Daily devotional

May 6 - Our sinful nature enticed by the law

“For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, “You shall not covet.” But sin, seizing an opportunity through the comm...

Daily devotional

May 5 - Guilt and our sins of omission

“So whoever knows the right thing to do and fails to do it, for him it is sin.” - James 4:17 Scripture reading: Matthew 25:14-30 James 4:1...

Daily devotional

May 4 - Sinners and sin

“I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in Me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from Me you can do nothing.” - ...

Daily devotional

May 3 - The problem is within

“For out of the heart come evil thoughts, murder, adultery, sexual immorality, theft, false witness, slander.” - Matthew 15:19 Scripture read...

Daily devotional

May 2 - Guilt, grace, and gratitude intertwined

“Restore to me the joy of Your salvation, and uphold me with a willing spirit.” - Psalm 51:12 Scripture reading: Psalm 51:1-19 In David's prayer, we see a picture of ourselves. We see ourselves reflected in Psalm 51 even if we have never committed the act of adultery with our neighbour’s spouse or arranged a murder. Jesus clearly taught that if we have looked in lust, we have committed adultery in our heart. The same goes for unbridled anger without a just cause; it is murder in the heart (Matthew 5:22, 28). We have all broken not just the sixth and seventh commandments, but all God’s commandments. With David we must pray, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to Your steadfast love…” And as we recognize our guilt, we also see God’s grace. David’s confession of guilt was intertwined with his knowledge of God’s grace, mercy and love. He prayed, “O God, according to Your steadfast love; according to Your abundant mercy, blot out my transgressions.” He recognized that God’s grace is far greater than our sin! When we realize that God’s grace is greater than our sin, we cannot help but be filled with gratitude. As David concludes the Psalm, he focuses on the desire to tell others about God’s grace (13) and he praises God with a joyful heart (15). May the same be said about you and me! In the sorrow of our sins, may we see the magnitude of God’s grace and then live a life of gratitude, marked by a sincere effort to live in obedience to the very Word which we have so often broken. Suggestions for prayer After confessing your sin, prayerfully praise God that His grace is greater than your sin and ask Him to enable you to live a life of gratitude! Pastor Ted Gray is a retired minister in the United Reformed Church of North America. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 1 - An introduction to this month's study on guilt, grace, and gratitude

Three words define the life of every Christian. In the pilgrimage of life, every true Christian experiences guilt, grace and gratitude. Those three words, along with their counterparts of sin, salvation and service are often used to summarize the Heidelberg Catechism, but they also summarize the struggles and joys that every Christian experiences. We all experience guilt because we are all sinners. The dark cloud of our sin, especially recurring sin, drains us of our joy and pierces us with the reality of how dark our hearts really are. But against that dark and stormy background of sin, we see the brilliance of God’s grace. Through saving faith in Christ, we realize that our sin is covered by His precious blood, and amazingly, we see that Christ imputes – credits – His perfect record of righteous obedience to the life of everyone, who by His grace has true saving faith in Him alone. The knowledge of God’s saving grace in Christ Jesus leads inevitably to gratitude. If you and I truly see ourselves as guilty sinners, yet realize with clarity that, “God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8), we cannot help but be deeply grateful! Our gratitude leads us to works of service as we endeavour to walk in the good deeds ordained for us (Ephesians 2:10), not to earn our salvation, but to reflect our Saviour and that we are profoundly grateful for what He has done. This month, as we open the Scriptures and see our guilt and God’s grace, may we truly be filled with gratitude, eager to joyfully serve our gracious God, now and forevermore! The best day of the week “How lovely is Your dwelling place, O LORD of hosts!” - Psalm 84:1 Scripture reading: Psalm 84:1-12 Arriving home is such a good feeling. Perhaps you have been gone on business, or had a hard day at work, or even a week or two of vacation. As you get close to your home, you have that anticipation of how great it will be just to be home. In this Psalm, we read of the same joyful anticipation of arriving home. We are all on a pilgrimage. We are just passing through this world. The world holds so much trouble and conflict. We need strength to continue on the path, steep and narrow, that leads to our heavenly home. Where do we gain that strength? Verse 5 reminds us that our strength is from the LORD and verse 7 describes how we “go from strength to strength.” On Sunday, as we gather with brothers and sisters in Christ, we are faced with our weakness on the one hand, as we see our sin in the light of God's law. But we also see God’s glorious grace in the gospel and we are strengthened! Through the faithful preaching of God's Word, we are not only strengthened, but given great joy as we sing praises to our God. In the words of verse 2, our “heart and flesh sing for joy to the living God.” It is no wonder that the Psalmist, as he exalts in joyous praise to the LORD, exclaims, “For a day in Your courts is better than a thousand elsewhere.” May that be your experience and mine, this Sunday and always! Suggestions for prayer Pray for your local church and the church universal. Pray for your pastor and his family as well as the elders, deacons and congregation. Pray for faithful seminaries to train another generation of ministers who will boldly preach the whole counsel of God. Pastor Ted Gray is a retired minister in the United Reformed Church of North America. 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

April 30 - A lesson on God’s timing

"But the LORD said to Moses, “Now you shall see what I will do….”" - Exodus 6:1 Scripture reading: Exodus 5:21-6:13 Moses’ first encounter with Pharaoh did not go well; matters worsened. Moses, not understanding God’s timing, complains: “Why has God not come through with His promises?” Moses wants instant results. Moses’ need for patience is clear. He needs a lesson on submitting to God’s timing. In our age of instant gratification, we can appreciate such a necessary lesson. We want things now, but God may say, “Not yet,” or “Not at all.” We are called to get our timing in sync with God’s. Life is not about what we think is best, but what God thinks is best. The quicker Moses discovered that, the quicker he could get back to serving the Lord. God sees everything going exactly to His plans. We see that, too, when we remember His Word. When we leave God’s Word behind, we lose proper perspective. Jesus’ disciples could not see the death of Jesus as reason for rejoicing. However, they had forgotten Christ’s Word. God’s timing is always good. It may not fit our plans, but that does not matter. God has always timed things well. His Son came in the fullness of time. Those who humble themselves before Him, He will lift up in due time. As we watch for the Lord’s return, this too will be at just the right time, in accordance with God’s plans. We don’t know exactly when that day will come, but we can count on it—a good note on which to end the month! Suggestions for prayer Pray with adoration for the Lord’s timing in the history of redemption and the ways He has worked in your life with remarkable timing. Pray to the Lord for the patience needed to submit to His timing in your life. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa. 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

April 29 - The ploy of false-god pharaoh

“The LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants and have put a sword in their hand to kill us.” - Exodus 5:21 Scripture reading: Exodus 5:1-21 The other ploy of Pharaoh was to play God’s people off on one another. It had temporary success. Turmoil can turn people against one another. This is a problem that plagues the history of the church. It is not that God is not clear with His promises; instead, people lose sight of them, turning against those whom God has entrusted to their care—or turning against one another. How difficult it can be for people to live contentedly within the church of Jesus Christ. Harmony can be an elusive pursuit far too many times. Christ knew such betrayal and discontent. When we pray for patience and submission, though, we will devour each other less and be united more in the Lord as we wait on the Lord. Spiritual arrogance and ignorance are disappointing. But God is not on the side of arrogance and ignorance; He is on the side of those whom He has saved and will deliver in Christ. They are the ones with peace. They are the ones who have the privilege of worshiping Him—and why wouldn’t they? They are not praising Him for what they have done, they are praising Him for what He has done in giving peace from evil, peace with God, the peace of God and true peace among Christians. In the end, it will all work out for those who are followers of the God of grace. We just need the patience to believe that good news for our lives. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord if you live in a harmonious relationship with your fellow-church members and leadership. Pray to the Lord for the submissive spirit that is needed to promote the harmony of the church even when turmoil strikes. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa. 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

April 28 - The ploys of false-god Pharaoh

“The LORD look on you and judge, because you have made us stink in the sight of Pharaoh and his servants and have put a sword in their hand to kill ...

Daily devotional

April 27 - The initial resistance of false-god pharaoh

Daily devotional

April 26 - God further prepares the deliverer

“And the people believed; and when they heard that the LORD had visited the people of Israel and that He had seen their affliction, they bowed their...

Daily devotional

April 25 - God further prepares the deliverer

“Then Zipporah took a flint and cut off her son's foreskin and touched Moses' feet with it and said, “Surely you are a bridegroom of blood to me!�...

Daily devotional

April 24 - God further prepares the deliverer

“When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.” - Exodus 4:22 Scripture reading: Exodus 4:21-23 God’s upcoming encounter with Pharaoh would show to Pharaoh that God alone was sovereign and worthy of divine worship. On this Lord’s Day of worship, such is a fitting subject. Some might ask, “How could someone like Pharaoh be blamed for hardness, for who resists the will of the sovereign God?” (Romans 9:19). The concern is that God is just using us as puppets. Yet we remember the responsibility of Pharaoh. Because God is sovereign, Pharaoh has responsibility. With us all, Pharaoh has no excuse before God, who clearly reveals Himself. Our problem is not first of all the hardening that comes, but the cold hearts that are there from the start. The Bible reminds us that God, in His justice, hands people over to their own desires (Romans 1:24, 26). People reap what they sow. Unbelief and sin drive people farther from the Lord. Such foolishness is a slippery slope to hell, which only God’s grace can change. God mentions this hardening for Moses’ encouragement, preparing him to serve with joy and confidence. Despite wrongful opposition ahead, everything will work out. People may not see the right way, the gospel or the importance of Christian living; they are hard of heart. But that ought not keep us from being faithful even as our Saviour was, for God will have His way in Egypt, at the cross and in our final deliverance. Don’t let sin and unbelief discourage you. Praise God for His superior faithfulness in Christ. Suggestions for prayer On this Lord’s Day, thank the Lord for His sovereignty over those who oppose Him and thank Him for giving you hope to serve Him well despite such opposition from sin and unbelief. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 23 - God further prepares the deliverer

“And the LORD said to Moses in Midian, “Go back to Egypt, for all the men who were seeking your life are dead.”” - Exodus 4:19 Scripture reading: Exodus 4:18-20 We often read here the word “return.” Through Moses’ “returning,” he is encouraged in his calling. One confirming encouragement is that family (Jethro) doesn’t become an impediment to his return. More encouraging to Moses is the further revelation that he receives from the Lord. God’s Word is meant to be such an encouragement. Kings come and go, but the Word of the Lord carries on. The desires of men will go with them to the grave, but the desire of the everlasting Lord will be fulfilled. What God says to Moses reminds us of Matthew 2:19, where God tells Joseph to return to Nazareth because he who was trying to take the Christ-child’s life was also dead. Moses pictures the Christ—the truest Deliverer of God’s people. The first Pharaoh of Exodus had not known Joseph, a deliverer of his people, and now the second Pharaoh of Exodus doesn’t know Moses, who will also be a deliverer of his people, just as Jesus would deliver His people under a domain which did not know Him. Evil wanted to deliver Moses to death, but he was not delivered to evil, so that he could be a deliverer from evil. Evil also wanted the Christ-child to be delivered unto death prematurely, but God had superior plans to deliver His people through Christ. God’s superior plans to deliver from evil were meant to encourage Moses; in Christ, they are meant to encourage us in our battle with sin as well. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the deliverance Christ has given you from the penalty and power of sin. Pray that He may continue His deliverance from sin in your life, as you heed the call to live more and more sanctified before Him, with the promise of full deliverance from sin’s power awaiting you in glory filling your heart with Christian hope. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 22 - No reason for reluctance

“But he said, “Oh, my Lord, please send someone else.”” - Exodus 4:13 Scripture reading: Exodus 4:13-16 Moses has run out of excuses with God, but at least we get to the bottom of his unwillingness: Excuse #5: “Send someone else.” No grounds here! Moses just doesn’t want to go. We can empathize with Moses. It is quite a job to be a mediator for God’s people, to be the one used by God to go and save His people from slavery, to be God’s representative here on earth. In Moses we see that we needed a better Mediator, a Mediator who would not go reluctantly, kicking and screaming, but willingly, of His own accord, saying, “Not My will, but Yours be done.” That Mediator was Jesus Christ. The only One, “For there is only one God and one mediator between God and man, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). It is for Christ’s sake that when we run out of excuses, the answer is not to say to God, “Use someone else to do what I have been called to do.” We cannot have that attitude as Christians, to expect everyone else to do what we are called to do, or are called to be. Our motto in the Christian life cannot be, “Send someone else; let someone else do it,” whether it is because we feel inadequate, or simply because we don’t want to do it. Instead, our attitude has to be like our Saviour’s: “Here I am, send me.” Go and serve the Lord and just watch how God will be with you. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank the Lord for providing the willing Mediator to restore peace between you and God. Pray that the Lord will equip you so that more and more you will seek to be a willing and obedient servant of the Lord. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 21 - No reason for reluctance

“But Moses said to the LORD, “Oh, my Lord, I am not eloquent….”” - Exodus 4:10 Scripture reading: Exodus 4:10-12 As we have noticed, the sinful attitude comes up with excuses to turn from the Lord’s callings. Here is another from Moses: Excuse #4 “I won’t know what to say.” It seems odd that someone trained in the courts of Egypt would use such an excuse, especially when we read that Moses was “strong in speech and power,” according to Stephen in Acts 7. Yet, that is what Moses says. Moses is getting low on excuses, but even so, the Lord counsels him graciously: “Who made the mouth? If this is what I have called you to do and if I am the Lord over everything, doesn’t that include your vocal cords? I am going to be with you in every way—including what you have to say. Now go!” Jesus said that when it comes to defending the faith, we would not need professional orators; He would give the courage to speak for Him (Luke 12:8-12; Luke 21:12-19). It wasn’t so much that people would listen right away or be convinced at all. Look at the hardness of Pharaoh, after all. However, the Spirit would give us the courage to honour the Lord with our speech. We may not all be called to be missionaries in the formal sense, but we are all called to be ready to give an account of the hope that is in us (1 Peter 3:15). Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the ability to live a life worthy of the gospel, but then ask the Lord for the courage to be ready to speak about that life when people ask you about the hope that is within you. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 20 - No reason for reluctance

“Then Moses answered, “But behold, they will not believe me or listen to my voice, for they will say, ‘The LORD did not appear to you.’”” ...

Daily devotional

April 19 - No reason for reluctance

“God said to Moses, “I am who I am.” And He said, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I am has sent me to you.’”” - Exodus 3:14 S...

Daily devotional

April 18 - No reason for reluctance

“But Moses said to God, “Who am I that I should go to Pharaoh and bring the children of Israel out of Egypt?” He said, “But I will be with you...

Daily devotional

April 17 - The God of the living

“But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and...

Daily devotional

April 16 - Enlightened by the burning bush to the calling of God

“Come, I will send you to Pharaoh that you may bring my people, the children of Israel, out of Egypt.” - Exodus 3:10 Scripture reading: Exodus 3:1-10 The burning bush not only speaks to the holiness and mercy of God, but also to God’s calling of Moses. The revelation of holiness and mercy, in fact, leads to the revelation of one’s calling. Revere My holiness and mercy as I call you into My service. Revelation readies us for obedience. That happens all the time in everyday life. Think about how many things we do better when we have someone’s backing or when we do so out of respect. God does not tell us to be ready and willing to serve Him without first telling us why. God does not make us guess as to who He is or how He cares for us. He tells it plainly. I am great, holy and powerful; in mercy you can count on Me. So, serve Me; serve Me well. To his shame, Moses was not yet ready to serve the Lord readily and willingly. Thankfully, Jesus never had that problem. “I have come to do Your will, O God” (Hebrews 10:7). Jesus knew that when he would do God’s will perfectly, God would not let Him see decay (Psalm 16:10; Acts 2:27). For Jesus’ sake, we too can serve in God’s kingdom in a spirit that imitates our Saviour. A self-serving world is no motivator to Christian service. What overcomes such a self-serving example are eyes open to the marvels of God’s holiness and mercy to us in Jesus Christ, which spurs a selfless attitude of gratitude to the Lord. Suggestions for prayer Be in prayer thankfully for the marvels God has shown you in Jesus Christ. Pray that the Lord might use those marvels to spur you on to love and good deeds. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 15 - Enlightened by the burning bush to the mercy of God

“He looked and behold, the bush was burning, yet it was not consumed.” - Exodus 3:2 Scripture reading: Exodus 3:1-10 The fiery bush speaks to the holiness of God, but also to the mercy of God. For Moses’ sake and for our sake in Christ, we can be exceedingly glad for this. God is holy and we are not, yet we are not consumed. We can see ourselves in the burning-bush event as unconsumed, celebrating God’s mercy to us through faith in Christ. What made the bush unusual was not that it was burning, but that it was burning and not being consumed. Scripture does indeed speak of God as a consuming fire (Deuteronomy 4:24; Hebrews 12:29), but here the fire does not consume. When you think about what Israel and Moses had been enduring, such a bush is a fitting sight. Israel was God’s chosen people, treated differently than other nations so as not to be consumed like other nations, but not because of anything deserving about her. Such a non-consumption is how it is for God’s covenant people, both in the Old Testament days and now in the New Testament days. Hebrews 12 says that kingdoms of the world will not last, but the kingdom of Christ, to which we belong through faith and grace, will not be consumed because of the grace of God and the righteousness of Christ. This is the joy of the gospel, for before the holy face of God, we all deserve to be consumed, but by the wondrous mercy of God through the crucified Christ we can confess that we are not. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to the Lord for the marvellous mercies of God, who consumed your sins in Christ so that you need not be consumed. Pray for an ever-increasing devotion to serve your Saviour well, given the marvels of His grace. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 14 - Enlightened by the burning bush to the holiness of God

“Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”” - Exodus 3:5 Scripture reading: Exodus 3:1-10 These commands refer to “holy ground.” This area had become the house of God, His sanctuary, because He was dwelling there. In this sanctuary, God had made ground that was unclean, clean. God had cursed the ground in Genesis 3:17. In this event, however, God overcomes the curse by His very holiness. He can sanctify what would otherwise be perverse. Moses was called to respect that restored sanctity. Such a sense of sanctity and godly respect are to extend to farther ends for the followers of Christ today, where “holy ground” is found wherever God’s Spirit-inhabited people worship and work; both are realms of holy endeavour. As temples of God’s Spirit, our bodies are to be respected in a stewardly and chaste way as well. In all places and things, God’s people are called to godly respect for Christ’s sake—a respect that goes lacking in much of our world today. We are called to respect what God has given us to use for His glory. We are called to respect authority for the sake of Christ Who endows it. We are to respect the time that we have been given and to approach all our callings as holy and pleasing to God, which is our spiritual worship. As we live reverentially, we do so, anticipating the return of Christ, Who will make all things new and holy unprecedentedly. “Respect My holiness,” says the Lord, “wherever you go, and certainly whenever you gather to worship to hear My Word.” Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the various ways in which you can carry out holy endeavours in His name and thank the Lord for His Spirit’s presence in your life that allows such holy endeavours to take place. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 13 - Enlightened by the burning bush to the holiness of God

“Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the place on which you are standing is holy ground.”” - Exodus 3:5 Scripture reading: Exodus 3:1-10 Moses sees an unusual sight, a burning bush that is not consumed. He comes closer, only to hear the Word of God coming forth from the bush urgently telling him to take off his shoes because he was on holy ground. In those days, as is often the case today, people did not wear their shoes indoors. It was a matter of respect, of cleanliness, because your shoes were carrying in dirt from the outside. However, Moses is not inside, but outside. Yet, Moses is asked to take off his shoes for where Moses stands has now become a sanctuary; God is present. Shoes are removed out of respect for the person whose house you entered—even more so for the sake of God, Whose sanctuary Moses was entering. Without a respect for the person and Word of the Lord, we will not be ready and willing to serve Him. Such respect is missing from much of our world today. People’s actions today of impurity, discontent and destruction betray their irreverence for God. God demands and deserves our reverence. Whenever He meets with His people to supply His gospel Word, that is a holy place. Wherever people are, that is a place where they ought to live as if they are in the holy presence of God, for they are. When we know Christ as Saviour and Lord, such reverence makes us respect every moment as a holy endeavour before God, which is what makes life worth living. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you appreciate the holy act of worship all the more and to be more sensitive to the Christian ideal that we live Coram Deo—in the presence of God. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 12 - God prepares a deliverer: A lesson from Midian

Daily devotional

April 11 - God prepares a deliverer: Lessons from Egypt

Daily devotional

April 10 - God prepares a deliverer: Lessons from Egypt

Daily devotional

April 9 - God prepares the deliverer: Lessons in Egypt

Daily devotional

April 8 - God prepares deliverance through an unlikely rescuer

“When opened , she saw the child, and behold, the baby was crying. She took pity on him…” - Exodus 2:6 Scripture reading: Exodus 2:1-10 God’s deliverance includes an unlikely rescuer. Pharaoh’s daughter delivers baby Moses, the future deliverer. Pharaoh is cruel, but Pharaoh’s daughter shows pity. God often uses the unlikely to accomplish His ends. Some people know it; others do not. Often the ignorant are in lofty positions, like Pharaoh’s daughter who unexpectedly does not follow the cruelty of her father. God often uses the unexpected to declare His greatness and to stress His grace. Those who oppose Him the most, as often depicted, are but means that the Lord uses to accomplish His purposes. Pharaoh is foiled by his own daughter in God’s plans. God has used Caesar Augustus, Herod the Great, Pontius Pilate—the powerful and the influential, to fulfill His plans. They may counsel against God, but God laughs from heaven (Ps. 2:4). God can use many or a few to accomplish His purposes. He can shame the strong with the weak, the wise with the simple. He can make us strongest when we are weakest as we lean on Him. Christ becomes poor for our sake so that we can become rich. He humbles Himself on the road to glory. Christ’s cross of shame becomes the Christian’s glory unto salvation as God displays His power at Golgotha. This is why the gospel is so often foolishness to the Gentile and a stumbling block to the Jew. God uses the unexpected for His purposes. God uses us this way as well by His grace in Jesus Christ. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank the Lord that He is able to use all things, even the most influential to His saving purposes and the good of His people in Christ. Pray that the Lord will help you see His hand at work in the days in which you live, so that you might praise Him all the more. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 7 - God prepares deliverance through a special infancy

“When she could hide him no longer, she took for him a basket made of bulrushes and daubed it with bitumen and pitch. She put the child in it and placed it among the reeds by the river bank.” - Exodus 2:3 Scripture reading: Exodus 2:1-10 The infancy of Moses is also special because Moses is placed in a basket—literally an “ark” lined with pitch and set in the Nile River. Our children know about Noah’s ark, but this is Moses’ ark. The same word that is used in Genesis 7:1 for “ark” is used here. Noah put pitch on his ark (Genesis 6:14), as did Moses’ mother on Moses’ ark. Another allusion to Genesis! God delivers His people through Noah, but Noah must survive a water ordeal for it to happen. Moses also survives a water ordeal; he is drawn from the water. In the end, he delivers God’s people from the waters of death. Also, Moses was laid by “reeds”, the same word that describes the Sea of “Reeds” through which the people went in Exodus 13:18. A remembrance of the past and an anticipation of the future are revealed here. God provides a deliverer who will take them through the waters of death in victory and rest over their enemies. Jesus undergoes death for His people and comes out alive so that He can be their deliverer. When we are in Christ through faith, we are buried with Him, dead to sin, but then made alive to Christ and righteousness. Through Him alone, we are delivered to everlasting rest. The special infancy of Moses led to the deliverance of God’s people. The special infancy of Christ led to a fuller deliverance, one that we can know through faith and await in certain hope. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the great deliverance that Christ has won for you. Pray that the Lord might fill your heart with the hope that the promised fullness of that deliverance provides. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 6 - God prepares deliverance through a special infancy

“Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months.” - Exodus 2:1-2 Scripture reading: Exodus 2:1-10 Looking at the special infancy of Moses, we see that Moses’ mother “saw that he was a fine child” (v.3). Literally, she “saw that he was good.” Exodus 1 already alluded to Genesis, because Exodus continues the covenant revelation of Genesis. Genesis 1 speaks often of how God saw the good creation. Someone reading Hebrew wouldn’t miss the same refrain here, his mother “saw that he was good.” Why use this creation-type language? When God delivers, it is like a re-creation. In the flood event of Genesis, God uses creation terms as He delivers His people from judgment. The New Testament says that anyone who is in Christ Jesus is a new creation, the old has passed and the new has come (2 Corinthians 5:17). We also await a new heaven and a new earth where there is complete deliverance for the people of God, the home of righteousness (2 Peter 3:13). Here God prepares a deliverer associated with new beginnings, a new land, a new creation, if you will. This newness is part of what makes this infancy special. Moses will be used to deliver God’s people and bring them to a new land. He will be a saviour of sorts, picturing the Saviour of the world, Jesus Christ, the reason why we can live in hope of a new heaven and earth, and the reason we can be new creatures, saved and delivered by Christ, so we can serve God as His new creatures. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His transforming grace that makes us new creatures in Christ. Pray for the opportunities to display that new creation before a world in need of spiritual transformation. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 5 - God prepares deliverance through a special infancy

“Now a man from the house of Levi went and took as his wife a Levite woman. The woman conceived and bore a son, and when she saw that he was a fine child, she hid him three months.” - Exodus 2:1-2 Scripture reading: Exodus 2:1-10 Yesterday, we saw that God delivered through a special infancy. Part of what made that infant special was the times in which he was born—a time when male Hebrew infants were not allowed to exist. Pharaoh decreed that all the males should be thrown into the Nile River—considered a god of life, yet used for death. The river of life is used as a river of death by the one who wishes to destroy the covenant seed of the woman. The days of Exodus were anti-Christian days governmentally, but the parents of Moses did not let those days become reason to give up hope or faith, for the Almighty God had promised a deliverer. Hebrews 11:23 says that the parents of Moses hid Moses for three months and were not afraid of the king’s edict. They feared God rather than men, even as the midwives of Exodus 1 had done. Their assurance of things hoped for and their conviction of things not seen moved them to do the right thing. Things did not look good, but they still did not fear men more than the Almighty God of promise—to save, preserve and provide for His people. In essence, they were saying, “The Lord is my helper, I will not be afraid, what shall man do to me?” Things may not always look good, but those things give no reason for us to trade in our fear of the Lord for the fear of men. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that we might find our peace with Him in Christ, and our peace in life through Him in Christ. Pray for the courage to place our reverence for God before our fear of others. Rev. John Vermeer is the pastor of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa....

Daily devotional

April 4 - God prepares deliverance through a special infancy

Daily devotional

April 3 - God’s promises prevail over evil

“But the midwives feared God and did not do as the king of Egypt commanded them, but let the male children live.” - Exodus 1:17 Scripture rea...

Daily devotional

April 2 - Signs of hope for succeeding generations

Daily devotional

April 1 - Introduction to the book of Exodus

This month we reflect on Exodus 1 to Exodus 6:13. These introductory chapters of Exodus can fill our days well with lessons on the relevant truths of ...

Daily devotional

March 31 - No enemy can stand in the way of our salvation in Christ

“And these are the kings of the land whom Joshua and the people of Israel defeated on the west side of the Jordan. . . in all, thirty-one kings.” - Joshua 12:7, 24b Scripture reading: Joshua 12:7-24 Joshua 12:7-24 is a who’s who of ancient Canaan. It’s a list of thirty-one kings who challenged Israel, who tried to keep God from giving His people what He had promised them. One by one, Joshua defeated them, took possession of their land and gave it to Israel. That was a picture of Jesus’ victory over our enemies, which Paul records in Colossians 2: He disarmed the rulers and authorities, the demonic powers of hell and put them to open shame by triumphing over them in the cross. At present, says Hebrews 2:8, we do not yet see everything in subjection to Him. But the apostle John saw it in a vision in Revelation 11: 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 Lord and of His Christ and He shall reign forever and ever.” And the twenty-four elders who sit on their thrones before God fell on their faces and worshiped God, saying, “We give thanks to You, Lord God Almighty, Who is and Who was, for You have taken Your great power and begun to reign” (Revelation 11:16-17). Jesus encourages us to live by faith in this promise so that we share in His victory: The one who conquers, I will grant him to sit with Me on my throne, as I also conquered and sat down with My Father on His throne (Revelation 3:21). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the historical record of the conquest of Canaan, knowing that through Joshua, God defeated Israel’s enemies, took their territory and gave it to Israel, because it prophesies the victory of the church, through Jesus Christ. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 30 - No enemy can stand in the way of our salvation in Christ

“Moses, the servant of the LORD, and the people of Israel defeated them. And Moses the servant of the LORD gave their land for a possession to the Reubenites and the Gadites and the half-tribe of Manasseh.” - Joshua 12:6 Scripture reading: Joshua 12:1-6 The chapter starts talking about Sihon and Og, two mighty kings with huge kingdoms on the eastern side of the Jordan outside the land of Canaan. When Israel was on the way to Canaan, they came to the border of their kingdoms and asked politely if they could pass through. But they attacked Israel and Israel defeated them by taking possession of their land. These events might not stand out for us in the history of Israel, but they’re quite prominent in the Bible. Judging by what Rahab and the Gibeonites said, everyone in Canaan was terrified because of what Israel had done to them. In Psalm 136, among all of the reasons why we should give thanks to the LORD, the psalmist mentions how God struck down Sihon and Og, and gave their land to Israel. The victories over Sihon and Og weren’t politically important, in the first place, but spiritually important. It was the offspring of the serpent against the offspring of the woman, trying to keep God from giving His people the inheritance He had promised them. We need to know what God did to Sihon and Og because the offspring of the serpent continues to oppose the offspring of the woman. Those mighty enemies show you that God will never let anyone or anything stand in the way of us receiving the inheritance that Christ has gained for us. We are more than conquerors through Him Who loved us. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to use God’s defeat of Sihon and Og to build up your faith, so that you may wrestle against “the rulers”, “the authorities”, “the cosmic powers over this present darkness” and “the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly places”, in the strength that He provides. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 29 - The Arc de Triomphe

“Now these are the kings of the land whom the people of Israel defeated and took possession of their land beyond the Jordan toward the sunrise, from the Valley of the Arnon to Mount Hermon, with all the Arabah eastward. . . . And these are the kings of the land whom Joshua and the people of Israel defeated on the west side of the Jordan.” - Joshua 12:1,7 Scripture reading: Joshua 12 Even if we’ve never been to Paris to see the real thing, many of us have at least seen pictures of the Arc de Triomphe. It’s one of the landmarks of that city. It was commissioned by Napoleon, in imitation of the emperors of ancient Rome, who built more than fifty triumphal arches celebrating glorious victories. You could almost describe Joshua 12 as a kind of triumphal arch, a monument built in words, because it records the great victories of the first two Israelite generals, Moses and Joshua, for the same reason that those arches of the Roman Empire did. It doesn’t only mean to say, here are some things that happened in the past. It wants to make an impression; it wants to communicate a message that goes beyond just passing on the historical information. You can divide the book of Joshua into several parts. Chapter 12 closes off the first part of the book, which tells the story of Israel entering the Promised Land and conquering it. And the writer of Joshua closes off the story of the conquest of Canaan with this catalog of the cities that were conquered by Moses and Joshua in order to show that the conquest was complete. This record of Israel’s complete conquest of Canaan is a prophecy of the complete conquest of the world, when the God of peace crushes Satan under our feet (Romans 16:20), and the great Conqueror Jesus Christ establishes His eternal kingdom. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the promise, embodied in this passage, that Jesus will carry out a complete conquest of the world and on the day when His victory is complete, we will enjoy eternal rest and never be troubled by our enemies. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 28 - Victory through Joshua

“Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. And Joshua gave it for an inheritance to Israel . . . And the land had rest from war.” - Joshua 11:23a Scripture reading: Joshua 11:21-28 To hear the Holy Spirit tell it, you’d almost think Joshua defeated all Israel’s enemies singlehandedly. Joshua took the whole land, according to all that the LORD had spoken to Moses. Joshua was faithful to God; he was careful to follow all the law that Moses had commanded him. And he won the victory. Not even the Anakim, who were giants, who had terrified ten of the spies in Numbers 13, could stand before him. Who would have imagined, who would have believed, that Israel would ever conquer Canaan? Who would ever have imagined that they would ever possess the inheritance that God said He had prepared for them? They had been slaves in Egypt. And they were up against powerful enemies. Giants. But Joshua was faithful and through him, God gave them the victory. Joshua gave all the land for an inheritance to Israel according to their tribal allotments. And the land had rest from war. That’s the gospel. It is for us. The Spirit highlights Joshua’s faithfulness and the victory that God gave him and the inheritance he gave Israel because they’re pictures and promises of the faithfulness and the victory of our Joshua. God gives us this picture and this promise to encourage us: Put all your trust in Joshua; follow Him. That’s the way that leads to salvation. That’s how you share in victory over your enemies, even sin and death and how you receive all the wonderful things that God has prepared for you. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the faithfulness of Jesus and for His victory over His enemies and ours in His death and resurrection. Pray that soon we will enjoy the rest that God promises when we receive the inheritance Jesus has won for us and go to live with Him in the new heaven and the new earth. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 27 - Therefore, we will not fear, though the earth give way

Daily devotional

March 26 - Preserving in obedience by faith in the promises

Daily devotional

March 25 - Preserving in obedience by faith in the promises

Daily devotional

March 24 - Until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet

Daily devotional

March 23 - There has been no day like it before or since

“There has been no day like it before or since, when the LORD heeded the voice of a man, for the LORD fought for Israel.” - Joshua 10:14 Scripture reading: Joshua 10:12-15 The destruction of the Amorites is a picture of the great day of judgement. Hail was one of the plagues against Egypt; it is a feature of God’s judgement prophesied in Isaiah 10, Ezekiel 13 and in the book of Revelation. When he commanded the sun to stand still and the moon to stop, Joshua foreshadows Jesus as Saviour and Judge. People insist that it’s not possible. The sun couldn’t stand still; it would have been catastrophic. Therefore they try to come up with explanations that avoid the straightforward meaning of what it says here. But it says that Joshua prayed and God suspended the normal order, the pattern of day and night. The Holy Spirit underlines it: there has been no day like it, before or since, when the Lord heeded the voice of a man, for the LORD fought for Israel. The LORD fought for Israel because Joshua was bringing His judgement on God’s enemies and giving His people their inheritance. One day, the whole world will unite, like these Amorite kings, to attack God’s people (Revelation 20:7-10). On that day, the greater Joshua will come in all His glory and fight for us. Then there will be another day like that one, when the Lord heeds the voice of a Man and will bring an end to the pattern of day and night, of sun and moon. Then Jesus will bring God’s final judgement on His enemies and we will inherit the new heaven and the new earth. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Spirit to help you to live by faith in the promise that the great day of your vindication is coming and pray that soon, we will see Jesus coming with the clouds of heaven. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 22 - The victory that overcomes the world

“And the LORD threw them into a panic before Israel, who struck them with a great blow at Gibeon and chased them by the way of the ascent of Beth-horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah.” - Joshua 10:10 Scripture reading: Joshua 10:6-11 The Holy Spirit opens our eyes here to the way things are in the conflict between the church and the world. The bottom line, if you want to say it that way, is that though the world attacks us because we are not of the world, the war is actually between God and the world. That’s reflected in the way the Spirit describes the battle. On the one hand, He says Joshua and the army marched all night and came upon the Amorite armies suddenly. At the same time, He says the LORD threw the Amorite armies into a panic. That means that the LORD used what we might call the powers of nature, to terrify the Amorites. (see also e.g. I Samuel 7:10-11, Psalm 77:13-20) And then it says that Israel struck the Amorites with a great blow at Gibeon and chased them by way of the ascent of Beth-Horon and struck them as far as Azekah and Makkedah. But the footnote says that we could also translate this way: He - the LORD - Who struck them and chased them all the way to Azekah and Makkedah. It seems like two contradictory accounts: the LORD did it and Israel did it. But both are true. Israel had to fight, but the LORD was fighting for them. The battle belongs to the LORD, but we must put on the whole armour of God (Ephesians 6:10-18), and overcome the world by faith (I John 5:5-6). Suggestions for prayer: Pray that the Holy Spirit will make you fully confident that the battle belongs to the LORD and that He will enable you to fight against the devil, the world and your own flesh in that confidence. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 21 - The Lord’s friend is their enemy

“Come up to me and help me, and let us strike Gibeon. For it has made peace with Joshua and with the people of Israel.” - Joshua 10:4 Scripture reading: Joshua 10:1-5 We don’t know how much military or strategic sense this attack made, or what those kings were hoping to achieve from a strategic point of view by attacking Gibeon. But the author of Joshua says they didn’t attack Gibeon for military reasons, or for strategic reasons. They did it for spiritual reasons. Notice what Adoni-Zedek said: We have to attack Gibeon because they made peace with Joshua, and with the people of Israel. The name of Joshua was bound up with everything the LORD was doing, to judge the nations and to give their land to Israel as an inheritance. And in their minds, when Gibeon made peace with Joshua and with the people of Israel, Gibeon became their enemy. The Spirit is showing us again how the world instinctively reacts when God enters the world to bring salvation. The world reacts with hatred and violence to the church and to anyone or anything that seems to be connected in any way to the name of Jesus Christ. And whatever differences there are between the West, Islam and communism, they’re united in their hatred for Christ and in their warfare against Him and His people. This is how the world reacts to anyone who identifies himself, or in their eyes seems to identify himself with Jesus Christ. It doesn’t always make very much sense, logically speaking. It’s actually irrational. But this is what it’s all about; we shouldn’t be surprised and we should remember the history of Joshua and the history of Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to recognize that the world’s hatred for the church is rooted in its instinctive response to Jesus and to strengthen our faith by the gospel that God has triumphed over our enemies in Him. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 20 - Who shall dwell on God’s holy hill?

“Who shall dwell on your holy hill? He who walks blamelessly and does what is right.” - Psalm 15:1b-2a Scripture reading: Psalm 15:1-12 Today is our day of worship. When we worship, we enjoy fellowship with God. But Psalm 15 says that only the blameless may have fellowship with God and that might make you wonder whether you have the right to enter His presence in worship. That’s because we think that blameless means sinless. But if you look the word up in a concordance, you’ll find out that David, Noah and Job were blameless, and some who are called upright in the sight of God and righteous. Since the Bible says that every person is conceived and born in sin, the Spirit can’t be saying that these people were sinless. We know from the Bible that Noah got drunk; Job demanded that Lord explain Himself to him and Zechariah didn’t believe the angel Gabriel who told him that he and Elizabeth were going to have a son. So blameless doesn’t mean sinless. In the Bible, blameless means, trusting in God’s Word and seeking Him with all your heart. It means, living in repentance for your sin, claiming God’s forgiveness for the sake of Christ’s death and seeking to live the holy life that David describes here in Psalm 15 – the life God gives you through faith in Christ. If you are a sincere believer, if you live by faith in the promises that the triune God made to you when you were baptized, you have peace with God and stand in grace. You are welcome to enter the presence of God in worship. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that in Christ, He has opened the way for you to worship Him with a clear conscience today and to live with Him forever. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 19 - People loved the darkness rather than the light

Daily devotional

March 18 - Every knee shall bow

“But Joshua made them that day cutters of wood and drawers of water for the congregation and for the altar of the LORD, to this day, in the place th...

Daily devotional

March 17 - Love your enemies and do good

“… the leaders said to all the congregation, “We have sworn to them by the LORD, the God of Israel, and now we may not touch them.”” - Joshu...

Daily devotional

March 16 - When pride comes, then comes disgrace

“So the men took some of their provisions, but did not ask counsel from the LORD.” - Joshua 9:14 Scripture reading: Joshua 9:3-15 The men ...

Daily devotional

March 15 - Deception rather than repentance

“Joshua said to them, “Who are you? And where do you come from?” They said to him, “From a very distant country your servants have come, because of the name of the LORD your God. For we have heard a report of him, and all that he did in Egypt, and all that he did to the two kings of the Amorites who were beyond the Jordan.” - Joshua 9:8b-10a Scripture reading: Joshua 9:1-15 A whole group of Canaanite kings gathered together to fight against Israel because they heard what happened to Jericho and to Ai. When the Gibeonites approached Joshua to ask him to enter into a covenant with them, they didn’t mention Jericho or Ai, but they had certainly heard about what happened to them. That’s what prompted them to make a covenant with Israel. They had undoubtedly heard about Rahab and how Israel treated her. When Rahab, along with everyone in that part of the world, heard what God had done in Egypt and on the other side of the Jordan, she repented and put her faith in Israel’s God. According to their promise, Israel spared her and her family when Jericho was destroyed. That was also known in Canaan. The Gibeonites seemed to realize that there was no hope in fighting Israel. They didn’t want to be destroyed, like Jericho and Ai, but they didn’t want to repent like Rahab, either. So they exploited Israel’s faithfulness and God’s mercy by tricking Joshua into making a covenant with them. We confess that our neighbours may be won for Christ by our godly walk of life and we should pray that they will be. But we shouldn’t be surprised – or discouraged - when sometimes, our neighbours want to share in the benefit of the life Christ has created among us without turning to Him in repentance and faith. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to use your godly walk of life to win your neighbours for Christ and to help you persevere in seeking to lead them to salvation in Him. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 14 - Disguised hatred is still hatred

“…when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, they on their part acted with cunning” - Joshua 9:3b,4a Scripture reading: Joshua 9:1-6 The Bible says that God put enmity between the offspring of the serpent and the offspring of the woman; the Lord Jesus told His disciples that the world would hate them as it had hated Him; Paul told Timothy that all who desire to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted. The world hates the church, but its hatred isn’t always shown in open hostility. The opening verses of Joshua 9 tell us that the Hittites, the Amorites, the Canaanites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites gathered together as one to fight against Joshua and Israel. In other words, those people showed their enmity by getting ready for war. The Gibeonites showed their enmity toward Israel in a different way: when the inhabitants of Gibeon heard what Joshua had done to Jericho and to Ai, they on their part acted with cunning. Until recently, the church in the West has not faced open opposition or persecution, but we have nonetheless been under assault from the world in the constant enticement to pursue “the good life” as our culture defines it, the life we receive from the gods of pleasure, power, money, technology and science. The Holy Spirit has told us that the world will hate us and we should believe Him. We should recognize the world’s propaganda for what it is: a cunning strategy to undermine our faith and our commitment to live by faith in the only true God. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to help you believe that the world hates you, to recognize its hatred even when it is disguised and to live only by faith in God’s promises. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 13 - God calls his people to worship him before the world

“…they offered on it burnt offerings to the LORD and sacrificed peace offerings. And there, in the presence of the people of Israel, he wrote on the stones a copy of the law of Moses, which he had written.” - Joshua 8:31b-32 Scripture reading: Joshua 8:30-35 The altar Joshua built on Mount Ebal wasn’t the first altar to Yahweh in this part of Canaan. Both Abram (Genesis 12:6-8) and Jacob (Genesis 33:18-20) built altars to Him at Shechem, which is right between Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim. That history was probably one of the reasons the LORD chose this place for this worship service. Geography was another reason: Mt. Ebal and Mt. Gerizim were also close to the very centre of the land of Canaan. He said, “I want you to go to that place, in the heart of this land, where Abram and Jacob confessed their faith and set up an altar to Yahweh. In public worship, I want you to testify before all the gods and all the people of Canaan that Yahweh has done all that He promised, that He has given you this land as an inheritance and that the worship of His Name has been established in the land.” In the shadow of the stones on which Joshua had written the law of God, Israel showed their thankfulness to Yahweh by offering burnt offerings and rejoiced in their fellowship with Him by offering peace offerings. This is what our worship today is all about: before the world and in the company of His people, we will offer ourselves to Him in thankfulness and commit ourselves to live in obedience to Him, because He is our God and we are His people, and in Christ, He has redeemed us and given us an eternal inheritance. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to help you worship the Lord in thankfulness, to consciously and intentionally present yourself to Him as a living sacrifice and to sincerely submit your life to His Word. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 12 - God calls his people to confess him before the world

“At that time Joshua built an altar to the LORD, the God of Israel, on Mount Ebal, just as Moses the servant of the LORD had commanded … “an altar of uncut stones, upon which no man has wielded an iron tool.”” - Joshua 8:30-31a Scripture reading: Joshua 8:30-35 You could compare the ceremony that’s recorded here at the end of Joshua 8 to a public profession of faith. In our tradition as Reformed churches, pretty well from the moment they’re baptized, parents and elders and ministers are leading the children of the congregation to make a profession of their faith. In their baptism, God has shown and confirmed His covenant commitment to them and as His covenant partners, He expects our children to commit themselves to Him, to believe His promises, to walk in His ways and to confess Him before a watching world. That’s what this ceremony is about. In Deuteronomy 11:29, Moses said, “When the Lord your God brings you into the land that you are entering to take possession of it, you shall set the blessing on Mount Gerizim and the curse on Mount Ebal.” And in his instructions in Deuteronomy 27:12, Moses told them that they had to do all of these things on the day they crossed over the Jordan. Moses didn’t mean, literally, “Hold this worship service on the first day you get into Canaan.” He meant, “The LORD wants you to do this as soon as you can.” You might say that Israel had been headed toward Mt. Ebal pretty well from the moment they entered the land of Canaan. As soon as they could, in response to the proof of God’s commitment to them, they answered Him with their public commitment, to walk with Him in covenant fellowship, namely, in repentance, faith and obedience. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to help you to be ready to profess your faith in God and your commitment to Him, both privately and publicly, in response to the faithfulness and mercy He has shown you, above all, in the gift of salvation through Christ. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 11 - God lures his enemies to their destruction

Daily devotional

March 10 - We receive our inheritance in the way of humble faith

Daily devotional

March 9 - Repentance leads to reconciliation

“And the LORD said to Joshua, Do not fear and do not be dismayed.” - Joshua 8:1a Scripture reading: Joshua 8:1-2 We have a chapter division...

Daily devotional

March 8 - History that prophesies

“And the LORD said to Joshua, Do not fear and do not be dismayed. Take all the fighting men with you, and arise, go up to Ai. See, I have given into...

Daily devotional

March 7 - Our God is a consuming fire

“And Joshua said, Why did you bring trouble on us? The LORD brings trouble on you today. And all Israel stoned him with stones. They burned them with fire and stoned them with stones.” - Joshua 7:25 Scripture reading: Joshua 7:16-26 When Achan finally confessed what he had done, he and his family were stoned to death and their bodies burned. Achan had identified himself with the city that was under God’s curse and so he suffered a cursed death. We want to know why his whole family had to die for Achan’s sin. Does that mean that they knew about the gold and silver and the clothes hidden under their tent? Why would God say that they had to die? And where did they go when they died – did they go to heaven? The Holy Spirit doesn’t really answer our questions. But He lays the story of Rahab and the story of Achan beside each other, and the message of God’s righteousness is clear. Rahab was a pagan, a prostitute, but when she put her faith in Israel’s God, she and her whole family were spared from the judgement that fell on Jericho. They came to share in the inheritance as members of the people of God. Achan and his family were God’s covenant children, heirs of the promise, but when they broke faith with God, they came under the same judgment that Jericho did. John writes, “Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. And the world is passing away along with its desires, but whoever does the will of God abides forever” (I John 2:15,17). Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to help you see and remember that “the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life - is not from the Father, but is from the world”, and to help you to love Him with heart, soul and mind. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 6 - The Lord’s throne is in heaven

“The LORD is righteous; He loves righteous deeds; the upright shall behold His face.” - Psalm 11:7 Scripture reading: Psalm 11:1-7 We don’t know what situation is reflected in Psalm 11. It sounds like Israel was going through some kind of a crisis and David’s throne and life were in danger. Some of David’s friends and advisors believed that Israel was on the brink of a real disaster. The foundations were being destroyed, and there was nothing the righteous could do; it was time for him to run. In the West, the moral and social foundations are being destroyed. Psalm 11 asks us, How do we respond to what’s going on? Are we anxious, panicked? Or are we comforted by God’s promises? There are times when we need to run away from danger. David ran away when Saul was trying to kill him and when Absalom tried to steal the throne. But this time, for whatever reason, he said, I’m not going to run. And when he was convinced that he couldn’t run away from the danger that he faced at that moment in his life, David found courage to stay by lifting up his eyes and remembering the truth about his life and how things really are: The LORD is in His holy temple; the LORD’s throne is in heaven. Sunday is a special blessing for God’s people in these times. In worship, the LORD reminds us that His throne is in heaven! And we are comforted in the knowledge that whatever happens to us, the LORD is upright and the upright shall surely behold His face! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you overcome your fears and anxieties by encouraging you to lift up your eyes from what people are doing in your life and in this world, to Him, remembering that nothing can separate you from His love, which is yours in Christ Jesus. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 5 - Judgement day

“And he brought near his household man by man, and Achan the son of Carmi, son of Zabdi, son of Zerah, of the tribe of Judah, was taken.” - Joshua 7:18 Scripture reading: Joshua 7:16-22 You need to think about the way God exposed Achan’s sin. He conducted the investigation, so to speak. And He did it in front of the whole nation. We don’t know exactly how it happened, but it sounds like they cast the lot. By casting the lot, they called on God to judge. Think of what God is showing us here. Early in the morning, the whole congregation of Israel stood before the LORD to be judged. This is as real as it gets. This is a picture of judgement day. We tend to think of ourselves and the things we do in terms of what other people know about us or think about us. We miss the boat altogether. The Spirit says to us here, You live before the face of God and He is your Judge. Hebrews 4 says, No creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to Whom we must give account. Step by step, the circle grew smaller and smaller. And finally, only Achan was left. You have to wonder why he didn’t step forward and just admit what he had done. Maybe he kept hoping, kept fooling himself that he wouldn’t be found out. But even when God exposed him as the guilty one, he didn’t confess. That’s the stubborn nature we all inherited from Adam and Eve. We think that confessing our sin is suicide. In fact, it’s the only way to save our lives. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to remind you that you live before the face of God, that you are naked and exposed to the eyes of the One to Whom you must give account, and to help you live a life of integrity. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 4 - God’s wrath on a covenant child

“He who is taken with the devoted things shall be burned with fire, he and all that he has, because he has transgressed the covenant of the LORD, and because he has done an outrageous thing in Israel.” - Joshua 7:15 Scripture reading: Joshua 7:10-15 Joshua had asked the LORD, “What will You do for Your great Name?” (Joshua 7:9). That was a good question, because that is the heart of the matter when it comes to our salvation. God saves sinful people for the glory of His Name. But Joshua asked the right question for the wrong reason, you might say. We can be extremely thankful that God has chosen to glorify Himself by showing grace to sinful people like us, by saving unsaveable people. But we should never let ourselves imagine that being a church member somehow makes us immune from God’s judgement. God glorifies His Name by showing grace to repentant and believing sinners, not by tolerating spiritual adultery. James says, Friendship with the world is enmity with God. Therefore, whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. We make a mockery of His Name if we become unfaithful and live in friendship with the world. Then we cannot expect God’s blessing, but His curse. The world is our enemy and we cannot stand before our enemy. We cannot defend ourselves from the world, much less overcome the world, as long as we live in friendship with the world. To love the world is to do an outrageous thing and transgress the covenant of the Lord. It makes us the enemies of God and we will fall, along with the world, under His wrath. Then God will defend the glory of His Name by justly judging us. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God will keep you and all His people from wishing to be friends of the world, and that He will help you to seek the glory of His Name by your complete devotion to Him. Rev. Dick Wynia is currently the minister of the Vineyard Canadian Reformed Church in Beamsville, ON....

Daily devotional

March 3 - Repentance is a condition of fellowship with God

Daily devotional

March 2 - What fellowship has light with darkness?

Daily devotional

March 1 - Introduction to the book of Joshua

How do we approach the book of Joshua, the story of the conquest of the promised land, the story of this great leader of Israel? The book is named aft...

Daily devotional

February 28 - The final words

“Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prop...

Daily devotional

February 27 - Judgment and comfort

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.” - Malachi 4:1-2 Scripture reading: Malachi 4:1-6 We now come to the final chapter in Malachi. This section will continue to address what was already spoken in 2:17 and again in 3:13-15, that some looked at the seeming prosperity of the wicked and concluded that there is no benefit in serving God. They said that the arrogant seem to be blessed and escape judgment for their evil ways. Where is the God of justice? Is it a waste of time to serve the LORD and to sacrifice for Him? Malachi shows that God remembers and knows the righteous and the wicked. There is no escaping His Justice and the LORD has prepared a coming day, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. There will be no memory of them as they suffer eternal wrath and judgment. There is no terror for those who fear the LORD, as God’s covenant people will be comforted and know joy like leaping calves in the stall. The Sun of Righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings for you! Here is another reference to Jesus. As the sun takes away the darkness, so Jesus is the light of the world Who dispels the spiritual darkness of evil and sin. Jesus comes with healing, the One Who heals your soul from the disease of sin. Do not ignore this warning that Judgment is coming. Only Jesus can save you and heal you. Only Jesus is the Light that can remove the darkness of your sin. Are you resting in Him by faith? Suggestions for prayer On this day of worship, thank the LORD that Jesus comes as the Light of the world and the Healer of His people. Ask the LORD to help you to trust in Him so that you will know comfort in your life. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 26 - The Lord remembers

“Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.” - Malachi 3:16-18 Scripture reading: Psalm 25:1-22 This text emphasizes that there was a people who feared the LORD and esteemed His name. “Esteem” means to regard and to set value on something. Malachi shows us these people valued the LORD and His Person (“name”). They spoke to each other about the LORD, they respected and loved Him. This should describe every Christian! When we recognize who we are in Christ and what Christ has done to save us, obviously we value Him, we respect Him, we love Him, and we talk to others about Him. He is the most important Person to us and we esteem His Name. Our text says the LORD paid attention and heard them. The Hebrew word translated “paid attention” means to lift the ears, as an animal does when it hears something. The word “heard” means to draw near and listen, so as not to miss a word. The LORD hears you and remembers your heart's desire to love and serve Him. He says a book of remembrance is made and you are never forgotten. Others can forget, but not the LORD! You are treasured by Him and He will spare you when His judgment comes. Why? Because He views you as His child and just as a father spares his son, so He will spare you. How rich is His grace to us who believe in Christ! Do you fear the LORD? Do you value Christ? Do you speak about Him to others? The LORD remembers those who belong to Him. Suggestions for prayer Pray the LORD will grant you His grace so that you will fear and love Him in Christ. Rejoice in the assurance found in Christ as those who belong to Him. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 25 - Complaining about God?

"Your words have been hard against me, says the LORD. But you say, 'How have we spoken against you?' You have said, 'It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the LORD of hosts? And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.'" - Malachi 3:13-15 Scripture reading: Psalm 73:1-28 The people weren’t directly shaking their fists at God. Rather, they were complaining to one another, but the LORD knew their hearts. He always does, of course! He knows all that we think or say. What is their complaint? It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the LORD of hosts? (3:14). You can almost hear the disdain in their voice. What’s in it for us if we serve God? The word for “profit” refers to a weaver cutting a piece of cloth free from the loom. The idea is that these people expected their “cut” or percentage and they were grumbling because they believed the LORD was not giving them their fair share. Whenever we grumble about our circumstances or wrong treatment, we are really elevating ourselves above God. I’m trying to serve You LORD, but all I get is trouble. The arrogant and evildoers are prospering and seem to escape judgment. I also deserve some happiness. Perhaps we even say, “God doesn’t truly love me because He would do more to make me happy.” Does Christ exist to make you happy? Is He your personal vending machine to give you what you want? Be careful! The flesh is inclined to self-pity, self-focus and self-centredness. Christ came to save you from the guilt and judgment of your sin. What’s in it for you if you serve the LORD? More than you can imagine when you think about eternity! Suggestions for Prayer: Ask the Lord to help you see what you have in Christ when you feel like grumbling. Thank the Lord that we can truly have rest for our souls in Christ (Matthew 11:28). Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 24 - The Lord’s rebuke

“I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the LORD of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts.” - Malachi 3:11-12 Scripture reading: Proverbs 11:1-31 This rebuke is one that we are very happy to accept! When we bring the full tithe to the LORD, His promise of blessing includes rebuking the devourer for us. The reality was that Israel’s crops and vines were being devoured because of their lack of trust, true devotion and covenant faithfulness to the LORD. They were putting forth a lot of effort with little favourable results. Farmers know that a lot of money, time and resources go into planting a field with the expectation of a good harvest in the fall. It's very disappointing when the corn or beans don't grow well, the harvest is poor and the investment of all that labour and money yields little. No one likes to work only to have their paycheque disappear with too many bills and expenses! No one likes working for little! The LORD says without Me your labour will not know true blessing. Now, we must be careful not to fall into the prosperity gospel mindset, thinking if I give my full tithe to the LORD, He will, in turn, give material wealth and happiness as a result. The LORD does not promise health and wealth because we give money or some other resources to the church. Rather, His promises start with spiritual life and blessings in Christ. He provides our needs and enables us to be content with what we have. Christ gives true life and salvation and nothing can take that away. Trust Him today and receive real heavenly prosperity. Suggestions for prayer Thank the LORD He is faithful so that we can truly depend upon Him. Praise the LORD that He promises to supply our needs and helps us to trust Him so that we experience life and blessing in Christ. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 23 - The Lord’s challenge

“Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the LORD of hosts, if I will no...

Daily devotional

February 22 - Bring in the full tithes

“Bring the full tithes into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house.” - Malachi 3:10 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:1-14 Notice i...

Daily devotional

February 21 - Robbing yourself?

“You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you.” - Malachi 3:9 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-17 The ...

Daily devotional

February 20 - Will a man rob God?

“Will man rob God? Yet you are robbing me. But you say, 'How have we robbed you?' In your tithes and contributions.” - Malachi 3:8 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

February 19 - Return to me

“From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. But you say, 'How shall we return?'” - Malachi 3:7 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:1-10 The LORD tells His people they had turned away from Him and His statutes. Even though the LORD gives a word of disapproval, yet there is always grace. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. This is an imperative, a command from the LORD. It means to make this a priority, to do this immediately, and turn their hearts to the LORD. This command comes with a promise, I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts. The LORD is telling them that if they repent and turn from their sin and return in faith and trust, then He will also turn and no longer seek to judge them. This should make us realize that the LORD is pleased to deal with us in grace no matter what mistakes we have made. He is willing to restore us to a right relationship with Him in Christ His Son! What is their response to this command and offer? Is it immediate repentance and faith? But you say, 'How shall we return?' They are in denial and they don’t believe anything is wrong. Why does the LORD come to you and confront you about sin in your life? It is because he loves you, wants to save you, and help you so that you do not continue in sin. Don’t come to Him with denial if you have fallen away from the LORD. Rather, come to Him in repentance and faith because of His grace to you. He is a forgiving God. Suggestions for prayer Praise the LORD that Christ is with us and has cleansed our sin with His own precious blood. Ask the LORD to restore you if you have fallen away from Him. Pray that He will help you live for Christ. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 18 - I do not change

“For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” - Malachi 3:6 Scripture reading: Romans 8:28-39 Our world is more subject to change today than it has ever been in human history. More information has been produced in the last 30 years than in the previous 500 years. Smartphones are powerful little computers in your hand! Approximately fifty percent of college graduates are going to jobs that didn’t exist when they were born due to advances in technology. We are living in an incredibly advancing world which can be very overwhelming. One man put it this way: "My great-grandfather rode a horse, but he was afraid of a train. My grandfather rode a train, but he was afraid of a car. My father rode in a car, but he was afraid of an airplane. I ride in an airplane, but I’m afraid of a horse." That’s certainly making a full circle! Despite our ever-changing world, trusting Jesus makes life very certain for us. This is why true fulfillment does not come from a changing world, but rather from our changeless God Who made this world and everything in it. Jesus is the firm foundation for our faith. He never fails, He is never out of the way and He is always in control. He says, For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. What could ever happen to us when we place our trust in the living God? Is there anything that can separate us from Him and His love? Through the circumstances of life, are you fully trusting in the One that does not change? Suggestions for prayer Thank the LORD for the privilege to be called by God in Christ because of His love and mercy. Ask Him to help you to trust Him as your foundation of faith through this changing world. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 17 - He comes in judgment

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts.” - Malachi 3:5 Scripture reading: Psalm 40:1-12 The LORD is a purifier of His people, but He also declares that He will draw near to judge those who continue in rebellion and sin against Him. The LORD gives a representative list of vice, each of which was a breaking of His law and a cause for judgment. Sorcerers refer to those who use occult practices. Adulterers are those who are unfaithful in the covenant of marriage and spiritually unfaithful to the LORD. Those who swear falsely are those who tell lies in personal relationships and those who commit perjury under oath in court. Those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner. These are the wealthy and powerful who take advantage of those who are weak, vulnerable and unable to defend themselves. The underlying problem that creates all the other problems is that they do not fear the LORD. This is God’s covenant people and not some heathen nation! He is the LORD of Hosts, the God Who saved them, restored them and provides for them. He calls them out for their wicked ways. This should make us pause and consider how we think, live and act as Christians in our generation. He comes in judgment. If you have gone astray, return to Him in true repentance and faith. Fear the LORD and recognize that He sent His Son, Jesus, to save and restore you. Look to Him to help you live for His glory. Suggestions for prayer Thank the LORD He has taken us from the pit of destruction and placed us on the Rock which is Christ. Thank Him that Jesus saves us from judgment and restores us to a right relationship with our God. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 16 - He comes to purify

“But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years.” - Malachi 3:2-4 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1:1-9 In Christ, we no longer stand guilty before a holy God. Nevertheless, we still need sanctification. He purifies us. He is like a refiner’s fire and a fuller’s soap. It is said, silversmiths took ore and refined it to get the purest silver they possibly could. God himself wants to refine His children so that they become pure. The greatest and most important part of the refining process was the heating of the metal. The silversmith would hold a piece of silver over the fire and let it heat up. In refining silver, one needed to hold the silver in the middle of the fire where the flames were hottest to burn away all the impurities. He had to sit in front of the fire, holding the silver and had to keep his eyes on it the entire time it was there. For if the silver was left in the flames even a moment too long, it would be destroyed. The silver is fully refined when the silversmith could see his face reflected in it. Remember, your covenant God desires to refine you and remove all impurities. He is working to sanctify you. Sometimes, this takes the fires of affliction and pain. Whatever the situation in your life, He will sit and watch you in the fire ever so patiently. He carefully pulls us out of the fire at just the right time as He works His purposes in us. All so that He sees Christ reflected in us. Suggestions for prayer Praise the LORD that He has given us Jesus, the One Who purifies us. Ask the LORD to sanctify you so that you reflect Christ more and more as you look to Him by faith. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 15 - My messenger

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

Daily devotional

February 14 - Guard yourself

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

Daily devotional

February 13 - Faithful and committed

“Judah has been faithless, and abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem. For Judah has profaned the sanctuary of the LORD, which he...

Daily devotional

February 12 - The LORD is faithful to his covenant

Daily devotional

February 11 - We are messengers!

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

Daily devotional

February 10 - A covenant of life and peace

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

Daily devotional

February 9 - Harsh words?

“Behold, I will rebuke your offspring, and spread dung on your faces, the dung of your offerings, and you shall be taken away with it.” - Malachi 2:3 Scripture reading: Psalm 29:1-11 In verse 3, the LORD becomes very graphic by saying that He will spread dung on the faces of the priests and rebuke their children. This will cause them to be despised and humiliated by the people. These proud priests were trying to keep up their image as important and influential men. But God will expose them for what they are, defiled and unclean. The LORD is saying that because His priests have not honoured Him or His holiness, He is going to take the excrement from the sick animals they are sacrificing and smear it on their faces. Imagine these self-righteous religious leaders with their faces covered with feces! Horrible to imagine, but that’s how serious God is about His servants approaching Him acceptably with right offerings. The LORD is telling these men He rejects them completely. As the dung is to be taken away, so the LORD says He will remove them. What is the Lord’s desire for you? We are called to honour the Lord and to keep His covenant as those who are in Christ. Your covenant God is not passive about how we treat His name. Are you able to truly prosper if you rebel against Him and His Word? How would you react if the LORD was rebuking you the way He is rebuking these priests? May it be our prayer, LORD, help me not just give lip service to You. Help me to reverence Christ. Help me to truly know Christ as Saviour and to live to glorify Him. Suggestions for prayer Ask the LORD to give you a right view of the holiness and majesty of God and give you the desire to live in a manner that shows reverence and respect for Him, to live for Christ and not just ourselves. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 8 - Are you listening?

“And now, O priests, this command is for you. If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart.” - Malachi 2:1-2 Scripture reading: Malachi 2:1-14 Notice that because they didn’t honour the LORD, they didn’t bother to listen to Him. The term “listen” means to hear intelligently and to respond with obedience. To “take it to heart” refers to an active decision of the will. He also warns them that if they do not take it to heart to honour His Name, He would curse them. In fact, He had already cursed them. Not a good position to be in! It was time to pay attention and listen up. But they didn’t seem to care. The first step down the slippery slope of superficial religion is to dishonour the LORD and His holiness. A.W. Tozer said, “What you think about God is the most important thing about you.” And yet, because of God’s love and grace, He offers them a chance to return. Look at the very first word of verse 2, “If.” God is giving them a condition and if they persist in their wicked ways, then He will punish them. On the other hand, if they turn to God and set their hearts to honour and obey Him, then He will give them His blessings. Should we not also take it to heart to make sure we are giving honour to the name of Christ? If you are seeking to be obedient to the LORD by grace through Christ, then thankfully enjoy His blessings. However, what happens if you ignore Him and don’t bother to listen to His Word? Don’t be in a place where He sends His curse upon you. Suggestions for prayer Ask the LORD to help you pay attention to His Word and that you will be able to more and more die unto sin and live unto righteousness through Christ Who makes you holy. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

February 7 - A proper attitude toward God

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

Daily devotional

February 6 - Come with true worship

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

Daily devotional

February 5 - Our father and master

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the LORD ...

Daily devotional

February 4 - God’s love declared

“"Is not Esau Jacob's brother?" declares the LORD. "Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his he...

Daily devotional

February 3 - How have you loved us?

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

Daily devotional

February 2 - I have loved you

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

Daily devotional

February 1: Introducing the book of Malachi

For February, we will focus on the Old Testament book of Malachi. In the prophecy of Malachi, we find that the LORD was not pleased with His people. The LORD had been put on the national "back burner." He desires honesty and truth and rejects all hypocritical shows of paying lip service to Him. Worship had degenerated into nothing but an external form and the hearts of His people were not truly engaged. There was no powerful, dynamic relationship between the holy, covenant God and His people. Israel had allowed both their sacrifices and their attitudes toward the LORD to become "blemished." The church today must also be careful to offer acceptable worship to God through Christ our only mediator. We can fall into a place of complacency, rather than doing what pleases our covenant God. It is very easy to come to church week after week and to allow the worship of God to become mundane and old rather than dynamic, refreshing and reviving to your soul. Ask the LORD to make Himself known to you afresh today. You come before the living God and He is glorious and exalted before you! Ask the LORD to help you see Jesus, the King, Who humbled Himself, was made in the likeness of sinful flesh for you, to take away your sin and make you righteous before the presence of His holiness. Malachi raises issues very relevant for us today and I trust this study will be very profitable for you this month. The oracle of the Word “The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.” - Malachi 1:1 Scripture reading: Malachi 1:1-14 Malachi begins with an oracle of the word from the LORD to His people. An oracle is a means of revelation and points to a message that weighs heavily on the messenger or prophet. It is a message that is not to be disregarded or ignored, but to be taken seriously in light of God’s covenant Lordship over His people. However, as we will see in this chapter, God’s people will not take the LORD’s Word as seriously as they should and will argue against Him. There is also a danger for us here because it is very easy, especially if you were raised in the church, to shrug your shoulders at the gospel, since you have heard it all your life. We hear, “God so loved the world that He gave His only Son,” and we nod, “That’s true (yawn)! Hey, did you hear about last night’s game?” or we want to talk about something else rather than the things of Christ. Our response to Christ and the gospel should never be indifference. We need to praise and thank Him for His salvation as the One Who saved us from God’s judgment. Do you find yourself in that place, ho-hum the gospel? Have you lost joy in Christ and feel indifferent to the truths of the Bible? Don’t allow this fallen world to draw you away from Christ. His Word speaks to your needs. Where is your heart? How do you respond to Him? Seek Christ today to help you deal with apathy and coldness. Suggestions for prayer Ask the LORD to give you a fresh view of Christ today so that you do not become cold or indifferent to Him and the gospel. Ask the LORD to grant you fresh grace and strength for each day as you face the challenges of living in a fallen world. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

January 31 - All things made new

“Behold, I am making all things new.” - Revelation 21:5b Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-27 New and not new; nothing new under the sun and yet God will make everything new under the SON. Another month is about to dawn. We are again one day closer to eternity. Are you ready? Believers, in spite of their sin, struggle and pain, live in the strong confidence that God, in grace, gives new life to all who trust in Christ’s finished work of salvation. Do you share in that trust? The book of Revelation closes with a picture of eternity. All tears wiped away, death will be no more—no pain or sorrow—for all the former things have passed away. And what is more, true believers shall fully be with our Triune God—body and soul. As Christ dwelt (tabernacled) for a time on earth, we shall enjoy the eternal blessing of the dwelling place of God that is with man. This is not simply a reunion, but an eternity of fellowship and friendship with God and His people—covenantal fullness! How marvellous! What wonder to behold! Eye-popping glory! Heart thumping wonder! A new Jerusalem (the temple in heaven above) whose description is beyond describing. A new creation, the new heavens and the new earth (Isaiah 65:17) prepared for a prepared people. Suggestions for prayer Give praise and thanksgiving for a life to be lived in anticipation of the glory of the life to come. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment. ...

Daily devotional

January 30 - New creatures

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

Daily devotional

January 29 - A new song

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

Daily devotional

January 28 - Living the new life

“Give no opportunity to the devil” - Ephesians 4:27 Scripture reading: Ephes...

Daily devotional

January 27 - The world’ smallest but largest trouble maker

Daily devotional

January 26 - Great is thy faithfulness

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

Daily devotional

January 25 - Anything new?

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

Daily devotional

January 24 - Ask for the ancient paths

“Thus says the LORD: Stand by the roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths…” - Jeremiah 6:16 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 6:1-30 Before the age of GPS (Global Positioning System), when people traveled, they often found their way by familiar markers along the way. Head north until you get to Vandersmithsma’s dairy farm and then turn right; drive on till you cross the bridge over the little creek and it will be the second place on the left. You’ll notice the red mail box at the road. The travel of life requires familiar markers, landmarks. There may be times where we are not sure where we are—was it left or, was it right. And then the landmark reminds us. It helps us get our bearings and ensures we are heading in the right direction. Jeremiah preached in an age where the Old Testament church no longer held to the landmarks given by the LORD. They refused to look to the ancient paths. We live in a similar age where God’s given landmarks are rejected. When you come to the crossroads, as you will many times this year, where will you turn? Will you ask for direction? Will you seek the ancient path prepared by the blood of Jesus Christ? Jesus is God’s Positional Sacrifice, Who is the way. The markers found in God’s Word and the Sacraments all point us to Christ. Suggestions for prayer Ask the LORD for the grace to seek the ancient paths. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 24 - Ask for the ancient paths

“Thus says the LORD: Stand by the roads and look, and ask for the ancient paths…” - Jeremiah 6:16 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 6:1-30 Before the age of GPS (Global Positioning System), when people traveled, they often found their way by familiar markers along the way. Head north until you get to Vandersmithsma’s dairy farm and then turn right; drive on till you cross the bridge over the little creek and it will be the second place on the left. You’ll notice the green mailbox at the end of the driveway. The travel of life requires familiar markers, landmarks. There may be times where we are not sure where we are—was it left or, was it right. And then the landmark reminds us. It helps us get our bearings and ensures we are heading in the right direction. Jeremiah preached in an age where the Old Testament church no longer held to the landmarks given by the LORD. They refused to look to the ancient paths. We live in a similar age where God’s given landmarks are rejected. When you come to the crossroads, as you will many times this year, where will you turn? Will you ask for direction? Will you seek the ancient path prepared by the blood of Jesus Christ? Jesus is God’s Positional Sacrifice, Who is the way. The markers found in God’s Word and the Sacraments all point us to Christ. Suggestions for prayer Ask the LORD for the grace to seek the ancient paths. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 23 - The danger of backsliding

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

Daily devotional

January 22 - Be an ambassador

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

Daily devotional

January 21 - Oh give thanks to the Lord

“Oh give thanks to the LORD” - 1 Chronicles 16:8 Scripture reading: 1 Chronicles 16:8-36 A contemporary catech...

Daily devotional

January 20 - Praying thy kingdom come

“Your kingdom is an everlasting kingdom…” - Psalm 145:13 Scripture reading: Psalm 145 Jesus t...

Daily devotional

January 19 - Waiting

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

Daily devotional

January 18 - Choose

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

Daily devotional

January 17 - Responding to the world

“...the king would cut them off with a knife and throw them (God’s Words) into the fire... until the entire scroll was consumed…” - Jeremiah 36:23 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 36:1-32 God’s people are known as the people of the book. The Bible is God’s love letter to us proclaiming the way of salvation through Jesus Christ. The Bible opens up for us Kingdom Life. Our Scripture meditation today speaks of one who closed his heart to God’s Word. Jehoiakim symbolically testified to his rejection of God’s Word by burning the scroll, literally burning God’s message to him. Today much of Western society has rejected God’s Word. They give it no attention. Many scorn God’s Holy Word. What about you? Do you hold to the trustworthiness of Scripture from cover to cover? Are there parts of Scripture that we cut out with our “pen-knives”? May God in His grace give us this ongoing conviction: "He who has once got fairly into the Scriptures can never leave them. The book holds you as a magnet holds a needle, or as a flower holds a bee. If you want great thoughts, read your Bible. If you want something simple, read your Bible. The book talks to us in our own mother tongue. Why should I have to ask another what my Father says?" - C. H. Spurgeon Suggestions for prayer Ask the LORD to find us humble before Him and His Word of Promise. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 16 - Don’t forget to remember

“Take care lest you forget… You shall remember…” - Deuteronomy 8:11, 18 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-20 Our Scripture lesson instructs the Israelites just before they entered the promised land. In the strongest terms, Moses, on behalf of the LORD, warns the people not to become complacent. Complacency is a danger in any age. Some time ago, I read an account of one who went for a leisurely swim. The water was very accommodating and he covered a long distance with ease. He decided to swim out of the bay and into open water. But when he tried to return he couldn’t make any progress. He had been deceived by the current. The ease of swimming had not been due to his strength, but to the movement of the water. God had blessed the Israelites abundantly, but over and over again they became self-assured. They came to believe that it was by their own strength that they enjoyed the success they received. Already then the “spirit of the selfies” was alive and deadly. It is our sinful nature to go with the flow. It may be following trends in society at large or even wrong-headed trends in the church. It is only dead fish that flow with the current. By nature, we tend to forget that we are not self-reliant. Self-assurance is always deadly. Constantly we must remember that our help comes from the LORD. Suggestions for prayer Ask the LORD for protection from deceptive currents. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment. ...

Daily devotional

January 15 - The joy of the Lord is our strength

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

Daily devotional

January 14 - Dealing with our desires

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

Daily devotional

January 13 - Look to Jesus

“Therefore since we are surrounded... let us also lay aside... let us run... looking to Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith…” - Hebrews...

Daily devotional

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

Daily devotional

January 11 - Do your work

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

Daily devotional

January 10 - A living hope

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

Daily devotional

January 9 - Devote yourself

“Until I come, devote yourself to…” - 1 Timothy 4:13 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4:1-16 The letters to Timothy were written to encourage him in his work as a pastor. When you skim through them, you will immediately notice the wide range of instruction such as dealing with false teachers, prayer and instructions for both the church leadership and the life of the church. In our Scripture lesson today Timothy is encouraged to devote himself to the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and to teaching. To devote oneself is to concentrate on a particular pursuit, occupation, purpose, or cause. It is to be dedicated to our calling. Our Scripture lesson warns that some will depart from the faith because they have devoted themselves to “deceitful spirits and teaching of demons” (verse 1). The Christ-follower, however, presses forward in the faith delivered once for all. The believer understands that life is a journey that by God’s grace leads to the world to come, a journey that is fraught with danger and difficulty. To navigate that journey as good servants of Jesus Christ requires devotion. Today is already the second Lord’s Day in this new calendar year. God’s people will attend their local house of worship to give special attention to the Word of God. Will you devote yourself to receiving the public reading of Scripture, to exhortation and teaching? And for each day that follows? Suggestions for prayer Pray for God’s continued blessing on devoted public worship and devoted daily service. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment. ...

Daily devotional

January 8 - A good soldier of Jesus Christ

“Share in suffering as a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No soldier…” - 2Timothy 2:3-4a Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:1-26 Yesterday we were reminded that the life of faith involves a fight. There are skirmishes and battle wounds. That fight is a fight for the truth. Even in the church at large, there are many who deny the truth. By nature, we do not focus on the faith delivered once for all. But if we are to be a Christian, we need to learn what true faith is, and believe it, and live it. Don’t get entangled by unnecessary snares. We need to learn what it is to starve our doubts and feed our faith, never forgetting this vile world is not a friend to grace. But also remember it is a good fight. It is a fight of victory. Remember Who has fought for us and won the victory. In the strength of our Saviour, we answer the call to stand up and live for the Truth. It is the fight that lays hold on eternal life. Eternal life is the prize of the high calling of God. Christ’s followers know that one day the battle will be done. They know that they shall enjoy every fruit of every promise. Will you fight? Suggestions for prayer: “Since I must fight if I would reign, increase my courage, Lord; I’ll bear the toil, endure the pain, supported by Thy Word.” – Psalter Hymnal #465:4 Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

January 7 - Faith is a good fight

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

Daily devotional

January 6 - This will be a year of battle

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

Daily devotional

January 5 - He calls me by name

“...and I know you by name” - Exodus 33:17 Scripture reading: Exodus 33:1-...

Daily devotional

January 4 - Exalt the name of the Lord

“Oh magnify the LORD with me, and let us exalt His name together.” - Psalm 34:3 Scripture reading: Psalm...

Daily devotional

January 3 - Pay attention to God’s Word

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

Daily devotional

January 2 - He leads me!

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

Daily devotional

Introduction to January

In some ways, the New Year simply marks the passage of one day into the next. There is nonetheless, real significance in the turning of the calendar from one year to another. The beginning of a New Year especially draws our attention to the unfolding journey that brings us from this world to the next, a journey through time until time no more. The believer, confident in God’s sovereign design, trusts that his or her times are secure: our times are in His Hand! This month we want to take some time reflecting on our unfolding journey. We will meditate both on how we are to live before the LORD and on His provisions for us on the way. Together, we will be both challenged and encouraged to seek the Lord and His purposes. Our meditation D.V. will help us focus on the Lord’s promise and call in our lives. Be encouraged day by day to know that the LORD is our Helper. Keep your eye on that day when time shall be no more. “Hours and days and years and ages swift as moving shadows flee; "As we scan life’s fleeting pages, naught enduring do we see; "On the paths our feet are wending, footprints all will be effaced; "Present time to past is tending, though its page is not erased.” – Psalter Hymnal 474 Stanza 1 May you experience a blessed New Year! May God’s peace be your joy! May God’s purposes be your desire! January 1 - Teach us... “So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom.” - Psalm 90:12 Scripture reading: Psalm 90:1-17 A blessed New Year to you! Psalm 90 teaches us the frailty of man in the context of God’s eternality. It is a prayer offered by Moses in which he asks our heavenly Father to have mercy on His children who live in this sin-cursed world. Life is short and apart from God’s blessing, that curse consumes. We see it in the world all around us. Psalm 90 reminds us of the brevity of life. Seventy years soon fly by. But we may live each day given us, knowing that God’s promises are sure. His ear is open to the believer’s cry. The favor of our heavenly Father, His beauty, is upon His children. They can and must trust that He will satisfy us with His steadfast love (vs.14) and establish the work of our hands (vs.17). May this new year find us often in prayer asking for the Lord’s nearness in all that we are called to be and do. Pray for a heart of wisdom so that we may redeem the time. “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise, but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil” (Ephesians 5:15-16). Seek His holy will. Suggestions for prayer Pray in earnest for a heart of wisdom. Pray for the grace to live according to God’s will. Rev. Peter Vellenga is presently serving as itinerant preacher waiting upon Lord for continued assignment....

Daily devotional

December 31 - Alpha and Omega

“Behold, I am coming quickly, and My reward is with Me, to give to every one according to his work. I am the Alpha and the Omega, the Beginning and the End, the First and the Last.” - Revelation 22:12-13 Scripture reading: Matthew 2:8-23 The history of the Lord Jesus Christ has not ended. Even today, we are still a part of the story and we will be part of the end, one way or another. The Bible ends with reminders that He will return and that it will be sooner than is expected. For many, it has been too easy to think that tomorrow will be like today and the next year smoother than the last. The Lord, however, often reminds us to be ready for His return. When He comes again, it will not be as a Child laid in a manger. He will come as the Judge and the conquering King. He will come as the all-powerful Son of God. Many people were not ready for His first coming. By and large, as time passed, they rejected Him. Only a few faithful women and one disciple were at His cross. Very few, at first, came to the tomb. When it is your time, or His time to return, will you be ready? Will you meet Him with joy? As you enter another year, know that you are reconciled to God through His blood! Be sure that you have kissed the Son, lest He be angry and you perish in the way! (Psalm 2:12). It will not be long, when rather than seeing Him dimly, it shall be face to face. May you be one of those that looks forward to His coming with joy, "Even so, come, Lord Jesus!" Suggestion for prayer Pray that the church of Jesus Christ would be ready to meet her bridegroom! Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 30 - No reputation

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

Daily devotional

December 29 - Wise men

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

Daily devotional

December 28 - A troubled city

“When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him.” - Matthew 2:3 Scripture reading: Matthew 2:1-7 We should no...

Daily devotional

December 27 - Anna’s evangelism

“…she gave thanks to the Lord, and spoke of Him to all those who looked for redemption in Jerusalem.” - Luke 2:38 Scripture reading: Luke...

Daily devotional

December 26 - Simeon’s joy

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

Daily devotional

December 25 - The shepherd’s testimony

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

Daily devotional

December 24 - The firstborn son

“She brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.” - Luke 2:7 Scripture reading: Luke 2:1-7 The word firstborn has a special meaning here. We would already know this reality from the context; it would be obvious. The term “firstborn” highlights the special status of this Son. The birth of a firstborn child is always a special moment; it is the moment we start parenting. There was even more to this status in Bible times. God had taught his people from the moment they left Egypt that their firstborn children belonged to Him (Luke 2:23). They had to pay a special redemption price for their firstborn sons, similar to what they had to offer the first fruits of their harvest. There was an expectation that the Messiah would be a firstborn King, made evident by prophecy (Psalm 89:26-27). The word “firstborn” here is as much a title as it is a description. It indicates that despite the poverty and shame in this scene, this Child is indeed the Chosen One. Mary gives her Son the very best care, respect and love that she can. She is deeply impressed by these events (Luke 2:19). She was caring for the firstborn among many brethren (Romans 8:29). He is the firstborn over all creation, the owner of everything (Colossians 1:15). He is the only firstborn that is worthy of worship (Hebrews 1:6). He is the firstborn from the dead and the ruler over the kings of the earth (Revelation 1:5). His birth would change everything. The coming of the Lord’s angels in the following verses was a sign of these truths! Suggestion for prayer Pray that God’s gift of His firstborn Son would once again be seen as the hope of all the earth. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 23 - A sad journey

“Joseph also went up from Galilee, out of the city of Nazareth, into Judea… to be registered with Mary, his betrothed wife, who was with child.” - Luke 2:4-5 Scripture reading: Luke 2:1-5 The birth story of Jesus Christ begins under tyranny. Caesar Augustus, who was even thought of as a god, was busy ensuring that his empire would be taxed efficiently. This meant that lives were upended, all so that the Romans could have the information necessary to dominate their subjects. People like Joseph, who worked as a tradesman, were not wealthy. A command to travel like this meant hardship and loss. To make matters worse, his fiancé was expecting. This did not look good to the community and it was not an ideal time for a journey. Pregnancy was very hazardous in those times. Everything about the scene is sad and difficult. When they came to their destination, things did not get better. There was no comfortable place to stay; there was no room for them in a dwelling or inn. They ended up in a stable, a barn, or perhaps the courtyard of a home where animals were kept. Sadly, much of what is thought of as “Christmas” romanticizes this scene. This is not good! There was little or nothing cozy or ideal about this situation. These would have been miserable and degrading circumstances. The Lord had chosen to “make Himself of no reputation” and “take the form of a bondservant” (Philippians 2:7). This scene is about the Lord Jesus beginning to take the place of sinners. The reason for this situation is that “…He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Suggestion for prayer Pray for a realistic view of the incarnation and that many would see the true reason for the humility of Christ. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 22 - His name is Jesus

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

Daily devotional

December 21 - A miracle child

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

Daily devotional

December 20 - Called out of Egypt

“When Israel was a child, I loved him, and out of Egypt I called My son.” - Hosea 11:1 Scripture reading: Hosea 11:1-9 It is interesting t...

Daily devotional

December 19 - A ruler from Bethlehem

“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of you shall come forth to Me the One to be Ruler in Isra...

Daily devotional

December 18 - The root and the branch

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

Daily devotional

December 17 - The Prince of peace

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

Daily devotional

December 16 - Kiss the son

“Serve the LORD with fear, And rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest He be angry, And you perish in the way.” - Psalm 2:11–12 Scripture reading: Psalm 2:1-12 Psalm 2 pictures the nations of the world and their leaders engaged in rebellion against God. They are even foolishly plotting together to break free from God’s control. God’s response to their plots is laughter! (v.4) It is a rare scene in scripture, almighty God laughing, and so it should cause us to take notice! This laughter highlights how utterly foolish it is to resist God. Rather than bend to the will of rebels, He promises to install His Son as King of Kings and have Him rule with a rod of iron. We still live in a time where Psalm 2 is playing out. The nations rage and rebel against God. But the reality is that Christ rules over them and He will completely conquer them in the end. He will also conquer you, if He has not already. The call of Psalm 2 is to recognize His Lordship and to bow before Him before it is too late. It is a call to stop rebelling and to start serving the Lord with fear. The command given is: “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry.” A kiss was a symbol of intimate friendship and trust. But here it comes with a warning. We might say, “kiss and make-up” before it is too late! Would you consider yourself a rebel or a loyal subject to Christ the King? Have you come before Him, confessing your sin and professing your trust in Him? Blessed are those who put their trust in Him! Suggestion for prayer Pray for rebellious leaders or acquaintances that they would repent and bow to the King of Kings before it is too late! Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 15 - The Redeemer

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and He shall stand at last on the earth, and after my skin is destroyed, this I know, that in my flesh I shall see God.” - Job 19:25-26 Scripture reading: Job 19:1-29 The suffering of Job was emotional, physical and spiritual. He lost his family, possessions and health. By chapter 19, however, Job was in the process of losing even more. His relationship with his friends was strained. Rather than comforting him, they began to attack his reputation. In this intense suffering, Job came to a strong, prophetic confession of faith in his Redeemer. He had faith that his Redeemer was alive, even already at that time. He also trusted that this Redeemer would one day come to stand on the earth. His Redeemer would be his champion and vindicator, the One Who would conquer death on Job’s behalf. We don’t know precisely when Job lived, but it was more than 1500 years before Christ, perhaps more than 2000. Certainly, this account is very, very ancient. And yet this man, in the midst of his intense suffering, had a very clear view of the Son of God. Job’s hope was fulfilled in the incarnation and the resurrection of Christ. Yet, he even looks further forward, hoping for the time when Job himself would be resurrected and see his Saviour with his own eyes! This enduring faith has lived in the hearts of God’s children for thousands of years. Still to this day, believers who suffer greatly often display great faith. One day, that faith will be replaced by sight “...we know that when He is revealed, we shall be like Him, for we shall see Him as He is” (1 John 3:2). Suggestion for prayer Pray that your hope in the Redeemer and His resurrection would grow in the face of trials. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 14 - A house, father, and son

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

Daily devotional

December 13 - Israel needs a King

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

Daily devotional

December 12 - The star of Jacob

“I see Him, but not now; I behold Him, but not near; A Star shall come out of Jacob; A Sceptre shall rise out of Israel.” - Numbers 24:17 Scr...

Daily devotional

December 11 - Standing in the breach

“He said that He would destroy them, had not Moses His chosen one stood before Him in the breach, to turn away His wrath, lest He destroy them.” -...

Daily devotional

December 10 - Spiritual drink

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

Daily devotional

December 9 - The baptism of Israel

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

Daily devotional

December 8 - Separated from Egypt

“And the Angel of God, who went before the camp of Israel, moved and went behind them; and the pillar of cloud went from before them and stood behind them. So it came between the camp of the Egyptians and the camp of Israel.” - Exodus 14:19–20 Scripture reading: Exodus 14:1-20 Egypt was a mighty empire, and its kings were used to getting what they wanted. They had the most impressive cities and building projects. Like many empires throughout history, however, their prosperity depended on slaves. When Moses finally led the nation of Israel out of slavery, Pharaoh soon realized what he was losing. But when Pharaoh’s army came after them, Israel was not alone. The LORD Himself, Jehovah, was leading them out of Egypt in a pillar of cloud (Exodus 13:21). When Pharaoh approached that evening, this cloud moved between the camps. Can you imagine setting up camp that evening? Just a few moments ago, it had seemed that they were doomed. Fear had taken over. But that night, it did not even get dark for Israel! The cloud, which was dark to the Egyptians, was light on their side. All through the night, the LORD stood with His people. They had nothing to fear. Thousands of years later, Jesus would make the same journey out of Egypt as a child. His family would live in that foreign country for a time so that it could be said, "Out of Egypt, I have called my Son" (Matthew 2:15). He took the form of a slave for His people and He walked the same paths they did. He was tempted and tested, and He proved His perfect love and care for us. He is truly God Who is with us and He will never leave or forsake His people! Suggestion for prayer Pray that you will not slip into fear of enemies or dangers, but have faith in the God who is near to His people. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 7 - Saviour of many

“...as for you, you meant evil against me; but God meant it for good, in order to bring it about as it is this day, to save many people alive.” - Genesis 50:20 Scripture reading: Genesis 50:15-21 In the Old Testament, the people of Israel often found themselves in trouble. There were famines, plagues, wars and exiles. In these times of crisis, however, God repeatedly raised up saviors for His people. There were great leaders who ruled wisely or fought battles with courage. The first of these “national” saviors was Joseph. An unlikely candidate, Joseph was a younger brother and disliked by his siblings. His brothers were so evil that they even sold him into slavery, to be taken into a far-away land. Then, things got even worse for Joseph: he was falsely accused and thrown in prison! Yet the Lord blessed him and made him a wise counselor and an interpreter of dreams. Joseph eventually became the prime minister of Egypt, preparing that nation for a famine. His wisdom was used so that his own family could be provided with food! His brothers, however, began to fear Joseph. They expected that after their father died, now-powerful Joseph might take revenge. But Joseph understood that God meant his trials for good so that he could save his family. God had taught him, and was now teaching his brothers, that they needed a savior. They needed one who would suffer for them and have wisdom that was greater than theirs. They needed a savior who could feed them and "save many people alive." What a privilege it is to know the Saviour Who went to a lower place than Joseph did for sinners, Who is perfectly merciful and patient, and Who nourishes our souls! Suggestion for prayer Pray for grace and patience to forgive those that have wronged you in the past. Pray for the wisdom to see that God’s difficult providences will work for the good of His people. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

December 6 - God will provide

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

Daily devotional

December 5 - The comfort of rest

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

Daily devotional

December 4 - The seed promise

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your seed and her Seed; He shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise His heel.” - Gen...

Daily devotional

December 3 - All the scriptures

“...beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.” - Luke 24:27 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

December 2 - The word who created

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things were made through Him, and without Him nothing was made that was made.” - John 1:1-3 Scripture reading: John 1:1-14 In the creation account of Genesis 1, God simply speaks. The repeated refrain is, “And God said, let there be...” By the power of His Word, He created, divided, formed and filled. When we make things, we shape projects from existing material. We have to start with something like wood, paper or metal. God, however, made everything from nothing (Hebrews 11:3). In John 1, we learn that God did this through His Son, also called the “Word.” The original term for Word is “Logos.” The Logos is the perfect expression of God; it is the Logos who reveals God. He is with God and is God. God and His Logos are inseparable; they are One. Yet, profoundly, we see the Logos mediating between God and creation in the beginning. He is intimately involved in creation from the start. It is profound to think that this same Logos “...became flesh and dwelt among us” (John 1:14). What a beautiful mystery, that He would choose to visit the creation which He had spoken into existence! He is the Word Who is full of grace and truth (1:14), and Who has declared the Father (1:18). He demonstrated the power of His Word over the wind and waves (Mark 4:39) and even over sin and suffering (Luke 5:23). There is great hope in these opening words of John’s gospel and great hope in that God still reveals Himself to us through His Word! Suggestion for prayer Pray that the busyness and events of this month would not distract us from the Word of God, but would be a time of drawing nearer to Him in truth. Pastor Robert VanDoodewaard currently serves the Free Reformed Church in Powassan, Ontario, Canada as a minister of the gospel....

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

November 30 - Life through death

“And Jesus answered them, "The hour has come for the Son of Man to be glorified. Truly, truly, I say to you, unless a grain of wheat falls into the earth and dies, it remains alone; but if it dies, it bears much fruit.” - John 12:23-24 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 13:20-21 It is a bizarre episode in the life of Elisha. That statement is actually inaccurate. It is a bizarre episode after the death of Elisha. What does this quick end to a funeral teach us? First, whatever we accomplish is done by the power of God. Elisha is dead and God still works, without human cooperation. This is a fitting capstone to Elisha’s ministry. He was just the instrument; God was the power. Elisha can leave the scene, but God can still work. Second, God restores. The body was thrown into the grave, like Israel would later be thrown into exile. Just as the body was restored, Israel would be too. What an encouragement to them and to us who feel so strongly sin’s devastation. God can restore. Third, God is preaching the gospel here. There is life through Jesus’ death. Death is defeated through Jesus’ own death. Or think of it another way. Exile from the garden was the punishment for Adam and Eve’s sin. Exile from the Promised Land was the punishment for Israel’s sin. Exile from the presence of God was the punishment Christ received for His people’s sin. He was exiled, but then raised to life. In His death and resurrection is our life and salvation. How do you receive the benefits of the gospel? Through contact with the Prophet of the Lord. The man touched Elisha’s bones and sprang up and revived. The woman touched the hem of Jesus’s garments and was healed. For us, the point of contact is faith in the Lord Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the willingness of Christ to enter into our exile that we might know the restoring grace of God. Pray for grace to be willing to be an instrument of His power. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 29 - Containment not destruction

“So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus. Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions.” - Romans 6:11-12 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 13:10-25 Joash could have completely destroyed the Syrians if he had only struck the ground five or six times. Elisha had told him that the arrow signified victory. Joash was not availing himself of the promises of God. Evidently, he had more arrows. He wasn’t eager to destroy the Syrians; for some reason he was content to have them contained. Before we blast him for such foolishness, consider that that isn’t unlike how we often are. We live sub-par lives because we don’t avail ourselves of all the resources God has offered us. He has told us that sin will not have dominion over us since we are not under law, but under grace. He has told us that we are to consider ourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ. Why then, are we still content to serve sin? Why don’t we finish with those life dominating sins that only lead to death? Why do we go back to drunkenness or pornography or greed or self-centredness? Why not strike them down and make an end of them? Is it because we have foolishly befriended our enemies and are loath to be completely free from them? May God have mercy on us! Thankfully King Jesus completely destroyed the enemy. He was tempted to make concessions, but He didn’t. In the power of the Spirit, He was valiant, even when the enemy’s destruction meant His own death. Trust in Christ for His victory and in God for His promised strength to put our enemy to flight. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the victory of Christ in His death and resurrection. Pray that we would know the resources God has promised us in Christ and be eager to destroy remaining sin in our lives. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 28 - The assembly assembled

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

Daily devotional

November 27 - Judgement!

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

Daily devotional

November 26 - A weeping prophet

“And when drew near and saw the city, he wept over it, saying, “Would that you, even you, had known on his day the things that make for pe...

Daily devotional

November 25 - The restorer of fortunes

“When the LORD restored the fortunes of Zion, we were like those who dream. Then our mouth was filled with laughter, and our tongues with songs of j...

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

November 23 - Devastation and deliverance

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

Daily devotional

November 22 - Sweet revenge

“Let all the house of Israel, therefore, know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified.” Now when they heard this they were cut to the heart, and said to Peter and the rest of the apostles, “Brothers, what shall we do?” And Peter said to them, “Repent and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins, and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” - Acts 2:36-38 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:15-23 Sometimes the Lord brings deliverance through His people’s actions. Think of David against Goliath. Sometimes it is through prayer. That’s what happened here. Elisha prays and the enemy is subdued. Then something surprising happens. Elisha leads them to the king of Israel and rather than being destroyed, a great feast is prepared for them before they are sent home. It is a foretaste of the Gentile inclusion in the Church when the gospel comes. It is also an illustration of how God has commanded us to treat our enemies. More than that, this story shows us the way God, in Jesus Christ, settles the score with His enemies. In this time of grace, God repays their evil with good. Think of how Jesus prayed for His killers’ forgiveness while on the cross. And how Peter, His ambassador, offers forgiveness to those who had Jesus’ blood on their hands. Don’t you love that about the gospel? We are God’s enemies and the Lord Jesus shows us hospitality instead of hostility as He welcomes us to feast on Him and with Him. Of course, this isn’t the only way God deals with His enemies. If His offer of grace and kindness is spurned, He will punish, and all the more severely because of that rejection. God’s revenge. Is it possible to think about God’s revenge as ‘sweet revenge’? I don’t mean that He takes malicious delight in judging His enemies. What I mean is that His way of paying back evil is by giving good. And that is sweet revenge. Suggestions for prayer Pray that we would be dumbfounded and astonished by the surprising grace of God in Jesus Christ. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 21 - Our worship leader

“Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.” - Hebrews 8:1-2 Scripture reading: Hebrews 2:1-13 Today we gather for worship. As a holy convocation (Leviticus 23:3), we assemble in the presence of God. Do we grasp the glory of what is going on? Understanding what this passage tells us about the presence of Christ in our worship should both humble and excite us. First, the Lord Jesus is the One Who leads us into the presence of God. It must be Him because we have no access on our own. Verse 13 tells us that He comes into God’s presence and that He comes together with those whom He has brought into God’s family by the new birth. Christ leads us into the presence of God. Second, verse 12 tells us that Christ is the One Who sings with us. The Lord Jesus, as He gathers with His people, sings the praises of His God. Isn’t it a wonderful thing to think that Jesus leads us in God’s praises? Third, verse 12 tells us Christ is the One Who preaches to us. The Lord Jesus, as He gathers with His people, tells of God’s name to His brothers. When the Word of God is faithfully preached, it is the Lord Jesus Who is preaching. Jesus Himself mentioned that His Church is gathered into His sheepfold as they listen to His voice (John 10:17). There really is nothing humdrum about our public gatherings. Christ, the ascended high priest, gathers with us to lead us to God, to sing with us and preach to us. Who would want to miss such an assembly? Suggestions for prayer Pray that we would cherish the blessing of corporate worship and have a sense that our worship leader, the Lord Jesus Christ, is amongst us. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 20 - Seeing with our ears

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

Daily devotional

November 19 - No axedent

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

Daily devotional

November 18 - Judan-like, anti-grace gehazis

“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all th...

Daily devotional

November 17 - Without money and without price

“Come, everyone who thirsts, come to the waters; and he who has no money, come, buy and eat! Come, buy wine and milk without money and without price...

Daily devotional

November 16 - Born again

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

Daily devotional

November 15 - Raging against the remedy

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

Daily devotional

November 14 - Assembly required

“Then Moses brought the people out of the camp to meet God, and they took their stand at the foot of the mountain. Now Mount Sinai was wrapped in smoke because the LORD had descended on it in fire.” - Exodus 19:17-18 Scripture reading: Psalm 87 ‘The Lord loves the gates of Zion more than all the dwelling places of Jacob.’ The Lord loves it when believers spend time with Him in private or when families gather in their homes to read His Word, sing His praise and seek His face in prayer. But the Lord especially loves it when His people gather together as the assembled saints to worship Him. We know this from Psalm 87:1 and also from the great deliverance of God’s people from the bondage of Egypt. If He desired only private or family worship, Israel could have stayed in Egypt. But He delivered them so that they could, as an assembled people, publicly declare His glory. He met with them as they gathered in His presence. In fact, this day at Mount Sinai came to be known as ‘the day of the assembly’ (Deuteronomy 9:10). And from the Hebrew word for assembly we get the English words church and congregation. This is why the Church has, throughout the ages, gone through great pains to gather for worship. Sometimes they gather in freedom with the protection of the State. But often they have had to worship publicly despite government objection. Just think of China and the house churches and the Covenanters and their gathering on the moors of Scotland. God loves public worship. And since God loves it, so should we. We should spare no effort to assemble with the saints for the declaration of God’s glory. What’s more, this is the clearest foretaste of our eternal occupation. Suggestions for prayer Remember those saints who assemble for worship in the face of opposition. Ask that God would enable us to ‘extol Him in the congregation of the people, and praise Him in the assembly of the elders’ (Psalm 107:32). Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 13 - Great but...

“For we who live are always being given over to death for Jesus’ sake, so that the life of Jesus also may be manifested in our mortal flesh. So death is at work in us, but life in you.” - 2 Corinthians 4:11-12 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 4:7-12; 2 Kings 5:1-3 Naaman was a great man, but he was a leper, a picture of humanity. Favored by God, but with a malignant stain. We are also introduced to a little girl. Unlike Naaman, she is a believer in God and, upon hearing of his plight, sends him to the prophet of the Lord in Samaria. You might think that this girl, afflicted by sorrow at the hand of her master, might be vindictive and rejoice in his suffering. But in Jesus-like fashion, she seeks his blessing. How ought we, like our Saviour, to pursue the blessing of even our enemies? The providence of God stares us in the face in the lives of these two characters. Both Naaman’s success and leprosy are from the sovereign Lord Who orchestrates all things. Naaman’s providential problem will eventually lead to his prosperity. Were it not for this unwanted intrusion in his life, he would have continued to live and die infatuated with himself and forever ignorant of the God of all grace. What about the providence of God in the girl’s life? It might seem less kind. God’s providence was distressing as He wrenched her from her family and brought her to her captor’s home. In His providence, the Lord is shaping her life to be like the Lord Jesus’ life; she is disadvantaged for another’s advantage. Perhaps this is a good window into the hardships you are experiencing. Is God seeking another’s good through your pain? Are you willing to embrace this mode of God’s working and share in the sufferings of Christ? Suggestions for prayer Pray for a compassionate heart for those afflicted by the malignancy of sin that we might point them to our Saviour. Ask for God’s blessing as His people gather for the hearing of His Word and the praising of His Name. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 12 - Give us this day our daily bread

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

Daily devotional

November 11 - Let’s stew over this

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in va...

Daily devotional

November 10 - The beautiful, the bitter and beyond

Daily devotional

November 9 - The sadness of life

“When Jesus saw her weeping, and the Jews who had come with her also weeping, he was deeply moved in his spirit and troubled . . . Jesus wept . . . ...

Daily devotional

November 8 - The gladness of life

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

Daily devotional

November 7 - Saved to worship

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

Daily devotional

November 6 - Helper of the helpless

“For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though he was rich, yet for your sake he became poor, so that you by his poverty might become rich.” - 2 Corinthians 8:9 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:1-7 What difficulties this nameless woman faces because of the debts her evidently poor husband left her with, which threatened slavery to her sons. Yet, it is clear that he was rich toward God. He feared the Lord and, as one of the sons of the prophets, publicly identified himself with the Lord’s cause. It was likely because of this devotion that his widow is left in such extremity. Though there should have been a social safety net in Israel, she is reduced to nothing and her two sons are about to be enslaved by the creditor. She turns to the God of all grace. At first glance, this is striking because, in a sense, she sees God as part of her problem. You catch a hint of this in her complaint in v. 1. Her husband feared the Lord and yet, despite that, the creditor was coming. Yet, what else can she do? To whom else can she go? She cries out to the Lord. And He answers and supplies her out of the riches of His glory. I mentioned that someone should have helped her. There was biblical legislation to provide for the needy, particularly, the widows and fatherless. Apparently, no one does, so God Himself comes to the rescue. He has also done that in Jesus Christ to ransom us for Himself. And if He takes care of that need, can we not trust Him to care for all of our other ones too (Romans 8:32)? Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would supply every need of ours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus and that we would trust Him to do so. Pray that your Pastor might preach the unsearchable riches of Christ tomorrow for your joy and progress in the faith. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 5 - More than we ask or think

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work in us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” - Ephesians 3:20-21 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 3:13-27 The two kings finally meet up with Elisha. One goes in faith, the other in fear. The Lord promises water. Additionally, He promises victory. It is like the Lord says, “Ask Me something that will really show My glory.” God is all about putting His glory on display. Man’s extremity is God’s opportunity. You may be discouraged at your trials and wonder why there are ruts in your path. Be of good cheer. God is displaying His glory in your need, and what else would you rather see? The chapter describes God’s undeserved generosity to His people. Aren’t you surprised by His kindness? You should be. Israel wasn’t serving Him faithfully, yet God was generous. This passage highlights the gospel goodness of the Lord. Blessing depends on who we are with. Elisha would have had nothing to do with Jehoram except that Jehoshaphat was with him. Because of King Jesus’ presence with us, God has everything to do with us. This is highlighted in v. 20 when it says that the water came at the time of the morning sacrifice. This is why we pray for blessing in Jesus’ name. Blessing depends on the sacrifice of God’s Son. Mesha’s despicable sacrifice of his oldest son (v. 27) is recounted. It was a sacrifice to Chemosh, the Moabite god, hoping that he would turn the battle in Mesha’s favor. What kind of god is that? Our God is so different. He doesn’t ask for our sacrifice so that His wrath can be appeased. For that He sacrifices His own Son. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His undeserved favor to us in our Lord Jesus Christ. Ask Him to enable us to see His glory. Reverend John van Eyk has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017....

Daily devotional

November 4 - The revelation of trials

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

Daily devotional

November 3 - The Lord’s assessment

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

Daily devotional

November 2 – Covenant bears

“For the promise is for you and for your children and for all who are far off, everyone whom the Lord our God calls to himself.” – Acts 2:39 ...

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to Elisha

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

Daily devotional

October 31 – Seeking wandering brothers and sisters

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

Daily devotional

October 30 – Confessing our sins one to another

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

Daily devotional

October 29 – Is anyone among you suffering?

Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praises – James 5:13 Scripture reading: James 5:13-15 In life, our emotions are often up and down. In both cases James encourages us to go to the Lord; to pray when we are suffering and to sing praises to God when things are going well. For only the Lord can truly alleviate our suffering. When things are going well, it is a gift from our Lord, for every good and perfect gift is from our heavenly Father. At times it is hard to pray when things are very disturbing. Therefore our heavenly Father has given us leaders, elders, and pastors to help in these areas so that when we are sick or struggling we can call the elders or pastor to pray with us. The oil that James talks about represents being set apart for the Lord. So the elder who comes to pray is also to encourage the sick saint to know that they are set apart for the Lord, and that despite the illness or struggle they are having, they are right with the Lord. Telling us that the prayer of faith will save the one who is sick emphasizes that when the elder comes in faith as an under-shepherd of the Lord Jesus Christ, we are to see that his prayer has meaning to help the sick person first of all in his/her relationship with God. The elder’s prayer is to help the sick saint to know that he/she is well with the Lord despite their sickness, and if they have sinned, he/she is forgiven through the finished work of Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer That we would see the need to pray when we are suffering and sing praises to the Lord when we are cheerful and seek the help of the elders when this is hard. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 28 – Being steadfast in the Lord

We consider those blessed who remain steadfast – James 5:11 Scripture reading: James 5:11-12 When we think of or read about those who have remained steadfast in the Lord, we may ask, “Am I able to stay steadfast in the Lord?” But we must remember that these people could only do so because of the compassion and mercy of the Lord. God worked in them despite themselves. James gives the example of Job. How did he remain steadfast? It was only because there was a steadfast relationship between him and God. Satan had said Job only worshipped God because things were going well in his life. Satan said to take away everything from him and then he would disown and turn from God. Job was confused, upset, and even angry at God but never did this. Job continued to call out to God because his steadfastness was based on God’s steadfast love for him. As we deal with the struggles around us, may we continue to know God’s compassion and mercy to us in Jesus Christ, so that we can continue to be steadfast in our lives. The one way James says we are to be steadfast in our relationship with our Lord is letting our “yes” be yes and our “no” be no. We live in a world where people’s words mean so little because they do not see that they do all things before the face of God. We are called to show our Lord and the world around us that our vows and promises mean something because of the steadfast love of our Lord in our lives. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would work in us in such a way that we would be steadfast in our commitment to live for Him in each area of our lives. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

Daily devotional

October 27 – Being patient with our brothers and sisters

Daily devotional

October 26 – Be patient until the Lord’s return

Daily devotional

October 25 – Seeing the emptiness of worldly treasures

Daily devotional

October 24 – If the Lord wills

If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that – James 4:15 Scripture reading: James 4:13-17 COVID19 has made us rethink a lot about plan...

Daily devotional

October 23 – Speaking with the love God has shown us

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

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

whoever wishes to be a friend of the world makes himself an enemy of God. – James 4:4 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1:1-2 As Christians, we still deal with the fact that we are sinners and so quarrels and fights among us happen. James tells us that they happen because our passions are at war within us. We too easily fall into concentrating on our wants and our pleasures rather than serving Christ and His kingdom. In times of war, when soldiers are fighting the enemy and protecting their country, their personal wants and pleasures are seen as less important. When we are on a mission to honour Christ’s name and to promote His kingdom, our personal wants and pleasures will be less important and thus quarrelling and fighting will be minimized in our churches. In our world today, where personal pleasures and wants are emphasized, James is telling us to swim against the culture; otherwise, murderous thoughts, words, and quarrels will happen because we won’t get what we want. When our prayers are based on our wants and pleasures and not on the honour of God’s name and His Kingdom to come, we might say we love God but in reality, we really love the things of this world more. When the things of this world become our dearest things, we will try to use God to get what we want. When we do this, James says we make ourselves out to be an enemy of God. James is warning us not to be sucked into friendship with the world, desiring what the world offers, and so forsake our first love and greatest treasure: God our Saviour and Lord. Suggestions for prayer That our wants and desires would be for God’s honor, His Kingdom and doing His will and not on the things and pleasures of this world. Pastor Richard Bultje is a United Reformed missionary and pastor in the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. This daily devotional is also available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

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

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

Search thousands of RP articles

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

Get Articles Delivered!

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

Magazine

Recent Articles

Past Articles

Book Reviews

Movie Reviews

Daily devotional

Job Postings

More of Reformed Perspective!

RPTV

Our App!

Newsletter

Real Talk

Manna

VOTC

Links

About Us

Advertise

Search CATEGORY: Daily devotional

Daily devotional

May 7 - Guilt and our conscience

Daily devotional

May 6 - Our sinful nature enticed by the law

Daily devotional

May 5 - Guilt and our sins of omission

Daily devotional

May 4 - Sinners and sin

Daily devotional

May 3 - The problem is within

Daily devotional

May 2 - Guilt, grace, and gratitude intertwined

Daily devotional

May 1 - An introduction to this month's study on guilt, grace, and gratitude

Daily devotional

April 30 - A lesson on God’s timing

Daily devotional

April 29 - The ploy of false-god pharaoh

Daily devotional

April 28 - The ploys of false-god Pharaoh

Daily devotional

April 27 - The initial resistance of false-god pharaoh

Daily devotional

April 26 - God further prepares the deliverer

Daily devotional

April 25 - God further prepares the deliverer

Daily devotional

April 24 - God further prepares the deliverer

Daily devotional

April 23 - God further prepares the deliverer

Daily devotional

April 22 - No reason for reluctance

Daily devotional

April 21 - No reason for reluctance

Daily devotional

April 20 - No reason for reluctance

Daily devotional

April 19 - No reason for reluctance

Daily devotional

April 18 - No reason for reluctance

Daily devotional

April 17 - The God of the living

Daily devotional

April 16 - Enlightened by the burning bush to the calling of God

Daily devotional

April 15 - Enlightened by the burning bush to the mercy of God

Daily devotional

April 14 - Enlightened by the burning bush to the holiness of God

Daily devotional

April 13 - Enlightened by the burning bush to the holiness of God

Daily devotional

April 12 - God prepares a deliverer: A lesson from Midian

Daily devotional

April 11 - God prepares a deliverer: Lessons from Egypt

Daily devotional

April 10 - God prepares a deliverer: Lessons from Egypt