Daily devotional

February 18 - I do not change

“For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” - Malachi 3:6

Scripture reading: Romans 8:28-39

Our world is more subject to change today than it has ever been in human history. More information has been produced in the last 30 years than in the previous 500 years. Smartphones are powerful little computers in your hand! Approximately fifty percent of college graduates are going to jobs that didn’t exist when they were born due to advances in technology. We are living in an incredibly advancing world which can be very overwhelming. One man put it this way: "My great-grandfather rode a horse, but he was afraid of a train. My grandfather rode a train, but he was afraid of a car. My father rode in a car, but he was afraid of an airplane. I ride in an airplane, but I’m afraid of a horse." That’s certainly making a full circle!

Despite our ever-changing world, trusting Jesus makes life very certain for us. This is why true fulfillment does not come from a changing world, but rather from our changeless God Who made this world and everything in it. Jesus is the firm foundation for our faith. He never fails, He is never out of the way and He is always in control. He says, For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. What could ever happen to us when we place our trust in the living God? Is there anything that can separate us from Him and His love? Through the circumstances of life, are you fully trusting in the One that does not change?

Suggestions for prayer

Thank the LORD for the privilege to be called by God in Christ because of His love and mercy. Ask Him to help you to trust Him as your foundation of faith through this changing world.

Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB.

Full Article

Daily devotional

February 17 - He comes in judgment

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely...

Daily devotional

February 16 - He comes to purify

“But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as...

Daily devotional

February 15 - My messenger

“Behold, I send my messenger and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger o...

Daily devotional

February 14 - Guard yourself

“Did he not make them one, with a portion of the Spirit in their union? And what was the one God seeking? Godly offspring. So guard yourselves in yo...

Daily devotional

February 13 - Faithful and committed

“Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the LORD, which he loves, and has married the daughter of a foreign god.” - Malachi 2:11 Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:1-32 Malachi uses the example of marriage to illustrate how the people had been faithless to the covenant and to God. When it came to their marriages, the men of Israel were taking foreign wives and marrying the “daughters of a foreign god.” In other words, they were marrying women who remained faithful to other gods. Like Solomon, foreign wives had turned their hearts away from the LORD. Because of this, the people corrupted their worship of the LORD with the worship of idols and other deities. Hence, the LORD charges the people with profaning the sanctuary despite their expression of love for it. Paul tells us in Ephesians 5 that the relationship between a husband and wife is a picture of Christ and the church. He tells us, Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her (Ephesians 5:25). How great is the love that Christ has for us that he would give Himself up for us! When people violate the marriage covenant, they are also corrupting the picture of this important covenant relationship Christ has with His people. Malachi is a relevant book for us today. We’ve become a self-centred, individualistic society in which people regularly fail to keep their commitments. And what is happening with marriages in our culture? Unfortunately, they are failing as they are no longer seen as sacred covenantal unions between a man and a woman. In the covenant of marriage, we also show our commitment to be faithful to Christ as the One we ultimately love. Suggestions for prayer Pray the LORD will give you sincerity of heart as you worship today. Pray the LORD will help His people have committed, loving relationships in the covenant of marriage. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 12 - The LORD is faithful to his covenant

“Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why then are we faithless to one another, profaning the covenant of our fathers?” - Malachi 2:10 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 7:1-26 Here the people are questioning and they recognize God as their Father, yet they have been faithless and profaned God’s covenant. They received the covenant with the LORD because of grace. This is reaffirmed by the two questions that Malachi asks in vs 10. Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Malachi is not using these questions to teach the universal fatherhood of God. He is making clear that God is the Father and the Creator of His covenant people. And despite their continued rebellion, faithlessness and profaning the covenant, God kept this covenant with them. The fact Israel had returned to the land and worshipped at the rebuilt Temple was certainly evidence that God is faithful to His covenant with them. T. Barnum made a fortune based on his philosophy, “There is a sucker born every minute.” Con artists have always thrived on schemes to bilk unsuspecting people out of their money. Our enemy, Satan, has a con game and he seeks to deceive you. He tells you, God is not good, He is not faithful, and He will let you down if you trust in Him. Is this true? Jesus is not faithful and Satan is so? If you believe this then I have some great swampland in Florida I would like to sell you!! Your heavenly Father is faithful to His covenant and His people. He shows His faithfulness in how He sent His Son to save His people from their sin. Trust in Him and you will not be disappointed. Suggestions for prayer Praise the LORD for His covenant faithfulness and love for us, a love that sent His Son, Jesus, to earth to die for us. Pray that we would respond in faithfulness and love for Him. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. ...

Daily devotional

February 11 - We are messengers!

“True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.” - Malachi 2:6-7 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:1-14 In the time before modern communication, when a king needed to communicate with someone in his kingdom or with a foreign dignitary, he would send his messenger with his message. The messenger was not free to create his own version of the king’s word. Even if he didn’t like the message, he still had to be absolutely accurate when declaring what the king wanted to say. When referring to Levi, the LORD declares that he feared Him and stood in awe of Him. As a result, Levi taught true instruction and no wrong was found on his lips. Our text says he walked with God, lived in peace, uprightness, and was a reliable source for instruction. He was a messenger of the LORD of hosts! This applies to us today as well, doesn’t it? The message of Jesus, the King of kings, is to be declared faithfully and accurately by His servants in all generations. We are also His messengers! We need to have a testimony like that of Levi. Do you fear the LORD and stand in awe of Him? Do you seek to walk with God, live in peace and uprightness before the LORD? Do you seek to declare true Biblical instruction to others? Sound teaching must flow out of a godly life. Only in Christ by His Spirit can we be a true witness to others with the saving message of the gospel. Seek to be a faithful messenger for Christ today. Seek to know the truth so that you can share the truth. Suggestions for prayer Thank the LORD that He saved us in Christ so that we can live godly lives, walk with Him and receive His instruction. Ask the LORD to help you to be His messenger to share His truth to others. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 10 - A covenant of life and peace

“So shall you know that I have sent this command to you, that my covenant with Levi may stand, says the LORD of hosts. My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him. It was a covenant of fear, and he feared me. He stood in awe of my name.” - Malachi 2:4-5 Scripture reading: Romans 5:8-21 Life and peace are qualities we all desire. Are you lacking these in your life? How do we obtain true life and peace as mentioned in our text? Through the One Who enters into a covenant relationship with us by our mediator Jesus Christ. When Malachi mentions Levi, he is not just referring to the man, but to the line of priests that descended from him. The LORD chose the tribe of Levi for the care of the tabernacle and the ministry in the sanctuary. He placed them in a special covenant relationship with Himself as part of the ceremonial law. The Levitical priesthood pointed forward to Christ in His mediatorial office as the ultimate High Priest making intercession for His people. There are several ways in which God’s covenant with Levi is described here. The LORD declared that it will stand; it is a covenant of life and peace and a covenant of fear. This Levitical covenant points to the greater covenant of grace we have with Christ, our great High Priest. As a Christian, it is Christ Who gives you life and peace! Outside of Christ, one can never truly know and experience life and peace. The LORD’s covenant is established with us by grace as we have faith in Christ. It also means we fear Him or reverence Him as Levi feared and was in awe of His name. May you know covenantal life and peace as you seek to reverence Him as your God. Suggestions for prayer Praise the LORD that He gives us life and peace and restores us through the intercession of our Great High Priest Jesus Christ. Ask the LORD to help you to reverence Christ as your Saviour and Lord. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 9 - Harsh words?

“Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it.” - Malachi ...

Daily devotional

February 8 - Are you listening?

“And now, O priests, this command is for you. If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the LORD of ho...

Daily devotional

February 7 - A proper attitude toward God

“But you say, 'How have we despised your name?' By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the...

Daily devotional

February 6 - Come with true worship

“But you say, 'How have we despised your name?' By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, 'How have we polluted you?' By saying that the...

Daily devotional

February 5 - Our father and master

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name.” - Malachi 1:6 Scripture reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:1-17 The LORD is a father to Israel. Should the nation which was considered a “firstborn son” of the LORD be less obedient and so careless? This is why God’s question was so sharply declared, If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? These questions show the important relationship we have with the LORD. We are His children and He is our Father, the One Who loves us and provides for us in every way. Is it right then to take His Word lightly and to only listen and obey when it suits us? There is a phenomenon that happens called a sinkhole. A sinkhole occurs when the ground underneath the surface gives way and everything collapses creating a huge hole. Sinkholes can swallow people, cars, even entire buildings. Suddenly everything simply caves in and disappears. Why am I telling you this? The sinkhole happens in a place where there is a weak foundation. You think the ground on which you are standing is solid, but suddenly it is not and everything is gone. Without Christ, we have no real foundation for our beliefs and faith. We may think everything is solid, but then it is not, as if a sinkhole appears and everything is gone. The LORD is our Father and Master through Christ. Your relationship with Him is so vital and important. Do not have sinkhole religion without foundation, but have true faith in Christ as Saviour and Lord. Suggestions for prayer Pray that Jesus will be the foundation of your faith and not some kind of sinkhole religion. Ask the LORD to help you honour, obey and fear Him as your Father and Master. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. ...

Daily devotional

February 4 - God’s love declared

“"Is not Esau Jacob's brother?" declares the LORD. "Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert."” - Malachi 1:2-3 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:1-24 In referencing Jacob and Esau, the LORD is speaking about the nations that descended from these brothers, Israel and Edom. In His sovereign plan, God determined that the people descending from Jacob, the Jews, would be His chosen people. He loved them in a special way that He did not love other nations including Edom. The LORD is saying I have a relationship with you, Jacob, because I chose you and I do not have a relationship with you, Esau, because I have rejected you. If you are a Christian, recognize you are chosen, greatly loved, and have a relationship with Christ. You are not just a follower of religion. A follower of religion can change his mind to follow some other religion. At no time would I say to my wife, we have been married for almost 26 years, but you just don’t interest me anymore, so let’s go our separate ways. If I was just interested in being married, I could easily leave her for another. But rather, I love this woman and there are no others I could ever love more than her. I love her more each day because we have a relationship together. I would be miserable if we went our separate ways. The LORD loves you and chose you to have this wonderful relationship with Christ to save you. Now I ask you, what is your attitude towards Him? Are you a follower of religion or Christ? Depending on how you answer that question tells you where your heart is today. Suggestions for prayer Pray the LORD helps you to look to Jesus with the eyes of faith even if your present circumstances make it difficult. Ask the LORD to grant you a deep love for Christ knowing that by faith you belong to Him and nothing can separate you from Him. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 3 - How have you loved us?

“"I have loved you," says the LORD. But you say, "How have you loved us?"” - Malachi 1:2 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-29 These people, unfortunately, question God’s love and don’t believe Him. Their question reveals a lack of a suitable response to the love the LORD has extended to them. Instead of accepting and rejoicing over His love, they question it. Also understand, these people were not openly rebellious against the LORD. They have returned to the land after the Babylonian captivity. Some of them may have worked with Nehemiah on rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem. They were outwardly following the Law of Moses and offering sacrifices. If you had asked how they were doing spiritually, they would have said, “We are doing just fine, thanks.” But that’s not what the LORD says! He knew their hearts and desires. As they looked at their circumstances, things were not going as they expected, so they grew discouraged. They were still under the authority of the Persian king and his appointed governor. Their farms were not doing well because of drought (3:10-11). Many of them were probably thinking, if this is love why does it seem like the opposite! Like Israel, we will grow indifferent to God’s great love for us if we focus on our difficult circumstances rather than God’s plan and purpose for us. If we focus on our problems, they will consume us and cause us to lose joy in Christ and His love for us. Have you lost perspective? Are you questioning GOD’s love for you in Christ? Have you allowed something in your life to become greater than God and that consumes you? Suggestions for prayer Pray the LORD will enable you to rest in His great love for you. Ask the LORD to grant you a genuine faith that will stand up to all the trials and sorrows in life, a faith in Christ alone for salvation. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB. ...

Daily devotional

February 2 - I have loved you

“"I have loved you," says the LORD. But you say, "How have you loved us?"” - Malachi 1:2 Scripture reading: Romans 5:1-9 The first statement made by the LORD is not a rebuke, that is coming, but a declaration of His love despite the waywardness of His covenant people. This should immediately be comforting to you as well. The LORD declares His love for you even when you do not deserve it. In this one word, “love,” all of GOD’s gracious dealings with His people is realized. Love is the goodness of God whereby He delights in and finds joy in giving Himself to His people. It is an exercise of God’s goodness to sinners whereby He willingly gives His Son to be their Saviour in order to deal with their sin. Remember God’s love is not like our love. His love is unchanging and ever constant. Our love is always changing and fickle. If your heart is indifferent to God’s love, consider the wonder of His great love for you. Paul told us in Romans 5:8-9, but God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us. Since, therefore, we have now been justified by his blood, much more shall we be saved by him from the wrath of God. The LORD did not wait for you to love Him, but He showed the greatness of His love to you and this is while you were a sinner. Christ came to die and save from the wrath that comes on a fallen, rebellious world. The LORD declares His love for you, how do you respond to Him? Suggestions for prayer Ask the LORD to help you to truly understand and see the greatness of His love for you in Christ. Pray that you will respond to Him with faith, love and thankfulness for His love to you. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 1: Introducing the book of Malachi

For February, we will focus on the Old Testament book of Malachi. In the prophecy of Malachi, we find that the LORD was not pleased with His people. T...

Daily devotional

January 31 - All things made new

“Behold, I am making all things new.” - Revelation 21:5b Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-27 ...

Daily devotional

January 30 - New creatures

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

Daily devotional

January 29 - A new song

“And they sang a new song, saying, Worthy…” - Revelation 5:9-10 ...

Daily devotional

January 28 - Living the new life

“Give no opportunity to the devil” - Ephesians 4:27 Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:17-32; 5:1-5 Ephesians 4 marks a transition in Paul’s epistle from the foundation of grace to the fruits of grace—from saving grace to serving grace. In our Scripture lesson, we are given much instruction as to the character of a believer’s life, and also a warning to watch out for the devil. The devil is an opportunist. He is our accuser (Revelation 12:10) and adversary (I Peter 5:8). He wants to bring about discord amongst believers. Unity amongst believers is to be highly prized. The devil especially prizes its disruption. We may be tempted to think that the roaring lion in his arsenal of tricks employs scandal and open sin as his prime method. But more often than not, the prince of the power of the air (Ephesians 2:2) employs subtle means to break down the life of the Christian. Paul outlines six concrete ways Christians “put off” their old lives and “put on” life in Christ. The study note in the ESV Reformation Study Bible puts it this way: Turning “from lying to telling the truth (4:25, 26); from uncontrolled anger to self-control (4:26, 27); from stealing to useful labour (4:28); from harmful to helpful speech (4:29, 30); from bitterness to love (4:31-5:2); and from unrestrained sexual desires to a thankful acknowledgement of God’s good gifts (5:3-5).” How well do you understand living the new life? Suggestions for prayer Pray for strengthening grace. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 27 - The world’ smallest but largest trouble maker

“From the same mouth comes blessing and cursing. My brothers, these things ought not be so.” - James 3:10 Scripture reading: James 3:1-12 Already this year most of us have spoken thousands and thousands of words. What will it be by year’s end? But the LORD knows each word spoken and even the words of our silent thoughts and holds us accountable. Are there words that you wish you could take back? Of course! Our tongue often brings us into sin. We need wisdom in the use of our speech. The ability to speak is a gift, but also a power. James gives us six pictures of the tongue: the horse’s bit; the ship’s rudder; fire; deadly poison; a fountain and a fig tree. The bit and rudder are a picture of the power of words to direct; the fire and poison are a picture of the power of words to destroy; and, the fountain and fig tree are a picture of the power of words to delight. David in Psalm 141:3 prayed “Set a guard, O LORD, over my mouth; keep watch over the door of my lips.” The LORD hates a lying tongue (Proverbs 6:17). Words can break hearts and destroy reputations; slander is a horrible matter. A Welsh proverb goes, “LORD, remind us often that a gossip’s mouth is the devil’s mailbag”. Be careful, little tongue, what you say! Suggestions for prayer Pray for the positive use of the tongue with wholesome words. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment. ...

Daily devotional

January 26 - Great is thy faithfulness

“But this I call to mind…” - Lamentations 3:21-26 Scripture reading: Lamentations 3:1-27 Yesterday, we reflected with Solomon as he pondered the meaning of life, even to the point of believing there was nothing new under the sun. But we must not lose sight of the fact that for the one made a new creature in Christ, every new day is a day of new mercies. In a chorus of a very familiar hymn, believers sing “Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness! Morning by morning new mercies I see; All I have needed Thy Hand hath provided, Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.” The hymn writer took his cue from Jeremiah. Jeremiah was given the task to announce God’s judgments against a disobedient Old Testament Church. He lamented the fact that his people had exchanged their glorious God for worthless idols (Jeremiah 2:11). The book of Lamentations is filled with his tears. He is filled with grief at Zion’s devastation and degradation. But in the middle of the third chapter, he pauses and calls to mind the memory of God’s devotion to His people. And that brings hope out of hopelessness. He remains confident in God’s promises and compassions. That must be our focus day by day. Are you looking to the LORD for His daily new mercies? Will you remember that for each new day this year? Suggestions for prayer Do you have a hymn book nearby with "Great is Thy Faithfulness" in it? If so, sing that hymn! Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment. ...

Daily devotional

January 25 - Anything new?

“What has been is what will be… and there is nothing new under the sun.” - Ecclesiastes 1:9 Scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 1:1-18 It has been said, the more things change the more they stay the same. As this New Year unfolds, much of the regular routine of life will stay the same. And while regular routine is a blessing from the LORD, brokenness within our routines is not. The book of Ecclesiastes speaks to our brokenness. Life apart from God is vanity and meaningless. Solomon sought to find meaning in his work, in pleasure seeking and in wisdom itself, but came to the same conclusion—that life’s activities when they are not rooted in God’s purposes have no abiding value. With weariness of heart, Solomon observes the effects of the repetitious enduring activity in God’s creation from generation to generation. It is all the same. Nothing is new under the sun and nothing will be remembered. Christians, however, live under the Son. And we are thankful that by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Jesus alone, we are made new creatures. That puts life in perspective. Our routines have a direction as we prepare ourselves for the New Jerusalem to come. Divine blessings are to be enjoyed day by day, but never forget we must all be prepared for divine judgment. How are you preparing? Suggestions for prayer Acknowledge your brokenness and testify to your need. Thank God for routine and ask God to help you keep life in perspective. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment. ...

Daily devotional

January 24 - Ask for the ancient paths

“Thus says the LORD: Stand by the roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths…” - Jeremiah 6:16 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 6:1-30 Bef...

Daily devotional

January 24 - Ask for the ancient paths

“Thus says the LORD: Stand by the roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths…” - Jeremiah 6:16 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 6:1-30 Bef...

Daily devotional

January 23 - The danger of backsliding

“Your evil will chastise you, and your apostasy (backsliding-NKJV) will reprove you…” - Jeremiah 2:19 Scripture read...

Daily devotional

January 22 - Be an ambassador

“Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ,... be reconciled to God.” - 2 Corinthians 5:20 ...

Daily devotional

January 21 - Oh give thanks to the Lord

“Oh give thanks to the LORD” - 1 Chronicles 16:8 Scripture reading: 1 Chronicles 16:8-36 A contemporary catechism asks the following question: Why is prayer necessary for Christians? The answer: Because it is the chief part of the thankfulness which God requires of us and because God will give His grace and Holy Spirit to those only who with hearty sighing unceasingly beg them of Him and thank Him for them. Being thankful means more than simply living with a sense of gratitude. It is more than taking time to recognize and focus on the things we have, instead of the things we wish we had. The Bible takes the idea of thankfulness to a deeper level. The act of giving thanks causes us to recognize the One who provides our blessings (James 1:17). David knew that God was responsible for the safe delivery of the ark of the covenant to Jerusalem (1 Chronicles 15:26). As a result, he penned a song of gratitude that centred on God instead of simply expressing his delight in an important event. David sang, “Oh, give thanks to the Lord! Call upon His name; make known His deeds among the peoples!” (16:8). David’s song went on to rejoice in God’s greatness, highlighting God’s salvation, creative power, and mercy (vv.25-36). Gratitude to God is our natural response to God’s grace and provision. Suggestions for prayer Ask that we might recognize true thanksgiving, emphasizing the Giver first rather than the gifts. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 20 - Praying thy kingdom come

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom…” - Psalm 145:13 Scripture reading: Psalm 145 Jesus taught us to pray: “Thy Kingdom Come”. Praying and living out of our prayers is a gift of God’s grace—it is a high calling, a demanding responsibility. To be called to a life of prayerful service is not our deserving. Who are we that the Lord should set before us His Kingdom glory in Jesus Christ? When we pray for the fullness of the Kingdom, when we in sincerity are asking the LORD to place our desires within the purposes of His kingdom, then our lives will have a particular focus with far-reaching implications. The kingdom testifies to God’s reign and rule in the lives of His people. Our heavenly Father is sovereign over the whole of life and all of history. We have a King and He is our LORD, Lord of lords and King of Kings. As subjects of our King we are called to serve our King and bring our homage. His rule is to be honoured, His Word is to be obeyed. As we look forward to the many activities that the Lord has set before us each day again, we can do so in the conviction that our lives are not lived in vain, for they are lived within the blessed calling of God’s Kingdom. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you will be able to see the depth and width of the Kingdom. Pray Maranatha! Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 19 - Waiting

“Wait for the LORD…” - Psalm 27:14 Scripture reading: Psalm 27 By nature we are an impatient people. Waiting for a doctor’s appointment, waiting in a check-out line, waiting for a phone call that may not be coming, even waiting at a stop light can be frustrating for some. But God does put stop lights in our lives that we might learn to wait on Him. Abraham and Sarah had to wait many years before the realization of their promised son. The Old Testament church had to wait many centuries for the fulfillment of the Promised Son, our Redeemer. The New Testament church has waited for many centuries for the return of our Saviour King. In the circumstances of life, when wondering what is coming next, we must learn to wait. We often find ourselves in the middle of the story and we don't know what the next chapter holds. Some, reading this meditation, have experienced a broken heart and wonder how it might be healed. There are parents with prodigal children waiting for their child to return to the LORD. Maybe you feel at the end of your rope and think there is no more rope left. We need to practice our faith no matter where the LORD puts us. As we wait, we ask the LORD to teach us (vs. 11), to protect us (vs. 12) and help us to live in faith knowing that He is our light and salvation. Suggestions for prayer Ask for the grace to patiently wait on the LORD. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 18 - Choose

“Choose this day whom you will serve... but as for me…” - Joshua 24:15 Scripture reading: Joshua 24:1-33 Our Scripture lesson today is important to remember every day of the year. Joshua has led the people into the promised land. He had completed his task. The LORD would soon call him home. In his farewell message, he urges the people to live faithfully before the LORD by choosing obedience. The Israelites had to press on without Joshua. Joshua only foreshadowed a greater One to come. In the meantime, they were to look forward to the fulfillment of God’s promise to send the Saviour Who was perfectly obedient to the entire counsel of God’s will. But as they waited they were not to put a question mark where God had put a period. Every day we make choices. How is it that you make yours? You will be making thousands and thousands of choices this year. What will be your guiding principles? Will you seek the Holy Spirit’s favour? Often we do not realize the non-intended consequences of our decisions. Ravi Zacharias once said, “Consequences are bound to the choices you make. You can have your choice, but you cannot choose your consequence” God is sovereign—He is the Ruler Supreme. But within God’s sovereignty comes human responsibility. That responsibility calls us to serve God, to obey God one choice at a time and to trust Him one circumstance at a time. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the grace to make proper choices. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 17 - Responding to the world

“...the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them (God’s Words) into the fire... until the entire scroll was consumed…” - Jeremiah 3...

Daily devotional

January 16 - Don’t forget to remember

“Take care lest you forget… You shall remember…” - Deuteronomy 8:11, 18 Scripture reading: D...

Daily devotional

January 15 - The joy of the Lord is our strength

“Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, Rejoice.” - Philippians 4:4 Scripture reading: ...

Daily devotional

January 14 - Dealing with our desires

“Desire without knowledge is not good... What is desired in man is steadfast love…” - Proverbs 20:2a & 22a �...

Daily devotional

January 13 - Look to Jesus

“Therefore since we are surrounded... let us also lay aside... let us run... looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith…” - Hebrews 12:1-2 Scripture reading: Hebrews 11:30-12:2 In the previous chapters, the Hebrew believers had been encouraged to see the superiority of Christ. The entire message of the Old Testament had been a preparation for the coming of Christ. Now at the conclusion of this letter/sermon these same believers are called to a living and lively faith. As 11:6 teaches, without faith it is impossible to please God. Faith is as Martin Luther once wrote “…a living daring confidence in God’s grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times”. In faith, God’s people are to fix their eyes on Jesus as the object of faith and salvation. This means that while the cloud of Old Testament witnesses may inspire us, it is Jesus, both in His person and work, Who is to both encourage and enable us as we look to our Fatherland. We must rest and rely on His perfect obedience as if it were our own. By the merits of Christ Jesus, we run the race seeking the heavenly Jerusalem. Are you facing a particular temptation? Look to Jesus! Are you distraught! Look to Jesus! Is doubt, complacency, self-absorption your trouble? Look to Jesus! Suggestions for prayer Ask our heavenly Father for grace to keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment. ...

Daily devotional

January 12 - Away from the body, at home with the Lord

“So we are always of good courage…” - 2 Corinthians 5:6 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-21 In the year unfolding before us there may be those whom we love taken from us. Perhaps even someone reading this devotional. This morning (at the time of writing), I received a phone call informing me of the death of one of God’s saints. She at sixty years was relatively young. I was shocked. Why now LORD? What grief for her loved ones and her church community! Our why questions will not always receive answers in this world. For all of us death will be life’s last experience. Our bodies are like tents flapping in the wind. And one day appointed by the LORD, that ‘tent’ will be taken down. The LORD is the giver and taker of life. Blessed be the Name of the LORD. Death remains the final enemy. Death is ugly. Death brings sorrow and even intense pain to loved ones left behind. There is a longing for the fellowship and companionship that is no longer. Death’s bite is hard, often very hard. By grace, believers trust God’s promise. Death’s sting will not last into eternity. They live in the confidence that when we are absent from the body, we are with the LORD. In faith, the Christian testifies to our reconciliation with God. Christ has won the victory over death. Do you believe this? Suggestions for prayer Pray for the certainty of faith. Confess your faith in the resurrected living Christ. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 11 - Do your work

“Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might…” - Ecclesiastes 9:10a Scripture reading: Proverbs 23:23-27 Work is a blessing and we pray that we will be blessed with God-pleasing work in 2022. The Bible tells us that as God’s image-bearers we are to “have dominion over . . . every living thing that moves on the earth” (Genesis 1:28). It urges us to work with our hands so that we can provide for ourselves and others (Ephesians 4:28; 1 Thessalonians 4:11). Work, when performed with the right attitude, can be pleasurable and rewarding. Proverbs 27:23-27 portrays the beautiful interplay of diligent work on our part and faithful nurture on God’s. Part of that diligence is to know your present situation well and respond accordingly. In an agrarian society, it was important to know the condition of your flocks and herds. But giving heed to our own particular setting is no less important in whatever calling we have been placed. The proverb calls for diligence, not fear. Since you cannot even see tomorrow, you must trust the God Who holds the future in His hands. Do your reasonable best in your daily labor, and trust the Lord for the rest. Remember, when God puts work into your life, He expects you to put life into your work. Suggestions for prayer “Another year is dawning! Dear Father let it be, in working or in waiting, another year with Thee.” Pray for strength to do our work diligently and gratefully. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 10 - A living hope

“...He has caused us to be born again to a living hope…” - 1 Peter 1:3 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1:1-25 The Christian testifies of the blessedness of living with a living hope. Not a "hope so" hope, but a "for sure" hope. We live in a world filled with despair. All around us, we see suffering — some self-inflicted. We ourselves experience struggle and disappointment. Our feeble faith often falters. But our focus must always be our living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead. In 1524, the Reformer, Martin Luther wrote: Whilst in midst of death we be, Hell’s grim jaws o’er-take us; Who from such distress will free, Who secure will make us? Thou only, Lord, canst do it! It moves Thy tender heart to see our great sin and misery. Into hell’s fierce agony sin doth head-long drive us: Where shall we for succor flee? Who, O, who will hide us? Thou only, blessed Saviour, Thy precious blood was shed to win peace and pardon for our sin. Today as God’s people we celebrate the victory of Christ over death and the tyranny of the devil. We live in anticipation of an “inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven”. We rejoice that by “God’s power we are being guarded through faith for a salvation, through faith ready to be revealed in the last time”. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for a living hope in Jesus Christ! Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 9 - Devote yourself

“Until I come, devote yourself to…” - 1 Timothy 4:13 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4:1-16 The letters to Timothy were written to encourage hi...

Daily devotional

January 8 - A good soldier of Jesus Christ

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier…” - 2Timothy 2:3-4a Sc...

Daily devotional

January 7 - Faith is a good fight

“Fight the good fight of faith” - 1 Timothy 6:12a Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 6:1-21 Our Scripture med...

Daily devotional

January 6 - This will be a year of battle

“…wage the good warfare.” - 1 Timothy 1:18 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 1:1-20 Our calling in this year...

Daily devotional

January 5 - He calls me by name

“...and I know you by name” - Exodus 33:17 Scripture reading: Exodus 33:1-23 In the days prepared before us, we will be called to face a variety of circumstances of which some will seem beyond our ability to endure. In our Scripture lesson today, the LORD commands Moses to lead the people into the promised land. Moses found that task beyond his ability. How does the LORD respond to Moses’ doubts? The Lord reassures Moses that He knows him by name! The Lord promises His care for His servants and does so by name! Our names carry meaning; they also serve to shape our identity. While in a crowd we may be just another figure, seemingly insignificant, no Christian is anonymous to God. For the One who made heaven and earth, knowing a few billion people is not a problem. God loves you immensely (John 3:16), He thinks about you all the time (Psalm 139:17-18), and He calls His sheep by name (John 10:3). Moses was a picture of a greater One to come. His Name is Jesus—the One who delivers us from our sins. How well do you know His name? His is the Name above all names (Philippians 2:9). “How sweet the Name of Jesus sounds in a believer’s ear! It soothes his sorrows, heals his wounds, and drives away his fear.” Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He knows us by name. Praise the Name of Jesus. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 4 - Exalt the name of the Lord

“Oh magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.” - Psalm 34:3 Scripture reading: Psalm 34:1-22 Life calls us to set priorities. How have you set yours? Psalm 34 helps us set our priorities aright. Always, our great calling remains to magnify the LORD and to exalt His name and to do that with and alongside fellow believers. Think of the magnifying glass—it brings everything into sharper focus. So too for us, when we set our priorities aright. Two days ago, we in freedom could be together in the Lord’s house of praise, prayer and proclamation to testify to the greatness of our God and the great things He has done, is doing, and will yet do. David in magnifying the LORD bears witness to the happiness of those who trust in God. He writes out of conviction and experience after being delivered from his fears, saved out of his troubles. And that continues to be the experience of the believer to this very day. God is near the broken-hearted and saves those experiencing a heavy spirit. He hears the believer’s cry for help. Praise to God sets the tone for all that we are called to be and do. Will you make praise one of your priorities this year? Suggestions for prayer Ask our heavenly Father to help set our priorities aright in such a way that praise would be a top priority. Thank the LORD for our deliverance in Jesus Christ. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 3 - Pay attention to God’s Word

“Come, let us strike him with the tongue, and let us not pay attention to any of his words.” - Jeremiah 18:18b Scripture reading: Jeremiah 18:1-23 If we are to truly experience a blessed year of our LORD 2022, we must pay close attention to the Word of God. As Psalm 119:105 teaches, God’s Word is to be a lamp to our feet and a light to our path. In our Scripture lesson today, we read of a people who lived in dead formalism and who were determined to follow their own plans and act according to the stubbornness of their own evil hearts (vs.12). The people who were called to live in covenant fellowship with the LORD spurned His covenant Word. Jeremiah was called to bring a word of reproof and correction, but that Word of wise counsel was rejected. With their own words they would strike the Word-bearer sent by God (and in the future Christ). They had murderous intentions and later Jeremiah would experience being thrown alive into a deep pit on account of God’s Word. What will it be for us this year? Will we heed the whole counsel of God? Or, will we pick and choose according to our own liking? Each day, we who are a willful people by nature must turn to God’s Word to direct us according to His will. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord for a pliable heart. Ask for a heart that is united to fear God’s Name (Psalm 86:11b) Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 2 - He leads me!

“He leads me beside… He leads me in…” - Psalm 23:2b-3b Scripture reading: Psalm 23:1-6 What is it that you need in the year of our Lord, 2022? You need the leading of the Good Shepherd. Today’s familiar and beloved psalm has brought comfort and hope to God’s people throughout the ages. This psalm celebrates all that the Good Shepherd does for His sheep. Psalm 23 describes the trustworthiness of our Good Shepherd. He cares for us (v.1); He provides for our physical needs (v.2); He shows us how to live holy lives (v.3); He restores us, comforts us, heals us, and bountifully blesses us (vv.3-5); and He will not abandon us (v.6). He leads us each step of the way. How this conviction must serve for the strengthening of our souls. However, there is in this Psalm something else that should not be overlooked. Sheep follow their shepherd. The blessings and comfort of this psalm do not come to sheep that do not follow the Shepherd. As Jesus reminds us, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). Do you know what it is to hear His voice? Will you be known as one following the Good Shepherd this year? Do you take comfort in the Shepherd’s leading? Suggestions for prayer Pray for our Saviour Shepherd’s continued leading, for much we need His tender care. Be specific for various areas of your life and loved ones including the Church. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

Introduction to January

In some ways, the New Year simply marks the passage of one day into the next. There is nonetheless, real significance in the turning of the calendar f...

Daily devotional

December 31 - Alpha and Omega

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and ...

Daily devotional

December 30 - No reputation

“Christ Jesus… made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. And being found in appearance a...

Daily devotional

December 29 - Wise men

“…when they had come into the house, they saw the young Child with Mary His mother, and fell down and worshiped Him.” - Matthew 2:11 Scri...

Daily devotional

December 28 - A troubled city

“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” - Matthew 2:3 Scripture reading: Matthew 2:1-7 We should not be too surprised that Herod was troubled to hear about the birth of the King. After all, which king would want to hear this news? Even more, Herod was an Idumean, which is the Greek for “Edomite.” These were the sons of Esau, who had an ancient feud with Israel. More surprising, however, is to hear that Jerusalem was troubled along with Herod! Why would this be? Should they not be excited that the Messiah was born? Perhaps they were tired of the various zealot rebellions that had happened in those times. Maybe they simply did not want to “rock the boat.” Or it is possible that many of them were happy with the benefits of the Roman empire. After all, Rome allowed a lot of trade and prosperity. It had brought a form of slavery under taxation, but also a long period of peace under firm rule. Whatever the reasons were, Jerusalem would rather keep things the way they were. Is this not true of many today when they are confronted with the truth about Christ? The call to bend the knee to the King of kings is profoundly life-changing. It involves getting off of the throne of our own lives and submitting to the will of God. Are you perhaps also troubled by the idea of surrendering some areas of your life, mind or possessions to the Lord? Do not forget that the call to trust in Christ comes at a cost, even at times the cost of earthly security! (Luke 12:53). Suggestion for Prayer: Pray that you would not be troubled when the Lord calls you to be ruled by His Word and Spirit. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 27 - Anna’s evangelism

“…she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” - Luke 2:38 Scripture reading: Luke 2:36-38 The witnesses to the birth of Christ are a complete set of representatives. They represent old and young, male and female, Jew and Gentile, rich and poor. Here the focus is on Anna, a prophetess. Prophetesses were relatively rare in the time of the scriptures. They seem to have been most prominent in spiritually dark times. When men failed to lead and speak God’s Word, the Lord used dedicated and godly women in more visible ways. For about 400 years before the coming of Christ, we do not hear of a single true prophet. Here, at the end of that age, we see a dedicated prophetess. Anna was a widow who had lost her husband at a young age. Since then, for many decades, she had lived at the temple, fasting and praying, night and day. Some interpret the language to indicate that she would have been well over 100 years old, though the 84 years could also refer to her age. She was another symbol of the very long time that believers waited for the Saviour. It is a reminder that some will have to wait a lifetime for prayers to be answered. Now, however, she is a picture of thanksgiving and joyful evangelism! When we truly grasp the joy of Christ's coming, we will begin to speak of Him to others. The Lord Jesus promises that "...whoever confesses Me before men, him I will also confess before My Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 10:32). Suggestion for prayer Pray that more believers would speak about the glory of Christ to their brothers and sisters in the church. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 26 - Simeon’s joy

“…my eyes have seen Your salvation, which You have prepared before the face of all peoples, a light to bring revelation to the Gentiles, And the glory of Your people Israel.” - Luke 2:30-32 Scripture reading: Luke 2:22-35 The birth of Christ is witnessed by an interesting set of characters. First, there were the shepherds. But now, as the firstborn Son was brought to the temple, we are introduced to another. This time it is a man named Simeon. We do not know much about him. He seems to have been a witness set apart for this specific moment. The language of verses 26 and 29 indicates that he was likely a very old man. Try to imagine this elderly believer, who lived in Jerusalem, coming “by the Spirit into the temple” (Luke 2:27). He knew, from the Holy Spirit, that he would one day meet the Messiah. His age reminds us that believing Israelites had waited a long, long time for the Messiah to come. At just the right time, he is there to greet this poor little family in the Father’s house. He takes the Child into his arms and blesses God. Simeon’s main testimony is great joy in seeing the Saviour! But why is this happening? Simeon’s testimony would affect Joseph and Mary, amazing them (Luke 2:23). It must have been an encouragement for this family to be greeted with such warmth and joy! This was also an appropriate reception to His Father’s house. For the first time, a genuinely righteous Child of God was entering the temple. Most importantly, despite His poverty and the strange circumstances of His birth, the beloved Son entered with the glory being given to God. Suggestion for prayer Pray for an eager expectation of the second coming of Christ, as Simeon had at the first coming! Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 25 - The shepherd’s testimony

“Then the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things that they had heard and seen, as it was told them.” - Luke 2:20 Scripture reading: Luke 2:8-20 If we understood the place of a shepherd in New Testament Israel, we might wonder why God would choose to send angels to them. Shepherds were the lowest class. Their occupation, including the need to range sheep over long distances in the dry season, meant they could not keep the Sabbath as the Pharisees expected. Some ancient sources say that their testimony was not allowed to be used in a court of law, as they were considered unreliable and incapable of giving an accurate account. Once again, we see that the gospel account would not appeal to certain people. “…not many wise according to the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called” (1 Corinthians 1:26). Imagine then the effect of their testimony on the surrounding communities. Would they be mocked? Perhaps they would be treated as those who claim to have seen supernatural sights in our day? It would take faith to believe them! These shepherds are the start of a longer storyline. Throughout the ministry of Jesus, his followers would include converted sinners, tax-collectors, and zealots. The first witness to his resurrection would be Mary Magdalene, out of whom He had cast seven demons (Mark 16:9). When we bring the glorious message of the gospel, we should not be surprised if we are counted as fools. We are in lowly company when we believe in the virgin birth, the cross and the resurrection! And yet, this is the most glorious message to witness. Suggestion for prayer Pray for someone who is too proud or “wise” to hear the gospel message. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 24 - The firstborn son

“She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.�...

Daily devotional

December 23 - A sad journey

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea… to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.”...

Daily devotional

December 22 - His name is Jesus

“She will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name JESUS, for He will save His people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21 Scripture readin...

Daily devotional

December 21 - A miracle child

“Do not be afraid, Zacharias, for your prayer is heard; and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John… he will tur...

Daily devotional

December 20 - Called out of Egypt

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.” - Hosea 11:1 Scripture reading: Hosea 11:1-9 It is interesting to think about this text and how Old Testament believers would read it. They would naturally look backward in time. They would see this as a hopeful picture of how God had rescued their fledgling nation out of slavery in Egypt. The terms are endearing and beautiful. Sadly, however, the context is appalling. In the context, Hosea makes comparisons that show how shamefully Israel’s rebellion contrasts with the Lord’s love. He speaks of great wickedness in the verse before and of sacrifices to the Baals in the verse after. This was a reminder to sinful and rebellious people of God’s covenant love to them. Reading this in context helps us understand the significance of what Matthew 2:15 means as the Holy Spirit highlights this verse. Matthew understood that this text mainly pointed forward to the Son of God. As His family fled the threats of Herod, the Lord Jesus Christ was forced into exile in Egypt. He was suffering the consequences of sin as his family was driven into a foreign land. But He was driven there for the purpose of being called back out. “…that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying, ‘Out of Egypt I called My Son’” (Matthew 2:15). Even as a little child, the Lord Jesus was already taking the place of sinners. He would take the route of His people so that He could redeem His people. And He did so, always, as the beloved Son of the Father. Suggestion for prayer Pray for covenant children who are in danger of going into slavery to sin, that they would see their need for the Son. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 19 - A ruler from Bethlehem

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Israel, whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting.” - Micah 5:2 Scripture reading: Micah 5 Bethlehem was just a tiny, obscure village. Here it was even referred to as “little among the thousands of Judah.” Almost any other town would be bigger and seem better, apart from one fact: it was the birthplace of David, the great king of Israel. David started as a mere shepherd boy. He was a little brother, from a little village and yet, it was David who put Bethlehem on the map. He drove back his nation's enemies and he united the tribes under one ruler. There was a time of peace and plenty. A powerful family line of kings would rule after David for many generations. People would remember Bethlehem, mainly because David was a man after God’s own heart who was raised up to be a great leader (1 Samuel 13:14). All of David’s accomplishments, however, were just preparation for the real purpose of Bethlehem. History set the stage for the One Ruler, the King of Kings, to be born there. He is the eternal Son of God, Who has always existed, from everlasting. And yet, He would choose this tiny place as a testimony to the world. He could have chosen to be born in Jerusalem, or even Rome, but instead, He arranged history so that His earthly life would begin in an otherwise obscure place. “God has chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise… and the weak things to put to shame the things which are mighty” (1 Corinthians 1:27). Suggestion for prayer Pray that the humility of Christ would be impressed on many in these times, and that they would truly come to Christ. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 18 - The root and the branch

Isaiah 11:1–2 There shall come forth a Rod from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots. The Spirit of the LORD shall rest upon Him. Scripture reading: Isaiah 11:1-16 When we talk about a “family tree,” we use the same symbol that Isaiah spoke of in chapter 11. Isaiah pictures David’s father, Jesse, as the trunk or the stem of this family tree. From his son, David, onward, this would have been the family tree of the kings. Generation after generation, his sons had ruled over Judah. What is profound, however, is the context of this verse. At the end of chapter 10, the LORD is pictured as cutting down many forests. Isaiah 10:33 says, “Those of high stature will be hewn down, And the haughty will be humbled.” The hope of Isaiah 11:1 comes on the heels of a threat. The threat is that the nations, and even their kings, will be cut down to size. In time, sadly, this would happen to the house of Jesse. They would lose their high position and they would become prisoners and slaves in exile. What had once been a mighty family tree would be a mere stump. The glory of the kings of Judah would be cut down! Imagine if your family was forcibly taken to a foreign land and imprisoned? Would you have hope for the future? Isaiah saw hope, that from that stump a new shoot would begin to grow. God allowed the descendants of Jesse to survive, despite their sin and its consequences. Far in the future, even though He was born into a poor family under the oppression of Rome, Jesus Christ would grow out of that "stump" to become our Rod and Branch! Suggestion for prayer Pray that those you know who seem to have lost all hope, that they would see the hope that is in the Rod and the Branch. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 17 - The Prince of peace

“...unto us a Child is born, Unto us a Son is given; And the government will be upon His shoulder. And His name will be called Wonderful, Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of His government and peace There will be no end…” - Isaiah 9:6–7 Scripture reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 The prophet, Isaiah, lived in a time which was devastating for believers. Israel had fallen into idolatry and into every kind of evil. The northern tribes were conquered and enslaved during the life of Isaiah. The kings of Judah, increasingly, had failed to lead according to God’s law. The consequences of these sins were beginning to pile up. Isaiah’s calling was to bring many warnings, rebukes and calls to repentance to a disobedient people, and he did this faithfully. Isaiah also, however, was given messages of comfort for the true children of God. One central theme was that the Lord had revealed that the Messiah would come. Throughout the book of Isaiah, there are clear prophecies about Him. In Isaiah 9, His identity is clearly laid out. The Messiah will be born as a child, given as a Son. He would be truly human. And yet, He would be much more than that. Isaiah knew that the Messiah would be God, with all of the attributes of God. He would be amazing, wise, almighty, eternal and the King of Kings. Isaiah described the Lord Jesus Christ in beautiful poetic language, even 700 or so years before He was born. Imagine the comfort that this prophecy brought to disappointed believers living in dark times! We continue to hold the same hope and trust in the same prophecy that Isaiah gave, knowing that there will be no end to His peace and government. Suggestion for prayer Pray that governments would submit to God, and that as Christians, we would be able to live a quiet and peaceable life (1 Timothy 2:2). Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 16 - Kiss the son

“Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way.” - Psalm 2:11–12 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

December 15 - The Redeemer

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth, and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see G...

Daily devotional

December 14 - A house, father, and son

“He shall build a house for My name, and I will establish the throne of his kingdom forever. I will be his Father, and he shall be My son.” - 2 Sa...

Daily devotional

December 13 - Israel needs a King

“In those days there was no king in Israel; everyone did what was right in his own eyes.” - Judges 17:6 Scripture reading: Judges 17:1-13 ...

Daily devotional

December 12 - The star of Jacob

“I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.” - Numbers 24:17 Scripture reading: Numbers 24:12-19 Balaam’s role in the Bible is memorable and filled with irony. Many will mainly remember the talking donkey who saves Balaam’s life. But the talking donkey was only a tiny preview of greater irony that was to come. Balaam was known as a diviner, wizard or fortune-teller of some kind. He claimed to be a spokesman for God, but his ways were perverse (Numbers 22:32). He “loved the wages of unrighteousness” and devised a plan to lure the children of Israel into wickedness (2 Peter 2:15, Revelation 2:14). Balaam, as a “diviner for hire,” could hardly be expected to be reliable. Yet, though he was an unlikely speaker, God used Balaam to pronounce only beautiful blessings on Israel. One of these prophecies was that far in the future, “…a Star would come out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.” A star was the sign of the birth of a great King (Matthew 2:2), and the sceptre was the rod that was a symbol of His power. Balaam was foreseeing the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and even preaching the hope of His coming kingdom! There is in this event a double hope in the end, first that the Lord can use enemies to bless His people abundantly. Second, no matter how evil some in this world are, they cannot deny the coming of Christ. He has come and He now rules over all things, even all of the nations! (1 Peter 3:22). Suggestion for prayer Pray for wisdom to see that God even uses evil and influential people to bless His children. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 11 - Standing in the breach

“He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He destroy them.” - Psalm 106:23 Scripture reading: Psalm 106:1-48 Adam and Eve were banished from the garden. Cain was driven further to the east. At Babel, all of humanity was scattered across the face of the earth. We find a pattern in the Old Testament of growing distant from God. As the exodus progressed, this sad pattern developed again. Though God’s people had followed Him safely across the Red Sea, they soon began to despise His ways. Psalm 106 reviews this history of rebellion and punishments. God had made it clear that His people deserved to be destroyed. There was a breach between God and His people. The word means “gap,” and it points to a dreadful relational breakdown, a situation where two parties had a chasm or abyss of brokenness between them. Israel had “cheated” on God with the golden calf. They had fallen in love with an idol and rejected Him. So, He threatened to destroy them utterly and they would have deserved that end (Exodus 32:10). But there is hope in this scene! Moses himself had not been part of this rebellion or idolatry. He was still in fellowship with God and he was allowed to stand in the breach. When Moses pleaded with God for them, he pointed to God’s covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Exodus 32:13). Moses became their mediator. His role was preparing God’s people to see how all of us need a Mediator. Though we have not been faithful to Him, He continues to make intercession for us! Suggestion for prayer Pray for those in denial of the serious breach between themselves and God. Pray for forgiveness and repentance for “…covetousness, which is idolatry” (Colossians 3:5). Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 10 - Spiritual drink

“...all ate the same spiritual food, and all drank the same spiritual drink. For they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them, and that Rock was Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 10:3–4 Scripture reading: Exodus 17:1-7 If you have been to a desert, you know that you can get very thirsty in a short time. Now imagine a nation of hundreds of thousands, even millions of people, living in the Sinai desert for decades. The only way this was possible was that the Lord regularly provided them with water. At Marah, the Lord guided Moses to cast a tree into the water to make it drinkable. At Horeb at the beginning of their long journey and Meribah near the end, Moses struck the rock with his rod and water came out. From this passage in 1 Corinthians 10, we learn that those two scenes were bookends to an ongoing reality. As Israel traveled with the pillar of cloud and fire in front of them, the “spiritual Rock” followed behind them. This is a mysterious truth. Through the Saviour and His work, they were always provided with and always within reach of life-giving water. None of the Israelites needed to be lost in the wilderness, none needed to starve and none needed to die of thirst. Every place they camped, there was water. That scene, however, was not just about literal water. As believing Israelites went through those trials in faith, they were drinking of the living water. The Lord was supplying them with every spiritual need in Christ. What a picture of comfort this is! That the Saviour goes both before and behind His people, filling their every need! Jesus promised His people, “...whoever drinks of the water that I shall give him will never thirst” (John 4:14). Suggestion for prayer Pray with thanksgiving for Christ our Rock! Pray that contentedness would take the place of complaining and that you would rejoice in the gift of living water Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 9 - The baptism of Israel

“Moreover, brethren, I do not want you to be unaware that all our fathers were under the cloud, all passed through the sea, all were baptized into Moses in the cloud and in the sea.” - 1 Corinthians 10:1–2 Scripture reading: Exodus 14:21-31 When God’s people were separated from Egypt, first by the cloud and then by the Red Sea crossing, they were being baptized. Baptism is a sign of the need for separation. As water washes away filth, so the work of the Lord washes away sin and gives new life. Baptism means that individuals and their households have a new identity. For Israel, that identity was tied to Moses' leadership. They were no longer under the ownership of Pharaoh. The nation of Israel had been “born again.” God taught His people about the need for a new life, even as baptism now points to rebirth. The church now has been baptized in "the Name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit." We do not belong to this world! We belong to the LORD Himself. Looking back on that Red Sea crossing would motivate believers for generations. Several Psalms recount that event. In 1 Corinthians 10, the Apostle Paul also sees the need to remind the church of this event. He uses this example to remind us of the need to look to Christ, even during trials and temptations (1 Corinthians 10:12-13). Sadly, many who crossed the Red Sea fell away. They crossed the Red Sea, but Egypt never left their hearts. The same danger exists today. Therefore “...forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to those things which are ahead, I press toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 3:13–14). Suggestion for prayer Praise the LORD of deliverance and baptism. Pray for the wisdom to continue to look to Christ amid temptations. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 8 - Separated from Egypt

“And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behin...

Daily devotional

December 7 - Saviour of many

“...as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” - ...

Daily devotional

December 6 - God will provide

“Abraham said, “My son, God will provide for Himself the lamb for a burnt offering.”” - Genesis 22:8 Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-24 ...

Daily devotional

December 5 - The comfort of rest

“...he called his name Noah, saying, “This one will comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our hands, because of the ground which the LORD...

Daily devotional

December 4 - The seed promise

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” - Genesis 3:15 Scripture reading: Genesis 3:1-20 Genesis 3 recounts the first-ever missionary journey. Adam and Eve were desperately needy, aware of their nakedness and guilt. Though they are polluted by sin and worthy of death, God came to seek them out. There is great hope in this visit. Do we consider enough, how much His seeking and speaking show mercy? The words that God says are difficult and the curses He pronounces are sobering. But there is also much hope here! There is the promise that Seed will be born, a Child will come, and He will crush the head of Satan. The cause of their sin, and all their problems, will one day be conquered by a Saviour. Sometimes this verse is called the “proto-evangelion,” which means it is like a prototype of the gospel. It is a simple hope: a Descendant will come to conquer evil. Beyond this good news, at the end of the visit, God made Adam and Eve tunics of skin and clothed them. Though Adam and Eve were banished from the garden, they left with gospel hope in their hearts and a covering for their shame. Today we know that these hopes have been fulfilled in Christ. We have the entire message of the victory of Jesus Christ over sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:55-56). He covers sins! (Romans 4:7). Let us rejoice that the Saviour has come and look forward to His return when He will have the final victory! Suggestion for prayer Pray for missions and that the church would be faithful in proclaiming the gospel to the ends of the earth. Pray that you would be ready to give a “...reason for the hope that is in you” (1 Peter 3:15). Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 3 - All the scriptures

“...beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” - Luke 24:27 Scripture reading: Luke 24:13-34 Many of us have probably heard a Bible teaching that suddenly “clicked.” There was an insight into a passage that we had not thought of before. Suddenly we saw the brilliance of the Bible in a new way. Imagine if you had been on the road to Emmaus, as the Lord Jesus Himself expounded the Old Testament! Those disciples would have learned how passage after passage was actually about Jesus Christ. This is something we need to remember about the Old Testament. It is all, ultimately, pointing to Jesus Christ. All of the history and the writings served to promise and prepare God’s people for His coming. There was the promise of a coming Seed to Adam, the rest from violence brought by the flood and the promise of God’s patience to Noah, the calling of Abraham out of the east and Joseph’s role in saving his family from famine. We can think of Moses leading God’s people out of slavery and mediating for them at Sinai, or David’s role in driving away enemies and bringing a great time of peace for Israel. Throughout all of His people’s history, God was teaching them that they needed the Saviour. Now, when we look back on these stories, we see in them hints and shadows of the need for Christ. Let us pray that the Holy Spirit would enlighten many to see that, “...all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen” (2 Corinthians 1:20). Suggestion for prayer Pray that many would have eyes to see that all of the scriptures point us to Christ. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 2 - The word who created

“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 nothing was made that was made.” - John 1:1-3 Scripture reading: John 1:1-14 In the creation account of Genesis 1, God simply speaks. The repeated refrain is, “And God said, let there be...” By the power of His Word, He created, divided, formed and filled. When we make things, we shape projects from existing material. We have to start with something like wood, paper or metal. God, however, made everything from nothing (Hebrews 11:3). In John 1, we learn that God did this through His Son, also called the “Word.” The original term for Word is “Logos.” The Logos is the perfect expression of God; it is the Logos who reveals God. He is with God and is God. God and His Logos are inseparable; they are One. Yet, profoundly, we see the Logos mediating between God and creation in the beginning. He is intimately involved in creation from the start. It is profound to think that this same Logos “...became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). What a beautiful mystery, that He would choose to visit the creation which He had spoken into existence! He is the Word Who is full of grace and truth (1:14), and Who has declared the Father (1:18). He demonstrated the power of His Word over the wind and waves (Mark 4:39) and even over sin and suffering (Luke 5:23). There is great hope in these opening words of John’s gospel and great hope in that God still reveals Himself to us through His Word! Suggestion for prayer Pray that the busyness and events of this month would not distract us from the Word of God, but would be a time of drawing nearer to Him in truth. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 1 - Introduction to "things concerning [Christ]"

As we come to the end of another year, it is good for us to focus on the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ. In this season, however, we need to concentrate on what God’s Word reveals about Him. Traditional depictions of Christ’s birth are at times inaccurate and even deceptive. The focus on consumerism and the experiences of the season may distract from who He truly is. This month’s meditations will focus on many of the “things concerning Himself” in the scriptures. (Luke 24:27) Old Testament believers expected that the Messiah would come to save them from sin, the effects of the curse and even death itself. It is good to be reminded of how God was preparing them for the coming of His Son. They lived in dark, evil and difficult times. Isaiah prophesied to them that “The people who walked in darkness have seen a great light” (Isaiah 9:2). What a privilege we have living after His coming, as the Light of the world has revealed Himself. Knowing Him and knowing about Him, we can read the whole Bible as it points to Him. As you work through this devotional survey of the Bible this month, may it remind you of the enduring hope of the gospel: Jesus Christ came to save sinners! Our prayer for you is that you would be genuinely confessing your sin, turning from it, and putting your faith in the Saviour. May this month be a time of true joy and thanksgiving founded on the Word of God and blessed by the work of the Holy Spirit! The Eternal Son “You, LORD, in the beginning laid the foundation of the earth, And the heavens are the work of Your hands. They will perish... But You are the same, And Your years will not fail.” - Hebrews 1:10,12 Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:1-12 During the month of December, many people are thinking about the Lord Jesus Christ’s birth. Minds will be filled with familiar depictions of hosts of angels and the Christ-child lying in a manger. Before we can think about His birth correctly, however, we need to think about the Son of God’s eternal identity. Hebrews 1 is a chapter that testifies to His eternal power. Using a series of Old Testament quotations, this chapter shows that Jesus Christ is greater than angels, that He is even God. When verse 12 quotes from Psalm 102, it even addresses the Son of God as the “LORD.” This means that He is Jehovah, the great I AM! Jehovah is the covenant-keeping God Who truly exists, while all of the other gods are creations of man. He created, visited and delivered His people and continues to do so. In Hebrews 1:11-12, this Son of God is also contrasted with all of creation. He does not age; He is eternal. He is different than creation, always existing, and always self-sufficient. Even now, the heavens are aging. Stars are burning out and chaos is increasing. The earth erodes, quakes and slips towards disorder. Like an old piece of clothing, everything is wearing out. There is no enduring hope to be found on this earth; even unbelieving scientists admit that it is guaranteed to perish one day. But the Son of God is the same, forever. He has always existed and always will. Do not forget that Jesus Christ’s history is from eternity to eternity! Suggestions for prayer Pray that you, or others you love, would grow to know Jesus Christ as He truly is, the eternal LORD. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

November 30 - Life through death

“And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the ...

Daily devotional

November 29 - Containment not destruction

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obe...

Daily devotional

November 28 - The assembly assembled

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem, and to innumerable angels in festal gathering, and to th...

Daily devotional

November 27 - Judgement!

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. ...

Daily devotional

November 26 - A weeping prophet

“And when drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on his day the things that make for peace! But now they are hidden from your eyes.”” - Luke 19:41-42 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 8:7-15 In 2 Kings 1, the Israelite king inquires of a pagan god about his chances of recovery; here a pagan king inquires of the man of God if he will recover from his sickness. How shameful when the world is more godly than the Church. And it often is. Patients who are unbelievers treat hospital staff with kindness and the believer in the same situation is demanding, impatient and critical. Shameful. Hazael asks Elisha whether his king, Ben-hadad, is going to recover. He is told that Ben-hadad is going to recover from his sickness, but that he is certainly going to die. This enigmatic statement means that in the normal course of events the sickness was not fatal. However, Hazael’s assassination attempt was going to be fatal. He would become king and terrorize Israel. Elisha knew that the judgement was deserved. That’s why he announces it. But notice that he also weeps because of the destruction that is going to come. Elisha, the prophet of the Lord, foreshadows Christ in both ways. We have domesticated the Lord Jesus and made Him tame. But remember, He is the One Who will say to many on that day, ‘I never knew you; depart from me, you workers of lawlessness.’ But Christ also weeps over the sentence of judgement. He has no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but delights in mercy. Rather than destroying sinners, He would rather be destroyed, taking the sins of His people to Himself and to the cross. Doesn’t this attract you to the Saviour? Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the loving compassion of Christ for sinners who deserve the condemnation that Christ took upon Himself. Ask the Lord that we would show compassion on our lost neighbours and have opportunities to point them to the Saviour. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 25 - The restorer of fortunes

“When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongues with songs of joy.” - Psalm 126:1-2 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 8:1-6 How perplexing the Lord’s ways are! Remember this woman who had established a B&B for Elisha in chapter 4? She’s back and so are the meandering ways of the Lord. She had received advance notice of an impending famine and was told to sojourn in the land of the enemies, in Philistia. She obeyed. When she returned after her seven year exile, she came back to nothing. Her reward for obedience is further hardship. She’s not alone; Christ Himself and countless Christians the world over know this pain. She appeals to the king and he restores her fortunes. And, delightfully, he does so because of the ‘chance’ intervention of Gehazi. Evidently the Lord had restored his fortunes too. That’s our experience too as Christians. We have been exiled from God’s presence because of our sin. But God restores the fortunes of the banished ones and brings His exiled ones home and gives them the inheritance long promised. Remember the prodigal son? This restoration grace is founded on the person and work of Christ. Think of His death as His exile, His banishment from His Father’s presence for sins not His own. The grave is His sojourn. His resurrection is the ending of the famine, life from the dead. And His ascension is His homecoming, receiving the enjoyment of His inheritance as the Son of God. This is what gives us hope. Hope for the lost and hope for the individual Christian whose life is a mess. God is in the business of restoring fortunes. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you might rejoice in the Lord’s restoring grace with laughter and song. Pray that the Lord will restore the fortunes of needy Christians and of His Church. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 24 - Deliverance delivered, declared, doubted, and denied

“. . . you know in your hearts and souls, all of you, that not one word has failed of all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you. All have come to pass for you; not one of them has failed. But just as all the good things that the Lord your God promised concerning you have been fulfilled for you, so the Lord will bring upon you all the evil things . . .” - Joshua 23:14 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 7 In the midst of devastation caused by human sin and the refusal to repent, the Lord graciously promises deliverance. The Syrian siege would cease. That was God’s promise, and 2 Kings 7 chronicles its fulfilment. Notice first that the Lord delivers on His promise. The Syrians heard a sound of an attacking army and fled. God’s ways are always marvellous. Then the deliverance is declared by four unlikely candidates. The lepers were hoarding when they should have been sharing. Here is a word for us. We must share with others the best news we have. The only qualification is that we have enjoyed it ourselves. When the king hears the news, his first inclination is to doubt it. The good news seemed too good to be true. Thankfully, his doubt was dispelled, and they went out and plundered. To the captain appointed for crowd control the deliverance was denied because he dismissed the Word of the Lord (vv. 2, 18-19). He didn’t trust, so he didn’t taste. All the promises of the gospel are found in one place, the Bible. They are accessed in one place: the Lord Christ, the Word of God. 2 Kings 7 is a preview of the gospel. You see. Will you enjoy? You will if you confess the devastation of sin and trust Christ to make things right. Faith in Christ brings blessings, eating and drinking in the kingdom of heaven and enjoyment of treasures that far surpass the silver and gold and clothing the lepers enjoyed from the Syrian camp. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would show you His faithfulness to His promises in the Lord Jesus Christ and that He would give us the faith to embrace them so that we might enjoy His blessings. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 23 - Devastation and deliverance

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.” - Luke 24:46-47 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 28:15, 52-57; 2 Kings 6:24-7:1 It is an unpleasant story. The siege is bad enough with all of its fear-inducing characteristics. It’s compounded by the resultant famine. But even that doesn’t capture the devastation. That comes in the story the woman told the king about the horrific experience with her son. Here we see the destructive power of sin in high definition. Sin is ugly, grotesque, hideous, a monster. And sin will not tell you that. Satan is not going to alert you to its gross ramifications. Only someone who loves you will do that. And in this passage our loving God is warning you to kill sin before sin kills you and those dear to you. What makes things so infuriating was that this situation was avoidable. As Deuteronomy 28 pointed out, this was a judgement from God upon His rebellious people. Repentance would have changed everything. It appears that the king had begun to repent (there was sackcloth under his robe), but he didn’t follow through. There is no real brokenness for sin as having grieved their holy God. It seems that he is just bothered by the consequences. He blames Elisha and, like his mother Jezebel, threatens to remove Elisha’s head from his shoulders. But in the midst of the devastation, don’t miss the promise of deliverance. The siege is going to end and prices will go down. Isn’t that unexpected? But that’s always God’s way. He offers deliverance from the devastation of sin. May that revelation of His grace lead us all to repentance. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to open our eyes to see the horrific, destroying power of sin so that we might turn from it to the Lord of grace and mercy. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 22 - Sweet revenge

“Let all the house of Israel, therefore, know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when the...

Daily devotional

November 21 - Our worship leader

“Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven...

Daily devotional

November 20 - Seeing with our ears

“Open my eyes, that I may behold wondrous things out of your law.” - Psalm 119:18 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:8-19 To the king of Syria�...

Daily devotional

November 19 - No axedent

“The floods have lifted up, O Lord, the floods have lifted up their voice; the floods lift up their roaring. Mightier than the thunders of many wate...

Daily devotional

November 18 - Judan-like, anti-grace gehazis

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ . . .” - Philippians 3:8 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:19b-27 At the end of the story, things change. Clouds roll in. Instead of grace there is greed. Instead of truth there are lies. Instead of, ”As the Lord lives, before whom I stand, I will receive none,” we hear, “As the Lord lives, I will run after him and get something from him.” And that dreaded leprosy is back. Instead of a leprous man coming into Elisha's presence clean, a clean man leaves Elisha's presence leprous. What had happened? Greed. Like Judas, Gehazi was on the front line of gospel ministry. Like Judas, he lusted for money. And what Gehazi lusted in his heart, he now held in his hand. Watch out for the progression of sin. Sin itself is greedy; always wanting more. And how did it advantage Gehazi? He has wealth now, but he also has leprosy. Gehazi resented God’s grace. He didn’t like this Syrian getting off so cheaply. Had he been captured by the free grace of God, he would not only have rejoiced in Naaman’s blessing, he would never have pursued wealth. His fascination with wealth highlights a dissatisfaction and disinterest in the grace of God. It always does. Left to ourselves we would all be Judas-like, anti-grace Gehazis. But Christ offers Himself to us. He is willing to take responsibility for our greed, lies and covetousness and our punishment too. That is what the cross is all about. So cherish Him, and if we have Him, is anything else even remotely comparable or desirable? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord that He would reveal the glory and wonder of the Lord Jesus so that we might be convinced of the surpassing worth of having Him. Pray that God would protect us from greed and covetousness. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 17 - Without money and without price

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price.” - Isaiah 55:1 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:15-27 Pagan religion taught that gods could be manipulated by humans. That’s almost certainly why Naaman brought so much wealth. Humans project that on to their non-existent deities. Even Christians tend to think that God must be moved by our contributions before he will do us good. God resists any attempt to change his grace into a commodity we can purchase. Grace, to be grace, must be free. That’s why Elisha doesn’t make any reference to Naaman’s wealth when he sends his messenger to tell Naaman to go and wash. That’s why Elisha refuses a gift that was aroused by gratitude for God’s grace (v. 16). (Certainly, the school of the prophets could have used the funds!) And that is why Elisha is so disturbed by Gehazi extracting a gift by deceit (v. 26). It wasn’t just the deceit and greed, but the distortion of God’s grace. Gehazi is cursed with Naaman’s leprosy because he put a price on God’s mercy. Reformed Christians will often respond to the freeness of God’s grace by saying, “But we must show thankfulness.” For some this is an attempt to smuggle in by the back door what we wouldn’t dare to bring in through the front door. That is, it is introducing works into our salvation. It can be an attempt to condition or qualify the freeness of God’s grace. Notice Elisha refused to receive Naaman’s thankfulness lest God’s grace be distorted. There is a cost to our salvation. But it isn’t one that we must pay. Christ has paid it all. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that it is by grace that we have been saved through faith and that even this faith is a gift of God. Pray that He would keep us from distorting His grace both to ourselves and to others. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 16 - Born again

“At that time the disciples came to Jesus, saying, “Who is the greatest in the kingdom of heaven?” And calling to him a child, he put him in the midst of them and said, “Truly, I say to you, unless you turn and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven.”” - Matthew 18:1-3 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:14-19 Here is a work of God. Elisha wasn’t even present so he can’t take credit. The Jordan was the scene of God’s power in the past. Even the king of Israel recognized only God could cure a man of leprosy (v. 7). But there is more going on than physical cleansing. Leprosy is a picture of our spiritual malady and this cleansing can be seen as Naaman’s conversion. He has become like a little child in the same river in which our Lord was baptized. Naaman’s internal transformation affected his life. He is humble, calling himself Elisha’s servant (v. 15). He is grateful, wishing to give his wealth, not as a payment, but as a present (v. 15). He confesses there is no God but God (v. 15). He pledges to worship only this God (v. 17) and shows spiritual sensitivity, wishing to honour the Lord while he continues to serve in the royal court. Naaman has been changed by the grace of God. He is the Old Testament equivalent of the Thessalonians who received the word and turned from idols to serve the living and true God (1 Thessalonians 1:9). Naaman’s story has three distinct sections sectioned by the word “Go,” in v. 5, 10, and 19. It is really the odyssey of someone becoming a believer. He hears the gospel: there is a fountain filled with blood drawn from Immanuel’s veins. He believes the gospel: and sinners plunged beneath that flood. He goes in peace: lose all their guilty stains. Has Jesus said to you, “Go in peace”? Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He continues to save sinners sovereignly, and ask Him to show Himself mighty in the conversion of your family, neighbours and friends, and even to use you as an instrument of blessing. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 15 - Raging against the remedy

“For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God . . . For since, in the wisdom of God, the world did not know God through wisdom, it pleased God through the folly of what we preach to save those who believe.” - 1 Corinthians 1:18, 21 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:4-14 Naaman’s leprosy plays a dual role. It is a providential problem that leads him to seek help. It is also a picture of humanity. We are all sick, and helplessly so. In the providence of God, Naaman’s servant girl sends him to Elisha. Through a messenger, Elisha tells him, “Go and wash in the Jordan seven times, and your flesh shall be restored, and you shall be clean.” At this Naaman becomes incensed and rages against the remedy. Why? In a word: Pride. Naaman was a great man and thought that Elisha would honour him by speaking to him himself rather than through a messenger. He wished to be recognized as someone special. Naaman was a rich man and wished to purchase his remedy. Elisha makes no reference to his wealth. The remedy was an assault on human intelligence. How does washing in the muddy Jordan remove leprosy? And, as a commander, Naaman didn’t like being told what to do. Naaman, in his pride, resists God's grace, as do we all. Thankfully, God was determined to save him. Through another unnamed servant and through grace in his heart, Naaman was conquered by God and ‘he went down and dipped himself seven times in the Jordan, according to the word of the man of God.’ Pride is our natural inclination as sinners and pride rages against God’s remedy, to our own hurt. For us to be cleansed, God must humble us by His Spirit so that we embrace the foolishness of the wisdom of God. Has He done that for you? Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His pursuing and irresistible grace. Ask Him to continually humble us and others so that we might gladly embrace His remedy for sinners in His Son, Jesus Christ. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 14 - Assembly required

“Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in sm...

Daily devotional

November 13 - Great but...

“For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So de...

Daily devotional

November 12 - Give us this day our daily bread

“Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life; whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst.” - John 6:35 ...

Daily devotional

November 11 - Let’s stew over this

“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 va...

Daily devotional

November 10 - The beautiful, the bitter and beyond

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live, and everyone who lives and believes in me shall never die. Do you believe this?”” - John 11:25-26 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:18-37 God gives us both the beautiful and the bitter of this life to point us to the life beyond. The Lord tests this woman’s faith to give her a still more glorious revelation of His grace and glory. The woman leaves her dead son and, in faith (Hebrews 11:35), goes to the man of God. Elisha returns and prays for the boy’s restoration. Elisha prays because this is the work of God. The holy man of God lays on the boy and becomes unclean in order to bring life to him. Elisha pictures the miracle of God’s glory and the gospel of God’s grace. But he does so faintly. After all, the boy dies again. What we need is not the man of God, but the God-man to give new life to the dead. God has done this and displayed His glory in the gospel of our Lord Christ. Christ identifies with us in our humanity and our sin to bring us life from the dead by His own death. In resurrection glory, He ensures our own resurrection at the last day. This life is a mixture of gladness and sadness and both point us to the beyond. The beautiful reminds us of the generosity of God’s grace to sinners and the indescribable inheritance He has prepared for those who love Him. The bitter makes us feel the pain of the curse so that we don’t become too attached to this world, but, instead, wait with expectancy for the renewal of all things when Christ returns in glory. Suggestions for prayer Pray that we may have our eyes fixed on the inheritance that God keeps in heaven for us so that we may rejoice even while we are grieved by various trials. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 9 - The sadness of life

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and troubled . . . Jesus wept . . . Then Jesus, deeply moved again . . .” - John 11:33-38 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:17-28 We are given a concise biography. The boy grows, and goes out with his father. Gladness! Then the boy becomes ill, is carried homesick, sits on his mother’s lap until noon, and dies. Sadness! The fact that this pain came as a result of God’s gift makes it sharper. Notice her words in v. 28. What kind of God is He? She feels deceived. Wouldn’t it have been easier if God hadn’t given her a son in the first place? Some of you have even experienced this scenario so often that every time you receive a gift you wait for the inevitable grief to come. What do we say to this? Shunning easy answers that require us to deny that we have real sorrow, that we taste bitterness, we can say a couple of things. The bitterness of our life is because of the fall. The refrain of Genesis 5 is echoed in v. 20: ‘and then he died.’ This is more grievous because it is the death of a young boy. But the point remains the same. It is because of the curse of sin. Remember Jesus at Lazarus’ grave? Sin has wreaked havoc on God’s good creation. And we lament. But we need to say more. Remember, she is being rewarded. The Lord is good in all His ways. He is too wise to be mistaken and too good to be unkind. Satan is the one who paints God as parsimonious and nasty. Faith sees God as gracious and kind even in the trials of life. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your brothers and sisters who are going through deep trials that God would show them His tender compassion and that they would see His goodness. Pray for the persecuted Church whose persecution comes precisely because of the gift of God’s grace to them. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 8 - The gladness of life

“Whoever receives you receives me, and whoever receives me receives him who sent me. The one who receives a prophet because he is a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward . . .” - Matthew 10:40-41 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:8-17 Elisha often stopped by the home of a well-to-do woman and her husband for a meal. That home became Elisha’s B&B whenever he was in that region. What an encouragement this evidence of her godliness was to Elisha. A prophet was not always well received. Remember the Bethel boys. Do you receive your pastors with kindness and generosity? Jesus promises a reward for us if we do (Matthew 10:41). Elisha offers this woman a reward for her kindness in receiving him. He asks, “What is to be done for you?” Unlike the widow in v. 2 who was asked the same question, this woman needed nothing. Her answer in v. 13 conveys contentment. After consulting with Gehazi, Elisha promises her a son. She is somewhat incredulous. “Do not lie to your servant, O man of God!” What Elisha promised came true. Why would God do this for her? Three reasons: To reward her for her kindness to His servant. Because he is generous. There is an obvious link to the story in Genesis 18:10 where the barren Sarah receives the promise of a son. This woman’s son wasn’t an Isaac through whom the promise would continue. So why does God give this gift? Because He is generous (1 Timothy 6:17b). That is helpful to remember, isn’t it? We are given many things simply for our enjoyment so that we might glorify God as the generous source. To reveal Himself even more gloriously. But we’ll take a look at that in a couple of days. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for your Pastor and ask Him to enable you to receive him with kindness. Thank God that He gives us everything to enjoy and pray that we might enjoy the Giver through His gifts. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 7 - Saved to worship

“Then the LORD said to Moses, “Go in to Pharaoh and say to him, ‘Thus says the LORD, “Let my people go, that they may serve me.”’” - Exodus 8:1 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-12 In verses 9-10, Peter gives us a short synopsis of who we were, what we have become, and the reason God has made us what we are. We were in darkness, alienated from the people of God, under God’s condemnation because of our sin. But God, who is rich in grace, has done a wonderful thing. In mercy, He has sovereignly called us to Himself and enfolded us in His covenant people. Peter highlights the continuity of the New Testament Church with the Old Testament people of God by naming us what God in Exodus 19 named Israel. We are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession. And then we’re told why we have been made what we now are. It is so that we ‘may proclaim the excellencies of him who called out of darkness into his marvelous light.’ We have been saved that we might worship God, that we might meditate on His goodness, recount His mighty acts of redemption and praise Him for it. We are tempted to think that salvation is all about us, that it is only for our blessing. Thankfully, it is a blessing to us. Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners. But we ought to remember that we came into the world for God and for the honor of Christ. All things were created by Him, through Him and for Him (Colossians 1:16). And redemption serves the same purpose as creation: for the declaration of the excellencies of our God. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would open your eyes to His glorious majesty and grace and give you a heart that overflows with praise and adoration. Pray that for your fellow believers as well. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 6 - Helper of the helpless

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become...

Daily devotional

November 5 - More than we ask or think

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

Daily devotional

November 4 - The revelation of trials

“For whatever was written in former days was written for our instruction, that through endurance and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might ha...

Daily devotional

November 3 - The Lord’s assessment

“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind.” - Matthew 22:37 Scripture reading: Matthe...

Daily devotional

November 2 – Covenant bears

“For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” – Acts 2:39 Scripture reading: Acts 2:36-41; 2 Kings 2:23-25 It is a sad, but not unexpected event. Bethel had a long and hallowed tradition as a place of worship. But things weren’t like they used to be in Bethel. It had become notorious for sin and idolatry. This sin affected young and old alike. Remember, the man who rebuilt Jericho at the cost of his sons was from Bethel. In Bethel, children were sacrificed on the altar of their parents’ godlessness. That’s what’s happening in this story. The parents hate God and their children mock the Lord and His anointed servant Elisha. The Lord responds as promised. He told them He would let loose wild beasts against them that would bereave them of their children (Leviticus 26:22). And so He did. This story should make us tremble at the display of God’s wrath in response to the scandalous nature of sin. But we should remember that this story follows the previous one in which God displays grace to the cursed. Bethel sounds the note of the ferocity of God’s judgement. But thankfully, that is not the only note sounded. Later, in Jerusalem, God shows mercy to sinners who rejected the Lord and His anointed servant in clamouring for the death of Jesus. Though they called for Christ’s blood to be on them and their children (Matthew 27:25), the Spirit-filled ambassador of the ascended Christ retaliates with promised grace for them and their children. What a glorious reminder that grace reverses the curses and that Jesus comes to make His blessings flow far as the curse is found. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to remind us as parents of the solemn repercussions our spiritual carelessness might have on our children. Thank the Lord that His grace reverses the curse. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. ...

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to Elisha

The word of God is living and active. It is not only something we study, it studies us. As the Bible reveals truths about itself, it also, simultaneously, reveals truths about us. That's what you will discover as we work our way through the sacred account of one of the Old Testament prophets, Elisha. These studies will uncover human depravity and highlight the astonishing grace of God to His people in His Son, Jesus Christ, the greatest of all prophets and the final Word of God. These studies had their beginning in sermons preached at Trinity and can be heard at sermonaudio.com. The Gospel according to Jericho “Thus says the Lord, I have healed this water…” – 2 Kings 2:21 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-5; 2 Kings 2:15-22 Obviously, this passage is not about environmental science. It declares the mighty works of the God of our salvation through His servant Elisha, displaying His wonderful kindness in healing Jericho’s water. But I want to maximize His kindness by pointing out that the city was under a curse. Even if we didn’t know that from Joshua 6:26, the present situation of water causing miscarriage (‘the land is unfruitful’ v. 19) is proof that her inhabitants were living in disobedience and under God’s disfavour (Exodus 23:26). To this undeserving city, God brings healing. Why would He? Do you ever wonder what God was thinking when He pursued our redemption? Who would ever have imagined that God’s scheme would involve God Himself taking the curse in order that sinners might receive blessing (Galatians 3:13)? Not through a little salt in a bowl, but through the cross of the Lord Jesus, the thought of which caused the salt of His body to be expelled in profuse sweating. Jericho is good news for people like us. We are ‘sinners, poor and wretched, weak and wounded, sick and sore, bruised and broken by the fall.’ The Gospel according to Jericho. Another city in the Bible shouts out good news (Revelation 22:1-3). The water flows from the throne of God and waters the tree of life, and the leaves of the tree are for the healing of the nations. No longer will there be anything accursed. The Gospel according to Old Jericho and New Jerusalem because it is the Gospel of Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Pour out your heart to the Lord regarding your struggles, weaknesses and sins and ask Him for healing through His Son, our Lord Jesus Christ. Rejoice in the Saviour Who bore our curse so that we would receive His blessing. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. ...

Daily devotional

October 31 – Seeking wandering brothers and sisters

...let him know that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. – James 5:20 Scripture reading: James 5:19-20 The letter of James is very much a letter calling us to Christ-like action, living in the Lord in the joy of salvation. James ends his letter emphasizing this point. Unlike most other letters in the Bible, James does not end with a concluding greeting but with a call to action. James recognizes that it is possible that brothers and sisters in the Lord can wander from the truth. But he also lets us know that it is possible to bring wayward brothers or sisters back to a life of service to our Lord, in the joy of salvation. In our present culture, even among Christians, church discipline is often considered mean and uncalled for. James helps us to see that church discipline is really loving wayward brothers and sisters. It is calling them back to the Lord Jesus Christ so that they will not die eternally in hell. It is helping them see the eternal pit of death that they do not see and are about to fall into. This is why James tells us that whoever brings back a sinner from his wandering will save his soul from death and will cover a multitude of sins. For as they come back to the Lord, they once again will know the joy of salvation and the forgiveness of all their sins. James ends this letter by encouraging us to show that we trust God’s promises by going after wandering brothers and sisters in love for their good and for God’s glory. Suggestions for prayer That we would lovingly speak to wayward brothers and sisters seeking their souls to be saved, their sins forgiven and not waiting for others to call them back. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 30 – Confessing our sins one to another

Confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. – James 5:16 Scripture reading: James 5:16-18 It is not just the elders' position to deal with sins in the community of God’s people. It is each Christian’s responsibility and privilege. One of the loveliest things we can do for and with each other is also one of the hardest things that we can do for and with each other. That is confessing our sins to each other. It is hard because it causes us to be vulnerable in front of each other. But when brothers and sisters can do this, it is like glue in the relationships. It also can bring great healing to hurt relationships, but only when it is done through prayer as brothers and sisters in the Lord Jesus Christ. Only through faith in Jesus Christ can we pray for the ability to confess sins and for the ability to hear confessions of sin without gossiping or judging. Only in faith in Jesus Christ can we pray for the ability to forgive and forget the sin and pray to understand and believe in forgiveness based on Jesus’ finished work. To sincerely pray these prayers takes faith. James tells us that Elijah, a sinful man like us, had this kind of faith. Therefore it is possible for us also to earnestly pray, trusting God will give us what we need to confess our sins to one another and be blessed by doing this. Elijah prayed and things happened. May we pray for this to happen more and more in our lives. Suggestions for prayer That we would have the confidence to confess our sins to one another and be communities that are blessed by doing this. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 29 – Is anyone among you suffering?

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises – James 5:13 Scripture reading: James 5:13-15 In life, o...

Daily devotional

October 28 – Being steadfast in the Lord

We consider those blessed who remain steadfast – James 5:11 Scripture reading: James 5:11-12 When we think of or read about those who have rem...

Daily devotional

October 27 – Being patient with our brothers and sisters

Daily devotional

October 26 – Be patient until the Lord’s return

Daily devotional

October 25 – Seeing the emptiness of worldly treasures

You have fattened your hearts in the day of slaughter – James 5:5 Scripture reading: James 5:1-6 James is writing to Christians in this passage with the understanding that within the family of God, some think more of the riches of this world than the riches we have in Christ. James is warning us that if our hearts and minds value the riches and luxuries of this world above what we have in Christ, we, with them, will be burned up in the fires of hell. If we value the riches of this world too much, we will not only turn our hearts from God but will also allow others to be hurt or starve so we can have our riches and luxuries. James warns us that there is a Judgement Day coming. He compares those who live in luxury and self-indulgence as pigs being fattened up for the day of slaughter: Judgement Day. If we are fattening ourselves up on the luxuries and pleasures of this world, the joy of salvation will not look lovely to us. We are called to set apart Christ in our hearts, living in the joy of our salvation, and always being ready to talk of the hope we have in Christ with great patience, showing care for our neighbours. May we not let the luxuries and riches of this world control our hearts so that we turn away from the treasure we have as Christians. If we do, James says we will be capable of murdering innocent people in order that we can have our luxuries and pleasures. Suggestions for prayer That the joy of salvation would so enrich our hearts and minds that the lustre and beauty of worldly wealth and luxuries will not draw our hearts away from God and His ways. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 24 – If the Lord wills

If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that – James 4:15 Scripture reading: James 4:13-17 COVID19 has made us rethink a lot about planning. The culture we live in can make us think, “Today or tomorrow we will do this or that and make a profit.” James says when we do this we are really playing God, thinking we are in control of our future. If good things happen in our business or any other part of our lives, it is only because God has allowed it to happen. When James compares us to a mist that appears for a little while and is gone, he is saying we are as in control of our lives as a mist is in control of its future. God wants us to see that He is in control, and things happen only when He allows them. That is why he tells us to think and say, “If the Lord wills”. To do otherwise is to be arrogant or proud, believing we are in control. James says living from this proud perspective is evil. It is not living by the understanding that our lives are in the hands of our Lord and God. James is not saying we are not to make plans, but to make plans with the understanding that they can only be successful if God allows. To say, “If the Lord wills”, is to say, “God you are my Lord, my treasure and I know you love me; if you allow my plans to succeed I will be thankful, and if you don’t allow them to succeed, I am okay with it, because you know best.” Suggestions for prayer That we would have the ability to truly say and mean, “If the Lord wills.” Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 23 – Speaking with the love God has shown us

There is only one lawgiver and judge, he who is able to save and to destroy – James 4:12 Scripture reading: James 4:11-12 Yesterday, we discussed that when we humble ourselves, the Lord will exalt us. James goes on to show how we are to live humbly with our brothers and sisters in the Lord. In a family, you can be so at ease with each other that you let evil comments fly, not thinking about how words can hurt. James helps us see that this way of speaking not only hurts others, but speaks evil against the law. The law says you are to love your brother and sister, but if you speak evil against or slander them, you are saying the law does not apply to you in this area. Thereby, you change the law, as if the law was yours to do with how you will. This is why James says there is only one Law-giver and Judge, and He is able to save and to destroy. This is a warning to us. He who saves lost sinners is also the same One who will destroy those who live in rebellion against God. In living in the joy of salvation as saved sinners, we are to keep this in mind. We are to see that ridiculing or slandering brothers and sisters in the Lord is a wickedness against which we must continually fight. James goes on to say that we must have this same loving attitude to our neighbors. To do otherwise is to look down on them as judges, forgetting that we have been forgiven by the Judge not because of our goodness but because of His gracious love. Suggestions for prayer That we would be able to speak to everyone, including brothers and sisters, out of care and concern for their well-being. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 22 – Knowing and reacting to the jealous love of God

He yearns jealously over the spirit that He has made to dwell in us – James 4:5b Scripture reading: James 4:5-10 The fact that we are human beings with spirits should cause us to see that we are special in God’s sight. But this special position also means we have unique responsibilities as humans. He created all human beings to be in a worshipping and serving relationship with Him. This is why James says God yearns jealously over the spirit that he has made to dwell in us. As God sees us worshipping and serving our pleasures, our occupations, or the idols of our days, He yearns jealously for our hearts and souls. In His jealous love, God, out of grace, sent His Son to redeem us and bring us back into fellowship with Him. Therefore, God humbles or changes our hearts so that we will admit we have wayward hearts and will plead for God’s forgiving love. James describes what this humbling before God looks like. It involves submitting to God’s Word but also resisting and fleeing from the devil and his schemes. In calling us to clean our hands and purify our hearts, James is really calling us to run to Jesus and live in the joy of His salvation. There must be a deep mourning about our sinful nature, and all the wickedness we are capable of. We also need to weep over the actual sins we have done in our lives. All this should cause us to be humble before our Lord, seeking His grace. The wonderful thing about doing this is that our Lord Jesus Christ will lift us up in the joy of His salvation. Suggestions for prayer That we would humble ourselves before our LORD knowing that He will exalt us, in the joy of salvation. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 21 – Friendship with the world makes one an enemy of God

Daily devotional

October 20 – Godly wisdom produces peacemakers

A harvest of righteousness is sown in peace by those who make peace. – James 3:18 Scripture reading: James 3:14-18 In today’s passage, James...

Daily devotional

October 19 – The wisdom of meekness

Who is wise and understanding among you? By his good conduct let him show his works in the meekness of wisdom. – James 3:13 Scripture reading: Ja...

Daily devotional

October 18 – Having love come from our hearts and out of our mouths

Daily devotional

October 17 – Not many should be teachers

We all stumble in many ways. – James 3:2 Scripture reading: James 3:1-2 One of the reasons we read the law of God each Sunday morning is to remind us that we stumble in many ways. God wants us to repent of our sins and come to know afresh His forgiving love. There was only one who never stumbled in His commitment to love God and his neighbor, the Lord Jesus Christ. As we grow in our understanding of God’s love and a realization of our sin, a maturity grows in us. A maturity not only to fight temptation and of being a godly example to others, but an ability to deal with others in a gracious and wise manner as fellow sinners. This is why James says not many should become teachers. James goes on to tell us that teachers in the church, elders and pastors, will be judged with greater strictness. As leaders in the church, they will either be a blessing to the congregation or a means by which the members will stumble. If teachers present a teaching that is not true to God’s Word, it can cause members to fall away from Biblical truth. For this reason, those seeking to be elders and pastors need not only have a sound understanding of God’s Word, but also walk in all godliness, before being a teacher in the congregation of God. Suggestions for prayer Pray the Lord would continue to raise up men in the church to be mature in doctrine and walk so that church will continue to be strong. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 16 – Faith without works is dead

You see that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. – James 2:24 Scripture reading: James 2:20-26 One of the main points of the reformation was the confession that we are saved by faith apart from works. Paul often mentions this in his letters. Yet James writes that a person is justified by works and not by faith alone. Being justified is being treated as if you did nothing wrong according to God’s judgment. To understand what James is getting at we need to look at the two examples he gives: Abraham’s faith was demonstrated by his willingness to sacrifice his son Isaac. Rahab showed her faith by her actions in hiding the spies and sending them in a different direction. She was willing to give up her allegiance to the city of Jericho and put her trust in the God of Israel. To have a true saving faith, it must also change us so that we, in our trust and allegiance to God, are willing to sacrifice anything. If Jesus is your Saviour, He must also be your Lord, the One to whom you listen, obey, and are willing to sacrifice for. Jesus said if we are not willing to give up possessions and people in our dedication to Him we are not really His disciples. In this way, James is not arguing against being saved by faith, but is challenging us to reflect on what type of faith we have. Suggestions for prayer That our faith in Jesus Christ would show itself in real actions of dedication and sacrifice to Jesus and His Kingdom and so prove to be real and saving faith. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 15 – Faith without works

My brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? – James 2:14 Scripture reading: James 2:14-19 James says that one’s faith will show itself by deeds or actions. In Galatians, Paul says that deeds are faith expressing itself through love, that is love for God and our neighbor. Although this love does not save a person, without this love expressed in action, one’s faith is dead and not able to save a person. This is because faith that saves someone will also change him/her. Your faith changes you to love God and your neighbor in a self-sacrificing way. This is because when one truly believes in Jesus Christ, a new relationship has been established in which we love because God first loved us. James gives an example of how absurd it would be to have a faith with no deeds. If your brother and sister were naked and starving and you said you loved them, yet you only expressed it by saying, “I wish you well,” who would believe you? In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by actions, is dead or false faith. James goes on to say that if we believe all the Bible says but we fail to do deeds of love, we are no different than the demons, who believe and shudder. Suggestions for prayer Pray that our faith in Jesus Christ would compel us to do deeds of love for God and our neighbour. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 14 – Mercy triumphs over judgement

So speak and act as those who are to be judged under the law of liberty. – James 2:12 Scripture reading: James 2:8-13 In today's passage, James shows us all sins are equally wrong before God. This is true because all the commandments instruct us to love God and our neighbour. All our neighbours, both far and near, have been created in God’s image and we are therefore commanded to love them, even our enemies. Loving our neighbour is like loving God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength. In going through a few commandants as examples, James wants us to admit our failings in respect to them. In doing so, we will have a different way of looking at our brothers and sisters in the Lord when they sin. James says we are to speak and act as those who are judged under the law of liberty. Since we cannot keep the law properly ourselves, we are not to speak and act as if we are perfect and without sin. We are God’s forgiven children not because we are righteous in ourselves, but only through God’s grace in Jesus Christ. For this reason, we should seek to keep the commandments out of a thankful heart because of God’s ongoing mercy to us. This should cause us to have mercy when approaching a brother or sister who has sinned. Instead of making quick judgements on others, let us remember God made His judgments on us with mercy. In this way, we will show that mercy does triumph over judgement. Suggestions for prayer Pray that we would show in our relationships that mercy has triumphed over judgement. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 13 – Showing no partiality as God’s children

Daily devotional

October 12 – Pure religion before the Lord

Religion that is pure and undefiled before God, the Father, is this: to visit orphans and widows in their affliction and to keep oneself unstained fro...

Daily devotional

October 11 – Praying with thankful hearts

Do not be anxious about anything, but by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. – Philippians 4:6 Scri...

Daily devotional

October 10 – Living in true freedom

But the one who looks into the perfect law, the law of liberty and perseveres, being no hearer who forgets but a doer who acts, he will be blessed in ...

Daily devotional

October 9 – Quick to listen and slow to speak

Put away all filthiness and rampart wickedness and receive with meekness the implanted word, which is able to save your souls. – James 1:17 Scripture reading: James 1:19-21 Yesterday, we read that all good gifts come from God. Today, James warns us of things we all need to digest as God’s children. We need to be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. That is, we have to watch jumping to conclusions when we hear what others have to say, and seek to find out the truth before we react. To jump to conclusions without listening properly often results in anger in our hearts. When this happens our words and our actions are often not pleasing to God. This can happen even when we are trying to correct someone for wrongdoing. James tells us that in order to prevent this from happening we need to put away filthiness and wickedness. Putting away filthiness is the act of ridding your life of those things that influence you to act in selfish and wicked ways. It is to push selfish desires and passions out of your mind and heart. James says you can only do this by humbly admitting you are sinful and prone to all kinds of wickedness and turn to Jesus Christ in repentance and faith. Jesus Christ saves our souls so that we can begin to be quick to listen, slow to speak and anxious to live for the Lord. This is true because as the good news of Jesus Christ is humbly received, our souls are saved and we begin to live not for selfish wicked pleasures, but for the Lord. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the good news of Jesus Christ would more and more be received in our minds and hearts so that we would more and more live for the Lord in the joy of salvation. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 8 – The good and perfect gifts of God

Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights. – James 1:17 Scripture Reading: James 1:16-18 Today we look at the opposite of trials and temptations: good and perfect gifts. James tells us that God is the provider of any good gift we receive. He allows the sun to shine and the rain to fall so the crops can grow. God has not abandoned this earth, but allows good things to happen even to wicked people who reject Him. We live in a world where there is relative peace, with doctors and nurses to care for people, schools where children and young people can learn, and agencies who help people. This is God’s good providential hand in the world. James wants us to remember that our heavenly Father also gives us perfect gifts in his Son Jesus Christ. Through Him we receive the forgiveness of sins, everlasting life, adoption into the family of God and a place in heaven and the new earth. These are perfect not only in their goodness, but also in their stability. No one can take these perfect gifts from us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ. These gifts are also for all times. God does not change, He offered these gifts to people thousands of years ago and they are just as precious and sure today. We see that God has worked this faith in us by His precious Word of Truth, the good news of Jesus Christ, so we can be kind of first-fruits. First fruits, in that we witness to others that they also can have these precious and perfect gifts through faith in Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray we will show thankfulness for the good and perfect gifts with which we have been blessed and be a witness to others that they also can thank our Lord for wonderful and perfect gifts. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 7 – Turning to God when tempted

God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one. – James 1:13 Scripture reading: James 1:13-15 Have you ever been upset with the trials God has brought you through? Maybe you thought, if I was not in that position, I would not have sinned. But who allowed you to be in that position? Was it not God Who is in control of even a hair falling from your head. Yet, in today's passage we are told that God cannot be tempted nor tempts anyone. Notice James does not say that temptations are the devil’s doing. We cannot say the devil made me do it. James says we are tempted when we are lured by our own desires. Our hearts are attracted to sinful activities. In the Lord’s prayer we are told to ask God to keep us from temptation. When sinful desires take shape in our hearts and minds, they give birth to sin. There are pictures, circumstances, activities and even thoughts that tempt our hearts to sin. When we live in and are content in that sin, unless we repent, eternal death is our future. The problem is not the devil or the situation God has placed us in. It is our sinful hearts and minds. In Romans 7, Paul asks how he can be saved from this body of death. He gives the answer; “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord.” Jesus gave His life so that we are not only washed of our sins, but brought in the family of God so that we can with confidence cry out to God, “Lead me not into temptation.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that we would quickly turn to God in our struggles with temptations, asking for His help, guidance and strength because of Jesus Christ our Lord and Saviour. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 6 – The crown for those who are steadfast under trials

Blessed is the man who remains steadfast under trial. – James 1:12 Scripture reading: James 1:12 The world often persuades us that one is important if he/she obtains earthly riches. In the midst of this, one is asked whether or not satisfaction is found in Christ and what He has done for you. The rich can face the test of holding onto their wealth too tightly as if their identity is in possessions. The world around us promotes the idea that vehicles, houses or abilities set one off from the rest. When we have the latest of these or grow in our abilities in various ways, we think life is good. The test is, what is more important in your life? Is it physical riches, your talents or the relationship you have with God through Jesus Christ? James calls us to remain steadfast in the midst of these tests. For the poor, it is to be content in who they are in Jesus Christ. For the rich, it is to live for Jesus Christ and not for the riches and abilities they have. For both, the test is whether Jesus is the real treasure in their life that motivates and directs them. James makes a promise for all who are steadfast in showing that their relationship with God is their treasure and motivation. They will receive a crown better than the wreath an athlete gets at the Olympics. They will be congratulated by Jesus Christ at the finish line of their lives with the crown of life, with an eternity in paradise where all the disappointments, sadness and times of loneliness will be gone and replaced with eternal bliss and happiness. Suggestions for prayer Pray that we would keep our eyes on Jesus our Saviour and so be steadfast in our love for Him, in the midst of the trials in this life as we wait for the crown of life. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 5 – True riches

Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation. – James 1:9 Scripture reading: James 1:9-11 Yesterday we discussed the need to pray for wisdom ...

Daily devotional

October 4 – Praying for wisdom

If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. – James 1:5 Scripture readin...

Daily devotional

October 3 – Blessed through trials

…and let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and compete, lacking in nothing. – James 1:4 Scripture reading: James 1:2-...

Daily devotional

October 2 – Waiting for paradise

To the twelve tribes in the Dispersion: Greetings. – James 1:1b Scripture reading: John 14:1-6 James wants us to see something about who we ar...

Daily devotional

Introduction to October: Living in a fallen world with faith

In living through a world pandemic we as Christians were called to deal with many different struggles and complications by our God. Not only have we been asked to work in different ways, shop in new ways, intact with each other in new ways but also worship in new ways. Many of us have wondered what is going on in our Father’s world. Many of us have lost loved ones to the virus and most of us have lost much of our sense of freedom through the long months of the pandemic. From online studies to working and meeting people via zoom or some other platform we have gone through complicated times. Some have sheltered themselves with great fear of the virus because of the news stories, others have been overwhelmed by so many conflicting news reports. We have been bombarded with both fear-mongering and conspiracy theories from many different circles. This month we will go through the book of James who tells us to consider it pure joy when we face trials of many kinds. As we deal with life in this broken world, in the wake of the pandemic, I pray that our study of James will help us to grow stronger in our faith as our faith is tested. May our study of James help us to have a faith that works in such a way that we more and more show our heavenly Father we love being His beloved children. May the study of James also help us to show the world around us that our faith is real, not only bringing comfort and hope to our lives but causing us to have a great care and love for our communities. May it cause us to grow in our calling to be salt and light in a world that is increasingly dysfunctional. Living for God as His joyful servants James, a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ, – James 1:1a Scripture reading: Mark 6:1-6 The writer of this book was a unique leader in the early Christian church. He was a long-time leader of the church in Jerusalem and was a half-brother of Jesus Christ. Yet he does not mention either of these things when he tells us who he is. Instead, he says he was a servant, really a slave of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ. Calling himself a slave of God and Jesus Christ meant James saw himself as one who was purchased by the blood for Jesus Christ and so was to live for His Master’s desires and plans before all other concerns or desires. James did not always believe and live in this reality. But the Holy Spirit so worked in his heart that he not only believed in Jesus Christ, but submitted himself to Him, as a slave to a master. This can only come about when you truly believe that God loves you and that God’s ways and desires are more important and better than your ways and desires. If you know yourself as one who was purchased by the blood of Jesus Christ, do you also acknowledge this about your life, that you are not your own, but belong to Jesus in such a way that His desires and plans come before your plans and desires? Jesus says whoever comes after me must take up his/her cross and follow me; that is to die to self and to live for your master and Lord in the joy of salvation. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would so work in our minds and hearts by His Word and Spirit that we would respond to His sacrificial love by dying to self and living for God and His kingdom. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 30 – The authority of God challenged

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble. – Nahum 1:7 Scripture reading: Luke 20:1-8 Who are you to tell me what to do? Have you ever heard that before? If the person instructing us is not an appropriate authority figure, then perhaps the command he is giving does not need to be obeyed. The same question can be asked here as we conclude our study of Nahum? Who is the LORD that He should tell the people of Nineveh what to do? Well, He is the Powerful One, Ruler of Heaven and Earth Who has the power to bless and the power to curse, the power to save and the power to make a complete end of His adversaries. He proved that when the prophet Jonah spoke to the Ninevites a century before this. The covenant nation of Israel challenged Jesus’ authority. They were looking for any excuse to turn from obedience and to hold to man-made rules and laws. Nahum shows us several things which the chief priests and scribes and elders ought to have understood. The Spirit inspired men to write down the prophesies so that men might believe and believing turn away from sin and turn to the LORD in reverent obedience and thanksgiving. In every age and every generation, the LORD showed His authority—He did exactly as He said He would do. As we read the Bible we too learn of the power of the Living God. Greater than our fear of punishment and hell, should be our awe and thankfulness that God in His mercy should reveal Himself to us and invite us to know Him and walk with Him. Suggestions for prayer That we read the Bible with greater attention to see the power and authority of God over nations and history and by growing in our realization that He has all authority to instruct us in holy living. Praise God for His great patience in teaching us, His wayward leaning people, so that we should know that the LORD is good. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 29 – At the end of the warning there is Jesus

For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil? – Nahum 3:19b Scripture reading: Luke 10:1-21 Nahum ends with a question that can only, finally, be answered when Jesus takes up the work His Father has given Him. Humanly speaking, restraining evil is like trying to nail water to a wall. The water runs everywhere, touches and soaks everything. Evil seems so pervasive as well, splashing around, under and through so many things. It seems like everything is soiled and ruined by evil. When Jesus went to preach in a town, He sent disciples ahead of Him. These men demonstrated the power of Jesus over evil by healing the sick and setting free those who were demon-possessed. The powerful message they brought in Jesus’ Name was so great that people would be curious and, prompted by the Spirit, would open their homes to these disciples. There would be, of course, people who saw the signs and heard the message whose response would be one of greater hostility towards God. Not everyone the disciples met was appointed unto life with Jesus in eternity. Weeks of examining the seemingly endless warnings of Nahum and reading of the specific sins of the Assyrians can be so overwhelming. Thanks be to God the whole of the prophetic warnings point to Jesus. He is the end of the story. Jesus has won. Everything once stained by sin can be made whole again by the blood of Jesus. Any who repent and believe are written in the Lamb’s book of life. These dire warnings are profitable if, because of them, people turn from their sins and submit to Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Thank God the names of believers are written in the Lamb’s book of life; thanks be to God evil will one day, be fully thrown into hell. Pray that by the warnings we have read, God will increase our desire for holiness and increase our joy in His salvation. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 28 – Evil restrained

There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. – Nahum 3:19 Scripture reading: 2 Thess. 2 The prophecy spoken by Nahum is like a battle-strike on the enemy, who hit, and now punch-drunk from the force of the blow will die. There is no healing possible from this wound. The word of the LORD was sent and it will accomplish its purpose. In this case, the prophecy will serve both to put an end to the evil of Assyria and to call to repentance all the other nations that hear of Assyria’s ruin. The LORD will restrain unceasing evil. In every generation, in every age, it is the LORD Himself Who restrains evil. He limits the power and influence of a prince, a noble or a nation so that it is the glory and majesty of our God which are revealed to be unrivaled. Lawlessness and wicked deceptions serve to separate the believers from those wicked ones who merely seem to believe and from those vile offenders against God whose actions are obvious to all. In Old Testament times, believers saw God enthroned above the cherubim, leading out His angel armies and mighty hosts against which no power could stand. Today, followers of Jesus Christ, know the cross has disarmed all of Satan’s demonic activity. Our confidence is not in political parties or human efforts. It is by the grace of God, magnificently demonstrated in Jesus Christ, that believers take our stand. By His Spirit, He will establish us in every good work and word. While the wicked clap hands over their ears in horror, the righteous shout the praise of God’s victories. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that evil is restrained; pray for the further restraint of evil that the glory of God may rise up over our lands. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 27 – Undershepherds of our Shepherd-King

Daily devotional

September 26 – The Prince who cares

Your princes are like grasshoppers, your scribes like clouds of locusts settling on fences in a day of cold—when the sun rises, they fly away; no on...

Daily devotional

September 25 – Wealth and your citizenship in Babylon or Jerusalem

Daily devotional

September 24 – God is a consuming fire

There fire will devour you… – Nahum 3:15a Scripture reading: Heb. 12:18-29 What a picture Hebrews gives us. Our God is a consuming fire. Na...

Daily devotional

September 23 – Terrors no longer terrify Christians

There the fire will devour you; the sword will cut you off. It will devour you like locusts. – Nahum 3:15 Scripture reading: Luke 10:13-20 In quick succession, terrifying images related to the siege of a city are pronounced as judgment against the Assyrian cities. Yesterday, we noted that when a city expected invaders, water would be hauled into the city and stored for the people to drink. When the enemy used burning arrows against the people shut up behind strong walls, the fires would require quantities of water to quench. Fire was a terrible threat against a city. If there was not enough water to halt the fire’s spread or if the fire took hold before the citizens of the beleaguered city could put it out, then the citizens would have to either die in the city or open its gates and rush out. As they were fleeing they’d be hacked down by the soldiers of the invading hordes. As easily as locusts eat up every blade of grass and every green thing when they swarm, so easily would an invading army destroy the citizenry of the captured city. Some Christians object to the warlike language of Scripture. Our reading in Luke shows that Jesus used such expressions and war terms as well. When the days draw near to Jesus’ return in power and glory, the distress upon the earth will be great. As Christians, we do not need to be afraid. We are confident that our salvation is nearer than ever. Despite the tumult of the world or the rumours of war and upheavals, we need to worship the LORD of Glory Who is drawing near to deliver His people. Suggestions for prayer Pray that many will take refuge in Christ our King and among His people; thanks be to God that there will be an end to violence and wickedness. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 22 – Living defensive stones

Draw water from the siege; strengthen your forts; go into the clay; tread the mortar; take hold of the brick mold! – Nahum 3:14 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-12 If you have a good study Bible while reading Nahum, you’ll have a footnote about this section teaching you that the imperatives, or command forms of the verbs used here are mocking in tone. Something to the effect of: “Go ahead, make all these plans, do all this work.” When the plunderers come to invade a walled city, the usual strategy of preparation for the defenders is to bring in as much water as possible. Marauding armies would encircle a city and starve it out. Obviously, food and water would be critical for the residents to withstand the siege. While studying in preparation to write this devotion I learned that this verse refers to two kinds of Assyrian bricks. The first, clay bricks, were ordinarily used for building. The second reference is to those used for fortifying the defences of the city—bricks that would be molded and fired in a kiln. Again, all such preparations are going to be pointless as their destruction has already been foretold by the LORD and His Word is sure. Interestingly, Peter calls Christians living stones, chosen by God and precious. As Christians gather together, we are being built up as a spiritual house. We are the new temple where Jesus lives in and among His people. We are a defensive structure built up together to defeat the hostile forces of the world and gathered as a holy nation that declares the excellencies of God Who rescued us from darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son He loves. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the people of God would recognize how the Spirit fits us together in Jesus Christ, for the glory of the Father and the defense of the Church against the enemy. Give thanks to God, the Triune God of every blessing, for the gift of the Church. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 21 – Are you trained for war?

Behold, your troops are women in your midst. – Nahum 3:13a Scripture reading: Ps. 144 Wait a minute, is the text sexist? Does the Bible have something against women? Not at all! Consider the time and the context of this verse. In the ancient Assyrian Empire, women were not trained for battle. Any person who is not trained for battle, when confronted with a horde of armed soldiers with spears, arrows and swords is going to panic and run around in circles. The issue is training. The picture described is accurate. Consider the circles in which many people are running. While I am writing this devotion, Covid-19 is in its third wave. Questions abound as to whether someone vaccinated needs to still wear a mask. Can such a person contract this disease again and when will ‘normal life’ resume? Influential leaders and banks are musing about rewarding investors who back green initiatives that won’t promote climate change. Billionaires are divorcing and the media speculates about the collapse of these marriages, even as the billionaires are taking on new ventures, such as how to shield the earth from too much sunlight. I wonder, who should determine what is too much and what is too little sunlight? Unless our lives are directed by Jesus, the Captain of Salvation, the Author and Perfecter of all true believers, we will run in circles. Those not entirely subjected to Him will run in panic at every sign of every real or imagined disaster. It is the LORD Who trains my hands for war, and it is the LORD Who directs the efforts of His faithful people bringing them to victory. Suggestion for prayer Where is the Spirit of the LORD directing your efforts for serving Jesus? Are you faithful in that area, or are you shrinking back? Give thanks to the Father that He has equipped you by His Spirit, training you for precisely the right battles at the right time. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 20 – Ripe for picking

All of your fortresses are like fig trees with first-ripe figs—if shaken they fall into the mouth of the eater. – Nahum 3:12 Scripture reading: Heb. 2:1-9 Perhaps it is because I am not a farmer, nor have I lived where fig trees grow, that what is described in our text today was basically meaningless to me. I have learned it is difficult to determine when figs are ripe. Those that are on the ground quickly rot. Those that are on the tree should not be plucked because their ripeness is not easily discerned. The best way to gather figs is this: spread out a large cloth around the base of the tree and shake the trunk of the tree. The ripe figs will readily drop onto the cloth. The Assyrians are now ripe for plunder. At the lightest touch of their enemies, they will fall. The enemy is described as the “eater”. With hardly any force or effort, the nation will fall into destruction. Perhaps by now you are getting a bit weary of all these references to plunder, ruin and destruction? I know writing these devotions has been a bit of a challenge because of the repetition. Then I realized how stubborn my own heart was. When I was a child, my parents would say to me, “If I have told you once, I have told you a thousand times, don’t do that!” Like the Assyrians, and like children, we need to hear the repeated warnings of God in order that we will not drift away in our sins, but will be redirected towards His mercy, and in view of His mercy, serve Him with our whole heart, mind, and strength. Suggestions for prayer: Offer up to God in prayer where in your life you are drifting and needing to heed God’s warning to repent and stay true to Him in all you do and say; also pray for those among your family and friends who need to hear the message not to drift. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 19 – Terrible wrath and greater mercy

Yet she became an exile; she went into captivity; her infants were dashed to pieces at the head of every street; for her honored men lots were cast, a...

Daily devotional

September 18 – Wait, there is still more

…you who have drunk from the hand of the LORD the cup of his wrath, who have drunk to the dregs the bowl, the cup of staggering. – Isaiah 51:17b ...

Daily devotional

September 17 – Prove it

See, I have set you this day over nations and over kingdoms, to pluck up and to break down, to destroy and to overthrow, to build and to plant. – Je...

Daily devotional

September 16 – Now is the day of salvation

Behold, I am against you, declares the LORD of hosts… - Nahum 3:5 Scripture reading: Nahum 3:5-7 and II Chron. 30:1-13 This, humanly speaking,...

Daily devotional

September 15 – Appropriately warned

Behold, I am against you, declares the LORD of hosts… – Nahum 3:5a Scripture reading: Colossians 3:10-17 Why spend all this time on Nahum and a long-forgotten kingdom like the Assyrians? Colossians 3 clearly answers this. Yesterday, we read about the sins of the Assyrians. They were bloodthirsty, sexually promiscuous, and liars. Now consider the fact that the wrath of God is coming against all those who walk in the sins of Nineveh. These sins are listed: sexual immorality, evil desire, anger, wrath, malice, obscene talk (which is evidence of obscene thoughts in the heart and obscene actions which one thinks he carries out in secret). People have not changed. Without the saving work of Jesus Christ, men and women will always descend to actions of depravity and wickedness. How can change take place? Those who believe in Jesus Christ are united with Him in His death and are united with Him in His resurrection (Romans 6:4). The same power that raised Christ from the dead, the glory of the Father, is the power that is given to believers so that we can honour God in our minds, in our hearts, in our words and with our actions. What God was asking of the Ninevites was not impossible! He sent a prophet to warn them so that they would, as their forefathers had done, repent. They did not do so, but this history of destruction is a stark warning for believers today. Hearing God’s warning we are invited to be dressed in Jesus’ righteousness. Evil has been conquered, therefore set your desires where Jesus is. Daily put on love, forgiveness and the peace of Christ. Suggestions for prayer May we hear and respond to the warning of the LORD so that we can encourage one another to be clothed in Christ and His perfections. Praise God that He warns His people, gives time and His Spirit to strengthen them for true repentance. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 14 – Humbly serve the living God

The word reached the king of Nineveh, and he arose from his throne, removed his robe, and covered himself with sackcloth, and sat in ashes. – Jonah 3:6 Scripture reading: Nahum 3:1-4 and Jon. 3 About one century before this prophecy of Nahum, the wickedness of Nineveh had come up before the LORD. He judged them and the people repented at Jonah’s preaching. They humbled themselves by fasting, wearing sackcloths and confessing their sins. So great was their repentance that the LORD withdrew His hand of judgment and punishment. The Ninevites returned to the true purpose which should guide every nation: to humbly serve the Living God. How quickly the Ninevites fell from that place of obedience! They were again a people who shed blood to the point that this capital was called a bloody city. They offered abominable sacrifices to false gods. They were full of lies about their own pre-eminence, about their history and their place in it. They were a people who ruthlessly made war against others. They were a nation that prostituted itself for plunder and pride, victory and perversity. Jesus noted that the work of the Spirit is to convict the world concerning sin, righteousness and judgment (John 16:8). When the standard of God’s holiness is presented, the hearers are presented with a stark choice of obedience or rebellion. We should not be surprised when hearers rebel. It is painful because we speak and preach Christ from the joy of knowing our sins have been thrown down and His righteousness has taken hold of us. Scripture commands people to glorify God: seek the things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God (Colossians 3:1). Believer, humbly serve the Living God. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you examine your life so that you are not being pulled in several directions, but your heart and your head are focused on Christ and serving Him in every area of your life. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 13 – The messenger of God

And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. – Malachi 3:2 Scripture reading: Nahum 2:10-13 and Malachi 3:1-5 Friends of ours complained about their hotel accommodations. They booked a weekend retreat at a distant hotel, longing for some peace and quiet. They were awakened at 6 AM on a Saturday morning to bell ringing and loud shouting. Jumping to his feet and terribly annoyed, the husband threw open the curtains to see a gathering of people dressed up in old-fashioned clothing. It was a town crier’s convention. Long before phones, social media, or telegraph and printed newspapers, an important message would be sent via a town crier. He would shout aloud in the streets bringing news. For example, the Assyrian King Sennacherib sent a messenger, Rabshakeh, to King Hezekiah, to announce Jerusalem’s destruction (II Kings 18:19ff). Nahum’s warning serves to remind the people of God of their own covenant with the LORD. The LORD is not some magical charm to keep them safe and allow them to do whatever evil they want to do and have His immunity. The LORD sends out His messenger of the covenant so that the covenant people—those who are under the binding promises of the LORD their God—will turn from their sins and obey Him. The Gospel of Mark picks up this theme of a Messenger—John the Baptist is the final messenger of the Old Testament who tells the people to prepare for Jesus, the King of Glory. At the cross, the sins of believers are punished on the Person of Jesus. Those who reject Jesus will face God’s punishment in eternity. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He continues to warn us so that people do not have to face His punishment throughout eternity; pray specifically for friends and family members who do not know the mercy of Jesus. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 12 – Haughty lion thrown down

Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered. – Revelation 5:5 Scripture reading: Nahum 2:10-13 and Rev. 5 In a British museum, you’ll find a carved Assyrian stone lion: 15 tons and fierce. The lion is at the base of a large, imposing pillar. Assyrian warriors paraded war prisoners past such lions to intimidate and humiliate them before the royal court. Nations bringing tributes from far off lands had to pass by these lions before giving their lavish gifts to the king. The lion was the symbol of Assyrian power. Now the lion’s den of Assyria will be plundered by the LORD. The tearing lion will be hungry, desolate and ruined. The Assyrian lion will be completely defeated. The nations which had trembled in fear when a messenger of Assyria rode out to declare war against them, will find they are no longer the prey of Assyria. Assyria is fallen and great is her ruin. The LORD of hosts is greater. To name the LORD as the LORD of Hosts is to emphasize His power, His angel armies, His great command of all nations and all history. No one can stand against Him. The book of Revelation depicts Jesus as the Lion of Judah. He is the Great King, Overlord above every ruler of all nations, throughout all generations. Jesus is a conquering, tearing lion. Not one of His enemies can stand against Him. Even today, all who disregard the warning of Nahum will find God to be ferocious. All who turn to Jesus, confessing their sins and hating their rebellious ways, will find in Jesus, the Lamb of God, Who has taken away their sin. Suggestions for prayer May our nation’s leaders bow before the Lion of Judah. May our lands turn to Jesus. Ask the Spirit to show you the attitude of your own heart. Are you humble before Jesus—is He, for you, the Lamb of God Who has taken away your sins? Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 11 – The Lord’s Day restores clarity

Daily devotional

September 10 – Believe it or not, judgment is on its way

Daily devotional

September 9 – Powerful imagery foreshadowing the New Testament

Daily devotional

September 8 – Interesting name for the Lord: the Scatterer

Daily devotional

September 7 – Confronting worthless counsellors

For he must reign until he has put all his enemies under his feet. – I Corinthians 15:25 Scripture reading: Nahum 1:9-11 and Ps. 2 What folly it is to be an enemy of the LORD. It is as if an educator were deliberately seeking to erase the LORD from curriculum; this person proves to be worthless. The original language names this person as a counsellor of ruin. It is a direct accusation against Nineveh. The expression “from you” is feminine, a reference to the city of Nineveh. Such advice ultimately will bring ruin because it has not factored in the might of the LORD. What will happen to plotters of folly? It’ll be like a cruel army making battle strategies without any reference to probable counterattacks. What will the result be? They will look so foolish in hindsight, mocked for marching right into a thicket of thorn-filled brambles and wild bushes. Their ineptitude will make them seem like an army of drunks, falling down in a stupor, making them objects of ridicule. Why? Any plans which are formulated against the LORD will fail. The LORD will not be mocked. He has set His King on His holy hill—it is a reference to the Davidic monarchy, and ultimately to Jesus Christ—David’s greater son, Jesus enthroned as the eternal One, Ruler of Heaven and Earth. None of His plans can ever fail or be thwarted. Take great encouragement when you face plotters of ruin, for the LORD Who oversees all of history, Whose plans are yes and amen in Jesus Christ, is triumphing even now. The eyes of faith will see it. Suggestions for prayer Remember teachers and professors who are teaching this new school year. Pray for the spiritual protection of our children and youth that they may discern who is wise to the plans of the LORD and who are counselors of ruin. Praise God His plans never fail. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 6 – An oracle, a burden

The LORD is good, a stronghold in the day of trouble; he knows those who take refuge in him. – Nahum 1:7 Scripture reading: Nahum 1:1, 6-7 and Proverbs 13:1-5 Happy Labour Day! It is part of the creation order for men and women to work. When God placed Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden, He gave them the instruction to work it and keep it (Genesis 2:15). Work can also be a burden. Nahum declared, as the superscription to his writing, “an oracle concerning Nineveh.” That word oracle is an important one to understand. The KJV translates this word oracle as burden. Think of it this way. A Christian parent might say, I have a burden for my children. I know they are grown up and have moved away, but I am still burdened for them, concerned because they have wandered far from the LORD our God and the mercies of Jesus Christ. What will such a burdened parent do? A loving mother will go to the throne of grace, where Jesus is seated and pray for her dearly loved children. A faithful father will speak, warning his children, so they know they are removing themselves far from the blessings of God. Nahum’s inspired use of the word oracle shows he is not celebrating the downfall of Israel’s enemies. He is urgently concerned for their salvation at that time and in eternity. He is aware that the punishment of the Living God is beyond anything humans can inflict. To live a life mocking the Holy One is to invite His wrath. No wonder Nahum was burdened. As long as God granted him breath, he would work to speak, calling for repentance. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the gift of work and pray to be faithful in the task He has given you; pray, as one burdened, for the salvation of family members, friends and co-workers who do not know Jesus Christ and His glorious salvation. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 5 – The sacred sanctuary in time

But when I thought how to understand this, it seemed to me a wearisome task, until I went into the sanctuary of God; then I discerned their end. – Psalm 73:16-17 Scripture reading: Nahum 1:14-15 and Ps. 73 The Jewish Theologian-Philosopher, Abraham Heschel (1907 – 1972), wrote of Sabbaths as a sanctuary in time. “The Sabbaths are our great cathedrals, the Jewish equivalent of sacred architecture.” Why is that significant on this Sunday? Look at the prophetic commandment given to the people of God. They are to keep their feasts. They are to continue in their worship of the Living God. Judah’s anticipated protest: But the enemy is still at our doorstep! The Nineveh conquerors still oppress and terrify us. Here Psalm 73 aids our understanding of what is going on. Sometimes the people of God look at the wicked and are shocked at their successes. It becomes too discouraging. Worship seems pointless. However, on the Sabbath, the Day appointed for worship, the people of the LORD remember the saving work of the LORD and are reminded of the sure defeat of the wicked. His blessings are poured out on the righteous. God created the Sabbath, a sanctuary in time when His people meet with and delight in Him. At the Covenant making in Exodus 20, the LORD affirmed the Sabbath Day as the time His people meet with Him. In the New Testament, Jesus rose from the dead on the first day of the week. Sunday is the Sabbath for Christians. Beloved in Christ, meet with God’s people, renew your love for the God Who saves. The wicked are defeated. Those made holy in Christ are saved to delight in the LORD. Sing Christ’s victory to the Father’s praise, in faith, by the strength of the Spirit. Suggestions for prayer Pray that worship of the Triune God among His people will be a renewed delight for you; pray for the Spirit of God to bring believers back to Jesus and deepen their commitment to public worship; pray for preachers, chaplains, missionaries and evangelists that they have the God-given strength to bring Good News. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 4 – Where is Elkosh?

So that you are not lacking any gift, as you wait for the revealing of the Lord Jesus Christ, who will sustain you to the end. – I Corinthians 1:7-8 Scripture reading: Nahum 1:1 and I Corinthians 1:4-9; 26-31 What do we really know about Nahum of Elkosh? The location of his hometown is unknown. Was he one of the deported people, a displaced person in Nineveh anointed by the Spirit of the LORD to daringly proclaim this warning? Was he part of Galilee, the region of Northern Israel that constantly had invaders running through it? He’d be part of the despised of Israel – those people – who’d intermarried with foreigners. Some think he was from Judah; that is the opinion of many scholars. Reflecting on this man’s ministry leads me to think he is incredibly brave. Think of it. If he were one of the deportees, his bold testimony about the downfall of Nineveh would amount to treason. No doubt the enemy would want to silence him. If he lived in Galilee, then others from Israel might mock him as a hick from a backwater town. If he is from Judah, he might be despised by the people from the other ten tribes, who were so oppressed by the Assyrians. When the LORD takes hold of a man or a woman, He calls this person to serve Him, regardless of the consequences. When the LORD our God raises you up in Jesus Christ, He gives the Spirit so that you can serve with holy boldness. Know this, being a servant of the LORD comes at a cost. You may feel nameless. God knows you intimately. Jesus is your Ruler; therefore, your true citizenship is in heaven, where Jesus is. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His Spirit’s work compelling men and women to serve in difficult places; bless God for the call He has placed on your life and the Spirit He gives so that in all circumstances you can call on the Name of Jesus. Pray for seminary professors who have the awesome task of training up the next generation of leaders. Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart serves as a visiting prison chaplain in Moncton, New Brunswick for Redemption Prison Ministry. A few years ago he and his wife Carolyn became members of the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. They both enjoy hosting friends for dinner and games nights. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

September 3 – A parade of God’s power

When he ascended on high he led a host of captives… – Ephesians 4:8 Scripture reading: Nahum 1:3-5 and Ephesians 4:1-17 Why do nations have ...

Daily devotional

September 2 – The Lord the Avenger

The LORD is a jealous and avenging husband. – Nahum 1:2 Scripture reading: Nahum 1:1-3 and Isaiah 54:1-5 There is an expression out there that...

Daily devotional

Introduction to the month of September

Nahum is a book that is likely not too familiar for many readers. To be honest, I can’t recall ever preaching from this book. It is a regular practi...

Daily devotional

August 31 – The Bible ends with a menu

Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb! – Revelation 19:9a Scripture reading: Revelation 19:1-10 The Bible begins...

Daily devotional

August 30 – The bountiful Tree of Life

In the middle of its street, and on either side of the river, was the tree of life, which bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month. The leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations. – Revelation 22:2 Scripture reading: Revelation 22 Set before us is a scene of paradise restored. The pure river of life and the tree of life remind us of the Garden of Eden. Here, however, is not a single tree of life, but a forest of Trees of Life lining each side of the river. The blessing, which Adam forfeited through his disobedient eating, is now restored! In between these two Trees of Life stands another tree, the cross of Christ. He hung on a tree, bearing the curse for man’s disobedience (Galatians 3:13), for our salvation. Irenaeus remarks that by means of the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil, we were made debtors to God. By means of another tree, the cross, debts are forgiven. The cross of Christ is for all who believe in Christ, a tree of life. By Him, we gain free access to the Tree of Life. The Tree of Life is continually producing. It “bore twelve fruits, each tree yielding its fruit every month.” Its supply never ends for the overcomers (2:7) and for those who do His commandments (22:14). The leaves of this tree are for the healing of the nations. The message of the cross gives life to the nations, healing the wounds of sin, shame and misery to all who repent and believe. This tree of life is nourishing believers now. The fullness of salvation and abundant feasting in paradise is yet to come. In our daily cross-bearing, are the joys of this never-ending life to come, yours? Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the joy of the promises He sets before us in Christ. Pray that the Lord may use this promise to bring us to trust Him and to inspire us to greater faithfulness; that we may live our lives in hope and with great expectation. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 29 – Eating from the Tree of Life

To him who overcomes, I will give to eat from the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God. – Revelation 2:7b Scripture reading: Revelation 2:1-7 What a rich, full promise, Christ gives to him who perseveres in faith to the end. “I will give to eat from the tree of life.” Christ praises this church for her works, labor and patience; yet He rebukes her for leaving her first love. He warns that if she does not repent, He will take away her lampstand. He then praises the church for her firm stand against the works of the Nicolaitans. It seems these false teachers, the Nicolaitans, were not staying away from the immoral and idolatrous feasts and were trying to tempt the members of the church with their sinful practices. To the one who is loyal to Christ and perseveres in his love for Him to the end, Christ promises to offer something better than food offered to idols. He will be given ”to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.” After Adam’s sin, the way to the tree of life in the garden was cut off, its entrance guarded by the cherubim (Genesis 3:22-24). But in Christ and through the shedding of His blood on the cross for sinners, God opens the way into fellowship with Him again, forever. This Lord’s Day we have the privilege to fellowship with Him, in His garden, through Word, song, prayer and sacrament. To all who persevere by faith, Christ gives the promise to eat of the tree of life. This fellowship in God’s presence will be full, rich, complete and forever! Suggestions for prayer Pray that, this Lord’s Day, you may grow in the assurance of God’s love and that through faith, encouraged by His promises, you may joyfully persevere in your love for Him. Sing this song of assurance: “I Know Not Why God’s Wondrous Grace.” Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 28 – Sanctification, not sanitation

Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in this world, do you subject yourselves to regulations --- “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle…” – Colossians 2:20,21 Scripture reading: Colossians 2:11-3:1 Our world, not having Christ, imposes its own holiness code on its citizens. So it is also with false religions that mandate their food laws and never-ending fasting rituals on their adherents. In the church of Colossae, false teachers were insisting on man-made, rigorous restrictions and regulations concerning food, drink, festivals, new moon and sabbaths. The apostle Paul summarizes their regulations in this way, “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle.” It had an appearance of wisdom, of humility and of being near to God. They taught that one could overcome evil and achieve the fullness of salvation through man-made rules regarding eating, drinking and fasting. The focus is on abstaining from this and from that. There is no joy; there is no feasting, only “Don’t touch, don’t taste, don’t handle.” The focus is on outward purity. Without Christ and His Spirit, the world imposes its own regulations concerning separation for well-being and holiness. We need Christ. Fullness of salvation is in Him! Renewal comes from within by His Spirit. By trusting Christ alone for your salvation, you have a reason for feasting. The apostle Paul says if you died with Christ (2:20) and were raised with Him (3:1), you have made a complete break from man-made regulations. “Let no one cheat you of your reward” (v.18). By His Spirit, He continues to cleanse you from sin and cultivates a desire to grow in holiness. This is sanctification. Welcome to real living. Touch, taste, handle! Sing, rejoice and live! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the full salvation and freedom He gives in Christ. Pray for renewal and growth in your love, holiness and obedience to Christ the Saviour and Lord. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 27 – Eating and drinking to God’s glory

Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God. – 1 Corinthians 10:31 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33 Like the church in Corinth, the church of our Lord Jesus Christ today lives and works among neighbors, friends and even family members who worship false gods or idols in temples. They have their meat shops in the market places. But also, out of love and respect, they will invite Christian friends to their homes for dinner. The wise approach as followers of Jesus, in either scenario, is not to ask questions. “Eat whatever is sold in the meat market, asking no questions for conscience’ sake….” (v.25). Likewise, at the table in his home, you are free to eat whatever he serves you. Don’t ask where it comes from. “But if anyone says to you, ‘this was offered to idols,’ do not eat it” (v.28). If the host is saying this, do not eat. You must not jeopardize your witness to Christ. But if it seems that the weaker brother or sister in Christ, one sitting at the table with you, is saying this, even then you should not eat. You must not exercise your Christian freedom in a manner that causes a fellow believer to sin. Your freedom may be lawful, but not helpful. Use your freedom in Christ in a loving way. Exercise your freedom in a way that will build up fellow believers in their faith. What you eat does not matter, but avoiding offence does. In this way, we are eating or drinking to the glory of God. Suggestions for prayer Pray that we may exercise our freedom in Christ in a way that does not harm the faith of the weaker believer. Pray that we not jeopardize our witness and yet show love for those who do not know Christ. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 26 – One table or the other, not both

You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons. – 1 Corinthians 10:...

Daily devotional

August 25 – Equally accepted by God

...for before certain men came from James, he would eat with the Gentiles; but when they came, he withdrew and separated himself, fearing thos...

Daily devotional

August 24 – Joy overflowing from tables to tables

Daily devotional

August 23 – Word, table and mission

Now it came to pass, as He sat at the table with them, that He took bread, blessed and broke it, and gave it to them. Then their eyes were opened and ...

Daily devotional

August 22 – A forward-looking supper

But I say to you, I will not drink of this fruit of the vine from now on until that day when I drink it new with you in My Father’s kingdom. – Matthew 26:29 Scripture reading: Matthew 26:17-30 The word ‘meal’ or ‘supper’ suggests celebration. People come together. Feasting, like singing, is a unique mark of God’s covenant people, those who belong to Jesus. In the Old Testament, this was the Passover meal, a meal celebrating God’s deliverance through the sacrificial lambs. It was a forward-looking meal. The Passover meal pointed ahead to Jesus, the sacrificial Lamb Who delivers His people from their sins through His sacrifice. The tokens are bread and wine by which the New Testament church proclaims Christ’s death till He comes. It’s fuller. It’s richer. This supper, this meal of remembrance, is like a wedding ring. A husband sees the ring which he has given his wife and his love goes out to her. And when she looks at the ring, she opens her heart to receive his love. This is what Jesus does when we sit at His supper. His love reaches out to us and we receive His love. We remember Jesus’ suffering and death for us on the cross, but this supper is also a victory-meal. He conquered sin, death and hell. And now through this feast, He, by His Spirit, also strengthens us to conquer sin and temptation. This supper is also forward-looking. We eagerly anticipate the feast in the consummation, when all who belong to Him by faith will have perfect fellowship with Jesus for all eternity. Peace shall follow battle. Night shall end in day. May these comforting words again be a blessing to you on this Lord’s Day. Suggestions for prayer Pray that our fellowship around the Lord’s Word and Table may be a feast of anticipation in which we look forward to the fellowship we will one day enjoy with Him. Thank God that He strengthens us for battle and renews our faith to live for Him. Suggested song: “O Jesus, Joy of Loving Hearts.” Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 21 – Still there is room

...and still there is room. – Luke 14:22b Scripture reading: Luke 14:15-24 A guest sitting with Jesus in the Pharisee’s home, exclaims, “Blessed is he who shall eat bread in the kingdom of God!” Jesus responds with a parable about a certain man who gave a great supper and invited many. Those invited were God’s people, the Jews. Through the prophets of the Old Testament, they received this glorious invitation. With the coming of Christ, the feast has come! The master sends his servant out saying to the invited, “Come, for all things are now ready.” But all gave lame excuses for why they could not come. Being upset, he now sends his servant into the streets and lanes of the city, saying “Bring in here the poor and the maimed and the lame and the blind.” They were the outcasts and underprivileged among the Jews who were coming to Jesus. Bring them in; that is, take them by the hand. Why? Because they might have serious doubts. Could the banquet table really be for them? Still there is room. God wants His house filled. The master then sends his servant outside the city, “into the highways and hedges”, compelling them to come into the banquet, God’s kingdom. These are the Gentiles; that is, outsiders and strangers. Nothing is said about the servant completing his commission. Why? Because this commission to Christ’s church continues today. Still there is room. Have you responded to Christ’s summons to come? Or is some excuse stopping you? How is God using you to fill up His festal house? Suggestions for prayer Pray for those you know who are making excuses for not coming to Christ. Pray that the love of Christ may compel you to compel others to come to Christ and that they may be drawn by His love in His people. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 20 – Table etiquette for Jesus’ followers

For whoever exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted. – Luke 14:11 Scripture reading: Luke 14:1-14 Jesus enjoyed His food and wine, but most of all He enjoyed the fellowship of other people around the dinner table. Table fellowship was vital to Jesus’ ministry. In our passage, Jesus is eating at the home of a Pharisee. Many guests are present. In this parable, Jesus teaches us how to be guests (verses 7-11) and how to be a host (verses 12-14). He teaches us how to receive and give hospitality. God’s grace humbles us. What does that look like? It’s the opposite of what we see in our reading. The guests at the feast love honour and the host honours those who invite him back. This pattern is often seen in table fellowship. This is not the way of God’s grace. Jesus says that when you are invited as a guest, don’t look for a place of honour. Don’t vie for position or put yourself forward. Be a willing servant. As a guest, honour others above yourself. Likewise, to the host who invited Him, Jesus says, ‘Don’t just invite those who invite you back.’ You should not think of hospitality in this kind of calculating way. Our hospitality should reflect God’s generous hospitality toward us. We can never repay Him! What is the way of God’s grace and blessing? “Invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.” Invite to your table outcasts and strangers who can never repay you. Does God’s grace humble you to serve Christ in this new way? He shall reward you at the resurrection! Suggestions for prayer Ask God for grace to fight against our pride and to shape us to be more like Christ. Pray for grace to be hospitable and to show hospitality to one another with a servant-like attitude. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. ...

Daily devotional

August 19 – Eating and being filled

So they all ate and were filled. – Mark 6:42 Scripture reading: Mark 6:30-44 God’s people are in bondage to their sins. Here we witness a large exodus of people from the cities to the northern shores of the Sea of Galilee. They now enter into the wilderness. Jesus is the new Moses who leads them out of Egypt to Himself in a wilderness area. This is a new Exodus. As Shepherd, Jesus is moved with compassion so He teaches them (vv.30-34) and feeds them (vv.35-43). They need guidance. Their teachers have not been teaching them the Word nor pointing them to Jesus. The people have become confused and so lost. Jesus confirms His teaching with a miraculous sign of multiplying the five loaves of bread and two fish. This is not just about filling their bellies. This sign points to Himself, the Bread of Life. He is the Bread from Heaven, the Provision of life to Whom the manna in the wilderness pointed. Eat the food He provides and you will be filled. Jesus fully satisfies. He feeds thousands and there is no want. By His Word, He transforms our desert into a place of life and refreshment. Praise God for the presence and power of His Spirit. He promises a fuller and even greater feast to come in the Promised Land. The disciples gather twelve baskets, symbolizing the twelve tribes of Israel and the church, under the care of one Shepherd, Jesus. Jesus is the proof of God’s love. Are you dealing with anxiety, depression or fear? Turn to Christ. He is the Bread of Life. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for giving us a Shepherd Who truly cares and loves, Who gave His life for us. Pray that, in all our anxieties and fears, we may learn to put our trust in Christ Who is the Bread of Life. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 18 – Jesus calls and heals for the feast

How is it that He eats and drinks with tax collectors and sinners? – Mark 2:16b Scripture reading: Mark 2:13-22 Tax collectors were a hated an...

Daily devotional

August 17 – The Bridegroom has come!

And Jesus said to them, “Fill the waterpots with water.” And they filled them up to the brim. And He said to them, “Draw some out now, and take ...

Daily devotional

August 16 – Eat what is good

Listen carefully to Me, and eat what is good, and let your soul delight itself in abundance. – Isaiah 55:2b Scripture reading: Proverbs 9:1-6; Is...

Daily devotional

August 15 – The Lord’s banquet for all people

And in this mountain the LORD of hosts will make for all people a feast of choice pieces, a feast of wine on the lees... – Isaiah 25:6a Scriptu...

Daily devotional

August 14 – Enjoy your Giver!

For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I? – Ecclesiastes 2:25 Scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 2:17-26 In the book of Ecclesiastes, Solomon presents two contrasting paths of life. As Jay Adams puts it, one path is “life under the sun”; the other is “life under the Son,” the Lord Jesus Christ. For the one who lives merely under the sun, without God, life is toilsome and empty. Sadly, this world and this life, then, is all there is. Nothing lasts. It’s a toiling under the sun (Ecccl. 2:18-20,22). Are you sickened by the thought that your dearest treasures will be lost at death or that your present efforts are in vain? Is it annoying that you have to leave it all to the man who comes after you? Come to God, humbly submitting to His Son Jesus, in faith. He frees us from the slavery to these toilsome idols to enjoy Him and others. Then you can enjoy His gifts. This is life under the Son! Then the things of this life no longer have a hold on us, for He holds us. Your labor is not in vain. You may enjoy your food. The blessings extend beyond this life to eternal glory! God calls us to put our hope in Him, “who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment” (1 Timothy 6:17). Enjoy your Giver. This is the secret to enjoying His gifts. Whether you have little or much, you are rich in Him. Trusting Him, you may confess with contentment, “For who can eat, or who can have enjoyment, more than I?” Suggestions for prayer Pray that God may give courage to tear down our idols, what is most dear to us and serve Him alone. Ask Him to help you to enjoy Him by serving Him generously with the gifts He gives you. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 13 – The witness of God’s open hand

You open Your hand and satisfy the desire of every living thing. – Psalm 145:16 Nevertheless, He did not leave Himself without witness, in that He did good, gave us rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness. – Acts 14:17 Scripture reading: Psalm 145:8-16; Acts 14:8-18 See the beauty and splendor of God in this Psalm. He is gracious, full of compassion, slow to anger, great in mercy, good to all. Those who confess the Lord praise Him for His greatness. Even His works praise Him. God’s people speak of His glorious kingdom, talk of His power and share this with others who know Him not. All of creation bears witness to Him, our Creator, the true and living God. He gives to His sinful creatures with an open hand and He satisfies their desires. People look expectantly to Him. He gives them their food in due season. Witness His benevolence, His generous goodness to all creatures. God’s purpose, however, is not merely to fill our stomachs. God’s open hand should draw our gaze upon Him through His Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. We come to know Him in the Bible. By trusting in Him, we receive God’s grace, mercy and compassion and become His adopted children. For this reason, Barnabas and Paul call those who were worshipping other gods to turn “from these useless things to the living God who made heaven, the earth, the sea, and all things that are in them” (Acts 14:15). They address the worshippers of other gods with Psalm 145:16 in mind. God “did not leave Himself without witness…” He gives “rain from heaven and fruitful seasons, filling our hearts with food and gladness.” True gladness is not found in full stomachs, but in being filled with the joy of Jesus! Suggestions for prayer Pray for help and wisdom to share the one, true living God with others using the witness of God in creation. Pray for boldness as we point the way to God through Jesus, who is the Way, the Truth and the Life. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 12 – Times of refreshing

Repent therefore and be converted, that your sins may be blotted out, so that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord. – Acts 3:19 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12 The world today does not have joy, nor is it feasting. There is much sorrow and sadness. Even in the church, we may lack lustre in our joy and feasting. Perhaps we have lost some of the joy of our deliverance from sin in Christ. In our reading from Nehemiah, the people of Israel have returned from exile. God had punished them for their disobedience to Him. Now times of refreshing have come. Ezra the priest read from the book of the law, the Scriptures “from morning till midday, before the men and women and those who could understand.” The Levites and others explained the Scriptures and helped them to understand. And “all the people wept, when they heard the words of the Law.” The Holy Spirit worked repentance in their hearts. With repentance for sin came times of refreshment. They were commanded not to mourn or weep, but to eat and drink. “Do not sorrow, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (v.10). And with joy, they feasted! To the Jews in Acts, Peter preached Jesus and His resurrection. He called them to repent and be converted, that their sins may be blotted out. The purpose is “that times of refreshing may come from the presence of the Lord…” (Acts 3:19). But times of refreshing are also the result! Have times of refreshing come upon you? Is Jesus the joy of your salvation? How are you expressing your joy? What are the signs of feasting in your life? Suggestions for prayer If you are far away from Christ, pray that times of refreshing may come. Pray that you may grow and increase in the joy of your salvation. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 11 – Bringing life into the world of death

Serve it to the people, that they may eat. 2 Kings 4:43b Give it to the people, that they may eat. – 2 Kings 4:41b Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:38-44 God’s people find themselves in the context of famine. His judgment is upon them because of their unfaithfulness to Him. Yet God mercifully sends the prophets, Elijah and Elisha, to bring His message of repentance, urging their return to Him. To live apart from God is death. The famine shows that. One of the sons of the prophets scavenges the field, looking for edible ingredients for their pot of stew. He gathers herbs and also a lapful of wild gourds which he slices into the pot of stew. They serve it, not knowing they had gathered poisonous gourds. They eat, and cry out, “Man of God, there is death in the pot!” After Elisha puts flour in the pot, there is no harm. In this miracle, God confirms that His Word brings life into a world of death. God reverses the curse. Likewise, how could twenty small loaves of bread feed one hundred hungry men? In such adverse conditions, a God-fearing man gave from the first and best he had. He did not have enough, but God blessed and multiplied it. They ate, having some left over. The calling of the church is to bring the message of life into our world of death. Christ heals. He multiplies His blessings. He sets the table in our midst. Jesus is the life. Jesus says, “Do not labor for the food that perishes, but for the food which endures to everlasting life, which the Son of Man will give you” (John 6:27). Suggestions for prayer Pray that we may grow more hungry for the food that endures to everlasting life. Pray that our world, which lies in the grip of death, may clearly see the life of our risen Lord Jesus in the church. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 10 – Unending provision

For thus says the LORD God of Israel: The bin of flour shall not be used up, nor shall the jar of oil run dry, until the day the LORD sends rain on th...

Daily devotional

August 9 – A land flowing with milk and honey

You shall inherit their land, and I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the Lord your God, who has separated you ...

Daily devotional

August 8 – A feast in God’s presence

But on the nobles of the children of Israel He did not lay His hand. So they saw God, and they ate and drank. – Exodus 24:11 Scripture reading: E...

Daily devotional

August 7 – Grace for grumblers

For the bread of God is He who comes down from heaven and gives life to the world. – John 6:33 Scripture reading: Exodus 16:1-12 One month ear...

Daily devotional

August 6 – The feast of the Passover lamb

For indeed Christ, our Passover, was sacrificed for us. – 1 Corinthians 5:7b Scripture reading: Exodus 12:1-13; Matthew 26:26-30 In Exodus 12, the supper follows the sacrifice; fellowship comes through the forgiveness of sins. God’s people were instructed to select a lamb without blemish, a one-year-old male. After slaughtering the lamb, they were to take some of its blood and smear it on the two doorposts and the lintel of the houses where they ate it. God, as it were, was the Host offering His fellowship and food. Five times we read “eat” to describe eating the lamb in verses 8-11. So why did God instruct them to do this? God was going to pass through Egypt that night and bring His wrath on the land of Egypt. God’s people are equally deserving of His wrath due to their sin. Yet the LORD says, “When I see the blood, I will pass over you.” Notice, He does not say, “When I see you…” No, “when I see the blood…” In the shedding of the blood of the lamb, we see God’s provision of forgiveness of sin through the greater Lamb to come! Years later, at the last Passover meal, Christ stood before His disciples as the Passover Lamb. Through His perfect sacrifice on the cross, God secures forgiveness for all who trust in Jesus. Have you run to Christ for covering from God’s wrath? Don’t delay! God secures forgiveness and fellowship through Jesus, our Sacrifice. This fellowship, we see in a meal Christ instituted namely, bread and wine, as signs and seals of His fellowship with us. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for the sacrifice of His Son Who became the Lamb for sinners. Ask Him to grow in your assurance that He passes over us, not because He sees us, but because He sees the blood of Christ covering us. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 5 – Entertaining angels

Let brotherly love continue. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. – Hebrews 13:1-2 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:1-8; Hebrews 13:1-2 What a glorious scene! In His grace and because of His promise in Christ, the LORD comes to visit Abraham. Abraham is sitting at the door of his tent. He looks up and sees three men standing in front of him. They are not ordinary people, but angels appearing in human form. One of the three is the Son of God, appearing in His pre-incarnate human form (18:30; 19:1). Abraham meets the three men, bends low to the ground and offers them food and rest. How did Abraham have the courage to ask the Son of God, the Holy One, to come into his tent, into the presence of a sinful man? The LORD sits down with the two angels. Abraham tells Sarah to bake some cakes and tells his servants to prepare the best calf for the meal. He sets the calf before them with butter and milk. They are eating at Abraham’s table in intimacy and fellowship! The Son of God, Who visits Abraham later, became flesh and dwelt among us, eating and drinking with sinners. Jesus, the promised Son of Abraham, gave Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sinners. Through faith in Jesus, the holy God reconciles sinners to Himself, so that we may enjoy intimate fellowship with Him again. God comes to us in Christ, calling us to exercise our faith through love. In Hebrews, God reminds us to show the love of Jesus practically. Don’t forget to entertain strangers. Welcome them in the name of Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God may use us to entertain strangers in the name of Jesus and that they may be drawn to Christ and His love through table fellowship. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

August 4 – Receiving your food with thanks

...for every creature of God is good, and nothing is to be refused if it is received with thanksgiving. – 1 Timothy 4:4 Scripture reading: Genesis 9:1-7; 1 Timothy 4:1-5 After destroying the world with a flood, God begins again with Noah and his descendants. As with the first Adam, God renews His mandate to Noah. He calls him to “be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth.” But God now provides an expanded menu. God provides not only green herbs and fruit (Genesis 1:29), but also meat for food. God gives explicit permission for eating meat. “Every moving thing that lives shall be food for you... Even as the green herbs” (Genesis 9:3). The apostle Paul warns Timothy of those who depart from the faith, speaking lies, “commanding people to abstain from foods which God created to be received with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth” (v.3). What God has made, we may eat, including meat. Nothing is to be refused. But there is one condition: that we receive the food God provides with thanksgiving. It is set apart “by the Word of God and prayer.” Practically, we may show this by setting apart our meals to God through prayer and reading the Bible. As one writer says, “Every meal is a dialogue with heaven.” There is the saying, “Christ is the head of the home, the unseen guest at every meal, the silent listener to every conversation.” May our meal practices reflect a life of thanks for God’s abundant grace in Jesus for all who trust in Him for salvation from sin. He sets us free from manmade rules to enjoy what He provides. Suggestions for prayer In light of our busy lives and distractions, let us ask God for His grace to take the time to enjoy the food He provides, giving thanks and enjoying table fellowship. Rev. Tony Zekveld currently serves as missionary-pastor in the Hope Congregation in East Brampton, Ontario, sent by Covenant Christian Church (URCNA) of Wyoming, Ontario. Rev. Zekveld and his wife, Arley-Ann, have five children and, so far, eight grandchildren. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11

Life's busy, read it when you're ready!

Create a free account to save articles for later, keep track of past articles you’ve read, and receive exclusive access to all RP resources.

Search thousands of RP articles

Articles, news, and reviews that celebrate God's truth.

Get Articles Delivered!

Articles, news, and reviews that celebrate God's truth. delivered direct to your Inbox!

Magazine

Recent Articles

Past Articles

Book Reviews

Movie Reviews

Daily devotional

Job Postings

More of Reformed Perspective!

RPTV

Our App!

Newsletter

Real Talk

Manna

VOTC

Links

About Us

Advertise

Search CATEGORY: Daily devotional

Daily devotional

February 18 - I do not change

Daily devotional

February 17 - He comes in judgment

Daily devotional

February 16 - He comes to purify

Daily devotional

February 15 - My messenger

Daily devotional

February 14 - Guard yourself

Daily devotional

February 13 - Faithful and committed

Daily devotional

February 12 - The LORD is faithful to his covenant

Daily devotional

February 11 - We are messengers!

Daily devotional

February 10 - A covenant of life and peace

Daily devotional

February 9 - Harsh words?

Daily devotional

February 8 - Are you listening?

Daily devotional

February 7 - A proper attitude toward God

Daily devotional

February 6 - Come with true worship

Daily devotional

February 5 - Our father and master

Daily devotional

February 4 - God’s love declared

Daily devotional

February 3 - How have you loved us?

Daily devotional

February 2 - I have loved you

Daily devotional

February 1: Introducing the book of Malachi

Daily devotional

January 31 - All things made new

Daily devotional

January 30 - New creatures

Daily devotional

January 29 - A new song

Daily devotional

January 28 - Living the new life

Daily devotional

January 27 - The world’ smallest but largest trouble maker

Daily devotional

January 26 - Great is thy faithfulness

Daily devotional

January 25 - Anything new?

Daily devotional

January 24 - Ask for the ancient paths

Daily devotional

January 24 - Ask for the ancient paths

Daily devotional

January 23 - The danger of backsliding

January 2 - He leads me!