Daily devotional

March 23 - Preparing by escaping the curse

“Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”).” - Galatians 3:13

Scripture reading: Galatians 3:1-14

Paul quotes Deuteronomy 21:22. as he explains to us that Christ suffered a death cursed by God. He bore all that pain and shame in order to deliver us from the curse of sin because by nature we are all under that curse. When life’s tragedies cause us to realize how real that curse is, we need to remember that the Lord Jesus walked the way of the cross. He was crucified, hung upon that tree, and His blood was shed. He willingly took upon Himself that horrible curse, so that we would never have to carry it.

Consequently, Christian, in your time of trouble, if you are called to endure a season of sorrow, when life's difficulties confront you, and you feel the dark cloud of sin's curse hanging over you, remember that the Lord Jesus was crucified to redeem you, and all His chosen ones, from that curse.

As you prepare to mark Good Friday, turn your heart to the Saviour with confidence and hope. In Him, find pardon full and free. In your Saviour, find strength for today and power to live as His disciple in a very unChristian age. Let your heart be filled with wonder that Christ Jesus so loved us that he suffered and died for us an accursed death. By that death He secured our full redemption.

Praise God, Christian, in and through all circumstances, that your life is no longer under the curse! Jesus took that curse off you because He bore it all the way to Calvary's cross.

Suggestions for prayer

Ask the Holy Spirit to move in your heart so that you will know the spiritual joy that comes when a believer feels the curse of sin taken away by the power of Jesus' sacrifice.

Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.

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Daily devotional

March 22 - Preparing with a motive

“For great is Your mercy toward me, And You have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol.” - Psalm 86:13 Scripture reading: Psalm 86:1-13 ...

Daily devotional

March 21 - Preparing with a reconciled heart

“…for the Son of Man has come to seek and to save that which was lost.” - Luke 19:10 Scripture reading: Luke 19:1-10 The great work entrus...

Daily devotional

March 20 - Preparing as a sheep of the Good Shepherd

Daily devotional

March 19 - Four marks

“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” - Acts 2:42 Scripture read...

Daily devotional

March 18 - Preparing for an exam

“Search me, O God, and know my heart; Try me, and know my anxieties; And see if there is any wicked way in me, And lead me in the way everlasting.” - Psalm 139:23, 24 Scripture reading: Psalm 139:1-24 How fortunate we are that other people cannot read our hearts and minds. Our employers, employees, teachers, students, preachers, parents and children, none of them can truly know what's in our hearts and minds. We are safe, except, of course, that God can read our thoughts and He knows exactly our innermost feelings. David comments on this in Psalm 139. By the inspiration of the Spirit, David declares that the Lord is all-knowing and everywhere present (verses 1-12). He knows all because He is our Creator (verses 13-18). God sees the evil of the wicked and will visit them in judgment (verses 19-22). Then, in our text, David requests that the all-knowing Lord examine him. How did David dare do this? He knew that God would see his sins and weaknesses. Yet David had confidence that God's examination would reveal that he was a child of grace. It was well with his soul because God had forgiven him and made him righteous by grace alone. David also asks that, after examining him, that God would lead him “in the way everlasting.” As you prepare to worship the Lord in His church tomorrow, search your heart and life. In that examination, reflect on the fact that God knows your inmost thoughts and feelings. Then seek from the Lord His grace and forgiveness, and pray for His guidance as He leads you onward in “the way everlasting.” A good start is to attend worship services tomorrow on the Lord's Day. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to lead and guide you each step of life's way and to help you prepare for worship tomorrow in the midst of the communion of the saints. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

March 17 - Preparing with God’s comfort

“Comfort, yes, comfort My people!" says your God. “Speak comfort to Jerusalem, and cry out to her, That her warfare is ended, That her iniquity is pardoned; For she has received from the Lord's hand double for all her sins.” - Isaiah 40:1, 2 Scripture reading: Isaiah 40:1-11 Through all of life, comfort is a major goal we all want. Life in this world is rough: aches, sorrows, disappointments and stress. Every one of us experiences our share of these negatives. How thankful we are that the message of Scripture is so comforting to those who are disciples of Jesus. We can and should live our lives reflecting upon the ministry of Jesus as upheld by the comfort of the Lord. To us, who come to Christ by faith, the prophet declares that God speaks in a tender voice. In that voice, God tells us through the Gospel that our warfare has ended, not because we have no earthly struggles, but because Christ Jesus is victorious! Our iniquity is pardoned because of Jesus' sacrifice on the cross. What of the future? The “double” that the prophet declares God's people receive is not a double punishment, nor a declaration of, “you get what your sins deserve.” Rather it is a promise that God's people receive from the Lord a double blessing; sins are forgiven and a new life begins! Do you worry about the past? If you believe in Christ, the message is comforting: your sins are pardoned. Do you worry about the future? Our text promises every disciple a double blessing: a forgiven past and a present and a future in which you, by faith, live a new life in Christ. What wonderful comfort God gives to His people! Prepare to celebrate the great deeds of our Saviour in the joy of this comfort. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the daily comfort He gives you through the gracious promises of Scripture and above all, through the saving ministry of Jesus. Pray for the opportunity to share this comfort and joy with others around you. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

March 16 - Preparing by looking

“…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 12:2 Scripture Reading: Hebrews 12:1-11 Life is busy. If we're honest, we confess there is a danger that spiritual preparation gets lost in the shuffle. How important, then, is the admonition of Hebrews 12 that it is time to get serious about our spiritual life. Hebrews 12:2 teaches that we do this by “looking unto Jesus.” We look, or “fix our eyes” on, what we consider important. We are to look to Jesus, “the author and finisher of our faith,” the very source of our faith. His sacrifice at the cross saves us. He bestows light and life in the power of His resurrection. We find our completeness in Him. His complete righteousness becomes ours by faith. As the Apostle Paul declares in Colossians 1:28, we are “perfect in Christ Jesus.” In our busy lives, we are called to spiritual preparation. As you look forward to celebrating Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter, use every opportunity to grow in God's grace. Follow the inspired advice of today's Scripture reading: throw off all hindrances of sin, run the race marked out for you, and look unto Jesus, fix your eyes on Him. These spiritual steps are not optional. It is basic Christianity. Don't fix your eyes on your own unworthiness, nor on others whom we can so easily criticize, but look to Jesus, and make Him the centre of your spiritual attention. Look to Him as your Saviour, Who sustains your life and Who promises you a place with Him in His heavenly kingdom, where our eyes shall truly behold Him. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to give you wisdom to look in the right place and to the right Person, as you live day by day. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

March 15 - Preparing our hearts

“...rend your hearts and not your garments..” - Joel 2:13 Scripture reading: Joel 2:1-14 A Christian's goal is fellowship with the Lord. The prophet Joel encourages us onward toward that goal, even as his message encouraged the people of his own day. Joel told the people that God was interested in their hearts more than in outward actions. The ancient Israelites would weep, fast and rend their garments as a sign of grief and repentance, but all too easily these outward actions were just that, outward, with no spiritual meaning. The prophetic message that God gave to Joel is clear: when you draw near to God be sure that you are sincere. As we live before the Lord today and all the days that He will give us, we must make sure that our relationship with the Lord Jesus is not just a going-through-the-motions, but rather a matter of our repentant heart and renewed mind. Our reading from Joel also contains a marvellous assurance from the Lord. When we rend our hearts and not our garments, verse 13 tells us, God will be gracious. He will be merciful, tender and compassionate, blessing us in love. He will be slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, providing for our salvation and all our needs, physical and spiritual, because He loves us. The goal is fellowship with the Lord. To experience this, exercise your faith and return to the Lord. Christ has opened the way by His sacrificial death. Repent in all sincerity and do so in the good hope of receiving God's blessings of forgiveness, mercy, and love. Suggestions for prayer Make your request to the Lord that He would lead you in the path of fellowship with Him through the sacrifice of Jesus. Praise Him for His forgiveness, mercy and love. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

March 14 - Preparing by denying, taking up, and following

Daily devotional

March 13 - Preparing with mercy

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.” - Matthew 5:7 Scripture reading: Matthew 5:1-12 Christians realize the need for th...

Daily devotional

March 12 - Invited and ready

“For many are called, but few are chosen.” - Matthew 22:14 Scripture reading: Matthew 22:1-14 In Jesus' parable, the guests came because the...

Daily devotional

March 11- Preparing with the Lord’s favour

“Cast me not away from your presence, and take not your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation…” - Psalm 51:11, 12 Scri...

Daily devotional

March 10 - Heartfelt preparation

“...because your heart was penitent...I also have heard you, declares the Lord.” - 2 Kings 22:19 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 22:1-20 A major part of our faith and our response to God is found in our inner life. People around us hear our words and see our actions, but God alone reads our hearts. When we stifle our deep and powerful heartfelt feelings toward God, we do ourselves spiritual damage. That is certainly true when it comes to repentance. Those who deaden their hearts, deny their inner struggles and train themselves to be unfeeling, have great difficulty here, because repentance involves our total being as we turn away from the world and toward the Lord Jesus Christ. We see this in 2 Kings 22. The Law of the Lord convicted King Josiah of his sin and the sin of his people. The king had a reaction. Outwardly he tore his clothes, a public action and custom of his day. That outward action, however, was not merely a custom, rather it was the result of what was going on in the heart of the king. His heart was truly penitent as he wept. He humbled himself before the Lord. His outward actions were a reflection of his inner struggle of soul and of his repentance. In a few weeks, we will mark Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter. Many will outwardly celebrate with chocolate bunnies and coloured Easter eggs and nothing more. God grant that our celebration be far different! May all that Christ Jesus accomplished move us deeply. Like Josiah, let us turn to the Lord with penitent hearts. The Lord Jesus receives the penitent in His overflowing grace! Suggestions for prayer: Express your sincere penitence with prayer that humbly seeks the Lord's forgiveness. Seek His divine help to banish pride, worldliness and stubbornness from your heart and life. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

March 9 - Preparing in humility

“For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, but the one who humbles himself will be exalted.” - Luke 18:14b Scripture reading: Luke 18:1-14 The Lord Jesus, in this parable, states that the way to righteousness is the way of humility. The tax collector, by very definition in those days, a sinner, does not try to deny his sin. He confessed his sin, cried out to God for mercy and trusted in God's gracious pardon. He knew that he had no merits to claim, no deals to make; he just asked to be forgiven. So it was, says Jesus in the parable, that the tax collector went to his house, right with God. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. The tax collector found the way of righteousness, and peace with God. It is the way of humility: confessing one's sin and finding the sure hope of pardon in Jesus Christ, Whose sacrifice on the cross is the means by which pardon is given. As we look forward to the days of Christian remembrance, particularly Good Friday and Easter, may our hearts and souls be stirred to appreciate the grace of God. Let us be humbled, as we realize that only the perfect sacrifice of the Saviour could pay the price of our pardon. Remember that God does not forgive you because you feel you are better than others, or because you have said or done enough to merit His pardon. What every sinner needs is to humbly confess his sins, trust in Christ's power to forgive through His sacrifice on the cross, and then live in humble obedience each day as thankful recipients of God's amazing grace. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to move powerfully upon your heart and in your life, so that you may know your need of pardon and humbly seek that pardon where it is found: through the power of Christ's sacrifice. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

March 8 - Preparing with forgiveness

“Come now, let us reason together, says the Lord: though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool.” - Isaiah 1:18 Scripture reading: Isaiah 1:10-18 The sweetest word for the sinner is – forgiveness. The forgiveness that Jesus merited for us is the most blessed gift that a sinful human can receive. No earthly treasure can compare with forgiveness, because it is the doorway through which we can enter into fellowship with God. God does not ask the impossible. The plan handed to us by God to receive His pardon is reasonable. It is based on divine love, so great that the Father sent His Son to die for our sins. In return, the Lord asks us to recognize our sins, repent and come to Jesus in faith. This is truly a most reasonable plan. Those who respond to this call of God find His pardon and a wonderful fellowship with Him. What a blessing it is to be forgiven! We find peace with God and the joy of knowing that our hearts and lives, once stained by sin as red as scarlet, are now by the power of Christ's death and resurrection washed clean, as white as snow. As you look forward to remembering the days of Christ's passion, His death, and His glorious resurrection, do so knowing that by trusting in Him you share in the divine blessing of forgiveness. By the power of the Spirit, be part of the fellowship of forgiveness. Have peace with God. Be calm in your soul. Be steady in your faith. Trust God's promise that He looks upon you, not as a stained sinner, but as one washed clean in Jesus' blood. Suggestions for prayer Make a heartfelt prayer for forgiveness part of your daily devotions. Also request the indwelling power of the Lord to assure you that His pardon is real in your heart and life. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

March 7 - Preparing with joy

“Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength.” - Nehemiah 8:10b Scripture reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12 There are many devout Christians who are burdened with grief for their sins. Like the people gathered in Jerusalem in the days of Nehemiah and Ezra, who heard the law of the Lord and wept, these Christians know the burden that sin placed on them. It was a burden so heavy that only the perfect sacrifice of Jesus upon the cross could lift it from their souls. Sadly, there are those who reflect more upon the burden of their sin than upon the liberating sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. This is a dreadful error, because it causes them to endure endless grief and guilt. They are continually downcast and spiritually uneasy. This is needless and contrary to God's desire. Just as the repentant Jews, who wept when Ezra read the law, were told not to grieve, the Lord tells us that, when we repent and look to Jesus and His atoning sacrifice offered upon the cross, we also should not grieve. Grief and guilt result in spiritual weakness, which is easily exploited by the power of the evil one. The Lord calls us to believe that He is merciful in accepting the atoning sacrifice of His Son for the salvation of His people. What a joyful message! If you believe, then your sins are forgiven and you should find joy in that Gospel message. The joy that God gives to His pardoned people is a source of spiritual strength. May you know that blessed joy of the Lord and so be strengthened for each step of your life's journey. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord will protect you against the schemes of the devil as he tries to fill you with grief and guilt. Seek the assurance of the Holy Spirit that, looking to Jesus in faith, you are truly forgiven and be filled with joy in that assurance. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

March 6 - Preparing in righteousness

“Tell the righteous it shall be well with them.” - Isaiah 3:10 Scripture reading: Isaiah 3:1-13 Next month, we will mark Palm Sunday, Good F...

Daily devotional

March 5 - Preparing with love and fear

“I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.” - Psalm 5:7 ...

Daily devotional

March 4 - Preparing by breaking

“And he broke in pieces the bronze serpent that Moses had made, for until those days the people of Israel had made offerings to it.” - 2 Kings 18:...

Daily devotional, Uncategorised

March 3 - Preparing by carrying

“... they seized one Simon of Cyrene who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus.” - Luke 23:26 Scr...

Daily devotional

March 2 - Preparing with prayer

“And he said to them, “Why are you sleeping? Rise and pray that you may not enter into temptation.”” - Luke 22:46 Scripture reading: Luke 22:39-46 For too many people, prayer is a last resort. Such people are, as it were, sleepwalking through life. They are missing out on the sweet fellowship with the Lord that prayer provides. As we read in our Scripture passage, the disciples, in their weakness, slept, while Jesus prayed. This account of what happened on the night before Good Friday, should challenge us. How is your prayer life? Prayer is to be more than mumbled words or well-worn phrases uttered by custom. Prayer is a sigh deep in our souls. Prayer springs from a heart yearning and searching for the One Who alone satisfies our needs. Christian, get up and pray, as you ready yourself to remember again the sacrifice of the Lord Jesus and His glorious resurrection! In our text, Jesus is telling us that we too, like those first disciples, need to be people of prayer, so that we will not fall into Satan's snares. The devil's plan is to impoverish our spiritual lives. When prayer is scarce, that is the result. Get up and pray to God for His needed blessings, both spiritual and physical. Pray for wisdom to turn in faith to Jesus Christ, the righteous One. Let us hear Jesus say to us: Get up and pray, seek the face of God, bow in adoration before the Almighty One, Who so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Appear before the throne of grace in prayer, and you will have fellowship with the Crucified One Who is now the Glorified One! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you be faithful in prayer. Make it your petition that you will be well prepared for life in fellowship with your Saviour, as you remember His sacrifice for you and His victory over sin and death. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

March 1 - Introduction to preparation

Preparation is an essential part of life. Our children go to school for years as a vital part of their preparation for adult life. We prepare for holidays, graduations, weddings and all sorts of other family celebrations. Spiritual preparation is also of utmost importance. For generations, some Reformed Churches had special services of preparation before administering the holy sacrament of the Lord's Supper, although sadly this excellent custom has fallen into disuse in many churches. If your church still observes a preparatory Sunday, count yourself blessed. In a personal way we prepare for a new day, or to bring a day to its close, with family and private devotions, and I hope that this booklet will be a help and encouragement in this. Next month, we Christians will mark some of the most important days on the Christian calendar: Palm Sunday, Good Friday, and Easter. It is my hope and intention that, using this daily devotional in this month of March, in the Year of our Lord 2023, we will prepare spiritually to remember these high points in our Saviour's earthly ministry, upon which our very salvation is established. May God grant a blessing to all who use these devotionals to reflect on the Scriptures and to lift up faithful hearts in prayer. Preparing by Walking “Whoever says he abides in him ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” - 1 John 2:6 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:1-11 Life is portrayed as a journey in a number of Scriptural passages. All of us are walking down a path with an eternal destination. Sadly, many walk down the broad highway that leads to destruction (Matthew 7:13). Our calling as Christians is to walk the narrow path that leads to life. As we prepare to mark the great events of Jesus' earthly ministry: Palm Sunday, Good Friday and Easter, we do well to consider our walk of life. The Lord gave His life to save us and calls us to follow Him. How? John's inspired answer is that we “ought to walk in the same way in which he walked.” Throughout his letter, John mentions how Jesus walked to save us. He lived as the atoning sacrifice (I John 2:2). We too are called to walk the path of sacrifice. What have you sacrificed for Jesus? Our Lord perfectly obeyed the Father's will. Jesus walked the path of righteousness (I John 2:29). Do you? Or are your feet on the path of worldly pleasure? God calls you to walk in obedient righteousness. Jesus also walked the path of love (I John 3:16). His love was real and enabled Him to give His life for His people's salvation. How real is your love? Do you love others enough to forgive them and bear with their weaknesses? Do you love the Lord enough to serve Him and build up His church? Those who walk as Jesus did, love God above all and their neighbour as themselves. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to work in your heart so that you will truly reflect the sacrifice, righteousness and love of your Master, as you follow Him. Pray that you will be well prepared not only to mark the great events of Jesus' earthly ministry, but for a full life of discipleship. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary, providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 28 - Ashes for the head

“I have heard of You by the hearing of the ear, but now my eye sees You. Therefore I abhor myself, and repent in dust and ashes.” - Job 42:5, 6 Scripture reading: Job 42:1-6 Saints in the Bible often showed their repentance by pouring ashes and dust on their heads. They were symbolically saying they felt consumed and buried by their sins. It was not a lame repentance like, “If I have offended you, I’m sorry.” They did not equivocate. Job, too, was genuine. God showed him how little he knew and how his complaints against God were groundless. For sure, Job was a godly man. He had knowledge of the truth, but his knowledge was limited. He could not understand how God would allow a man who loved him to suffer so much. He did not allow for God’s purposes to be fulfilled in his life as God saw fit. So he grumbled. And that was a serious sin. Yet, his godliness came out even more when he confessed his sins in a clear and unequivocal way. One recent US president claimed to be a Christian, but said he did not repent because he did not sin. How foolish! Let God’s Word and God’s Spirit show you your sins. Everyone sins! But what wonderful hope Christians have! You have an Advocate with the Father and He paid the full price for your sins. And don’t forget, real repentance requires a godly sorrow for sins, a hating of your sins, a forsaking of your sins, and a turning and living a godly life before God. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you will be a person of God’s Word and understand His will and that you will be quick to sincerely confess your sins. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 27 - Job questions God’s wisdom

“After this Job opened his mouth and cursed the day of his birth.” - Job 3:1 Scripture reading: Job 3:11-16 Job wished he had never been born and he cursed the day of his birth. He wished he were a stillborn baby. He wished he had starved to death as an infant. You can understand his angst as he mourned the loss of so much, including his beloved children. The pain he felt was unbearable! Was Job justified in saying these things? No, he was wrong. He was rejecting the providence of God. God had a reason for those things and if you read the last chapter of Job you will see this. God was strengthening Job and was going to make life better for him in the future. Job just didn’t see God’s plan – yet. You may be called to suffer too. God has His reasons. In your immediate future you may have mountains to climb. God may want you to be poor, so that you might be able to identify with and help the poor. God may want you sick so your children will learn to care for you. God may want you single so you can be of help to a married couple. Your immediate future may or may not be bright, but your future is bright. God will make your future better when you are in the presence of the Lord Jesus in heaven and will be rewarded for your obedience to Christ. Therefore, don’t accuse God of messing up your life. He knows what He is doing. He always does. And He loves you. You’ve been born again! Suggestion for prayer Pray that you will not complain when things go contrary to your expectations, knowing all will work out for your good. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 26 - Old men aren’t always right

Job 32: 9 Great men are not always wise, nor do the aged always understand justice. Scripture reading: Job 32:2-9 Elihu, the younger of Job’s ...

Daily devotional

February 25 - Total inability in a nutshell

“How then can man be righteous before God? Or how can he be pure who is born of a woman?” - Job 25:4 Scripture reading: Job 25:1-6 Refor...

Daily devotional

February 24 - With friends like these, who needs enemies?

Daily devotional

February 23 - Life is short and full of troubles

“Man who is born of woman is of few days and full of trouble.” - Job 14:1 Scripture Reading: Job 14:1-7 It really doesn’t matter if Job ...

Daily devotional

February 22 - God puts Job in his place

“Where were you when I laid the foundations of the earth? Tell Me, if you have understanding.” - Job 38:4 Scripture reading: Job 38:1-11 Job could not wrap his head around the fact that he was living a good life and yet experienced severe troubles in his life. He lost his children and his relationship with his wife, most of his wealth was gone, his religious friends attacked his faith, and he lost his social status. Maybe he thought, like many today, “If I do good, good things are bound to happen to me.” That type of thinking is more like the Hindu teaching of “karma.” You may be thinking similarly as Job when you have troubles, but you must learn, as the apostle Paul taught in 2 Corinthians 4, that sometimes you will face severe trials even when you are obedient. (Of course sometimes troubles come because of sin and you must confess them.) But read 2 Corinthians 11:23-30 and see the extent of the suffering of this most godly man, the apostle Paul. In order to set Job (and you) straight, God reminded him He was the One Who set all things in place. Job did not know how the foundations of the earth were laid or when they were laid. How could he know all the deep mysteries of God? Even Adam did not see how the earth was made. The solution is then to say, “I trust you, Lord, that even though I don’t understand why I am going through a hard time. I know you love me and have a plan for me.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that you will accept the harsh discipline of the Lord and that you will trust the Lord will always do what is best for His redeemed children. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 21 - Annihilation for the dead is a deadly doctrine

“And after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God…” - Job 19:26 Scripture reading: Job 19:26-29 Most Christians understand the contemptible heresies of Jehovah’s Witnesses and others regarding our bodily resurrection. They believe men will simply cease to exist after they die. They reject the idea of a glorious bodily resurrection. But Job believed and clearly taught the reality of the glorious resurrection after death for Christians and the disastrous resurrection to judgment of those who reject the Saviour. God taught the resurrection of the dead. This was evident from the hope of the saints of the Old Testament. You see Abraham’s confidence in the resurrection even through his mourning and burial of Sarah. You see David’s confidence of seeing his dead son again. You see it when saints named their children, giving them names of hope. They knew resurrection was on the way. And most of all, they knew the One through Whom that resurrection would come. You see that in Hebrews 11-12. Because Jesus was raised from the dead, all who were given to Him by the Father and placed their hopes in Him would have that glorious resurrection. Their resurrection would be a resurrection of life. They were in Jesus when He died, was buried and rose again! Those who believe in annihilation are holding to a deadly doctrine. They too will have a resurrection, but it will be a resurrection of death. You have the Good News of the resurrection; don’t you want to share it with others? Suggestions for prayer Pray that you will look forward to standing before God in your resurrected body and that you will introduce others to the One Who gives new bodies and new souls! Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 20 - Is your redeemer alive?

“For I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth;” - Job 19:25 Scripture reading: Job 19:23-25 Job knew that his Redeemer was alive! What an incredible testimony by one who never saw the Redeemer or had seen or heard of the Redeemer’s suffering, death, burial and resurrection as you do today! What eyes of faith he had! If Job had not believed in the Redeemer, he would have been in therapy for sure. Humanly speaking, he had lost everything of value in his life. But he never lost the most precious gift, the gift of eternal life through the coming Saviour. And even though he knew he was suffering intensely in body, mind and spirit, even though he faced condemnation from his friends, and even though he suffered at times and felt far from God, he always had that assurance that his Redeemer was alive. Isn’t this the only thing that can give you peace in this life? When you know your future, knowing your Redeemer is alive to complete what He has started in your heart, you can face the trials of this world with confidence. You know that your sins will not stand before you to convict you. You know your Advocate will claim your innocence because He took your guilt. Shouldn’t you then point the world to this One, the only One Who can give eternal life and give meaning to earthly life? You can face anything the Devil, the world and your flesh throw at you because you know your Redeemer lives. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you will praise God for the work of your Redeemer, a work that gives you hope to confidently live for Him now. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 19 - Can you stand the prosperity of the wicked?

“Why do the wicked live and become old, yes, become mighty in power?” - Job 21:7 Scripture reading: Job 21:7-16 One of Job’s frustrations was that the wicked seemed to do well. He saw God’s judgment on them as late in coming. In reality, he was complaining about the slowness of God’s justice. Yes, it was hard for him to watch how wicked people were healthy, how their children seemed to succeed in business, how they died in peace at a good old age and not in turmoil. He also saw their businesses thrive, their animals did not die, their houses were not torn down by earthquakes, and that their children were happy. To Job, this seemed grossly unfair, considering he was godly and yet he was suffering. Job needed to go back to the house of God as Asaph did in Psalm 73 to understand that wicked men were on slippery ground and would fall fast, while Christians were on solid ground and would be preserved for eternity. It does not matter if Christians were to suffer in this life as their suffering is always temporary. Christians’ names are written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. God does not have a Magic Eraser and removes names. He secures His people. And even when His children go through hardships in life, He wants them to remember that it is ultimately for their good. So don’t be envious of the wicked. Rather, be sorry for them and show them the way that leads to life that they too may stand on solid ground. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you will not become envious at the prosperity of the wicked, but you will pity them and share the message of hope with them. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 18 - Do you exude wisdom?

“The young men saw me and hid, and the aged arose and stood; The princes refrained from talking and put their hand on their mouth…” - Job 29:8, ...

Daily devotional

February 17 - God sees every secret thought

“The eye of the adulterer waits for the twilight, saying, ‘No eye will see me’; And he disguises his face.” - Job 24:15 Scripture reading...

Daily devotional

February 16 - Lying lips are an abomination to God

Daily devotional

February 15 - Golden hope or hope in gold

“If I have made gold my hope, or said to fine gold, ‘You are my confidence’; This also would be an iniquity deserving of judgment, for I would h...

Daily devotional

February 14 - Drink water from your own cistern

“I have made a covenant with my eyes; Why then should I look upon a young woman?” = Job 31:1 Scripture reading: Matthew 5:27-30 It almost seems inappropriate for an older man like Job to speak of having to control his lusts, but he was just being honest. He knew that no man, regardless of his age, is free from temptation. (He probably had grandchildren by then.) He refused to act as if he were so spiritually mature and was never tempted by human lusts. The Devil never stops attacking every man, woman and child, so long as we remain in this world. He would tempt man to lust, whether for adultery, for food or for creature comforts. He hates it when men live faithful lives and are able to restrain their lusts with the help of God’s Holy Spirit. The Sneaky Snake never rests. So it is wise, as the Lord Jesus Himself did, to fortify yourself with the Word of God. Reflect on all the riches and pleasures you have in Christ, both for now and eternity, and fend off the temptations for the temporary shiny possessions of this world. None of the things of this world brings eternal joy and they are so quickly but a memory, or they are stolen, burned-up, or taxed away. All that glitters is not gold. God told Abraham, “I am your exceedingly great reward.” Who needs anything more? What could be better than what you have in Jesus? Look to that which has lasting benefits. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you will be thankful for your spouse and show it and that you will make a covenant with your eyes not to lust for earthly things. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 13 - Don’t be afraid to speak when you know

“Men listened to me and waited, and kept silence for my counsel. After my words they did not speak again, and my speech settled on them as dew. They waited for me as for the rain, and they opened their mouth wide as for the spring rain.” - Job 29:21-23 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 1:4-10 Ministers often defer to others even if they might be able to do a better job. That is often vain humility. Deferring to others when you are able to do better is not always honouring Christ. When you are teaching others, you may yield to your idea to give them an opportunity, but that is a learning proposition. Job knew people waited to listen to him speak. They treasured his advice. They were delighted by his advice. They loved his advice like a farmer loves rain in its season. He spoke! He gave great advice. Job was a wise man because he learned from God. It is true we don’t know much about Job and his theological training or his church attendance, but he knew God in an experiential way. He knew God’s law! James confirmed Job was a man of patience. Ezekiel described Job as a truly righteous man. A man does not become righteous by saying he believes in Jesus. He becomes righteous by spending time learning about God and what God expects him to do, and then doing it. He knew that his justification in the coming Saviour was only the beginning of his life. Therefore you must desire to learn so you can be of use to the kingdom. Are you a mother? Learn God’s calling on your life so you can help others. Are you an older brother? Teach by words and examples how your siblings ought to behave. Are you a scientist? Speak against the evolutionary myth. Suggestions for prayer Pray you will grow in the knowledge of the Word so you can be a blessing to the young in Christ. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 12 - When life seems to fall apart

“Then I said, ‘I shall die in my nest, and multiply my days as the sand.’” - Job 29:18 Scripture reading: Job 29:18-30:1 It is nice to coast in life. You study diligently, you work hard, you marry well, you save up for retirement, and you expect to spend time enjoying life and playing with your grandchildren. But life doesn’t always turn out that way, does it? You might have a tragic situation, like losing your job, getting sick, or having a loved one pass away. Life gets turned upside down. This was what Job felt after his life of ease and comfort fell apart. He lost almost everything. Even his wife urged him to turn away from God. The only thing left for Job was his faith, but that was all he needed. He could take the rough times because he knew the One Who “holds the future was the One Who was holding his hand.” You’ve heard people say, “With Christ in the vessel you could smile at the storm.” It’s true. It was his faith that kept Job going, even when his friends turned so strongly against him and rebuked him, accusing him of arrogance. So dear friends, don’t be too closely tied to the things of this world. Nothing on this earth is guaranteed. Nothing on this earth is worth it. If you have good things and a good life, praise God, but don’t be surprised if you lose something. Remember, the rewards which are worth saving up, like Jesus said, are in heaven. That’s where you will have perfect peace in which to praise God eternally. Suggestions for prayers Pray that you will be thankful in prosperity and patient in adversity and not complain. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 11 - Fighting words

“I broke the fangs of the wicked, and plucked the victim from his teeth.” - Job 29:17 Scripture reading: James 5:1-6 Maybe you were bullied as a child. That is never a nice thing. When that happened, weren’t you happy when someone came to your defence and stopped that bully? That’s what Job did! He learned to watch and protect others from being bullied and otherwise abused. At your age, however, bullies don’t come with a closed fist, demanding your pocket money. Bullies take a different shape. Maybe in the workplace a supervisor may be abusing an employee, overworking him and taking credit for his work. Maybe in society you see woke people bullying university students to conform to the new socialist way of life. Maybe politicians are bullying parents, pressuring them to raise their children according to social reconstructionists’ workings of the government. Maybe you have become aware of the horrible persecution of Christians in places like Nigeria by Muslims. This is where you come in! You reflect your Saviour by speaking up for the abused. You don’t care if you are liked or mocked by others. You know the pain of abuse and you want to save others. You invest time (So what if you can’t watch the ballgame!) and money in order to rescue the oppressed. You will use all moral means to bring change. In doing this, you are showing the love of Christ to the abused and you serve as a warning of eternal judgment to the abusers. You are reminding them of hell. Suggestions for prayer Pray for courage to speak up for victims and for willingness to sacrifice time and money to do this. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 10 - Did you take the time to help?

“I was a father to the poor, and I searched out the case that I did not know.” - Job 29:16 Scripture reading: Matthew 25:34-40 Sometimes i...

Daily devotional

February 9 - How good is your coat?

“I put on righteousness, and it clothed me; my justice was like a robe and a turban.” - Job 29:14 Scripture reading: Zechariah 3:1-7 To be...

Daily devotional

February 8 - You're not a socialist if you help the needy

Daily devotional

February 7 - Serving in the civil sphere?

“When I went out to the gate by the city, when I took my seat in the open square…” - Job 29: 7 Scripture reading: Isaiah 1:16-20 Job lon...

Daily devotional

February 6 - Is it wrong to be rich?

“…When my steps were bathed with cream, and the rock poured out rivers of oil for me!” - Job 29:6 Scripture reading: Psalm 49:15-20 Maybe you cringed when you heard about Job’s desire to have cream and an abundance of good oil. But you should not! Job was not doing anything wrong by saying this. God often blessed His people with great riches. Read Deuteronomy 28. When they went into Canaan, God gave Israel wells they did not dig, vineyards they did not plant and houses they did not build. God is rich and He often passes those riches to His children when it suits His purpose. Also, God gives His children gifts to make them happy. It is not a virtue to be poor. You should not be racked with guilt if you are honestly rich. That is God’s kind providence. So ask God for good and pleasurable things. It is not unholy to ask for things that bring you comfort. Many don’t get things because they don’t ask. But what happens if God doesn’t give you the things for which you ask? What if you were really poor and asking? You must be ready to accept from His fatherly hand what is good for you. Sometimes God wants you to learn to be without so you don’t become boastful, sometimes it is so you can trust Him more, or sometimes God wants you to experience lack so you can empathize with those who don’t have. And then again, have you considered that the greatest gift of all, your salvation, is already in your grasp and none can take it away? Suggestions for prayer Pray you will ask for things that are needful to do God’s work and pray for good things that you desire. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 5 - Learning to rebuke for the glory of God

“But he said to her, "You speak as one of the foolish women speaks. Shall we indeed accept good from God, and shall we not accept adversity?" In all this Job did not sin with his lips.” - Job 2:10 Scripture reading: Mark 6:14-20 We do live in a time when everyone is “entitled” to his own opinion. It seems quite impolite to tell someone his views are wrong. But what if someone believes something that is grossly harmful to them, is it okay to remain silent and let them suffer? A good Christian would say “no.” You have a duty to speak up. This is what we find with God’s servant Job. He knew Christ. All Old Testament saints were saved by Christ. And he knew he had to live for Christ and speak for Christ, so when his wife told him to “curse God and die” and get out of the miseries he was experiencing in his body, mind and soul, he had to speak up. She was telling Job to rebel and reject God’s providence. She was telling him to only accept good things from God and not the bad ones. She was telling him he deserved good things only. We can only imagine how that must have hurt godly Job. The one he expected to have better knowledge of God and his doctrines showed her ignorance, and therefore, her contempt of God. He was direct, even blunt because the truth must not be handled casually. He told her she was speaking foolishly. Do you have this kind of courage (without being mean)? Are you afraid to lose friends if you attempt to correct their false doctrines? This was not a small matter. This was the doctrine of God. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for the grace to take His harsh discipline. Pray that you will have the courage to speak up when you see serious sins in your brothers. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 4 - What if you lost everything you own?

“And he said: "Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked shall I return there. The LORD gave, and the LORD has taken away; Blessed be the name of the LORD."” - Job 1:21 Scripture reading: Job 1:20-22 This verse is often read at funerals, particularly at the committal, when the body is placed into the ground. This is proper but this verse refers to much more than that. Job said this not out of frustration with God for losing everything, but out of a sense of worship. He acknowledged the power and the right of God to give to one and take from another. He was acknowledging that all things belonged to the Lord. (There is no U-Haul behind the hearse.) Job couldn’t even claim ownership of his servants, his oxen, his donkeys or his camels. He couldn’t claim ownership of his houses, land or investments. He couldn’t even claim ownership over his own body. He could even lose his voice to sing and praise God, or lose wisdom to give good advice. God could take back any gift, even life, as they all belong to Him. Knowing this, consider his response: “Blessed be the name of the Lord.” He was saying God was right in whatever He did. Knowing this, learn to share the gifts God has given to you whether tangible or intangible. Don’t be too attached to the things of this world. I often remind people: “If your house should burn down, you shouldn’t need anti-depressants.” You wouldn’t, if you say with Job, “The Lord gives and the Lord takes away; blessed be the name of the Lord.” Hold loosely to earthly possessions because you have eternal salvation. You are rich. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you will not hold too tightly to the things of this world, but learn to share and otherwise use them for the glory of the Lord. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 3 - God controls the hedge around you

“Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side? You have blessed the work of his hands, and his possessions have increased in the land.” - Job 1:10 Scripture Reading: Psalm 91:1-6 Let’s learn from the words of the Devil himself today. (Don’t make this your regular habit, however!) The Devil said to God directly that God put a hedge around his servant Job. Was the Devil correct in his declaration? Yes. The Devil knew the truth. God puts a hedge around you because He loves and wants to secure those He loves. Moreover, God wants to secure you because you were bought with the precious blood of the Lord Jesus, His Son. God wants to secure you because you are called to bring glory to Him. But this hedge was not just a physical hedge; it was a spiritual hedge and a mental hedge as well. God knows you aren’t simply body or you aren’t even body and soul. God knows you have a mind which comes under great pressure, especially in the modern anti-Christian era. So you need His protection. Mental diseases are at an all-time high. And notice how this protection extends to more than Job’s person. God promised to protect Job’s children and his possessions. God would protect his animals and his money in the bank. (Even that can be stolen as you can see by the high inflation.) Why wouldn’t God put a hedge around the ones for whom He gave His Son’s life? You are precious in His sight. And while your soul is eternally safe, God may sometimes remove earthly securities for the testing, strengthening, and rewarding of His children. Suggestions for prayer Pray for God’s protection for all you have and pray for grace to keep trusting in God even if every earthly thing were removed. Pastor Mitchell Persaud is a missionary at New Horizon URCNA, in Scarborough, ON, Canada, where he has ministered for over 20 years. Feel free to Google his name for more information about New Horizon. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

February 2 - What really makes you good?

“Then the LORD said to Satan, "Have you considered My servant Job, that there is none like him on the earth, a blameless and upright man, one who fe...

Daily devotional

February 1 - Introduction to the book of Job

This month we are going on excursions into the Book of Job. You will see Job was not simply a man who suffered and endured hardships and came out o...

Daily devotional

January 31 - The joy of arriving in Christ’s kingdom

Daily devotional

January 30 - Near to God

“Let them praise the name of the Lord… for His majesty is above earth and heaven. …He has raised up a horn for His people, praise for all His sa...

Daily devotional

January 29 - Yahweh’s new community

“The Lord builds up Jerusalem; he gathers the outcasts of Israel.” - Psalm 147:2 Scripture reading: Psalm 147:1-20 We can see home from Psalm 147! According to the map in Psalm 1:5-6, our destination is to stand with the congregation of the righteous in the presence of Yahweh. Psalm 147 celebrates the warmth and joy of being at home with God and His family. First, Yahweh’s New Community consists of forgiven sinners (Read verses 1-6). The God Who numbered the stars (4-5) also heard the humble cries of the brokenhearted (3,6). That’s why Yahweh forgave the exiles in Babylon. They returned to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple (2). Through forgiveness, we are now the temple of the Holy Spirit and members of Christ’s body. Second, Yahweh’s New Community hopes in His steadfast love (Read verses 7-11). With eyes of faith, we recognize Yahweh in the clouds. Clouds produce rain. Rain grows grass. Grass becomes food for animals—even for baby ravens! (8-9). By giving Yahweh the credit for His works, we express our hope in Him (11) and keep from worshipping the powers of this world (10). Finally, Yahweh’s New Community is a distinct kingdom (Read verses 12-20). He protects this kingdom and fills it with families (13). In His kingdom, peace prevails, and no one goes hungry (14). By His command He controls all the kingdoms of the world through the processes of freezing and melting (15-18). But He governs His own kingdom by distinct laws (19-20) — the greatest of which is love. Praise Yahweh for His New Community and your place in it! That’s home. Suggestions for prayer Praise God’s forgiveness in Christ (verses 1-6). Thank Him for your church. List her specific blessings (12-14). Recognize God’s hand in today’s weather patterns and His government through them (8-9, 15-18). Praise God for the gift of His written Word (19-20). Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 28 - Join the pandemic of kingdom praise

“I will extol you, my God and King, and bless your name. …and all your saints shall bless you! They shall speak of the glory of your kingdom …and let all flesh bless his holy name forever and ever.” - Psalm 145:1, 10, 11, 21 Scripture reading: Psalm 145:1-21 Psalm 145 traces a global pandemic of praise. It’s not about a contagious virus, but The Conquering King – the Son who was set on the holy hill of Zion back in Psalm 2:6. As God’s kingdom invades darkness, His praise spreads into future generations. The fact that the church still sings Psalm 145 testifies to the truthfulness of what David wrote 3000 years ago. You can join this pandemic of praise by reading verses 1-3 as if you were David (“I”). When you read “King” think “King Jesus” Whom David could only anticipate by faith. Next, repeat verses 4-7 and own them as your commitment to think on the King’s majesty and share Him with others. (Note the expansion to “they”). Specifically, the pandemic of praise focuses on God’s character and actions. Here David repeats what God revealed to Moses (Exodus 34:6). As you read verses 8-9, imagine hearing these words with Moses when Yahweh showed the backside of His glory. While reading verses 10-13 notice how the pandemic of praise expands. Both God’s works and His saints become eager messengers (10). First, they inform the world that God’s kingdom continues forever. Then, they portray life under the tender and generous care of King Jesus. As you read verses 14-19, can you see yourself in this kingdom? To join the pandemic of praise, embrace the blessing and heed the warning of verse 20. Then state verse 21 as your commitment to spread the glory of King Jesus to all flesh. Suggestions for prayer: Praise God for advancing Christ’s kingdom since the time of David. Bless God by listing some of those advances. Include instances of God’s grace and mercy in your life, church, and community. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 27 - At home with God

“For the Lord has chosen Zion; he has desired it for his dwelling place” - Psalm 132:13 Scripture reading: Psalm 132:1-18 It’s time for us to set out on our journey. Yesterday, we experienced Mt. Sinai. Psalm 119 stoked our heart-cravings for God. The next Psalms (120-134) make up the Psalms of Ascents which means to go up. Israel sang these songs on their way up to Jerusalem to meet God in their annual feasts. Likewise, we are traveling through this world on our way home. We are on our way to the New Jerusalem in the New Heavens and the New Earth. Orient your heart with verses 1-5. Israel finally had rest from their enemies. That’s how David knew it was time to bring the ark to Jerusalem (see Deuteronomy 12:10-11 and 2 Samuel 7:1). As David promises to build a house for God, so we must set our hearts on living as members of God’s household. Feel the joyful enthusiasm for God’s presence as you read verses 6-10. By now David is dead, yet Old Testament believers (in exile?) expect David’s anointed Son (v.10). Read the lyrics of their hopeful song in verses 11-12. Let us be even more sure of our pathway into God’s presence through the anointed Jesus. As you read verses 13-18, notice how deliberately God chooses His home. First, as a physical place, Zion emphasizes God’s presence in our world. Second, Zion clearly refers to people who experience life with God (vv. 15-16). Finally, Zion represents Christ’s powerful kingdom to defeat Satan forever (vv. 17-18). We are headed back home to God! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for advancing His kingdom through Christ. Thank God for making His home with sinners through Jesus. Ask for God’s Spirit to dwell in you today (Luke 11:13) as a member of His temple/household (Ephesians 2:19-22). Pray for greater joy through a greater awareness of His salvation (Psalm 132:9,16). Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 26 - Your best life: seeking God

“Blessed are those who keep his testimonies, who seek him with their whole heart…” - Psalm 119:2 Scripture reading: Psalm 119:1-8 How did you celebrate the New Year? In Bible times the Passover celebrated Israel’s new beginning. Yesterday, we celebrated Jesus as our Passover lamb in Psalm 118. He sets us free from Satan’s control just as the Israelites escaped Pharaoh’s slavery. When they left Egypt, God brought them to Mt. Sinai to instruct them about their new life with God. Likewise, Psalm 119 is a Mt. Sinai experience to treasure our new relationship with God. The world craves the good life of expensive toys, rich desserts and exciting vacations. Rewire your appetites by reading Psalm 119:1-3. Cravings for God is the truest appetite for the best life ever! Underline verse 2b in your Bible. First impact: Heart cravings for God excite the psalmist to do God’s will. Read verses 4-6 aloud and capture his passion with your voice. Right and wrong for him is a matter of relationship – not restriction. He treasures God so much that he cringes at the shame of disappointing God’s love. Second impact: Heart cravings for God ignite laser interest in God’s wisdom. He expects to discover the brilliance of God’s mind by examining His profound rules/decrees. Read verse 7 with an eager voice. When you perceive His wise decisions expect your soul to erupt with praise. Finally, the psalmist keeps craving God even though he doesn’t deserve God (v.8). Say this prayer with him: “…do not utterly forsake me!” Then recognize God’s answer in Jesus’ desperate question, “My God! Why have you forsaken Me?” Suggestions for prayer: Say verses 1-3 to develop your cravings for God. Use verses 4-6 to convert your cravings for God into obedience. With verses 7-8, express your need for learning and rescue. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 25 - Bind the sacrifice

“… Bind the festal sacrifice with cords, up to the horns of the altar!” - Psalm 118:27b Scripture reading: Psalm 118:1-29 Imagine singin...

Daily devotional

January 24 - Jesus rules the world

“The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” - Psalm 110:1 Scripture reading: Psalm 110:1-7...

Daily devotional

January 23 - What’s your story?

"Whoever is wise, let him attend to these things; let them consider the steadfast love of the Lord." - Psalm 107:43 Scripture reading: Psalm 107:...

Daily devotional

January 22 - Proof of Yahweh’s love and faithfulness

Daily devotional

January 21 - Celebrate Yahweh’s love and faithfulness

“For the Lord is good; his steadfast love endures forever, and his faithfulness to all generations.” - Psalm 100:5 Scripture reading: Psalm 100:1-5 I could hardly wait for Psalm 100! It bursts with excitement about God’s goodness. How is God good (5a)? First, He did not abandon His people, but His steadfast love endures forever (5b). Second, He did not break His promise to David, but his faithfulness endures to all generations (5c). In Psalm 89 it appeared that God ended His love-relationship with Israel. Two questions haunt the Old Testament believer. First, how could God be present if the temple is gone? Second, how could God be faithful if no one reigns from David’s throne? Psalms 90-92 answer the first question. God is present just as He was with Moses before there ever was a temple. Psalms 93-99 answer the second question. God is King! By the time we get to Psalm 100 the writer can hardly contain his enthusiasm for Yahweh’s steadfast love and faithfulness. God still reigns today! “Serve the Lord with gladness” turns our to-do list into partnerships with King Jesus. “We are his people '' secures our place in His kingdom and guarantees God’s presence! “Enter … his courts with praise!” transforms our worship into angelic celebrations at God’s throne. Feel the excitement in the rapid-fire commands of Psalm 100 – Make a joyful noise! Serve! Come! Know! Enter! Give thanks! Bless! – This is not a warning, but a welcome … not have-to-do, but get-to-do. That’s why I couldn’t wait for Psalm 100. Though our sins deserve separation, God opens His arms through King Jesus! God is still good! Suggestions for Prayer Celebrate God’s faithfulness to create and maintain His people (3). Thank God for access through Jesus and for the presence of His Spirit (2,4). Ask for zeal to invite others to this good news. Read Psalm 100 again with this in mind. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 20 - Amen, yes! God’s throne is still active

“The Lord reigns…. Your throne is established from of old; you are from everlasting. Your decrees are very trustworthy…” - Psalm 93:1-2, 5 Scripture reading: Psalm 93:1-5 Sometimes disease, war and political oppression intimidate us. Personal and global troubles may raise doubts, “Does Jesus really govern the world?” Israel had their doubts too. Remember their disturbing questions from Psalm 89: (1) ‘If there is no temple, is God still present?’ (2) ‘If there is no Davidic king on Jerusalem’s throne, is God still faithful?’ Psalm 93 answers the second question emphatically, ‘Yes! God is faithful. In fact, God Himself is King (vv.1-2).’ God established both this world (v.1) and His throne (v.2). This is good news for a world troubled with wars, oppressive politics and devastating diseases. Do you remember the raging of the nations from Psalm 2 … the nations that rebelled against God’s reign (2:1-3)? You hear their voice again in Psalm 93 and their voices sound like flood waters (93:3). That’s how Jeremiah described Nebuchadnezzar’s army. Was God still king when Nebuchadnezzar destroyed Jerusalem? Yes, that’s the point of Psalm 93:4 which repeats the promise of Jeremiah 51:55. The Lord is more powerful than the destructive waves of Nebuchadnezzar’s army. In the big picture, God used Babylon to carry out the covenant curses on Jerusalem’s sins (Deuteronomy 28). Therefore, Psalm 93:5 praises Yahweh’s decrees for being trustworthy (the very term that is called into question in Psalm 89:49). Today, Jesus sits on David’s throne – not in Jerusalem, but at God’s right hand. Use Psalm 93 to strengthen your faith as godless enemies and strong temptations crash against Christians like ocean waves of doubt. Suggestions for prayer Pray Psalm 93:1-2 to acknowledge Christ’s reign today at God’s right hand. Use verse 3 to list personal and global troubles. Reaffirm God’s power (verse 4) and purposes (verse 5). Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 19 - Amen, yes! God’s love is still present.

“Lord, you have been our dwelling place in all generations.” - Psalm 90:1 Scripture reading: Psalm 90:1-17 Remember the deep questions of Psalm 89: What about God’s steadfast love and faithfulness? Since the temple lies in ruins, is God still with us? Since David’s sons are captured, is God’s kingdom done? Book 4 (Psalms 90-106) answers the doubts of Book 3 (Psalms 73-89). The Holy Spirit takes us back to Psalm 90. Moses prays it from the wilderness. There is no temple or throne yet. Sadly, his generation grumbles about manna and dies for their unbelief. Put yourself in Moses’ sandals as you now read Psalm 90 aloud. Then fast forward to the time of Daniel. Nebuchadnezzar burns the temple down, captures King Zedekiah, and kills his sons. Judah deserves God’s judgment. That’s when the anxious questions in Psalm 89 sink deeper – “Is God still with us? Is God’s kingdom done?” Read Psalm 90 again as if you were Daniel (Read with expression). Somebody like Ezra eventually gathers all the Psalms and arranges them into the order we have them today. It was Israel’s song book for 400 years. Simeon and Anna must process the questions in Psalm 89. Herod rebuilt the temple, but Roman emperors reign instead of David’s descendants. Read Psalm 90 again as if you were Simeon or Anna before they meet Jesus. Finally, make it your own prayer. The world feels powerful and the church appears weak. New laws approve immorality and oppose Christianity. Starvation, persecution, broken marriages – even your own struggle with sin – may tempt you to ask, “Is God actively present?” Suggestions for prayer Conclude by reading Psalm 90 as your prayer. Reaffirm God’s presence. Confidently confess your sins. Remember that Jesus died to deal with your guilt and shame. Thank God that He dwells in you by His Spirit. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 18 - Is Yahweh still loving and faithful?

“Lord, where is your steadfast love of old, which by your faithfulness you swore to David?” - Psalm 89:49 Scripture reading: Psalm 89:38-52 Read Ps. 89:38-45 to experience the shocking reality of God’s justice against sin. Ethan describes a time when Yahweh punished David’s family-king (38-39) and humiliated him (43-45) by sending cruel enemies (42) to smash his military forts and Jerusalem’s walls (40-41). Ethan is a contemporary of Solomon (1 Kings 4:31), so he likely has in mind Shishak (pharaoh of Egypt) who attacked Rehoboam (David’s grandson) and forced him and Judah to slavery (see 2 Chronicles 12:1–12). Read Ps. 89:46-48 to know the anxious misery of sin’s consequences. Through agonizing questions and desperate cries Ethan pleads with Yahweh to rescue him from death. Read Ps. 89:49-51 to develop a passion that is more consumed with Yahweh’s honour than personal comfort. Ethan feels insulting shame when enemies mock Yahweh’s anointed king (50-51). That explains his daring question, “Lord, where is Your steadfast love of old, which by Your faithfulness You swore to David?” (v.49). Ethan’s song will be fitting for a later generation when Nebuchadnezzar shackles king Zedekiah (David’s 19th generation grandson) with chains, strips the temple of its gold and valuables, slaughters the residents of Jerusalem and burns the royal city to the ground like a bulldozer (see 2 Kings 24:8–25:30). For the next 600 years, faithful saints will ask about Yahweh’s steadfast love and faithfulness to David. That’s why Ethan ends the song with “Amen and Amen” (51) which means “I believe!” or “Faithful!” Yes, God is loving and faithful. Jesus’ kingdom is coming! Suggestions for prayer Confess that your sins and the sins of the church shame Christ’s kingdom. Ask to be consumed more by Christ’s kingdom than personal comfort – especially when the powers of wealth and politics make the church seem small and insignificant. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 17 - Celebrate Yahweh’s love and faithfulness!

Daily devotional

January 16 - Don't doubt God’s goodness

“Truly God is good to Israel, to those who are pure in heart. But as for me, my feet had almost stumbled…” - Psalm 73:1-2 Scripture reading...

Daily devotional

January 15 - Give the King your justice!

“Give the king your justice, O God, and your righteousness to the royal son! … May his … fame continue as long as the sun! May people be blessed...

Daily devotional

January 14 - Safety in Christ’s kingdom

“Prolong the life of the king…! May he be enthroned forever before God; appoint steadfast love and faithfulness to watch over him!” - Psalm 61:6...

Daily devotional

January 13 - The king’s repentance

“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right spirit within me.” - Psalm 51:10 Scripture reading: Psalm 51:1-16 Are you wondering what to do with a sinful secret? David’s conscience nags him for nine months or more. Exhausting. Agitating. Condemning. Then Nathan exposes his swollen puss pocket of sin to unleash three stages of repentance. Stage 1: Trust God with your dirty secrets (read 51:1-6). First, David appeals to a love more loyal than family and more compassionate than a thousand mothers (1-2). Second, he admits that his sin attacks God Himself and comes from a dirty heart (3-6). Since God so loved the world to send His only natural Son, you can share the slime of your soul with Him. Stage 2: Confession leads to cleansing (read 51:7-12). First, David begs for a clean record (7) to restore him emotionally and physically (8) in his relationship with God (9). Second, David pleads for a clean heart. David remembers Saul’s torment when the Holy Spirit left Saul. That intensifies his need for the Holy Spirit (11) to give him a right (10) and willing spirit (12). Our guilty record is cleansed by Christ’s death. Our dirty heart is purified by the Holy Spirit. Therefore, beg for cleansing. Stage 3: Clean records and hearts lead to worship (read 51:13-19). Forgiveness sets David free to teach others the way of freedom (13), to sing its value (14), and to boast of God (15). Wrong worship thinks only of the outward actions (16). When we offer our broken hearts (17), God builds a worshiping community (18) who please God with right worship (19). Suggestions for prayer Confess your own sins and ask forgiveness in Jesus’ blood. Be specific. Ask for internal changes that result in right desires and pure motives. Ask for more worship from the heart in you and your local church members. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 12 - Repent of wrong worship

“The one who offers thanksgiving as his sacrifice glorifies me; to one who orders his way rightly I will show the salvation of God!” - Psalm 50:23 Scripture reading: Psalm 50:1-23 This psalm confronts two worship problems in the Christian church today. First, it exposes worshippers who only go through the motions out of habit – not as joyful service to the King. During the sermon and songs, they doodle and daydream. Is that you … mindlessly religious, but not relating to God? God condemns careless worshippers. He calls His court to order (read 50:1-6). The heavens and earth serve as witnesses (4,6). Then come the charges: religious ritual (read 50:7-13) without relying on God (read 50:14-15). A thankful heart realizes, “God, you keep me alive!” True humility whispers desperately, “God, I need you in today’s trouble!” That’s how God gets the glory when He brings us through the day. Therefore, stop going through the motions. Be authentic. Be thankful. The church’s second problem is worship that serves as a cover for crime (read 50:16-20). These worshippers pray on Sunday to disguise their business lies. Adoration hides their appetite for adultery. They glorify God to cover their slander in the family. When confronted, they get angry (17). Do you fake worship? Is church your smoke screen for evil? God arrests them too and charges them with forgetting God. He threatens to rip them apart. (Read 50:21-22. Yet, God extends the same grace to wicked worshippers as He does to the careless ones. He calls them to thankful worship and right living and promises to show them salvation (Read 50:23,14-5). Tomorrow’s psalm demonstrates how to repent and receive salvation in Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Confess your worship sins – thoughtless motions and deliberate deception. Sincerely beg God to rescue you from wrong worship. Ask for forgiveness in Jesus Christ. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 11 - The king and his bride

“And the King will desire your beauty. Since He is your Lord, bow to Him.” - Psalm 45:11 Scripture reading: Psalm 45:1-17 The writer of Psalm 45 is like the photographer at a wedding. But this is no ordinary marriage. It is the union of the King of kings to the ugliest Bride of brides. Jesus Christ is the King (Hebrews 1:8-9), but the Bride is a nation of gangsters – not an individual. Through compassion and pity King Jesus transforms her. This love is worth remembering and celebrating (read v.17). Therefore, the photographer captures this vivid picture with a love song. In verses 2-9 (read), he pictures Jesus Christ as the most handsome Groom (2). He majestically defeats His enemies (3-5). Then, He sets up a peaceful government where truth, meekness and righteousness replace neighbourhoods boarded up by crime (6-7a). Tenderly, He smiles at every citizen like a joyful groom celebrating his bride (8-9). Correspondingly, verses 10-15 (read) picture the gangster nation as the Bride. The song writer urges her to leave her home and her criminal community to become a citizen of the victorious King. He desires her like a groom waiting at the front of the church (10-11). With awe, even the King’s enemies will recognize her global significance and honour her marriage with extravagant gifts (12). Like a bride walking down the aisle in a spectacular dress, she will receive more recognition than guests who stand for any bridal procession (13-15). Instead of fading into a sunset, this love song ends with a glorious picture of God’s future Kingdom (read v.16). Christ’s sons will rule the world! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for rescuing dead sinners like you through the victory of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Ask for a greater awareness of your identity with Christ’s Bride, the Church. Thank God for creating a new society that will be completed at Jesus’ return. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 10 - Waiting for God’s deliverance

“Send out your light and your truth…. Hope in God; for I shall again praise Him, my salvation and my God.” - Psalm 43:3, 5 Scripture reading: Psalm 43:1-5 Justice brings relief. When the bully gets sentenced to prison, the victim breathes a sigh of relief. In Psalm 43, the sons of Korah long for that kind of relief when one of them cries, “Vindicate me, O God!” (1). Keep in mind that Satan still works in the children of disobedience (Ephesians 2:1-2). They are ungodly. They lie. They cheat (v.1). This man’s constant mourning reminds us that we live in a devilish world (v.2). May we too grieve at such injustices. For you, it may be intensely personal – a shifty landlord, a deceptive family member, a shady boss. So also, the psalmist writes from personal experience. Though he feels rejected by God, yet he takes refuge in God (2). First, he trusts God by persisting in prayer (3-4). He requests insight (i.e. light and truth) to lead him to God’s holy hill. Remember from Psalm 2 that God’s Son sits on that holy hill as King! That’s why we need greater insight – to see our oppression in light of Jesus at God’s right hand. Second, he trusts God by preaching to himself (5). He acknowledges his grey sadness with an honest question. But he refuses to let his depression get in the way of his relationship with God. His self-sermon is simple: Hope in God. This hope is like the kid who can’t wait for his birthday. Just as relief seems too far away, the writer can’t wait for the day of celebrating God’s deliverance. Suggestions for prayer Pray that persecuted Christians may have relief through Jesus’ justice. Pray for relief from the specific ways your own culture resists God’s kingdom. Ask for a greater awareness of Jesus’ superiority over Satan’s kingdom. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 9 - The blessed destination

"Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him. …You set me before Your face forever.” - Psalm 41:1, 12b ...

Daily devotional

January 8 - Sharing in Jesus joyful answer

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you. For kingship belongs t...

Daily devotional

January 7 - Trust Jesus to hold you close

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning?” - Psalm 22:1 Scripture reading:...

Daily devotional

January 6 - Praise of Yahweh’s kingdom rescue

“Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.” - Psalm 18:50 Scriptur...

Daily devotional

January 5 - The story of Yahweh’s rescue

“For who is God, but the Lord? — the God who equipped me with strength and made my way blameless.” - Psalm 18:31, 32 Scripture reading: Psalm 18:20-42 On Sunday afternoons our family enjoys reading together. Our favourites are life-stories of Christian missionaries. Their zeal for the Lord inspires us. In these next verses of Psalm 18, David tells his own story of rescue. Notice how he gives God the credit at every turn. First, he credits God for keeping him from doing wrong. He could have killed Saul on two occasions, but he didn’t. Why not? Because God’s rules and statutes (22) filled his mind. He didn’t dare to touch the Lord’s anointed. Softly read verses 20-24 as David reflects on his decision not to kill Saul. Second, David credits God with being faithful. From Deuteronomy 28, we learn that God blesses obedience and curses rebellion. David recognizes that God dealt with him in this fashion. What was the outcome? God put a spring in David’s legs to leap over a wall in battle. Thoughtfully read verses 25-30 to see that God is true to His word. Third, God equips David for battle (18:32,39). He gives God the credit by listing specific details of his story. How did David get to be such a successful soldier? God put speed in his legs and skill in his hands. Every success in hand-to-hand combat, he attributes to God. Learn to credit God by reading verses 31-39. Finally, David credits God with his victories. What is the greatest difference between Saul and David? God answered David’s prayer, but gave silence to Saul. Humbly read verses 40-42 as David remembers God’s grace. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for answering the prayers of Jesus whose victory crushes Satan’s head and secures our salvation. Give God the credit for specific ways He has and is keeping you in the faith. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 4 - When God answers… celebrate!

“I love you, O Lord, my strength. …I call upon the Lord, who is worthy to be praised, and I am saved from my enemies.” - Psalm 18:1, 3 Scripture reading: Psalm 18:1-19 God answers prayer. But sometimes we must wait. It doesn’t help that we live in an instant society of microwave meals, next-day delivery and online answers. Even now I feel a little impatient by skipping Psalms 4-17 in which David pleads for freedom from his enemies. Finally, Psalm 18 celebrates God’s answer (read the inspired title). Immediately, David’s heart gushes with love for God’s protection. As you read verses 1-3 imagine the pictures David paints. Feel the refreshing confidence in God that energizes his emotions. God saved David from his enemies. He can’t help but to celebrate. To give God the credit, David tells his story of answered prayer (read verses 4-6). Imagine ropes pulling you under the water into dark suffocation. David prays. God answers from His tent – the place where God’s Son is seated on the Holy Hill of Zion (2:6). David senses the majestic drama of God’s answer. Read verses 7-15 expressively to feel the cataclysmic power behind the swaying earth and shaking mountains (7), thick darkness (9,11), burning coals (12), peals of thunder (13), lightning flashes (14), and a dry seabed (15). By borrowing these images from the Exodus, David captures the drama of his own deliverance. In fact, David goes so far as to compare his rescue to Moses escaping the Nile at birth. (Moses’ name means “drawn out”. Read vv. 16-19.) Does God’s answer (Psalm 18) to David’s prayers (Psalms 3-17) inspire you to pray? Pray deliberately. Observe carefully. Celebrate God’s answers. Suggestions for prayer We would do well to celebrate our own salvation as dramatically as David. Call upon the Lord to be delivered from the Devil, the world and your own sinful desires. Tell God how much you love Him for answering past prayers. Be specific if you can. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 3 - Exercise routine #1

“I cried aloud to the Lord, and he answered me from his holy hill. Selah.” - Psalm 3:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 3:1-8 Yesterday, we learned the significance of the holy hill. That’s where Yahweh set His Son to reign! Therefore, Psalm 2 ends with this advice: “Happy are all who take refuge in him” (2:12). Then Psalm 3 shows how to put that trust into practice. In Psalm 3, King David thinks of God ruling the world through His Son. Enemy teeth clamp down on David like a fierce lion. But David cries to Yahweh, “Arise! … Save me! … For you … break the teeth of the wicked” (v.7). It’s as if the lion drops its prey. David relaxes, falls asleep, and awakens refreshed in Yahweh’s care (v.5). Maybe Satan whispers in your ear like the kind of gossip that haunted David. Because of his adultery and murder, his son, Absalom, now steals the kingdom and David flees Jerusalem. (See Psalm 3 title.) Rumour has it that God no longer loves David. Social media says, “There is no salvation for David in God” (v.2). If you had seen Absalom’s invasion you would likely agree. Do you have doubts about God’s love and care for you? Does your shame bite like the fangs of a lion? Instead of fearing his enemies and listening to the gossip, David demonstrates the first exercise routine for the New Year. By meditating on and delighting in (1:3) Yahweh’s promises (2:7-9), David expectantly cries to Yahweh (3:4). Now it’s your turn. Exert your trust-muscles. Meditate. Delight. Trust Yahweh’s Son. Read Psalm 3 again. Then proceed to prayer. Suggestions for prayer Name your enemies. Be specific about yourself, the world, and Satan. Then cry, “Arise! Save me!” Expect God to answer because Jesus rules the world. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 2 - The exercise goal: Trust God’s son-king

“Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, and you perish in the way, for His wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in Him.” - Psalm 2:12 Scripture reading: Psalm 2:1-12 Meditating on God’s instruction develops trust in God’s Son Who rules the world (2:12). Taking refuge in God’s Son, blesses us in four ways. First, the King’s enemies show our need for Jesus (read 2:1-3). The world hates Jesus and His followers (John 15:18-25). We battle Satan, the world and our own flesh. Therefore, trust God’s Son to set us free. Second, the King’s throne builds our confidence in Jesus (read 2:4-6). Yahweh is doing something about the enemies – He has set His King on the holy hill of Zion. In the Old Testament, that hill represents the access point to God. Now our way is Jesus. He rules the world at God’s right hand. Therefore, trust God’s Son as the way to God. Third, the King’s mission shapes our expectation (read 2:7-9). The Son-King comes to inherit the kingdoms of this world (2:7-9). At His ascension, Jesus announces His right to have the nations of this world: “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations … (Matthew 28:18-19). Therefore, trust God’s Son to bring sinners into His kingdom. Finally, the King’s judgment secures our blessing (read 2:10-12). In the final judgment, Jesus brings peace by destroying all who refuse to submit. The wicked cannot withstand His wrath (1:5-6). At His coming, Jesus will create the new heavens and earth in which righteousness dwells (2 Peter 3:13). Therefore, trust God’s Son. Suggestions for prayer Identify today’s struggle with Satan, the world or your flesh. Be specific. Confess that the King of the universe can remove your struggle or strengthen you for it. Ask God to brighten your testimony, to expand your influence for His kingdom, and to long more earnestly for Jesus’ return. Rev. Ken Anema currently serves as an instructor for Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary which is a prison discipleship ministry structured as a school. Prior to that, he pastored the Messiah’s Independent Reformed Church in Holland, MI (1993-2014) after graduating from Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

January 1 - Introduction to the book of Psalms

Where are you going this year? Where are you headed in life? Do you know what’s better than a New Year’s Resolution? …a Life’s Resolution. The...

Daily devotional

December 31 - Nearing the end

“Then I saw another angel flying directly overhead, with an eternal gospel to proclaim to those who dwell on earth, to every nation and tribe and la...

Daily devotional

December 30 - Assurance of victory

“Then I looked, and behold, on Mount Zion stood the Lamb, and with him 144,000 who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.”...

Daily devotional

December 29 - The beast from the earth

“Then I saw another beast rising out of the earth.” - Revelation 13:11 Scripture reading: Revelation 13:11-18 Another beast arises from th...

Daily devotional

December 28 - The beast from the sea

“Who is like the beast, and who can fight against it?” - Revelation 13:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 13:1-10 Many of us are distressed over the moral decline in our nations and the political corruption and polarization that prevails. Government under God is good. Government that seeks to take the place of God is a beast. This is the beast that comes out of the sea in Revelation 13. In Revelation 17:15 we learn that the waters are “…people’s, multitudes, nations, and languages.” Out of this arises governments that, under the sway of the devil’s lies, seek power apart from and in opposition to God. Early readers may have thought of the Roman Empire as a beast who opposed the Christian church, but Rome was only one aspect of this Beast. It comes repeatedly in various forms, for he is a symbol of all worldly governments and secular power opposing God and His people. In Revelation 11, it destroyed the witness of the church. Here in Revelation 13, we read that it is “…given power to make war against the saints and to conquer the saints.” We often wonder who can stand against governments as they disregard God and murder the unborn, change God’s definition of marriage, confuse people regarding gender and seek to overturn what is right and good and true. The beast seems all powerful! Yet, as we will see, its authority is limited by God’s. We are simply called to patient endurance and faithfulness, for the time of the beast, like that of Satan, is short. Although we may be persecuted (captivity, sword, death), we must remain faithful to Jesus whose kingdom never ends. Suggestions for prayer In these trying times, pray that God will give us strength to oppose evil and the evil one, and to stand for what is true, always remaining faithful to our King and Saviour Jesus. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 27 - The persecuted church

“And when the dragon saw that he had been thrown down to the earth, he pursued the woman … and went off to make war on the rest of her offspring.” - Revelation 12:13, 17 Scripture reading: Revelation 12:13-17 While we rejoice and are filled with great hope because of Christ’s victory over sin and Satan, we should not be lulled into thinking that now life will be peaceful and quiet. The devil, being cast down, now pursues the church, those who follow Jesus, keeping the commandments of God and bearing testimony to Jesus. This passage shows that the woman is carried on eagles’ wings to the desert for protection. This is how God saved Old Testament Israel. He brought them out of Egypt into the wilderness, as He prepared them for the promised land. He protected them from the attack of enemies. This is how He always provides for His people. In hard times of life, God teaches us to trust Him, and through this He draws us to Himself. He protects us from the devil. This does not stop the devil from pursuing the rest of the woman’s offspring whenever he can. The followers of Jesus will always be persecuted and slandered. We are engaged in a spiritual war. We must put on the whole armour of God that we may stand against him. As Isaiah 40 promises, those who wait upon the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles … they will walk and not faint. God will give them the strength to persevere during the evil days. 1 John 5:4-5 says, “Who is he who overcomes the world? Only he who believes that Jesus is the son of God. This is the victory that has overcome the world, even our faith.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that as we are engaged in a great spiritual war, God will use it to sanctify us for the glory of His holy Name. Ask Him to keep us faithful, spotless and pure, that we may persevere in the faith. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 26 - The devil hurled to earth

“And the great dragon was thrown down, that ancient serpent, who is called the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world…” - Revelation 12:9 Scripture reading: Revelation 12:7-12 Yesterday, we saw Jesus enthroned. Now we read of war in heaven that took place even as the attack in verses 1-6 took place on earth. This is a spiritual war – of words and accusations, as v. 10-11 indicate. Throughout the Old Testament time, Satan had access to heaven where he accused the people of God of the guilt of their sin (see Job 1-2). The Old Testament sacrifices were only pictures of the removal of sin, so in a sense Satan was right, but he also knew that when Christ came, all the sins of believers would be forgiven. God's plan was to provide one sacrifice for all time for all who believed in the promised Saviour. When Christ is victorious, Satan no longer has the right of prosecutor in heaven. Now Christ is there as our advocate. Satan can no longer accuse us before God! So, heaven celebrates the great salvation for God’s people. This is great news! God's answer to the accusing lies of the dragon is, “Behold the Lamb of God that takes away the sin of the world.” When Satan gets you to doubt, look to Jesus! He is the answer. As Hebrews 9:11-12 says, “When Christ came as High priest… he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not manmade… He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption.” Suggestions for prayer Thank our Father in Heaven for Jesus, through Whose blood we are cleansed from our sins. Thank Him that Satan no longer has any grounds for accusation against us who believe in Jesus. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 25 - Christmas opposition

“And the dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she bore her child he might devour it.” - Revelation 12:4 Scripture Reading: Revelation 12:1-6 Most nativity scenes do not show the one animal who we know for certain was there: the fiery red dragon, “…who is the ancient serpent, known as the devil and Satan, the deceiver of the whole world” (see verse 9). All through the Old Testament he has tried to destroy Israel so that the Christ would not come. Having failed, he is waiting to devour Him the moment He is born. This is a moving picture: the woman gives birth, the dragon moves to devour and the child is snatched up to heaven. In these words, the earthly sojourn of Christ is summarized. Satan once again fails to defeat the Christ. We see that in the Christmas story as the wise men are warned to go home another way and Joseph is warned to take Jesus out of Bethlehem to Egypt. We see how Satan attacks Jesus repeatedly, yet constantly fails. The Son is not only snatched up to heaven, but to the throne! This is Jesus, Who will rule the nations with an iron sceptre (Psalm 2:9). Today, as we celebrate the birth of Jesus, we must keep in mind that Satan wanted to stop Jesus from destroying him and redeeming believers. He wanted to keep Jesus from the throne. But he has failed. We are now living in the year of our Lord, 2022. Christ yet reigns! The dragon is furious, as we shall see, but he cannot defeat our Lord. Praise God for this Saviour whose birth we celebrate today! Suggestions for prayer Thank our Triune God for sending His Son to be our Saviour. Thank Him for His victory over sin and Satan and for reigning over all history, bringing about the renewal of all things. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 24 - Leading up to Christmas

“She was pregnant and was crying out in birth pains and the agony of giving birth.” - Revelation 12:2 Scripture reading: Revelation 12:1-17 ...

Daily devotional

December 23 - The woman

“And a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a crown of twelve stars.” - Reve...

Daily devotional

December 22 - The seventh trumpet

“Then the seventh angel blew his trumpet, and there were loud voices in heaven, saying, “The Kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of our ...

Daily devotional

December 21 - The two witnesses

“And I will grant authority to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy for 1,260 days …the beast … will make war on them and conquer them and k...

Daily devotional

December 20 - The angel and the scroll

“Then I saw another mighty angel … he had a little scroll.” - Revelation 10:1,2 Scripture reading: Revelation 10 That we are in an interlude between the sixth and seventh trumpet is clear because this angel is holding a scroll, not a trumpet. This interlude is intended to comfort us about the security of believers in the last days. It is given because the Spirit does not want us to become discouraged by the dark pictures of judgment. This angel comforts us as it is clothed with a rainbow, a picture of God’s faithfulness to His promises. The similarity between this angel and the Christ in Revelation 1 shows that this angel comes from Christ and represents Him. He plants one foot on the sea and the other on the land. He shows the authority of God over land and sea and declares the Word of God. His speaking sounds like seven thunders, but we are not told about the content of the seven thunders. John is not to write this down. Clearly everything is not revealed to us, so we must be humble to know that there are forces at work by God’s authority, about which we have no concept. The church must rest in God’s sovereign care as she fulfills her mission. The angel swears that there is no more delay. When the seventh trumpet will sound the mystery will be accomplished. What we have prayed for is coming soon! Yet, not yet. John is to devour the scroll and bring the word to many. Christ is coming without delay, but the church must be faithful to her mission! Suggestions for prayer We long for the day of Christ’s return and know He is coming, for we can see the evidence all around us. Yet, as we wait, pray that He will keep us faithful to our tasks of worship and witness in this dark world. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 19 - The second woe! (The sixth trumpet)

“...saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.”” - Revelation 9:14 Scripture reading: Revelation 9:12-21 The fifth trumpet unleashed a force of demons, likened to locusts, who tormented unbelievers. The sixth trumpet unleashes a vast army led by four angels that does not torment, but kills many, but not most people. Notice, however, that the army is unleashed only at the permission of heaven, by a voice coming from the altar before God. The four angels are released from beyond the Euphrates, that is, from Babylon, the city of man opposed to God. The forces of torment and destruction can only operate by God’s permission and under His sovereign control. We realize that this vision is not of natural creatures being released, but of a demonic visitation. These are destructive. You would think that those not killed would take warning from all those being killed and repent, but we read in v. 20 that they “still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshipping demons, and idols… nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality, or their thefts.” This woe is sounded to point out that unbelief can be so hard that despite their agony and torment, people will harden themselves and refuse to repent of their transgressions. That which is intended to bring repentance will harden them. We should anticipate a great hardening of hearts, resulting in anger against Christ and His followers. Those who refuse to repent, take warning! Remember, however, that all who do repent and believe in Jesus are saved! Suggestions for prayer Thank our gracious God for the saving mercy shown to us in Jesus. Pray that many sinners hear the gospel and flee to Jesus for mercy before the final day of judgment. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 18 - The first we woe! (The fifth trumpet)

“Then I looked, and I heard an eagle crying with a loud voice as it flew directly overhead, “Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, at the blasts of the other trumpets that the three angels are about to blow!”” - Revelation 8:13 Scripture reading: Revelation 9 The last three trumpets are more severe judgements, called woes by the eagle that John sees and hears (Remember to think visually, getting a picture without getting every detail, as when you watch a movie, such as Lord of the Rings!) John sees a fallen star given a key to the Abyss. We do not have enough information to identify this star. By God’s authority, he has a key to the abode of demonic spirits. The Abyss is opened and smoke billows forth, bringing locusts (symbolic of demons) that can only hurt unbelievers. The demon world has no power to deceive God’s people. The pain afflicted is so severe that people long for death, but it eludes them. The leader of this fearsome horde is Abaddon and Apollyon, meaning destroyer. All this is a picture of the forces of hell seeking to torment men. When people do not repent in response to disasters, but persist in opposing God, they become the prey of demonic forces. With great spiritual disillusionment, they even push sin to more unbelievable extremes. Believing lies, they distort the truth, which leads to increased anguish and spiritual bondage. And they must live and die with their refusal to repent and believe. God gives them over to their sin. This horrific vision of Revelation 9 must be seen and felt, for it comes from a loving God, Who even at this stage, is willing to forgive all who call on Him in repentance and faith. Suggestions for prayer Pray that as we see this world in unbelief rushing into greater depths of sin, the Lord God will use their pain and misery to draw them back to Him in repentance and faith. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 17 - The first four trumpets

“Now the seven angels who had the seven trumpets prepared to blow them.” - Revelation 8:6 Scripture reading: Revelation 9 Many wonder how a loving God could allow great disasters to happen. The first four trumpets are natural disasters, only partial in effect, sent from heaven as warnings, like trumpet blasts, lovingly calling us to prepare for the coming final judgment before our Holy God. We must not understand the trumpets (disasters) in chronological order. That would be like listening to a symphony one instrument after the other. Rather we must see them happening simultaneously, as can happen any day anywhere in the world, even numerous times, but being limited in scope (only 1/3 of the creation may be touched), warnings of a more serious judgment coming. Think of the plagues in Egypt, which brought judgment on sin-hardened Egypt while bringing about deliverance for Israel. God was warning Egypt and His people, calling all to repentance. The trumpets are divided much like the seals were (first four, then the last three, with a parenthesis between the last two to explain the condition of the church during these disasters). The trumpets are intended to call sinners to repentant faith. In the first four, the church is not excluded from the effects of the trumpets. Zephaniah 1:14-16 describes the final day of the Lord “as a day of wrath, of distress and anguish … a day of trumpet blast.” It is important, as we see disasters in our time, to hear what the God of love is saying to us and to flee from the wrath to come, into the forgiving grace of Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer As we see disasters taking place both near and far, pray for the Lord to use them to call us and all sinners to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, so that we may not be caught by surprise when Jesus returns in final judgment. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 16 - The seventh seal

“When the Lamb opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” - Revelation 8:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 8...

Daily devotional

December 15 - The great multitude

“I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the...

Daily devotional

December 14 - Sealed for salvation

“Do not harm the earth or the sea or the trees, until we have sealed the servants of our God upon their foreheads.” - Revelation 7:3 Scriptur...

Daily devotional

December 13 - The angry lamb

“Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.” - Revelation 6:16 Scripture readin...

Daily devotional

December 12 - How long?

“They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”” - Revelation 6:10 Scripture reading: Revelation 6:9-11 The opening of the fifth seal also reveals something that takes place throughout the final ages until Christ returns. But this is a vision of an altar and of souls who had died because of their witness for the faith. God knows their names. They are crying out, “How Long, O Lord, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” This is a cry for justice, for God to make all things right. As we see the horsemen of conquest, civil unrest, economic hardship, and death, we too cry out, “How Long?” The answer is not definite. The saints are given clothes of righteousness as a guarantee of justice to come, but are told to wait a little longer until all who would suffer for the faith would be gathered in. As we wait, the greatest suffering is not that of the pocketbook or disease, but it is because of the rebellion against Jesus and the persecution of His saints. Jesus reigns in glory and yet, sin and the devil seem so dominant. How long will the Lord let such wickedness go unpunished? How long will His glory remain hidden in heaven and His servants struggle? How long before the Lord comes to our rescue (do we have no defender?)? The answer is a little longer! Rest in knowing that Christ is in heaven and working in these things to accomplish His purposes. Isaiah 30:15 says, “In quietness and in confidence shall be your strength.” Suggestions for prayer Express that we long for the day of the appearing of our Lord to judge the wicked and usher in final rest and peace for His people. Ask for patience, trust and faith. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 11 - Jesus removing the seals - four horsemen

“And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.” - Revelation 6:8 Scripture reading: Revelation 6:1-8 Jesus begins to break the seals of God’s book, that is, He begins to carry out God’s plan for the world. The first four seals are horses ridden by men who trample the world in fury, but they do so in response to a voice from heaven. These are the beginning of a series of preliminary judgments that operate throughout history by which all are called to repentance. The seals are broken, but the events are not necessarily occurring in chronological order, rather each horse and its rider represents something that happens throughout the period before Christ returns. The first rider on a white horse represents the spirit of conquest we see throughout the ages. His bow is a symbol of military conquest, not the sword Jesus is pictured as wielding. The second rider has a sword and this rider brings internal strife and conflict, and civil disorder. The third rider brings economic hardship caused by injustice (exorbitant prices for necessities, yet not luxuries). The fourth horse is the force of death, accompanied by Hades (the abode of the dead). These forces have occurred throughout history, bringing limited destruction (the fourth of the earth of the last rider includes the first three). They are under Christ’s control, limited by Him. They are warnings to call all to repentance, while believers are comforted knowing it is Christ Who opens the scroll and summons these events to take place. Believe in His authority to control these forces until the final judgment and renewal of all things. Suggestions for prayer Having seen these forces at work throughout history, partial judgments, warning us to flee from the final judgment, give thanks that Jesus is in control of all history and through even these things is bringing about renewal and liberation from the curse of sin. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 10 - The end goal is praise and worship

“And I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and in the sea, and all that is in them, saying, “To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be blessing and honor and glory and might forever and ever... AMEN”” - Revelation 5:13 Scripture reading: Revelation 5:6-14 Tomorrow, God’s people gather for worship. We worship God because He is worthy of worship. God is worthy because He is our creator (4:11). The Son is worthy because He was sacrificed and by His blood He ransomed people for God from all the earth, uniting them as a kingdom of priests. This chapter emphasizes this in three different songs! In heaven, the Son is worshipped along with the Father. All the angels, the whole church, and all creation sing praise to God because all have been set free from the curse! Because we are free we can worship. The goal of all creation is the worship of the creator. We are free to worship in our homes, and on Sunday. We are free to worship with God’s people; free because of the guilt-removing work of Jesus Christ. Yet, we do so looking forward to when all people and creation will be united in praise, and sin will no longer mar our worship of God. Jesus is in heaven ruling, directing all things toward that day when all things shall be made new. Our worship here is hindered by our physical ailments and other effects of sin in our lives. As we focus on the work of Jesus, our hearts are lifted in prayer (presented in heaven as incense) and praise, but here it is just a foretaste of that eternal day when there will be nothing to mar our worship. What a glorious day of worship that will be. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord God to hasten the day when Jesus returns and all things will be made new, and all creation will burst forth in harmonious praise free from any bonds or effects of sin! Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

December 9 - Worthy is the Lamb

“I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain.” - Revelation 5:6 Scripture reading: Revelation 5 John was told by an elder not to weep, but to look upon the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David. He conquered and was therefore able to open the scroll. When John looks, he sees not a Lion, but a lamb (pictures in Revelation are very fluid!) looking like it had been killed. Here is the surprise of the gospel. Many are offended by the way of the gospel, finding it offensive that God would send His Son to be an atoning sacrifice, a sacrificial lamb. They think He could just by His power make all things new. Yet, they understand not the seriousness of their sin or the holiness of God, and therefore His wrath. Justice required punishment, and so salvation required a sacrifice by One Who could bear the punishment and live. Thus, Jesus came in the flesh, which we celebrate this Christmas season. And because Jesus came and died in our place, conquered sin and was raised up as Lord of life, He can stand in heaven, with all authority and power, and save all who call upon Him in truth. He can usher in the new heavens and earth when the last of His children are saved. As we see Jesus standing in heaven, His sacrifice sufficient, we are assured that He has been given all authority as Paul tells us in Philippians 2, and thus can and will bring about the redemption God has planned for His people and world. Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord Jesus, for He is worthy to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing. To Him be blessing and honour and glory and might forever and ever! Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional, Uncategorised

December 8 - A closed book

“Then I saw in the right hand of him who was seated on the throne a scroll written within and on the back, sealed … and no one … was able to ope...

Daily devotional

December 7 - Worthy of praise

“Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things …” - Revelation 4:11 Scripture reading: R...

Daily devotional

December 6 - Behold, a throne in heaven

“Behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne.” - Revelation 4:2 Scripture reading: Revelation 4 Amazingly, in 19 out o...

Daily devotional

December 5 - Behold your King!

“… one like a son of man … the hairs of his head were white like wool...his eyes were like a flame of fire...from his mouth came a sharp two-edg...

Daily devotional

December 4 - Jesus is coming!

“Behold he is coming with the clouds and every eye will see him, even those who pierced him, and all tribes of the earth will wail on account of him. Even So AMEN.” - Revelation 1:7 Scripture reading: Revelation 1:1-20 Once more we look at the introductory verses, this time to notice what John draws our attention to. Look, he says! And he concludes this verse with the word AMEN: so shall it be. We must take note of what is so certain, that Jesus is coming, not now as the Saviour in the manger, but now as the sovereign Lord, coming on the clouds of heaven to judge the heavens and earth. Clouds in scripture are symbols of majesty, glory and judgment. In Psalm 97:2 we read, “…clouds and thick darkness surround Him; righteousness and justice are the foundations of his throne.” Jesus will return on the clouds, that is with majesty, glory and judgment, and every eye will see Him. His enemies will see Him and tremble in fear. They will mourn because of Him. Mentioned are those who pierced Him, those who put Him to death at the crucifixion. All who are unrepentant and unforgiven will mourn because when Jesus returns, they suddenly will see their folly and the dawning of the day of their destruction (see Revelation 18). In verse 1, we believers were promised grace and peace. This warning is given here to encourage all who hear, to flee to Christ and put their faith in Him. 1 John 1:9 says, “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” Believers need not fear our Saviour’s return. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the redeeming work of Jesus and for the promise of His return as judge to make all things new. Ask for forgiveness of our sins, in Jesus’ name. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 3 - Jesus gives grace and peace

“Grace to you and peace from him who is and who was and who is to come, and from the seven spirits who are before his throne, and from Jesus Christ, the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler of the kings on earth.” - Revelation 1:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 1:4-8 Grace is God’s pardoning favour to those who do not deserve it. Peace is a fruit of this grace. Many do not have peace and are living in fear of judgment, death and destruction. Paul says in Romans 5:1, “Since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” Peace with God calms our hearts and minds, for we are free from guilt, no longer in danger of eternal judgment. “All things now work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). The object of this greeting is the church, the body of believers in Christ, found scattered throughout the world. It is a world in darkness, opposed to God and one which persecutes and opposes Christ and His followers. To them, God gives a peace that passes all understanding, for they know His eternal grace. The Triune God gives this grace and peace, for He is the One Who is, Who was and Who is coming (eternal). This is, by the Spirit, through the work of Jesus, who is described as the faithful witness, the firstborn from the dead and the ruler. Jesus said in John 18 that He came to bear witness to the truth. He is the firstborn from the dead since in His resurrection from the dead all who believe in Him, from all ages, are raised to new life. He is King of kings and Lord of lords. Suggestions for Prayer Thank God for His grace and peace given in Christ, for to Him belongs all glory and power forever and ever. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 2 - Revealing what is taking place

“The revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show to his servants the things that must soon take place.” - Revelation 1:1a Scripture reading: Revelation 1:1-8 God nowhere gives a timetable of events for us to follow. Jesus said in Acts 1:7, “It is not for you to know the times and dates the father has set by His own authority.” What God intends in this book is to reveal things that must soon take place, so that we may be assured that Jesus is coming, keeping His promises of complete salvation. Jesus is governing all things. He here sheds light on the dark and terrible times of our world so that we are able to keep the faith until He returns. This revelation is for His servants, for all who are saved from the guilt and dominion of sin to serve Christ with a new obedience. Only those who repent of their sin and believe in Christ will receive the blessings promised in this revelation. Only those who humbly submit to Christ and seek to serve Him in this dark world will find light and blessing. This book is about what must soon take place. In fact, it is about things already taking place. God has a plan and all things are happening in our world according to His sovereign will, not by chance or fate. This is a comforting thought! Events that are happening must take place as our Lord’s return draws near. These things are indicators that Jesus is returning to make all things new; all the signs are there! As Jesus says in Revelation 22, “Behold, I am coming soon, and my reward is with me.” Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for ruling all things and for revealing to us His governing in everything so that one day all things will be made new, and sin shall be no more. Ask for faith to believe and live in that hope. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

Introduction to the book of Revelation

We often spend the month of December looking forward to Christmas Day. Christmas Day is a highlight of the year in many churches, for it is a day of reflection on the gift of God’s Son for the salvation of sinners. However, this month we will look at the book of Revelation, not so much in anticipation of Christmas Day, but considering the birth of Christ to be our atoning sacrifice. Because of Christ’s victory over death and Satan, we now live in a world where the devil wages war against the people of God, trying to rob Christ of His victory, if possible. The book of Revelation highlights this struggle for us, comforting us with the assurance that Christ is sovereign overall, is making all things new, and is coming again to usher in the new (renewed) heavens and earth! May He come quickly. Jesus promises blessings “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near.” - Revelation 1:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 1:1-7 We should carefully reflect on v. 3. Reading and hearing the book of Revelation gives blessings. Revelation is God’s inspired word, intended to ground us in the truth of our redemption in Christ. Many consider it a difficult book, but it is sufficiently clear for us to be built up by it as we come to know and believe what is written in it. What is necessary for us, is to approach the book of Revelation humbly, believing, and taking to heart, the revelation as it was given and believing that God will keep His promise of blessing. A revelation uncovers something hidden. God reveals things here that cannot be understood by natural senses or reason, for they are things that belong to a kingdom not of this world (although influencing this world). We learn of things that belong to the spiritual or heavenly order of things “which eye has not seen, nor ear heard nor has entered into the hearts of men.” It is a revelation from God through Jesus and it is also a revelation about Jesus. It is a book about Who Jesus is, what He is doing, and how He is bringing all things to the redemptive end that God has in mind. In this sense, it is no different from the rest of Scripture. Yet, this book tells us about Jesus as the exalted Lord, about how He has been and is working in this present age until He returns. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to bless us as we read and reflect on this book this month and enable us to take it to heart, that we might know Christ and the joy of His salvation. Thank Him for His comforting promises. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga has served in four churches and he retired in September 2019. He and his wife now reside in Washington, North Carolina. He presently serves as a relationship Counsellor with Coastal Pregnancy Centre, as the chairman of the Synodical appeals committee of the URCNA, and also enjoys helping in various churches when possible. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 30 - The servants song

“…be glory, majesty, dominion, and authority, before all time and now and forever. Amen.” - Jude 25 Scripture reading: Revelation 5; Jude 24-...

Daily devotional

November 29 - The far greater Saviour

“…to the only God, our Savior, through Jesus Christ our Lord…” - Jude 25a Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 10:23-33; Jude 24-25 The grac...

Daily devotional

November 28 - Beautiful Saviour

“…and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy…” - Jude 24b Scripture reading: Revelation 7:9-17; Jude 24-...

Daily devotional

November 27 - The first step

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling…” - Jude 24a Scripture reading: Psalm 121:1-8; Jude 24-25 With these final verses of hi...

Daily devotional

November 26 - Fireman’s carry

“…save others by snatching them out of the fire; to others show mercy with fear, hating even the garment stained by the flesh.” - Jude 23 Scripture reading: Acts 2:29-39; Jude 17-23 When a firefighter rushes into a burning house, he doesn’t ask the person lying in the middle of the flames and suffering from smoke inhalation, “Would you like me to show mercy to you?” No, he yanks that person up and over his shoulder and carries him out of the house as quickly as he can. Verse 22 encourages us to have mercy on those who doubt, which requires patience and compassion. Verse 23 commands us again to have mercy, but this time there is no room for patience. Perhaps you’ve had patience with this person in the past, but they’ve become so consumed by their sinful desires that they need to be rescued immediately from a much more dangerous fire – the wrath of God. In this case, tough words need to be said, knowing that they might not be welcomed. Perhaps friendships or possessions need to be left behind because they lead to uncontrolled temptation. But if these tough words are not said and sinners are left to continue in their ways, they risk the judgment of God that Jude described in verses 5-11. May God have mercy and snatch sinners from the fire! Suggestions for prayer Pray for loved ones or church family who are shutting their hearts to God’s call to repentance. Ask the Lord to help you not to be afraid of speaking words of mercy to them. Pray that God would gather the lost and show them His mercy. Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 25 - Tactical doubt

“And have mercy on those who doubt…” - Jude 22 Scripture reading: Isaiah 42:1-9; Matthew 14:22-33; Jude 17-23 If we are “waiting for the mercy of the Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life” (verse 21b), then we can show mercy to those who struggle to see that mercy take hold in their lives. We can do this especially when that struggle is against a determined, focused and crafty enemy whose goal is to destroy the confidence we have in the promises of God. The devil knows that he cannot take us from God’s hand, so he will try every tactic he has to make us uncomfortable with being in God’s hand. Doubt is one of his tactics. Am I really one of God’s children if I struggle with my sin so much? Can God’s grace truly cover me if I fall into temptation repeatedly? Will God keep His promises even if I prove unworthy of them? Is trying to live a holy life worth the effort if I fail so often? These are not the questions of a false teacher who tries to convince us that we can live in our sensuality without consequence, but of a believer who struggles to live in the freedom that Christ has won for them. Is there someone you know who is struggling with doubt? How can you show mercy to them? What have you learned about God’s mercy that will help you point them to Jesus? Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would answer the weakness of your faith with the strength of His promises. Ask Him to remind you of the mercy He has shown to you and to His people. Ask Him to give you a heart that is eager to show mercy to those who doubt. Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 24 - Missing out or mercy

“…waiting for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ that leads to eternal life.” - Jude 21b Scripture reading: Romans 6:15-23; Jude 17-23 Sin has twisted how we look at earthly things. We deceive ourselves into thinking that if we don’t enjoy every temporary earthly thing that catches our attention, we have missed out on the best experiences life can offer. And even once we have that one experience, we deceive ourselves into thinking we need it again, or we need more of it, to be satisfied. But keeping ourselves in the love of God means looking for what is permanent, steadfast and real. In Christ, we are no longer slaves to the need for more and better, making idols of the moment and being afraid of missing out. We are, joyfully, slaves of God, which means that we have something far better to live for: mercy. Mercy is worth waiting for. Mercy is worth having self-control over our desires. Mercy has promised to give us a far better satisfaction than sin can provide. The mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ will lead to eternal life. Do you find yourself getting anxious over earthly things? Do the desires of your heart have control over you? Remember that Jesus gives us a far better life to live, beginning already today. Sin cannot satisfy us, but knowing that His mercy leads to eternal life means that we can enjoy being free from slavery to temporary things. Live as one who is free in Christ! Suggestions for prayer Confess the ways that earthly things consume your mind and heart, taking your eyes off of the mercy that has set you free in Christ. Pray that God’s people would be witnesses of that freedom to their neighbours. Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 23 - How then shall we live?

“…keep yourselves in the love of God…” - Jude 21a Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 7:1-11; Jude 17-23 Contending for the faith is not about winning an argument or proving that you’re on the right side of history when Jesus returns. It’s about keeping ourselves in the love of God. False teachers who entice us to love our sins, are trying to keep us from the love of God. And, as we’ve seen, the result is the destruction of the church and the weight of eternal judgment. So how do we keep ourselves in the love of God? It’s not about trying to preserve our salvation or doing enough good works to earn the right to stay in God’s love. It means having a desire for God’s love that overtakes every desire of the flesh. It’s that all-important question that comes from the gospel of God’s perfect grace for sinners through faith in Jesus Christ: how then shall we live? That’s why verse 20 instructed us to build ourselves in our faith and to pray in the Holy Spirit, because these activities will keep the love of God fresh in our hearts and foremost in our minds. The more we surround ourselves with the evidence of God’s love, the less we will love our sins and the world will have less appeal when we remember the covenant mercies of the Lord. No longer will God’s commandments seem like a burden; they will become the way we express our love to Him. Where can you enjoy the Lord’s love for you today? Suggestions for prayer Give thanks that God’s love does not wait for our love to first be given to Him. Ask Him to open your eyes to see His love everywhere He displays it. Pray that His love would far outshine the desires of the flesh. Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 22 - A turning point

“But you, beloved, building yourselves up in your most holy faith and praying in the Holy Spirit…” - Jude 20 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:4-1...

Daily devotional

November 21 - Division must occur

“It is these who cause divisions, worldly people, devoid of the Spirit.” - Jude 19 Scripture reading: John 14:25-31; John 17:20-26; Jude 17-23 ...

Daily devotional

November 20 - Did God really say?

“They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”” - Jude 18 Scripture reading: 2 Peter 3...

Daily devotional

November 19 - The old, old story

“But you must remember, beloved, the predictions of the apostles of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Jude 17 Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:19-22; Heb...

Daily devotional

November 18 - The wolf’s name tag

“These are grumblers, malcontents, following their own sinful desires; they are loud-mouthed boasters, showing favoritism to gain advantage.” - Jude 16 Scripture reading: Matthew 7:15-19; Galatians 5:16-26; Jude 14-16 False teachers don’t come into the church wearing a name tag: “Wolf in sheep’s clothing.” Instead, they will present themselves as harmless, even humble to a fault. They are the last people you’d think are in danger of the wrath of God because their hypocrisy is designed to deceive. When Jesus says, “By their fruits you will know them,” he is speaking specifically about false teachers. What are these fruits? They grumble about the imperfections in the work of the church’s elders, implying that they could do a better job. They are malcontented about the pace of the church’s growth, proposing their own programs or tactics instead. They are quick to ask for patience and compassion when their teaching doesn’t line up with the Scriptures, but they have little patience for those who rebuke them. They will look to gain a following, force others into choosing sides and play the game of favourites to win you over. These are the fruits of a heart that will not submit itself to God’s Word, a heart that has a zeal to satisfy its own sinful desires instead. So what are we zealous for? Are we quick to grumble or complain? Do we boast about our own ideas and show favouritism? Lord, help us bear the fruit of humble faith! Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would bear the good fruit that comes from being rooted in Christ and ask the Lord to prune away whatever is sinful. Pray for watchful elders who have loving and compassionate hearts for God’s people Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 17 - Talking about judgment

“…to execute judgment on all and to convict all the ungodly of all their deeds of ungodliness that they have committed in such an ungodly way, and of all the harsh things that ungodly sinners have spoken against him.” - Jude 15 Scripture reading: Revelation 20:1-6; Jude 14-16 Talking about the judgment of God is not the most popular topic of discussion, even within the church. We worry that it will turn away those who might be interested in the gospel. We are reluctant to be confrontational. And passages like Matthew 7:1 – “Judge not, that you be not judged” – can be used to expose our own faults, so we choose not to judge anything at all. But the Bible isn’t afraid to talk about God’s judgment. After all, isn’t that what the cross of Christ is about? God gave His only begotten Son to take the place of sinners who deserve to face the righteous wrath of the holy God. Without talking about the judgment of God, the church has nothing to say to the world about Jesus. Instead, God’s judgment gives us every reason to warn sinners about the consequences of their choices. God’s judgment gives us a patient answer to the injustices of our world. God’s judgment even gives us hope. Contending for the faith requires us to counter the false hope that relief and joy come through sinful indulgence. True relief and perfect joy will come when Jesus returns to judge the living and the dead. Those who believe in Jesus will not have an eternity of unanswered questions and unjustly given scars. We will reign with Christ and all will be made right. Suggestions for prayer Pray that Jesus would come quickly as the judge of the world. Ask Him to give you patience while you wait for Him to answer your unjust sufferings. Pray that Christians would urgently witness to the judgment of God that can only be answered by the cross of Christ. Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 16 - Walking with Enoch

“It was also about these that Enoch, the seventh from Adam, prophesied, saying, “Behold, the Lord comes with ten thousands of his holy ones…”” - Jude 14 Scripture reading: Genesis 5:21-24; Jude 14-16 Genesis 5 says that Enoch walked with God, so what did his life look like? He was not a sinless man, but he loved to pursue holiness. He joyfully learned about God’s will. He knew that he was saved by grace alone. That’s why he would have been very careful to avoid ungodly influences in his life. Are we eager to accompany Enoch on his walks with God? Not only should we look forward to being with the Lord in glory someday, but are we striving to be close to the Lord today? Do we love the holiness of the God Who has saved us from our sins? Do we honour the Lord for the justice He will bring against the wicked? Do we thank God for the Spirit’s work through Christian discipline? That’s why Jude mentions Enoch’s prophecy, because Enoch refused to make room in his life for false teachers who would have tempted him with the counterfeit satisfactions of sinful living. And when the Lord comes with ten thousands of His saints, they will all make the same declaration: there is no peace for those who walk in their sins. There is far more joy to be found in the holiness of the Lord, so repent and walk with Him! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He not only brings us into salvation by grace, but continues to give the grace that overcomes our reluctance to be holy. Pray that your church would faithfully preach God’s Word, administer the sacraments and exercise church discipline Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 15 - Foaming shame

“Wild waves of the sea, casting up the foam of their own shame; wandering stars, for whom the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved forever.” - Jude 13 Scripture reading: Philippians 4:6-9; Jude 12-13 After describing false teachers as waterless clouds, Jude now describes them as “wild waves” and “wandering stars.” These metaphors are the opposite of a peaceful afternoon gazing up at the sky. They are signals of turbulence, aimlessness and, sadly, destruction. Wild waves of the sea crash repeatedly against the rocks, churning up foam and tremendous noise as they wage their battle. But the water always recedes back into the sea. Similarly, wandering stars, like meteorites, streak across the sky with incredible speed and brilliant light, but they burn up in the atmosphere or crash into the ground. If we deceive ourselves into thinking that a life of sin is more fruitful, we use up a lot of energy making excuses for our actions. When godly friends warn us of the shame of our actions, we quickly become agitated and find ways to shame them so that we don’t feel as badly about ourselves. And when God’s Word in the hand of a brother or sister warns us of the eternal consequences of an unconverted heart, we angrily tell them to shut their Bibles. Lay yourself in humility at the feet of the Saviour today and confess any pride that refuses to repent of the sins you love too much. Unlike waves returning to the sea, or meteorites burning up in the sky, prayers of repentance will not be futile when they come to the ears of our gracious Father. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to open your eyes to see the shame and the futility of your sins. Pray that the Spirit would continue your daily conversion in the dying away of the old self and the coming to life of the new. Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 14 - Waterless clouds

"Waterless clouds, swept along by winds; fruitless trees in late autumn, twice dead, uprooted…” - Jude 12b Scripture reading: Matthew 6:19-21; ...

Daily devotional

November 13 - Hidden reefs

“These are hidden reefs at your love feasts, as they feast with you without fear, shepherds feeding themselves…” - Jude 12a Scripture reading...

Daily devotional

November 12 - Offended by offensiveness

“Woe to them! For they walked in the way of Cain and abandoned themselves for the sake of gain to Balaam's error and perished in Korah's rebellion.�...

Daily devotional

November 11 - Risky reasoning

“But these people blaspheme all that they do not understand, and they are destroyed by all that they, like unreasoning animals, understand instincti...

Daily devotional

November 10 - The word of rebuke

“But when the archangel Michael, contending with the devil, was disputing about the body of Moses, he did not presume to pronounce a blasphemous judgment, but said, “The Lord rebuke you.”” - Jude 9 Scripture reading: Psalm 16; Jude 5-11 Sometimes difficult passages in the Bible worry us, especially when they raise more questions than answers. The events described in verse 9 are not mentioned anywhere else in the Bible, and knowing that the devil and Michael were disputing about the body of Moses seems unsettling. Do evil spirits and godly spirits really wrestle over our bodies after we die? Passages like Psalm 16 reassure us about the outcome of those disputes, but that’s also not actually the point that Jude is addressing. We’ve been learning about false teachers who use their own ideas, and even their dreams, to lead the church into immorality and to keep us from contending for the faith. Now that we know the danger, what tool do we need to contend for the faith? We need to use God’s Word. Verse 9 shows us how even the powerful and glorious archangel, Michael, did not rely on his own strength, nor on his own word, to refute the lies of the devil when they were disputing over something as precious as the body of Moses. With the Word of God, even the angels have everything they need for their spiritual battles. Don’t be afraid to take up God’s Word and stand firmly on His truth! Suggestions for prayer Ask for God’s blessing upon he who is preparing today to preach God’s Word to you on Sunday. Pray for His protection over your congregation to keep you from following opinions and preferences that will lead you astray Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 9 - Blasphemous dreams

“Yet in like manner these people also, relying on their dreams, defile the flesh, reject authority, and blaspheme the glorious ones.” - Jude 8 Scripture reading: 2 Peter 2; Jude 5-8 Dreams can be very convincing, but they are often reflections of our inner thoughts and desires. That’s why they are unreliable sources of truth. Sadly, some have such a strong desire to see their dreams come true that they refuse to listen to reason and authority. No matter how plainly the truth of God’s will is explained to them, they put more confidence in their dreams than in the Lord. That’s why they manipulate God’s Word or set it to the side, making their dreams into their idols in order to justify their behaviour. Are you contending for your dreams more than you contend for the faith? Are your goals and convictions defiling your flesh, or are they leading you to a holier lifestyle? Are the desires of your heart self-serving, or do you seek to love the LORD above all other considerations? The power of those inward dreams and desires will be seen in how you respond to God’s Word. If your heart is consumed by its dreams, you will despise anyone who admonishes you to repent and turn to live for Jesus. If you love your sins, you will blame the church for not tolerating your choices, even blaspheming those who bring the glorious news of salvation. May the Lord spare us from ourselves, and from those who would tell us to blindly follow our dreams! Suggestions for prayer Pray for the Spirit to purify your deepest thoughts and desires. Ask God to give you a humble spirit when you need to be corrected, and ask Him to give you faithful friends and elders who are willing to give you that correction. Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional, Uncategorised

November 8 - Yes, God is still holy

“Just as Sodom and Gomorrah and the surrounding cities, which likewise indulged in sexual immorality and pursued unnatural desire, serve as an example by undergoing a punishment of eternal fire.” - Jude 7 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:22-33; Mark 6:7-12; Jude 3-7 The lifestyle of Sodom was not destroyed with its residents. In fact, sinful humanity carries on in its unnatural desires, pretending that God’s judgment will never rain down again. Even worse, false teachers have come into the church to preach that God now endorses that same sexual immorality. One of the worst lies being told in many churches today is that God is no longer holy enough to judge sexual immorality and unnatural desires. But the punishment of eternal fire is coming. The only reason that it has not yet arrived is because God’s mercy is still gathering sinners out of their wrath-worthy lifestyles. But if the church is to preach the way of escape from Sodom’s punishment, it must reject Sodom’s false gospel. We must testify of the good news of Jesus Christ to those who parade their ungodliness. Yes, the Spirit can bring God’s mercy to any sinner! Praise God that He has called even a sinner like you to salvation in Jesus Christ! We can’t compromise that good news by pretending God’s justice has changed since His holy fire rained down upon those cities long ago. We won’t be taking the dust of our unnatural desires with us into glory, so let’s be sure to shake it off before His judgment comes. Let us love our neighbours and warn them of their need to be converted. LORD, be merciful and withhold Your judgment so long as even one can still be saved! Suggestions for prayer Appeal for God’s mercy to show us our need for purity and freedom in Jesus Christ. Ask Him to embolden the church to be clear and courageous in its witness. Pray for your neighbours and family members who need to know the way of salvation. Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 7 - Eternal Chains

“And the angels who did not stay within their own position of authority, but left their proper dwelling, he has kept in eternal chains under gloomy darkness until the judgment of the great day…” - Jude 6 Scripture reading: Revelation 12:1-17; Jude 3-7 Satan and his allies rebelled against God by choosing to believe their own lies. In their hatred, they fabricated a grievance against God’s authority and blamed God for giving them neither the power nor the glory they believed they deserved. It was their insatiable desire for more that led to their rebellion and that rebellion led to their expulsion from heaven. In their rage, they now wage war against the church. Their attacks have brought suffering, persecution and division to such a degree that it often appears the church is on the verge of being overwhelmed. Perhaps in our moments of doubt we worry that God’s judgment has solved heaven’s problem, but left the church on earth to face the devil’s unchecked power. Don’t forget that Jesus is still the King of kings! Within the church, the devil’s lies have convinced some that the gospel gives them the freedom to continue in sin, or that there will be no consequences for their actions. But just as the devil is kept in “eternal chains,” this is a rebellion against the Lord which will not go unpunished. The gospel gives no one the freedom to sin, but the freedom to follow Jesus in holiness. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the devil’s attacks against the church will be recognized for what they are and turned away with courage and faithfulness. Give thanks for those who protect you and warn you about the lies we tell ourselves so that we can excuse our sin. Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 6 - The menu for slavery

“Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that the Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those w...

Daily devotional

November 5 - Creeping in unnoticed

“For certain people have crept in unnoticed who long ago were designated for this condemnation, ungodly people, who pervert the grace of our God int...

Daily devotional

November 4 - Contend for the faith

“Beloved, although I was very eager to write to you about our common salvation, I found it necessary to write appealing to you to contend for the fa...

Daily devotional

November 3 - Mercy, peace and love

“May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you.” - Jude 2: Scripture reading: Psalm 23; 1 Peter 1:1-9; Jude 1-2 When we hear God greet u...

Daily devotional

November 2 - Those who are called

“To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ…” - Jude 1b Scripture reading: Romans 8:28-30; 1 Corinthians 1:26-31; Jude 1-2 In the New Testament, the church is described as those who have been “called out” by God. We have been called out from our bondage to sin and misery, we have been called into grace and righteousness through Jesus Christ, and we have been called to a new life of gratitude and holiness. All three parts of that calling matter to God, and they ought to matter to us. Have we neglected any part of that calling? Have we become indulgent, proud, or spiritually lazy? Jude’s purpose in writing this epistle is to urge us to live by that calling. He will warn us about those who are trying to lead the church away from its calling to love and serve God faithfully. He will sound the alarm about false teachers who say that the gospel gives us the freedom to indulge in sexual immorality and other fleshly lusts. Instead, we need to remember that we are “beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ.” Our calling is much more fulfilling than the empty promises of false teachers and much more valuable than the reward of momentary pleasures. Are we choosing to give into temptations that take us away from the love of our Father? Are we listening to false teachers that try to keep us away from Jesus? Let’s remember our calling! Suggestions for prayer Ask for forgiveness for how you forget your calling and replace it with your own self-interest. Pray that the love of the Father would bring you greater joy. Ask that Jesus would keep you from walking closer to sin. Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to the letter of Jude

The letter of Jude is one of the smallest and least-known books of the Bible, but its size does not match its importance! The Holy Spirit put a burden on Jude’s soul to write to a church in danger. This danger isn’t exclusive to one congregation or to one era in the church’s history, but plagues us all because we all share in the struggle against sin. Jude exhorts the church to “contend for the faith that was once for all delivered to the saints,” because that faith is under attack. What makes it so challenging is that the attackers claim to be saints! False teachers boldly preach about Christ and the grace that saves us from our sins, but they turn that salvation into a license to sin freely. We are thus drawn away from Christ and encouraged to be enslaved to the idols of our selfish desires. By reminding us of the holiness of God in His dealings with His people (and others) in the past, Jude warns us that the influence of these false teachers is affecting the church’s unity, worship, and witness. Instead, we need to remember the instruction of God’s Word, build up our faith, be steady in prayer, keep ourselves in the love of Jesus and wait for the mercy that will take us into eternal life. Rather than being consumed by the idols we make for ourselves, we will be free to show mercy to others and even snatch them out of the fires of unbelief. We will have a doxology to sing because the holiness of our Saviour will be our greatest joy and satisfaction. A servant of Jesus Christ “Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James…” - Jude 1a Scripture reading: Matthew 13:53-58; John 7:1-9; Jude 1-2 As one of the children born to Joseph and Mary after the virgin birth, Jude had seen Jesus, his older brother, increase “in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and man” (Luke 2:52). But when he listened to Jesus preach and saw how Jesus’ reputation as a miracle-worker was growing, his heart remained cold. John 7:5 says that even Jesus’ brothers refused to believe in Him. Some time later, by the grace of God and the power of the Holy Spirit, both Jude and another of his brothers, James, were converted. How joyful the two of them would have been to meet as brothers in Christ! But more than brothers, they had also become servants of Jesus Christ. They were bound to Jesus as sinners set free by His blood. They had been liberated so that they could follow their older brother Who had become their king. Many of us would make the same joyful statement about who we have become in Jesus. Whether it happened recently or not, whether we remember it happening or not, we know that without the Spirit changing our hearts, we would be cold unbelievers, too. That is why we eagerly confess that our only comfort is found in belonging to our faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ. We are not only his siblings; we are also his servants. What a story we have to talk about God’s grace! Suggestions for prayer Speak to God about the unbelief, doubts, and pride in your heart. Ask Him to steer you away from defiance and disobedience. Confess your complete dependence on His grace to you in Jesus Christ. Give thanks for the comfort of being His servant. Pastor James Sinke has been the pastor of Bethel URC of Woodstock for ten years, having previously served the Rock Valley URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 31 - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

“The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all. Amen.” - Philippians 4:23 Scripture Reading: Philippians 4:21-23 and Romans 1:13-17 Paul’s closing words bring us back to Philippians 1 and his blessing that God’s “grace” would be upon his friends in Philippi. How rich is that word “grace”, which speaks of the unmerited favour of God to sinners for salvation in Jesus Christ! There is no one deserving of salvation, yet God, in His Son has wrought salvation for sinners like us! This was the glorious truth that Martin Luther rediscovered as He studied the Scriptures and the precious teachings of God in the Psalms and in the books Romans and Galatians. For we are not justified before God by works and the keeping of the Law. We are justified by grace alone through faith alone in Christ alone! Thus, Paul ends his letter as he began it, with grace! Even his closing words speak to this. Notice who some of the saints are that send greetings to Philippi, “those who are of Caesar’s household”! (v.22). Paul mentioned back in chapter 1 that to the “whole palace guard” and “to all the rest”, this good news of salvation in Christ had been preached! How awesome it is to think that some in Caesar’s own household came to saving faith in Christ! How glorious are the ways of God! Yes, on this Reformation Day, we give thanks for God’s grace to His church, restoring to her the Word, the Holy Bible, and the pure gospel that our salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ alone and for His glory alone! Suggestions for prayer Let us rejoice and give thanks for God’s rich grace to us in Jesus Christ! May the Solas of the Reformation continue to form the solid foundation upon which the church takes her stand before her enemies! Rev. Ancel Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 30 - God’s generous supply for his generous people

“And my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19 Scripture reading: Philippians 4:10-20 and 2 Corinthians 9:6-15 Now, as we saw in vv.10-13, Paul has all he will ever need in Christ. Christ is his sufficiency. And yet, Paul is thankful for the provision of his friends. As he notes in vv.14-16, they gave generously for his needs when others did not. And so, even though he is content, their giving is not in vain! The investment they have made in him is an investment in the gospel of Jesus Christ, and that investment always pays dividends! He says in v.17, “Not that I seek the gift, but I seek the fruit that abounds to your account.” But how could Paul repay them for their sacrifice for the gospel? Well, he never could - but God will! For as they give, and give generously, God will repay them through His rich provision in Christ Jesus, as v.19 says. When we give to the Lord, do we believe that God will provide for us? We should never think that giving for the gospel will lead to our financial harm. No, God will supply for all our needs “according to His riches in glory”, and that we should never doubt! And so, as you gather for worship, come with generous hearts for prayer, for the Word and sacraments, and for giving to the Lord. For God is the great supplier of all your needs, and as you give for His glory, He will generously supply you with what you need for the Christian life. Suggestions for prayer: Pray for a generous heart and that you would give to God as generously as He has given for you. The Lord loves a cheerful giver and He will see to it that all of your needs are met in Christ according to His glorious riches! Rev. Ancel Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 29 - True contentment in Christ

“Not that I speak in regard to need, for I have learned in whatever state I am in to be content…I can do all things through Christ who strengthens...

Daily devotional

October 28 - The great blessing of prayer

“Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of Go...

Daily devotional

October 27 - Our citizenship is in heaven

“For our citizenship is in heaven, from which we also eagerly wait for the Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body that it ...

Daily devotional

October 26 - Pressing on toward the goal

“Not that I have already attained, or am already perfected but I press on, that I may lay hold of that for which Christ Jesus has also laid hold of ...

Daily devotional

October 25 - Growing to know the Lord and his power

“That I may know Him and the power of His resurrection…” - Philippians 3:10a Scripture reading: Philippians 3:1-11 and Ephesians 1:15-23 One of the key aspects of the Christian life is spiritual growth. And for the Christian, nothing is greater than growing to know Jesus Christ more and more in the life of faith. For Paul, Christ filled the empty place in his heart. As we saw yesterday, all the many things of this life that Paul once counted as important, he now views as nothing for the sake of Christ (vv.4-8). For what can compare to Christ and knowing Him? As Christians, we desire to know more of Christ’s grace, of His love, mercy, faithfulness and power! And what “power” Christ has! The “power” made available to us through His resurrection is beyond what we can imagine! For in Christ, we have our life, and by Him, we grow spiritually. We die to the old nature and come to life in the new nature. Our hearts and minds are set on things above, where Christ is, rather than being rooted in things on the earth and the things that pass away with time. Do you desire to know Christ and the power of His resurrection? Are you willing to suffer for His sake? To know Him means to obey Him, which means taking up your cross and following Him. To truly know Him and His mighty power means you are willing to suffer for His sake, knowing the glorious reward of your own resurrection to come! Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would grow to know Christ more and that you would desire to live for Him in every area of life. Pray for the spiritual blessings that come to you because of His resurrection. Live by that power rather than by your own strength! Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 24 - The excellence of knowing Christ

“Yet indeed I also count all things loss, for the excellence of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord…” - Philippians 3:8a Scripture reading: Philippians 3:1-11 and Mark 10:17-31 In this glorious section of Scripture, we see Paul’s powerful confession of faith in the supremacy of Christ over anything else in life. As we can see in vv.1-3 Paul is warning his friends against false teachers who trust in the rite of circumcision for salvation, rather than in Christ alone. Paul at one time made his boast in things of this life, which he believed counted for his standing with God (vv.4-6). But in comparison to knowing Christ, they were nothing but “rubbish” and to be counted as “loss” for His sake! (vv.7-8). For what can you add to Christ’s saving work to secure your eternal standing with God? Nothing! And this Paul joyfully proclaims. Do we see the “excellence” of knowing Christ and being found “in Him”? Do we see the glory of having an imputed righteousness added to our account, which reckons us right with God and no longer the objects of His holy wrath? Paul knew this and declared it with great joy! For it is by grace, through faith alone in Christ, that we are saved and not by our family lineage, our education, church attendance, baptism, or good works. For anything we could put in place of Christ or alongside Christ for our salvation fails in the sight of God. Our comfort in life and in death comes only in the fact that we belong to a faithful Saviour, Jesus Christ! And knowing Him is the greatest joy of all! Suggestions for prayer Let us give thanks and rejoice in the perfect work of Christ on our behalf! Our salvation is by grace alone apart from works. Pray that the Lord would help you to live a thankful life to Him and that you might share the good with others. Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 23 - Holding fast the word of life

“Holding fast the word of life…” - Philippians 2:16a Scripture reading: Philippians 2:12-18 and Romans 10:1-17 As we can see in vv.16b-18, it was important to Paul to see his friends living faithful lives. This was proof that his labour had not been in vain, but had been blessed by God and made fruitful. Paul would continue to be poured out for their sake (v.17), but it was important to see his spiritual children walking in the truth. As we saw yesterday, one of the ways we do that is by shining as lights in this dark world. We let our faith shine in our words and deeds, asking the Holy Spirit to bless them so that the lost may come to a saving faith in Christ. But for the church to do that she must ‘hold fast” or “hold out” the word of life. God’s Word is vital to any witness the church brings to the world, for it’s through the Word that new life is created in the sinner’s heart, by means of the Holy Spirit. If God’s Word is not central to the life and worship of the church then her light will fade, and she will drift into all sorts of false teaching and practices. And so, as we gather for worship, we “hold fast” and “hold out” the word of life to a sinful and broken world. May God be glorified by our use of His Word in our worship! And may we shine all the more as stars amid a crooked and perverse generation as a result! Suggestions for prayer Give thanks so that you may worship and hear God’s Word again! Pray for your minister as he prepares to preach the good news. Pray for the effective, mighty working of the Holy Spirit in hearts today as the gospel is proclaimed! Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 22 - Shining as lights in the world

“Do all things without complaining and disputing, that you may become blameless and harmless, children of God without fault in the midst of a crooked and perverse generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world…” - Philippians 2:14-15 Scripture Reading: Philippians 2:12-18 and Matthew 5:13-16 As Christians, we “work out” or “exercise” our salvation (v.12) not only in the life of the church but also as we live our lives in this world of fallen human beings. But how does the world see us? Does it see us as those who are “like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind”? (v.2) Or does it see the church as divided, contentious, and without unity among its members? For Paul, that consistent, unified life of the church was immensely important to an effective witness before the world. For the life of the church is both word and deed, which is seen in our beliefs and convictions, but also displayed in the practice of those beliefs and convictions, in how we live and conduct ourselves as children of God. And so, it ought to be our goal to be “blameless” and “harmless”, that is, to be those who are above accusation concerning our lives and that we in no way would be a stumbling block to unbelievers or a hindrance to the gospel. For as Paul says, we “shine as lights” in this dark world of sin and rebellion. Yes, this world is “crooked and perverse”, but we have the glorious privilege of living for Christ and sharing with others the good news of salvation! May our light not be dimmed by sin, but shine brightly with the light of the Lord! Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would bless the church with unity, faithfulness, and consistency to make a powerful witness to the world. Pray for your own life and witness that you would shine brightly for Christ today and every day. Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 21 - Work out your own salvation

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling; for it is God who works in you both to will and to do for His good pleasure.” - Philippians ...

Daily devotional

October 20 - The majestic glory of Christ

“Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the Name which is above every name, that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow…and t...

Daily devotional

October 19 - The amazing sacrifice of Christ

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” - Philippians...

Daily devotional

October 18 - Having the mind of Christ

“Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, but made H...

Daily devotional

October 17 - Live with lowliness of mind

“Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself.” - Philippians 2:3 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:1-4 and 1 Peter 2:18-25 Having a humble heart as a Christian is vitally important to the life of the church. It is through humility and selflessness that oneness in the church is encouraged, as Paul shows us in vs.1-2. Often, however, “selfish ambition or conceit” clouds our vision and instead of encouraging unity and peace, it leads to division! For “selfish ambition and conceit” reflects the sinful desire to have what belongs to our neighbour, and with that, a false sense of superiority over them, where we look at others as inferior to ourselves. But Paul says that instead of cultivating that kind of arrogant attitude, we are to be clothed with a “lowliness of mind”, that is, with a humble, realistic view of ourselves. For we are sinners saved by grace and not of our own doing! We have nothing to boast about or gloat over, especially, in looking down on our fellow believers. Instead, we are to see our neighbours through the eyes of faith, putting their needs and interests ahead of our own. For as we will see in vs.5-8 this was the way of our Lord Jesus Christ, that faithful Servant, Who humbled Himself to greatest depths for our salvation! Yes, Jesus has left us with an example that we are to follow. We are to have “lowliness of mind”, a humble spirit and a life that will foster oneness and unity in the church, thereby providing a powerful witness to the world. Suggestions for prayer Pray for this spirit of lowliness in the hearts of Christians. Pray that the Holy Spirit would root out any selfish ambition or conceit from us so that we might live the sincere, heartfelt Christian life that is a blessing to the church. Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 16 - The blessed unity of the church

“Fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.” - Philippians 2:2 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:1-4 and Ephesians 4:11-16 One of the key things Paul shows us is that our “like-mindedness” as Christians is seen in our oneness and our unity together. And that makes sense seeing that we are now one Body whose Head is the Lord Jesus Christ. He is fitting us together; we are growing together and becoming more alike as believers. For we have the “same love”; that is, God’s love which dwells in us and stimulates our love for each other. We also find a growing “accord” amongst ourselves and that we are of “one mind”. That is, we are a people who are united in spirit and purpose. For we know Who has redeemed us and therefore we desire to live for Him in all of life, especially, when it comes to life in the church! Do we see this in our churches? Do we find this growing unity amongst ourselves in faith and practice, especially in how we live before the world? Our Sunday worship is a powerful witness to the world of our trust in God. It reveals our like-mindedness, our mutual love and our desire to serve the Lord. Let us go joyfully to God’s House today for worship, knowing that we are showing forth our faith and trust in the true and living God! Let us give thanks that God calls us to worship, that He is glorified by our worship and that He uses our worship as a witness to the world! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to bless our worship today. Pray that our worship would serve as a powerful testimony to the world that our joy, hope, oneness and purpose are found in our Lord Jesus Christ, the only Saviour of sinners! Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 15 - Striving for like-mindedness

“If there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded…” - Philippians 2:1-2a Scripture reading: Philippians 1:27-2:4 and Philippians 4:2-3 As we saw in v.27, Paul wanted his friends to stand firm together like soldiers in battle, for only in that way could they withstand the attacks of the outside world. And yet, another matter needed to be addressed. It concerned their relationship to each other! Thus, Paul encourages them to be “like-minded”, that is, to agree concerning doctrine, faith and practice, especially, as it relates to fellow-believers. But it seems from Philippians 4:2 (with Euodia and Syntyche) that this was not the case. In order to make his joy full (2:2), Paul calls them to such like-mindedness. The opening words in v.1 are meant to encourage that: “If there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy…” Paul implies that they have these wonderful gifts of grace (the word “if” has the idea of “since”). It’s as if he asks, “Since you have this consolation, comfort, and fellowship, then why don’t you have unity? Why are you lacking it? What is hindering you?” Sometimes as Christians, we have more “like-mindedness” in our efforts to confront false doctrine and opposition from the world than we do in cultivating unity in the church. But this ought not to be! Paul wants us to see our blessings in Christ as a means of unifying us so that we might live for each other and not drive each other apart. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the unity of the church and pray for like-mindedness! Let us die to petty, foolish things that divide, and cling to the eternal things of God’s Word! This will encourage us in our faith and increase our love for each other. Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 14 - Suffering for Christ is a gracious gift

“For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.” - Philippians 1:29-30 Scripture reading: Philippians 1:27-30 and Matthew 5:11-12 The words "has been granted" show us that our suffering is a gift from God. Paul uses this same word in Romans 8:32, where he says, "He who did not spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all, how shall He not with Him also freely give us all things?" The fact that suffering is a gift does not mean we should take some morbid pleasure in suffering, nor should we see it as a badge of holiness or piety. No, Christian suffering comes from persecution and attacks against the Faith. But if we should suffer for Christ, we should see it for what it is, namely, a privilege! For the apostles rejoiced, "that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name” (Acts 5:41). Paul also knew this kind of suffering, as he says in v.30. For the word translated "conflict" was used for the gladiatorial battles that would take place in the arena. Thus, the Philippians found themselves in this same “conflict” for Christ and His gospel! We don't know what may happen to us in the way of persecution. Our experiences may not be like those of our brethren in the first century. But regardless, we must remember Paul’s words that it has been “granted” to us to suffer for the sake of Christ! Yes, what comfort we have in knowing that our suffering is not by chance, but because we follow Christ as the Lord of our lives! Suggestions for prayer Pray for the church and pray for her witness! Do not grow weary in the fight for if we endure, we shall share in the crown of righteousness that does not fade away, which Christ, the Judge, shall freely give to those who love Him! Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 13 - Standing fast in the faith, without fear!

Daily devotional

October 12 - The challenging of standing fast

“That you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel.” - Philippians 1:27b Scripture reading: Phil...

Daily devotional

October 11 - Conduct befitting the gospel

“Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs.” - Philippi...

Daily devotional

October 10 - Our progress and joy of faith

“I shall remain and continue with all of you for your progress and joy of faith…” - Philippians 1:25 Scripture reading: Philippians 1:19-26...

Daily devotional

October 9 - Paul’s great comfort in life or in death

“For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain.” - Philippians 1:21 Scripture reading: Philippians 1:19-26 and Romans 8:31-39 Our text is one of the most glorious confessions of the apostle, “For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain!” When we read it in the context of vs.19-20, we see that Paul didn’t know what was going to happen to him. Yes, he believed he would be delivered, as he says in v.19, but how? Whether in life or in death? And yet, notice his willingness to suffer for Christ! There’s no hesitation! This is a man who desires to serve God in any way so that Christ may be “magnified” before the world! Basically, Paul says, “Your will be done, O Lord!” As Christians, those words should be found on our lips, especially, in this present age, where Christianity and the church are under attack like never before. Regardless of what we go through, no matter the hardships or trials, we have Christ and Christ has us. So what do we have to fear? How can we lose our joy, or how can we lose our comfort? We “belong” to Christ, do we not? (Heidelberg Catechism Lord’s Day 1, Q&A 1) And that includes not only in this life, but when we die! For then we enter our reward and look forward to the great resurrection of the dead and the restoration of all things at the return of our Lord! Paul had no fears about this life because he knew God kept his life eternally secure! Suggestions for prayer Let it be our desire to magnify Christ in all of life! Be assured that the Holy Spirit will give you what you need for your service to Christ, in life or in death. Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 8 - Paul’s confession of God’s sovereignty

“But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel…” - Philippians 1:12 Scripture reading: Philippians 1:12-18 and Romans 8:28-30 Paul is quick to acknowledge the sovereignty of God over his life. Nothing that happens to him comes by chance, but it is all the working of God’s mighty hand. This is an important confession because at first glance we might think that Paul’s ministry is finished! Paul is now in Rome under house arrest and awaiting his appearance before Caesar. This means that the work of the gospel is at a standstill! But though Paul is a man who has experienced much in his life in the way of hardship and adversity, God has always proven Himself faithful! He has seen evidence of this while in Rome. He says, “I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel.” What Satan and wicked men intended for evil, God has used for good, especially for Paul’s proclamation of the gospel among Caesar’s household and beyond! What a marvellous confession! God works in and through all circumstances of life to bring about His will! What a blessing in our times of trial, what a blessing to our faith, what a blessing to our hope in Jesus Christ and what a blessing for the work of the church! Regardless of the opposition, nothing can hinder the gospel! God is at work to turn even the trials of this life into opportunities for His glory and praise! Suggestions for prayer Let us give thanks for God’s gracious and sovereign hand in our lives. Let us not be overwhelmed or discouraged with the trials of life, but be reminded of God’s nearness to us through His Spirit and Word. Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 7 - Be sincere and without offence

“That you may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ…” - Philippians 1:10b Scripture reading: Philippians 1:9-11 and 1 Peter 2:11-12 When Paul prays that these Christians would be “sincere”, he is praying that their lives would be free from hypocrisy. A hypocrite” was an actor who put on a mask pretending to be someone else; hence actors in the Greek plays were called “hypocrites” because of their disguises. Christians can put on appearances too! Sometimes we can give the appearance of living a pious and holy life when it’s far from the truth. Therefore Paul prayed that they would not live the hypocritical life. For how can you live a life of abounding love toward one another, or have a wise love when it comes to your choices if your heart is filled with hypocrisy? Paul also prays that they would be “without offence”. That refers to being morally blameless. It means you are not offensive to others due to any sinful behaviour or habits in your life. For such a life can become a stumbling block to others, not only to fellow Christians but also to an unbelieving world! And that can lead to criticism of the Christian Faith, especially of our Lord Jesus Christ, which is something we never want! How is your life? Is it sincere, genuine, and above reproach, or does hypocritical behaviour cause you to be a hindrance rather than a help to the gospel? Paul prays for the character and walk of these Christians and so should we pray for each other! Suggestions for prayer Let us pray and ask the Lord to remove any hypocrisy and compromise from our lives that would hinder our walk with God. Let us pray for a consistent witness for Christ in our world as we live sincere, blameless lives. Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 6 - Paul prays for a wise love

“That your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, that you may approve the things that are excellent…” - Philippians 1:9-10a Scripture reading: Philippians 1:9-11 and Ephesians 5:15-21 As the apostle says in v.9, “love” is not to “abound” on its own, but is to be characterised by knowledge and discernment. Biblical, Christian love is not something unwise in the things of God, nor is it a blind love. No, Christian love is rooted in “knowledge”, or we might say, it has its anchor in God’s revealed Word, Holy Scripture! Therefore, as God’s people, we must read His Word and listen to the preaching of that Word. The Holy Spirit uses it to strengthen our faith, deepen our convictions and increase our love for God and each other. Along with “knowledge”, Paul says, there’s also to be “discernment”. This refers to the ability to discern the good from the bad. But the apostle takes that even further. For the Christian is not only to judge between the good and the bad in one’s life but also between what is good and what is excellent! He says in v.10, “that you may approve the things that are excellent…” Thus, as we grow in the Faith, the choices we make in life ought to reflect more thoughtfulness and maturity. For things we would have said or done in the past, we wouldn’t do now because we’ve grown in godly wisdom, “in knowledge and all discernment”. Yes, there are many things in life that are good, but as discerning Christians, we’re called to desire after the things that are “excellent”! Suggestions for prayer Let us pray for an abounding love, characterised by knowledge and discernment for our families and the church. Let us pray for growing discernment that we might approve of the excellent things and strive after them. Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 5 - Paul prays for an abounding love

“And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more…” - Philippians 1:9a Scripture reading: Philippians 1:9-11 and 1 Thessaloni...

Daily devotional

October 4 - God faithfully completes his good work

Daily devotional

October 3 - Paul’s greeting to the church

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” - Philippians 1:2 Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 and Philippians...

Daily devotional

October 2 - Paul’s specific audience - saints!

“To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi…” - Philippians 1:1b Scripture reading: Philippians 1:1-3 and 1 Peter 2:9-10 We m...

Daily devotional

October 1 - Introduction to Paul

Acts 16 relates to us the work of the apostle Paul in the founding of the church in Philippi. It began with the Lord’s direction to the apostle to not preach the word in Asia, but to go to Macedonia. Paul had a vision of a man from Macedonia pleading with him, “Come over to Macedonia and help us!”(v.9). Immediately, Paul went and began the gospel ministry in Europe. In Acts 16, we read of Paul’s first visit to Philippi and the response of Lydia, the seller of purple from Thyatira, and of the conversion of the Philippian jailer. But we also read of the persecution that Paul and Silas endured, including their imprisonment and release. And though this is the extent of what we read of Paul’s ministry in Philippi, there was more to it. Both Timothy and Luke spent much time there carrying on the work after Paul left, and as well, he returned to the church, as alluded to in Acts 20. Paul had a great investment in these saints and they, in turn, showed their love to him by providing for his needs on various occasions, such as when he went to Thessalonica (4:16) and later when he departed Athens for Corinth (2 Corinthians 11:9). Now that he’s imprisoned in Rome, they again show their generosity, and that, in part, is why Paul is writing this letter to the Philippians, to thank them for their support! Truly, this is a letter of love, joy, hope and encouragement for his dear friends! And may it be so for us as we spend time looking at it this month in our devotions. (All Scripture references this month are from the NKJV) The author’s self-designation “Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ.” - Philippians 1:1a Scripture reading: Philippians 1:1-2 and Romans 1:1-7 This opening line begins with what we would call a common form of address in letters of Paul’s day. That’s why many New Testament letters begin in this fashion. Normally what Paul does is refer to himself as an “apostle” when he begins his letters. But, as you see, he does not do that here. In fact, he refers to himself as a “bondservant”. But why? Well, it has to do with his relationship to the church in Philippi. He is writing to friends and fellow servants in the gospel and doesn’t need to remind them of his authority as an apostle. But even more, it’s to stress the nature of his calling, that he is a “bondservant”, or also translated, a “slave”, that is a slave of Christ! For Paul belongs to his Lord Jesus Christ! Because Christ bought and paid for him by His precious blood, Paul is now a thankful servant who is willing to give himself fully in the service of his Master (1 Corinthians 6:19-20). Is that your desire, to live as a faithful “bondservant” of Christ? Ponder the depth of His grace to you in your redemption and then joyfully take up your calling in service to your Lord. To be sure, following Christ is not easy, but how wonderful are the rewards. May the truth of who we are in Christ, spur us on to a life of joy, good works and thankful service regardless of our circumstances! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to create in you a servant-heart. Pray that you would grow in your devotion to Christ, being willing to serve whenever He calls and to go wherever He may direct you! Rev. Merwin serves as minister of the Immanuel United Reformed Church of Listowel, Ontario, Canada. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 30 - Salvation belongs to our God

“Salvation belongs to the LORD!” - Jonah 2:9 Scripture reading: Jonah 2:9 We have come to the end of our study of Jonah, and in so doing, we focus on this line quoted by Jonah in the belly of the fish: Salvation belongs to the Lord! This line provides not only a summary of the book of Jonah but also of the entire Bible. Salvation is not possible in any other way than by the power and purposes of the Lord. God is sovereign in saving sinners. While in the belly of the fish, Jonah expressed his gratefulness for undeserved rescue. But Jonah has trouble believing in his own confession, as he later is angry when Nineveh repents. Jonah is not God: Jonah cannot decide whom the Lord should save or not. Salvation is the Lord’s to offer. He offered it to Jonah, and He is free to offer it to Nineveh. Jonah needed a Savior to save him from his sin. He gets himself in trouble repeatedly, and only the Lord can save him from this trouble. And through this prophecy of Jonah, God was telling his people that he had a plan for their salvation. A Savior was coming! Jesus is coming! And He, too, would die and be put in the grave, like Jonah. And like Jonah, he too would be raised to new life on the third day. But unlike Jonah, He would suffer and die willingly because of His love for lost people. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His salvation and rest in the knowledge that salvation belongs to the Lord. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 29 - A lesson on compassion

“And should I not pity Nineveh…?” - Jonah 4:11 Scripture reading: Jonah 4:5-11 One of the main points of the book of Jonah is that God demonstrates love in hard places. Nineveh was a hard place for Jonah — that’s why Jonah resisted going and was angry when they repented. But Jonah’s own heart is revealed through his words and actions. He’s not too loveable or likeable either. We see ourselves in Jonah: our hearts are hard places, therefore we need God to have compassion on us. Compassion means “to suffer with” or “to suffer into.” Compassion means to enter into another person’s world of hurt and do something about it. This is love in action. This gets to the heart of the gospel. God felt compassion for sinners in their lost estate and did something about it. The Father sent Jesus from heaven, and Jesus entered our broken world to suffer and die to save His people. As we survey the emotional life of Jesus, Jesus’ compassion is the strongest emotion represented in the gospels. We repeatedly read that Jesus was moved with compassion when he saw the hurting and helpless, the outcasts and the marginalized, the lost and the lonely. See for example Mark 1:41, Luke 7:13, Matt. 20:34, & Matt. 9:36. Jesus is the revelation of the heart of God, this heart of compassion. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His compassion, as demonstrated most clearly in Christ. Pray that you would grow in a heart of compassion for others. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 26 - The questioning of the Lord (Part 1)

“And should I not pity Nineveh, that great city, in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know their right hand from their left, and also much cattle?” - Jonah 4:11 Scripture reading: Jonah 4:9-11 In this section, the Lord asks Jonah a series of questions. He uses these questions to counsel His angry prophet. To paraphrase, the questioning goes something like this: Jonah, you had pity on this plant. You had this extreme care, concern and compassion for it. You were happy and delighted in the plant. But Jonah, you didn’t do anything to get it. You didn’t make the plant grow. It just came up overnight and then it died overnight. It was nice to have when you had it, but you didn’t do anything to deserve it. Okay Jonah, let’s say this emotion that you have for this plant is legitimate. No problem that you were happy about the plant and cared for it – that makes sense. Shouldn’t I be able to have that same emotion and concern for something a bit more significant? Nineveh is a city full of human beings who are spiritually unaware (they cannot tell their right hand from their left). All these people are made in my image. They are in deep trouble, and they cannot save themselves. No, they are not innocent. They are sinners and are living with the consequences of their sinful actions. But they can’t get themselves out by themselves. They’re helpless and trapped. There are cattle too. You cared for a plant, Jonah. Am I not allowed to be concerned for cattle, and even more so, for the people of that city? Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would give you this heart of God - this pity, concern and compassion for lost people. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 28 - Justice and mercy

“God made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21 Scripture...

Daily devotional

September 27 - The questioning of the Lord (Part 2)

Daily devotional

September 25 - The gift of the prophet

“When the sun rose, God appointed a scorching east wind, and the sun beat down on the head of Jonah so that he was faint. And he asked that he might...

Daily devotional

September 24 - The gift of the vine

“Now the LORD God appointed a plant and made it come up over Jonah, that it might be a shade over his head, to save him from his discomfort.” - Jo...

Daily devotional

September 23 - A revelation of the heart

“The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.” - Luke 6:45 Scripture reading: Jonah 3:10-4:4 Why is Jonah so angry? Jonah has just been used by the Lord to ignite one of the greatest spiritual awakenings in history. Humanly speaking, he’s been an extremely successful evangelist: an entire city has heeded the Word of the Lord and repented. But he is angry. It is like a salesman who makes the biggest billion-dollar deal, going home to his wife very upset and complaining, “Too bad, they bought it.” Jonah’s reaction reveals his heart. He does not want God’s grace extended to his own enemies. Remember, the Ninevites have caused a lot of hurt and damage to the Israelites. Perhaps even some of Jonah’s own relatives were killed or captured by them. Jonah’s reaction – while understandable – reveals that he must learn more about God’s super-abundant, extraordinary grace. As we will learn in the following days, our patient God is gracious towards His prophet and will teach him a lesson on compassion. For us too, our reactions reflect what is going on in our hearts. When we see someone else’s success, are we happy for them? When we are single or in a difficult marriage and see another couple thrive together, do we get jealous? When someone ‘unlike us’ comes to faith, do we rejoice with them? Let your reactions to other people’s successes and failures be a signal to you about the state of your own heart. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to reveal the areas of your heart and life where you need to grow in grace and holiness. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional, Uncategorised

September 22 - I knew that you are a gracious God

“That is why I made haste to Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.” - Jonah 4:2 Scripture reading: Jonah 3:10-4:3 When we read this passage, we don’t know whether to laugh or cry. We might laugh because what Jonah says is so dramatic and silly. But we might cry because we also see a bit of ourselves in Jonah. Jonah is very angry when he sees that God has relented from the disaster He had planned. When Jonah describes God’s character, he is quoting from Exodus 34:6. God described himself this way when Moses had come up Mount Sinai after the Israelites had made and worshipped the golden calf. At that time, God had revealed his patience and mercy to a very undeserving people. Jonah knew that! But this was different because these Ninevites weren’t Israelites; they were Israel’s mortal enemies. Jonah was not okay with his God showing mercy to his own enemies. As Hugh Martin notes, Jonah’s sin here is ‘pretending to be more careful of God’s glory, and more qualified to advance it, than God himself.’ Jonah wishes he could tell God what to do. Whereas Jonah was running from God in chapter 1, he now tries to run God! God is bigger than we can fathom. We only have a limited grasp of His character. It is a marvellous thing to know that God is gracious, merciful, slow to anger, abounding in steadfast love and relenting from disaster. Suggestions for prayer Praise and thank God for his character, and for his patience and love towards us. Pray that we might have a right understanding and deep appreciation of his character. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 21 - A relenting and responsive God

“…If that nation, concerning which I have spoken, turns from its evil, I will relent of the disaster that I intended to do to it.” - Jeremiah 18:8 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 18:4-11, Jonah 3:10 When the Lord God saw what the Ninevites did and how they turned from their evil way, He relented from the disaster he had planned (Jonah 3:10). This part of the narrative is an example of God’s sovereignty needing to be held in tension with man’s responsibility. Did God just change his mind because of the Ninevites’ repentance? Believing in the sovereignty of God means that salvation is all the work of God (see Jonah 2:9). Yet there is also man’s responsibility to respond to the command to repent. In Jeremiah 18, the Lord explains how He will relent from the disaster He had planned against a nation if they will repent. He also warns that He will relent from the good that He had intended if a nation stops listening to His voice. In addition to relenting, this narrative shows how God is a responsive God as well as a God of compassion. He responds to our actions, to our repentance, and to our prayers. He isn’t obliged to, but He does because He is a God who keeps his covenant promises. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you trust in his sovereignty. Sing “I sought the Lord and afterward I knew.” Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 20 - Roadblocks to repentance

“Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says, “Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion, on the day of testing in the wilderness”” - Hebrews 3:7-8 Scripture reading: Hebrews 3:7-8, Jonah 3:5-10 True repentance is a heart-level change that involves the whole person. However, as Ian Duguid describes in his study guide Jonah: Grace for Sinners and Saints, there can be real roadblocks to repentance. What are some repentance roadblocks? We might not want to change. The sin feels too good, or it seems like repentance will take the fun out of life. So we think we can put off repentance until a later time. But imagine if the Ninevites had thought that. “Thanks Jonah, but we’ll deal with this next year, after we’ve conquered a few more nations.” That would have been too late! We can also make light of sin, not becoming truly convicted. We might also be fearful because we have little hope in God, or because it means admitting to God and others that we are sinful and broken. We may also fail to pray, not trusting God’s work in our hearts to bring us to repentance. Lastly, we may try to rely on our own willpower instead of looking to the Lord Jesus Christ for aid. Let the Gospel motivate you to repent. Your guilt is washed away. You are clothed in Christ’s righteousness. You are loved by the Father. He gives new beginnings. There is a good future for you! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to remove roadblocks to repentance that might be evident in your life. Ask Him to open the eyes of your heart, and to have you experience his love and forgiveness. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 19 - A lesson on repentance

“But God’s firm foundation stands, bearing this seal: “The Lord knows those who are his,” and, “Let everyone who names the name of the Lord ...

Daily devotional

September 18 - The power of God’s word

“So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed i...

Daily devotional

September 17 - A new beginning

“Then the word of the Lord came to Jonah the second time.” - Jonah 3:1 Scripture reading: Jonah 2:10-3:1-3 After the three days and the th...

Daily devotional

September 16 - The Lord’s deliverance

“For you cast me into the deep, into the heart of the seas” - Jonah 2:3 Scripture reading: Jonah 1:17-2:10 Jonah 2:1-9 is the prayer Jonah...

Daily devotional

September 15 - Out of the depths

“The Lord provided a great fish to swallow up Jonah.” - Jonah 1:17 Scripture reading: Jonah 1:17-2:2 The Lord does something remarkable and miraculous. When Jonah has literally hit “rock bottom” lying on the seafloor with seaweed grabbing for his throat, he feels something enclose his body. The Lord executes an extraordinary rescue mission by appointing a fish to pick up Jonah from the murky seaweed at the bottom of the ocean. The appointment of the fish was an act of divine grace. It is a means of deliverance and saves Jonah from drowning. "And Jonah was in the belly of the fish for three days and three nights." The fish is Jonah's classroom. It is a horrible place to live but a great place to learn. Jonah needs to learn some lessons. The fish is also Jonah’s hospital room: he must heal and recover from the consequences of his sin. What does Jonah do when he feels the discipline of the Lord's hand against him in the belly of the fish? He prays! And he knows that God hears his prayer. For all his sin, for all the Lord's anger against him, Jonah knows that he can still pray. “I called out to the Lord, out of my distress, and he answered me.” And Jonah’s prayer is not even a prayer of petition, a "get-me-out-of-this mess" prayer. No, Jonah prays a prayer of thanksgiving. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would know the privilege of prayer and that you would know the Lord Jesus better as you commune with Him in prayer. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 14 - The wages of sin is death

“So they picked up Jonah and hurled him into the sea, and the sea ceased from its raging.” - Jonah 1:15 Scripture reading: Jonah 1:14-16 With no other option, the mariners throw Jonah into the sea. And Jonah is going down, down, down, gurgle, gurgle, gurgle into the dark, pitch-black icy cold sea. Jonah is under punishment. In a sense, the Lord is saying: You want to flee, Jonah? Okay, I’ll let you flee. Do you want to run? I’ll let you run. But your running will be your downfall — and you will run yourself into the morbid, murky, and muddy sea. Jonah expects to die. Once he hit the ice-cold water, he expected to drown and never be heard from again. He doesn’t know about the fish yet. Jonah’s “death” corresponds with the nature of his sin. The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23). Jonah is punished for his sin. But he does not die. The Lord isn’t done with him yet. The Lord appoints a fish to swallow Jonah, and he will live. In the future, another prophet will be thrown into a storm. Not a storm at sea of water, but the storm of God’s wrath. He would not be punished for His own sin — He was sinless. He wasn’t running away from the Father but was perfectly living, “Not my will, but yours.” And in that storm, the full fury of God’s anger would be upon Him. This is Jesus. What brought Jesus to the cross was our sin, our fleeing from God’s presence. But Jesus died so that we don’t have to. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord Jesus for diving into the storm of God’s wrath in your place. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional, Uncategorised

September 13 - The mercy of the pagans

“Nevertheless, the men rowed hard to get back to dry land, but they could not, for the sea grew more and more tempestuous against them.” - Jonah 1:13 Scripture reading: Jonah 1:11-16 The sailors, however, do not quickly act on Jonah’s advice. They do not want to get rid of him and throw him overboard. Why not? They were unsure of his extreme idea. One commentator suggests: “Jonah’s diagnosis is certainly correct, but is his prescription the right one?” They do not want to be guilty of shedding innocent blood, which could only increase their culpability. They don’t want to get Jonah’s God even angrier at them. There is a contrast and irony here. Or is it compassion and concern? The heathens are concerned about Jonah, but Jonah is unconcerned about the heathens. Their treatment of Jonah is generous and chivalrous, especially after all that Jonah has done to give them a terrible day. Because of him, they lost their cargo and almost died. Even after Jonah confesses his crime, they are unwilling to throw him overboard. The pagans are concerned about the prophet, but he seems indifferent to them, doesn’t he? Isn’t it tragic when God’s people are indifferent and apathetic regarding the plight and future of those around them? Isn’t it ironic that unbelievers show more mercy and compassion than believers? Earlier, we said that the book of Jonah is a warning to the covenant people of God. We are warned against having indifferent and apathetic hearts toward the lost people around us. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would reveal indifference in your heart. Pray that by the Spirit, you will grow in concern and kindness for others. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional, Uncategorised

September 12 - Jonah’s testimony

“I am a Hebrew, and I fear the Lord, the God of heaven, who made the sea and the dry land.” - Jonah 1:9 Scripture reading: Jonah 1:7-11 The sailors believe that the storm represents divine punishment. Someone on the ship has done something to offend a god. Casting lots will let them know who this person is. "And the lot fell on Jonah." As soon as he is singled out as the culprit, the crew wanted to know the whys and wherefores of this mysterious and troublesome passenger. Jonah gets peppered with questions, rapid-fire. "Tell us now! On whose account has this evil come upon us? What is your occupation? Where do you come from? What is your country? From what people are you?" Jonah answers the last question first. He states that his nationality is Hebrew. But then he elaborates. Literally, verse 9 reads: "and the Lord, the God of the heavens, I fear, who made the sea and dry land." Jonah uses the covenantal name for God: Yahweh. He defines and describes his God. His God is the sovereign Lord of everything, the one who created the sea and dry land. Jonah's God is in control of the storm of the sea. He assures the sailors of that. That only makes the sailors more terrified. They ask: “What is this that you have done!” Are you crazy? You ran away from a God who can do this? Jonah’s God is the supreme and sovereign Lord, the Creator of land and sea. This God is pursuing Jonah in His power and love. Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord for His sovereign power and control and that He uses this power for the good of his children. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 11 - What do you mean, you sleeper?

“What do you mean, you sleeper? Arise, call out to your god! Perhaps the god will give a thought to us that we may not perish.” - Jonah 1:6 Scr...

Daily devotional

September 10 - The finger of God

“But the Lord hurled a great wind upon the sea, and there was a mighty tempest on the sea so that the ship threatened to break up.” - Jonah 1:4 ...

Daily devotional

September 9 - Jesus, the prophet better than Jonah

Daily devotional

September 8 - Running from God

“But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” - Jonah 1:3 Scripture reading: Jonah 1:3-6 We might scoff at Jonah for...

Daily devotional

September 7 - Why did Jonah run?

“This is why I made haste to flee for Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful…” - Jonah 4:2 Scripture reading: Jonah 4:2 Jonah is called to go where he doesn’t want to go, to do what he doesn’t want to do and to say what he does not want to say. Why did Jonah run away from the Lord? It’s not because he did not get the message straight or that the command was unclear or confusing. The command was clear. Was he afraid? Probably. As we said before, the Assyrians had a terrifying reputation. Was it a novel mission? Sure. It was an unusual thing for an Israelite prophet to be sent to a heathen nation: this is uncharted prophetic territory. Jonah confesses his real and ultimate reason for his running away in Jonah 4:2. He says: “This is why I made haste to flee for Tarshish; for I knew that you are a gracious God and merciful, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, and relenting from disaster.” Jonah does not want to go because he does not want Nineveh to be saved! Jonah knows that if he goes to Assyria, preaches his message and they do repent, God will possibly relent and have mercy on them. The real problem is that God might bring these people to repentance! The issue Jonah has is with the character of God himself. Jonah knows the Lord loves to show mercy and grace but he does not want that for his enemy. Jonah does not have a category for extraordinary, super-abundant grace. Rather than celebrating grace, he grumbles at grace. Suggestions for prayer Pray that we might always rejoice when someone repents. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 6 - Anywhere but Nineveh!

“But Jonah rose to flee to Tarshish from the presence of the Lord.” - Jonah 1:3 Scripture Reading: Jonah 1:3-4 Jonah hears the command of the Lord and what does he do? He goes in the direct opposite direction of where he was told to go! He’s a runaway prophet, and he’s serious about running away. He’s not like a kid who says to his parents that he’s going to run away from home and then only gets to the neighbour’s driveway. No, Jonah goes as far as he can: he’s gone, and he’s gone for good. He’s told to go eastward (toward modern-day Iraq) and he goes westward (modern-day Spain). Jonah goes up to the ticket booth, and says, “One ticket to NOT Nineveh, please!” Anywhere but Nineveh! Jonah is determined to run away. Riding a ship was an unusual thing to do for a Hebrew because the Hebrews were not seafaring people. Plus, the Philistines had control over the coastal waters at this time. This was a very dangerous voyage. One pastor has said: “If you start running from the Lord, the devil will always have a boat for you. And you’ll always have money to pay the way.” Jonah is intent on running away from the presence of the Lord. But the Lord pursues Jonah. The Lord won’t let Jonah run away completely. This is God’s grace toward Jonah. Suggestions for prayer Pray for those who might be running away from the Lord for whatever reason. May they know that they can’t escape the Lord’s presence. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 5 - A storm warning

“for their evil has come up before me.” - Jonah 1:2c Scripture reading: Jonah 1:1-3 The sense here: “Their evil has come up against me” implies that their wickedness has become so extreme that God could not take it anymore. The temperature of His wrath has hit a melting point. So, God decides to do something about it. The Lord tells Jonah to go and preach against it, to warn her of impending judgment. Jonah is to be a “storm warning” to Nineveh. Warnings are a blessing. The right warning at the right time can be a lifesaver. If you are driving your car and fail to see the car backing up in front of you, the “LOOK OUT” from your spouse or child can prevent an accident. We are thankful when we are warned of a serious “storm warning” when a storm approaches so we can get prepared and find safety. If we act on the warning, lives can be saved. Jonah is called to be a warning system to the Ninevites. A great storm of God’s wrath is about to come upon them. God’s judgment is warranted – the Ninevites are wicked people. God’s judgment is terrible – He threatens to destroy them. But God’s judgment is also escapable -- they may escape judgment if they repent. The fact that the Lord gives Nineveh a “storm warning” in the command to Jonah is a demonstration of the Lord’s patience and kindness. But Jonah’s sin in this story is that he doesn’t want to be this storm warning and fails to understand the extent of God’s mercy. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the opportunity to be “a storm warning” to someone who does not know the Lord. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

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Daily devotional

March 23 - Preparing by escaping the curse

Daily devotional

March 22 - Preparing with a motive

Daily devotional

March 21 - Preparing with a reconciled heart

Daily devotional

March 20 - Preparing as a sheep of the Good Shepherd

Daily devotional

March 19 - Four marks

Daily devotional

March 18 - Preparing for an exam

Daily devotional

March 17 - Preparing with God’s comfort

Daily devotional

March 16 - Preparing by looking

Daily devotional

March 15 - Preparing our hearts

Daily devotional

March 14 - Preparing by denying, taking up, and following

Daily devotional

March 13 - Preparing with mercy

Daily devotional

March 12 - Invited and ready

Daily devotional

March 11- Preparing with the Lord’s favour

Daily devotional

March 10 - Heartfelt preparation

Daily devotional

March 9 - Preparing in humility

Daily devotional

March 8 - Preparing with forgiveness

Daily devotional

March 7 - Preparing with joy

Daily devotional

March 6 - Preparing in righteousness

Daily devotional

March 5 - Preparing with love and fear

Daily devotional

March 4 - Preparing by breaking

Daily devotional, Uncategorised

March 3 - Preparing by carrying

Daily devotional

March 2 - Preparing with prayer

Daily devotional

March 1 - Introduction to preparation

Daily devotional

February 28 - Ashes for the head

Daily devotional

February 27 - Job questions God’s wisdom

Daily devotional

February 26 - Old men aren’t always right

Daily devotional

February 25 - Total inability in a nutshell

Daily devotional

February 24 - With friends like these, who needs enemies?