent, awe-filled respect for the LORD of Splendour. Consider the words the Omnipotent God spoke to righteous Job. Though Job was blameless and upright in his generation, he was still small. He could not be compared to the greatness of God. The majesty of the Living God prompts His people to be keenly aware of their need for Him and their puniness before Him and therefore awed at His greatness and humbled by His mercy. When one considers the creation works of God, aided by the Spirit, one is made aware of his true place in the plan of God; though man is small, God is mindful of him. The Seven-fold Spirit, the Spirit of the fear of the LORD, shows the believer his great sinfulness, brings him to the place of appropriate confession and humility, and moves him to praise the Living God, Who loves His people and works in them a desire for and an ability to grow in holiness. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the gift of the Spirit of the fear of the LORD and seek the appropriate knowledge of the fear of the LORD in your Bible reading and prayer so that God’s word and will may be taught to you. Intercede for those who live irreverently that their hearts may be changed. Rev. Richard Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 5 - The Spirit of knowledge

“ have put on the new self, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator.” - Colossians 3:10 … Scripture reading: ...

Daily devotional

June 4 - Receiving the Spirit of might

“And the Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the Spirit of wisdom and understanding, the Spirit of counsel and might…” - Isaiah 11:2a Scr...

Daily devotional

June 3 - The spirit of counsel

“I bless the LORD who gives me counsel…” - Psalm 16:7 Scripture reading: Isaiah 11:1-5 Counsel is a word indicating that someone receiving...

Daily devotional

June 2 - The Spirit of wisdom and of understanding

Daily devotional

June 1 - Introduction to the Spirit

Is it difficult for you to pray? Many people find it challenging. C. Samuel Storms wrote: “I am convinced that every problem in prayer is traceable to a misconception about God. If we pray less than we should, or not at all, it is probably because we are…deficient in our knowledge of the true and living God” (C. Samuel Storms Reaching God’s Ear, pp.18-19). Therefore, it seemed appropriate for this series of thirty devotional readings to be sharply focused on Who God Is as He reveals Himself in the Bible. The Spirit helps us to know Jesus. As believers come to know Jesus and put their faith in Him, loving Him and obeying Him, they come to understand this teaching Jesus gave to His followers; in speaking with skeptics, Jesus told them “If you knew me, you would know my Father also” (John 8:19). It follows then, that believers who know Jesus and trust Him, know the Father also. The better we begin to know God, the more likely we are to pray. The seven I AM sayings in the Gospel of John are already likely to be very familiar to you. Each of these sayings reveals Jesus, linking Him to the Father in the divinity, power and unity of purpose. However, the Spirit has given many more revelations of God, many other Names, titles and descriptions of God which direct the reader into a deeper and fuller understanding of Who God is. Knowing God increases the faith of believers. Knowing God deepens a believer’s worship and expands his prayer-life. The seven-fold spirit “Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn of the dead, and the ruler of the kings on earth.” - Revelation 1:4b-5a Scripture reading: Isaiah 11:1-5 Today’s reading introduces the work of the seven-fold Spirit, (or Seven Spirits) referred to in Revelation. The prophet Isaiah, prophesying about the coming of the Messiah, noted that Jesus would be filled with the Spirit. By His great mercy, God the Spirit revealed the focus of His work in Christ. Why do I call that mercy? Because it follows then that those who are in Christ are those who also receive this same seven-fold Spirit. The Spirit is the Spirit of the LORD. He is fully divine and majestic. The Spirit is not a force or something impersonal. The Spirit is the Third Person of the Trinity, the Great I AM. As the LORD made His covenant with Israel, it is the Spirit Who works in and through the leadership of Israel to empower each one for holy service. According to the New Testament, the Spirit of the LORD is given to all believers. This is the beautiful truth just celebrated a few days ago at Pentecost. The very power and presence of the Living God, the Spirit, is in you, enabling you to remain in Christ. Christians are yet wilful and stubborn. Despite the cornucopia of blessings given to you, do you often turn to your own ways? The Spirit convicts you and leads you to repentance. The personal Spirit speaks to your spirit so that you are reassured you belong to God and the Spirit reminds you no power, and no thing, can ever tear you away from the rich salvation that is yours in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Thank God the Father for the gift of the Holy Spirit. Ask to be given more of the Spirit in your life to the increase of your faith in and obedience to Jesus. Rev. Vander Vaart served as a minister in the Christian Reformed Church of North America for over twenty years, before joining the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. He is now serving as the Atlantic Region prison-visiting pastor working with Redemption Prison Ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 31 - Jesus, the alpha and omega

““I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End,” says the Lord, “who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.”” - Revelation 1:8 Scripture reading: Revelation 1:1-20 In Revelation 1, the exiled apostle John meets with the glorified Christ who visits him on the Isle of Patmos. The description that John uses to describe the glory of Christ is already full of glory and majesty. Beyond the splendour that describes the glorified Savior, we also hear Him speak. In verse 8, Jesus reveals Himself as the Alpha and Omega. These are the first and last letters of the Greek Alphabet. This shows us that before anything ever was created, Jesus was there! Not only that, Jesus will also be there when this world comes to an end. And in between the beginning and the end of this world, Jesus has everything firmly under His control! He describes Himself as the One Who is, was and is to come, the Almighty. It shows us the glory of Christ as He is Divine and One with the Father, possessing infinite power. In verses 17-18, He tells us that because He is the First and the Last, He has the keys of death and Hell! He has the keys! He can open and shut death and hell! How precious when He, through God-given faith, is your glorious Savior. Not only will you enjoy His presence when you breathe your last, but He will also guarantee your entrance into eternal bliss! He promises in Revelation 21:5-6: Behold, I make all things new. (…) I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End. I will give of the fountain of the water of life freely to him who thirsts. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for Jesus as the Alpha and the Omega. Pray that He will be the Alpha and Omega of your life! Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 30 - Jesus, our chief cornerstone (II)

“The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. This was the Lord’s doing; It is marvelous in our eyes.” - Psalm 118:22-23 Scripture reading: Psalm 118:1-29 Not all who see Jesus will accept and treasure Him as the Cornerstone of the building. Psalm 118 tells us that this cornerstone was rejected by the builders. That is one of the responses toward Christ. But those who do value Him, rejoice in what God has done. Every believer will say with this Psalm: This was the Lord’s doing and it is marvelous in our eyes! Jesus has become their tested and tried and trustworthy Cornerstone to rest their lives upon. They agree with what Peter says about Jesus as the Cornerstone: And he who believes in Him will by no means be put to shame (1 Peter 2:6). None of those who have trusted in Christ will ever say: “I put all my hopes on Jesus Christ. Jesus became the foundation of my life, but it turned out to be like the house on the sand, it was useless, it still brought great destruction.” No, Jesus Christ is a stone that can be tried and that is found faithful, stable, 100% trustworthy. When He gives us faith in His promises, there is no doubt He will fulfill them. When He invites us to rest our entire life on Him, we know that He will never leave, nor forsake us. He will never ever let us down. He might try us at times; we might go through troubles. We might not be spared difficulties, but one thing is very sure. Jesus is more than 100% trustworthy. Trust Him today! Suggestions for prayer Praise God that there is such a sturdy foundation to your life, through Jesus Christ! Pray that you will learn to trust Him throughout each season of your life. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 29 - Jesus, our chief cornerstone (I)

“Therefore it is also contained in the Scripture, “Behold, I lay in Zion a chief cornerstone, elect, precious, And he who believes in Him will by no means be put to shame.”” - 1 Peter 2:6 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-10 Jesus is our chief Cornerstone. What does that mean? A cornerstone is a stone upon which a building rests. Theologians differ in opinion as to what a cornerstone really was. Some think it was a special stone at the corner of a building. Others think it was more like a foundation, or a capstone. Whichever it was, the point of this stone is clear. A cornerstone brings both durability and stability to a building. So also Jesus! His people are built upon Him as living stones of a holy temple (vs. 5). They all rest upon Him. Through His foundational work on the cross and at the open grave, the temple in which God will be worshipped is stable and durable! God will be worshipped through Christ throughout all the ages! Our text quotes Isaiah 28:16, which shows us that this was already foretold in the Old Testament. Jesus is the Stone that was elected, chosen from eternity to be the Chief Cornerstone for His people. It was God’s eternal, gracious and amazing plan to send His Son into this world to save sinners. It was God’s good pleasure to send Him, God’s boundless mercy! Jesus is not only the chosen Cornerstone, but He is also the precious Cornerstone; precious to His Father; precious to all who know Him and need Him for the stability of their lives. The more we grow in our knowledge of our sin and our Savior, the more He becomes precious to our souls. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His plan to make Jesus the Cornerstone to our worship of Him. Thank God for sending Him to our rescue. And pray that as you grow in your knowledge of self and the Savior, He might become more precious to you! Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 28 - Jesus, our mercy seat (II)

“And He Himself is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” - 1 John 2:2 Scripture rea...

Daily devotional

May 27 - Jesus, our mercy seat (I)

“…whom God set forth as a propitiation by His blood, through faith, to demonstrate His righteousness.” - Romans 3:25a Scripture reading: Ro...

Daily devotional

May 26 - Jesus, the door

“I am the door. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” - John 10:9 Scripture reading: John 10:1-15...

Daily devotional

May 25 - Jesus, our city of refuge (II)

“that (…) we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.” - Hebrews 6:18 Scripture readi...

Daily devotional

May 24 - Jesus, our city of refuge (I)

“that (…) we might have strong consolation, who have fled for refuge to lay hold of the hope set before us.” Hebrews 6:18 Scripture reading: Joshua 20:1-9 There is a beautiful picture in the Old Testament which shows us who Jesus is. It is seen in the cities of Refuge to which murderers could flee when they had sinned. How is Jesus our city of Refuge? The city of refuge had to be easily accessible. Jesus is easily accessible – Jesus is said to be close to those who are of a broken heart because of their sin. He welcomes such sinners. The city of refuge was never to be locked at night. Jesus is always available – Jesus is our #1 place to go when all other help fails us. His throne of grace is open 24/7. Heaven can be reached by taking refuge in Jesus by prayer. The city of refuge welcomed murderers. Jesus welcomes the worst – If you had murdered someone accidentally, you were instructed to flee for your life to a city of refuge. Jesus does more than that. He even welcomes Manassehs! The Gospel calls us over and over: Take refuge in Christ, run to Him with all your sin! Only in Christ, are you safe from eternal death and destruction in hell. The city of refuge was a place of protection and care, even more so Jesus! – When someone entered the city, a Levite would be waiting to help with food and clothing. The person would be protected from the law. Much more Christ! When we take refuge in Him, He shelters us from the law, feeds our souls and clothes us with His robe of righteousness! Suggestions for prayer Thank God that we may take refuge in Christ with all our sins. Pray that you will approach Him in the way of true repentance and faith, and that you may enjoy His protection and care today. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 23 - Jesus, our banner (III)

“So shall they fear the name of the LORD from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun; When the enemy comes in like a flood, the Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him.” - Isaiah 59:19 Scripture reading: Isaiah 59:9-21 & Psalm 20:1-9 How is Jesus a banner to His people? Here are two more reasons: Just as a banner guides soldiers through the fiercest battles, so Jesus by His Spirit can guide us through the fiercest battles of the Christian life – In Isaiah 59 we are told that there will be a time when truth will fall in the street and the enemy will come in with a flood. It will be a time when Satan seems to have more and more power. Paul picks up this theme in 2 Thessalonians 2 and applies it to the anti-Christ. It will be a time in which each soldier of the cross will feel overwhelmed by the flood of wickedness in this world, all on top of the battle we already have with our personal sins. What will keep a believer bravely fighting in such a time? The Spirit of God Who comes and strengthens us! Jesus’ Spirit reminds us of His victory. For, Jesus as our Banner gloriously promises victory to us – Jesus promises peace and rest for weak, wounded and battle-weary soldiers! Believers already rejoice by faith in the victory that will be ours. Isaiah 11:10 promises: and his rest shall be glorious. Jesus’ victory over sin, death, and hell cannot but make us rest and rejoice. Psalm 20:5 puts it like this: We will rejoice in Your salvation, and in the name of our God we will set up our banners! One day, victorious soldiers will perfectly rejoice in Jesus’ salvation! Suggestions for Prayer: Thank God for His promises of both spiritual empowerment and final victory through the cross of Jesus Christ. Ask for God’s Spirit to help you fight in times when you feel overwhelmed and when the battle is fierce. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 22 - Jesus, our banner (II)

“You have given a banner to those who fear You, that it may be displayed because of the truth.” - Psalm 60:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 60:1-12 Yesterday we began answering the question: How is Jesus a banner to His people? Let’s look at another reason today: Just as a banner reminds weary soldiers to whom they belong, so Jesus our Banner reminds us of the truth of His love – Psalm 60:4 shows us that God has given a banner to those who fear Him, so that it may be displayed because of the truth. This means that weary soldiers who fear Him, and who fight under the banner of Jesus’ cross are reminded of His truth and love when they look at the cross. That is what keeps them going in the battle against sin, self and Satan. When we look to the banner of Jesus’ cross, we see the truth of God’s justice on display. God is just and must punish our sins, but for every believer He has done so, pouring out His just wrath upon Christ. Not only do we see the truth of God’s justice on the cross, but also the truth of His love! God so loved us that He did not spare His only begotten Son! God’s just wrath is satisfied, and His love is put on display. Yes, Song of Solomon 2:4 tells us that His banner over me was love! The more we look to the Author and Finisher of our faith, the more we will be able to strengthen the hands that hang down and straighten the feeble knees, killing our sins (cf. Hebrews 12:1-2,12). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the truth of the cross, where the justice of God is satisfied, and His love is put on display. Pray for strength to resist and kill your sins, and for renewed courage to fight in this battle when you feel weak. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 21 - Jesus, our banner (I)

"And in that day there shall be a Root of Jesse, Who shall stand as a banner to the people; For the Gentiles shall seek Him, And His resting place shall be glorious." - Isaiah 11:10 Scripture reading: Isaiah 11:1-16 Jesus Christ, the coming Messiah, from the line of David, is compared in this verse with a Banner. A banner is something that encourages soldiers. It might have been a cloth, a figure, or at night a torch, that was there to help soldiers during the battle. In order to be encouraged by a banner, it needed to be lifted up for all to see. Jesus is that Banner. How is Jesus this banner for His people today? Just like a banner identifies a group of soldiers, so Jesus identifies with His people – When we are enrolled by faith in Jesus’ army, Jesus identifies with us. We have become Christians. Christ now lives in the believer (Galatians 2:20). And He rallies and unites Christians around Himself (Galatians 3:28). Just as a banner brings soldiers together, so Jesus, through His cross brings Christians together – Jesus told us personally, when He would be lifted up, He would draw all men unto Himself by the banner of His cross (John 12:32). He said this in light of some Gentiles who came and asked Phillip if they could see Jesus. And Jesus, knowing this verse from Isaiah, tells Phillip that Gentiles and all kinds of people will be brought together after His death. A world-wide army of believers, who have seen the power of the cross, will enroll under Jesus’ banner. When the cross is held high in the preaching and in missions, we can be assured that the church will grow. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the cross and for its attractive power. Pray for pastors, Bible teachers, professors and missionaries and other places where the cross is being held high. Pray that many would be brought to saving faith. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 20 - Jesus, our victorious lion (II)

“…Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll, and to loose its seven seals.” - Revelation 5:5b�...

Daily devotional

May 19 - Jesus, the kingly lion (I)

“Judah is a lion's whelp: (…) The scepter shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh comes; and to Him shall ...

Daily devotional

May 18 - Jesus, the apple tree

“Like an apple tree among the trees of the woods, So is my beloved among the sons. I sat down in his shade with great delight, And his fruit was swe...

Daily devotional

May 17 - Jesus, the fountain of living waters (II)

Daily devotional

May 16 - Jesus, the fountain of living waters (I)

“Jesus answered and said to her, “Whoever drinks of this water will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst. But the water that I shall give him will become in him a fountain of water springing up into everlasting life.”” - John 4:13-14 Scripture reading: John 4:1-15 Jesus is the Fountain of living waters. The question is: what is it about fountains that shows us something of who Jesus is? Jesus is a never-ending overflowing Fountain – A fountain of living water in nature is a place where the water spontaneously bubbles up from the ground. Some fountains can yield water from the ground up to a ton a minute, year in, year out! Jesus is such a never-ending overflowing fountain too. His Words are the waters that refresh our souls. When we believe in Christ and drink from His Word, it renews and refreshes us in the inner man – in our hearts. He promises that His words are an ever-flowing fountain that springs up into eternal life! Jesus is our fresh Fountain – Fountains in nature generally bubble up crystal clear water. In Bible times, in a hot climate, fresh water was absolutely vital; without it, you would die! As sinners we naturally, like this woman, prefer the stagnant and poisonous waters of sin. Instead, Jesus offers us clear water. When He comes into our lives, He brings holiness and purity by His Holy Spirit. When we drink of those waters, we will stop thirsting for sin and thirst more for Jesus. There is nothing more refreshing to our souls than the grace of our Lord Jesus. Come afresh to Jesus and His fountain today and let the flow of His atoning blood not only refresh your soul, but also refresh your hope of eternal life. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His never-ending and ever-freshly flowing Fountain in Jesus Christ. Pray for His overflowing grace to refresh your soul and focus your hope. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 15 - Jesus, the rock of ages (II)

“And the Lord said, “Here is a place by Me, and you shall stand on the rock. So it shall be, while My glory passes by, that I will put you in the cleft of the rock, and will cover you with My hand while I pass by.”” - Exodus 33:21-22 Scripture reading: Exodus 33:12-23 Jesus is the Rock of Ages who has existed from eternity. In that respect we are rather unlike Him; we are mortal human beings. Changes can make us nervous and fearful. But when we trust in Jesus, the Rock of Ages, Who also became man, like us, we will find stability for our lives. Jesus is our Stable Rock – A rock brings stability to our lives; how does Jesus do that? In Jesus’ sermon on the mount, He finished by picturing two people who are building a house. The one was quickly done. He didn’t dig too deep and built it on the sand. The other man dug deeply until he found a rock to build on. The first man’s house fell flat in the storms and troubles of life. The second man’s house stood firm during the troubles and storm of life. Why? Because Jesus is the Rock and when we build our life on His teaching, our lives will find stability. Jesus is our Safe Rock – The Bible clearly tells us that sinners cannot see God and live. So, when Moses asked God to see His glory, he was asking for his own death. But God tells Moses that there is a place by Him! When He stands upon the Rock, God promises to cover Moses with His hand. What a picture of the Lord Jesus’ salvation. Through Jesus our Rock, there is a place where sinners can see God and live, safely covered by His Hand! Suggestions for prayer Thank God that there is a safe place with our Holy God through Christ. Pray for the grace to build your life on the teachings of Christ with real-life obedience. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 14 - Jesus, the rock of ages (I)

“Trust in the Lord forever, For in YAHWEH, the Lord, is everlasting strength .” - Isaiah 26:4 Scripture reading: Isaiah 26:1-9 Because the Lord is the Rock of Ages, it is safe to trust in Him. Yes, we should trust in Him forever! Isaiah’s word choice evokes the picture of a strong and large boulder, or a mountain cliff. God is just like that, Isaiah tells us. Jesus is our Eternal Rock - This Rock has been there for all ages, since eternity. When it speaks here about YAH, the Lord, we know that this refers to the One Triune God, Father, Son and Spirit. The Son is as eternal as the Lord Himself! He has been there from eternity (Colossian 1:17). Therefore, this applies to Jesus also. There was not a moment in the eternity past when Jesus did not exist. He is from eternity! Jesus is our Changeless Rock – If you have ever visited the Rocky Mountains, or if you live close to them, you know how impressive and massive these huge pieces of Rock are. When you are in that area it is easy to notice that they are there day after day, seemingly immovable. Storms can rage, frost can come, lightning may hit, the sun may beat, the clouds can hide them but nothing really changes these giant mountains. What a picture of Jesus! Jesus is the Rock known for His indestructible strength and duration… Troubles and trials may come to your life; weak faith may hide Him from your view… Still Jesus Christ is the same yesterday, today and forever! Like an unchangeable Rock!! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the fact that Jesus is eternally trustworthy and that He changes not. Pray for the grace to look to Jesus amidst the changing circumstances of life. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville ON Canada since May 2017. This year he took a call to the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa USA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

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Search CATEGORY: Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

November 29 - Avoiding appearance of evil

Daily devotional

November 28 - Test the spirits

Daily devotional

November 27 - On despising prophecy

Daily devotional

November 26 - Respect for office-bearers

Daily devotional

November 25 - Salvation through Christ’s death

Daily devotional

November 24 - Spiritual watchfulness

Daily devotional

November 23 - Children of the light

Daily devotional

November 22 - Like a thief in the night

Daily devotional

November 21 - Encouraging one another

Daily devotional

November 20 - Our daily labour

Daily devotional

November 19 - Concerning love to the brothers

Daily devotional

November 18 - God’s Holy Spirit is in you

Daily devotional

November 17 - A life pleasing to God

Daily devotional

November 16 - Living moral lives

Daily devotional

November 15 - Pleasing God in our walk

Daily devotional

November 14 - Abounding in love

Daily devotional

November 13 - We have been comforted about you through your faith

Daily devotional

November 12 - Being moved by afflictions

Daily devotional

November 11 - For you are our glory and joy

Daily devotional

November 10 - You received the Word of God

Daily devotional

November 9 - Working night and day

Daily devotional

November 8 - But we were gentle among you

Daily devotional

November 7 - Not seeking the praise of men

Daily devotional

November 6 - We had already suffered

Daily devotional

November 5 - Turning away from idols

Daily devotional

November 4 - God has chosen you