Daily devotional

December 17 - Glory to God

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

Daily devotional

December 16 - Only Jesus gets the choir

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

Daily devotional

December 15 - A sign

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:12 Scripture reading: Isaia...

Daily devotional

December 14 - Christ the Lord

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

Daily devotional

December 13 - A Saviour

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

Daily devotional

December 12 - Good news of great joy

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”” - Luke 2:10-11 Scripture reading: Isaiah 52:7-10 It’s great to receive good news. “The cancer is gone!” “Your son will survive!” “An anonymous donor paid your tuition!” Good news received and believed, floods you with gladness and gratitude. It produces joy. God’s messenger shouted to the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” God ordained that the good news would produce great joy in them. This brings us back to Isaiah 52:7-8a: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’ The voice of your watchmen – they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy.” Imagine it. The king marches out to face a terrible foe. Back in the city, the watchmen and citizens wait to hear the outcome with a mixture of hope and dread. Their fate lies in the hands of their king A herald comes running. The watchmen spot him in the distance. Soon, he’s within earshot and hollers, “Our king won! Our king reigns!” The watchmen erupt with relief and joy. Then they pass the good news on to the citizens of the city. The angel here is the herald. The shepherds are the watchmen who hear the good news. It is good news that floods them with great joy. It is also good news “for all the people.” They need to pass it on. And so do we. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for declaring to you the good news of Christ and His redeeming grace. Pray for grace, boldness and opportunity to pass it on like the shepherds did. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 11 - Angels

‘And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” - Luke 2:8-9 Scripture reading: Psalm 103:19-22 Psalm 103:19 reminds us, “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” He has a vast army of heavenly troops, eager to carry out His commands. We call them angels. “Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers who do his will!” (Psalm 103:20-21). The LORD often sent angels to deliver messages to His people. In fact, the Hebrew and Greek words for angel mean ‘messenger.’ The LORD often told His people, through angels, what He was going to do next in redemptive history. For example, God told Zechariah, through the angel Gabriel, that his wife would give birth to John, the forerunner of Jesus (Luke 1:5-25). God told Mary, also through the angel Gabriel, that she would miraculously give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). The Great King now sends an angel to announce the birth of His Son to shepherds in a field. As usual, the glory-of-God radiance of these heavenly warrior-messengers startles and terrifies the shepherds. The shepherds, however, have nothing to fear. God’s warrior has come in grace, not judgment. God’s messenger has come with good news, not bad news. Today, we don’t expect angels to deliver the gospel to us. “In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:2a). Thank God, we have access to His life-giving voice in the Scriptures. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He has chosen to reveal the gospel of Jesus Christ to us. Pray that the Holy Spirit would open the hearts of many to believe the gospel and receive Christ as Savior and Lord. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 10 - Shepherds

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” - Luke 2:8 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Rome is not where the action is, Bethlehem is! The spotlight shifts from Bethlehem to a field not far away. Shepherds are tending their sheep, out in the open, under the night sky. Jewish tradition tells us these men were not trusted or respected in Jewish society. The testimony of shepherds and women were not accepted in court. Jewish society looked down on both. Did you just connect the dots in your own mind? The Lord chose shepherds to proclaim the birth of Christ and women to proclaim the resurrection of Christ! “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Jewish tradition also tells us these shepherds raised sheep for temple sacrifices. Such sheep required special care to preserve them without blemish: no cuts, no scrapes, no wounds. Not far away, the Lamb of God, the Lamb without spot or blemish, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, lay bundled up in a feedbox. He, too, would be raised for a sacrifice, one not far from the temple grounds. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the way He uses humble vessels to accomplish His purposes. Pray that God would form and use you for His purposes, strengths, weaknesses, and all. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 9 - Rome and Bethlehem

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

Daily devotional

December 8 - Veiled in flesh

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

Daily devotional

December 7 - Whose decree?

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the h...

Daily devotional

December 6 - When Caesar says “jump”

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was g...

Daily devotional

December 5 - Quirinius

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

Daily devotional

December 4 - The decree

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” - Luke 2:1 Scripture reading: Isaiah 55:10-11 Humans share with God the power of words – words spoken and words written. The power of language is one way God created us in His image to rule in His name. However, we have all experienced the power of human words for good or evil. When a girl in your class skins her knee, and you sit beside her and ask, “Are you okay?” you are using the power of words for good. When you run and tell a teacher she is hurt, you are using the power of words for good. When you say something nasty to someone because you want to hurt him, you are using your words for evil. The more power a human ruler has, the more power his words have. In Luke 2:1, Caesar Augustus speaks with power. He issues a decree, an executive order. He wants every person in his vast empire registered so he can track them, tax them and rule them more efficiently. Caesar’s decree shall accomplish what he purposes and shall succeed in the thing for which he sent it (see Isaiah 55:11). Little does Caesar realize, however, that his decree is simply a tool in the hands of the Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth as He works out His sovereign decree to save His chosen ones and His fallen world in Jesus Christ. Remember that the next time you chafe under a human decree that complicates your life. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the sovereign power of His word to save us and to govern history, even using human decrees. Pray for grace to rest in His sovereign power when troubled by human decrees. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 3 - Caesar Augustus (II)

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” - Luke 2:1 Scripture reading: Mark 10:35-45 Augustus led Rome into an era of prosperity and peace after years of civil war. He tackled government corruption; he ‘drained the swamp’. He developed an amazing road system and effective government structure to bind his empire together. The economy boomed. We call that era “The Pax Romana” – the Roman Peace. It sounds good, doesn’t it? However, Augustus maintained the Pax Romana with an iron fist and expanded it through conquest. His road to power was blood-soaked. Augustus teamed up with two allies to slaughter hundreds in their quest for power. Together, they conquered the empire. Then Augustus defeated the other two to become the sole ruler of Rome. Human rulers usually have a mixed legacy. At worst, they claw their way to the top by trampling others. After that, they fight to stay there. We desperately need our true and perfect King, born in Bethlehem. He did not trample others to seize power. Instead, he “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8). Jesus said, “Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). This King came to serve us and our need for salvation. He redeems us to embody His sacrificial servant leadership in our fallen world. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for King Jesus, our perfect and all-powerful King who lowered Himself and laid down His life to save us. Pray for grace to embody His sacrificial servanthood in our fallen world. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 2 - Caesar Augustus (I)

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” - Luke 2:1 Scripture reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 “Good news! The Son of God has come. He has taken His rightful place as the chief priest of His people. He has ushered in a golden age of peace and prosperity.” You might be excused for thinking these words describe Jesus Christ. Ironically, these words describe how ancient Rome viewed Caesar Augustus. Caesar Augustus assumed power in Rome in 27 BC. He ushered in the ‘Pax Romana’, a glorious new age of peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire. When Jesus arrived in Bethlehem, Rome had its own ‘redemptive history,’ complete with a miraculous origin story, descent into darkness, and the climactic arrival of a divine son and savior who would lead Rome to her destiny and usher in heaven on earth. Thus, the birth of God’s Son in Bethlehem ensured a clash of kingdoms. On the one hand, see the Kingdom of God with its true Son of God and Savior at the center of the true history of redemption, Who came to usher in the true heaven on earth. On the other hand, see the kingdom of this world with its counterfeit son of God and savior at the center of a counterfeit storyline who came to usher in a counterfeit heaven on earth Today, too, we must discern where the storylines, value systems, doctrine of salvation and utopian visions of our culture clash with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must proclaim “Christ is Lord” to our lost world. We must order our lives accordingly. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He has revealed Jesus Christ His Son to us at the heart of redemptive history. Pray for grace to proclaim and embody the truth that Christ is Lord in a lost world. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 1 - Introduction to Luke 2

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

Daily devotional

November 30 - Anticipation and celebration

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious b...

Daily devotional

November 29 - Tempted to praiseless prayer

“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” - Matthew 6:9 Scripture reading: Psalm 81:1-16 Yesterday, a friend sent ...

Daily devotional

November 28 - Tempted to forget the measure of your days

Daily devotional

November 27 - Tempted to Christmas gluttony

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

Daily devotional

November 26 - Tempted to greed

“The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.” - Proverbs 15:27 Scripture reading: Luke 12:13-21 One interesting question to be posed at this time of year is, ‘why does there have to be such an emphasis on giving toys and gifts to children?’ That is a worldly, non-Christians emphasis imposed on Christmas celebrations. In one region where I lived, the firefighters, the foster care association, the Salvation Army, as well as some local churches had a toy drive. There were families on two or three of those lists whose children had a bonanza of gifts. It is imposed on the Christian celebration of the incarnation of Jesus. Why are our Christian churches and denominations focusing so much on gift-giving rather than focusing on Jesus? I have a serious question: is all this Christmas gift-giving toxic charity? Let me explain. There is such a strong emphasis on giving gifts for free, that those who are in need are even more reliant on charity. There is no sense in which this is a hand-up, to help a family out of poverty, but it is a hand-out that keeps families in cycles of poverty. I wonder also, if our giving of gifts, or monetary gifts to agencies that care for folks who are poor, perpetuates a cycle of greed? When a family is in need of the basics of life, why is there a priority to have toys, games and video games given which celebrate worldly greed and consumption? Even if gifts are to be given, what gift would be wise so that greediness is not instilled in the hearts of the recipients? Suggestions for prayer For families who seek to be lifted out of poverty; for wisdom in local churches and Christian families, to know how to truly help those who are in need. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 25 - Tempted in charitable giving

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” - Micah 6:8 Scripture reading: Matthew 6:1-4 Christmas is near. Soon, you will hear bell ringers in the mall. Your inbox will be inundated with pleas from local charities. I am aware of a charity in my community that has an honour wall which highlights the most generous donors. In their foyer, you see the names of gold level donors, printed in large letters on gold-colored plaques. The same honour is conferred to silver level donors on silver plaques and lower level donors on bronze plaques. Why are those people giving their gifts? It may well appear that those donors are trumpeting their generosity for all to see. What motivates you to donate to charity? The passage before us today commands believers to practice righteousness. Righteousness is defined in the Bible as caring for widows and orphans in their distress. It also involves meeting the needs of those in distress, and helping the foreigners among us. It is commanded obedience. If you are obeying so that you can be recognized by others, then you are now, already, getting your reward for your obedience. Believers, in view of the great grace and compassion that God has shown them in Christ, are moved by the Spirit to help others. From the rich store house of His goodness, believers desire to show God’s love in practical and demonstrable ways to those within the household of God and beyond her walls, so that many will be drawn to Jesus. The fact that the Father sees what you are doing, is sufficient, a great blessing. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you, as a believer, grow in your willing obedience to do justice (that is, care for the poor). Ask the Holy Spirit to help you examine your patterns of giving and reasons for giving that you may do so with purity of heart to honour God. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 24 - Tempted to wasting time

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” - Ephesians 4:1 Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:15-17 Are you familiar with the term ‘doom scrolling’? My guess is almost anyone 35 or under will immediately recognize the reference. There are so many short media clips, (a.k.a. shorts) available online that a person could easily spend an hour, or hours, just flipping through random clips. It is specifically called doom scrolling, because the scroller consumes content slanted toward sad news, or sensational news which leads people to greater despair and hopelessness. The days are evil. It is an axiomatic statement (an obvious truth that almost doesn’t need to be stated). As in the days of the Apostle Paul, so in our day also, there are enough activities that are evil and would lead the people of God astray into evil activities. However, the call of Scripture is that believers walk in understanding as to what the will of the Lord is. To walk with the Lord means to use your time well, to be temperate, not abusing your body with food, alcohol, or drugs. As you read here in Ephesians, to walk with the Lord means that you, as a believer, will not pollute your mind with what you’re watching. Now is an important time to ask yourself if you’re spending too much time on your phone, or computer, or visiting inappropriate websites? To walk with the Lord means that you as a believer use your resources to be a blessing to others, meeting the needs of those who are in poverty. Such poverty can be spiritual, financial, or social. Suggestions for prayer Appeal to God to bring revival across our land, that evil will be pushed back and the knowledge of God will increase; that the Spirit of God leads you to act in ways that increase your personal walk with God. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 23 - Welcome to the Sunday celebration

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

Daily devotional

November 22 - Tempted to avoid suffering

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” - 1 Peter 4:19 Scriptu...

Daily devotional

November 21 - Tempted to drift

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” - Hebrews 2:1 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy...

Daily devotional

November 20 - Tempted to all kinds of idle talk

“As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And He did not permit him but sai...

Daily devotional

November 19 - Tempted to stinginess

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

Daily devotional

November 18 - Opening up for hospitality

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” - Hebrews 13:1-2 Scripture reading: Acts 2:40-47 Someone dear to my heart used to joke around during that dreaded time of COVID-19, “I was made for times like these. I am required to have a six-foot personal bubble, and no one can unexpectedly hug me.” I’d add to the levity by saying, “I am tempted to buy her a doormat that reads: ‘Welcome. Why are you here’”?! Who visits you? Who do you invite into your home? When was the last time you intentionally hosted people you didn’t know? There are churches that have “host families” designed each Sunday, so newcomers to the local congregation have a place to go for lunch. While that is a good idea, it points to a deeper issue among the family of Jesus Christ. Many church members do not spontaneously welcome outsiders. How welcoming are you really? The command is for people who are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, who are being made new in Jesus Christ, to extend hospitality. In fact, men should not be leaders in the household of God if they are not demonstrating their commitment to Jesus by showing hospitality to strangers. In Hebrews such strangers were those who were fleeing persecution, or people who were called by God to the mission field. There were no hotels nor readily available accommodations so church members opened their homes to people they didn’t know, confident that it was the Lord Himself and His messengers whom they were entertaining. What about you? How open is your home and your heart to the people God is sending your way? Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for those among you who have the gift of hospitality; pray for the Spirit to reveal to you if you are doing well in this area or need to make yourself, your family and your home open to others. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 17 - Breaking up the Sunday cliques

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” - Hebrews 13:1-2 Scripture reading: Acts 2:40-47 Perhaps your church is planning on sending out invitations to your Christmas season worship services. I know of a church that sent out about 1,000 invitations last year, being delivered by church members who did a lot of walking. Why mention this? Many congregations hope that many people who are not used to attending church will show up for Christmas. That is great. Let me ask you a serious question: Are you prepared? If some family, or a few new people, show up, will you welcome them? At Pentecost about three thousand people were added to the Church! Staggering. No wonder the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship and sharing meals. The new believers needed to be taught about Jesus Christ. Old habits and rituals needed to be replaced by a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Those new believers had come from far away and needed lodging and friendship. Some thirty-plus years ago, our family’s home congregation had a two-minute rule. The first two minutes after the worship service each member was required to go speak with someone unknown to him. It might be a fellow worshiper who is unfamiliar. It might be a stranger who happened to be attending. The point is, all too often, church members form Sunday cliques, hanging out with the very same people they already know and with whom they are comfortable. New people feel unwelcome. This Christmas season, plan on welcoming all those whom the Spirit of God directs to your local church. Suggestions for prayer Start praying now that God will by His Spirit, stir up the hearts of people to attend church throughout December and the Christmas season; pray for an openness of your own heart to receive those whom God will send. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 16 - Hold tight those citizenship papers

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” - Philippians 3:14-15 Scripture reading: Philippians 3:12-21 Safely through another week, God has brought us to the blessedness of Sunday, the day in which in addition to daily family and personal devotions, believers have the privilege of gathering with His people and worshiping Him. All such worship is the dress rehearsal for glory. As Paul stated so clearly, our citizenship, right now, is in heaven. We look forward to Jesus Christ’s return from glory and being caught up with Him to the new heavens and the new earth. As Paul wrote, we know the prize of life right now is to walk in close communion with Jesus Christ. Whatever teaching and instruction the Spirit has given in the past will be added to by continuing to hear the Word preached. By this the believer’s sanctification will be increased. Sundays remind the believer that his life is not his own. There is no such thing as “free time” or “me time”. All your days are lived under the gracious, watchful gaze of the Lord of heaven and earth. He is bringing your life here to perfection in Christ, so that at the moment of His choosing, you will be brought to Him. Christians realize life is more than money, politics, houses, vacations, retirement or time with family. While we live on earth now, we are refugees, displaced people, longing for the eternal dwellings with the Father. Public worship unites you with others who also hold tightly the citizenship papers given in Jesus Christ. One day soon He will return. What holy joy awaits! Suggestions for prayer Pray that public and private worship today will inspire in you a longing for fuller life with Jesus now, and greater anticipation of life with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit in eternity. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

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

Daily devotional

November 14 - Children, who is your teacher?

“God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil...

Daily devotional

November 13 - Do not disregard the role of women

“For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he...

Daily devotional

November 12 - Are you faithful leaders, Fathers?

“Hear my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” - Proverbs 1:8 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-25 ...

Daily devotional

November 11 - The temptation of nations

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

Daily devotional

November 10 - Pride and humility

“Thus says the LORD; “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things come to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”” - Isaiah 66:1-2 Scripture reading: Proverbs 28:26 Last year I travelled to Ontario, so that I could celebrate my parents’ anniversary with them. There was light-hearted banter as we sat outside in the beautiful September day sunshine, and waited for the restaurant to open. Note that we were hungry. My mom asked my opinion on creationism versus evolution. I gave a very definitive answer—solidly on the side of creationism. Somewhat surprised, my mom responded, “Do you always have to be right?” A little snide in my response, I replied, "I get that from my maternal genetics.” Dad, unable to conceal his smirk, nevertheless, moved away slightly. Humility. It is not a trait that is honoured in society today. People gladly give their unsolicited opinions on sports or politics, movies and stars, and so on. Such blather is often encouraged by various media platforms, where the opinionated one is egged on to further extremes of language and opinion by the number of “likes” given. God alone is most high. He is all-knowing. He is glorious. Upon whom does He cast His eye? Those who are humble. Those who are contrite. Notice that these two traits must go together. To be humble means one is teachable. If one is teachable, and he has, by the Word, by the Spirit, or by others, been made aware of his sin or wrong doing, he must confess it. That is contrition. He who is humble will also tremble at the Word of God. By the Word, the humble-wise one is instructed by God. Suggestions for prayer As you read the Word, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life and recent situations where you have not been humble. Having been so instructed, confess it to God and ask to be contrite and learn to tremble at His Word. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 9 - Praying scripture

“And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honor me.” - Psalm 50:15 Scripture reading: Isaiah 12: 1-6 It is common for believers to bring prayer requests to elders and pastors and ask them to include such in the congregational prayer (also known as the pastoral prayer). Psalm 50 reminds believers that our faithful Father invites His people to call on Him, but He also commands His people to thank Him for prayers answered. It seems this is an aspect of prayer that can easily be neglected or overlooked. Today I’ll type out a sample prayer, based on Isaiah 12, that puts into practice some things examined in the last few days. There are two blank lines where you can insert your reasons for thanking God, for giving Him the glory, and why you would make His Name known. We give You thanks, O LORD, for though You were angry with us, Your anger has turned away and You have given us comfort in Christ our Lord. With the eyes of faith we see You, God Who is salvation, and we trust You and are not afraid. You, LORD God, are our strength and our song, You have become our salvation. With joy we are drawing water from the wells of salvation. We give thanks, LORD, for ________________________________. Joining Your people through every generation, we make known Your deeds____________________________. We proclaim that Your Name is exalted. Sing praises to the LORD, for He has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. Suggestions for prayer Take a verse or two from your favorite Psalm and turn it into a personal prayer, expressing thanks, or lament, or putting into words what God has placed on your heart. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 8 - Tempted to lazy-praying

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:20-21 Scripture reading: Psalm 47:1-9 Use your imagination for a moment. Imagine your name is Bob. I am your friend asking you for something. “Hi Bob. Well, Bob, I have a favour, Bob, to ask of you Bob.” No doubt, if you were hearing this, you’d be driven to distraction by the repeated use of your name. Listening to some parents, elders, or ministers pray, you’d get the same weird sensation. There is an over-use of a name, like, LORD, or God. It is repeated. Repeated. Repeated, so often like it is a comma. Now look at Psalm 47 once again. God is addressed as: The great King over all the earth. (What a glorious title!). The psalmist calls Him “Our King” and “The God of Abraham”. He is the One Who is highly exalted”. Now consider Hebrews, where He is the “God of peace”. Jesus is “The great shepherd of the sheep.” Jesus is also called “Jesus Christ” meaning the One anointed by God for holy service. The Bible is filled with the names of God. Rather than lazy praying, using one name repeatedly, consider Who you are addressing as you bring His people before Him. Call out to the God of peace to help a family who is in marital conflict. Confess Him as “the great King” when seeking forgiveness for the rebelliousness of people who so often strain against His rule. Looking for, and longing for Jesus’ return, name Him the “great King over all the earth” Whose glory will be revealed when He returns with all His holy angels. Suggestions for prayer Keep a notebook handy as you read the Bible, personally and as a family, so you can write down names for God. Then try to incorporate those names into your personal and family prayers. He has revealed Himself by His names, so that you can approach His throne of grace and find grace and mercy in your time of need. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 7 - Vision and prayer

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

Daily devotional

November 6 - Tempted to prayerlessness

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spir...

Daily devotional

November 5 - Banality* and prayer

“The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. T...

Daily devotional

November 4 - Tempted by prayer shortcuts

“You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not sco...

Daily devotional

November 3 - Desire and knowledge

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

Daily devotional

November 2 - Beholding Jesus

“One thing I have asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple.” - Psalm 27:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 1:4-8 The Old Testament sacrifices pointed to Jesus. King David longed for the time when Jesus Himself would be present among His people. He peered into the promises of God (those sacrifices) and would gaze on them, consider them, delight in them. He willed himself to see the goodness of God and splendor of His Son. When John the disciple of Jesus had the revelation, he was stirred to declare “Behold, He is coming.” Look with your eyes. Look with the eyes of faith. Look and long for Jesus’ return. This is the best desiring your eyes can ever take hold of—spending all your time focusing your thoughts on joyfully expecting Jesus’ return. The temptation facing many believers is having a faith in Jesus which treats Him as if He were merely fire insurance against the horrors of hell. However, such believers do not take Him to their hearts. He does not fill their vision. The Bible is constantly urging believers to look to Jesus, to see Him, to behold Him. That is to love Him so completely that He becomes the heart’s sole desire. In fact, seeing Him, and thereby finding all pleasure in Him makes all other lusts and temptations fade in the light of His glory and grace. Today is Sunday. Sing praises to Jesus unto the glory of the Father. Know He, Who came to earth so long ago, will return. Let that expectation fill your vision so that by the Spirit’s prompting you will overthrow every temptation that might otherwise distract you. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the Father in heaven to draw many believers into the church so that the praises of Jesus would fill the vision of believers and deepen their obedient faith; that God will draw many people to true faith in Jesus Christ this Sunday. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to temptations

Many people are already, no doubt, knee-deep in their preparations for the celebration of Christmas. There are plans to be made for special meals and family get-togethers. There are worship services and decorations. Many workplaces, which would ordinarily never speak of Jesus, are pleased enough to have parties and time off during Christmastide. It is easy to get caught up in the festivities, and lose sight of the fact that Jesus’ incarnation was necessitated by the sinfulness of humankind. You may have read in my brief biographical paragraph that I am a prison-visiting pastor with Redemption Prison Ministry, Canada. While working among new Christians, those who are incarcerated and those who are paroled, it has become a humbling experience for me to see how deeply these folks hate their sins. Those who are behind bars, but have found true freedom in Jesus Christ, are determined to root out evil and cast temptation far from themselves. Considering these things, and being aware that I have been asked to prepare a series of devotions for November, I thought about purposefully examining various passages of scripture to reveal the various temptations that believers face – temptations that must be addressed. Temptations that are all too often concealed, are being exposed by the beauty of the Word of God, and recognized as dangerous as believers rely on the Holy Spirit. Once the areas of temptation that might assail us have been revealed, then it is easier to be prepared to fight the temptations. Part of this fight is the decision to yield our hearts, minds and all our celebrations to the Lord and King, Jesus Christ, before Whom we one day will lay all our trophies down, and in Whom alone we will find our all in all. Seeing and temptation “When I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them.” - Joshua 7:21 Scripture reading: I John 2:15-17 Ah, the power of seeing. Many people discredit the power of advertisers. Sporting events are crammed with commercials. At the time of writing, popular, paid, movie streaming services have inserted commercials; while irritating the viewer, advertisers know these are effective. What you see, you begin to consider, and what you are thinking about, you begin to want to have for yourself. Eve, though she knew the command of God, saw the beautiful, forbidden fruit, and desired it. She took it for herself, and having allowed temptation to take hold of her, seized it for herself. In like manner, Achan, though he knew all the spoils of war were supposed to be devoted to the God of Glory, admitted that having seen the clothing, the silver and the gold, he desired them. He seized them for himself, not caring about the consequences which might befall all the rest of Israel. Temptations to sin, once the eyes allow them in, are destructive. John, now an old man, the last living member of Jesus’ twelve disciples, wrote to warn the church of God. Temptation is a theme that has run through all the Scriptures. Temptations once recognized need to be fought for the sake of one’s purity before God. What are you looking at? What temptations are you allowing into your life? Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Spirit of God aids believers to recognize how the world and advertisers are seeking to influence them away from total devotion to God; that Jesus will be altogether lovely in the eyes of His people. For over six years already, Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 31 - Grace be with you all!

“All those with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.” - Titus 3:15 Scripture reading: Number 6:22-27; Titus 3:12-15 Paul’s benediction gives great hope. The benediction is a promise of God’s grace for the present and the future. There could have been many reasons for the people of the church in Crete to lose hope. They were suffering from the troubling circumcision party, and false teaching and quarrels about the law. Plus, these Christians lived among Cretans that were known to be awful, hard, stubborn, beastly people. Maybe you consider the people in your congregation (including yourself), and you can find reasons to despair about the future of the church. There are hard, difficult people everywhere. But when we depend on God’s grace, there is always reason to hope. Today is Reformation Day. There have been several reformations in Christ’s church throughout church history. Every time it is a return to God’s grace—not just a reminder of it, but a renewed dependence upon it. Christ does preserve His church; Christ does build His church; and even if the church gets very small or looks hopeless in a difficult world, it will be preserved in God’s grace. There is also a joyful concluding note here of the unity of the church. Not only is Paul not alone, but neither are the Christians on Crete. There are many others of “the faith” with whom they share God’s love. Christ’s church is found all over the world. Jesus Christ is still working “for the sake of the faith of God’s elect” (1:1). All praise and glory to Jesus Christ our Lord! Suggestions for prayer Praise Jesus Christ for building and preserving His church. Thank Him for making you part of His church. Ask Jesus to continue to renew His church in the Holy Spirit and in sound doctrine. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 30 - Cases of urgent need

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

Daily devotional

October 29 - Partners in the gospel

“When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to spee...

Daily devotional

October 28 - Heretics

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warpe...

Daily devotional

October 27 - Unprofitable and foolish thing

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissension, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” - Titus 3:9 Sc...

Daily devotional

October 26 - Devoted to good works

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” - Titus 3:8 Scripture reading: Psalm 119:33-40; Titus 3:1-8 Today you rest from your daily labors so that on this festive day of rest you can attend public worship. You are to rest from your sinful ways, as well. Meditate upon good works as the result of the gospel. The gospel leads to good works. The Holy Spirit produces good works in us as He renews us. You might say, “But I’m so sinful, and so selfish, and so weak; I don’t do the good works I should do.” Remind yourself of the words in Titus 2:11-12. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” The grace of Jesus Christ not only makes good works possible, but also necessary. The gospel will always produce good works in believers. Keep God’s Word. Keep the Lord’s Day today. Worship. Do good works of mercy. Visit a widow or shut-in or show hospitality to a stranger. Spend time in prayer and teaching God’s Word with your family. Give generously in worship today. Think about doing good works. Think about the people to whom you can do good and the situations in which you can do good. And remember the basis for it: the saving grace of God. Unbelievers might do nice things as well. But Christians are called to be zealous for good works because they have been saved to do them. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the zeal to do good works. Pray for wisdom and strength from God to do good works. Pray for a heartfelt devotion to doing good works. And make this Lord’s Day a day of worship and good works. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 25 - Justified and glorified!

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:4-7 Scripture reading: Romans 8:18-30; Titus 3:1-8 There are two more vital and glorious gifts of grace that are ours in Jesus Christ: justification and glorification. Justification is a legal declaration that God makes (e.g., Rom. 8:33-34). He makes this gracious declaration on the basis of Christ’s perfect righteousness, which we receive by faith. Jesus perfectly obeyed as our representative and in our place. God now sees us as if we had never sinned and as if we had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was for us. Glorification is the final stage of our salvation. It will happen when Christ comes again—we will be raised with new bodies, our souls will be united to our new bodies, and we will be without the corruption of sin. In glorification, our sanctification catches up to our justification, and we will reign with Christ forever, worshiping Him in the joy of perfection. Mephibosheth was not only spared by David, but was made to be like one of David’s sons (2 Sam. 9); Joseph’s brothers were not only spared in Egypt, but kept from famine there (Gen. 45-46); the lost son was not only forgiven, but restored (Lk. 15). By God’s grace, we will also inherit eternal life. Christ is our propitiation (1 Jn. 2:2), which means He turned God’s wrath away by taking it upon Himself; but it is also through Christ’s all-sufficient saving work that we become God’s children (Rom. 8). Our whole life is grace upon grace. Though we have many hardships now, there is joy awaiting us! Suggestions for prayer That we would be made ready for glory. That we would put away all self-justifications, and firmly trust in Christ who is for us and whose righteousness covers us before God. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 24 - Why did Jesus save us?

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:4-7 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:7-13; Titus 3:1-8 Apart from the grace of Jesus Christ, we would still be in our sins, and slaves to it. God intervened in our naturally, sinful lives in which we were inclined to hate God and our neighbor. He did this because of His goodness and loving kindness, not because of us. It is not because we are morally or intellectually, or in any other manner, superior to unbelievers. It is “not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy” (see also Rom. 3:19-25). We did not ask for God to save us; He came to us in His Son. Unbelievers have a bad heart and a bad record; so did we. By God’s grace, we now have the “washing of regeneration…of the Holy Spirit.” We are born again. Baptism is the sign and seal of this washing. God promises to wash away our sins with the blood of Jesus Christ and sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. Regeneration means we have been taken from a state of being dead in sins and trespasses to a new state of being alive in Christ. People who are alive in Christ can believe, worship, serve and love God. We are also being renewed by the Holy Spirit. This means that He is still powerfully working in us to put sin to death in us, to make us more and more like Christ, and to produce His good fruit in us (Gal. 5:22-23). Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving for the goodness and lovingkindness of God for your salvation. Give thanks that you are no longer enslaved to the various passions and pleasures of sin. Pray for those you know who need the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and power to grow in grace. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 23 - What we once were

“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” - Titus 3:3 Scripture reading: Romans 5:5-11; Titus 3:1-8 I enjoy a good fireworks show. Maybe you do, too. I would not enjoy a fireworks show in the late morning on a summer day, however. You could still hear the sound, but the radiance of the colors and designs would be lost against the blaze of the summer sun. Fireworks are best at night, against a black backdrop, because they sparkle the best against that deep contrast. Likewise, the gospel of grace radiates best against the black backdrop of our sinfulness. Paul’s sobering reminder to the Cretans through Titus is a sobering reminder to us as well: remember what you once were. Don’t forget the darkness from which you came. Don’t rewrite your history as so many do today, scrubbing clean from that historical record how wretched you were by nature. These words accurately describe natural human life, even if it sounds harsh at first blush. Apart from Jesus Christ, this is how people are. But here are the bright fireworks of grace: Jesus saved us from this very sad and hopeless condition! We ourselves were once this way (see also 1 Cor. 6:9-11), but no more! Jesus saved us from that wretched condition (described further in vv. 4-8). Does this elicit compassion and patience from you for those who are still “slaves” to various passions and pleasures? Does this supercharge your zeal to tell others about Jesus and what He has done for you? Do you see the need for the gospel to be proclaimed everywhere? Suggestions for prayer Pray for missionaries who are bringing the gospel to far away and difficult regions. Pray for the courage and desire to tell an unbeliever about Jesus and invite that person to church. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 22 - Submission to rulers and authorities

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

Daily devotional

October 21 - The perfect pastor

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let not one disregard you.” - Titus 2:15 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4:6-16; Titu...

Daily devotional

October 20 - The toughest verse

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” - Titus 2:15 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4:6-16; Titus...

Daily devotional

October 19 - Jesus gave himself to redeem us

“… waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from al...

Daily devotional

October 18 - The appearance of God’s grace

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age…” - Titus 2:11-12 Scripture reading: 2 Peter 1:3-11; Titus 2:11-15 In life we often get instructions about what to do before we get the reasons why we are to do it. Paul writes that way here, telling us why we must live as Christians. The biblical and theological foundation for Christian living is found in two “appearings.” The first appearing is Christ’s first coming. When Christ came, the grace of God appeared to us more clearly than it had before. The whole Bible proclaims God’s grace. Jesus embodied and lived and demonstrated God’s grace in all His life, ministry, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension. All His teachings and miracles, all His encounters with the people and the Jewish leaders, revealed the truth of the Kingdom of God. We are saved by grace. Christ came because of God’s grace, His undeserved favor upon us. When you hear God’s greeting in worship tomorrow, you will be reminded of that grace of God, given to you in Jesus Christ, which you must receive by faith. God’s grace will be preached. Because we are saved by grace, and because Christ appeared for us, we are now called to and enabled to live for Christ. Christ has “trained” us, taught us as one does as a little child, to do two kinds of things: first, negatively, to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions; second, positively, to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. We must renounce the old way and live in the new way. We can and we must do this because of God’s grace in Christ. Suggestions for prayer That you might be assured of God’s grace in Christ. That you would be prepared for worship tomorrow to receive God’s grace, to rejoice in God’s grace, and to live by God’s grace. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 17 - Adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour

“Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything: they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” - Titus 2:9-10 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:13-25; Titus 2:1-10 Christians should be distinct at work and in work relations. Everyone works for someone else. Even if you own your own business, you work for your customers and clients. As Christians, we belong to a greater Master, and we belong to Him as bondservants. Christ purchased us with His own blood to redeem us from sin, to be His, and because we are “bound” to Christ we serve Him. We work in a similar structure: our employer or client has given us work to do and will pay us a fair wage to do it. We submit by doing good work. We can do good work joyfully and in a well-pleasing, non-argumentative way because we are ultimately doing our work for Christ (see Eph. 6:5-8; 1 Pet. 2:18-25). Even unbelievers can recognize Christians who work in good faith (e.g., Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah). Yet, Christians can be guilty of complaining about the boss or work conditions or the pay. Christians can be guilty of stealing from employers, either by actual theft, or by being late or leaving early, or spending time at work on personal matters, like checking social media or messaging friends while working. As Christians, our work is intended to “adorn” the gospel. Like a jeweler who carefully sets a diamond so that it won’t break free from its setting, and that it sits at the best angle to beautifully reflect the light that hits it, so our work is to set the gospel of our Savior before others. Suggestions for prayer Pray for joyful and humble service at work. Pray with repentance for where you have sinned at work. Pray that your work will “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 16 - A model of good works

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching, show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” - Titus 2:7-8 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-11; Titus 2:1-10 If sound doctrine should show in soundness of living, certainly that would apply to ministers. A man should “walk the talk.” Hypocrisy cannot reach higher than a teacher who lives contrary to his teaching. Ministers should be striving to do good works in every area of life. Ministers are Christians first, God-fearers and disciples of Jesus Christ. Many ministers are also husbands and fathers, and called to obedience and good works in those relationships. We will write more about this later, but ministers must be faithful and do good in these relationships, and congregations need to respect his commitment and devotion to those relationships. Ministers should also realize that their lives are under observation by the congregation, as an example to follow. They should also be mindful of their conduct and speech when out in the community, especially if the minister is known or comes to be known to be a minister. The world is always watching (the “opponents”; v. 8), and would love to have more ammunition to show hypocrisy. When teaching, ministers are called here to have integrity and dignity and “sound speech” (see again 2:1). That is, a minister’s teaching should be undiluted, not a mix of opinions, but pure, truthful, biblical teaching. His teaching should also be worthy of respect. Ministers need to do their work well—interpreting, studying, reading to understand the truth of Scripture. Congregations need to respect this part of his life and calling as well. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your pastor and his family, that he would be a man of good works, and his teaching would have integrity and dignity. Pray for his encouragement, and that God would give you people in your life who are good examples to follow. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 15 - Self-control

“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.” - Titus 2:6 Scripture reading: Proverbs 23:19-24:2; Titus 2:1-10 Young men also have it tough in our present day. There’s the injustice of judgmental phrases, like “toxic masculinity,” or being labeled “alpha,” or, worse, “beta.” Many young Christian men are also being allured by ultra-masculine takes, by unbelieving podcasters and influencers online. Masculinity is not inherently evil; it has been twisted and distorted by the curse of sin, like everything else in God’s good creation. But we don’t need to go to the world to find out what manhood looks like. Young men need to exercise self-control. It’s the singular instruction given to them in this book. Yet this one instruction covers a lot of ground, having in view a young man’s physical strength, his zeal, opportunities, leadership qualities, ideas, his tongue, behavior, urges and desires, and his tendency to be proud and arrogant of all he possesses and is capable of. A real man is able to keep himself in control, in self-mastery. Self-control aims at submitting to the will of Jesus Christ. A real man knows his place before his Savior and Lord. Young men, are you humble enough to look to the older men in your life to learn from them? If you are struggling with self-control, are you praying for the help of the Holy Spirit and finding help from other men in your life? Seek out the wisdom and advice of your father, grandfather, pastor, elder in church, or another Christian man who has the character traits of Titus 2:2. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the young men in your family and church. Can you think of a young man who could use the wisdom and advice of an older Christian man? Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 14 - The gift of older christian women

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

Daily devotional

October 13 - The gift of older christian men

“Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.” - Titus 2:2 Scripture reading: P...

Daily devotional

October 12 - Sound doctrine and sound living

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” - Titus 2:1 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12; Titus 2:1-10 The Cretans sound lik...

Daily devotional

October 11 - Everyone is a hypocrite

“They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” - Titus 1:16 Scripture...

Daily devotional

October 10 - Give thanks in all things

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.” - Titus 1:15 Scripture reading: Romans 3:19-26; Titus 1:10-16 If the specific Jewish myths were to do with marriage and what kinds of food they were permitted to eat, then what Paul has in mind is for Christians to be Christians in their marriages, and to give thanks to God for the food they have been given through His goodness and providence. Those who are in Christ can give thanks to God for His good gifts and live for Him in all their relationships. Jesus said, “Everything will be clean to you” (Lk. 11:41). We live in a very legalistic world. There are all kinds of new rules for what you may say and when you may say it, or for what and when you may not say something. Certain kinds of people have social privileges of speech and action that most of us are not granted by the social justice mob. It’s amazing how western society so gradually moved away from God’s Law only to replace God’s morality and purity with a distorted human version. Purity cannot be merely external; if it were, then even the minds and consciences of unbelievers could be changed by mere behavioral adjustments. True purity is internal and moral (see Mark 7:15). Only Jesus can make us pure through His blood and righteousness. As people purified in Christ, let us act in purity in the church, in our marriages, in school, and at work, and with all of God’s good gifts, in moral uprightness. Suggestions for prayer Pray for purity in your church, marriage, and family. Pray for thankful hearts in receiving and using God’s good gifts, trusting that He will give us all we need. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 9 - Rebuke them sharply

“Therefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.” - Titus 1:13b-14 Scripture reading: Galatians 5:1-15; Titus 1:10-16 Legalism can be a danger for any Christian, but particularly for new Christians. It might be out of eagerness to get a feel for the new Christian life, like the thrill of driving a new car and seeing what it can do. It might also happen because of the influence of other Christians in the fellowship circle around a new Christian: the desire to fit in, to conform, to become like other Christians. It’s another thing if this legalism is imposed on new Christians. Rules and “musts” and “shalls” and “ought to’s” that are not biblical should not be imposed. Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Peter also proclaims, “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?” (Acts 15:10). What the Cretans need—what we all need—is God’s Word of truth and grace. Sometimes we have to be rebuked sharply, so the truth can cut through our legalism and self-righteousness; other times it must be done so that it can cut through our laziness. Whatever the case, let us be devoted to God’s Word of truth, living in the grace and freedom of Jesus Christ, and not by the commands of people. Suggestions for prayer Pray for strong and wise elders to keep our churches free from false teachers and false teaching. Pray for wisdom to discern the lies and mere commands of people. Pray for humility to listen to Jesus Christ in His Word. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 8 - Preach the gospel to these people?

“One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true.” - Titus 1:12-13a Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:17-32; Titus 1:10-16 Sometimes, search committees in churches will send pastors a profile of the congregation, with the history and background, and a summary description of the people and their demographics. Imagine getting a church profile like this! Epimenides was the prophet who wrote this. Polybius also wrote, “greed and avarice are so native to the soil in Crete, that they are the only people in the world among whom no stigma attaches to any sort of gain whatever.” The “shameful gain” the false teachers are seeking is not a surprise, nor is the admonition that elders must not be “greedy for gain.” Our churches also have difficulties. Our churches, however, are not full of sinless people who always get along and submit willingly to every decision of the consistory. We are all capable of lying and do tell lies. We are all capable of following sinful, “animal” instincts, whether in the pursuit of pleasure, in getting quickly defensive, in lashing out in anger, or in following sinful desires or passions. We are all capable of being lazy, whether in work or study, in relationships, or in spiritual disciplines and obedience to God. We are not yet what Christ has saved us unto and is making us into: perfect holiness and righteousness (see Eph. 4:24). We need the gospel. We need the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. We need to grow in Christlikeness by His grace. We need faithful preaching and godly elders as much as the Cretans did! Suggestions for prayer Pray for humility not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. Pray for Christ to use His Spirit and Word to renew our hearts in faithfulness to Him. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 7 - Silencing false teachers

“For there are many insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.” - Titus 1:10-11 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4: 1-16; Titus 1:5-16 What makes for an engaging action story is a worthy opponent. Sherlock Holmes found one in Moriarty. Moses had Pharaoh. David had the Philistines. Mordecai had Haman. In the New Testament, the opponents are false teachers. They are not simpletons. They are “deceivers”: crafty and cunning. Jude describes them as people who have “crept in unnoticed” (v. 4), and Paul describes them as “imposters” (2 Tim. 3:13). These are worthy opponents that must be confronted with the truth of God’s Word. This is another reason why elders need to know and believe sound doctrine. The best way to spot a counterfeit is to study the original. The false teachers do not submit to God’s Word. These particular false teachers were likely Jewish members who were imposing Mosaic law on other church members, who were swayed by their false teaching. Their goal was monetary gain—not entirely unlike the false teachers today, whose messages and urgings are often followed by instructions on where to send your monetary support for the “ministry.” Titus will have to minister to God’s people, in this kind of church context. The elders appointed will have to minister in the same context. False teachers must be disciplined. Elders will have to learn about these things in order to minister effectively for God’s people and against the false teachers. You need to guard yourself by listening to and studying God’s true Word. May God give wisdom to His elders and ministers! And may Christ protect His blood-bought people from false teaching! Suggestions for prayer Pray that false teaching and false teachers might be exposed by the truth of God’s Word. Pray that elders and ministers would be courageous to “silence” false teachers. Pray for your growth in the knowledge of God’s Word. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 6 - God’s stewards

“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain,...

Daily devotional

October 5 - Elder essentials (II)

“If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or subordination.” ...

Daily devotional

October 4 - Elders essentials (I)

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…” - Titus 1...

Daily devotional

October 3 - Grace and peace and the common faith

“To Titus, my true child in a common faith: grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” - Titus 1:4 Scripture reading: Ro...

Daily devotional

October 2 - Entrusted with preaching

“…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in His Word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior…” - Titus 1:2-3 Scripture reading: Hebrews 11:1-3; Titus 1:1-4 The further intent of the gospel ministry is to produce hope. We don’t think about hope as much as faith or love. Hope means “confident expectation” as opposed to “sight” or “possession.” You hope for health when you’re sick, or a better financial situation, or a resolution to a tough conflict. When you have good health, or financial stability, or peace, you don’t hope for it any longer. Paul serves God in Jesus Christ for the sake of their hope. To raise eyes and hearts and minds away from the things of this world, we must live with that same hope and confident expectation. This gospel hope is based in God, “who never lies”; that is, Christ promises eternal life in His Word, which is certainly true. Secondly, our hope was “promised before the ages began,” which means eternal life was always God’s plan and purpose for His people. Thirdly, our hope has been “manifested in His Word through the preaching…”; through faithful preaching we hear and believe and come to anticipate this eternal life. Christ promises this hope; Christ died to secure this hope; Christ is at God's right hand to maintain this hope; and He is coming again to fulfill this hope. Stay hopeful. So now already from the beginning of this letter we are called to three things: faith in Christ, knowledge of the truth and the hope of eternal life. Christians live for things very different from the world. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your minister’s preparation to preach the gospel. Pray for your brothers and sisters in the Lord—for their faith in Christ, knowledge of the truth, and hope of eternal life. Pray for the wisdom to live for the Lord today. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 1 - Introduction to Titus

Titus was a “partner and fellow worker” of Paul (2 Cor. 8:23) and served to encourage the Corinthian church to be as generous as the Macedonian churches had been (2 Cor. 8; 12:17-18). Paul instructs Titus about establishing the church in a very unpromising situation. Elders have not been appointed, but must be. What is more, the elders must meet biblical qualifications. Titus must instruct the people in sound doctrine and life. These are basic instructions for all Christians. However, the unpromising part of the situation is that these people are Cretans. The notorious Cretans are “always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12). Yet the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be proclaimed to such people, despite their characteristic roughness. There was also a contingency of false teachers that had Jewish roots who were upsetting the people there. Paul urges Titus to preach the gospel. Paul is not imposing his apostolic authority, but rather showing that all things are owing to “the kindness and love of God our Savior” and specifically to all that God has done in Christ (Titus 3:3-7). Thus, the highest standard is set before Titus and the Cretans: “For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people…” (Titus 2:11). No one can save themselves by their own will and works, but rather God our Savior “saved us…according to His own mercy” (Titus 3:5). Finally, Paul puts that reliance on the grace of God in the glorious context of Christ’s coming again, “the blessed hope—the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). This letter to Titus emphasizes what God has done to bring salvation to His people, and the certainty of its conclusion when Christ returns in glory. For the sake of the faith of God’s elect “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness…” - Titus 1:1 Scripture reading: Romans 1:1-7; Titus 1:1-4 William Wilberforce was a lord in the British Parliament in the late 1700s, best known for his work to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. As a Christian, he was not only concerned about the political and economic issues of slavery; he also carried a burden for their conversion to the Christian faith. This burden of his was met with as much opposition as his abolition efforts. Another lord of the Parliament said something to the effect of: “if they are elect, God will save them.” But Wilberforce, believing the means of grace and God's love for the elect, persevered: it was for the sake of the elect that the gospel must be proclaimed. Such conviction is clearly behind Paul's letter to Titus. Paul serves Christ as an apostle for this purpose: “to further the faith of God's elect” (v. 1). Rom. 1:5-6 says: “to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of His Name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.” All true ministers serve Christ for this high purpose. Your minister needs your prayers and encouragement for preaching! The gospel is God’s means to change peoples' hearts and lives. Paul's letter to Titus will stress the idea that sound doctrine goes hand in hand with the life of sanctification and good works. Faith and knowledge of the truth “accord with godliness”; the gospel is so powerful it can even change Cretans (see 1:12). It can even change us. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your minister’s preparation to preach the gospel. Pray you will be prepared to hear God’s Word. Pray that God will change your heart and life in godliness through sound preaching. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 30 - To God be the glory

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” - Ephesians 3:20-21 Scripture reading: Romans 11:33-36 There isn’t a better way to end this section of Ephesians dealing with God’s merciful salvation than with a doxology. A doxology is a song or poem of praise to the Lord. There is a reason why we end our worship services with a doxology. This is where the gospel takes us. As a believer, I have sung a doxology in my head or heart on so many different types of occasions whether it be the birth of a child, the conversion of an unbeliever, the baptism of a child, the loss of a godly grandparent, or even seeing the beauty of the world around us. Since we are worshipping creatures, those united to Christ have a life informed by doxology. Part of the reason for this doxology in the middle of Ephesians, is due to the mystery revealed (i.e. the inclusion of Gentiles), the love of Christ, and the election of God. With these weighty truths, we see that He is able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” The peace in the heart of the believer is strengthened by a recognition that God is on the side of his people and He knows what is best for us. It takes faith to grasp that reality and take it to our hearts. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help form your life by means of a doxology. Think of all the things you have to be thankful for. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 29 - The love of Christ

“…may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” - Ephesians 3:18-19 Scripture reading: Psalm 118: 1-29 There is a profound truth found in Psalm 118. Towards the end of the Psalm (vs. 22-24) we see Jesus elevated as the “chief cornerstone.” That reality is connected to what we see back in verses 6 and 7. In those verses we see the phrase, “The Lord is for me.” We do not need to fear, because the Lord is for me. We might wonder how God can be for us so consistently. How often do we let him down? How often do we stumble and fall into sin? Daily! But the reason God is for us, is because of the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:19 says that the love of Christ surpasses knowledge. The love of Christ is incomprehensible. It might not be a truth we reflect upon daily, but maybe it should be. Christ’s love for us is so much greater and steadfast than our love for Christ. Let that be an encouragement to you this week. Stop and pause and reflect upon that wonderful truth. Notice, also, what it says at the end of Eph. 3:19, “…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Once again, though all glory goes to God, the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge is revealed to us for our comfort. What a mystery to be filled with the fullness of God. Suggestions for prayer Ask God that your love for Jesus and His work might grow. Examine your heart in prayer and determine to whom you might show that love to those around you. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 28 - Do not lose heart

“So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” - Ephesians 3:13 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 11:...

Daily devotional

September 27 - The power of God’s grace

“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the...

Daily devotional

September 26 - The mystery of Christ

“When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ…” - Ephesians 3:4 Scripture reading: Acts 2:1-13 In the vers...

Daily devotional

September 25 - God’s dwelling place

“In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” - Ephesians 2:22 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-3 ...

Daily devotional

September 24 - A solid foundation

“…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” - Ephesians 2:20 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 3: 1-23 As I write this devotional, 133 Roman Catholic Cardinals are meeting in the Sistine Chapel to choose a new pope. The Pope is the spiritual successor of the first Bishop of Rome, the Apostle Peter. Since Christ gave Peter authority as the rock of the church, the Pope continues to possess that authority, including the authority of infallibility. This false teaching is contrary to Ephesians 2:20. We confess to an “apostolic church.” What that means is that the church’s teaching is to be derived from the inspired writings of the apostles. That is the New Testament. We have in the scriptures, all that we need to know for doctrine and life regarding our salvation before God. The Bible is about the Cornerstone, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is one grand story of one Triune God revealing the one way of salvation by the grace of God. Salvation comes by faith and through grace. We can relate to the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, because we are looking unto the same covenant promises in Jesus Christ. Let us examine our hearts and lives to make sure that we are content with what God has told us. We do not need the false wisdom of the world around us. We are given the foundation of our life in the Holy Scriptures. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for his completed revelation in the Bible. Ask God to strengthen your faith in him. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 23 - Citizenship

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” - Ephesians 2:19 Scripture reading: Philippians 3:12-21 I lived in Canada for 15 years as a pastor. I have U.S. citizenship. Canada is a wonderful country. We had a very positive experience. We were welcomed and cared for, etc. But we were not citizens. Though we never ran into legal trouble, it always felt a little different. I guess that is how immigrants likely feel their whole lives. What citizenship affords an individual are the rights and privileges. They are part of a nation, a commonwealth. Both Ephesians 2:19 and Philippians 3:20 speak of our heavenly citizenship. Ephesians 2 focuses more on the horizontal relationship of fellow citizens to each other. They are in this together. Philippians speaks more of the vertical relationship of citizenship where we await a Savior. In either case, this present world is not our ultimate home. We have a new life and identity in Jesus Christ. In my case I lived in a peaceful, beautiful country and I was from a wonderful country. By nature, we are strangers and aliens, even enemies to the household of God. But in Jesus Christ, our citizenship brings us into the church, the bride of Christ. What a gracious ruler we have as heavenly citizens. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for your heavenly citizenship. Ask God to provide ways to show unity in the household of God. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 22 - Access to the Father

“For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” - Ephesians 2:18 Scripture reading: John 10:22-30 I’ve always wondered what it was like to be the child of someone who was famous. Whether an athlete or movie star or politician, as a child I couldn’t imagine what it would feel like to call that person Mom or Dad. At any time, you could simply talk to them about anything. So many people wanted what you had access to. In Jesus Christ, we have far more. Better than being the son of Michael Jordan or Mickey Mantle, we are children of God. Because of that relationship, we have access to God 24/7. In fact, our access and union with him is so great, that it continues without us realizing it. We don’t have to make an appointment to come before God in prayer and fellowship. We don’t have to schedule a time to sing psalms and hymns to our Triune God. We have access to the Father, through Christ at all times. There is no one that can take that away. Therefore, cast your cares upon him. Bring to God your fears and anxiety. Bring before him your frustrations at work or school or in the home. He knows us, and he will minister to us. One day a year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies and make atonement for God’s people. Since atonement now has been paid in the precious blood of Christ, we have access to God through him. Pray to the Lord and you will know peace. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you to pray without ceasing. Focus this week on your access to the Father. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 21 - Preaching peace

“And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.” - Ephesians 2:17 Scripture reading: Romans 10: 1-21 We have a 30 acre lake behind our house. This past winter my family watched as a bald eagle killed a Canadian goose on the ice. All the other geese watched from a distance. It was quite a bloody spectacle to behold. As I write this now, I am watching a bald eagle on that same small lake. As he flies, the geese start to honk. The eagle is not bringing any peace to the goose population. But it is peace that you should be looking forward to hearing today, the Lord’s Day. After all, what gospel does a minister have to bring but the gospel of peace. It was the message from the angels to the shepherds on Christmas evening, and it is the message that is to be preached to those who are far and near. The Ephesians were in the category of “far off.” But through the preaching of the gospel of peace, they had been brought near. Maybe today you feel far off. Maybe you wonder where you stand before the Lord, and what message He might have for you. Use this day to draw near, not only to worship, but to hear and believe in faith, all that Christ has done for you. We are granted peace. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to use the preaching of the Word to strengthen your faith today. Pray for your pastor that he might faithfully preach the gospel of peace. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 20 - One new man

“…that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace…” - Ephesians 2:15b Scripture reading: Galatians 2:15-...

Daily devotional

September 19 - Our peace

“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” - Ephesians 2:14 Scr...

Daily devotional

September 18 - Brought near

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” - Ephesians 2:13 Scripture reading: Acts 8...

Daily devotional

September 17 - For a purpose

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:10...

Daily devotional

September 16 - All of grace

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” - Ephesians 2:8 Scripture reading: Titus 3:1-11 Who can be proud of what he receives? This adage is sometimes asked to teach children about gratitude. It is one thing to be born with natural talent, it is another thing to perfect a craft, skill or ability. Natural talent is a gift. As Paul writes to the Ephesians, it seems as if he can anticipate potential arrogance or superiority for those who are believers. However, this is stripped away when the focus is put upon grace. This is a gift from God. God was not obligated to give it to us as though we deserved it. We deserved the very opposite. It isn’t a question about “fairness”….otherwise no one would be saved. It is all of grace. The former slave trader, turned Christian knew this. John Newton wrote, “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!...Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.” Let that grace of God be precious to you not only upon the hour you first believe. Let it be precious all the days of your life. Meditate upon it, tell others about it, and live through it. You don’t have to be a former slave trader like John Newton to be a witness of God’s grace. You simply have to recognize what you deserve and what you receive. Amazing grace! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the ways you can see his grace in your life. Ask God for opportunities to speak of the grace you have received. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 15 - Resurrection

“…even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” - Ephesians 2:5 Scripture reading: John 11:17-28 When our Lord Jesus Christ raised his friend Lazarus from the dead after having been dead for four days, the Jewish leaders had a serious problem on their hands. No one can be raised from the dead and they knew it. It was so serious that the leaders made plans to arrest and kill Lazarus. A walking and talking testimony to Jesus’ power was not what they wanted around Jerusalem. This is a precursor to Christ’s resurrection and ours. Sometimes in life you hear stories of people who are very sick and end up getting better. Those are times of rejoicing. But the problem we have seen here is that we are not spiritually sick. If so, then maybe some medicine could help us. Eph. 2:5 says that we were dead. Condemnation was ours. We could not atone for our transgressions. This contrasts our new life together, in Christ. The great difference between Lazarus and us, is that Lazarus had to die again after his resurrection. We are promised in John 11:25b “…Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” Right after Jesus says those words in John 11, he weeps and then he tells Lazarus to “come out”. Who has the power to raise the dead? Only the one who would leave the tomb empty on Easter morning. “By grace you have been saved.” Suggestions for prayer Thank God for your own spiritual resurrection. Ask God to give you the vision to await the future bodily resurrection from the dead. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 14 - But God…

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us.” - Ephesians 2:4 Scripture reading: Romans 3:9-31 In two simple words, we see the great transition in Ephesians 2. The same thing takes place in Romans 3. Romans 3:21 begins with “But now….” The word “but” shows a transition. The word “but” is a conjunction that connects two ideas together that contrast each other. We had been looking at our natural, sinful and fallen condition. However, God does not leave us there. We are moved from the position of “in Adam” or “in sin” to a place of being “in Christ.” This contrast cannot be overexaggerated. These are polar opposites. We live in a world where Sunday is like a second Saturday. As an unbeliever you can catch up on yard work, you can sleep in, and you can carve out the day for yourself. But for those redeemed in Christ, their Sunday is altogether different. Our regular work in the office, field or classroom stops on this day of rest. On Sunday, we orient our lives around worship, fellowship, service and rest. Why is it so important to be in worship today? Besides God telling us to, we recognize our need for spiritual food. In the coming week we will be in a spiritual battle, and only God can supply the spiritual armour we need (Eph. 6:10ff.). We were lost in our sin and misery, and the condition into which we have been placed in Adam. “But God” does not leave us there. We are now united to Christ by grace, through faith. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for a clear contrast in salvation from unbelief to faith. Ask God to help you sanctify this day for his glory. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 13 - Our natural condition (II)

“And you were dead in…..sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” - Ephesians 2:1-3 Scripture reading: Exodus 32: 1-35 The narrative of the golden calf in Exodus 32 is a sad one. Shortly, after receiving the Ten Commandments, the Israelites break the 2nd commandment in an Egyptian way. They knew that Yahweh had brought them out of Egypt. In that sense, they were not explicitly breaking the first commandment. Their great problem was that they sought to worship Yahweh THROUGH the means of the golden calf. This was forbidden. What they gave into, is the desire of the flesh. The nations around them had idols. Egypt certainly had idols, and the flesh wants to see with the eyes what is worshipped. That same mentality of discontentment, creeps into our hearts. We are often not satisfied with the means God provides for us to worship him. We have to fight the temptation to improve what God provides. This is especially the case when it comes to worship. Tomorrow you will, Lord willing, sit under the word with the ordinary means of grace to worship the Lord. Trust that God provides us all that we need. Eph. 2:3 calls us “…by nature children of wrath.” Let us not live “by nature”, but rather by “super-nature” redeemed in Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to remove any idols from your hearts. Thank God for giving us the means of grace (i.e. the preaching of the Word and sacraments). Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 12 - Our natural condition (I)

“And you were dead in…..sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and...

Daily devotional

September 11 - Head of the church

“And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” - Ephesians 1:22 Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:22...

Daily devotional

September 10 - Christ’s exaltation

“…that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and author...

Daily devotional

September 9 - Praying for the saints

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the ...

Daily devotional

September 8 - Sealed by the Holy Spirit

“…were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” - Ephesians 1:13b-14 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 When a sinner believes in Jesus Christ, they are given the promised Holy Spirit. Throughout the ministry of our Lord, Jesus continued to promise the Holy Spirit (e.g. John 14, 16). The language used in Ephesians speaks of being sealed with the Holy Spirit and being guaranteed an inheritance. The inheritance is promised and secured, but it is not possessed yet at this time. This is a reference to the completion of our total salvation in Jesus Christ. In the Christian life it can be easy to get discouraged from time to time. This world is one of constant toil and struggles. However, the child of God knows the best is yet to come. It is secured. It is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the infallible down payment on our eternal life. God will never renege on his promise to us in grace. What this affords us is trust and assurance. No matter what takes place in this life, we have the Holy Spirit. We never need to fear if God will remove his love from us. His truth is sure. He is faithful and good. As the Lord was about to leave his disciples, He told them in John 16:13a “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the work of the Holy Spirit. In particular, thank him for the Spirit’s work of convicting you from sin, assuring you of love, guiding you in truth, and sealing you. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 7 - The word of truth

“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” - Ephesians 1:13 Scripture reading: Romans 10: 5-17 Each Lord’s Day we have the privilege to sit under the preaching of the Word. God has ordained that the word preached would be the primary way that faith is produced and strengthened. It is your daily meal served by the Lord himself through the mouthpiece of the minister. As we think about Ephesians 1:13, we are reminded that the preaching is to be heard. It is audible, entering the ear. It should be intelligible, impacting the mind with understanding. The content is to be centered on the “word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” Week after week the preacher is called to explain, illustrate, and apply the gospel of your salvation. Since this is gospel preaching, it is all for the glory of God. He is the giver of grace and faith. So, preaching is to be heard, but it must be believed. The Christian is not called to believe in a sermon, they are called rather, to believe in the object of faith, the Lord Jesus Christ. As you sit under God’s word today, ask the Lord to grow and strengthen your love for the Lord Jesus Christ. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” How great is the love of our Savior for us! Suggestions for prayer Ask God to grow your love for Jesus. Pray for your pastor today as he preaches the word of truth. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Download the RP App for daily delivery of this devotional to your phone. The Nearer To God Devotional team also offers a print version for purchase at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 6 - Inheritance obtained

“In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.” - Ephesians 1:11 Scripture reading: Psalm 16:1-11 When the will of a wealthy man or woman is read, the family might gather around to see what has been left to them. One might receive a house or a car, maybe a large sum of money or other earthly treasures. In Psalm 16, which speaks of our inheritance, it is God Himself who is the inheritance of his people. “The Lord is my chosen portion…indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. (Psalm 16:5-6)” Sometimes an older relative might tell you what they will leave to you upon the time of their death, while other times you might have no idea. God tells us what our inheritance will be. It is none other than an eternal and unfading salvation. In Eph. 1:11 we read that “we have obtained.” How do we obtain this inheritance? It almost makes it sounds like we earned it or deserve it. However, like our adoption as sons (v. 5), this is all of God’s grace. As we have seen, our election is not merely unto eternal life. Our election in Christ is for this present life as well. It is rooted in our identity and calling before the Lord. Would you live your life any different if you knew that you were going to receive the largest inheritance ever given? How might our inheritance in Christ impact your living day by day? Suggestions for prayer Thank God for your gracious inheritance which is yours by faith. Commit to live out that family identity in Christ. Ask God for help. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 5 - All things in him

“… as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” - Ephesians 1:10 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-27 Ephesians 1 takes us from the beginning of the world with our election in verse 4, all the way to the consummation of all things in verse 10. Today's scripture reading, Revelation 21, is often read at funerals or in cemeteries. The reason this is appropriate at the time of death, is because it reminds us that the best is yet to come. God’s grand plan of redemption reaches even beyond the elect image bearers. They obviously are the ones who receive the grace of salvation because of sin. Nevertheless, as the whole creation groans (Rom. 8:22) under the weight of sin, so the whole creation will be impacted by the work of Christ. All things are being united to Christ. Once again, this verse can be easily abused by false teachers, but when it is rightly understood, it affords us greater reason to praise God. It also furnishes us with the call to stewardship since it is clear that God cares beyond simply saving souls eternally. The old world will be purged with fire. Rev. 21 tells us it will pass away. Let that remind us not to set our anchor too deep into this world. But the consummation of all things in Christ will restore the glory of the creation that was lost in the fall. Let us remain planted in this present world with an eye for that which is to come at the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for his glorious work of uniting all things in Christ. Pray “Maranatha” Lord Jesus, come quickly. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 4 - Adopted as sons

“He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” - Ephesians 1:5 Scripture rea...

Daily devotional

September 3 - Chosen unto godliness

“…that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love…” - Ephesians 1:4b Scripture reading: 2 Peter 2:1-12 Sometimes in professio...

Daily devotional

September 2 - Chosen in him

“…even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world….” - Ephesians 1:4 Scripture reading: Romans 8:29-39 Ephesians 1:3-14 ...

Daily devotional

September 1 - Introduction to Ephesians

Our devotions this month will be taken from Ephesians 1-3. The book of Ephesians can easily be separated into two parts. The first half, which we will...

Daily devotional

August 31 - The “so-that” mission continues

“And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi.” - Genesis 25:11 Scripture reading: Genesis 25:1-11 Our reading today may not seem exciting. Abraham dies, and he’s buried. That’s it. What are we to take from this? One thing we must remember is that the story is not ultimately about Abraham. He was a sinner like us, with challenges and failings. The story is about God - His grace, and His faithfulness to His promise and purpose. That’s a comfort to us. The words of Moravian missionary Nikolaus von Zinzendorf are helpful: “Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten!” It’s encouraging to read that Abraham died full. He lived a full 175 years, but literally verse 8 simply says that he was full. He was full because he walked with the promise-keeping God. He died in full confidence in God’s promises. Blessed are those who die in the Lord! By grace we can say, “I am full,” in Christ (Philippians 4:11). Abraham gave gifts to his other children, but gave everything to Issac (v.5). The focus was on Issac. The work of God would continue as promised. “In Issac your seed shall be called” (Genesis 21:12). It had to be from Issac that Jesus would be born. God’s blessing continues from generation to generation. The work goes on. The promise will be fulfilled. The nations will be blessed. And one day, there will be a multitude no one can number from every tribe and tongue. We are part of the great work. May God bless us to be such “so-that” people from generation to generation. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the fullness we have in Christ. Praise Him for the confidence we may have in death. Pray for faithfulness from generation to generation in God’s “so-that” mission and preach, die, and be forgotten. Soli Deo gloria. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 30 - I will go

“Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.”” - Genesis 24:58 Scripture reading: Genesis 24: 1-67 For our youth, conversations often revolve around a couple of key concerns: dating, marriage, and guidance. In this, the longest chapter in Genesis, both come into focus: Who will Isaac marry? And how will they find her? Abraham had finally learned not to take matters into his own hands. This was to be a matter of prayerful dependence and obedience. Isaac must not be unequally yoked with someone outside God’s covenant promises. Even before Abraham’s servant finishes praying (Genesis 24:45), there is beautiful Rebekah! God shows His steadfast love and faithfulness (Genesis 24:27). But this is more than a covenantal love story. It is ultimately about God’s covenant love for His people in Jesus Christ. This marriage—and all covenant marriages—matters “so-that” God’s saving purpose for the nations can unfold. Sarah is dead. The promised Seed must still come through Isaac. So, when Rebekah is asked if she will go to marry Isaac, she answers sight unseen, “I will go.” She’s never met him, but she’s ready. She's saying she is willing to be part of the Lord's ongoing purposes for blessing the nations. Effectively, she’s saying, “I will go with Jesus.” Isaac and Rebekah marry, and through their line, Jesus is born. And now we, the bride of Christ, are made beautiful by His love—washed, without spot. Though we have not seen Him, we love Him (1 Peter 1:8). May we be blessed with “so-that” marriages and families and covenant youth with this focus: “I will go!” Suggestions for prayer Pray for godly marriages. Pray for a generation ready to say, “I will go” with Jesus, and go out into the world with hope. Pray for the Lord’s blessing in worship tomorrow. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 29 - Pilgrim hope in death

“So the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, which were within all the surrounding borders, were deeded to Abraham as a possession.” - Genesis 23:17,18a Scripture reading: Genesis 23: 1-20 This chapter is, in many ways, a sad one. It speaks repeatedly of death. Sarah, Abraham’s beloved wife of many years, has died. And death is always sorrowful. We should never be superficial about it. Death is not how things are supposed to be. Abraham wept. They had shared so much together—decades of life, love, struggle, and grace. They had hurt each other, forgiven each other, and carried on. Now that time is over. Death is sad. Jesus wept at Lazarus’s grave, He raged at death. So, we are right to mourn. But as Christians, we mourn in hope. We have an eternal inheritance, a glorious future. That’s why Abraham was so intentional about securing a burial plot for Sarah. God had promised that land, and Abraham trusted that promise would be fulfilled. His actions pointed beyond death to the certainty of God’s Word. We too have been promised a glorious inheritance in the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells. No more death, no more pain, no more tears. All things will be made new. Abraham refuses to accept the land as charity from the world. He won’t rest until he has secured it properly, “I am a sojourner, I am different from you.” His hope was not in this world, but in God’s promise. Thank God, Jesus gave Himself no rest until the deed for our eternal inheritance was secured—at the cost of His own blood. Rest by faith, knowing that our inheritance is sure in Him. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that though we die, we shall live. Pray comfort for those who mourn. Ask for courage to share the hope of our eternal inheritance in Christ with those who grieve. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 28 - Jehovah Jireh

“And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”” - Genesis 22:14 Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-19 You may have heard the Bible song, “Jehovah Jireh, my provider, His grace is sufficient for me.” The Hebrew name Jehovah Jireh appears in our theme verse, translated as “the LORD will provide.” What a comfort this was for Abraham—and for Isaac! And for us. God will provide. His promises are sure. In verse 5, Abraham told his servants, “we will come back to you.” Hebrews 11:19 says he believed God could raise Isaac from the dead. Though bewildered, Abraham trusted God’s promise. When Isaac asks, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham answers, “God will provide for Himself the lamb.” But what he finds caught in the thicket is not a lamb, but a ram. A substitute for the moment—but clearly more was to come. “In the mount of the LORD it shall be provided” is a glorious promise that one day, in that place, the LORD would provide the true Lamb. The phrase can also be translated, “In the mount of the LORD, He will be seen.” Behold Jesus, the Lamb of God! He finished His work in Jerusalem. God has provided. In light of this, God reaffirms to Abraham in Genesis 22:18, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” Jesus is that seed, and the blessing for the nations is sure because of His finished work. So, let’s go, knowing everything we need to fulfill our “so-that” mission is already provided. He gave His Son—how will He not also, with Him, graciously give us all things? His grace is sufficient for me. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His unfailing promises and provision in Christ. Pray to trust His sufficiency and be a channel of His blessing to the nations. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 27 - Where is the Lamb?

“But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood...

Daily devotional

August 26 - God tests the faith of his friend

“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”” - Genesis 22:1 ...

Daily devotional

August 25 - God is with you in all that you do

“And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that yo...

Daily devotional

August 24 - Laughing at the promises?

“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing.” - Genesis 21:9 Scripture reading: Genesis 21:8-21; Ga...

Daily devotional

August 23 - Laughing with the promises!

“And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.”” - Genesis 21:6 Scripture reading: Genesis 21:1-7 When was the last time you really, really laughed? As Christians, we have every reason to laugh with deep seated joy because of what God has done for us in Jesus Christ. That’s the kind of laughter we hear from Sarah in our passage today. This is the birth announcement of the promised son, Isaac—whose name means “laughter.” We’ve heard Sarah laugh before, but then it was the laughter of unbelief. Now, it is the joyful laughter of thankfulness in God’s faithfulness. And don’t miss the emphasis in these verses: everything is happening just as God had said. His promises are sure. His Word is gold. God has done the impossible. And of course—He always does! The blessing of salvation is not by human effort, but by His sovereign and amazing grace. Salvation is of the Lord. This whole scene points us forward to Christmas. When the virgin Mary was told she would bear the Savior, she was shocked too. But, she too was reminded: “With God, nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). God has done the impossible for us. We have so much to laugh, shout and sing about in the grace God shows us here! Sarah was convinced that all who heard would laugh with her. And as God’s “so-that” people, let it be our joyful privilege to echo her call: “Come on, let’s laugh with Sarah!” Share the good news of salvation in Jesus; and invite others to join us in our rejoicing! Suggestions for prayer Reflect on the joy we have in God’s faithfulness to His promises. Pray that your heart would be filled with thankful laughter. Ask God to help you spread joy in Christ and invite others to rejoice with you in the hope of the gospel. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 22 - Remember who you are!

“Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you shall live.” - Genesis 20:7a Scripture reading: Genesis 20: 1-18 In Genesis 20, we encounter another disappointment. Abraham had been doing so well. He was walking with God, trusting His promises, and devoted to prayer. But now, having traveled to Gerar, he becomes anxious in unfamiliar territory. Sadly, he reverts to an old pattern—he tells people that Sarah is his sister. Sound familiar? (See Genesis 12:10–20.) Abraham forgets God’s promises. He forgets who he is. Instead of being a blessing to the nations, he brings the opposite. Within a year, Sarah is to bear the promised child—yet here she is in a king’s harem. What a hopeless mess! Do you ever forget who you are or why you’re here? Do you fall back into the same old sinful habits and feel the disappointment that follows? When we are disillusioned with ourselves, we often struggle at prayer, we don’t dare to speak the truth, and are of no blessing to others. But praise God—He doesn’t leave Abraham (or us) stuck in forgetfulness. God takes sin seriously. He takes marriage seriously. In His mercy, He brings Abraham’s sin into the light and restores him. Abraham cannot keep lying. He is a prophet, and he must speak the truth. He will be a man of prayer again Thank God your failures are not final either. There is forgiveness and restoration with God. Remember His promises. Remember who you are. Remember Whose you are. And go be His “so-that” people again—those who pray and those who proclaim! Suggestions for prayer Reflect on ways you forget who you are in Christ. Confess the sins that silence your prayers or witness. Ask for God’s mercy to restore you. Pray for boldness to speak truth, bless others, and be faithful in prayer. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 21 - The Lord being merciful

“And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.” - Genesis 19:16 Scripture reading: Genesis 19:12-29 We’ve previously reflected on the sobering lessons from the life of Lot. Today, we want to ask: why was Lot delivered from Sodom? There are two encouraging truths to consider. First and most importantly, the foundational reason is found in our theme verse today—it was because the Lord was merciful. God exercised His chesed, His covenant mercy and lovingkindness. Lot did not deserve it. He lingered. He couldn’t or wouldn’t pull himself out of the city of sin. But, in the Lord’s mercy, he and his family were taken by the hand and brought out. It’s the same with us. Left to ourselves, we would remain in bondage to sin. But God, by His gracious and mighty hand, delivers us from darkness and brings us into His marvelous light. It is God’s mercy alone. Second, Lot had a praying uncle. Verse 27 tells us that when the judgment came, Abraham went early to the place where he had stood before the Lord (praying), as in Genesis 18:22,33. Many of us, if we are in Christ, can look back and say: someone prayed for me—a parent, grandparent, friend, or pastor. And God was merciful. As God’s “so-that” people, will we also take our place before the Lord, praying earnestly for others? Will we stand in the gap for our families, our neighbors and our cities? Who are you praying for today? Suggestions for prayer Reflect on the truth that your salvation is all of God’s mercy. Give thanks for those who prayed for you. Pray that the Lord will show His mercy to others, bless us in His grace, “so-that” the nations may praise His name. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 20 - Lot: Lessons from a covenantal drifter

“So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!” But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.” - Genesis 19:14 Scripture reading: Genesis 19:12-38 Lot made it out of Sodom alive—but barely. He suffered a great loss. He was saved “as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:15). What can we learn? It began with a look. In chapter 13, Lot looked and saw the best land. He wanted it. We know that already then, he moved in right next to Sodom. Now, by chapter 19, he’s within the gates, he’s one of them. What are you looking at? What are you looking for? Then there was Lot’s lingering. He couldn’t let go. He had immersed himself so deeply in Sodom’s life that he struggled to leave. If we’re not careful, we do the same—dabbling in sin, then lingering there. Where are you tempted to linger? Then consider Lot’s losses. He lost his influence—his sons-in-law thought he was joking. He lost his moral marbles—offering his daughters to satisfy the mob. He lost his wife and his family. What a tragic legacy. We should all take warning! Yet the gospel gives us hope. If we are in Christ, we will see Lot in heaven. He is called “righteous Lot” in 2 Peter 2:7. That righteousness was not his own—it was the gift of God’s grace. What hope this gives to those who feel too far gone: “There can be no hope for me.” Yes, there is. Repent and believe the gospel. God will not cast aside those who turn to Him. The legacy of such a life is the blessing of being right with God, by grace through faith. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on what draws you from God. Where do you linger in sin? Ask for grace to repent and trust Him. Praise Him for His mercy. Pray for a life of grateful devotion. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 19 - God comes to judge

“And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when ...

Daily devotional

August 18 - Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?

Daily devotional

August 17 - Standing before the Lord

“Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD.” - Genesis 18:22 Scripture reading: Gene...

Daily devotional

August 16 - Chosen for a “so-that” purpose

“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousnes...

Daily devotional

August 15 - Is anything too hard for the Lord?

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” - Genesis 18:14 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:1-15 One of the main purposes of God’s visit with Abraham and Sarah was to remind and assure them that the promise of a son for Sarah (Genesis 17:19) would be fulfilled within a year—exactly as God had said. To Sarah, it all seemed laughable and in fact completely unbelievable. Eavesdropping behind the tent door, she found it impossible to accept. She was already so very old. But when God asks, “Where is Sarah?” and then gently confronts her laughter, we need to see how gracious and kind He is. He’s not condemning her; He’s engaging her. He’s drawing her in to believe: “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” Baby Isaac would be born, as God had promised. But he would be born, “so-that” one day baby Jesus would be born of the virgin Mary. “Impossible?” But is anything too hard for the LORD? Do you ever wonder if someone like you could truly be saved? Do you worry about loved ones or neighbors who seem too far gone? Is anything too hard for the LORD? Remember: “With man it is impossible, but with God all things are possible” (Mathew 19:26). God asked, “Where is Sarah?” Today, we might ask ourselves, our families, our neighbors—“Where are you with the promises of God?” Don’t be afraid of God’s question. Be encouraged to trust Him. God is faithful to do the impossible. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on the impossible wonder of your own salvation. Pray for those whose salvation seems impossible. Ask God to do what only He can do—and trust that nothing is too hard for the LORD. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 14 - Do not pass me by

“My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant.” - Genesis 18:3 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:1-15 Our passage today records a very special meeting with very special guests. God shows up. Along with two angelic visitors, He comes to meet with Abraham, His friend. Without knowing exactly who his guests are at first, Abraham pulls out all the stops and offers warm hospitality. The fated calf is prepared; no expense is spared. Hebrews 13:1–2 tells us we should learn from Abraham about the blessing of hospitality—literally, “the love of the stranger!” As God’s “so-that” people, we need to grow in hospitality for the gospel’s sake: “Join us—we’ve got room, and we’ve got food!” But more deeply, we also learn about the blessing of covenant friendship with God. Psalm 25:14 says, “The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” Abraham doesn’t want to miss out: “Do not pass by your servant,” he pleads with the Lord. Let’s not miss how God delights in sweet communion with sinners like Abraham—and us. God is not distant; He loves to be asked. Don’t let Him pass you by. Draw near with full assurance of faith. Cultivate humble, hungry dependence on Him every time you open His Word, hear it preached, or receive the sacraments: “Lord, do not pass me by.” In all you do, every day, ask for His presence, His nearness and guidance: “Lord, do not pass me by!” And rest assured—He delights in fellowship with sinners like us. He won’t pass you by. Suggestions for prayer Pray that your covenant friendship with the Lord may grow in every part of your life. Ask Him to grow in you a heart for hospitality, “so-that” many come to know His friendship. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 13 - You shall keep my covenant

“And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.”” - Genesis 17:9 Scripture reading: Genesis 17:15-27 We’ve seen how the blessing of covenant is all of God’s grace: “As for Me, My covenant is with you” (Genesis 17:4). But since a covenant is a relationship, it has two sides. There are God’s promises, and there are our responsibilities. “As for you,” God says, “you shall keep my covenant” (Genesis 17:9). Promises aren’t to be taken for granted, but embraced. And as we believe, we know God also has expectations. He said to Abraham, “Walk before Me and be blameless!” No, we’re not perfect, and it’s not about earning our salvation—Jesus paid it all. But this is how we want to live in the joy of that salvation. God also warns that it’s possible to break covenant (Genesis 17:14). Those who refuse circumcision—or the circumcision of the heart (Deuteronomy 10:16)—those who live in unbelief and rebellion, trample the Son of God underfoot. That’s serious. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:26–31). God is so committed to His covenant and justice that He punished our sin in His beloved Son. Do you struggle? Have you fallen? Let God’s covenant promises bring you home. Hear these words from the Form for Baptism: “If we through weakness fall into sin, we must not despair of God’s grace, nor use our weakness as an excuse to keep on sinning. Baptism is a seal and totally reliable witness that we have an eternal covenant with God.” Come home. Repent and believe. God delights in mercy. He promised. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on how we may take God’s promises for granted. Repent and believe the gospel. Plead God’s promises for yourself and others. Pray for the nations to come in. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 12 - I will be your God

“And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.” - Genesis 17:7 Scripture reading: Genesis 17:1-14 We use the word “covenant” often. It simply means “relationship.” So, when God says to Abram, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you,” He is declaring that in mercy, He has bound Himself in relationship with His people. Here, God confirms that blessing with Abram: “I am your God!” And it’s all grace—from God’s side, not Abram’s. Abram is now 99 and still has no heir. No doubt this caused him grief and embarrassment. His name, Abram, means “father of a nation,” but he has no children. So God repeats the promise and changes his name to Abraham—“father of a multitude of nations.” The blessing keeps getting better! And don’t forget, all of this is “so-that” the gospel will bear fruit in all nations. In His mercy, God gives Abraham circumcision as a sign and seal of the promise (Romans 4:11). God is saying, “I am your God—get hold of this and never forget it.” Blood must be shed, but it points to the bond Abraham has with God. And God goes further: “This bond is for your children too, it is everlasting. I will be their God.” Since this covenant is everlasting, and since God never changes, the sign and seal of this blessing is still for believers and their children today. Now that Christ has shed His blood once for all, baptism replaces circumcision (Acts 2:39; Colossians 2:11–12). In your baptism, God assures you: “My covenant is with you!” Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His grace in binding Himself to undeserving sinners like us. Believe the promises. Pray that His grace would shine through you “so-that” the nations may come to know Him too. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 11 - Seeking blessing our way, not God’s way

Daily devotional

August 10 - How can I know?

“And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”” - Genesis 15:8 Scripture reading: Genesis 15:6-21 Yesterday we rev...

Daily devotional

August 9 - Counted righteous by God

“And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” - Genesis 15:6 Scripture reading: Genesis 15:1-7; Romans 4:1-8 ...

Daily devotional

August 8 - Your shield and exceedingly great reward

Daily devotional

August 7 - Blessed by the greater one

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him.” - Genesis 14:18,19a Scripture reading: Genesis 14:1-24 Remember Lot, with the dollar signs in his eyes? We should have been concerned when Lot settled next to Sodom. Soon the whole region is in trouble. Lot and his family are taken captive. Word reaches Abram. They know where to find him because by God’s grace he has become a man of significance. What had Lot ever done for Abram? Yet Abram mounts an army to rescue him—because Lot is family; Abram is his brother’s keeper. He looks a lot like Jesus here, who despite our unworthiness, is not ashamed to call us His brethren (Hebrews 2:11). After Abram’s victorious return, he is ministered to and blessed by a mysterious king named Melchizedek. His name means king of righteousness, and he is king of Salem, which means peace. God encourages Abram through this king who foreshadows Jesus—in Him, righteousness and peace have kissed (Ps 85:10) at the cross. The king of Sodom offers Abram abundant riches as a reward, but Abram refuses. He chooses the righteous blessing of Salem over the wicked booty of Sodom. Where do you find your blessing? When our blessing is in Jesus, we know it’s because He’s not ashamed to call us His brethren, though we gave Him every reason to be ashamed. He has come to rescue us, undeserving sinners. We brought wickedness and hostility; He is our righteousness and peace! As you live your life of blessing, are you choosing Sodom or Salem? Suggestions for prayer Give thanks Jesus is our righteousness and peace and not ashamed to call us His brethren. Pray to be a better brother’s keeper. Pray that our “so-that” lives would show a love for holiness—Salem over Sodom. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 6 - Lift your eyes to the promises

“And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.” - Genesis 13:14,15 Scripture reading: Genesis 13:5-18; Revelation 7:9 What are you looking at? What is your focus? In today’s passage, we see a stark contrast between Abram’s focus and that of his nephew, Lot. Both had been richly blessed materially, so much so, that the land was no longer big enough for both. To avoid strife, Abram offered Lot first pick of the land so they could part ways. Lot saw dollar signs and chose what would be most lucrative for him. But notice, he ignored the fact that the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked. He pitched his tent near Sodom, seemingly unconcerned, as long as he could succeed financially. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? (Mark 8:36). This separation would have been sad for Abram, so God came to encourage him. He urged Abram to lift his eyes and remember God’s promises. Where Lot saw dollar signs, Abram saw the promises. “Look,” God said, “one day I will give you this land, but more, your descendants will be as many as the dust of the earth.” More than flocks, herds, or fat bank accounts, God wants us to know He is gathering peoples from all nations into a multitude you cannot number, like dust of the earth (Rev. 7:9). The question for us is, where are our eyes focused? Where is God and where are His promises in our thinking? Are you thrilled to be one of God’s “so-that” people in this great plan? Where is your focus? Suggestions for prayer Reflect on what holds your attention. Are you distracted by the world’s things and ways? Ask God to keep your focus on His promises and to use you “so-that” all peoples may know Him. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 5 - Losing sight of the promises

“Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land.” - Genesis 12:10 Scripture reading: Genesis 12:10-13:4 Abram’s first response to God’s call and promise was encouraging. Sadly, trouble soon comes, and his response is far from encouraging. It’s as if he’s forgotten God’s promises. But let’s not be surprised—the Christian life is like that, isn’t it? Jesus warned us that in this world we will have trouble. Yet when pressures build, we too, sometimes are tempted to give up and even fall into sin. At the first sign of trouble—a famine—Abram heads down to Egypt. Egypt was, in Moses’ day, a picture of living apart from God. Notice, Abram doesn’t seek God’s guidance; he just leaves. One sin leads to another. Abram lies and puts his wife in jeopardy to save himself. More than that, since the blessing was to come through Abram’s seed (ultimately Jesus), by risking Sarai, Abram endangers the promise. He’s made a mess he can’t fix. He’s no blessing to Pharaoh. He’s hardly living the “so-that” life. Until God graciously intervenes and sets things right. By God’s grace, Abram and Sarai get to start over. God does this for Sarai’s sake—ultimately for Jesus’ sake—so Jesus could be born. Thank God that Jesus, instead of risking His bride’s (the church’s) life, laid down His own to save us from sin, faithlessness and lies. Have you been living in Egypt—worldly ways, distant from God? Lost sight of the promises? Look again. God is faithful. Come home and begin again. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on your tendency to lose sight of God’s promises and to look to the world instead. Repent. Trust God’s promises. Pray for joy and fruitfulness in Jesus. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 4 - Going on with our covenant God

“There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. So Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.” - Genesis 12:8a, 9 Scripture reading: Genesis 12:1-9; Hebrews 11:8-10 In Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice comes to a fork in the road. Looking up, she sees a Cheshire cat in a tree and asks which way to go. The cat replies, “Where are you going?” Alice answers, “I don’t know.” The cat says, “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.” By this point, Abram knows where he’s going. He’s following God, headed to “the city with Foundations.” Hearing God’s promises, Abram takes God at His Word and moves forward in faith. In Abram’s first responses, we see a picture of what it means to walk with God as pilgrims. He doesn’t drive his tent pegs too deeply because he’s on the move with God. He walks in enemy-occupied territory—the Canaanites lived there—but he will be a blessing by being set apart. So, he builds an altar and calls on the name of the Lord. He plants a flag of worship in enemy territory, declaring God’s glory among the nations and distinguishing himself by faith, worship and prayer. As John Piper reminds us, “missions exist because worship doesn’t” (Let the Nations Be Glad). By God’s grace, we are a “so-that” people. We are here to worship and declare God’s glory among the nations, even in enemy territory. Remember, we too were once His enemies. Now we know where we’re going and want others to know that blessing too. Suggestions for prayer Pray for strong confidence about where you are going by God’s grace. Pray for gracious, godly distinctiveness to be a blessing. Pray for a passion for God’s glory. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 3 - The “I wills” of God

“Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeare...

Daily devotional

August 2 - Go and be a blessing!

“And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall ...

Daily devotional

August 1 - God’s mission for his “so-that” people

Daily devotional

July 31 - The God of fellowship

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” - 1 John 5:21 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:21; 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1 Some find this vers...

Daily devotional

July 30 - We know!

“We know that we are of God…” - 1 John 5:19 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:18-20; Ephesians 3:8-21 John brings his epistle to a close with words of confidence. We find the phrase ‘we know’ three times in these three verses. As these verses come to us as a conclusion to the entire epistle, we find John leaving us with vital truths that are essential to having fellowship with the one true, living God. The key that unlocks these glorious truths is Jesus Christ. In other words, if you are a believer in Jesus these things are true of you! Be encouraged today as you meditate on these truths. John tells us that we know that all of the enemies of our soul have been defeated in Jesus Christ: sin, Satan and the world. In other words, there is not an enemy in this universe that can stop God from carrying out His purpose of bringing you to full and perfect fellowship with Him. We know that the Son of God has come in order to fulfill the Father’s will that we might know Him Who is true. As you think about these realities, make sure to live your life reflecting these truths. Do not give in to the enemies of your soul. In Christ, fight against sin, Satan and the world. Actively pursue fellowship with God seeking to walk with Him daily. As we look to the Lord Jesus Christ we know these things! Do not waste them. God wants us to live confidently in these promises. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would know and live the Gospel with clarity and conviction. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 29 - The necessity of praying for one another

“If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life…” - 1 John 5:16 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:16-17; James 5:13-18 While there are a number of difficult issues to deal with in a passage like this, we will be focusing on that which is abundantly plain. Just as we saw yesterday that we can have confidence in our prayers for greater fellowship with God, so here we see that we can have the same confidence as we pray for our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Just as we know that God desires fellowship with us as we come to Him in Jesus, so too we know that God desires fellowship with our brothers and sisters as they come to God in Jesus Christ. As we live life together in the Gospel, there are times when we see fellow believers walking down the path of sin. We are reminded here that as we pray for restored fellowship for our brothers, the Lord will hear those prayers and answer them. These answers might not always be pleasant in an earthly sense, but from an eternal perspective, God will answer those prayers in regard to deepening fellowship with Him. You have to remember that as a person is a believer in Jesus, God has already promised that he will not ultimately fall from his state of salvation. Once again, we are praying God’s promises back to Him! We must pray not only for ourselves, but also for our brothers that our fellowship with God would be strengthened. Suggestions for prayer Think of a number of fellow believers in your life and pray specifically and confidently for them that God would bless then with a deeper sense of God’s love and grace in the Gospel. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 28 - A glorious promise

“…if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us....and we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” - 1 John 5:14,15 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:14-15; Luke 11:5-13 Often verses such as these are taken out of context and turn God into a cosmic vending machine. We put a prayer in and God spits out whatever we ask. What is forgotten is the key phrase “according to His will”. God will sovereignly do what God will do. Our prayers are effectual as we pray according to God’s will. For those whose first love is Jesus Christ and who earnestly desire fellowship with God through Him, these verses are priceless. We already know from the previous verses that God’s will is that His people be saved and that they enjoy fellowship with Him. Our passage in Luke tells us that God will give the Holy Spirit (the agent of fellowship) to all who truly ask for Him (v.13) Our walk with God is not always an easy one. There are times when our hearts are cold or when we feel as if we are simply going through the motions of fellowship with God. It is especially at these times that we need to turn to passages like these and pray to God that our hearts would be softened and that we would begin to experience His love and grace afresh. As we come to Him in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, we already know that God wills it! As long as we truly come to God in Jesus Christ, these types of prayers are never presumptuous because we are simply praying God’s promises back to Him. Suggestions for prayer As you look to Jesus, take God at His word today and plead for a greater fellowship and a deeper desire to know Him. He is listening and will answer! Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 27 - Delighting in God

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” - Exodus 20:8 Scripture reading: Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Having fellowship with God is, in essence, getting to know God and in turn, worshipping Him for who He is. These verses speak to us of the commandment that we have to take God up on the glorious gift of setting aside a day to focus on this fellowship. The fourth commandment, as expressed in Exodus speaks to us about God’s own delight in Himself. As God completed the creation week, He looked at all He had done and said, “This is very good." God’s resting on the seventh day does not mean that He was tired (He can’t get tired), but instead speaks of His delighting in His finished work. We are called to rest today in the same way that God did. We are to set aside the busyness of our lives in order to worship God for Who He is. The fourth commandment, as expressed in Deuteronomy, speaks to us about God’s gracious salvation. The Exodus is one of the clearest pictures in the Old Testament of God’s provision of saving a people in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It ultimately points to man’s slavery to sin and death and the bearing of God’s mighty arm in the redemption purchased by the person and work of Jesus. This reality also goes a long way in explaining to us what resting on the Sabbath really means. It means looking to Jesus and resting in His finished work on our behalf. These things considered, have a wonderful rest today! Suggestions for prayer As you prepare for today, ask the Lord to grant you true rest. Ask Him to feed your soul in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that you might worship Him for who He is. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 26 - God desires fellowship

“These things I have written to you who believe in the Son of God, that you might know that you have eternal life.” - 1 John 5:13 Scripture r...

Daily devotional

July 25 - Obedient fellowship

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” - 1 John 5:3 Scripture reading: 1 John...

Daily devotional

July 24 - The imperative of love

“And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” - 1 John 4:21 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:19-21; 1...

Daily devotional

July 23 - Unashamed fellowship

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” - 1 John 4:15 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:13-18; Matthew ...

Daily devotional

July 22 - Love’s motivation

1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. Scripture reading: 1 John 4:7-12; Ephesians 4:25-32 This passage has been described as throwing open the doors of God’s throne room and introducing us to the essence of God. We are told here that God is love. Like every other of God’s attributes, we must not think that love is only one part of God; instead, the Bible tells us that God IS love. Because God is love, all those who are born (again) of God will also love. The greatest demonstration of this attribute of God comes to us in the giving of His only begotten Son that we might live through Him. A sinner comes to God dead in sin and an enemy to His holiness. It was into this dead and hateful world that Jesus came in order to take the just penalty of God’s wrath against sin for all who would believe on Him. This is love! When we look to Jesus in faith and taste God’s love in Him, we are called to demonstrate this same love as we live amongst each other. Not only is Jesus Christ the source of our ability to love as we ought, but He is also our motivation. It is only as we look away from ourselves and look in faith to the limitless display of love in the cross of the Lord Jesus that we are enabled to love as God loves. We are to love even as God loves – a high calling indeed. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would grow in your understanding of God’s love in Jesus Christ. Pray also for the grace needed to love as God Himself does. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 21 - More than conquerors

“…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” - 1 John 4:4 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:4-6; John 10:22-30 As we look around at our world today, we undoubtedly see many forces at work that would seek to eradicate Jesus and His followers from the earth. The Bible speaks plainly about the world’s animosity towards Jesus Christ and all who belong to Him. At times we can almost begin to panic thinking that the world, the flesh and the devil are winning and that we should retreat into a corner and hide. While John certainly doesn’t deny the existence of God’s enemies in this world, he helps us put these enemies in their proper perspective. As we compare these enemies to ourselves they seem large and unconquerable (think of the spies with Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 13:31-33), but as we compare them to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, they are minuscule. As we think about the absolute sovereignty of our God, we know that nothing can keep Him from carrying out every one of His purposes. Central to those purposes is saving, protecting and blessing His children - all to the glory of His name! In the Lord Jesus Christ, we have fellowship with this God! By His Spirit, our great King in heaven dwells within us and in Him we most certainly have overcome the world. As we look to Christ, there is no reason to fear because “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would give us confidence in the midst of His and our enemies. Pray that those enemies would be silenced and that Jesus’ name would be exemplified. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 20 - A Lord’s day focus

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” - Romans 10:17 Scripture reading: Romans 10:14-21 The Lord’s Day is a gift given to us in order that our souls might be fed in the Gospel and that our fellowship with God might be strengthened. Central to the blessing of this day is corporate worship and central to our experience of corporate worship is the preaching of the Word. We are reminded today, in the words of Paul, that God has chosen to use the preached Word to both bring people to faith in Jesus and also to nurture them in that faith. If you look at the progression of verse 14, you will notice that it begins with the question of how someone can call on Him in Whom they have not believed and ends with the necessity of a preacher. Preaching is God’s plan for establishing and nurturing fellowship with Him. We need to notice also that these words come to us in the context of Israel’s refusal to heed that which was preached (v.16-21). The Lord had provided many Sabbaths and many sermons, but it appears that Israel wasted those Sabbaths and refused to truly embrace that message of Jesus Christ. As you prepare to enjoy the gift of another Lord’s Day and another sermon, be reminded that these blessings do not come automatically. For these things to be true blessings, they must be approached in faith. Prepare your heart to go to the house of the Lord expecting to hear from Him. Suggestions for prayer Pray not only for the preparation of your own soul as you go to the house of God, but pray for family and friends who will attend with you. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 19 - The Spirit of fellowship

“…And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” - 1 John 3:24 Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:24-4:3; Romans 8:1-17 The Holy Spirit is a blessed gift given to all who truly believe on the Son of God. It is the Spirit who unites us to Christ, sanctifies us in Christ, illuminates us in the things of Christ, and is the guarantor of our inheritance in heaven. There is an intimate connection between the finished work of the Lord and the person of the Holy Spirit. Paul summarizes this reality in Romans 8:9 when he says, “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His." Without the work of the Spirit, Christ is not ours and fellowship with God is impossible. Focusing on our theme of fellowship with God, John is emphasizing a very specific work of the Holy Spirit. He states that we know that Christ abides in us by the work of the Holy Spirit. It is by the work of the Spirit within a believer that we know that we are adopted children. It is by the Spirit that our spirits can cry out in the most intimate way “Abba Father”. Without the constant work of the Holy Spirit, we would not be able to have fellowship with God. But as we keep in step with the Spirit and His ministry within us, we will enjoy fellowship with God as we walk in the light of Jesus Christ. If we are listening to the Spirit carefully, we will be keeping our souls zeroed in on our glorious Redeemer. Are you listening? Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the precious gift of His Spirit. Pray that God would work by His Spirit making Christ precious to you that you might enjoy fellowship with Him today. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 18 - Confirming our fellowship

“For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.” - 1 John 3:20 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:19-23; John 21:1...

Daily devotional

July 17 - Love exemplified

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” - 1 John 3:16 Scrip...

Daily devotional

July 16 - Love one another

“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.” - 1 John 3:14 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:10-15; Genesis 4:1-15...

Daily devotional

July 15 - A new creation

“And you know that He was manifest to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.” - 1 John 3:5 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:4-9; 2 Corint...

Daily devotional

July 14 - Children of God!

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” - 1 John 3:1 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:1-3; Romans 8:12-17 There is no greater way to express the intimacy of the fellowship that believers enjoy with God than in the reality of our adoption into His family. As we believe on the Lord Jesus Christ, we are united to our Saviour and so become children of God. As we truly bear the name of God, we have all the rights and privileges of being in God’s family. These rights and privileges are essentially every promise of blessing contained in the Scriptures! Every time you come across a promise of blessing in the Bible you can say, “it is mine by right of my union with Christ!” John wants us to be so clear on God’s love that he begins these verses with the emphatic “Behold!” We must think often of the beauty of God’s adopting love. Being adopted into God’s family comes with some very obvious implications. John reminds us in this, that believers are radically different from unbelievers. As the world refuses to believe in Jesus, they do not have God as their Father. In essence, the believer and the unbeliever have different homes! The believer longs for fellowship with God and so longs to go to heaven to be with God. We look forward to the coming of Jesus: to that day when our fellowship with Him will be complete and we will finally be at home with our heavenly Father. Make sure to live out this day with this hope clearly before you. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would enable you to understand more and more of His adopting love. Pray for a keenness of heart to live each day as a pilgrim on this earth longing for the consummation of our salvation. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 13 - Calling the Sabbath a delight

“If…you call the Sabbath a delight….Then you shall delight in the Lord.” - Isaiah 58:13,14 Scripture reading: Isaiah 58:1-14 Isaiah 58:13-14 is a wonderful passage to reflect on as we prepare to go to the house of the Lord for worship on this Sabbath day. Notice clearly the if/then structure of these verses. The Lord is telling us that if we call the Sabbath a delight, then we will delight in the Lord. What a wonderful promise! The question that should be before us at this point is, how do we delight in the Sabbath? Basically, Isaiah lays before us those who view the Sabbath from a selfish, man-centred perspective and those who view the Sabbath from a God-centred perspective. It is only those who come to the Sabbath longing for God and the fellowship that comes in the Lord Jesus Christ that will receive the promises contained in this passage. We have been focusing on fellowship with God during this month of devotions. The Lord’s Day is an invaluable tool to this end. Approach today with a desire that the Lord would cause you to delight in Him. Go to worship desiring nothing less than that our God would be praised and that your soul would be satisfied in Him. Go expectantly waiting on the Lord to honour His words. It is with this emphasis that the Puritans used to call the Sabbath a market day of the soul. Think about it this way, God has cleared your schedule today for the express purpose that you might enjoy fellowship with Him. Take Him up on it! Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would prepare your heart to meet with Him this Sabbath day. Pray also for the one who will be preaching God’s Word to you that Christ would shine forth. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 12 - The confidence of fellowship

“…abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” - 1 John 2:28 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:28-29; Matthew 5:31-46 The words of John in these two short verses, remind us of the sure reality that Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth a second time. In His first coming, Jesus came to do all that was necessary to save a people unto Himself. He has now returned to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father demonstrating that His work has been completed. On a day that is already determined by God, Jesus will come back to earth. This time, it will not be as a Saviour offering salvation to all who would come to Him, but as a Judge holding each accountable for the decision that they have made regarding Him This is exciting news for those who have come to Christ and who currently have fellowship with God through Him. As we believe in Jesus and walk with God in this life, we have already begun to experience the grace of God. In other words, we already know how we will be received on the day that Jesus returns as Judge. John speaks of all those who currently abide in Jesus as having confidence before the Judge at His coming. The wonderful reality for those who are now walking with the Lord is that our current fellowship is but a foretaste of the perfect fellowship that will be ours in heaven. Does this day frighten or excite you? The answer to this question speaks of the current state of your fellowship with God Suggestions for prayer Pray to the Lord to make you truly excited for the return of Jesus Christ. Thank the Lord for the confidence that we can have as we look forward to that day. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 11 - Fellowship in the truth (II)

“If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.” - 1 John 2:24 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:24-27; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 As we were reminded of yesterday, fellowship with God outside of the truth that is Jesus Christ is impossible. Thankfully, we have been given two wonderful aids to bring us to understand and experience that reality. John encourages his readers to abide in those things which they heard from the beginning. This is a reference to the message that John had given to them as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and, by extension, points us to the written Word of God. It is not by accident that Jesus is called the incarnate Word (John 1:1) and that the Bible itself is called the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Fellowship with God is fellowship in His Word. The second aid that John reminds us of is nothing less than that gift of the Holy Spirit Himself. Because of our naturally dead hearts, we need the Holy Spirit to take the truth that is revealed to us in the Bible and enlighten our souls with it. It is by the Holy Spirit that we actually are able to hear the voice of Jesus speaking to our souls and encouraging us in fellowship with Him and with the Father. It is solely the job of the Holy Spirit to do this. Jesus has indeed established teachers in the church, but none other than the Holy Spirit, Who can take what is preached and speak to our souls. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the Bible and for His Holy Spirit. Pray each time that you sit down with the Bible that the Spirit would make God’s truth effectual in your life. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 10 - Fellowship in the truth (I)

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?” - 1 John 2:22 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:18-23; John 18:28-38 There are many ...

Daily devotional

July 9 - Fellowship and the world

“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” - 1 John 2:17 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:...

Daily devotional

July 8 - The blessings of fellowship

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…” - E...

Daily devotional

July 7 - Fellowship expressed in relationships

“He who loves his brother abides in the light…” - 1 John 2:10 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:7-11; John 13:31-35 When we think about fellow...

Daily devotional

July 6 - Lifting our eyes to heaven

“Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.” - Psalm 123:1 Scripture reading: Psalm 123:1-4 Psalm 123 is one of a group of Psalms known as the Psalms of Ascent. They were used by the Old Testament Church to prepare themselves for the corporate worship of God. This particular Psalm takes us to the very heart of that preparation as we are encouraged to look to the very throne room of heaven. You see, the Old Testament people of God were summoned to regularly use the outward means of grace (Temple, sacrifices etc.), but they were at the same time not to be satisfied with just the outward means. They were to see beyond the means of grace to the One seated on the very throne of heaven itself. This is an extremely important principle for us, even in the New Testament. While the outward means of grace have changed to reflect the coming and finished work of Christ, the principle of Psalm 123 ought to be alive and well in us. As you go to worship today, you will experience the outward use of God’s means of grace (preaching, sacraments etc). Please do not be content with merely these externals! Enter into the courts of the Lord longing to behold the very throne of heaven where Christ is seated at the Father’s right hand. Go to the house of the Lord looking to the Lord for mercy – and do not be satisfied until (v.2) that mercy is received. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would prepare your heart for worship today. Ask Him to bless you and your congregation with a renewed sense of the Lord’s mercy. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 5 - Fellowship in action

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” - 1 John 2:6 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:3-6; John 14:19-24 When the Bible speaks about knowledge, there is a difference between knowing something in theory and actually knowing something intimately. The key difference between the two is that something known intimately will actually change the way a person lives. John has been dealing with the theme of fellowship with God. Simply put, he is reminding us here that anyone who truly knows God, will obey that which God says in His Word – he will obey His commandments. The tendency sometimes, when we think about obeying the commandments of God, is to think that this is something that we must do on our own strength. It is interesting that John never approaches the issue of obedience in this way. Instead, he is reminding us that even our faithful following of God’s commands can only come as we abide in the Lord Jesus Christ. We must first ensure that we are walking by faith in Jesus before we can ever hope to walk as Jesus walked. Obedience is an indication of a heart that is in fellowship with God through Jesus. If you are struggling with obedience issues today, the solution begins by renewing your faith in the Lord Jesus. Faithful action in the Christian life is rooted in fellowship with God. We will more and more desire to obey the God that we love. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would give you fresh eyes of faith to see clearly our risen Redeemer. Pray that all your actions today would flow out of love for your King and that you would eagerly seek to obey His every word. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 4 - Christ our advocate

“…if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” - 1 John 2:1 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:1-2; Hebrews 7:20-28 Sometimes, the Christian life can be difficult. There are times when we struggle to the point of questioning our relationship with the Lord. John is tenderly writing to encourage believers, especially in these difficult times. He does so by directing our eyes in faith to look to Jesus, our great Advocate with the Father. We have the Righteous One standing before our Father in heaven, pleading His righteousness on our behalf. We are vividly reminded here that our standing before God does not depend on what we do, or on how we feel, but instead on the Christ that we believe in. He is the One "able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him" (Hebrews 7:25). During times of spiritual struggle, one of the most difficult issues to deal with is the feeling that God looks at us in wrath because of our sin. Outside of the Lord Jesus Christ, this is most certainly true, but John reminds us here that for all who believe, Jesus is our propitiation. This means that Jesus has taken God’s wrath against our sin and bore it in Himself. So complete is this work of propitiation that Christ has not only taken each believer’s sins upon Himself, but the sins of all of God’s chosen ones wherever they are found in the world. If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, God looks at you in love, not in wrath. Receive this by faith. Suggestions for prayer As you look to Christ, thank the Lord for such a perfect Advocate in heaven. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 3 - A life of repentance

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…” - 1 John 1:9 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:8-10; Psalm 32 As we continue to look at John’s theme of fellowship with God, sin is a topic that may not be ignored. In fact, John mentions the word sin 27 times in his short epistle. The bottom line is simply that our sin hinders our fellowship with God – always. A true believer understands this clearly as well as the sad reality that though we desire to be free of sin in our life, we still struggle with it on a daily basis. How do we reconcile the fact that sin hinders fellowship with God and the fact that we still sin? In a word – repentance. John tells us that if we look to Christ and confess our sin, God will forgive and cleanse us – every time! It is for this reason that the Christian life can be described as a life of continual repentance. It is not enough for us to begin our walk with the Lord asking for forgiveness and committing to new obedience, but because we continue to struggle with sin in our life, we must continue to confess and turn from those sins. This is the path of continued fellowship with God. Thomas Watson states, “There is no rowing to paradise except upon the stream of repenting tears. Repentance is required as a qualification. It is not so much to endear us to Christ as to endear Christ to us. Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would teach you more and more to see sin as He sees it. Take time to repent of particular sins particularly. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 2 - Fellowship in the light

“God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” - 1 John 1:5 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:5-8; Ephesians 5:8-21 Light is a common metaphor...

Daily devotional

July 1 - Introduction to 1 John

This month we will be working through the epistle of First John. The main theme of this book is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowsh...

Daily devotional

June 30 - Jesus, our best shepherd

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covena...

Daily devotional

June 29 - Jesus’ better transforming love

“Let brotherly love continue…” - Hebrews 13:1 Scripture reading: Hebrews 13:1-19 While chapter 11 was about faith, chapter 12 about hope, ...

Daily devotional

June 28 - Jesus brings us to a better place of worship (II)

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” - Hebrews 12:22 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12: 18-29 What makes Mount Zion so special? Yes, the uncountable number of angels worshipping God with unceasing joy and adoration. Yes, it is those who are part of the church of the firstborn; those who can say with Psalm 87 that they have been born in this city. Yes, it is the spirits of all the Old Testament saints who are already made perfect. What joy to know that when we worship here on earth, we already join the saints and angels of heaven. The worship there is called a general assembly, which means: a festal gathering. That makes worship so glorious! Oh, that we would realize this more, and take worship more seriously, seeking to worship God acceptably with far more reverence and godly fear (vs. 28). But, there is nothing that makes worship better than the fact that we have a glorious Mediator of the New Covenant, and His promises make worship full of bliss! Think about it. He has promised to no longer remember our sins! He has promised to write the law upon our hearts! He has promised to make us walk in His ways! And on top of that, He gives us the hope that one day we will arrive in heaven safely! Jesus brings us to a better place of worship, better than Mount Sinai, better than the earthly foretaste of heaven in our worship here below, yes, far better! One day He will bring us to heaven itself, the place where streams of pleasure forever flow, and boundless joys abide! Suggestions for prayer Pray for tomorrow’s Lord’s Day, that you would worship God acceptably through Jesus; that you would not only have the foretaste of heaven, but a firm hope of worshipping Jesus in heaven one day. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 27 - Jesus brings us to a better place of worship (I)

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…” - Hebrews 12:22 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12: 18-29 As Jesus endured the suffering, He fixed his eyes on the joy that was set before Him, the joy of heaven, the joy of celebrating His victory with all His saints around His throne (Heb 12:2). And so, all believers are to endure and fix their eyes on the joy that is set before them… It is the joy of being able to enter the worship of heaven, already now! The contrast in these verses is sharp. There are two mountains where the people are called to worship the Lord, Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. Mount Sinai stands for the law, for its legal fears. It also stands for death as soon as you touch the mountain, because God’s presence is like a consuming fire on Mount Sinai. But how incomparably different Mount Zion is! It is the temple mount; it is the city of Jerusalem. It is the place of protection, safety and enjoyment of God’s holy presence. Now notice what it doesn’t say in our text: you came (past tense), or you will come (future). No instead it says: you have come, or in NKJV you are come… (perfect tense). This means something has happened in the past… and because of that, you are now enjoying the ongoing results, or effects of that! You are come, OR you have come! Zion, dear believer, is where you find peace with God, because of Jesus’ blood that speaks better things than that of Abel. This is your new place of worship! Your better place of worship! Suggestions for prayer Thank God that through the sacrifice of Christ we are delivered from the curse of the law. Praise God that now we may already worship God on Mount Zion, with the foretaste of heaven, accepted and beloved! Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 26 - Jesus shows us a better way to suffer (II)

“If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” - Hebrews 12:7 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-17 The Hebrew Christians were experiencing suffering. They were discouraged and ready to give up (cf. 12:3,12). Why? They had lost sight of Jesus! They had lost sight of His sufferings. Hebrews 5 showed us that, although Jesus was God’s Son, yet, He learned obedience by all He suffered. He learned to submit to His heavenly Father through suffering. Here in chapter 12, the writer to the Hebrews makes it clear that to those who belong to Christ, those who are loved by the Father, will also suffer. They must endure Fatherly discipline, like Jesus. Actually, if that is absent in our lives, you have a good reason to fear that you are a bastard, more like Esau (cf. vs. 8,16), who only lived for his own lusts and desires. No, God deals differently with sons and daughters who are loved. Their chastisement is no punishment, like Christ’s. It is because they are disciplined and trained to be the image of Christ. God does that because He loves you, dear believer! Realize His wonderful purposes with your suffering: He wants you to submit (vs. 9), to be holy (vs. 10), to have peace and to walk in righteousness (vs. 11). That’s why God chastens us, why He calls us to suffer and why He brings us through rigorous training. Let’s not be discouraged, but look to Christ (vs.1-2). Don’t forget; Christ suffered as a Son, so will we. Christ learned obedience through suffering, so must we. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that Jesus shows us a better way to suffer, namely, to suffer to be conformed to His image. Pray that you will never forget the loving purposes of your heavenly Father when you suffer. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 25 - Jesus shows us a better way to suffer (I)

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-17 The Hebrew Christians were ready to give up and go back to the Old Testament rituals. Chapter 10 showed us that some of them were ready to draw back, also because of the suffering and shame that came with being a Christian. In chapter 11 the author to the Hebrews made it clear that the Old Testament saints lived by faith, without having the same view on the fulfillment of the promises as New Testament Christians do. And although they experienced hardship, trouble, shame and suffering, yet they endured and reached the finish line and received the reward of grace! Chapter 12 opens with the picture of a race, a marathon. The stands of the colosseum are filled up with the OT saints (cloud of witnesses), the spiritual athletes of the past. Their stories are there to cheer on the NT runners. “If we can endure and finish, then certainly you can!”. They encourage us: “Don’t give up! Lay aside your sinful desires for love of ease, and your desires to avoid suffering and shame… Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus! Look how He suffered, and kept moving towards the finish line!” He was the Author (lit. forerunner) and Finisher (completer) of faith. He shows us how to suffer better. Jesus wasn’t backing off because of shame, spitting and heart-rending suffering at the cross. Instead, He focused on the joy of being with His people eternally, seated at His Father’s right hand… Therefore, let’s look to Jesus; learn from Jesus and run with endurance! Suggestions for prayer Pray for the same joy that Jesus had to fill your heart when the Lord calls you to suffer in your life. Thank God that He endured the cross to deliver you from the wrath of God and ask the Lord to help you believe and realize more that He endured the heaviest of sufferings for you. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 24 - Jesus prepared something better for us (II)

Daily devotional

June 23 - Jesus prepared something better for us (I)

Daily devotional

June 22 - Jesus’ better way to God (II)

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. (…) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (…) Let us cons...

Daily devotional

June 21 - Jesus’ better way to God (I)

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us (…) let us d...

Daily devotional

June 20 - Jesus leaves us a better testament (II)

“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” - Hebrews 9:11 Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:15-28 The first covenant was ratified with the sprinkling of blood by Moses (vs. 19-20). The day that Moses made the covenant, almost everything was somehow touched with blood. The vessels, altar, scrolls, priests and people, they all needed the blood of sprinkling. Blood, lots of blood was needed Do you understand the preciousness and power of the blood of the New Covenant? Moments before His death, Jesus instituted the New Covenant with the words: This is My blood of the New Covenant, shed for many for the remission of sins. He was saying: My blood needs to be shed, so that it can sprinkle many people, that many share in my inheritance. Without my blood there is no forgiveness! That night and the following day, Jesus’ blood flowed! He sweated blood in the garden, crawling over the ground as a worm. His back was brutally plowed, and slashed open (cf. Psalm 129:3). The crown of thorns made his head bleed. The nails would be driven through His hands and feet. The spear would pierce his side… Why? Because Jesus’ blood is better than Moses’ blood of sprinkling! Isaiah tells us, just in the chapter prior to that grand 53rd chapter: SO! (In this way) shall He sprinkle many nations! (cf. Isa 52:15). This was needed so that our spiritual life can be cleansed… Our prayers, worship, good deeds, words, emotions, desires, will, and our whole life, needs to be pardoned and purified… And our future inheritance be assured! Suggestions for prayer Confess your need for the pardon and purification of the blood of Christ for your whole spiritual life, and for the assurance of your future inheritance. Ask Him to apply it with renewed power to your soul. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 19 - Jesus leaves us a better testament (I)

“For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.” - Hebrews 9:16-17 Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:15-22 When God made a covenant with his people Israel on Mount Sinai (see Exodus 19-24), they all promised Moses that they would do all the words the Lord had spoken. Now, for the covenant to be made, first, there needed to be a death, and second, blood needed to flow. Moses killed an animal and sprinkled the blood upon the people and the tabernacle (cf. Ex. 24:5-8; Heb 9:19-20). That is exactly how the covenant was ratified. But the Sinai covenant was only a picture and pointer, the writer to the Hebrews tells us in this chapter. It was a picture and pointer to a better covenant, yes, a better testament (vs.16). In Greek the Word Covenant and Testament are one and the same word. And in this context that is a well-chosen word! Think about it… Moses’ covenant could not truly cleanse the people’s conscience (vs. 14), but there is a better testament, a last will, the will of God, shown to us in Christ… And that will, that Testament does what the Mosaic covenant could not do! It ratifies all God’s promises through the death of Jesus! That’s why Jesus’ death is so precious to us… Because through it, God’s forgiveness is more than certain! Through it, the believer can now enjoy the forgiveness promised in the New Covenant promises! Through it, God will remember our sins no more! His last will secures the promise that lost sons and daughters will inherit the promised forgiveness and eternal life! Suggestions for prayer Praise and thank God for the certainty of the New Covenant promises through Christ’s death on the cross. Pray for the grace to enjoy and rejoice in this forgiveness every day of your life. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 18 - Jesus, minister of a better sanctuary (II)

“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.” - Hebrews 9:11 Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:11-15 Perhaps you remember something of the solemnity of the Old Testament Day of Atonement. This day the High Priest wore a simple garment. After he washed himself, he entered the sanctuary to bring in the golden censer of incense. After various sacrifices for himself and his family, he determines which of the two waiting goats will be slaughtered and which one will be sent away. After the sacrifice of the one goat, he carefully enters into the holy place and sprinkles the blood on the mercy-seat. As he carefully exits, he lays his hand on the head on the second goat, confesses the sins of God’s people over this goat, and then it is brought into the wilderness to die there! That was the ministry of the Old Testament, which could never take away sin, because it had to be repeated over and over. But Jesus came to fulfill all these shadows! He came to earth in His simple garment, stripped of glory. There was no beauty in Him that we should have desired Him. He prayed the High Priestly prayer (John 17) before He Himself would die on the cross. His prayer was set before the Lord as incense (Psalm 141). Jesus can be seen in both goats, as He endures the fire of God’s wrath as the sacrifice, as He bore the sins of many away, and as He enters heaven with His very own blood there to minister as the better Minister of the Heavenly sanctuary! Let’s look to Him and trust His ministry! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for Jesus who endured the wrath of God for every believer. Bless God for laying upon Him the iniquity of us all! Praise God for removing our sin as far as the East is from the West! Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 17 - Jesus, minister of a better sanctuary (I)

“A minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.” - Hebrews 8:2 Scripture reading: Hebrews 9: 1-10 When on Mount Sinai God gave Moses the blueprint of the tabernacle, the Lord told him exactly what it should look like. Everything had to be according to God’s plan. Why? Because everything had to be like the true tabernacle, like heaven itself! In other words, the tabernacle was a picture of heaven itself! It was a picture of how sinners can return to the glorious rest and awesome presence of God in Paradise. The central drama of how sinners could return in God’s presence was seen in the great day of Atonement. On that day, the High Priest could enter into the most Holy place of the sanctuary, yes, in the presence of God Himself. But as he did that, he was reminded by the veils he passed through that God is awe-inspiringly holy, and that nobody could just go there without blood. Ultimately the blood of bulls and goats could not accomplish what Christ’s blood only could. His blood alone can cleanse our conscience from dead works so that we serve the living God! (vs. 14) Jesus Christ went into the true tabernacle! He went to heaven itself to bring in His very own blood, and there He ministers on behalf of His people. And His blood is accepted! His blood cleanses even our conscience so that we joyfully serve the living God! Let us fully trust His ministry today. Let us pray for the joy of a cleansed conscience and let us serve Him! Suggestions for prayer Trust Christ’s entrance into heaven for you! Thank God for His blood that cleanses our conscience from dead work, and pray for faithfulness in serving the living God today. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 16 - Jesus, mediator of a better covenant (II)

Daily devotional

June 15 - Jesus, mediator of a better covenant (I)

Daily devotional

June 14 - Jesus’ better intercession (II)

“For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless and undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens.” -...

Daily devotional

June 13 - Jesus’ better intercession (I)

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” - Heb...

Daily devotional

June 12 - Jesus, the better Melchizedek

“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him.” - Hebrews 7:1 Scripture reading: Hebrews 7:1-24 Have you ever heard a story or sermon about Melchizedek? I guess you haven't heard very much about him, often. Yet, this obscure figure that appears mostly in Genesis 14, has much to teach us, since he is a wonderful type of Christ. Just like Melchizedek, Christ is both King and High Priest. But both His Kingship and High Priesthood are far better than Melchizedek’s. Melchizedek was king of Salem (later Jerusalem), but Jesus is King of the heavenly Jerusalem! Melchizedek is called a king of righteousness, but Jesus Christ is the King of righteousness. His character is holy, harmless and undefiled! Melchizedek was a king of peace, peace-loving in a violent world, but Jesus came to bring everlasting peace, through the shedding of His own blood! We have peace with God, peace with our neighbors and peace even in our hearts. Melchizedek was a priest of the Most High, Jesus is not just a priest, He is the priest of the Most High. Powerful and Sympathetic, He is able to deliver us from our sins, able to stand in our place, continually interceding for us! Melchizedek blessed Abraham with a temporary blessing, but Jesus because He lives forever, can bless us with everlasting blessings! Melchizedek met Abraham and brought him bread and wine. Jesus met us in the sacrament and served us bread and wine, signs and seals that show His love, His salvation and make us long for eternal peace in heaven. Do you see it? Jesus is our better Melchizedek! Suggestions for prayer Praise Jesus Christ, for ruling, for being righteous, for bringing peace, for interceding and blessing us with spiritual blessings (Eph 1). Pray that whenever you partake of the Lord’s Supper, you would relish in His love and long for the New Jerusalem. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 11 - Jesus, our better Isaac

“Saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”” - Hebrews 6:14 – Scripture reading: Hebrews 6:13-20 What a day it was, when the knife hangs over Isaac, when Abraham was ready to sacrifice his dearly beloved and long-awaited son. What faith Abraham showed! “God Himself will provide a Lamb, my son!” (Gen. 22:8). And so they came to the top of the mountain, and Abraham bound him there to the altar… ready to kill him. Abraham is an example for us who through faith and patience inherited the promises (Heb 6:12). And what a promise he got that day! Not just a promise… But a promise and an oath! Look again at verse 14, compared with the original text in Genesis 22:17-18, God adds something beautiful. Namely, that in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed! One seed! The Coming Seed! Christ! God assures Abraham, who was willing to offer up his son Isaac, that there will be a better Isaac! It is Jesus Christ! Was this the moment that Jesus later spoke about in John 8:56, the moment that Abraham saw the day of Christ and rejoiced?! Very likely! One thing is sure, that Abraham could trust 100% that God would keep his promise and oath! And He did! For just like Abraham, God spared not His own Son…. Unlike Abraham, the knife did come down on God’s Isaac. As he suffered on the mount of Golgotha, God’s wrath which you and I deserve was poured out on His Son, His beloved Son… To deliver us from our sins! Therefore, Jesus is our better Isaac! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for Jesus who bore the wrath of God on Golgotha! Thank God for fulfilling both His promise and oath in and through Christ’s salvation. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 10 - Jesus supplies a better maturity

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end.” - Hebrews 6:11 Scripture reading: Hebrews 5:10-6:12 Have you ever wondered… … why the Israelites in the wilderness wanted to go back to Egypt? Especially when they were so close to the Promised Land? … why the people in the wilderness grumbled again and again about the food God gave them?! … why they preferred the fish, the garlic, the leeks and onions, the melons and the cucumbers of Egypt over the huge clusters of grapes from the Promised Land? The answer of the writer to the Hebrews is clear: spiritual immaturity… They were living by their cravings and desires rather than by the Word of God. Let this passage challenge us, and ask ourselves: what am I living for? The Word or, my desires? The author to the Hebrews desires that professing Christians would mature, spiritually speaking. In Hebrews 5:11-14 he shows how he wants to talk about spiritually rich topics, like Jesus as the greater Melchizedek. But he fears that because they are still loving their spiritual baby food, they cannot stomach this spiritually rich banquet, yet. That’s why he says in 6:1: “Let us go on to perfection” (maturity). More than that, in Hebrews 6:4-8, he comes with a stirring warning, thinking back of the wilderness wanderings. Many enjoyed the richest blessings of God, but most of them were not saved and changed… Although he knew that it was different for many of his hearers, yet, he still stirred them up to replace all dullness for diligence and hopeful assurance through faith in Christ (Heb 6: 9-12). Suggestions for prayer Prayerfully ask the Lord to reveal areas in your life where you have been spiritually immature or dull. Pray that you may grow up in Christ to full maturity to be(come) a strong Christian. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 9 - Jesus, better than Aaron (II)

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” - Hebrews 4:14 Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10 Jesus, unlike Aaron and every other Old Testament high priest, who was himself subject to weakness and sin (Heb 5:2), was nevertheless tempted and tried in all points like we are. But the difference is, He never sinned! You could of course object and say, well, if Jesus never sinned, would He be able to sympathize with us? Yes, because not only did He become a human being like us but, when Jesus was on earth, He received a thorough training on the job. How? His Father brought His Son through every form of inexpressible human suffering, so much so that He even offered up prayers with vehement cries and tears (Heb 5:7-9). Weeping tears! Loud cries! Deep anguish! Jesus knows what suffering is; listen to Him in Gethsemane! Listen to Him at the cross! This horrible suffering perfectly suits Him to be the sympathetic and compassionate High Priest that we need, when we find ourselves in suffering, difficulties and trials. Would you feel comfortable telling your sin, temptations, pain and troubles to someone who is aloof and looking down on you, and has no experience with it? Of course not! Jesus was tempted without sin. But He did experience the wrath of God over sin. So, He knows... He understands it better than any of us… He can sympathize like no one else! Therefore, come boldly to His throne of grace, and you will find help in your time of need, just at the right time! Suggestions for prayer There is a throne of grace! There is a wonderfully sympathetic High Priest! Come! Pour out your heart! Hold nothing back, sin, troubles, temptations. He can help and sympathize like no other! Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 8 - Jesus, better than Aaron (I)

“… So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest…” - Hebrews 5:5a Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10 What a tragic mo...

Daily devotional

June 7 - Jesus’ rest better than Joshua’s (II)

Daily devotional

June 6 - Jesus’ rest better than Joshua’s (I)

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” - Hebrews 3:19 - Scripture reading: Hebrews 3:7-19 “But there are giants!......

Daily devotional

June 5 - Jesus, better than Moses

“…And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant…” - Hebrews 3:5a Scripture reading: Hebrews 3:1-6 The Hebrews, who were te...

Daily devotional

June 4 - Jesus, lower yet still better than the angels

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” - Hebrews 2:9 Scripture reading: Hebrews 2:5-18 Adam was crowned with glory and honor as one who was created in God’s image. All things were put under his feet. But his and our tragic fall with him, took the crown from our heads. The image of God in us is marred, and all of us must now die… But there is One, who is better than Adam, He is the One under whose feet all things will be placed! His name is Jesus! And in order to stand in Adam’s place… He was made a little lower than the angels… He, for whom the angels bow, and He whom the angels worshipped eternally. Think about that! He became lower than the angels! Why? To suffer death… To taste death for everyone The Father said to Him: “Son, taste death,” when He crawled as a worm and not a man on the ground of Gethsemane! As He looked into this cup of God’s eternal wrath over our sin, this poisonous cup of death… He tasted it, yes, He drank it! Hallelujah! He drained it empty on behalf of His people! And after He tasted death, He rose victoriously and went back to the place of glory and honor, the place higher than the angels! Why? So, that you and I, sinners as we are, can taste the cup of God’s grace, and be crowned with glory and immortality! None of the angels could do this! He who became lower than the angels, is better than the angels! What a Savior! Jesus is better! Suggestions for prayer: Praise Jesus for stooping so low, tasting death for sinners like us. Pray that you would drink deeply from the cup of His grace, and eagerly look forward to being crowned with glory and immortality. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 3 - Jesus, better than the angels

“… having become so much better than the angels…” - Hebrews 1:4a Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:4-2:4 The Jews believed that one of the greatest works angels ever did, was connected to the giving of the law (cf. Acts 7:53). Therefore, the Jews believed they had to follow all the laws God had given very strictly, including the ceremonial laws in Leviticus. Angels gave the law, but Jesus is better and more glorious than the angels… This passage makes three arguments: Jesus is better… …Because of special Sonship (vs. 4-5) – Yes, angels are called sons of God (cf. Job 1:6, Psalm 82:6) but Jesus Christ is THE Son of God. To prove that, Psalm 2:6 and 2 Samuel 7:14 are quoted. Jesus is the supreme Son of God, not only because He is more beautiful, glorious and powerful than the angels, but He is the only begotten Son of God! Begotten by virtue of His birth, resurrection, and session at God’s right hand. Jesus’ enthronement in heaven is called the day of His begetting. …Because of angelic Worship (vs. 6-7) – There were two special moments in which God the Father called the angels to worship His Son. First, when Christ entered this world by birth and second, when He rose from the grave. The fact that the angels worship Jesus, shows Jesus’ superiority over the angels. …Because of glorious Kingship (vs. 8-14) – In these verses Psalm 45 and 104 are quoted to show the supreme Kingship of Jesus. It speaks about His throne, His Sceptre, His righteous rule, His anointing and His eternal rule! All to say: Angels can’t compare! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the ministry of angels (Heb. 1:7) but thank God even more for Jesus’ ministry. Worship Jesus - along with the angels - for His birth, death, resurrection and heavenly rule and glory. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 2 - Jesus, better than the prophets

“…Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person…” - Hebrews 1:3a Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:1-4 Jesus is better! He is better than the prophets! God speaks to us through Him. What is God saying to us? Who is Jesus? Why is He better? The answer of verses 1-4 of Hebrews 1 is glorious. Here it is: …Heir of all things – That means: the universe in all its splendor was not just created for Him, it is a gift of God the Father to His Son! Everything was made to reflect God’s glory (cf. Col. 1:16-17). …Brightness of God’s glory – Jesus is the outshining splendor of who God is! He is more glorious than the Sun! In the light of Jesus, we see the glory of who God is! (cf. 2 Cor. 4:6). …Express image of God’s being – Jesus is the exact imprint, representation of God. The best example is a coin with the imprint of a ruler’s face. In the same way, Jesus bears God’s image or imprint (cf. Jn. 14:9). …Upholding everything by His word – In other words, He’s got the whole world in His hands: every nanoparticle of this creation, everything in your and my life, including our bodies! Without His upholding hand everything would collapse and spin out of control. …Purged our sins with His own blood – Ah! The Gospel! What filth He came to cleanse from our hearts. What grace to stoop so low! …Seated at God’s right hand – After His sacrifice, what glory followed! He has a name and a place above every name and every place! Let’s worship Him! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the glory of Christ, His radiance, His Person, His Power, His Sacrifice, there is none like Him! Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

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Search CATEGORY: Daily devotional

Daily devotional

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