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Daily devotional

More of Reformed Perspective!

Nearer to God Devotional

Directing you to faith in Jesus Christ and to Biblical truth.

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Daily devotional

Wednesday May 30 - Who is the man that fears the Lord?

Who is the man who fears the LORD? Him will he instruct in the way that he should choose. - Psalm 25:12

Scripture reading: Psalm 25

The question posed in Psalm 25 is answered with a promise. Those who fear the LORD receive the LORD’s instruction. Psalm 25 outlines the desire of one who knows the friendship of the LORD. God’s covenant blessing rests on those whose eyes are ever toward the LORD (vs. 15). What blessing is ours when we fear the LORD in reverence, awe and humble submission.

We may and must take deep joy in the faithfulness of God. When we seek and wait upon Him, He will not put us to shame. He will make us to know His ways, leading and teaching us. He is the God of our salvation, the God of pardoning grace canceling our debt. How great is the forgiving love of God!

If that be our conviction, then it becomes our prayer ever to know His ways and for the LORD to lead and teach us in His truth (vs. 4&5a). There are those who think the Word of the LORD to be too restrictive. But we are not to argue with the Bible. The Word of God is “living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joint and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from His sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of Him to whom we must give account.” (Hebrews 4:12-13 cf. also II Corinthians 5:10). Do you desire the Lord to teach you His ways?

Suggestions for prayer

When you pray, you are never alone. The Father listens; the Holy Spirit helps, and our Saviour is always interceding. Pray that we may grow in the fear of the Lord.

This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional.

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Daily devotional

Tuesday May 29 - What fellowship has light with darkness?
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Daily devotional

Monday May 28 - How long?

How long, O Lord? Will you forget me forever? - Psalm 13:1a  Scripture reading: Psalm 13 Psalm 13 begins with a fourfold lament of penetratin...
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Daily devotional

Sunday May 27 - Who shall ascend the hill of the Lord?
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Daily devotional

Saturday May 26 - If the foundations are destroyed...
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Daily devotional

Friday May 25 - Who has known the mind of the Lord?

Who has measured the Spirit of the LORD, or what man shows Him his counsel? –Isaiah 40:13 (cf. Romans 11:33-36; I Corinthians 2:16) Scripture reading: Isaiah 40 Isaiah 40 teaches us something of the great greatness of God. When you read this chapter thoughtfully, you can not help but be amazed. God has no comparison. God is not subject to the limits of space and time. He has everything, everywhere always before His mind. God’s perfections are unchangeable. God is infinite. We are finite comparable to grasshoppers (v. 22.) He knows all there is to know; God’s ways are beyond us; His ways are not our ways (Isaiah 55:8); they are often past finding out. The immensity of God is awe-inspiring. We are limited in our understanding. "The ways of the LORD are right" (Hosea 14:9). With the Belgic Confession, Article 13, Reformed believers confess: “As to what God does surpassing human understanding, we will not curiously inquire into farther than our capacity will admit of; but with the greatest humility and reverence adore the righteous judgments of God, which are hid from us, contenting ourselves that we are pupils of Christ, to learn only those things which He has revealed to us in His Word, without transgressing these limits." Let us content ourselves in the wonder of God’s mind, recognizing that His understanding is unsearchable. The thought of God staggers our mind, but to know Him satisfies the heart. Take comfort in the fact God, in His grace, chooses to reveal Himself to His people in Jesus Christ. Delight to know our awesome God and press on in the calling to enjoy Him forever. Will you do so today? Suggestions for prayer In prayer, praise God for His glory. Express thanksgiving for particular attributes. Be specific. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

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Daily devotional

Thursday May 24 - What good is it for one to gain the whole world...

What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his soul? - Mark 8:36 Scripture reading: Mark 8: 22-38 In His public ministry, Jesus asked more than several sobering questions. Today’s text is one such example. It is a penetrating question that demands an answer from each one of us. What is it that we aspire to and why? On the day of days, God will demand an accounting from each one of us. If the cost is one’s soul, then whatever is gained – even if it be the whole world – is good for nothing. Sadly, ‘nothing’ is what the vast majority of people strive after – the things of the world. Christian life is a long obedience in the same direction. Calvin argues: “It is fitting for the faithful Christian to rise to a still higher level where Christ calls every disciple to ‘take up his cross.’ For all whom the Lord has chosen and received into the society of His saints ought to prepare themselves for a life that is hard, difficult, laborious and full of countless griefs.” And yet, the Christian life, as marked out by Christ, knows no comparison. Christ gave His life so that we might gain ours. Christ calls us to self-denial so that we might have a life of purpose and passion for the things above. Christ calls us again today to follow after Him even if the road be difficult. Setting our minds on the things of God, thinking God’s thoughts after Him, brings true joy. It is what we were created for. Be encouraged in confessing that God’s ways are best. How is it with your soul? Suggestions for prayer Pray for the ongoing grace to stand firm for the gospel and a gospel life. Ask for strength for a life of self-denial. Thank our Saviour for preparing the way. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

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Daily devotional

Wednesday May 23 - If God is for us, who can be against us?

If God is for us, who can be against us? - Romans 8:31b Scripture reading: Romans 8:18-39 Life on this side of glory is hard and, at times, very hard. This world is a broken place. As followers of the Redeemer, we face experiences that test our faith. Our many sinful weaknesses militate against the progress of holiness. Broken relationships leave deep scars. Health issues can immobilize us. Prodigal children make our hearts weep. The loss of a loved one stings. Some Christians face hostility, some to the point of martyrdom. Holding to the promises of God is what is needed, not only for troubling circumstances, but for all of life. Never forget that the Bible speaks with power and practicality to everything you are facing, thinking and feeling. Even though God may seem far, He is always nearby. “Suffering dispels the illusion that we have the strength and competence to rule our own lives” (Tim Keller). When we believe God is for us, then we may sing,"It is well with my soul." He did not spare His own Son in order that Christ’s disciples may receive all that they need to travel through this vale of tears. Yes, we will face difficulties, but for the believer, those complexities will not destroy our faith. The Christian lives with hope that does not disappoint. Christ’s victory on the cross assures Christians that victory is theirs. When darkness fills their soul, they turn again to the testimony of the empty cross. The children of the heavenly Father can never be separated from the love of Christ. Is this your confession? Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for His blessed promises. Rejoice in God’s provision through Christ’s saving work. Acknowledge, before God, the victory of the cross. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

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Daily devotional

Tuesday May 22 – Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound?

What shall we say then? Are we to continue in sin that grace may abound? – Romans 6:1 Scripture reading: Romans 6 The believer rejoices to confess that salvation is by grace alone, through faith alone, in Jesus Christ alone. “This is not of our own doing; it is a gift of God, not a result of works so that no one may boast” (Ephesians 2:9b). When our faith rests in Christ, our sins are forgiven. While the wages of sin is death, the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ. By nature, we are corrupt and totally unable to do any good and, in fact, inclined toward all evil — unless we are born again, by the Spirit of God (Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 8). Those who have experienced regeneration are led to a life of repentance and faith and set free from the reign of sin. But the question of Romans 6:1 underscores the tension of remaining sin in a believer’s life. This question is emphatically answered by the forceful expression “By no means!” Grace is not a license to sin. Grace is not an opportunity to live for ourselves. Willful, unrepentant sin in a person’s life makes a mockery of grace and calls into question that person’s salvation (I John 3:6). Sin must not be king in our lives. The LORD calls us to be a slave of righteousness. Yet, we often stumble and fall. Sinless perfection is not possible this side of glory. But Christians, saved by grace, do fight against sin and its far-reaching grasp lest they be ensnared. We are part of a cosmic battle and the enemy’s forces must be resisted. How are you faring in the battle? Suggestions for prayer “Grace is but glory begun, and glory is but grace perfected” (Jonathan Edwards). Pray to be faithful between glory begun and glory perfected, recognizing there is the race to be run. Pray for ongoing grace to look to Jesus the author and finisher of our faith (cf Hebrews 12:1-3). This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

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Daily devotional

Monday May 21 - How can someone be born when they are old?
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Daily devotional

Sunday May 20 - What does this mean?

 And all were amazed and perplexed, saying to one another, “What does this mean?” – Acts 2:12 Scripture Reading: Acts 1:1-5; 2:1-12 Today,...
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Saturday May 19 – What must I do to inherit eternal life?
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Friday May 18 – My God, why has thou forsaken me?
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Thursday May 17 – What shall I do then with Jesus?

Pilate said to them, “Then what shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” – Matthew 27:22 Scripture Reading: Matthew 27:11-31 Pilate was in a quandary as he backed himself into a corner of his own making. What to do with Jesus? He knew Jesus to be innocent, but he was also a political opportunist. Ultimately, he chose to yield to the crowd. One day the fickle crowd had shouted “Hosanna to the Son of David! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the LORD” (Matthew 21:9). A few days later it became, “Crucify Him!” In every age, there have been those who have misunderstood the mission and the person of Jesus Christ. A little peer pressure can lead to great error. There is a great deal of so-called Christianity that is quite Christ-less. “Do those who look for their salvation and security in saints, in themselves, or elsewhere, really believe in the only Saviour Jesus? No. Although they boast of being His, by their deeds they deny the only Saviour and deliverer, Jesus. Either Jesus is not a perfect Saviour, or those who in true faith accept this Saviour have in Him all they need for their salvation." – Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 30 For the believer, it is imperative that there be no misunderstanding. Life is to be lived according to the most holy faith as outlined in Scripture. What we think of Jesus shows in how we relate to Him. Trust Him. Believe His promises. Adore Him. Serve Him. Ultimately there is no one who can escape the question asked by Pilate: “What then should I do with Jesus?” Suggestions for prayer Both in prayer and daily life confess Jesus as the Christ. Ask for strength to confess His Name aright, to present yourself as a living sacrifice of thanks and to strive with a good conscience against sin and the devil in this life. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

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Daily devotional

Wednesday May 16 – Who do you say that I am?

He said to them “But who do you say that I am?” – Matthew 16:15 Scripture Reading: Matthew 16:13-20 Christ’s question is one of the most important if not the most important question that a person will ever answer. Many answers were offered in the days of His public ministry and still today. But there is only one correct answer. One! In his book Mere Christianity, C.S. Lewis addresses the issue of the various understandings concerning the person of Christ: “I am trying here to prevent anyone saying the really foolish thing that people often say about Him: I’m ready to accept Jesus as a great moral teacher, but I don’t accept His claim to be God. That is the one thing we must not say. A man who was merely a man and said the sort of things Jesus said would not be a great moral teacher. He would either be a lunatic – on the level with a human who says he is a poached egg – or else he would be the Devil of Hell. You must make your choice. Either this man was, and is, the Son of God, or else a madman or something worse. You can shut Him up for a fool, you can spit at Him and kill Him as a demon or you can fall at His feet and call Him Lord and God, but let us not come with any patronizing nonsense about His being a great human teacher. He has not left that open to us. He did not intend to.” And how do you answer the question: Who do you say Jesus is? Suggestions for prayer Pray for strengthening grace to remain firm in that faith that trusts Christ as the Son of the living God. Pray for others to come to the same conviction. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

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Daily devotional

Tuesday May 15 - Will you not receive instructions and listen to my words?

Thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel: Go and say to the people of Judah and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, "Will you not receive instruction and listen to my words?" declares the LORD. – Jeremiah 35:13 Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 35 Are you a good listener? In our Scripture lesson, the obedience of the covenant community was compared and contrasted with that of the Rechabites. The descendants of Rechab voluntarily committed themselves to their forefather to lead a nomadic life and to refrain from alcohol. They listened to their earthly father’s wishes for some 300 years! But many of the covenant community refused to listen to the Word of their heavenly Father. As has been said, “The Bible contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be saved and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you. It is a traveler’s map, the pilgrim’s staff, the pilot’s compass, the soldier’s sword and the Christian’s chart. Here paradise is restored, heaven opened and the gates of hell disclosed. Christ is its grand object, our good its design, and the glory of God its end. It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It is given you in life; it will be opened in judgment, and will be remembered forever. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labour, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.” (Author unknown) Are you a good listener? Suggestions for prayer Pray for a growing desire to honour the will of our heavenly Father. Pray that God may give us a listening heart for His Word. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

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Daily devotional

Monday May 14 - Is anything too hard for the LORD?

Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh. Is anything too hard for me? – Jeremiah 32:27 Scripture Reading: Jeremiah 32 What perplexing moments have you faced in your life? What has happened to you that left you mystified? In our Scripture lesson, God tells Jeremiah (who had been disowned by his immediate family) that his relative will come to ask him to purchase some property that belongs within the extended family. It makes no sense. By normal standards, it is absurd to buy a field when the whole land is about to be lost. Jeremiah does what is asked and then comes before the LORD to ask for understanding. Notice obedience precedes his prayer for clarity. His prayer begins with a deep sigh — in faith he is seeking understanding. He prays, confessing God’s greatness in both creation (vs. 17) and redemption (vs. 20-22). He acknowledges God’s justice (vs. 19). In short Jeremiah is asking for the ability to see God’s purposes. For the world, seeing is believing. For the Christian, believing is seeing. And the Lord’s answer to Jeremiah, as it is to all His people: Nothing is too hard for the LORD! The remnant will be restored. God will see to it. His promise for His redeemed people holds firm. The same God Who holds the stars in their appointed place in the skies beyond is perfectly able to hold our feet on the ground. Trust Him. Believe that His promises will come to fruition. Every one of them! Believe that Jesus Christ is our guarantee. Is there anything too hard for the LORD? Suggestions for prayer Just as the LORD promised His remnant a return to the promised land, so too those who are in Christ can eagerly anticipate in the inheritance of the Promised Land to come. Pray with rejoicing. Rejoice that His promises do not fail. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional....

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