Daily devotional

January 26 - Insolent people of obscure speech

‘You will see no more the insolent people, the people of an obscure speech that you cannot comprehend, stammering in a tongue that you cannot unders...

Daily devotional

January 25 - Making all things new

“Your heart will muse on the terror: "Where is he who counted, where is he who weighed the tribute? Where is he who counted the towers?"” - Isaiah...

Daily devotional

January 24 - As far as the eye can see

“They will see a land that stretches afar.” - Isaiah 33:17b Scripture reading: Matthew 13:31-33 Even though wickedness spreads, seemingly ...

Daily devotional

January 23 - The King in his beauty

“Behold, your eyes will behold the king in his beauty; they will see a land that stretches far.” - Isaiah 33:17 Scripture reading: Psalm 45: ...

Daily devotional

January 22 - Impenetrable defense

“He will dwell on the heights; his place of defense will be the fortress of rocks; his bread will be given him; his water will be sure.” - Isaiah 33:16 Scripture reading: Revelation 7:9-17 Because this Man, Jesus Christ, is righteous, He has a secure place with the Lord. Such a place “on the heights” and a “place of defense” evokes the image of a fortified tower high above the reach of enemies, or a naturally rocky crag atop cliffs that cannot be scaled. With such an impenetrable fortress, “What can man do to me?” (Psalm 56:11). The strategic risk of dwelling in such a fortress, especially one up high, is being able to gather food and drink. If a people has protected itself within a strong city wall, an army laying siege will attempt to cut off the food and water supply. God will provide here as well. Food and water will be constantly available. God will never fail, nor will this Man diminish. There is eternal security here. This is the hope we have as Christians: eternal security by faith in Jesus Christ, where no enemies will threaten. We will lack nothing for our daily needs or supplies. These are rich gifts of grace in Christ! As it says in Revelation 7:16: “They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their Shepherd, and He will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” So we must always trust God to provide for all our needs and be content with what He provides. Suggestions for prayer Pray these petitions of the Lord's Prayer: for your daily bread, deliverance from the evil one. Praise the Lord that His is the Kingdom and the power and the glory. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 21 - Christ walks and speaks righteously

“He who walks righteously and speaks uprightly, who despises the gain of oppressions, who shakes his hand, lest they hold a bribe, who stops his ears from hearing of bloodshed and shuts his eyes from looking on evil…” - Isaiah 33:15 Scripture reading: Matthew 4:1-11 Only this Man can enter the new Zion and dwell in the presence of God's holy fire. It is noteworthy that the verbs in this verse refer to a singular, individual man. Jesus Christ is this Man of righteousness. His walk is righteous; surely Jesus Christ kept God's will, never straying to the left or the right. He came to do His Father's will and He prayed in the Garden of Gethsemane (John 17) that He had accomplished that work. Jesus' speech was righteous; He proclaimed God's glory and God's Word. Jesus knew what was in the heart of man, but did not shrink from proclaiming the whole counsel of God. He said to Satan, “It is written”; He would not allow Satan to twist and stretch God's Word of truth. Jesus was tempted and bribed by the devil in Matthew 4 when the Spirit drove Jesus into the wilderness. Satan offered Jesus food, personal safety and the kingdoms of the world. Jesus rejected these temptations and did not sin. If Jesus had failed the temptations in the wilderness, bloodshed is what would have ensued, for that is what Satan wanted: the eternal condemnation of all people. Jesus' righteousness was necessary to save us. Finally, Jesus never sinned through His eyes. Rather, Hebrews 12:2 calls Jesus “the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to the Lord that even though Jesus was tempted as Adam was, He did not sin. Praise the Lord for the last Adam Who is our life-giving spirit. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 20 - Who then is worthy?

“Who among us can dwell with the consuming fire? Who among us can dwell with everlasting burnings?” - Isaiah 33:14b Scripture reading: Hebrews 10:11-25 This is another thematic verse in this chapter: a confession of our unworthiness to enter God's holy presence because we are sinful. Psalm 130:3: “If You, O Lord, should mark iniquities, O Lord, who could stand?” If you follow the description of the worthy person who could stand in the Lord's judgment on his own or her own, you will quickly see it is not a description of you. Except for Jesus Christ! We will see how Jesus in His righteousness fulfills the requirements in the following verses. Christ's sacrifice for sin was “once-for-all.” We cannot escape God's consuming fire. When offerings were burned before God, it showed the people that His wrath is all-consuming. Jesus' sacrifice is better. Those other sacrifices “can never take away sins. But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God” (Hebrews 10:12-13). He sat down because His saving work was complete; “It is finished,” He said. Only by faith in Jesus Christ can we enter God's holy presence. We “have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that He opened for us through the curtain, that is, through His flesh” (Hebrews 10:19-20). Tomorrow, you will enter God's holy presence with the assembly of God's people. Christ's righteousness and atoning blood cover you that you may enter with fear of God's consuming fire, but enter in the joy of Christ's salvation. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to the Lord that He joyfully welcomes us into His presence because of Christ's sacrifice and righteousness. Give thanks to the Lord that we can know Him through Christ. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 19 - Judgment at the household of God

“The sinners in Zion are afraid; trembling has seized the godless…” - Isaiah 33:14a Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19 With this prophecy of such vivid descriptions of Assyria's destruction, Judah might be tempted to respond with smugness, rather than humility. There's a little bit of the Pharisees in us all. We think we're better than “them.” That smugness is usually accompanied by a second course: hubris. Hubris is a false sense of security, and over-confidence, which is based on the past. In Judah, it would have sounded like this: “Assyria is going to get it; we in Judah are secure because we're Judah.” What both Peter and Isaiah say is jarring to this false sense of security. We forget what we were in our sins: “But God shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). We were God's enemies, but still, Christ died for us. We're not better than “them”; we're not better than anyone! We're sinners, saved only by grace in Christ! So when judgment comes against God's people, those who have put their trust in themselves and their privileges, will surely tremble. Their faith is not in God. This is what God's judgment upon the church does: it purifies the church of false confessors. Hypocrites are exposed. Pharisees are rattled. Rather than smugness or hubris, respond to Isaiah 33 with repentance. Acknowledge that your own sins deserve the same destructive condemnation. God spares His people because He did not spare His own Son, but “gave Him up for us all” (Romans 8:32). Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins to the Lord and thank Him for giving His only-begotten Son for your salvation. Ask for forgiveness for the pride that believes we are better than other people. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 18 - Acknowledge God’s might

“Hear, you who are far off, what I have done; and you who are near, acknowledge My might.” - Isaiah 33:13 Scripture reading: Psalm 71:1-24 T...

Daily devotional

January 17 - God is a consuming fire

“And the peoples will be burned as if burned to lime, like thorns cut down, that are burned in the fire.” - Isaiah 33:12 Scripture reading: H...

Daily devotional

January 16 - Conceiving chaff

“You conceive chaff; you give birth to stubble; your breath is a fire that will consume you.” - Isaiah 33:11 Scripture reading: James 4:1-12 ...

Daily devotional

January 15 – The Lord will arise

“Now I will arise," says the Lord, "now I will lift Myself up; now I will be exalted.” – Isaiah 33:10 Scripture reading: Ps. 42:1-11 We d...

Daily devotional

January 14 - The Lord lifted up

“Now I will lift Myself up; now I will be exalted.” - Isaiah 33:10b Scripture reading: Acts 17:22-34 The kingdom of man has exalted itself and spread itself over the world since the Fall. God bides His time; these “times of ignorance God overlooked, but now He commands all people everywhere to repent, because He has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness by a Man whom He has appointed; and of this He has given assurance to all by raising Him from the dead” (Acts 17:30-31). He tells Judah that He is ready to act, to encourage and comfort them. God's actions are not haphazard, but determined and then carried out according to His holy will. God's people see that all other helpers are no help at all, but we must wait patiently for the Lord to deliver. God is no greater exalted than through Jesus Christ. Isaiah will later proclaim the exaltation of the Servant of the Lord in 52:13. Jesus Christ is exalted because of His “wisdom”, but also because “He was despised and rejected by men; a Man of Sorrows, and acquainted with grief...” (v. 3a). Would you bow humbly to Jesus Christ, exalted at God's right hand? Would you repent of your pride and confess your need for His mercy? When the kingdom of man gets proud with God, He declares, “Be still and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations...” (Psalm 46:10a). Let us not be proud and foolish like the nations, but with humble faith bow to Christ. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for delivering you from the foolishness of unbelief and giving you saving faith in Jesus Christ. Exalt the Lord of glory for His glorious works. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 13 - Even the land mourns

“The land mourns and languishes; Lebanon is confounded and withers away; Sharon is like a desert, and Bashan and Carmel shake off their leaves.” - Isaiah 33:9 Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 1:1-18 This language is not to be taken literally, even though Sennacherib and his army did march down the forests of Lebanon (see 37:24), and did pass through Sharon (see Isaiah 36). This figurative description means that even the land mourns with the people; everywhere you could look, there was a sense of fading, diminishing, or “languishing.” Life, as it were, had gone out of the land. This is used as a picture of the sad condition that the coming of the Assyrians had brought on the land and its people. Lebanon, known for its stately cedars, is now browned out; its leaves have fallen and Lebanon is ashamed. Sharon was also known for beautiful blossoms, but is now a desert region. Bashan and Carmel had verdant trees that were not only bare, but had lost their leaves early. The fear of Assyria has gripped the land; all stands still, cold and lifeless in the grip of dread terror. How can we press on in our present spiritual battle? Fear and dread easily grip us when the present enemies flex and strut. Our weakness in putting sin to death sometimes gives us the same cold and lifeless chill. But “God gave us not a spirit of fear, but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). Jesus Christ gave His Spirit to fill us with power and courage and strength, that we might persevere and not wither, even when the enemies seem so close and so powerful. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith in Jesus Christ so that by His Spirit you might not languish, but press on in this spiritual battle. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 12 - The fear of man

“The highways lie waste; the traveler ceases. Covenants are broken; cities are despised; there is no regard for man.” - Isaiah 33:8 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 18:19-37 This is related to the “bitter weeping” of verse 7. The rejection of the tribute is not only a shot against hopefulness, but a breaking of a covenant. The tribute was commanded, with the promise of withdrawal. Not only did Sennacherib refuse to withdraw his forces, but he pressed further, sending his announcers to taunt the Jews. He pressed against the cities and crushed them with little effort. So the highways lie in waste and no one travels out of fear. Here is an enemy who does not care about human life. Here is an enemy who has no honour. There appear to be no limits to his wicked cruelty. We should not live our lives in fear of our great enemies. We should not fear man (Proverbs 29:25). True, our enemies have no regard for man either. But if we fear the Lord, we will fear nothing else. We will continue to worship, work, and enjoy God and His creation, no matter the threats of the enemies. Have you stopped short of serving the Lord in fear of how unbelievers might react? If we give in to the fear of man, it will stifle our God-glorifying service. Christ has given you a spirit of power, not fear. Trust Him to protect you. Suggestions for prayer Pray for courage from the Lord to continue serving Him despite the pressures of the fear of man. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 11 - In whom do you now trust?

“Behold, their heroes cry in the streets; the envoys of peace weep bitterly.” - Isaiah 33:7 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 18:13-18 True peace with an enemy is not made by appeasing that enemy. Hezekiah sent envoys with “three hundred talents of silver and thirty talents of gold” (2 Kings 18:14) that he took from the house of the Lord to make the plea bargain. It was not enough. The hope was that this tribute to Sennacherib would pacify him. If there was a ray of hope, that moment passed when Rabshakeh, retorted, “Do you think that mere words are strategy and power for war? In whom do you now trust, that you have rebelled against me?” (2 Kings 18:20). Peace with such enemies is only achieved through true power. Such power is not the power of Egypt, or of any chariots, horses, or soldiers. It is not the power of money. Such are the powers of the world. The Kingdom of God is of another power: divine, sovereign, wise power. It is hopeless for us to believe that peace can be made with our enemies: our sin, the devil, or the world. They must be defeated by the power of Jesus Christ. His is not the power of earthly might, but of life through death; victory through suffering; strength through weakness. Our trust must not be in princes or wealth. Our trust must be in the Lord. Peace has been made between us and God through the blood of Jesus Christ and He will also achieve peace for His church by destroying His enemies by the Word of His power. Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord for His powerful Word and Spirit, and Christ's power to defeat our enemies. Confess to the Lord the things in which you have trusted more than Him. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 10 - The fear of the Lord: Christ’s treasure

Daily devotional

January 9 - Treasuring the fear of the Lord

“The fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure.” - Isaiah 33:6b Scripture reading: Psalm 128:1-6 “The fear of the Lord” is thematic througho...

Daily devotional

January 8 - The stability of your times

“And He will be the stability of your times, abundance of salvation, wisdom and knowledge; the fear of the Lord is Zion's treasure.” - Isaiah 33:6...

Daily devotional

January 7 - Christ’s justice and righteousness for Zion

Daily devotional

January 6 - The eminent and imminent Lord

“The Lord is exalted, for He dwells on high; He will fill Zion with justice and righteousness…” - Isaiah 33:5 Scripture reading: Psalm 115 It is the Lord Himself who reveals His majesty—a wonder that we cannot comprehend. Psalm 115:3 says, “Our God is in the heavens; He does all that pleases Him.” The same exaltation is proclaimed with respect to Jesus Christ in Hebrews 1:3: “He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of His nature, and He upholds the universe by the Word of His power. After making purification for sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high...” Unbelievers vainly imagine that God is not present. They foolishly say, “Where is their God?” (Psalm 115:2b). Perhaps the Assyrians vainly imagined that God was far away, distant and aloof with respect to His creation and His people. Their destruction at God's judgment will give evidence of His greatness. But His exalted majesty does not depend on that judgment. The Lord is exalted (eminent), for He dwells on high! Yet, our God is also very near (imminent). He fills Zion. His presence with His people is personal and powerful, and no more so than when Jesus Christ “dwelt among us” (John 1:14). Jesus Christ “made Himself nothing, taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, He humbled Himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8). In Jesus Christ, our Saviour, the Lord is most exalted and most present with us in justice and righteousness. Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord who is exalted on high and thank the Lord for sending Jesus Christ to “dwell among us” for our salvation and comfort. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 5 - Leaping locusts

“And your spoil is gathered as the caterpillar gathers; as locusts leap, it is leapt upon.” - Isaiah 33:4 Scripture reading: Nahum 3:1-19 Here Isaiah uses the imagery of devouring pests to illustrate how short-lived the Assyrian power would be. Assyria had conquered the Northern Kingdom of Israel and dispossessed it. Concerning Nineveh, the Assyrian capital city, Nahum also proclaims: “There will the fire devour you; the sword will cut you off. It will devour you like the locust...There is no easing your hurt; your wound is grievous. All who hear the news about you clap their hands over you. For upon whom has not come your unceasing evil?” (3:15, 19). All they plundered would be taken back. Their destruction would be worse than the oppression they had unleashed on other nations. We are no wiser than the Assyrians when we behave as if we boast in ourselves. It is so easy for us to believe we are invincible because of our strength or what we possess. God can strike our possessions and our livelihoods with the same speed and efficiency as grasshoppers tearing through a plump crop. Let us also not be afraid of those instruments of wrath that God takes in His hand to punish and restrain evil in this present age. If the battle belongs to the Lord, so does the spoil of war. He will work His will and protect His church with His rod of discipline and He will also take care of the results. Suggestions for prayer Repent of any trust you have misplaced in yourself, your possessions, or your strength. Thank the Lord for all you have and seek His help to use your gifts for His glory. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 4 - Scattering the enemies

“At the tumultuous noise peoples flee; when You lift Yourself up, nations are scattered…” - Isaiah 33:3 Scripture reading: Psalm 68:1-14 So certain is the Lord's deliverance, that here He tells Israel to live as if the deliverance has already happened. There can be no doubt in our hearts that when the Lord arises to bring justice, it will happen. This was always to be Israel's hope for the coming Messiah: though Christ's coming might be far off into the future, His coming was certain. This is our hope, too: Christ is coming as He promised. The “tumultuous noise” is perhaps a reference to the wailing sound of the Assyrians as the angel of the Lord destroyed 185,000 of their soldiers. This noise is filled with fear and dread at the awful judgment of the Lord. It recalls Revelation 6:16-17, where the unbelievers call out to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?” You might also recall the angel of the Lord killing the firstborn sons of Egypt. Only by the blood of the Lamb, Jesus Christ, can we be spared from this wrath, this tumultuous noise and fear of God's judgment! These words summon us to repent of our sins and to put our faith in Christ alone! In God's judgment, the nations are scattered. He arises in His might and the nations tremble. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving for the blood of Jesus Christ that saves us from the wrath of God and with hopeful expectation for Christ's coming. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 3 - Our arm of salvation

“O Lord, be gracious to us; we wait for you. Be our arm every morning, our salvation in the time of trouble.” - Isaiah 33:2 Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-16 God's faithful promises result in the prayer of faith. We must pray earnestly at the “throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Hebrews 4:16). Our enemies are cruel, be gracious to us, O Lord! We deserve God's wrath for our sins, but we pray, “Remember David's Son!” And we remember Christ's propitiation for our sins; God's wrath is turned away from us and we are blessed in His gracious favour. God is always with us with His arm of strength and power. Is your trust in the Lord each morning and each day? If you are depending on your strength, your abilities, your past accomplishments, your intelligence, or your reputation, you are not glorifying God. Are we not also in “the time of trouble”? We need salvation! Jesus Christ is the Saviour, who laid down His life for us as the perfect and once-for-all sacrifice for our sins. Yet, the troubling warfare in our hearts continues as we put to death our sins in the power of the Holy Spirit. Praise God, we have such a Great High Priest; He knows all our weaknesses and sympathizes with them. Salvation comes through Jesus Christ who has “passed through the heavens”! (Hebrews 4:14). This is why we confess our faith on the basis of God's promises. We believe what God has done through Jesus Christ and continues to do through Him. Jesus Christ is our arm and salvation! Suggestions for prayer Confess your dependence on God's strong arm of salvation, your need for help in your troubles and ask for God's grace in Jesus Christ. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 2 - Prayer against God’s enemies

“When you have ceased to destroy, you will be destroyed; and when you have finished betraying, they will betray you.” - Isaiah 33:1b Scriptur...

Daily devotional

January 1 - Introduction to the fear of the Lord

Daily devotional

December 31 - Behold, the lamb of God!

“The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”” - John 1:29 Script...

Daily devotional

December 30 - John the Baptizer bears witness to the light

Daily devotional

December 29 - Christ: The genuine light

“In him was life, and the life was the light of men. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” - John 1:4-5 Scripture reading: John 1:1-12 The Apostle John contrasts the Saviour with the darkness of the fallen world and Satan’s dark kingdom. Speaking of Christ, John calls Him “the Light.” Light is a fitting metaphor or name to use to refer to God because God is light and in Him there is no darkness. The Psalmist sang: “The Lord is my light and my salvation.” God dwells in an unapproachable light. But the Son of God, the Word, is the Light in a unique sense. In Christ, the glory of God shines forth. He reveals something of the glory of God to humanity. Light is a picture of truth and purity. Satan’s dark kingdom is characterized by ignorance and filthiness. The Son of God is the Light in two senses. First, the Son of God plays an important role in the general illumination of humanity. This is what the Apostle John is talking about in John 1:9 when he writes that the Light “enlightens everyone.” The Son of God uses the beauty of the sky to declare and reveal the deity, glory, and power of God. The result is that even wicked men know that God exists. In a second sense, the Word is the Light because He reveals truth and purity to His people. By His Spirit He illuminates the minds of elect sinners so that they can perceive spiritual realities. Christ reveals the truth about how sinners can be transferred into the kingdom of light. His royal law illuminates the path on which we should walk. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would have a sense of the glory of God when you go outside and look at God’s beautiful world. Pray that you would walk in the light since you are not a child of darkness. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 28 - The twelve-year-old Jesus: The God who knows

“And all who heard him were amazed at his understanding and his answers.” - Luke 2:47 Scripture reading: Luke 2:41-52 When Jesus was a twelve-year-old, Joseph and Mary took Him along to the Passover Feast in Jerusalem. Afterwards, Joseph and Mary left for home, thinking that Jesus was in their company. But the boy stayed behind. I have seen parents leave their children behind at church; this can provide some comedy. But Joseph and Mary were not amused when they discovered that Jesus was missing. They had traveled for an entire day. Joseph and Mary spent a day walking back to Jerusalem. After three days, Mary finds Jesus in the Temple. He was sitting among learned biblical scholars, answering them, and asking His own questions. The doctors of the law were astonished at the precocious answers of the young boy. All who heard the twelve-year-old were astounded at His understanding of Scripture and theology. The young Jesus astonished His contemporaries because He is the God who Knows. He is the Son of God in human flesh. Nathaniel, an early disciple of Jesus, would be surprised by Jesus’ omniscience. Somehow Jesus knew that he had been sitting under a fig tree. Jesus confessed His deity to His mother when she asked what he was doing. He said: “Do you not know that I must be in my Father’s house?” Mary knew that Joseph was not Jesus’ biological father. Jesus affirms that He is the unique Son of God. He is the only begotten Son. Mary had been told that her son would be the “Son of the Highest.” Jesus is the Word and Wisdom of God. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would have a deeper understanding of the trinitarian splendour of the one true God. Pray that you would give praise to the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit Who are coequal in glory and honour. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 27 - Skeletons in the genealogical closet

“Judah begot Perez and Zerah by Tamar….Salmon begot Boaz by Rahab, Boaz begot Obed by Ruth, Obed begot Jesse, and Jesse begot David the king. David the king begot Solomon by her who had been the wife of Uriah.” - Matthew 1:3-6 Scripture reading: Matthew 1:1-17 The genealogies of Joseph and Mary reveal two things. First, Jesus Christ came into the world to save sinners. Second, Christ came to save not only elect Jews, but also elect Gentiles. Among Jesus’ sinful ancestors were Judah and Tamar. The genealogies of Mary (in Luke) and Joseph (in Matthew) trace both of their ancestries back to Jewish sinners like Judah and Tamar. Tamar was Judah’s daughter-in-law. Judah had given birth to two wicked sons (Er and Onan) whom God killed. Each had been married to Tamar. Judah delayed in marrying Tamar to his younger son, Shelah. This led to Tamar dressing like a prostitute and soliciting Judah to sleep with her. The startling result was that the line of Christ would go back to Perez, who was the fruit of this fornication. Christ came from ancestors who needed to be washed with His blood. Since two Gentile women were ancestors of Jesus, the genealogies also remind us that Christ had gentile DNA and came to save elect Gentiles. The genealogies tell us that a man from the tribe of Judah named Salmon married Rahab, the prostitute of Jericho. God justified Rahab by faith and then transformed her moral condition so that she became the sexually pure wife of her covenant husband. She became the mother of Boaz, who also married a Gentile woman, Ruth the Moabite. The result was that Jesus was not 100% of Jewish parentage. This signals that He will redeem an elect church made up of both Jewish and Gentile sinners. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that Jesus came to save elect sinners in both the Old and New Testaments. Praise God for His wisdom in gathering a New Testament church made up of elect Jews and Gentiles. Pray that elect Gentiles appreciate the covenant grace given to them. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 26 - The newborn King fulfills prophecy

“And he went and lived in a city called Nazareth, that what was spoken by the prophets might be fulfilled: “He shall be called a Nazarene.”” - Matthew 2:23 Scripture reading: Matthew 2:13-23 Matthew presents numerous events connected to Jesus’ birth and early childhood as fulfillment of ancient prophecies. In Matthew 2:13-23, Matthew tells us that Jesus fulfilled three different prophecies. First, Matthew writes that the flight of the holy family to Egypt and their return to Israel involved a fulfillment of a prophecy in Hosea 11:1 that spoke of God calling His Son out of Egypt. The prophecy in Hosea 11:1 reveals that the people of God and their deliverance from Egypt was typical of how the Messiah would also be called out of Egypt. Second, Matthew identifies King Herod’s brutal murder of the Bethlehem infants as a fulfillment of a prophecy in Jeremiah 31:15. Rachel, the beloved wife of the patriarch Jacob, is pictured as mourning for her massacred descendants. This mourning was a type of how Bethlehem’s mothers mourned the death of their infant boys at the hands of Herod’s troops. Third, an ancient prophecy predicted that Jesus would be called a “Nazarene.” Since Joseph was too scared to live in Bethlehem, he moved the family to Nazareth. Matthew states that this was a fulfillment of prophecy. The apparent difficulty with understanding this prophecy is that we cannot find it in the Old Testament. It is possible that this was a verbal prophecy that had never been written down. Others think that the fact that Jesus lived in a despised town like Nazareth involved Him fulfilling the prophecy in Isaiah 53:3 that said that the Messiah would be “despised and rejected of men.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would help you to see Jesus Christ in types and shadows in the Old Testament. Pray that you would be willing to suffer shame for the name of Christ. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 25 - Wise gentiles worship the King of the Jews

Daily devotional

December 24 - Elderly Anna’s urban witness

“And coming up at that very hour she began to give thanks to God and to speak of him to all who were waiting for the redemption of Jerusalem.” - L...

Daily devotional

December 23 - God’s Christmas gift

“Thanks be to God for his inexpressible gift!” - 2 Corinthians 9:15 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 9:1-15 Jesus was a gift from God. If th...

Daily devotional

December 22 - Mary ponders the incarnation

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” - Luke 2:19 Scripture reading: Luke 2:8-21 Even though Mary was young...

Daily devotional

December 21 - Jesus’ birth announced to the shepherds

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling clothes and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:12 Scripture reading: Luke 2:8-14 The first people to receive a birth announcement about the messianic king are shepherds on the outskirts of Bethlehem. They alone received an announcement for two reasons. First, God is reminding us that David, the ancestor of Jesus, was a shepherd in Bethlehem. Second, the shepherds had a low status in society, and God is reminding us that He often chooses to save the weak and the lowly. With a bright flash, an angel appears to the shepherds. Perhaps this was Gabriel. But this was also a theophany, an appearance of the glory of God. We are told that “the glory of the Lord shone around” the shepherds. This glory is a visible token of the presence of God. The shepherds, who are sinners, are frightened by this dazzling splendour. The angel tells the shepherds: “Fear not” (vs. 10). He came with joyful news. The Saviour, Who is Christ the Lord, has been born in town. Once the angel makes his announcement, an entire angel army descends: “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of heavenly hosts praising God” (vs. 13). A myriad of angels stretch across the night sky. R. Kent Hughes wrote: “I like to imagine that they radiated golds, pinks, electric blue, hyacinth, and ultraviolet—maybe some were even sparkling.” Such is the glory of the Lord Jesus Christ that His birth was announced in person by mighty angels. Then the angels left. The glory faded. The constellations reappeared. And the shepherds ran to find the baby. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would believe that God sends angels to protect us from our enemies. Pray that you would have the necessary spiritual insight so that you would acknowledge the threat that Satan and his demons pose to you. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 20 - Born into poverty

“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: Luke 9:57-62 Mary and Joseph did not have the money or prestige to find a decent place for the baby to be born. Jesus’ birth is symbolic of the poverty into which He came. Mary’s baby is born in a stable. The scene in Bethlehem’s stable speaks of the poverty and humiliation of Jesus Christ. Mary lacks a bed on which to give birth. When the baby is born, they lack a cradle. The room was not sanitary. Jesus was not clothed in expensive baby clothes. Poverty defined Jesus’ life. He later spoke about how He did not have a home. He said that the foxes have holes and birds have nests, but He had no place to lay His head. The Apostle Paul provided a commentary of sorts on the Christmas story when he wrote in 2 Corinthians 8:9 that Christ became poor for our sakes. He states that through Jesus’ poverty it is possible for us to be rich. The grace of the Son of God towards us is evident in that He willingly gave up the glory that He enjoyed with the Father prior to the incarnation. The Son of God voluntarily became a poor man. Jesus became poor by taking over the debt we incurred by our sins. Jesus was born into poverty to free us from the debt of our sins and to merit the riches of grace that are found in Him and the wealth to be enjoyed in the New World. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would not be caught up with the love of money. Pray that you would comprehend the riches that you possess in Jesus Christ and that you will enjoy those riches in the new world. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 19 - No room in the inn

Luke 2:7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling clothes and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn. Scripture reading: Luke 2:1-7 Joseph talked to the innkeeper. The innkeeper claimed that there were no open rooms in the inn in Bethlehem. Can the innkeeper be charged with cruelty? Maybe Roman officials and guests were in town and had filled the inn to overflowing. Joseph was desperate. He has no relatives in town who can show hospitality to him and his very pregnant wife. And there is no room in the inn. There is no room for Christ in the hearts of fallen men. It was predicted that the Messiah would be rejected by men. Joseph leads his pregnant wife to a cave that is a stable on the edge of town. In such unsanitary conditions, Mary begins to give birth to the Desire of the nations. Are animals present? If so, in addition to the sound of animals, there is soon also the shrill voice of a crying baby boy. The new mother smiles weakly at her healthy baby boy. Attempts are made to romanticize the stable. But it is all shameful. This is the first step in the Messiah’s state of humiliation. He is in the legal state of being guilty for the sins of His people. The first step in His state of humiliation is that He endures the shame of being born in a crude stable. Jesus will be the suffering Servant of the Lord. It is fitting that at the two extremes of Jesus’ life are a stable and a cross. He was born in a barn and would die on an accursed tree. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would be willing to identify with and suffer with a Saviour Who is despised by the cultured elite. Celebrate that God has made room for us in Paradise. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 18 - His name is ‘Jesus’

“She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.” - Matthew 1:21 Scripture reading: Matthew 1:18-25 The names and titles of Jesus Christ are significant: they are revelatory of His person, natures, and work. God the Father told Joseph what to name Mary’s child. What a beautiful name the Saviour was given: the name of ‘Jesus’. Charles Spurgeon said: “So inexpressibly fragrant is the name of Jesus that it imparts a delicious perfume to everything which comes in connection with it.” Why is it such a beautiful and fragrant name? The name of Jesus is a beautiful name because it reveals that the Messiah is Jehovah God incarnate. The first part of this name is a shortened form of Jehovah or Yahweh. It is revelatory of the fact that God is the I AM WHO I AM. He shows an unchanging covenant faithfulness to His people. Jesus, in controversy with His Jewish opponents, would say: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” The unbelieving Jews must have thought that the ground shook under their feet, when a young, bearded, Jewish man of around 30 years of age said: “Before Abraham was, I AM.” The name “Jesus” is beautiful because it reveals that the Saviour is divine. And only God can save. The second part of Jesus’ name is beautiful because it reveals that He is Saviour. In the Old Testament, Joshua had the same name. The name meant “Jehovah salvation” or “Jehovah saves.” Therefore, Jesus’ name reveals that He is the One Who will save His people from the guilt of their sin and the power of the Devil. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would have a deep sense of the truth that you can do nothing to save yourself and that Jesus is the only and complete Saviour of sinners. Pray that your children and grandchildren would trust in Jesus alone for deliverance from sin and Satan. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 17 - Magnifying the Lord with your soul

“And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, and my spirit rejoices in God my Saviour.”” - Luke 1:46 Scripture reading: Luke 1:46-56 M...

Daily devotional

December 16 - The sign of Immanuel’s virgin mother

Daily devotional

December 15 - Mary’s cheerful self-surrender

“And Mary said, “Behold, I am the servant of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word.” And the angel departed from her.” - Luke 1:38 ...

Daily devotional

December 14 - God raising up a horn of salvation

"Blessed be the Lord God of Israel, for he has visited and redeemed his people and has raised up a horn of salvation for us in the house of his servan...

Daily devotional

December 13 - A childless couple produces the forerunner

“But the angel said to him, “Do not be afraid, Zechariah, for your prayer has been heard, and your wife Elizabeth will bear you a son, and you shall call his name John.”” - Luke 1:13 Scripture reading: Luke 1:5-25 It was a tragic situation: Zechariah and Elizabeth were childless. Years ago, a woman wrote in a Reformed magazine: “I am a barren woman. A barren woman nearly past the age where I must forever give up the hope of bringing forth God’s covenant seed and the joy of ever holding in my arms my very own baby. Barren—a word full of emptiness. Empty arms, empty home, empty heart. Barren—a lonely word, full of longing for what can never be.” The gospel of Luke begins with the message that God has remembered His people. The end-time Elijah will be born. John the Baptist will be a zealous prophet, who in the spirit of Elijah, will call Israel to repentance. The Holy Spirit inspired Dr. Luke to record the personal story of Zechariah and Elizabeth. They were a righteous couple who prayed for a child. God intervenes to answer their prayers—years after the last prayer for a baby was uttered. The couple has grown old. The Angel Gabriel shocks and surprises Zechariah in the temple. The priest is laying incense on the hot coals in the Holy Place. He recoils in fear from the glorious angel. Gabriel announces that the aged couple will have a son. They must name him “John.” Even though he is an aged priest, Zechariah does not believe the message. But he will. And when his tongue is loosed, he will bless God. He will celebrate that his child “will go before the Lord to prepare his ways” (Luke 1:76b). Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would live a daily repentant life, because the king has come. Pray for any childless couples who wish to have children. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 12 - Christ: the refiner of the sons of Levi

“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.” - Malachi 3:3 Scripture reading: Malachi 3:1-5 In the Chronicles of Narnia, a boy confronts the lion, Aslan, for the first time. The child is terrified by the great lion. About Aslan it is said: “He is not a tame lion.” At Christmas the world acts like Jesus is impotent and safe; they do not perceive that He is like a refiner’s fire. Unrepentant sinners have reason to fear the Lion of the tribe of Judah. In Malachi, it was predicted that Christ’s coming would be a dreadful and fearsome thing. He would destroy the wicked and purify His people. In Malachi’s day the covenant people needed refining. Men had divorced their covenant wives to marry pagan women. Even the priests of God had become corrupt; they offered blind, lame and sick animals. The sons of Levi needed to be purified. Christ is like the hot, burning fire of a refiner. He is also like a refiner who heats metals to separate the dross and impurities from precious metals. Malachi warns that when Christ comes, He will apply heat to His covenant people. He will burn up the proud and self-righteous. He will purify the poor in spirit. The unbelieving Jews could not abide the day of Christ’s coming. Jesus judged the covenant people in A.D. 70 when the third temple was destroyed. Nevertheless, Jesus redeemed and purified an elect remnant. Since New Testament Christians need to be a holy priesthood, the Saviour also needs to purify us so that we would worship Him in spirit and in truth. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would use trials to purify you. Pray that the Lord would apply sufficient heat during afflictions and chastisements so that your pet sins, which so closely adhere to you, might be burned away. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 11 - The ruler from Bethlehem

“But you, O Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are too little to be among the clans of Judah, from you shall come forth for me one who is to be ruler in Israel, whose origin is from of old, from ancient days.” - Micah 5:2 Scripture reading: Micah 5:1-6 Most of us are a bit unfamiliar with the prophecy of Micah. This minor prophecy is a little-known portion of God’s Word. Although Micah is little known, our text is not. This is the one famous passage in this small book. Micah predicted that the Messiah would be born in the little town of Bethlehem. We are familiar with Micah 5:2 from the Christmas story. When the Magi came to Jerusalem seeking the king of the Jews, King Herod asked the high priests and scribes where the Christ was to be born. They answered by quoting Micah 5:2. The Messiah would come forth from a little town. Bethlehem is a symbol of God’s sovereign, selecting love. God chooses a little town so that no big town might boast that the Messiah was born in her. The great ruler will come from a little town where the youngest son of Jesse was born and raised. God often elects the lowly and common so that no man should glory in His presence. David was the youngest son. Bethlehem was “little”. God loves to save the lowly and weak, so that no one will boast in His presence. God uses youngest sons, slingshots, and little towns in His infinite wisdom so that we would not boast in ourselves, but in God alone. In contrast to the lowliness of Bethlehem is the grandeur and majesty of the Ruler who came from there. Although born in a little town, Jesus now reigns over the universe. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would recognize King Jesus’ rule in your daily life. Pray that you would submit to His royal law. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 10 - A man of sorrows

“He was despised and rejected by men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief; and as one from whom men hide their faces he was despised, and we esteemed him not.” - Isaiah 53:3 Scripture reading: Isaiah 53:1-12 Jesus was despised by men. He would experience painful rejection in His hometown. The congregation in Nazareth became furious when Jesus told them that He was the promised Messiah and that God was sovereign in showing mercy to whomever He willed. Jesus mentioned God’s sovereignty in showing mercy to a Gentile widow in Sidon during the ministry of Elijah the prophet. He also mentioned how God only chose to show mercy to one leper during the ministry of Elisha the prophet, and the healed leper was a Syrian (Naaman). Dr. Luke records how the people in Nazareth rejected Jesus: “And they rose up and drove him out of the town and brought him to the brow of the hill on which their town was built, so that they could throw him down the cliff” (Luke 4:29). Jesus was a man of sorrows, as if sorrows were part of His nature. He was not just sorrowful, but the king of those who sorrow. He had a double portion of grief. The cup that He drank was bitter. His baptism was deeper than any baptism that His disciples would experience. The word “sorrows” is in the plural. Jesus had numerous sorrows. The crowning sorrow of Jesus’ life was His cross. In the Garden of Gethsemane, we are told that Jesus was “exceedingly sorrowful, even unto death.” He suffered all His life long, with increasing vehemence. His greatest grief came as He hung on the cross and was forsaken by God the Father. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would appreciate Christ as a Man of sorrows. Thank God that you do not need to suffer the sorrows of Hell or have the grief of being forsaken by God the Father. Thank the Lord Jesus for suffering such grief on your behalf. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 9 - The servant offering himself to the smiters and spitters

Daily devotional

December 8 - The gentle Redeemer of elect Jew and Gentile

Daily devotional

December 7 - Isaiah’s prophecy of the lame leaping

Daily devotional

December 6 - The nations rallying to the root of Jesse

Daily devotional

December 5 - The wonderful counselor

“For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” - Isaiah 9:6 Scripture reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 All these titles of the future Messiah have connotations of deity. In the book of Judges, we find Samson’s father, Manoah, asking the Angel of Jehovah what His name is. The Angel of the LORD responds that his name “is wonderful” (Judges 13:18). That Jesus is the ‘Counsellor’ implies that He has no need for a cabinet to give advice because He is the Wisdom of God. The title “Mighty God” contains the widely used name for God which is “Elohim”, a name that points to His mighty power. Christ uses His power to fight for His people. It is remarkable that the second person of the holy Trinity is called the “Everlasting Father”. This title communicates that He is the divine creator of all creatures. Even the final title, “Prince of Peace,” has connotations of deity. The word “prince” is the same word used back in Joshua 5:14 when Joshua meets a man standing with a drawn sword by Jericho. Joshua asks: “Are you for us, or for our adversaries?” (Joshua 5:13b). The person responds: “No; but I am the commander of the army of the LORD” (Joshua 5:14a). Joshua then worshipped the commander. The word for “commander” is the same as the word for “prince” in Isaiah 9:6. So all these titles point to the deity and majesty of the coming Saviour. A very human child would be born. But this child would have such high titles because He would be God in human flesh. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would meditate on the various titles of Christ during the Christmas season to appreciate the greatness of Christ and the variety of His works. Ask for grace to worship Jesus, just like Joshua fell on the ground before the pre-incarnate Son of God. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 4 - The lady who saved Christmas

“But Jehosheba, the daughter of King Joram, sister of Ahaziah, took Joash the son of Ahaziah and stole him away from among the king’s sons who were being put to death, and she put him and his nurse in a bedroom. Thus they hid him from Athaliah, so that he was not put to death.” - 2 Kings 11:2 Scripture Reading: 2 Kings 11:1-25 Jehosheba is not a household name. But she is the lady who saved Christmas. God used her hiding of her nephew, Joash, to preserve the royal line of King David. Jesus’ adoptive father Joseph was a descendent of this rescued boy. Jehosheba was a princess, a daughter of wicked King Jehoram. When Jehu seized power in the northern kingdom of Israel, he killed King Ahaziah of Judah. The dead king’s mother, Athaliah, seized power in Judah. She was the daughter of wicked King Ahab. King Jehoshaphat never should have arranged a marriage between his son, Jehoram, and Ahab’s daughter. This sweet grandmother decides that she will kill all her grandsons so that no one will challenge her right to rule. Queen Athaliah’s soldiers search the palace and murder her grandchildren. Aunt Jehosheba rescues her nephew, Joash. With her husband, Jehoiada, she hides the boy for six years. Then Jehoiada arranges for the seven-year-old boy to be crowned king. And Athaliah is executed. Thus, the royal line of David continued. Hundreds of years later Jesus would have a right to the throne of David through His adoptive father, Joseph. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for protecting the royal line of David. Praise God for raising up Jesus as the King of kings. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 3 - The sceptre not departing from Judah

“The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor the ruler’s staff from between his feet, until tribute comes to him; and to him shall be the obedience of the peoples.” - Genesis 49:10 Scripture reading: Genesis 49:1-12 In his blessing of the tribe of Judah, Moses stated that Judah would be the kingly tribe. Future kings would come from this tribe. The sceptre would not depart from Judah. A sceptre was an ornamented staff carried by ancient kings on ceremonial occasions which were a symbol of their sovereignty. Descendants of Judah would exercise royal authority. Historically, Genesis 49:10 has been interpreted as containing a reference to King Jesus as Shiloh. The KJV translates the third clause as “until Shiloh come.” The ESV translated the Hebrew text here as “until tribute comes to him.” “Shiloh” has been understood as a reference to the coming Messiah. The word “Shiloh” is a transliteration of the Hebrew word. The ESV does provide the following alternate translations for the phrase in question: “until he comes to whom it belongs,” “until Shiloh comes,” or “until he comes to Shiloh.” The NIV translates the phrase as “until he to whom it belongs”, implying that the reference could be to Christ to whom the royal sceptre would rightfully belong. Through his adoptive father Joseph, Jesus would have a right to the throne of David. If this passage is looking ahead to the Saviour as “Shiloh”, then the idea is that Christ will be the final and preeminent king from the tribe of Judah. It was predicted that the people would be obedient to the coming king. Christ has forgiven and redeemed us so that we would be obedient subjects. God chose us in Christ to be holy and obedient. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would submit to the Lordship of Christ and not act like the kingdom of God is a democracy where you have just as much say as King Jesus about how things should go. Pray that you would be as obedient to King Jesus as the angels are in Heaven. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 2 - The singular seed was Christ

“Now the promises were made to Abraham and to his offspring. It does not say, “And to offsprings,” referring to many, but referring to one, “And to your offspring,” who is Christ.” - Galatians 3:16 Scripture reading: Galatians 3:10-18 When God established His covenant of grace with Abraham, He stated that this covenant was made with Abraham’s seed. The Hebrew word “seed” is translated as “offspring” in the ESV. In Genesis 12:7, God tells Abraham, “To your offspring I will give this land.” In His statement of the covenant of grace in Genesis 17:7, God tells Abraham: “And I will establish my covenant between me and you and your offspring after you throughout their generations for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and to your offspring after you.” God tells Abraham that the covenant promises are given not only to Abraham, but to his seed. In Galatians 3:16, the Apostle Paul makes the exegetical point that the word “seed” is singular. Translations like the NKJV translate the singular word as the plural “descendants”: “to be God to you and your descendants after you.” Paul clarifies that the original word was singular, referring to Jesus. Fundamentally, the covenant of grace was established with Christ and all His elect. Paul teaches that all the covenantal promises of God find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. The promises that God made to Christ, the singular Seed of Abraham, were kept. God also keeps the promises made to all who would be united to Christ by faith. Gentiles receive this promise by faith, not works. God promised Abraham that the covenant promises were for elect Gentiles as well. He told Abraham that “in you and your offspring shall all the families of the earth be blessed” (Genesis 28:14). Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would have a deep sense of your sinfulness so that you would celebrate that you have received the promises due to the grace of God alone and by faith in Christ alone. Pray that you would reject the idea of doing good works to be justified. Rev. Nathan Brummel is Professor of Systematic Theology and New Testament at Divine Hope Reformed Bible Seminary, and an associate pastor at Immanuel United Reformed Church in DeMotte, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 1 - Introduction to the incarnation

In the month of December, we reflect on the miracle of miracles, the wonder of the incarnation of the Son of God. Isn’t it wonderful that the Holy S...

Daily devotional

November 30 - He who calls you is faithful

“He who calls you is faithful; He will surely do it.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:24 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:23-28 Paul now draws the l...

Daily devotional

November 29 - Avoiding appearance of evil

“Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

November 28 - Test the spirits

“Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good. Abstain from every form of evil.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:20-22 Scriptur...

Daily devotional

November 27 - On despising prophecy

“Do not despise prophecies, but test everything; hold fast what is good” - 1 Thessalonians 5:20-21 Scripture reading: Psalm 27:1-14 The Holy Spirit had blessed the early New Testament church with certain “special gifts” or “charismata”. Among these gifts were: the ability to perform miracles of healing, speaking in tongues and prophesying. The church, in its infancy, had no complete Bible, nor did it have libraries stocked with volumes of Christian literature and reference material. They were surrounded by hostility to the gospel and in that condition, because of their lack of resources, the Holy Spirit endowed the church with these “special” gifts until the time would come when they were no longer needed. Among those gifts was that of “prophesying”. The type of prophesying Paul refers to here in text was not so much that of foretelling the future as the Old Testament prophets had done, but Paul is speaking of the special gifts given to some to explain and apply the word of God to the congregation. It was a gift given to some, for the edification and instruction of the entire congregation. Although this gift of prophecy was one of the greatest gifts to the church, ranking even greater than “tongue speaking”, yet it seems that such instruction was held in low esteem by certain members. It has always been so, even yet today. Whenever and wherever God plants wheat, Satan sows his tares. How is it now with us today? Preaching is the God ordained means of creating and strengthening faith, yet, often so many pews are left vacant, especially during the second service. How about you? Do you long for the expounding of the Word every week again? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to create in your heart a hunger and thirsting for the Word of God. Thank Him for faithful preaching and preachers the world over. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 26 - Respect for office-bearers

“We ask you, brothers, to respect those who labour among you and are over you in the Lord and admonish you.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:12 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:11-15 As you go to the House of God today, think about how your church is blessed by having elders and deacons. The reports about the spiritual health of the Thessalonian congregation brought by Timothy to Paul had for the most part been very positive. However, not all of the news had been favourable. In chapters four and five, it is suggested that there existed some disorderly members in the congregation. It seems that some were loath to submit to those who had oversight. We know that the Thessalonian church had responsible leaders since Luke mentions some of them by name, but we are not told what prompted Paul to issue the admonition of verse twelve. The context suggests that there were certain people who disrespected the church leaders. There may not be a spirit of disrespect for the office bearers of any congregation. It is the will of the Lord that church leaders, especially elders, should be held in high esteem for their work’s sake. These men preach, teach, warn, admonish, encourage and comfort God’s people. They are gifts from God who are given the responsibility for the nurturing of the souls of God’s people. It is through their authority that God chooses to provide order, governance and spiritual nurture for the flock. They exist to help us on our road to God and will be held accountable to God for every soul under their care. It is an awesome responsibility and God requires that we respect, honour and submit to them; we are to hold them in high esteem. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you develop a deep love for the church and her leaders. Unless they should require of you something unscriptural, ask Him to help you to submit willingly and cheerfully to their authority. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 25 - Salvation through Christ’s death

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ, who died for us so that whether we are awake or asleep we might live with him.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:9-10 Scripture reading: John 19:22-30 All of God’s people press on in this life, claiming God’s promise of eternal life. All of their lives, they keep their eyes on the prize and at the end of their days, they are able to say, “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteousness...” Of course, it could be no other way. They have been chosen by God and appointed to eternal life. Their names have been written in the Lamb’s Book of Life. Christ died for them and when Jesus cried out, “It is finished”, on Calvary’s hill, He signalled that every sin of every believer had been washed in His atoning blood and therefore, heavens portals are open wide, waiting to receive all those who have sought their hope in Him. The head of the serpent has been crushed. The powers of Satan have been overcome. The ultimate price for the sins of the church, collectively and individually as believers has been paid, by the precious blood of Jesus. Paul glories only in the cross. All of man’s work is excluded from God’s beautiful plan of redemption. All of our good works are counted as rubbish. All that was needed to save us from eternal destruction has been earned for us in the atoning death of Jesus Christ. Our blessedness for time and eternity is a consequence of God’s electing love in Jesus Christ. Soli Deo Gloria! All glory to God alone! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for that gift of so great a salvation. Ask Him to help you express your gratitude for that free gift, every waking moment of your day in the way in which you live. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 24 - Spiritual watchfulness

“So then let us not sleep, as others do, but let us keep awake and be sober.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:6 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 5:6-10 Paul has taught the Thessalonians that they and all other Christians are sons of light and not of darkness. They belong to the day, not to the night and therefore Paul exhorts them not to sleep, but to remain watchful and sober. To sleep, in this context means to live as if there will be no tomorrow or never be a day of judgment. Paul is warning against spiritual and moral lethargy. To be watchful is to live a sanctified life, conscious of the coming Judgment Day. The watchful individual has his lamp burning and his loins girded and in that spirit, he looks forward to the return of the Bridegroom. Christians need to be awake and sober. Paul contrasts the soberness of the Christian with the drunkenness of the worldling. The world stumbles around in drunkenness and darkness, but the Christian walks soberly and expectantly in the light. But for the Christian, watchfulness does not mean simply being passive while waiting. That was Paul’s point to the Thessalonians. They had become passive in their waiting and watching and now Paul stirs them up to intense activity. Paul tells them that their calling as children of the light is to carry the light into the world. They were to fight the good fight of faith and conquer the darkness with the light of the gospel. The question Paul presses upon us today is this: to which kingdom do you belong, light or darkness? Are you still asleep or awake? Has the light of Jesus Christ shone upon you? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith so that the light of Christ may shine ever more bright in you. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 23 - Children of the light

“For you are all children of light, children of the day. We are not of the night or of the darkness.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:5 Scripture reading: ...

Daily devotional

November 22 - Like a thief in the night

“While people are saying, “There is peace and security,” then sudden destruction will come upon them as labour pains come upon a pregnant woman,...

Daily devotional

November 21 - Encouraging one another

“Therefore encourage one another with these words.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:18 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 Paul was not telling...

Daily devotional

November 20 - Our daily labour

“1 Aspire to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:1 Scripture re...

Daily devotional

November 19 - Concerning love to the brothers

“Now concerning brotherly love you have no need for anyone to write to you, for you yourselves have been taught by God to love one another.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:9 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:9-12 Today is Sunday. Today we go to church to experience the communion of the saints. In verse 8, Paul has just taught the Thessalonians that the Holy Spirit had been given to the church in Thessalonica. He now adds that the indwelling Spirit has already taught them to love one another. We would think it unnecessary to repeat himself. Paul was a skilled, competent teacher, but he was also a compassionate pastor. He loved the people of God as a mother loves her child. Here we see that Paul was probably one of the most effective and tactful missionaries of all times. He wants to avoid giving any offence which might hinder the advance of the gospel and he wants to give credit where credit is due. The Lord had instructed the Thessalonian congregation. Apart from the power of the Holy Spirit there is no true biblical love for one another, but authentic brotherly love was evident in the congregation. By telling them that he sees evidence of that, he skilfully opens the door to further instruct them in some other deficiencies. He wants them to know that although he thanks God for the blessing upon His work among them, at the same time he wants them to know that the love among the brothers needs to grow. That is still true for us today. With the Holy Spirit in our born-again hearts, brotherly love reaches out to our brothers and sisters sitting in the pew with us and beyond. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the work of the Holy Spirit in the church and your heart and then ask God to instill in you genuine love for the brothers and sisters of your congregation. Ask him to provide opportunities for you to give expression to that love. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 18 - God’s Holy Spirit is in you

“Therefore whoever disregards this, disregards not man but God, who gives His Holy Spirit to you.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:8 Scripture reading: Romans 8:1-7 Paul has taught the Thessalonians that rules and regulations for living are for the world, but not for Christians since they are motivated by a different ethic. Christian ethics arise out of the doctrine of God. The natural man behaves as he does because he does not know God. Christians, however, must behave radically differently from unbelievers because they do know God. A child of God knows God to be a holy God; he knows Him to be his God and he wants to please Him. Pleasing God is not something the unbeliever is concerned about. But that is different for those who know God. Those who have been called by God to be in this world, yet not of this world have been set aside (consecrated) to holiness. God has given them His Holy Spirit, spurring them on to a life of sanctification, a life of submission to God’s holy commandments. Being filled with God’s Holy Spirit, the Christian is able to distinguish between sacred (holy) and secular living. His chief delight is to live in accordance with all of God’s commandments in all areas of his life. Because of their recent conversion out of darkness, many church members were not yet that concerned about Christian ethics, in their marriages or in their business practices. Tragically, not much has changed over the centuries. Sexual immorality and dishonest business practices are still found, even within the church community. Such immorality grieves the Holy Spirit of God, which was given to us for a life of sanctification and holiness. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to create in you a deeper and richer knowledge and understanding of His Law and then ask Him to help you to know how to apply them in principle and precept to every part of your life. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 17 - A life pleasing to God

“But we urge you, brothers, …to live quietly, and to mind your own affairs, and to work with your hands, as we instructed you, so that you may walk properly before outsiders and be dependent on no one.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:10-12 Scripture reading: Colossians 3: 5-17 Having given instructions with regards to human sexuality, Paul now turns to the Christian’s obligation in society. In essence, Paul is saying to the Thessalonians, “You have come to know Christ, now evidence that also in your life in the world”. Paul has some valuable instruction for employers, employees and to all who are involved in business and commerce. He is even speaking to the ordinary “blue-collar” worker. The desire to increase in possessions, lives in the heart of each of us and the sin of exploitation and cheating are an ever present danger. But we notice that Paul doesn’t present to the congregation a long list of rules for them to follow as they live and work in the community during the days of the week. He did not try to restrain dishonesty in business with a list of laws, rules or regulations. Paul didn’t rely on contracts and auditors to keep everyone accountable and honest. Those rules and regulations are important, but they are only important for the world! Christians should be motivated by a different spirit. Christians should be honest in business because it is God’s will for them that they lead sanctified lives, in all areas, even in business. When Christians are more concerned about honouring God in the workplace than about increasing riches, they will experience God’s blessing. Christians need to remember that, “This is the will of God, your sanctification …. That no man transgress or wrong his brother” (1 Thessalonians 4:6). Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you live a life that is pleasing to him in all areas. Ask him to conduct your activity in the workplace in such a way that God is glorified first of all. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 16 - Living moral lives

“For this is the will of God, your sanctification: that you abstain from sexual immorality.” - 1 Thessalonians 4:3 Scripture reading: Matthew 5:27-32 Paul begins where we would like to stop. We think that once we have been regenerated, we have reached our goal, but the Bible teaches us that once having been reborn, we are only getting started. A long, fearsome road of struggling against the world, the devil and our own flesh begins after rebirth. God wants us to be sanctified! In 1 Thessalonians 4:3-6 Paul tells the Thessalonians what is involved in sanctification. He mentions that their sanctification must first be worked out in the area of marriage. Even in their marriages, they must make it obvious that they are a changed, converted people. It is easy to see why Paul would mention the need for sanctified marriages when we remember that these people had only recently been converted from paganism. They had only recently become Christians, but they had come from and were still living in a heathen environment. It would not have been easy for them to break from their heathen customs and practices. Paul teaches them that marriage was ordained by God for God’s glory and for man’s benefit and enjoyment. It was to be a lifelong commitment between one man and one woman. What God had joined together may not be broken by man. Paul still speaks to the church today. We too live amidst a pagan culture where marriage is no longer sacred or honoured. Tragically even among church members we see so much brokenness and sin in the area of marriage and human sexuality. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would help us to live morally pure lives. Ask Him to help us to love, honour and cherish our marriage partners. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 15 - Pleasing God in our walk

“Finally, then, brothers, we ask and urge you in the Lord Jesus, that as you received from us how you ought to walk and to please God, just as you a...

Daily devotional

November 14 - Abounding in love

“…And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love for one another and for all, as we do for you.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:12 Scripture re...

Daily devotional

November 13 - We have been comforted about you through your faith

Daily devotional

November 12 - Being moved by afflictions

“…that no one be moved by these afflictions. For you yourselves know that we are destined for this.” - 1 Thessalonians 3:3 Scripture readin...

Daily devotional

November 11 - For you are our glory and joy

“For what is our hope or joy or crown of boasting before our Lord Jesus at his coming? Is it not you? For you are our glory and joy.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:19-20 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:17–20 The Apostle Paul rejoices in the fruit borne by his work among the Thessalonians. The Lord blessed Paul’s preaching by His accompanying power of the Holy Spirit and dead hearts were made alive in Christ. The Lord had broken the power of Satan that had held the hearts of men and women in Thessalonica captive. God had used Paul’s preaching to open the eyes and ears of men and women who had been dead in sin and trespass. He had revealed Christ to them and they had joyfully responded in faith and repentance to the preaching and in that, Paul rejoiced. Paul preached and the Holy Spirit was active. Men and women were translated from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light, the kingdom of Christ in Whom they now had redemption and forgiveness of sin (Colossians 1:13,14). Paul’s response was to give God all the glory and he thanks God for the new creations in the Thessalonian congregation. Paul repeatedly makes it clear that men and women are to glory only in the cross and he is not contradicting himself here. He is not giving himself the glory for the conversion of the Thessalonians, but what he says is that his joy in this world and his glory in the future are tied up with the Thessalonians, whom Christ had transformed through the ministry of his preaching. How has the preaching affected you? Would Paul rejoice over your faith? It's an important question. It’s a matter of life and death. Suggestions for prayer If you are not yet intimately aware of Christ as your Saviour and Lord, go to Him yet today. Ask Him to open your heart to the preaching of the gospel. If you know Christ, thank God for that miracle of rebirth He has granted you. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 10 - You received the Word of God

“And we also thank God constantly for this, that when you received the word of God, which you heard from us, you accepted it not as the word of men but as what it really is, the word of God, which is at work in you believers.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:13 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:13-16 Paul praises God that the Thessalonians received his preaching as the Word of God and he could say that because he saw evidence of the Word bearing fruit among them. The Word of God was at work in their lives. How do we receive the Word when it comes to us from the pulpit each Lord’s Day again? The preached Word comes to us through the human agency of preachers, but it is God Himself speaking to us and every time we hear Him, He demands a response. Isaiah reminds us that the Word never returns empty or void; it will accomplish the purpose for which God has sent it (Isaiah 55:11). God’s purpose in preaching is to call men and women out of darkness, into His marvellous light. Our souls are rescued for all eternity through the preaching of the Word. It is the instrument of the Holy Spirit to create faith in the hearts of God’s elect, but because the Word “works”, it can also have a devastating effect. The preached Word softens the heart of the child of God, but it also further hardens the heart of him who refuses to hear and respond in faith and repentance. That lays a tremendous burden upon preachers, but no less does it place an obligation upon the pew sitter. The Thessalonians could be at ease; they received the gospel with joy. How about us? How about you? What is your attitude toward the preached Word on Sundays? Suggestions for prayer Ask God to open your heart to joyfully, gratefully receive His Word. Thank Him for regenerating your heart, enabling you to respond favourably to the preached Word. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 9 - Working night and day

“For you remember, brothers, our labour and toil: we worked night and day, that we might not be a burden to any of you, while we proclaimed to you the gospel of God.” - 1 Thessalonians 2:9 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:7-12 In addition to preaching the gospel among the Thessalonians, Paul also worked to provide for himself financially. We know his trade was “tent-making” and it would seem that in addition to being a full-time preacher and missionary, he also did manual labour. Ordinarily he would have relied on the church to meet his needs, but not in Thessalonica. We do not know why he took that approach in this congregation. To rely on the church to provide for him would have been legitimate. In fact, in 1 Corinthians 9:14, Paul himself teaches that the Lord commands that “those who proclaim the gospel should get their living by the gospel”. Why he expected that from other churches but not in Thessalonica is not revealed to us, but in this case, it may well have been that the Macedonian churches were poor, so he did not want to burden them. If the church was struggling, having to finance the mission work would have been an added burden for them. The apostles loved the flock and wanted to avoid any possible obstacle which might hinder the advance of the gospel among them, so they did manual labour to provide for themselves. John Calvin observes, “All good shepherds must take care that they be not only diligent in their ministry but they must also, as much as it lies with them, remove all obstacles to their service”. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to make you a cheerful giver. Ask Him to show you how you need to use your gifts, talents and treasure to finance the advance of the kingdom. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 8 - But we were gentle among you

“But we were gentle among you, like a nursing mother taking care of her own children.” – 1 Thessalonians 2:7 Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 2:19–26 In 2 Tim. 2:24, we read, “And the Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kind to everyone.” Paul demonstrated that gentle spirit in his interaction with potential converts during his missionary journeys. He was kind and gentle towards them. He describes the necessary spirit of missionary workers by comparing himself to being a mother towards the Thessalonian church members. He says, “We conducted ourselves as a nursing mother, taking care of her own children”. As a missionary, Paul acted in the spirit of the Good Shepherd. He tells his audience he was ready to share not only the gospel with them, but he was willing to give himself wholly to them because they had become very dear to him (vs.8). Paul uses the metaphor of a nursing mother towards her child. A mother will sacrifice herself for her child because of her indescribable love for the nursing infant. No task is too great. A mother is kind and gentle towards her children because of her intense love for them. We see in the example of the apostles the great love of Christ toward His children. His love for them is so intense that not only is He kind and gentle, but He sacrificed His life on the cross of Golgotha in order that His children may have life. May we demonstrate that same spirit of the apostles in our interaction with those who do not yet know Him. Suggestions for prayer Ask God not only for more opportunity to witness, but also that He would make you into a humble servant of the Lord, demonstrating a kind, gentle and loving spirit towards the unconverted. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 7 - Not seeking the praise of men

“Nor did we seek glory from people, whether from you or from others, though we could have made demands as apostles of Christ.” - 1 Thessalonians 2...

Daily devotional

November 6 - We had already suffered

“But though we had already suffered and been shamefully treated at Philippi, as you know, we had boldness in our God to declare to you the gospel of...

Daily devotional

November 5 - Turning away from idols

“For they themselves report concerning us the kind of reception we had among you, and how you turned to God from idols to serve the living and true ...

Daily devotional

November 4 - God has chosen you

“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:4 Scripture reading: Ephesians 1:1-12 It doesn’t matte...

Daily devotional

November 3 - We give thanks to God for you

“We give thanks to God always for all of you, constantly mentioning you in our prayers.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:2 Scripture reading: Psalm 65:1-14 Although there were various things and various teachings within the congregation that needed to be addressed and corrected by the apostles, Paul opens his letter to them with thanksgiving. He had many reasons to give thanks. You see, Paul thanks God for the spiritual condition of the members of the church at Thessalonica. His preaching has borne fruit. He gives himself no credit for that, but gives all the credit and glory to God. Paul was well aware that the Lord gives rebirth, conversion and faith, according to His own good pleasure and he knew that preachers (himself included), could bring the preached Word no further than to the human ear. Paul was well aware that in order for the word to take root and bear fruit the Lord has to apply it to the heart of those He has called to receive it. Paul had planted and watered and the Lord had given increase. For that blessing of rebirth, he thanks God. For the blessing of rebirth in the hearts of the members of the church in Thessalonica, Paul gives thanks. We notice that Paul brought individuals of the congregation to mind, one by one. He says he gives thanks to God always, for all of you. He thanks God that there was evidence in Thessalonica that the congregation translated faith into action. They worked in love and persevered through hope. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He has and continues to provide the means of grace for you and your family. Pray that your heart may be open and responsive to that word every time it comes to you. Pray that the church may give thanks to God for you. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 2 - Grace to you and peace

“To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ: Grace to you and peace.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 1:1-10 Although Paul’s prayer for blessing includes a request of God’s grace upon all earthly needs, it is first of all a prayer for God’s blessing in the spiritual realm. All that God gives, spiritually and materially, is of grace. The Thessalonians had not deserved such blessings, but they had received them as consequence of Christ’s obedient life and sacrificial death in their stead. That is still true for us today. Everything given us by God is a gift of grace. All we have deserved is eternal destruction, yet what we experience is the heavenly goodness of God. Along with grace, Paul also pronounces peace upon the members of the congregation. That is also an amazing gift of God’s grace. You will remember the tragedy of the fall in Paradise when man set himself against God, but God, in love, grace and mercy, sent the Prince of Peace to earth to bring about reconciliation between God and man and also among men themselves. God’s frowning face is changed to a smiling face of God’s providence and love for His people. The peace that we now experience is a consequence of belonging to Christ and it has only a small beginning on this earth. It will culminate in an eternal peace in heavenly glory. God the Father is the source of all good and Christ has achieved that peace for His church on Golgotha. Suggestions for Prayer: Give thanks to God for all of your spiritual and material blessings. Ask him for the peace that passes all understanding in your own heart. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to Thessalonians

Paul’s first letter to the Thessalonians opens a window onto a newly planted church in the middle of the first century AD. It tells us how it came into being, what the apostle taught it, what were its strengths and weaknesses, its theological and moral problems, and how it was spreading the gospel. Paul shows how the church is created and given shape by the gospel and once established, the church then goes out and spreads the gospel. To the church of the Thessalonians “Paul, Silvanus, and Timothy, To the church of the Thessalonians in God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Thessalonians 1:1 Scripture reading: Acts 17:1-9 On his second missionary journey Paul, along with his fellow servants, Silvanus (Silas) and Timothy, arrive in Thessalonica. They had come from Philippi where they had been met with animosity and persecution. They spent three weeks preaching the Gospel and God blessed that work. Paul, as was his custom, entered the Jewish synagogue and reasoned to the Jews from Scripture and then we read that Jews, along with a great multitude of devout Greeks and a number of women, responded favourably to the preaching. What we see happening there in Thessalonica is people from different social and economic backgrounds coming together in faith. We see a powerful expression of Christian unity in the face of persecution. These Jews and Greeks were called out of darkness into God’s marvellous light, in response to the preaching. We see conversion and regeneration. We see men and women turning from their false gods to the only true God. We see spiritually dead men and women coming alive in Jesus Christ. The all-inclusive question now for you and me is: Has the preaching of the Gospel borne fruit in our heart and life? Have we turned from our earthly idols and turned to serving the Lord? To bring it even closer to home, the question is: Have I personally become a new creation in Jesus Christ? Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you to tear your idols out of your life so that you will turn more and more to the only true God and Jesus Christ whom He has sent. Rev. Mark Zylstra is an emeritus minister of the United Reformed Churches in North America. He and his wife Corrie, live in Smithville ON and their home church is Wellandport, ON URC. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 31 - Heavenly citizenship

“Since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” - Hebrews 11:40 Scripture reading: Philippians 3:12-21 Blessed Reformation Day to you! Over 500 years ago, Martin Luther nailed ninety-five theses on a church door in Wittenberg, Germany. This sparked the Protestant Reformation. The Reformation spread through Germany and into France, Switzerland, the Netherlands, etc. Now, some 500 years later, we are citizens of the US or Canada or wherever as sons and daughters of the Reformation. However, from our Scripture reading, in Philippians 3:20, we see that our citizenship is in heaven. We live here on earth and might have a nice life. Maybe you thoroughly enjoy life and you are experiencing good health, a strong faith, etc. Maybe not. In either situation, the words of Hebrews 11:40 must be taken to heart, “God had planned something better for us…” We also have a spiritual life, faith, devotion to the Lord, watchfulness unto Christ’s return, and sanctification in the Spirit. On this Reformation Day, thank God for the recovery of the Word, so that we do not have to live in the shadow of the Latin Vulgate (Medieval Bible), but that we may read the Word of life and place this central in our homes and lives. We have a great advantage over all the saints found in Hebrews 11; none of them had the complete Word of God. We see more promises fulfilled in Jesus Christ than the Old Testament saints could see, but even now, we look ahead to the culmination of all things in the Lord Jesus Christ. On this Reformation Day let us pray “Maranatha, Lord Jesus, come quickly.” Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the Protestant Reformation. Ask the Lord to sanctify His Word in our hearts that we might walk in its light. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 30 - Commended for their faith

“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,” - Hebrews 11:39 Scripture reading: I Corinthians 10...

Daily devotional

October 29 - The faith of the martyrs

“…of whom the world was not worthy (NKJV).” - Hebrews 11:38a Scripture reading: II Kings 2:1-18 All men are conceived and born in sin an...

Daily devotional

October 28 - The faith of the martyrs

“They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword.” - Hebrews 11:37a Scripture Reading: Acts 7:1-60 (shorter reading ...

Daily devotional

October 27 - Resurrection hope

“Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.” ...

Daily devotional

October 26 - By faith the weak become strong

“…were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” - Hebrews 11:34b Scripture reading: Judges 16:23-31; Hebrews 11:32-34 In Hebrews 11:32-34, we could tie in many narratives of God’s powerful dealings with His people through the faith of His servants. The one we read about from Judges 16 is yet another sinner saved by grace. Samson, the powerful destroyer of the Philistines, was tricked by his crafty wife, Delilah. His hair was cut, he was captured, blinded and bound in chains for life. His supernatural strength was removed. He was just an ordinary man. At a party with all the big-wigs of the city, they brought the disgraced Samson out to mock him. Samson found the two load-bearing pillars of the house and pushed them and he killed more in his death than he did in his life. How was he able to do this? Because, by faith he prayed to God, it says in Judges 16, and the Lord granted his prayer for strength. Why did God grant that request? The request for strength from the weak Samson was not unto Samson’s glory or honour. After all, if the Lord answered his prayer, which he did, Samson would be dead. It was unto the glory of God and the destruction of the enemies of the church that the Lord granted this strength. This is how the Lord works. He did so with Samson and, as Hebrews 11:32 says, “Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets." When we recognize how weak we are, then we can also recognize how strong the Lord is. Glory to God alone. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord for strength when you are weak. Pray for humility to receive whatever the Lord may give. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 25 - Rahab’s faith

“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” - Hebrews 11:31 Scripture reading: Joshua 2:1-24 Rahab is mentioned seven times in the Bible. Five of those times, her sinful occupation of prostitute is connected with her name. We do not know when she turned from her sinful lifestyle, but in Joshua 2:9-11 we read something of a profession of faith. Nevertheless, this woman hid the two Israelite spies who were checking out the city of Jericho. She lied to the soldiers searching for them. Rahab knew that God was on the side of Israel and she chose the Lord to be her God. When the walls of Jericho fell down and the city was routed, Rahab and her family were saved. In fact, they were welcomed into the covenant life of God’s people. In Matthew 1:5, we find Rahab in Jesus’ genealogy. She had a son named Boaz. This Gentile woman was not merely spared her life when the wicked people of Jericho were destroyed, but she is forever remembered, for by God’s mysterious and wonderful plan, she is part of the line of promise leading to the Messiah. Rahab went from following false gods to following the only true God. She became the great-great grandmother of King David. The Lord uses the small, weak and sinful in themselves and he changes them. He uses them. Behind that term, “by faith” is the understanding that as Ephesians 2 explains, faith is a gift from God. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for faith. Ask for strength to trust in God and not in the “things” of this world (e.g. money, work, popularity, etc.) Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 24 - Jericho’s destruction

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” - Hebrews 11:30 Scripture Reading: Joshua 6:1-27 How can an army penetrate a fortified city? Will its walls fall after marching and shouting? Yes, if the Lord says so. This narrative of Jericho is loved and remembered by children. Israel crossed the Jordan miraculously, made an altar to the Lord and now they are ready to possess the land. The first city they come to is the powerful Jericho. After two spies from Israel are helped by Rahab, Joshua receives orders to march around the city for seven days. The conclusion of the narrative is that the walls fall, the city is routed and burned and all of its wealth goes into the Lord’s treasury (except that which Achan stole). What were the Israelites thinking as day after day passed and they marched around the city? Hebrews 11 attributes it to faith. God had done the seemingly impossible before and he could do it again. For, with God, all things are possible. Sometimes, it is easier for children than for adults to confess that God is almighty and there is nothing that God cannot do. As we come to God in prayer, do we believe God is able to accomplish all that we ask? God might not grant what we ask in faith in the way that we want Him to, but the Lord can in His way. These “heroes of faith” are remembered in Hebrews 11, but we could just as well remember that this is not merely the “by faith” chapter, it is the “by grace” chapter. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His powerful attributes. Ask for faith to pray that the Lord would do mighty things in your life. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 23 - Walk by faith

“By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land…” - Hebrews 11:29a Scripture reading: Exodus 13:17-14:31 Pharaoh changed his mind. After letting the people go, he realized his labor force was headed East. He decided to force them back. However, the Lord protected the people. The pillar of cloud and fire that led the people moved. Now, it separated the Israelites from the Egyptians, making it dark on one side of the cloud and light for Israel. They crossed the Red Sea which the Lord had miraculously parted. When the Egyptians tried to cross, the Lord let the waters return and the Egyptians were drowned. By faith, God’s people crossed the Red Sea. This becomes a picture of salvation, as mentioned in our baptism form. The same path which gave life to some, was the occasion of death for the others. Through water, Israel received life; by water, Egypt received death. The same waters of baptism which picture Christ’s blood washing away all of our sins, will be the same waters that picture death, if the salvation pictured is rejected. By faith, God’s people crossed the Red Sea because they trusted the promises of God. We also are called to walk by faith and not by sight. What do you think an Israelite child thought as he looked at the wall of water around him? His parents surely would have told him that the Lord is our protector. Grab hold of your baptism and say, “Yes, I believe those promises are mine.” Then walk the route the Lord has opened to you in His Word. Suggestions for Prayer Ask God for mercy to walk the path He calls us to walk. Praise God for His grace amidst judgment. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 22 - The faith of Moses

“By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.” - Hebrews 11:28 Scripture...

Daily devotional

October 21 - The faith of Moses

“By faith…he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” - Hebrews 11:27 Scripture reading: Exodus 4:1-17 In Exodus 4, Moses makes three mo...

Daily devotional

October 20 - The faith of Moses

“By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” - Hebrews 11:27 Scripture...

Daily devotional

October 19 - The faith of Moses

“choosing…the people of God…” - Hebrews 11:25 Scripture reading: Exodus 2:11-15; Hebrews 11:24-28 Over the next few days we will talk ab...

Daily devotional

October 18 - Disobeying pharaoh by faith

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.” - Hebrews 11:23 Scripture reading: Exodus 2:1-10 Pharaoh saw that the Israelites were growing numerous in the land. He was afraid that if foreign invaders came, the Israelites would side with them. So, Pharaoh, much like Herod 1500 years later, made an edict to kill the baby boys. When Moses was born, his mother saw that he was a “fine child” (Exodus 2:2) and hid him. Is this what Hebrews 11:23 means by, “no ordinary child”? It could mean that, or God could have revealed Himself to Moses’ parents. Nevertheless, they decided to disobey Pharaoh. Moses’ parents (Amram and Jochebed) risked their lives to save their son. It is good that they did, because it is that son, who 80 years later would stand before a new Pharaoh and say on behalf of God, “Let my people go.” The days may be coming and have been here in the past, that to obey God might mean to disobey a wicked leader. There are questions about the fifth commandment here, but God’s Word is clear that we must obey God rather than man. Jesus was pressured by the religious elite to be quiet. He was preaching the gospel of the kingdom. He was attesting to Himself as the God-Man. They killed Him for it, but like the situation with Moses before, it is not the wisdom of man, but the power of God that delivers His people. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ. Ask God for strength to stand upon His Word even if the world/government pressures you to do otherwise. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 17 - Joseph’s bones

“By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.” - Hebrews 11:22 Scripture Reading: Genesis 50:22-26 Does it matter what happens to your body when you die? Yes, it does. To Joseph, it was his dying wish. Certainly in the history of the church there have been many saints who have died the death of martyrs and their bones were burned or ground to dust or ash and then scattered in an attempt to add further humiliation to the believer. For Joseph, why would it have been important to have his bones carried out of Egypt when the people left? After all, that would be a long trip to carry someone’s bones. We know that in Genesis 17, God had told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved for 400 years. Then, they would inherit the land promised to him. So, why is this verse in Hebrews 11? Because Joseph believed the promise of God. Joseph trusted that God would do exactly what He said He would do, namely, bring the Israelites out of Egypt and into the land of promise. Bones might not seem like a big deal, but when we think of them in light of the promise of God, the resurrection comes to mind. The weak and fragile corrupted bones of today, upon the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, will be raised incorruptible. We are not awaiting a spiritual resurrection (that happens when we believe); we are awaiting a physical resurrection where our bodies and souls will be reunited and transformed like Christ’s glorified body. That promise keeps the Christian on his knees in prayer. Suggestions for Prayer Thank God for the promise of the great “land of promise” with the Lord. Ask God for the spirit that you may stand steadfast unto the day of Christ’s appearing. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 16 - Jacob’s blessing

“By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.” - Hebrews 11:21 Scripture reading: Genesis 48:1-21 Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were Jacob’s grandsons. Nevertheless, Jacob blessed them as his own, thereby adopting them so that they would be as “Reuben and Simeon”. Jacob gave the greater blessing to Ephraim even though he was younger. This was because he would be greater than his brother. This is just another example of the sovereign God carrying out the glorious plan of redemption. In Genesis 48, Jacob tells Joseph that he thought he would never see him again and now, lo and behold, he sees Joseph’s sons. By faith, Jacob spoke of things to come and this is the theme we see repeated in Hebrews 11. It is a looking back in order to look ahead. The Christian concept of hope is foreign to the world around us. But to the child of God, it makes him able to live and die in the comfort of belonging to Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, that great enemy of death has been defeated. By faith, Jacob could lean on the top of his staff at the very end of his life, as he was about to breathe his last and speak about what was to come. By faith, we can do the same when we look to the promises of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a beautiful joy and peace when a believer dies. Though the pain is real and the tears may flow, Jesus has risen from the dead and so will we. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the privilege to live and die with peace and comfort. Ask God to give you strength to look back in order to hope for what is to come. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 15 - Isaac’s blessing

“By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.” - Hebrews 11:20 Scripture reading: Genesis 27:1-40 This is an interesting verse, because it deals with a situation where Isaac was deceived. Jacob pretended and lied saying that he was the older son, Esau. Yet, when Isaac found out, he did not take the blessing back, but kept it, for he knew it was the will of the Lord. The promise of the covenant would flow through Isaac to Jacob. The fact that Jacob, who was younger, is mentioned first, is likely either in that order because he was blessed first, or probably because of the covenant prominence as being elect. Jacob and Esau are used later in Scripture in Romans 9 as an example of God’s electing grace. It is not by the will of man, but by the power of God. Isaac believed the Lord, but it was the Lord who used Isaac in his old age, unable to see, to give the promise first given to Abraham; and the church on earth, through God’s redemption, continues to grow. The battle belongs to the Lord. Moses had to learn this, Gideon had to learn this and we have to continue to remember this. We are called to work and pray, but it is God who ultimately accomplishes His good purposes. Hebrews 11:20 mentions Jacob and Esau’s future. This is what it comes down to…what will the future hold? Flee to Christ and receive the assurance of an everlasting inheritance from the Lord. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His mighty hand in saving sinners. Ask the Lord to give you a future-oriented heart as you live in the present. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 14 - Isaac resurrected

“He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” - Hebrews 11:19 ...

Daily devotional

October 13 - Abraham and Isaac

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac,” - Hebrews 11:17 Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-19 Year after year, Abraham and ...

Daily devotional

October 12 - God’s city

“Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” - Hebrews 11:16b Scripture reading: Genesis 19:1-...

Daily devotional

October 11 - Pilgrims on earth

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that the...

Daily devotional

October 10 - Stars and sand

“…descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” - Hebrews 11:12b Scripture reading: Genesis 18:1-15 and Gen. 21:1-7 In our Scripture reading from Genesis 18, we see Sarah, Abraham’s wife, laugh at the news that she would have a child. She was already an old woman. But, as the Lord says to Abraham in Genesis 18:13, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” The answer is "No." Isaac was born in Genesis 21, when Abraham was 100 years old. Many more will come. In fact, millions upon millions will come from him. An impactful way to say or explain this, is to go to the beach and grab a handful of sand. Begin to count how many grains of sand there are in your hand. Then look at the beach and think of all the beaches in the world. Once again, when we see Hebrews 11 use the phrase, “by faith”, we must recognize this as a faith that is tested by the Lord. Will Abraham really be the father of a great nation? Will Jesus really be able to purchase a people for Himself with His own precious blood? Will we, though sinful, be able to persevere unto the last day? The answer to all kinds of questions like this is, "No, but for the grace of God." God will always accomplish His will and if that will is to give Abraham descendants as numerous as stars and sand, then it will be so. With man this is impossible, but not with God. We are weak and He is strong. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that you are a spiritual descendent of Abraham. Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith, especially in times when you are weak. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 9 - The land of promise

“For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” - Hebrews 11:10 Scripture reading: Genesis 13:1-18 and Hebrews 11:8-10 In Genesis 12, Abraham arrives at Shechem, in the Eastern part of Canaan. It was there that Joshua, in Joshua 24 would renew the covenant with the Lord. It became an important place because of its redemptive history. That land would be the land of Abraham’s descendants. As the Hebrews endured slavery in Egypt, it was the promise to Abraham that was reiterated to Moses. However, even a land that they could call their own was not the ultimate goal. Even possession of the land of promise in this life was still a shakable reality. After all, Babylon and Assyria are remembered in the Scriptures for exiling God’s people from that land. But, Hebrews 11:10, speaks of a different city -not Shechem, not Jerusalem, but rather, Jerusalem the Golden. It is not a city built by the Canaanites or even the Israelites, but rather by God. Our Scripture passage says that God is the Architect and Builder. This Architect drew the blueprint for that city long before Abraham was called by God. From before the foundations of the world this city was planned. Abraham looked and waited for it and we do as well. We are called to be stewards in the world, but, as Philippians 3:20 reminds us, our citizenship is in heaven. Jerusalem will be our dwelling place, by grace through faith, and Hebrews is not talking about Jerusalem in war-torn Palestine. Can you see that city, by the sea of crystal? So did Abraham. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the promise of a city not of this world. Ask the Lord for patience and diligence as we await its appearing. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 8 - Abraham believed

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” - Hebrews 11:8 Scripture reading: Genesis 12:1-9 Abraham obeyed and went where God told him. As we read Genesis 12:1, the natural human response would be, “No.” In the ancient world, it was most desirable to be settled. Even today, moving is not easy. It takes much planning, work and emotional energy, along with the fact that you often have to say good-bye to loved ones. In Abraham’s day, to move anywhere was a tremendous task. But even more, he didn’t know where he was going. He went where God told him to go. Abraham, the father of all believers, is held out as an example of a man who walked by faith. As we continue to see in Hebrews 11, the saints described all received a promise which was not realized or accomplished for a time. In the meantime, whether it was Noah waiting for a flood, or Abraham camping and moving, their faith would have been tested. Then, when Abraham arrived in Shechem, the land of promise was filled with Canaanites. There is no such thing as an untested faith. Think of Noah, Abraham, Moses (see Exodus 5:21-22), the Lord Jesus Christ, and us. The comforting truth is that the testing of our faith is for the strengthening of our faith (read I Peter 1:6, 7; James 1:2-4). Jesus calls us to follow Him. The path will not be easy, but we do not have to walk alone. Suggestions for prayer Confess your doubts to the Lord and ask Him for a greater assurance of faith. Ask for strength to go wherever the Lord may call. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 7 - Noah the righteous (part 2)

“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” - Hebrews 11:7 Scripture reading: Genesis 7-9 or Genesis 8:18-9:17 As with many Old Testament narratives, we see grace amidst judgment. Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord. As a righteous man, when Noah got out of the ark, he sacrificed to the Lord and like Abel before Him, Noah’s sacrifice was pleasing to the Lord. The flood narrative can be compared to the covenant established with believers and their seed. The rainbow becomes a visible proclamation of an invisible reality, just like the waters of baptism. However, the object of the sign must be trusted. We must not put our trust in our baptism or in a rainbow, but in the God who supplies both. The rainbow, like witnessing a baptism, is a continual call to conversion (faith and repentance). In Hebrews 11:7, both condemnation and an inheritance of righteousness are mentioned. If you have been baptized, then you are still outside the ark and in great peril. If you have been baptized, then you must grab hold of that baptism and say in your heart, “Yes, I believe Jesus has washed away all of my sins and He gives me His righteousness.” When you do that, then you may offer a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord. We do not do this with the killing of an animal, but with a living sacrifice of thanks (Romans 12:1-2). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for baptism as a visible reminder of what He has done. Ask God to strengthen you so that your life is a pleasing sacrifice to Him. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 6 - Noah the righteous (part 1)

“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he...

Daily devotional

October 5 - A God-pleasing faith

“And without faith it is impossible to please him, for whoever would draw near to God must believe that he exists and that he rewards those who seek...

Daily devotional

October 4 - Enoch walked with God

“By faith Enoch was taken up so that he should not see death, and he was not found, because God had taken him. Now before he was taken he was commen...

Daily devotional

October 3 - Abel still speaks?

“By faith Abel offered to God a more acceptable sacrifice than Cain, through which he was commended as righteous, God commending him by accepting hi...

Daily devotional

October 2 - Creation out of nothing!

“By faith we understand that the universe was created by the word of God, so that what is seen was not made out of things that are visible.” - Hebrews 11:3 Scripture reading: Genesis 1-2:3 As we continue to look at Hebrews 11, we are reminded that it is by faith we believe that God created the world out of nothing. We believe this because the Scriptures say this. The only thing that was in the beginning, was God. In a day and age where something as seemingly clear as creation has come under attack from within the church, Hebrews 11:3 is an important verse. By faith we believe this. Some argue, "But the evidence for evolution, for pre-Adamites, for the big bang ..." Wrong, the universe was formed at God’s command. What this means is that God spoke and things came into being which were not previously there. Only God can do this. How important is Hebrews 11:3 today, not only to refute evolutionists, but to strengthen our faith. God is mighty and the same God Who made all things out of nothing, the same God Who raised Jesus from the dead, is also the same God Who brings dead sinners to life. Can God do this? He has done this in you, if you believe. He brought into being what was not there, namely, faith. May the creation of the world and our trust in the Lord move us to thank and praise Him. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the world which He has created. Pray for strength to not give in to the vain philosophies of this world in dealing with origins. Thank the Lord for a new heart. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 1 - Introduction to the reformation

As we walk in this world as those seeking to be Nearer to God, it is a tremendous comfort to know that others have gone before us. The path that we must walk is a path often taken. Throughout the history of redemption as found in the pages of Scripture, we see the guiding hand of the Lord in those who walked in faith. Some of these saints who have gone before us in the Old Testament are forever remembered on the pages of Hebrews 11. What unites all of those OT believers together was that they trusted God and they believed God’s promise, even though they did not see the fulfillment of God’s promise while they were living on this earth. They were those who were walking down a path to a heavenly country. We hope to pause each day and remember what God has done in their lives and the rich grace each of these “Heroes of the Faith” received. This also is the month we remember the Reformation, when Martin Luther nailed 95 theses on the church door in Wittenberg, Germany. There began, by the Lord’s providence, a Reformation of the church, of which we are sons and daughters. The last week of October our devotionals will cover the section of Hebrews 11 dealing with the martyrs and there we will illustrate some figures from the Reformation who paid the ultimate price in standing up for the truth. As you open God’s Word each day, open also your heart, that He might shape and form it for His glory. After all, that is the great cry of the Reformation, Soli Deo Gloria (Glory to God Alone). What is faith? “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.” - Hebrews 11:1 Scripture reading: John 20:24-31 On this Lord’s Day, as we begin our month of looking at what is often called the “Heroes of Faith”, we need to ask the question, “What is faith?” Hebrews 11:1 gives us something of an answer. It is being sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. In this way, faith described here is very different from what we saw in John 20. Thomas doubted and said unless he sees and feels Jesus, he will not believe. But, faith is not about seeing, it is about trusting. So, the question sometimes comes up, “Is faith therefore blind?” Faith is not blind because it has an object to look upon, namely the Lord Jesus Christ. He is the culmination of all the Old Testament promises. As we look at different men and women of faith, we will see that they were given a promise and they believed. They became faithful instruments to be used by the Lord because they trusted Him and took Him at His Word. Each of the heroes of faith trusted the Lord and, though they were sinners worthy of condemnation, they became trophies of God’s grace through faith. They looked ahead to Jesus Christ and we look back to Jesus Christ. In doing so, the promises are sure; we are promised eternal life. Can we be sure of that? Yes, because the Bible tells us so. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the gift of faith. Pray that the Lord will strengthen your faith. Praise God today for Jesus, the object of our faith. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 30 - To God be the glory!

“Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” - Romans 11:33: Scripture reading: Romans 11:33-36 Several days ago, we noted that the ocean depths are largely unknown to us. Challenger Deep in the Marianas Trench, near the Philippines, is about 36,000 feet deep. That is almost seven miles. If you plunked Mt. Everest into Challenger Deep, its peak would still be a mile underwater. More people have gone up into space than down into Challenger Deep. “Oh the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable are his judgments and how inscrutable his ways!” (Romans 11:33). God’s wisdom is deeper than Challenger Deep. Unlike Challenger Deep, it is impossible to plumb the depths of His ways. God’s glory in creation is worth a Romans 11:33 outburst! This doxology, however, is Paul’s response to God’s wisdom in redemption. In Romans 3:21-11:32, Paul traces for us the astonishing way God has chosen, in Christ, to justify, sanctify and glorify His chosen ones, Jews and Gentiles, and to renew all creation. No human could dream up, let alone implement, such a wise plan! It is wise to study and embrace God’s ways in salvation. It is wise to confess that you have turned from God to go your own, foolish way. It is wise to embrace Jesus Christ and His finished work for you on the cross as the Way back into fellowship with God. Then you can sing with Paul, “For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:36). Suggestions for Prayer Pray the words of the Romans 11:33-36 as a prayer of praise. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 29 - Jesus, the only way

“Jesus said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.”” - John 14:6 Scripture reading: John 14:1-6 In Proverbs 9, we met Lady Wisdom and Lady Folly. Both women competed for the attention and affection of the young man about to step out into the big world. Lady Wisdom woos us to walk with her in the way of life in fellowship with God. Lady Folly woos us to walk with her in the way of death, apart from God. Jesus is Lady Wisdom. He tells us, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Lady Folly confronts us through a variety of voices that claim otherwise. They lecture that this exclusive claim is dangerous. It leads to a sense of superiority, oppression and violence. Other voices insist that worshipers from a variety of religions worship the same God. There are many ways to Him, not just one. Maybe you work or connect with people who find the exclusive claims of Christ hateful. Maybe you find that intimidating. First, know in your heart that reconciliation with God through Christ is your deepest need and theirs. Second, drink deeply of the gospel so that humility and love for lost people in your life will drive out all smugness, self-righteousness and superiority. Third, seek to order your life according to God’s wise blueprint in humble reliance on the Holy Spirit. This will make your life attractive. It will give you opportunities to point others to Christ, the Way, the Truth and the Life. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for reconciling you to Him in Christ. Ask Him to draw others to faith in Christ through you. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 28 - Heart smart

“Every way of a man is right in his own eyes, but the Lord weighs the heart.” - Proverbs 21:2 Scripture reading: Proverbs 21:2; Proverbs 3:5-6 ...

Daily devotional

September 27 - Deep sea fishing

“The purpose in a man’s heart is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” - Proverbs 20:5 Scripture readings: Proverbs ...

Daily devotional

September 26 - Gossip

“The words of a whisperer are like delicious morsels; they go down into the inner parts of the body.” - Proverbs 18:8 Scripture readings: Prove...

Daily devotional

September 25 - The fear of the Lord, the fear of man (part 2)

Daily devotional

September 24 - The fear of the Lord, the fear of man (part 1)

“The fear of man lays a snare, but whoever trusts in the Lord is safe... The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death.” - Proverbs 29:25; 14:27 Scripture readings: Proverbs 29:25; 14:27 Dr. Ed Welch has written a book called “When People Are Big and God is Small.” What a great description of “the fear of man!” When you look at others through binoculars, they look enormous. You magnify them to appear bigger than they are. We do this when we magnify the power of certain people over God to give us the love and approval we crave. We will sin against God rather than risk their disapproval. We become people-pleasers, controlled by others. We also do this when we believe that people who dislike, oppose or hurt us have more power than God over us. They and their power loom large in our hearts, crippling us with anxiety. We are willing to sin to appease them. “The fear of man lays a snare” (Proverbs 29:25a). When you look through the wrong end of binoculars, everything looks smaller and further away. When gripped by the fear of man, we look at God through the wrong end of binoculars. He seems small and far away. Others are big and God is small in our hearts. As you worship today, ask God to flip your binoculars and redirect them upward. As we magnify Him, He delivers us from the fear of man. “Oh, magnify the Lord with me, and let us exalt his name together!” (Psalm 34:3). “The fear of the Lord is a fountain of life, that one may turn away from the snares of death” (Proverbs 14:27). Suggestions for prayer Ask God to meet you in worship today to deliver you from the fear of man. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 23 - Wisdom about companions (part 2)

“A man of many companions may come to ruin, but there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother.” - Proverbs 18:24 Scripture readings: Proverbs 18:24; John 15:12-17 We use the word ‘friend’ loosely today. Our friends are often acquaintances. We know and enjoy them on a casual basis. We share common interests, enjoy game nights and movie nights with them, or play sports together. Usually, however, such friends are not tuned in to our innermost fears, sins, struggles and hopes. For this reason, they are unable to pray for us and support us when our lives begin to unravel. “A man of many companions may come to ruin” (Proverbs 18:24a). He is surrounded by companions, yet none of them are close enough to warn him of danger or throw him a lifeline. “But there is a friend who sticks closer than a brother” (Proverbs 18:24b). A brother is expected to be loyal, to be there for his siblings. In that case, a friend who sticks closer than a brother is a rare gem! When life unravels, people are often surprised at who that friend proves to be. It is the person who shows up and stays when companions back away. We need friends like this so that we will not come to ruin. We need to be friends like that. Ultimately, Jesus is that friend. “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lays down his life for his friends. You are my friends...” (John 15:13-14a). “What a friend we have in Jesus, all our sins and griefs to bear! What a privilege to carry everything to God in prayer!” (Joseph Scriven). Suggestions for prayer Thank Jesus for being the Friend of Proverbs 18:24. Ask Him to help you be such a friend to someone else. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 22 - Wisdom about companions (part 1)

“Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise, but the companion of fools will suffer harm.” - Proverbs 13:20 Scripture readings: Proverbs 13:20; 1 John 1:5-7 When we moved from Winnipeg to Chicagoland, I was determined not to speak like a U.S. Midwesterner. As a Canadian, I would forever put on my ‘sawks’ in the morning, not my ‘sacks’. I would cling to my pronunciations of house and mouse. Over time, however, I have absorbed some Midwest-speak. Immerse yourself in a culture and you will start to sound like them. The same is true with the primary community of people you immerse yourself in. They will rub off on you, for good or for ill. “Whoever walks with the wise becomes wise” (Proverbs 13:20a). We must walk humbly with our God, the Source of wisdom. We must walk with Jesus Christ in faith, hope and love, to become like Him. We must walk with others who belong to Christ, especially in marriage. That does not mean we cannot reach out to or befriend those who do not share our faith. However, we should not find our primary community among them. To walk with the wise, you must discern who is wise. The more you know God, the more you will recognize those who resemble Him. The more you study wise character and conduct in Proverbs, the more you will spot it in others. Tragically, “the companion of fools will suffer harm” (Proverbs 13:20b). Perhaps you have witnessed this reality or lived it yourself. If you are a companion of fools, you can still turn to Christ, trust Him and begin to walk with Him. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the gift of godly community. Ask Him for discernment when choosing companions. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 21 - Talk and toil

“In all toil there is profit, but mere talk tends only to poverty.” - Proverbs 14:23 Scripture readings: Proverbs 14:23; Isaiah 55:10-11 “You’re a big talker.” That describes the person who always tells you what he is going to do, but never gets around to doing it. He says, “I’m going to start my own landscaping company” but turns down a summer landscaping job to sit around. She says, “I’m going to run a marathon for charity,” but never gets up early to run. They pledge to meet weekly for prayer, but two-thirds of the group peels off after two weeks. “Mere talk tends only to poverty” (Proverbs 14:23b). If you only talk about the great job you’re going to get, but never actually go out and get one, you will remain penniless. In addition, if you never put feet to your ideas, they will remain fruitless. However, “in all toil there is profit” (Proverbs 14:23a). A teenager lands a summer landscaping job. Eventually, he starts his own business. A young woman starts running three miles three times a week. Eventually she runs a marathon, raising $10,000 for missions. A small group meets consistently to pray for conversions in the church and community. The Holy Spirit begins to change hearts. The proverb does not say “talk tends only to poverty”, but “mere talk tends only to poverty. Deeds begin with dreams. Initiatives begin with ideas. Above all, God is not a “big talker.” Isaiah 55:10-11 alerts us that His words give birth to life-giving works. We see this especially in the redemptive words and works of our Lord Jesus. Suggestions for Prayer Thank God that His life-giving words produce life-giving results. Ask Him to help you walk your talk. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 20 - Watch your mouth (part 2)

“A soft answer turns away wrath, but a harsh word stirs up anger.” - Proverbs 15:1 Scripture readings: Proverbs 15:1; 1 Kings 12:1-15 I was ...

Daily devotional

September 19 - Watch your mouth (part 1)

“There is one whose rash words are like sword thrusts, but the tongue of the wise brings healing.” - Proverbs 12:18 Scripture readings: Proverb...

Daily devotional

September 18 - Thoughts on wealth and poverty

“A rich man’s wealth is his strong city; the poverty of the poor is their ruin.” - Proverbs 10:15 Scripture readings: Proverbs 10:15; 1 Timot...

Daily devotional

September 17 - Wisdom, folly, and sin

“Whoever conceals his transgressions will not prosper, but he who confesses and forsakes them will obtain mercy.” - Proverbs 28:13 Scripture re...

Daily devotional

September 16 - Check your heart (part 2)

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offences.” - Proverbs 10:12 Scripture readings: Proverbs 10:12; Proverbs 19:11 “Love covers all offences” (Proverbs 10:12b) does not justify sinful cover-ups. It is sinful to be a judgmental faultfinder who wants to pick fights. It is just as sinful to ignore or cover up the sins of others, based on misguided love and loyalty (see Proverbs 28:13). “Love covers all offences” tells us that the posture of love is patient and gracious, not nit-picky or quick to take offence. “Good sense makes one slow to anger, and it is his glory to overlook an offence” (Proverbs 19:11). If we make an issue of everything about others that we find irritating, flawed, or mildly offensive, we will be impossible to live with. If others relate to us this way, we will always walk on eggshells. You ask someone a question and the answer comes back slightly snarky. You realize this person is stressed out or having a bad day, so you overlook her response and ask how she is doing instead. In addition, love doesn’t bring up past offences when they’ve been addressed, forgiven and buried (see Proverbs 17:9). This is what “Love covers all offences” means. But love goes further. The word ‘covers’ is also found in Psalm 32:1. “Blessed is the one whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.” God loves us so much that He covers our sin when we confess it. It cost Him the precious blood of His Son to do so. When we love others, we desire the same for them. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for covering your offences. Ask Him to help you overlook and forgive the offences of others. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 15 - Check you heart (part 1)

“Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offences.” - Proverbs 10:12 Scripture readings: Proverbs 10:12; Mark 7:20-23 Proverbs 10:12 contrasts two behaviours. Hatred drives the one. Love motivates the other. “Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offences.” This verse is a diagnostic tool. It helps us to discern, based on symptoms, what is going on in the heart – yours or someone else’s. This requires discernment. Sometimes a person who desires to address and resolve an issue is accused of picking a fight. He might be a biblical peacemaker whose end goal is peace. Those who accuse him might be “peace-fakers” who want to ignore the issue. One who “stirs up strife” is different. He is driven not by a loving desire for peace, but by a fleshly desire to be right, to win a fight and to sit as judge with moral authority over others. He tells himself and others that he is fighting for truth, righteousness or reformed orthodoxy. A discerning observer will realize, however, that strife follows him wherever he goes. We all do well to check our hearts when we find ourselves in conflict. Is our goal to glorify God and pursue peace? Or are we driven by a hateful need in the heart to win a fight, to be right or to lord it over others as their judge? We do well to pray Psalm 139:23-24: “Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! And see if there be any grievous way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting!” Suggestions for prayer Ask God to show you whether your heart in a conflict aims to pursue peace or stir up strife. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 14 - Make hay while the sun shines

“He who gathers in summer is a prudent son, but he who sleeps in harvest is a son who brings shame.” - Proverbs 10:5 Scripture readings: Proverbs 10:5; 1 Thessalonians 5:6-11 A farmer mows his hayfield. The cut hay must dry before it can be baled and stored. But when it is dry and the sun is high in the sky (Sundays excepted!), you must seize the day and bale the hay. “Make hay while the sun shines.” I remember the haying season as long days, slugging bales by hand under a hot sun, as dust and chaff coated our sweaty skin. Yes, I’m whining, just like I did then. But no one ever said, “It’s too hot. Let’s go to the beach.” That would have been foolish, especially if there was rain in the forecast. Proverbs 10:5 says something similar. Bring in your crops when they are ready. Do not put off till tomorrow what you should do today. That is procrastination. I was a procrastinator in college and seminary. I submitted assignments late and asked for extensions. Then I became a preacher. Sundays came every seven days. I could not ask for an extension. “Can I preach on Monday instead?” My first year was a rough and necessary time of correction. What if you put off dealing with a difficult issue in a relationship with someone? What if you put off seeing a doctor when something might be wrong? What if you put off spending time with your children or instructing them in the fear of the LORD? What if you put off defining where you stand in relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ? Make hay while the sun shines. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for wisdom to recognize and seize the opportunities He gives you and to make wise use of your time. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 13 - Laziness and diligence (part 2)

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” - Proverbs 10:4 Scripture readings: Proverbs 10:4; Colossians 3:23-24 Proverbs 10:4 contrasts laziness and diligence. Laziness is the avoidance of the effort necessary to accomplish a goal. Diligence, however, is the application of the effort necessary to accomplish a goal. “The hand of the diligent makes rich” (Proverbs 10:4b). A diligent person applies himself at work. He embraces work as part of God’s wise design for human thriving. He knows that hard work will help him grow, earn the trust of those he works for, and help him advance in the workplace or expand his business. A diligent person knows that if she focuses on her studies, her study habits and learning will develop her character and competence for her next chapter in life. The diligent person is willing to work hard to repair a relationship. She knows that active listening and Christlike communication will not be easy, but they are worth it. The diligent person understands that spiritual growth in communion with God requires gospel-driven effort. Diligent people sometimes lose their focus or slide into discouragement. Isaiah 49:4 prophesies of Jesus, “But I said, ‘I have laboured in vain. I have spent my strength for nothing and vanity; yet surely my right is with the LORD, and my recompense is with my God’.” Christ’s diligence produced the salvation of all who repent and believe in Him! “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 vain” (1 Corinthians 15:58). Suggestions for prayer Thank Jesus for His diligence in our place. Ask God for the faith and discipline to be diligent. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 12 - Laziness and diligence (part 1)

“A slack hand causes poverty, but the hand of the diligent makes rich.” - Proverbs 10:4 Scripture readings: Proverbs 10:4; Galatians 6:6-9 P...

Daily devotional

September 11 - What is a proverb?

“Let the wise hear and increase in learning, and the one who understands obtain guidance, to understand a proverb and a saying, the words of the wis...

Daily devotional

September 10 - With all your heart, in all your ways

Daily devotional

September 9 - Two women, two days

“Wisdom has built her house; she has hewn her seven pillars... The woman Folly is loud; she is seductive and knows nothing.” - Proverbs 9:1,13 ...

Daily devotional

September 8 - The beginning of wisdom

“The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight.” - Proverbs 9:10 Scripture reading: Proverbs 9:1-10 We have spent a week celebrating wisdom as an attribute of God, displayed in creation. God is the Source of all wisdom. We must look to Him as the Source of wisdom if we desire to be wise. “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and the knowledge of the Holy One is insight” (Proverbs 9:10). We must fear the LORD to become wise. We must tremble and stand in awe of Him Who reveals such wisdom. We must adore and admire Him for such wisdom displayed in creation and redemption. We must deeply and personally trust Him as our All-Wise, Three-Personal God Who knows and does what is best for creation and us. Some proverbs in Proverbs are from Gentile sources. Those who don’t “fear the LORD,” can know and apply wise truths. For example, many cultures and religions proclaim some variation of the Golden Rule, “Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” The Golden Rule is like a 2x6 that both Christianity and non-Christian belief systems build into their frameworks of belief, their spiritual houses. Only Christianity, however, builds this 2x6 into the right house. This is the house built on the foundation of Christ and the gospel. This is the Father’s house, in which the Spirit dwells. Only in this house, with our Three-Personal God at the centre of our worship and fellowship, can we truly grasp the self-giving, Christlike love at the heart of the Golden Rule. Suggestions for prayer Ask the LORD to help you fear and trust Him alone as your Source of Wisdom. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 7 - What is wisdom?

“The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight…” - Proverbs 1:1-2 Scripture reading: Proverbs 1:1-7 Already we have marvelled at the wisdom of our Triune God, revealed in His design for the world and humanity, in creation and redemption. “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!” (Romans 11:33a). What then, does it mean for us to be wise? Wisdom is knowing God’s wise design for creation and humanity, then living in line with it. It is wise to know the Law of Gravity and, in line with it, to wear a parachute when you jump out of an airplane. It is wise to understand the properties of ice and adjust your speed and braking habits accordingly. It is also wise to grasp God’s design for human relationships and community, His blueprint for human sexuality, His principles for worship, work, money, resolving conflict, etc., and to live accordingly. Ultimately, it is wise to understand God’s wise plan to reconcile us to Himself in Christ and to respond accordingly. These things and more He reveals to us in His Word. Wisdom isn’t just knowing God’s wise design for creation and human life. It is also applying what we know with discernment. On this point, Timothy Keller’s definition of wisdom is helpful. Wisdom is “the right thing, at the right time, in the right way.” For this reason, God, through Solomon, gave us the book of Proverbs. “The proverbs of Solomon, son of David, king of Israel: To know wisdom and instruction, to understand words of insight” (Proverbs 1:1-2). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for revealing His wisdom to you in His Word. Ask Him to make you wise. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 6 - The Spirit of Wisdom (part 2)

“For the palace is forsaken, the populous city deserted; the hill and the watchtower will become dens forever, a joy of wild donkeys, a pasture of flocks; until the Spirit is poured upon us from on high…” - Isaiah 32:14-15a Scripture readings: Genesis 1:1-2; Isaiah 32:14-18 In Genesis 1:2, the Spirit hovered over the raw materials of creation to breathe order and life. Sadly, sin entered God’s world through Adam’s rebellion. Sin turns creation back to ‘tohu’ (without form) and ‘vohu’ (void of life). Post-Fall, that means disorder and death. Imagine a neighbourhood after a terrible bombing. All is ‘tohu’, disordered piles of splintered lumber and twisted metal where houses once stood. All are ‘vohu’, lifeless bodies where living people once worked and played. Jeremiah 4:23a uses this language to describe the consequences of Israel’s rebellion against God: “I looked on the earth, and behold, it was without form (tohu) and void (vohu).” God sent His Son to redeem our fallen world. He also sent His Spirit to breathe order and life into creation and us again. Isaiah 32:14-18 anticipated how God’s Spirit would reverse the ‘tohu’ and ‘vohu’ of 32:14. When poured out from on high, He would breathe upon a wasteland void of life to fill it with plants and people (32:15,18). He would re-order their disordered hearts and community in line with His wise blueprint for human life, revealed in His word (32:16-17). We are ‘vohu’, spiritually dead, until the Spirit breathes life into our hearts, moving us to embrace Christ in the gospel. Then the Spirit enters our ‘tohu’ to re-order our lives, relationships and communities in line with His wise blueprint for humanity. One day, we will enjoy the Spirit’s finished work, a new creation free of disorder and death. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Spirit for the gift of new life and re-ordering your life in fellowship with God. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 5 - The Spirit of Wisdom (part 1)

“In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth. Now the earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep.” - Genesis 1:1-2 Scripture reading: Genesis 1:1-2 “In the beginning, God created the heavens and the earth” (Genesis 1:1). He created it in line with His wise design. Christ turned the blueprint into breath-taking reality. But someone else was also involved: the Spirit of Wisdom (Isaiah 11:2a). Imagine a construction site with piles of material that needs to be ordered into a building, then filled with people and pets. God created the building materials. Then, in Genesis 1:3-31, He formed them into a creation-temple and filled it with life. “Now the earth was without form and void, and darkness was over the face of the deep” (Genesis 1:2a). Here we see the jumble of building materials. Creation was still ‘tohu’ and ‘vohu’. That means ‘without form’ and ‘void’ in Hebrew. Now the Spirit enters the text. “And the Spirit of God was hovering over the face of the waters” (Genesis 1:2b). He turned ‘tohu’ into order. He created water, sky and land rooms for creatures to live in. Then He turned ‘vohu’ into life, by breathing life into the creatures that would live in those rooms. Try this with Lego. Dump a jumbled pile of Lego on the floor. That pile is ‘tohu’, without form. Build that Lego into a structure with rooms. The structure is still ‘vohu’, void of life. Put Lego people and toy animals in the structure. Now it is filled with life. God the Spirit breathes order and life into God’s world. Thank Him for His wise and wonderful work! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the way His Spirit breathes order and life in creation and redemption. Pastor Richard Zekveld, his wife Nancy (nee Vandermeer), and their five children live in South Holland, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago. Richard has pastored Covenant Fellowship Church of South Holland (PCA) since 2015, he also works part-time in jail ministry as a chaplain for Chicagoland Prison Outreach. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 4 - Christ, the wisdom of God

“And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.” - Colossians 1:17: Scripture reading: Colossians 1:15-20 Yesterday we ...

Daily devotional

September 3 - Introducing Lady Wisdom

“The Lord possessed me at the beginning of his work, the first of his acts of old.” - Proverbs 8:22 Scripture readings: Proverbs 8:22-31; Joh...

Daily devotional

September 2 - “What in the world…?” (part 2)

Daily devotional

September 1 - Introduction to God’s wisdom

Wisdom is one of our Triune God’s many glorious and beautiful attributes. He is the Source of all wisdom revealed and discovered in both creation an...

Daily devotional

August 31 - Maranatha, come Lord Jesus!

“And the Spirit and the bride say ‘Come!’” - Revelation 22:17 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:12-21; Philippians 3:7-14; Romans 13:11-14 One of the strongest memories of my childhood is waiting. Waiting every morning for the school bus, waiting for friends to come over, waiting for my grandparents at Christmas, sitting by the front window to see when they would arrive and how many presents they would bring! But nothing compares to the eagerness with which the children of God should await the coming of their King. After all the visions of Revelation, after all the depictions of battle and victory, sacrifice and success, the church has one great, Spirit inspired response. “Come!” How should we respond to God’s Revelation? In the midst of the battle, aware of the King and His foe, hearing that He is coming soon, the Bible tells us our response. “Even so, come Lord Jesus!” The race is nearly over. Our redemption is nearer than when we first believed. As we worship, may we do so with a cry for His coming. As we fight sin, may we do so with a cry for His coming. As we bear witness to the lost, may we do so with a cry for His coming. The Lord lifts up the head of His bride and directs her attention away from the cares of this world towards Himself. The church cannot help but long for her groom’s appearing as she catches a glimpse of Him in these final chapters. Let us never be so focused upon earth that we forget what we are waiting for. Suggestions for prayer O Lord, come! Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 30 - The new Jerusalem

“God Himself will be with them and be their God.” - Revelation 21:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-27; Ephesians 5:25-32; Song of Songs 6:1-3 “With this ring, I thee wed. With my body, I thee worship. And with all my worldly goods, I thee endow.” These wedding vows were used regularly many years ago. They may strike us now as a little over the top. With my body, I thee worship? With all my worldly goods I thee endow? What happens if things don’t work out? But the marriage of a bride and groom on earth is just a pale reflection of the marriage between Christ and His church. When that great, final day comes, Jesus will take us to Himself with a love that surpasses all others. He will give Himself to us in an intimacy that words cannot express, though Revelation 21 comes close. He will be ours, and we will be His. What we have yearned for and felt was missing since the beginning of time. Christ will satisfy to the uttermost. In gaining Christ, all His ‘worldly’ goods become ours. Death and sorrow, crying and pain are destroyed forever as He triumphs over the grave. The water of life graces the wine glasses upon each table at His wedding feast. In the presence of her groom, the church shines in a glory never witnessed here on earth. For Christ, this was always His plan. For Christ, His work in her is complete. He has made her without spot and blemish, and He rejoices in her splendour as she greets Him. Suggestions for prayer Soon and very soon we are going to see the King. O Lord, haste the day! Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 29 - Vengeance belongs to God

“Fear God and give glory to Him, for the hour of His judgment has come…” - Revelation 14:7 Scripture reading: Revelation 14:6-20; Romans 12:14-21 The judgments of God upon evil are sometimes skimmed over by us as 21st century Christians. We may consider them to be opposed to a God of love and grace, but that is not the case. Understanding God’s judgment is essential for Christian living. First, understanding God’s holy judgment will give us a fear of sin as well as a fear of compromise. The deception of the false prophet isn’t half as convincing when we are able to see where it leads! Second, understanding the inevitability of God’s judgment helps us to love our enemies and show mercy to them. Vengeance belongs to God and He will repay. We don’t need to carry bitterness or get even when faced with injustice. God’s perfect justice gives us freedom to love our enemies and even pity them, pleading with them to turn from the wrath to come. Third, understanding God’s judgment helps us to better understand God’s love. Minimizing God’s judgment inevitably minimizes the cross where Jesus bore that judgment on our behalf. Jesus didn’t just shoulder a little of God’s anger so we could be saved. He endured in its awful entirety, God’s perfect and holy wrath against sin. He did so in love to secure our redemption. Thus, understanding God’s judgment helps us understand God’s mission. Jesus came to seek and save the lost, and they truly need saving! When we minimize any aspect of God’s character, we insult God and rob ourselves of truths foundational for Christian living. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to praise You for Your holiness in judgment. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 28 - Redeemed purity

“These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins.” - Revelation 14:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 14:1-5; 1 John 1:5-2;2; Colossians 3:1-4 Do the celibate have a higher standing in the eyes of God? If I am married, or have fallen into sexual sin, can I join the 144,000? The character described in Rev. 14 is the character in Christ of the redeemed. They are redeemed, not perfect. The description of purity is best understood as a picture of the church as she faces the temptation of Babylon to participate in its worldliness (14:8). This means that though believers once fought on the wrong side, they fight on that side no longer and this now impacts the way they live. They are kept pure by actively fighting sin, living for Christ, and resisting the temptation of Babylon. Through daily grace they follow Jesus wherever He goes. God’s word reminds us that, in the end times, holiness matters. Fighting sin matters. While we will still commit sin until glory, God’s call on our lives is that we may not sin. But the emphasis here is not only on holiness, it is also on joy. Following Christ wherever He goes means the redeemed are worshipping Him in Zion even while battling on earth. We sing songs of redemption while still in the fight, while still experiencing daily victories and defeats. We thus see that the Christian life is neither casual with sin, austere in holiness, or having self-righteousness. It is a joy-filled, redemption-secured, Christ-pursuing life that, by grace, lays hold of victory. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to have the joy of Christ as I fight daily sin. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 27 - The 144,000 take two

“The hundred and forty-four thousand who were redeemed from the earth.” - Revelation 14:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 14:1-5; Ephesians 2:1...

Daily devotional

August 26 - The enemies of Christ: the enemies of the church

Daily devotional

August 25 - The place of victory

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…” - Revelation 12:11 Scripture reading: Revelation 12:7-17; R...

Daily devotional

August 24 - The great war

“And war broke out in heaven…” - Revelation 12:7 Scripture reading: Revelation 12:1-6; Ephesians 6:10-20 After the assassination of the Ar...

Daily devotional

August 23 - Faithful until death, rewarded in resurrection

“The beast…will make war…and kill them…But after three and a half days…” - Revelation 11: 7, 11 Scripture reading: Revelation 11:7-19; Mathew 24:9-14 When one of our members faced a difficult diagnosis a fellow Christian said to them, “Don’t worry, you’re immortal till your work is done.” The quote was first given by George Whitefield, a preacher of the great awakening in the 1700s. It reminds us both of the power of God in believers enabling them to serve in His kingdom and the sovereignty of God to determine when He alone shall end the earthly journey of those believers. In Revelation 11 we learn that near the end of time the work of the church as a public, visible witness will end. The church will never die, but she will externally diminish. Under persecution she will go underground. God will continue to build His church, but her visible presence will appear small and insignificant and the world will rejoice. God wants us to witness in power while being ready to suffer for Jesus. He wants us to know that when it seems the world has won, the Saviour is around the corner, and glory is soon to come. It was the future martyr, Jim Elliot, who said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” The church is the witness of Christ, and she shall carry out her work both in power and in humiliation, in joy and in suffering. God will sustain her just as He wills, until her work is done and she enters His glory. Suggestions for prayer Lord may we be faithful in suffering, immortal until our work is done. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 22 - The two witnesses

“I will give power to My two witnesses…” - Revelation 11:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 11:1-6; Zechariah 4:1-7; Acts 1:6-8 Super heroes again? The book of Revelation is filled with them. Here they are- two witnesses. No enemy can harm them, nor stand before them. It is a wonder the modern superhero movie craze hasn’t made a show about this! Verse 4 tells us these witnesses are the olive trees and the lampstands standing before the Lord. It’s a challenging description because, in the book of Revelation, lampstands are repeated symbols of the church (see Rev. 1:20ff). The olive trees are the source of oil that keeps the lamp's flame from running dry; Zechariah 4:1-7 shows a similar picture to remind Israel that it is, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord.” Once again we see a remarkable truth; the super hero witnesses are a picture of the church. The church, standing by God’s Word and Spirit, will carry out the role of witness as Jesus Himself declared in Acts 1. They will do so with power, authority, and the unfailing protection of God. In a day of increasing evil, it is all the more necessary to make the Gospel light shine. We may feel intimidated, but God empowers His witnesses with unfailing power. This is carried out in the official ministry of the church, but also through the daily lives and witnesses of God’s people in the world. In the end there are very few great evangelists, but there is a great God who empowers His redeemed bride. Suggestions for prayer Lord help me to stand as a witness for Jesus. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 21 - Eating the word

“Take and eat it…” - Revelation 10:9 Scripture reading: Revelation 10:8-11; Ezekiel 2:1-3:15 I once stood waiting for an elevator, with my Bible in my hand. The man standing next to me, noticing it, broke the silence to say, "Have you ever cut yourself on that thing?” When my mind caught up to his clever wit I smiled and said, “More times than I can count!” In Revelation 10, John is being called to again prophesy about peoples, nations, tongues and kings (v. 11). But before this call is renewed, he is commanded to take the book from the hand of the angel and eat it. It would be sweet to his mouth but bitter to his stomach. The prophets were called to eat God’s word before they brought it to others, and we must do the same. We will soon see God’s witnesses, and see that this is nothing less than the confessing church in the world. How do we maintain that distinctive edge which allows us to see the lies of the enemy and proclaim the truth of God? We must learn what it is to eat the Word. This practice is not always easy. God’s Word is sweet to the mouth, assuring us of God’s love and mercy in Christ, but it can be bitter; we can cut ourselves as God’s Word brings conviction. Whatever the result, our task doesn’t change. As God’s people living in the last times, we must know where the source of strength lies, and we must eat the Word. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to love Your Word and study it daily. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 20 - The importance of repentance

“But they did not repent…” - Rev. 9:21 Scripture reading: Revelation 9; Psalm 51 Albert Einstein is attributed with the quote: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” Revelation 9:20-21 is one of the saddest passages in the book of Revelation. At the sound of the seven trumpets the Lord poured out His wrath on the human race. The price of sin is death. Earthly devastation, demonic torment, and widespread death all fall upon the earth. But the human race does not change. They see the fruit of their actions yet, in the terrifying words of Revelation 9:20-21, they do not repent. This hardness of heart is by nature present in each and every one of us. Have you ever seen a little child, caught in a lie, refusing to acknowledge the truth? The heirloom is broken on the floor, the rogue ball lies at their feet, no one else is home but they adamantly maintain it was the neighbour’s cat? The tragedy is not merely that we sin; the tragedy is that we sin and do not repent. We think things will improve without the need to humble ourselves and turn to God. This is insanity, and yet it lives in each of us apart from the redemptive work of Jesus. Where are we refusing to repent? Right now, God in His grace may be seeking you out. Don’t follow the pattern of this world. Return to the God who does not despise a broken and contrite heart! Suggestions for prayer See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 19 - Let all the earth keep silent

“There was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” - Revelation 8:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 8:1-12 Revelation repeatedly shows us...

Daily devotional

August 18 - The good shepherd

“The Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them…” - Revelation 7:17 Scripture reading: Revelation 7:13-17; Psalm 23:1-6 E...

Daily devotional

August 17 - The centrality of worship

“Be to our God, forever and ever, Amen.” - Revelation 7:12 Scripture reading: Revelation 7:9-17 I had a Christian friend who often reminde...

Daily devotional

August 16 - The 144,000

“Do not harm the earth…till we have sealed the servants of God…” - Revelation 7:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 7:1-8; Luke 21:10-19 T...

Daily devotional

August 15 - Refuge in the blood

“Hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb!” - Revelation 6:16 Scripture reading: Revelation 6:9-17; Psalm 46:1-11 A young child hears the thunder roll and sees the lightning in the sky. Fearfully, he takes refuge under that time-tested defence – the blankets on his bed! In the sixth seal, the day of God’s wrath has come, and along with it worldwide calamity. The earth quakes, stars fall, and thunder and lightning sound. When it comes, the people of this world revert to their childhood. They pull the sheets over their head in the best refuge they can find, but the ‘sheets’ have changed. They ask the mountains to fall on them, and the rocks to cover them in hope of hiding from the wrath of God. There is a great gospel reality revealed in this passage. All of us need a covering, a refuge from the righteous anger of a holy God. A Biblical word for covering is atonement. As God gives atonement through the blood of Jesus, what He is providing for His people is a refuge, a protection and covering from His own holy anger. This blood has special power. It is the blood of the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the word” (John 1:29). It is the blood that shows our debt is paid; we are redeemed. Under this blood we find protection from God’s wrath and assurance of His love. We often seek refuge in the wrong places. Every refuge, except one, will fail. Suggestions for prayer Lord, let me find refuge in the blood of Jesus, that I may never fear your holy wrath. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 14 - The voice of the martyrs

"How long, O Lord?" - Revelation 5:10 Scripture reading: Revelation 6:9-11; Isaiah 49:14-23 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb?” Of all the relationships on earth, that of a mother and child is among the strongest. God looks at that relationship and questions whether a mother could ever forget her child, and then says, “Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you.” The love of God for us is so great that there is no comparison. He will never forget His people. Revelation 6 shows us a people who may feel forgotten. Having lived for Christ upon the earth, they served with such courage and single-heartedness, that when they faced the ultimate test they laid down their lives rather than deny their Lord. They now cry out, “How long O Lord?” They are looking for justice; they are looking for God’s righteous vengeance against sin, and they are weary of waiting. There will be a day when God will judge the wicked and vindicate all those who put their hope in Him, whether they die as martyrs or not. It is not here yet. For today, the redemptive purposes of the Lamb continue. The “Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise…but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). As we wait for His return, let us labour to bring others to repentance, knowing we are not forgotten by the King of kings. Suggestions for prayer Father, help us to be patient in tribulation, and faithful in bearing witness. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 13 - The four horsemen and the sovereign God

“Now I saw when the lamb opened one of the seals…” - Revelation 6:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 6; 1 Peter 1:3-9 A.W. Tozer once wrote that, “although it may look like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who has not surrendered His authority.” When Revelation 6 speaks of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, things certainly seem out of control! Conquest, war, famine and death are graphically pictured as some of the judgments God will send upon the earth, and the overall picture is terrifying. When such struggles come, what is to be the response of believers? Revelation 6 teaches us that even things that appear chaotic are not outside of the will and plan of a sovereign God. The child of God can be at rest knowing the King is on His throne and nothing can remove Him; that in fact God works even through difficult circumstances to punish evil and show His just rule. Between Christ’s first and second coming the church will experience times of extreme difficulty with varying degrees of intensity. When we do, we must remember who it is opening the seals. All remains in the hands of the Lamb; all is in the hands of the One who redeemed us by His blood. When God’s judgments come upon the earth, and even when this affects God’s people as they live on this side of heaven, we cannot forget the loving Saviour who uses even these trials for His redemptive purposes and the glory of His name. When things seem out of control, God has surrendered neither His authority nor His goodness. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to trust You when the circumstances of life may challenge my faith. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 12 - Worthy is the lamb

“For you were slain and have redeemed us to God…” - Revelation 5:9 Scripture reading: Revelation 5 What is necessary to carry out God’s work in the world? Surely qualities like zeal, holiness, or perseverance may come to mind. We may think of the need for better political leaders who can stem the tide of sin through righteous laws and just enforcement. We may yearn for a greater Christian influence in the media. But while all these answers can be God glorifying, the key in enacting God’s will is redemption, accomplished through Jesus, the One who is worthy to open the scrolls. God’s will cannot be accomplished through military power, or even righteous laws. It cannot be done in this way because God’s will is not merely to create an outward show of holiness. God’s will is to create a new people in Christ who will love Him and serve Him not from compulsion, but from the heart. And for this to happen the Lion of Judah must become the Lamb who was slain. For this to happen, we must be redeemed. Sometimes we can forget this all-important quality as we live in a world increasingly polarized between those on the supposed ‘right’ or ‘left’. Sin can anger us, causing us to forget both what God saved us from and the redemptive plan of God for those from every tribe, tongue, people and nation. To paraphrase the old song, “For not with swords loud clashing, or roll of stirring drums, with deeds of God’s salvation, the heavenly kingdom comes.” Suggestions for prayer Lord help us to see Your glory through the power of the Gospel. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 11 - The lion of Judah

“The Lion of the tribe of Judah…has prevailed…” - Rev. 5:5 Scripture reading: Revelation 5:1-8; Daniel 12; Matthew 6:9-10 While inte...

Daily devotional

August 10 - O worship the King

Revelation 4:8 Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty... Scripture reading: Revelation 4; Isaiah 6:1-8 How important is worship? On a scale of 1-10...

Daily devotional

August 9 - Knowing need and fulfilling need

“But you do not know that you are wretched…buy from Me gold…” - Rev. 3:17-18 Scripture reading: Revelation 3:14-22; Judges 16:16-22; Isai...

Daily devotional

August 8 - Hard pressed, but not destroyed

“For you have a little strength…” - Rev. 3:8 Scripture reading: Revelation 3:7-13; Luke 17:1-10 Have you ever admired those men and wome...

Daily devotional

August 7 - A good name

“Hold fast, and repent.” - Revelation 3:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 3:1-6; Isaiah 42:1-9 A lot can be said about a good reputation, but while a good name is better than riches (Pr. 22:1), reputations aren’t always accurate. As a city, Sardis was surrounded by 1500 foot cliffs and thought to be nearly impregnable. But twice in the history of the city, its reputation proved false, and both times it was the presumption of the defenders that led to their destruction. The church of Sardis was experiencing the same reality. Thinking themselves strong, they were actually distant from God. While their singing may have made visitors think the church was on fire, behind the beautiful voices were cold hearts. The same can be true for all of us; the profession of faith made years (or even days) ago can speak of a reality that is no longer there. Jesus calls us to be watchful and to strengthen the spiritual zeal we may still have. Where do we still feel the conviction or encouragement of His Word and Spirit? Where it exists, fan the flame. What you know to be good, do it. What you know to be evil, stop it. For all who do His will, God promises, He will not quench the smoking wick or break the bruised reed. The Christian life can be restored so that, like a repentant Sardis, Jesus would even boast of us before the Father. May God help us not to live on reputation, but by a living, daily walk with Him. Suggestions for prayer Lord, please renew me to abide daily in Jesus Christ. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 6 - A mark of the true church

“I know your works…nevertheless you allow that woman Jezebel…” - Revelation 2:19-20 Scripture reading: Revelation 2:18-29; Acts 20:17-36 Thyatira was a church growing in Christ. Her last works were greater than her first, and she was known for her love, service, faith and endurance. Could a church of such lively growth and faith falter? Jesus says that despite her zeal she is in danger. She ‘tolerates’ or ‘allows’ a so-called prophetess to teach false doctrine, and thus lead members of the church into error. To put this in our current context, the church of Thyatira, for all its growth, failed to practice church discipline. It is not simply that she has false teaching or compromising Christians in her midst. It is that she has this, knows this, and permits it. No one likes to hear a letter of discipline read from the pulpit on a Sunday morning, but did you know that the health of a church depends upon such actions, rightfully carried out? Paul called the Ephesian elders to watch because savage wolves, even from their very midst, would arise and not spare the flock. False teaching in the church is like a bitter root which destroys it, if it is not pulled out. While repentant and struggling sinners must be approached with love and grace, false teachers who lead others into sin cannot be tolerated in Christ’s church. Let us keep our church leaders in prayer that God might enable them to wisely and faithfully shepherd the church, nurturing the sheep and keeping out the wolves. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help us to have a holy intolerance for sin. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 5 - Pure devotion

“You have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam…” - Revelation 2:14 Scripture reading: Revelation 2:12-17; Numbers 24:15-25:3 The city of Pergamos was known for idolatry. A large altar to Zeus is believed by many to be “Satan’s throne,” and idolatry was so pervasive that to even work a trade you were required to offer sacrifices to a patron god. A member of the church even gave his life for Christ! The Pergamos believers were willing to face martyrdom to hold onto Christ. Despite this, Jesus will rebuke this church. While they held fast to Christ, they allowed members to teach the ‘doctrine of Balaam.’ Balaam was a prophet, hired by God’s enemies to curse Israel. God turned the curses into blessings, but faced with his failure, Balaam served his Moabite master by suggesting another path. Balaam tempted Israel to compromise holiness (Num. 25:1-3 & 31:15-16) and thus God would punish His people Himself. For all their courage, the Pergamos church had allowed the doctrine of Balaam to creep into the church. They permitted compromise. People taught that faithfulness and holiness were not the same. Loyalty to Christ, they taught, did not necessarily require devotion to His holy will. Believers might verbally profess faithfulness but secretly excuse and participate in sins from which Christ died to save them. Have we held fast to the testimony of Christ, while compromising with sin in secret? God is not fooled. He lovingly calls us to repentance and single-hearted devotion to Him. Only then can we know the joy of the Lord and the reward of following Christ! Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to be steadfast in my devotion to You. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 4 - Poverty and riches

“…but you are rich.” - Revelation 2:9 Scripture reading: Revelation 2:8-22; 2 Corinthians 8:9 The church of Smyrna struggled to make its yearly budget. The pastor worked for peanuts and the people had little more. Church potlucks were well attended and joyful occasions, but not because of an abundance of food. The church lived for Christ, but because of this they learned what it was to suffer and go without. Of the seven churches Jesus writes to in Revelation only two are not rebuked. The first of those two is Smyrna. Living in physical poverty, spiritually they were millionaires. More hardship would come; Jesus reveals they would face prison and even death for His cause. This letter (like them all) is for us. There are times in these last days when to follow Christ will mean letting go of all this world has to offer, both financially and physically. Even today, following Christ can mean being willing to suffer for Him. It may be ridicule at school or work, losing a family business, or simply less earthly comfort as we support kingdom causes. It often means a life we did not anticipate. But Christ is worth it. There is greater glory ahead than what lays behind. Faithfulness unto death gains the crown of life. We are all called to count the cost of following Jesus. Let us join Smyrna, embrace the cross, and be truly rich. Suggestions for prayer Lord help me to follow You whatever the cost, and teach me the joy of gaining Christ. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 3 - A loveless church?

“You have left your first love.” - Rev. 2:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 2:1-7; 1 Corinthians 13 The church of Ephesus was known for dili...

Daily devotional

August 2 - Safe in the storm

“I am the Alpha and Omega…” - Rev. 1:8 Scripture reading: Revelation 1:4-8 Anchors may not be considered great treasures, but they can b...

Daily devotional

August 1 - Introduction to the book of Revelation

This month Pastor Greg Bylsma leads us through a series of devotions on the book of Revelation. Two Scripture readings are given for each day. The fir...

Daily devotional

July 31 - Having peace with God

“Peace to all of you who are in Christ.” - 1 Peter 5:14 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:14 and Romans 5:6-11 Peter ends his letter similar to t...

Daily devotional

July 30 - Standing in the true grace of God

“I have written briefly to you exhorting and declaring that this is the true grace of God.” - 1 Peter 5: 12 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:12-13 Why is it a blessing to go to church each Sunday? We get to be with the Lord’s people worshipping our Saviour together under the preaching of His Word, and we are reminded of our need for God’s Grace. The commandments exhort us not to trust in ourselves, but in the grace of our Lord. In the preaching, the gospel is declared to us that we might grow in the grace that the Father offers us in the gospel. Peter ends, letting us know that Silvanus helped him so that God’s words of exhortation and declaration of grace could be extended far and wide, even to us today. The whole reason Peter had this letter written, was that God’s beloved children could be told to trust in His grace even in the hardest of circumstances. We are to trust that, because of Jesus' great work on the cross, we can truly know and believe that God will always love us, no matter what hardship we are facing or struggle we are dealing with. The more we trust that God’s unconditional love is real, the less struggles, losses and hardships will control our hearts and minds. The joy of salvation will overwhelm us. Peter says he writes from Babylon, referring to the fact he and those with him are in captivity. Peter is emphasizing that God’s children can go through hard times, but this does not take away the fact that they are chosen children and nothing can separate them from the unconditional love of God. Suggestion for prayer That the exhorting and declaring of God’s grace would sustain God’s children in all times. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. 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

July 29 - The God of grace restores his children

“The God of grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen and establish you.” - 1 Peter 5:10 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:10-11 When we suffer, we naturally look for relief. However, many try to find relief in a way that in the long run, will bring them into a worse situation. Earlier, Peter wrote that Christians will suffer hardships, be attacked and face many temptations. But he also tells us as Christians to cast our anxieties on the Lord, trusting He will get us through the struggles as we seek to live for Him in the joy of salvation. In verse 10, he encourages us to live for the Lord, telling us that no matter what kind of suffering we face, it will come to an end. This life is short compared to the glorious place that Jesus is preparing for us. If we are suffering from temptations that cause us to be overwhelmed, these will one day end. If we are treated badly by others, this also will one day end. When our Lord calls us to glory in heaven, all our suffering and hardships will end. Until that time comes, Peter calls us to trust that the Lord will restore, confirm, strengthen and establish us. The Holy Spirit will continue to do this as we place ourselves under the preaching and teaching of His Word. Why is this so? It is because every creature and all reality is under the dominion and power of our Lord. We need God’s Word and the Holy Spirit to continue to help us to see this. Suggestion for prayer That we would trust our Lord in the midst of our struggles and that He will give us what we need until that great day when He calls us home and all suffering will be ended. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. 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

July 28 - Be sober-minded and watchful

“Cast all your anxieties on him, Because he cares for you. Be sober-minded; be watchful.” - 1 Peter 5:7-8a Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:6-9 When you go through a struggle, do you immediately see God’s hand at work in your life? Do you see that the mighty hand of God will bring you through all difficulties? The raising of God’s mighty hand should remind us that God rescued His people from bondage in Egypt. It should also remind us of Jesus’ victory over sin, Satan and death. Through faith in Jesus Christ, we should see that we are more than conquerors and that God will lift us up at the proper time and exult us. This should cause us to cast all our anxieties on Him. This should also cause us to be sober-minded, able to keep our eyes on anything good and see our need in this broken world as a sinful person. In doing this, we will be able to see more clearly who Jesus is, what He did and so live for His kingdom. The devil is roaming around looking for us to let our guard down, by being lax in our daily Bible reading, our church attendance and our prayer life. We can resist his attacks by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, by reading our Bibles, attending church regularly and spending much time in prayer. Then, we can stay firm in the faith. We will still deal with suffering, but as humble servants of God seeking His glory, His kingdom and His will. The devil will not devour us, and we will look with great eagerness to our future glory. Suggestion for prayer That we would trust God’s mighty hand in the midst of the struggles we face in this life. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. 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

July 27 - Clothing ourselves with humility

“Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” - 1 Peter 5:5 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 5:1-5 In today’s passage, Peter addresses both elders in the church and those shepherded by the elders. All are to clothe themselves with humility. Elders are to be examples of humility. Peter addresses them as a fellow elder who witnessed the suffering of Christ and saw the glory of Jesus on the mount of Transfiguration. In saying this, Peter is suggesting that if elders are truly acquainted with the suffering that Christ endured for their salvation and know of the glory that is waiting for them, they will serve not under compulsion, but willingly. They must not have a domineering spirit, but a humble heart, serving Christ’s church as under-shepherds of Christ, the Chief Shepherd. While they are saddened because they still sin, they serve as those saved by grace, looking forward to the coming glory. In the same way, those who are placed under the elders’ leadership are to be subject to the elders. They are to trust that Christ set these elders over them for their spiritual well-being and must listen to them, respecting them, even though they will make mistakes and not always be perfect examples. They can only do this with humble hearts. This is why Peter ends this section by stressing that we all need to continually clothe ourselves with humility. This is to be an ongoing action. It means fighting the temptation of pride and growing in our understanding of grace, keeping this in mind that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Suggestion for prayer That we could continually work on being humble, whether we are in a leadership position or being led by others. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. 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

July 26 - Entrusting our souls

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

Daily devotional

July 25 - Purified by God

“For it is time for judgement to begin at the household of God; and if it begins with us; what will be the outcome of those who do not obey the gosp...

Daily devotional

July 24 - Sharing in Christ’s suffering

"Do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you." - 1 Peter 4:12 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:12-14 In high school ...

Daily devotional

July 23 - Good stewards of God’s varied grace

“As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God’s varied grace.” - 1 Peter 4:10 Scripture reading: 1 Pet...

Daily devotional

July 22 - Showing hospitality

“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” - 1 Peter 4:9 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:9 If you love someone, it is easy to invite them over and show you care for them. Most in our church show hospitality to family members and close friends because they love them. But if you do not love someone or don’t really know someone, it is harder to show that person hospitality. After telling us to love one another, Peter now tells us to show hospitality. The word Peter uses could be translated as “show brotherly love for strangers”. Peter tells us not to show hospitality just when you have things in common with people, but to show hospitality to all you come into contact with, especially those of the household of faith. We are to do this because Jesus demonstrated His love to us and changed us. He made His home amongst us and showed love to us who were not only strangers to Him, but by nature enemies to Him (Romans 5:10). If we really know the loving embrace of Jesus Christ, this ought to change us so that we are willing to invite over those we don’t know well. Peter adds that we are to do this cheerfully, without grumbling. Jesus invited us into His life by displaying the greatest love He could. He gave His life for us on the cruel cross. We are now called to invite others into our lives in a loving and caring way. This Sunday start inviting someone that you have never invited and show them what Christ-like hospitality is all about. Suggestion for prayer That we would be able to show Christ-like hospitality. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. 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

July 21 - Being a faithful, loving community

“The end of all things is at hand.” - 1 Peter 4:7 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:7-8 Then this age ends, the Lord Jesus will come as the great judge and establish a new order. The end of the world is the next event to occur in Redemptive history. We live in the time when the gospel call goes out to draw people into the kingdom. During this time the church is not only called to spread the good news of Jesus Christ, but its members are also called to live self-controlled and sober-minded lives. Why is this so? Because we are weak in ourselves; the devil and this wicked world continue to actively tempt us to live for the things of this world rather than for our Lord. They also seek to bring false teaching into our lives and the church so that we would forsake our Lord. Peter encourages us to have a devoted prayer life, praying for the ability to honour God’s name with our lives, while living for His Kingdom according to His Word. Peter adds that we have to do this together, as a Christian community, exhibiting great love for each other, and be willing to forgive each other. When we truly show love for each other, we will not only be a hand and foot for each other, but we will be able to forgive each other for our many sins. In this we will truly be ready for the end of all things and be able to encourage each other, showing the world what the good news of Jesus Christ can do to a community. Suggestion for prayer That in knowing the end of all this is at hand, we as a church community would be a faithful loving community. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. 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

July 20 - Being in the world but not part of the world

“The gospel was preached even to those who are dead, that though judged in the flesh the way people are, they might live in the spirit the way God does.” - 1 Peter 4:6 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:4-6 Believers reflecting on Jesus’ suffering not only become willing to suffer for Jesus Christ, but also grow in their personal fight against sin. As we live in this world with a Christ-like attitude, Peter says unbelievers will be confused by our actions. They will think it strange that we are not willing to join them in what they think is good and pleasurable. They will accuse us of being old-fashioned. As the world grows in its rebellion against the moral standards set in the Bible, we also see it angry with us because we uphold these standards and will not agree with rebellious living. It seeks to allure Christians to its way of thinking, via movies, TV shows, the internet and fine sounding educators. As the world grows in its antagonism to God and His Word, we can easily be discouraged or overly pessimistic and completely withdraw from the world. Peter tells us not to be lured into worldly ways, but he also tells us not to withdraw from the world. We are called to offer the gospel to the rebellious world. The only hope for the world is the gospel of Jesus Christ. This is why the gospel was preached in Peter’s time and in the centuries since then. By the power of the Holy Spirit, many turned to Christ when the gospel was preached and are now in heavenly glory with the Lord. As the gospel saved many who lived in past generations, it can also save rebellious people today. Suggestion for prayer That we would be in the world to present Christ, but not of the world. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. 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

July 19 - Suffering as beloved children of God

“Since therefore Christ suffered in the flesh, arm yourselves with the same way of thinking,..” - 1 Peter 4:1 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:1-3 & Psalm 73:1-28 The fourth chapter of this letter tells us how we are to live as God’s beloved children in this rebellious world. As adopted brothers and sisters of Jesus, we should now think like Jesus did in respect to suffering. That is, we have to be willing to suffer in the flesh. Jesus is our great example in this. Peter was writing to Christians who lost their homes, their freedom, and even at times their physical lives because they no longer lived as they used to, but lived for the Lord. This caused those around them to become angry, saying and doing much evil to them. Although Christians today might not have the same struggles, we also need to be ready to suffer as children of God. We have to say no to things that the world says are good. We have to give up some comforts in our service to the Lord. We have to be willing to be seen as “strange” by people of the world for having Sunday as a special day to worship, for serving God above worldly success and pleasure, for saying no to drinking parties, for not doing whatever feels good and for putting God and His commandments first in our lives. This can mean being left out or ignored at times by others and not enjoying things they do. It can mean seeing others having it all while we fight against being jealous. We can only suffer in this way when we see how Jesus suffered for us. Suggestion for prayer That we would trust in the great blessings we have as believers in Jesus Christ and so be willing to suffer as beloved children of God. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. 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

July 18 - Christ, our risen Lord and Saviour

"Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that He might bring us to God being put to death in the flesh but made alive i...

Daily devotional

July 17 - Setting apart Christ in our hearts

“In your hearts honour Christ the Lord as holy.” - 1 Peter 3:15 Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 3:13-17 In calling us to brotherly love, Peter ...

Daily devotional

July 16 - Showing we are God’s children

“Do not repay evil for evil or reviling for reviling, but on the contrary, bless, for to this you were called, that you may obtain a blessing.” - ...

Daily devotional

July 15 - Healthy relationship

“Wives be subject to your husbands . . . husbands live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honour to the women.” - 1 Peter 3:1 & ...

Daily devotional

July 14 - Following Jesus

“Christ also suffered for you, leaving you an example, so that you might follow in His steps.” - 1 Peter 2:21 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:18-25 Peter continues to show us how to conduct ourselves in front of unbelievers, telling us to be subject and respectful to masters. Most early Christians were slaves and many were not treated well. Often, Christians were given an especially hard time. Some masters tried to push their Christian slaves to give up the faith. As Christians then and today, it is hard to be kind, loving and submissive when treated badly by others, especially those in authority over us. Peter tells us that we are showing that God’s grace has changed us when we endure while suffering unjustly. When we endure suffering graciously while doing good, God is pleased. Then we are showing that the grace that He displayed to us is starting to live in us. We are called to live this kind of life. Jesus died for us so that we would follow His ways as His brothers and sisters, eager to do what pleases Him. Jesus was reviled and suffered greatly by those who killed Him, yet He said, “Father forgive them for they do not know what they are doing.” Jesus died on the cross to wash our sins away, to make us new people following His example to die to sin and live to righteousness. We are to show that His death on the cross has changed us; that we no longer live as the wicked world around us. We live a new way, by loving those who treat us badly, following our Saviour and Lord’s example. Suggestion for prayer To be more like Jesus in each area of our lives as we grow in our understanding of what He did for us. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. 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

July 13 - Governing authorities instituted by God

“Be subject for the Lord to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme or to governors as sent by Him.” - 1 Peter 2:13 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:9-17 & Romans 13:1-7 Peter continues the discussion on conducting ourselves so others would see our good deeds and glorify God. He now tells us that good deeds include being subject to all human institutions, even wicked emperors. Every human institution, Christian or not, has been instituted by God. We are called to believe that God uses all things for our good. Therefore, Peter tells us we need to submit to all rulers, even to the wicked emperors as in Peter’s time, trusting that God is using them to form and shape us as we subject ourselves to their authority as followers of Jesus Christ. In doing this, we will silence the ignorance of foolish people. When we subject ourselves to human institutions, even evil ones, and continue to show love to our neighbours, we will silence their false arguments against us. They will see the foolishness of their words and actions against us. It might not stop their wicked action, but it will show they are being foolish. In the early church, as Christians surrendered themselves to unjust punishments, they showed love and concern for even their persecutors. The result was that many hearts were changed. This is why Peter tells them and us, who are free in Christ, not to use this freedom as a cover-up to rebel against those in authority. Instead we are to live as servants of God, seeking to honour God’s name and His Kingdom. We are to do this by honouring everyone, loving the brotherhood of Christians, fearing God and honouring those in authority. Suggestion for prayer That we would be subject to all human institutions for our Lord and Saviour’s sake. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. 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

July 12 - Being a chosen race

“You are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for His own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you.” - 1 Peter 2:9 Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:9-12 & Exodus 19:1-6 Peter gives us a picture of our new reality as believers in Jesus Christ. We are part of a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people who belong to God. This privilege is ours, not because we come from a special family or because we are good at something that pleases God. This privilege is ours through faith in Jesus Christ. We are called to trust that, through Jesus Christ, we have been delivered from the kingdom of darkness into the kingdom of light. We are not only to believe in the wonderful news, but we are to talk of the greatness of our Lord Jesus so others would know our great and glorious God. Peter adds that we are to fight against the sinful passions of this world, demonstrating that we are part of the kingdom of heaven. In living this way, we will be witnesses to unbelievers. They will see our good deeds done in love for God and our neighbour. We are to love in this way, trusting that others will see that we live for the Lord with true hope and lasting comfort and then ask about our way of life. This will give us the opportunity to talk of our Lord and Savour with the hope they too would repent and believe in our Saviour and glorify God. This is what Peter means when he writes, “…so that when they speak against you as evildoers, they will see your good deeds and glorify God on the day of visitation.” Suggestion for prayer That we truly believe God calls us through faith in Jesus Christ and that we may show this to those around us. Pastor Richard Bultje is a missionary and pastor of the River of Life church plant in Niagara Falls Ontario. It is a church plant under the oversight of the Wellandport United Reformed Church. Pastor Richard and his wife, Yukyung moved to Niagara Falls in November 2012 with their three children, Calvin, Isaiah and Gloria. 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. ...

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

Equipping Christians to think, speak, and act

Get Articles Delivered!

Equipping Christians to think, speak, and act delivered direct to your Inbox!

Kids

Magazine

Past Articles

Book Reviews

Movie Reviews

Daily devotional

More of Reformed Perspective!

Newsletter

Real Talk

Manna

VOTC

About Us

Advertise

Contact Us

Shop our merch!

Search CATEGORY: Daily devotional

Daily devotional

January 27 - Jerusalem untroubled and immovable

Daily devotional

January 26 - Insolent people of obscure speech

Daily devotional

January 25 - Making all things new

Daily devotional

January 24 - As far as the eye can see

Daily devotional

January 23 - The King in his beauty

Daily devotional

January 22 - Impenetrable defense

Daily devotional

January 21 - Christ walks and speaks righteously

Daily devotional

January 20 - Who then is worthy?

Daily devotional

January 19 - Judgment at the household of God

Daily devotional

January 18 - Acknowledge God’s might

Daily devotional

January 17 - God is a consuming fire

Daily devotional

January 16 - Conceiving chaff

Daily devotional

January 15 – The Lord will arise

Daily devotional

January 14 - The Lord lifted up

Daily devotional

January 13 - Even the land mourns

Daily devotional

January 12 - The fear of man

Daily devotional

January 11 - In whom do you now trust?

Daily devotional

January 10 - The fear of the Lord: Christ’s treasure

Daily devotional

January 9 - Treasuring the fear of the Lord

Daily devotional

January 8 - The stability of your times

Daily devotional

January 7 - Christ’s justice and righteousness for Zion

Daily devotional

January 6 - The eminent and imminent Lord

Daily devotional

January 5 - Leaping locusts

Daily devotional

January 4 - Scattering the enemies

Daily devotional

January 3 - Our arm of salvation

Daily devotional

January 2 - Prayer against God’s enemies

Daily devotional

January 1 - Introduction to the fear of the Lord

Daily devotional

December 31 - Behold, the lamb of God!

Daily devotional

December 30 - John the Baptizer bears witness to the light