Daily devotional

February 10 - Did you take the time to help?

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

Daily devotional

February 9 - How good is your coat?

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

Daily devotional

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

Daily devotional

February 7 - Serving in the civil sphere?

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

Daily devotional

February 6 - Is it wrong to be rich?

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

Daily devotional

February 5 - Learning to rebuke for the glory of God

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

Daily devotional

February 4 - What if you lost everything you own?

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

Daily devotional

February 3 - God controls the hedge around you

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

Daily devotional

February 2 - What really makes you good?

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

Daily devotional

February 1 - Introduction to the book of Job

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

Daily devotional

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

Daily devotional

January 30 - Near to God

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

Daily devotional

January 29 - Yahweh’s new community

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

Daily devotional

January 28 - Join the pandemic of kingdom praise

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

Daily devotional

January 27 - At home with God

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

Daily devotional

January 26 - Your best life: seeking God

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

Daily devotional

January 25 - Bind the sacrifice

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

Daily devotional

January 24 - Jesus rules the world

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

Daily devotional

January 23 - What’s your story?

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

Daily devotional

January 22 - Proof of Yahweh’s love and faithfulness

Daily devotional

January 21 - Celebrate Yahweh’s love and faithfulness

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

January 18 - Is Yahweh still loving and faithful?

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

Daily devotional

January 17 - Celebrate Yahweh’s love and faithfulness!

Daily devotional

January 16 - Don't doubt God’s goodness

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

Daily devotional

January 15 - Give the King your justice!

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

Daily devotional

January 14 - Safety in Christ’s kingdom

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

Daily devotional

January 13 - The king’s repentance

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

Daily devotional

January 12 - Repent of wrong worship

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

Daily devotional

January 11 - The king and his bride

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

Daily devotional

January 10 - Waiting for God’s deliverance

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

Daily devotional

January 9 - The blessed destination

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

Daily devotional

January 8 - Sharing in Jesus joyful answer

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

Daily devotional

January 7 - Trust Jesus to hold you close

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

Daily devotional

January 6 - Praise of Yahweh’s kingdom rescue

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

Daily devotional

January 5 - The story of Yahweh’s rescue

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

Daily devotional

January 4 - When God answers… celebrate!

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

Daily devotional

January 3 - Exercise routine #1

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

January 1 - Introduction to the book of Psalms

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

Daily devotional

December 31 - Nearing the end

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

Daily devotional

December 30 - Assurance of victory

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

Daily devotional

December 29 - The beast from the earth

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

Daily devotional

December 28 - The beast from the sea

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

Daily devotional

December 27 - The persecuted church

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

Daily devotional

December 26 - The devil hurled to earth

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

Daily devotional

December 25 - Christmas opposition

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

Daily devotional

December 24 - Leading up to Christmas

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

Daily devotional

December 23 - The woman

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

Daily devotional

December 22 - The seventh trumpet

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

Daily devotional

December 21 - The two witnesses

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

Daily devotional

December 20 - The angel and the scroll

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

December 17 - The first four trumpets

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

Daily devotional

December 16 - The seventh seal

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

Daily devotional

December 15 - The great multitude

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

Daily devotional

December 14 - Sealed for salvation

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

Daily devotional

December 13 - The angry lamb

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

Daily devotional

December 12 - How long?

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

Daily devotional

December 11 - Jesus removing the seals - four horsemen

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

Daily devotional

December 10 - The end goal is praise and worship

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

Daily devotional

December 9 - Worthy is the Lamb

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

Daily devotional

December 8 - A closed book

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

Daily devotional

December 7 - Worthy of praise

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

Daily devotional

December 6 - Behold, a throne in heaven

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

Daily devotional

December 5 - Behold your King!

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

Daily devotional

December 4 - Jesus is coming!

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

Daily devotional

December 3 - Jesus gives grace and peace

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

Daily devotional

December 2 - Revealing what is taking place

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

Daily devotional

Introduction to the book of Revelation

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

Daily devotional

November 30 - The servants song

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

Daily devotional

November 29 - The far greater Saviour

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

Daily devotional

November 28 - Beautiful Saviour

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

Daily devotional

November 27 - The first step

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

Daily devotional

November 26 - Fireman’s carry

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

Daily devotional

November 25 - Tactical doubt

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

Daily devotional

November 24 - Missing out or mercy

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

Daily devotional

November 23 - How then shall we live?

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

Daily devotional

November 22 - A turning point

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

Daily devotional

November 21 - Division must occur

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

Daily devotional

November 20 - Did God really say?

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

Daily devotional

November 19 - The old, old story

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

Daily devotional

November 18 - The wolf’s name tag

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

Daily devotional

November 17 - Talking about judgment

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

Daily devotional

November 16 - Walking with Enoch

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

Daily devotional

November 15 - Foaming shame

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

Daily devotional

November 14 - Waterless clouds

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

Daily devotional

November 13 - Hidden reefs

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

Daily devotional

November 12 - Offended by offensiveness

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

Daily devotional

November 11 - Risky reasoning

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

Daily devotional

November 10 - The word of rebuke

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

Daily devotional

November 9 - Blasphemous dreams

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

Daily devotional

November 8 - Yes, God is still holy

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

Daily devotional

November 7 - Eternal Chains

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

Daily devotional

November 6 - The menu for slavery

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

Daily devotional

November 5 - Creeping in unnoticed

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

Daily devotional

November 4 - Contend for the faith

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

Daily devotional

November 3 - Mercy, peace and love

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

Daily devotional

November 2 - Those who are called

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

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to the letter of Jude

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

Daily devotional

October 31 - The grace of our Lord Jesus Christ

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

October 29 - True contentment in Christ

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

Daily devotional

October 28 - The great blessing of prayer

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

Daily devotional

October 27 - Our citizenship is in heaven

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

Daily devotional

October 26 - Pressing on toward the goal

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

Daily devotional

October 25 - Growing to know the Lord and his power

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

Daily devotional

October 24 - The excellence of knowing Christ

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

Daily devotional

October 23 - Holding fast the word of life

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

Daily devotional

October 22 - Shining as lights in the world

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

Daily devotional

October 21 - Work out your own salvation

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

Daily devotional

October 20 - The majestic glory of Christ

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

Daily devotional

October 19 - The amazing sacrifice of Christ

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

Daily devotional

October 18 - Having the mind of Christ

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

Daily devotional

October 17 - Live with lowliness of mind

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

Daily devotional

October 16 - The blessed unity of the church

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

Daily devotional

October 15 - Striving for like-mindedness

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

Daily devotional

October 14 - Suffering for Christ is a gracious gift

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

Daily devotional

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

Daily devotional

October 12 - The challenging of standing fast

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

Daily devotional

October 11 - Conduct befitting the gospel

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

Daily devotional

October 10 - Our progress and joy of faith

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

October 7 - Be sincere and without offence

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

Daily devotional

October 6 - Paul prays for a wise love

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

Daily devotional

October 5 - Paul prays for an abounding love

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

Daily devotional

October 4 - God faithfully completes his good work

Daily devotional

October 3 - Paul’s greeting to the church

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

Daily devotional

October 2 - Paul’s specific audience - saints!

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

Daily devotional

October 1 - Introduction to Paul

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

Daily devotional

September 30 - Salvation belongs to our God

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

Daily devotional

September 29 - A lesson on compassion

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

September 28 - Justice and mercy

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

Daily devotional

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

Daily devotional

September 25 - The gift of the prophet

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

Daily devotional

September 24 - The gift of the vine

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

Daily devotional

September 23 - A revelation of the heart

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

Daily devotional

September 22 - I knew that you are a gracious God

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

Daily devotional

September 21 - A relenting and responsive God

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

Daily devotional

September 20 - Roadblocks to repentance

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

Daily devotional

September 19 - A lesson on repentance

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

Daily devotional

September 18 - The power of God’s word

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

Daily devotional

September 17 - A new beginning

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

Daily devotional

September 16 - The Lord’s deliverance

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

Daily devotional

September 15 - Out of the depths

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

Daily devotional

September 14 - The wages of sin is death

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

Daily devotional

September 13 - The mercy of the pagans

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

Daily devotional

September 12 - Jonah’s testimony

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

Daily devotional

September 11 - What do you mean, you sleeper?

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

Daily devotional

September 10 - The finger of God

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

Daily devotional

September 9 - Jesus, the prophet better than Jonah

Daily devotional

September 8 - Running from God

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

Daily devotional

September 7 - Why did Jonah run?

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

Daily devotional

September 6 - Anywhere but Nineveh!

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

Daily devotional

September 5 - A storm warning

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

Daily devotional

September 4 - A surprising command

“Arise, go to Nineveh, that great city, and call out against it, for their evil has come up before me.” - Jonah 1:2 Scripture reading: Jonah 1:1-3 The Lord gives Jonah a surprising command. The Lord tells Jonah to leave his preaching post in his homeland of Israel, go to the influential, great city of Nineveh, and preach against it. He must give the Ninevites a warning that if they do not repent from their wickedness, God will judge them for their wickedness. The audience of Jonah’s message is surprising: Nineveh? Nineveh? The Lord cares about Nineveh? Nineveh was one of the greatest cities in the ancient world, located approximately six hundred miles northeast of Israel of what is now northern Iraq. It was the capital city of the Assyrian empire. But note this: Assyria had been and would become a terrifying superpower. They were the most brutal, oppressive and terrifying people in the ancient world. Their powerful army was manically arrogant and ruthlessly violent. The battle and torture tactics of the Assyrian army would instill unbelievable fear in their enemies. The prophet Nahum who prophesied against Nineveh approximately 100 years after Jonah depicted Nineveh as the embodiment and epitome of evil. Does the Lord care for Nineveh? We can appreciate why Jonah is startled by the command to go to Nineveh. But does this excuse Jonah to disobey the Lord? Suggestions for prayer Pray that we would be faithful in obeying the Lord in all his commands, especially the commands that are hard to obey. Pastor Jeremy Veldman is the co-pastor at Rehoboth United Reformed Church in Hamilton, Ontario, serving as Minister of Congregational Life. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 3 - A special calling

“Now the word of the Lord came to Jonah, son of Amittai.” - Jonah 1:1 Scripture Reading: Jonah 1:1-3 God’s word – His command, His will ...

Daily devotional

September 2 - A book of warning

“And the Lord said, “Do you do well to be angry?”” - Jonah 4:4 Scripture reading: Jonah 4:1-4 The book of Jonah is a book of encourage...

Daily devotional

September 1 - Introduction to Jonah

We will be looking at Jonah, the likely author of this book, who is a minor prophet, living in the eighth century B.C. during the reign of Jeroboam II...

Daily devotional

August 31 - Still sacred

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols.” - 1 John 5:21 Scripture reading: Jude 17-25 What a strange ending to a letter? After the st...

Daily devotional

August 30 - Still secure

“…and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” - 1 John 5:20b Scripture reading: 1 John 2:28-3:3 You might well be nervous and feel inadequate upon meeting what seems to be persuasive and sincere folk at your door. Just like, no doubt, the early Christians were with the Docetists of their time. Those people present themselves in such a nice way. Moreover, they very smoothly show how everything fits into their way. However, don’t forget Who Jesus Christ isn’t to them. What any serious study of Scripture will show is how much they take God’s Word the wrong way. Take, for example, the words of our text. We have that translation in the ESV, as you’ll find it in the NASB, the NIV, the KJV, and the NKJV, after years of careful, detailed and verified work, following the established grammatical rules. But the New World Translation, the Jehovah’s Witness version states: “And we are in union with the true one, by means of his Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and life everlasting.” Notice what happened? Certainly no centrality of Christ; instead, He becomes merely a way to the Father, not the Way. Naturally this leads to a salvation that can be earned, it’s what you have to do because Christ hasn’t done it all. What a bottomless pit that can never be filled. What a life without peace, until by faith they meet the Prince of Peace. Suggestions for prayer Pray for those caught up in the cults and our interaction with them; may we be kind and gentle, but clear on Who Jesus is. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - Still saved

“And we know that the Son of God has come and has given us understanding, so that we may know Him who is true…” - 1 John 5:20a Scripture reading: 1 John 5:6-12 Psalm 150 is a stirring climax to the book of Psalms. The collection of songs from Psalm 146 to 150, which so vividly describes the Lord’s peoples’ response to God, is brought to a triumphant close. The divine organist is there busy increasing the crescendo. The tremendous finale is brought near. Truly this is a fortissimo – a majestic, imposing and grandeur filled conclusion. The stops have all been pulled out! In a similar way, John comes to his concluding words. It is such a point of victory that all else is immediately overshadowed, especially those heretics who had been so zealous. While the phrase “we know that the Son of God has come” confirms what the Spirit has already written here, it is yet leading into something more. Not only did He die nearly two thousand years ago for our sin and rise victorious over the forces of evil, He is also reigning now. While He is the Saviour, He is just as much the Lord! God placed everything under Him for Him to be head over everything for the Church. How phenomenal that is! Such amazing love – that we are still saved, and so “we are in Him Who is true, in his Son Jesus Christ. He is the true God and eternal life.” Suggestions for prayer Thank God for sustaining and keeping us. Pray that more of His own will see His Son’s Lordship. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - Still a child of God

“We know that we are from God, and the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” - 1 John 5:19 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:7-14 Yesterday, there was that wonderful affirmation of what we are in Christ. We have been “born of God”. Within the family of faith, we know who we are and where we’re going. But we live with many who aren’t spiritually related to us. John describes them: “…the whole world lies in the power of the evil one.” It’s a terrible position to be in, but for those in it, there’s no awareness of the horror. In total ignorance they’re happy in the arms of Satan. Haven’t we experienced something similar in our lives, as when there’s something we aren’t aware of, we remain blissfully ignorant of it? If we know about it, though, we have the obligation to change for the better. As Christians, we do know better, for we have been born of God. Like the young children we are, we are sticking to our parents, because there we know we’re safe. Yet the unbeliever is lost. This grim, dark and sad world is the limit of his hope. We must pray for the unbeliever. If we’re so grateful for God’s grace, don’t we want that for our neighbour also? This is the neighbour that sees us going to church today. But does he see us doing that in true obedience today? Are we trying to be good children? Suggestions for prayer Pray for Christians gathering in worship today. But also pray for their neighbours that they will see genuine faith shown in doing that today. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - Yet, the sure promise

“We know that everyone who has been born of God does not keep on sinning, but he who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” - 1 John 5:18 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:13-21 “When all is said and done…” is a phrase used when we conclude matters. What we introduce with such a phrase is the substance of what we are saying. In the same way, our text begins John’s summing up. That’s why he commences this by affirming that our new birth has a permanent effect. Nothing is temporary about our faith. The phrase “does not keep on sinning” might distract us into thinking there is some super standard of holiness. But the key word is translated as “keep on”. It’s not that we won’t sin, but that sin does not have an ongoing hold over us. Rather than being hooked to the world, we’re hooked into God. His grace is the ever-present feature of our lives, as our text goes on to say, “He who was born of God protects him, and the evil one does not touch him.” In Christ’s victory, we are victorious. How much don’t the words of Answer 1 in the Heidelberg Catechism profess this? There the Church declares: “…I am not my own but belong – body and soul, in life and in death – to my faithful Saviour Jesus Christ.” What an assurance to begin the rounding off of a letter. Could we have it any better? Is there a higher calling – anywhere? Suggestions for prayer Praise God for his great love in sending His Son. Ask that we live every day proving what He has done. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 26 -They just took off!

“They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would have continued with us. But they went out, that it might bec...

Daily devotional

August 25 - Has the time come?

“…and as you have heard that antichrist is coming, so now many antichrists have come. Therefore we know that it is the last hour.” - 1 John 2:18...

Daily devotional

August 24 - Where did the time go?

“Children, it is the last hour…” - 1 John 2:18a Scripture reading: 2 Peter 3:10-15 Isn’t it true that one thing we always seem to be r...

Daily devotional

August 23 - He seemed so genuine!

“There is sin that leads to death; I do not say that one should pray for that.” - 1 John 5:16b Scripture reading: Acts 5:1-11 This is a si...

Daily devotional

August 22 - Our brother’s lifeline

“If anyone sees his brother committing a sin not leading to death, he shall ask, and God will give him life – to those who commit sins that do not lead to death.” - 1 John 5:16a Scripture reading: Galatians 5:22-6:5 ‘There are no strangers here – only friends we have yet to meet,’ is a saying that caught my eyes a while ago. I found it a strange quote and not always entirely true. But, now, I use it quite confidently in the Church. As those who share in a common faith commitment, we have no need to fear one another. Together we serve the Triune God – the Father Who in His Son, Jesus Christ, has made us perfectly able to stand before His awesome face and Who, through the Holy Spirit, makes that tremendous knowledge ours. We are in a relationship with God Himself. That’s why the power of prayer is so important. Prayer is the way in which we draw closer to God and to being open to His will. It’s also the way we are open with each other. This is why the believer “shall ask” when he’s sadly and devastatingly hit by the presence of sin in a fellow Christian’s life. It would be easy to be condemning, but that’s not said, only that you should pray and in this way God will give our brother or sister the true spiritual renewal they need. To be open to God is to open up a huge vein of blessing to those around. Suggestions for prayer Pray for someone you know needs revival; pray for God’s humbling; but also pray that you will be the way for He who is The Way. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - Synagogue to Satan

“Do not be surprised, brothers, that the world hates you.” - 1 John 3:13 Scripture reading: John 15:18-25 Something we can easily do with a Bible passage is to not think of the situation in which it was written. We read our verse above and understand it, naturally enough, to refer to everything which is unbelieving as being against the Church. What’s not so obvious, though, is that John is speaking specifically of just one group amongst all those unbelievers out there. From the Scripture reading and the title above, we have perhaps picked up who they are. We would know that the “world” here is those who have had God speak to them, and yet they rejected Him. They were like Cain, who should have known far better. Yet, he murdered his brother. And why did he murder his brother? That’s the question raised by the verse before our text. It answers it by stating his actions were evil while his brother’s were righteous. Cain belonged to the evil one, like the Jews verse 13 points to. They were those who ignored the truth of the Old Testament, which now had happened before their very eyes. They are so set against the Saviour, so much under the power of Satan, they won’t only throw Christians out of the Synagogue, but declare that killing them is serving God. Imagine, those so close to you can viciously turn against you. Even in the church! Suggestions for prayer: Pray for faithful teaching and ruling elders who look to the Lord alone. Ask God’s help to support and encourage them. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - Making happiness last forever

“And we are writing these things so that our joy may be complete.” - 1 John 1:4 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:2-9 You are sitting at the table, writing or typing that letter to a loved one. Now, as you are doing that, what do you find yourself writing? Aren’t they the interesting and important things in your life of late? And after a lapse of some time since those things happened, you must have remembered it, in order for you to write it down. It left an impression! Sadly, though, much of what leaves an impression is of an unhappy nature. Family crises, marriage breakdowns, terrible accidents and juicy gossip are what we can’t help but recall. To think of happy times is more difficult. Recalling that kind of memory goes through an extra layer of fog. John, however, so much wants to express an ongoing happiness. He declares that our lives are tied to eternity. That’s an assurance able to see us through all those struggles of the present. We are not on our own – our “joy” tells us of our place within a fellowship. We are joined to God and our fellow believers. Although perfect joy isn’t possible in this world of sin and so perfect fellowship isn’t here yet, we do so much look forward to that time of our joy being made complete. Tied to God’s eternity is the only sure safety rope! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for knowing where you are going. Ask Him to now live in the light of that glory. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - With our love we are loved

“No one has ever seen God; if we love one another, God abides in us and his love is perfected in us.” - 1 John 4:12 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:13-21 A great struggle for many Christians over the centuries has been in relation to the assurance of their faith. They wonder how they can know they are truly saved. In order to prove their faith, some have turned to doing extreme things. So extreme, they have made a mockery of the very faith for which they wanted assurance. We don’t need to do or feel anything extraordinary to “prove” our faith. The test for the genuineness of our faith is quite simple: “If we love one another, God abides in us…” This is something so simple, you might have to read it again. It says that in our everyday relationships, we have our faith confirmed. This is where “love” is so vital. The Greek word for this is ‘agape’ – a type of love beyond sexual attraction and even deeper than our best friendships. This is the love shown perfectly in the doing and dying of our Lord Jesus Christ. As we love each other in this selfless way in which He loves us, God is living in us. Note the end phrase: “…and His love is perfected in us.” God is working toward our perfection. He is doing it and sooner than we think, we’ll be spotless in God’s presence. Imagine that: In our lives right now, He’s preparing us for that great event! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for all He’s done and is doing in us. Thank Him it’s not up to us, we only have to rest in Christ’s finished work. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 18 - Still shining?

“Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another.” - 1 John 4:11 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:7-12 We have touched upon what...

Daily devotional

August 17 - May the real force be with you!

“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” - 1 John 3:18 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:11-20 We are never ...

Daily devotional

August 16 - No limit!

“He is the propitiation for our sins, and not for ours only but also for the sins of the whole world.” - 1 John 2:2 Scripture reading: 1 John...

Daily devotional

August 15 - The cook behind the meal

“Whoever makes a practice of sinning is of the devil, for the devil has been sinning from the beginning.” - 1 John 3:8a Scripture reading: 1 ...

Daily devotional

August 14 - The way we eat

“For all that is in the world – the desires of the flesh and the desires of the eyes and pride of life – is not from the Father but is from the world.” - 1 John 2:16 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:15-17 I’m sure our parents at times corrected our eating habits. They would direct us to sit up straight, not to talk with our mouth full, or show us how to use our knives and forks correctly. They didn’t want us to develop the wrong habits. Likewise, it’s something we have to be careful to also do spiritually. Our text shows such an instance of getting caught up in the wrong thing. Alas, before you know it, you’re well and truly caught up in sin’s slide. Back in Paradise, before man’s fall into sin, his will reflected God’s will. They were in harmony together. Unfortunately, something tragic happened – that fall into sin. Now what we want, couldn’t be more the opposite of what there had been before. In our text John describes what our natural will is now – the desires of the flesh and the eyes and of pride. Genesis 3 tells of this through Eve being tempted. She craved for what was wrong. And then she lusted for it. Then she boasted about it. She thought she could be like God. How much don’t we have to turn from this world and turn to the God above it! And, indeed, that is what we do today as we worship the Triune God through the Son Who came to this world and turned our natural diets upside down! Suggestions for prayer Ask God that today we eat the right food spiritually in hearing His Word and that in this way we may this way be strengthened to keep away from the wrong food. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - An unfulfilling meal

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.” - 1 John 4:1 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:19-4:3 Doesn’t our modern world seem like a huge smorgasbord? There, laid out before us, is a vast array of all kinds of different opinions, philosophies, religions, political persuasions, moral choices and material comforts. You can see this vividly shown in our society’s children being treated quite differently by parents who are either rich or poor, strict or soft. With such diversity does anything in particular really matter? Yes, it does! There is a direction that is true. The difficulty, though, is in being able to discern that direction when so many all around us, including Christians, are swept along with this tsunami of non-judgmentalism. It takes effort to discern between right and wrong. How much don’t we need the help of God’s Spirit through His Word? “Don’t believe every spirit” our text warns. This is because there are “many false prophets” who are more than happy to guide us on the way to our own self-fulfilment, which naturally suits them. It is not a meal that satisfies. It is just a diet of junk food which creates the desire to keep on eating and eating, but which doesn’t actually give you what you need. And look at who's table you’re eating from then? Suggestions for prayer Pray for a discerning spirit that God may be glorified and the Church guarded. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - A luring away

“Little children, let no one deceive you. Whoever practices righteousness is righteous, as He is righteous.” - 1 John 3:7 Scripture reading: Hebrews 5:11-6:12 Once upon a time, an Arab camel-driver was asleep in his tent in the desert on a bitterly cold night. In the middle of the night, he awoke to find the camel’s nose beneath the flap. He thought to complain, but there was so little he left it. He woke up later to find the camel’s whole head and long neck in the tent. The Arab was going to protest, but the camel spoke saying how cold it was outside and he wouldn’t come in any further. The man dropped off to sleep again. But a third time he was awoken with the camel’s front legs and hump now in the tent. As he was about to jump up and drive it out, the camel spoke again. He was emphatic, not a single square inch further would he come in. And anyway it was warmer with both inside. The Arab was so lazy and, although worried, fell asleep again. Yet soon, he awoke with a cry of terror. The heavy weight of the animal was on top of him. Then the camel replied, “If it's room you want there’s plenty outside – get out!” This is what sin does to Jesus’ work in our lives. It pushes Him out and the devil slips in. You could almost say it was without knowing. But you did know, didn’t you? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to cut off sin straight away. Ask him to make Jesus fill you more every day. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - Between the flags!

“But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.” - 1 John 1:7 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:5-10 A quick study of Christianity in the first century shows us their lot was not an easy one. If we can become bogged down by our worries and concerns, what would it have been like for them? If our society has become drawn into an immoral and free-for-all morass, theirs was even worse. In fact, some of what was then common practice would shock even the most hardened to the core! Yet, those early Christians lived amongst it all. And because of the danger the world then posed, the Lord responds through such messages as John’s letters. The call goes out, “walk in the light”. Therefore believer, keep yourself away from the world – avoid any hint of sin! Or to put it in contemporary terminology, “Keep between the flags!” You see, we know that when we are at the beach, we are safest between the flags the lifesavers have put out to show where they’re patrolling. It’s in this secured environment that we have the right conditions for enjoyment. How much doesn’t that flow into the spiritual, so that within God’s commands we have true joy and growth in the faith? Then we are truly blessed. Suggestions for Prayer: Pray for the Holy Spirit to keep you in the right place. Thank God for the blessings you receive keeping to His way. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 10 - And keep on growing

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9 Scripture r...

Daily devotional

August 9 - The first word

“…that which we have seen and heard we proclaim also to you, so that you may have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father...

Daily devotional

August 8 - Living under the light

“…whoever loves has been born of God and knows God.” - 1 John 4:7b Scripture reading: John 3:1-18 I’m sure that at some point you have...

Daily devotional

August 7 - Beyond myself

“I am writing to you, little children, because your sins are forgiven for His name’s sake.” - 1 John 2:12 Scripture reading: Acts 2:29-41 ...

Daily devotional

August 6 - An honest beginning

“If we say we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth is not in us.” - 1 John 1:8 Scripture reading: Psalm 51:1-12 Isn’t it true that the hardest part of a task is in its beginning? To start a project requires determination, creativity and a sense of vision. We very much need to know within ourselves that what we’re doing has value. Think of children trying to build a sand castle. How many won’t give up having failed to learn about compacting sand? The foundation proves to be the most difficult part. This especially applies to our position before God. To truly grow in this most blessed of all relationships requires a constant confession of those things that disrupt this communion. Again and again, we need to deal with those obstacles. And here we need to be so prayerfully careful. Ever since the fall into sin there has been that force at work in our own nature which fights against God. Like David, we need to prostrate ourselves time and again before the all-glorious and all-holy God. We have to be taught never to take anything for granted. We must constantly examine ourselves under the light of God’s Word. And we do that looking to him in prayer, laying every day before him. That makes the difference to every day! Suggestions for prayer Plead for God’s forgiveness for not looking to him and thus giving way to our own nature. Ask him for the ability to forgive others, also. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - A witness

“…the life was made manifest, and we have seen it, and testify to it and proclaim to you the eternal life, which was with the Father and was made manifest to us…” - 1 John 1:2 Scripture reading: John 1:19-34 Imagine this situation: You have a very valuable piece of information to give a friend. As you speak with your friend, you extol the virtues of this knowledge. Yet you feel within yourself that this positive message still lacks something. So you’re wondering what could be a really strong way of convincing your friend. Now, put yourself in your friend’s shoes. What would he need to confirm that this new information is important? He is looking very closely at you. He is seeing if it is important to you. He doesn’t want you to sell him something in which you yourself don’t believe. What better way then, of convincing your friend than if you have personally experienced this important knowledge? It is not something you have read or heard third hand, but your own eyewitness account of it. It is so important to you. The apostle John was communicating the most essential of all knowledge to the churches. This was most definitely life-changing. Therefore, what more convincing argument could he make than to say he was an eyewitness. He has seen it, he declares. And not only “he”, but “we”. There are others who witness to the same. This is absolutely real! Suggestions for prayer Pray for God’s strength and guidance to be a witness for him wherever he places you, and so prove Jesus is alive in what you do. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - The love personified

“That which was from the beginning, which we have heard, which we have seen with our eyes, which we have looked upon and have touched with our hands, concerning the word of life…” - 1 John 1:1 Scripture reading: John 1:1-14 For God to create this immense world is a grand act. This is something we can truly wonder at as we consider His personal design all around us. And all this was planned long ago! Before Adam and Eve, before Satan and his cohorts thought to be like God, - indeed, way back in time immemorial, this fact has struck John. Yet, how could it? How was it possible for this man, of such a limited lifespan, to have experienced what the Almighty and Everlasting God had been working out over all time? Here we come to the heart of the Gospel. The fulfilment, which the Old Testament had so strongly pointed toward, had in John’s own lifetime, sprung forth within our small planet. Yes, Christ Jesus, Son of God, had joined Himself with humanity in a mystery beyond comprehension! Rather than the wise teacher wandering about Palestine two millennia ago, Jesus was and is God, and so is the Word of God. That’s why to truly know God’s Word in Scripture is to have met the Living Word by faith. Faith sees that “the Word became flesh and dwelt among us” and so we can truly declare with John, “We have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” Suggestions for prayer Praise God for sending His Son to be born, live, minister, suffer, die and rise again. Thank Him that we like John witness to this. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 - How great is the love!

“See what kind of love the Father has given to us, that we should be called children of God; and so we are.” - 1 John 3:1 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:1-4 I’m guessing you have experienced a scenic area of tremendous grandeur. It might have been the Grand Canyon, Milford Sound in New Zealand’s south-west, the Twelve Apostles on Australia’s Victorian coast, or the Niagara Falls. Yes, we had our idea of how awe-inspiring it would be before we got there. But to be actually there - to see it in person! Then our senses become flooded by the enormity of it all. A whole range of individual reactions take place – some feel fear of heights, others their own insignificance and still others the inspiration of nature. This realization strikes John spiritually. In the midst of a deeply pastoral letter there springs from his heart this doxology of praise. Indeed, he shows where he stands with God. In amongst the normality, there lies the enormity! Like John, have you had that happen to you? And also like Paul, who exclaims after being convicted by God’s teaching through him: “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his ways! … For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever” (Romans 11:33, 36). Dear believer, surely you too must sing out your “Amen” with the apostles! Yes, how great is the love the Father has lavished on us, that we should be called children of God!” Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the greatness and graciousness of Who He is and the gratefulness that it brings out in you. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. 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 2 - My little children

"Little children, you are from God and have overcome them, for He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." - 1 John 4:4 Scripture r...

Daily devotional

August 1 - Introduction to John

John the Apostle was reputedly the only disciple not to be martyred for the faith, aside, naturally, from Judas Iscariot. However, while he did not pa...

Daily devotional

July 31 - Time and purpose

“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under the heaven.” - Ecclesiastes 3:1 Scripture reading: Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 We ...

Daily devotional

July 30 - Food

“He that tilleth his land shall have plenty of bread: but he that followeth after vain persons shall have poverty enough.” - Proverbs 28:19 S...

Daily devotional

July 29 - Bad influences

“Do not be envious of evil men, nor desire to be with them; for their heart devises violence, and their lips talk of troublemaking.” - Proverbs 24:1,2 Scripture reading: Proverbs 24:1-9 This proverb is concerned about the company we keep and makes its warning very clear. Have no desire for or delight in evil company. It is very dangerous for your faith which is why 2 Corinthians 6:14 inquires, “What fellowship has righteousness with lawlessness?” For one thing, the hearts of evil people are always planning to pursue some manner of iniquity. They happily turn to violence or any number of violations of God’s law. This is their way of life. In addition their lips talk about the evil that abides in their hearts. They make a habit of talking about troublemaking or the other evils they plan to carry out. They advertise their folly. All of this has a bad influence on believers. In Psalm 73 the psalmist confesses that he was envious when he considered the prosperity of the wicked. He admits he almost slipped and fell from his standing in the faith. 1 Corinthians 15:33 simply tells us, “Evil company corrupts good habits.” Don’t let it happen to you. We can learn from our psalmist friend who almost fell. At that point, he says that he went into “the sanctuary of God.” There the ways of God and His righteousness were brought back to his understanding and he realized God was all he desired. Ever keep the truths of God’s word in your mind and heart. “Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth” (Colossians 3:2). “Keep yourselves in the love of God” (Jude 21). Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help us hide His word in our hearts so that we might not sin against Him. Rev. James Reaves served his last congregation, Grace Reformed Church (URCNA), in Kelowna, BC. He retired in 2014 after fifty years of ordained ministry. 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 - Train up a child

“Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” - Proverbs 22:6 Scripture reading: Proverbs 22:6-12 There are only two pathways through this world, God’s way and the devil’s way, otherwise called the narrow way and the broad way. The training your child is given will greatly influence the way he or she takes. What more important task does a parent have? Complicating the task is the truth that we are all born with a sinful nature that inclines the child to take the wrong path. Disobedience will need correction early. May God grant you wisdom to do it in a firm and gentle manner. Homes having a Christian father and mother have a strong influence. How the parents live in the home will be the model conveyed to the child’s developing mind. Blessed is the child that has such parents. Daily family worship not only glorifies God, but profoundly influences the child. My father faithfully leading our family worship, is one of my earliest impressions and memories of Christian faith. No child should be deprived of that blessing. The child must learn the truths of the Christian faith. Reading Bible stories early gets Bible knowledge into the growing and developing mind. The earnest teaching of the Heidelberg Catechism is a marvellous means of training our children. Do not neglect it. And see that they get a Christian education either at home or in a Christian school. May God bless your efforts richly in this vital and important task. And be sure to claim the promise of the proverb by faith. “And when he is old he will not depart from it.” Suggestions for prayer Ask God to bless the training in our homes and root the hearts of our children deeply in Christ. Rev. James Reaves served his last congregation, Grace Reformed Church (URCNA), in Kelowna, BC. He retired in 2014 after fifty years of ordained ministry. 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 - A good name

“A good name is to be chosen rather than great riches, loving favour rather than silver and gold.” - Proverbs 22:1, 2 Scripture reading: Proverbs 22:1-5 Our proverb today teaches that a good name is of great worth. Seeking a good name should be a top priority in all our lives. Here are some Biblical directions on how to do it. Seek a good name with God first. We read of both Samuel and Jesus that they increased in favour with God and men (Luke 2:52). The order is important. Seek favour with God before with men. Have faith in God and in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 11:6 tells us, “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” The renewal of heart and life required comes with faith in Jesus. Keep the ten commandments as a way of giving thanks to God for renewing your heart. This is pleasing to God and works to establish your good name. Commandment breakers never deserve a good name. Last but not least, learn to serve God and others. Psalm 100:2 tells us to, “Serve the LORD with gladness.” Jesus tells us that He “did not come to be served, but to serve.” To be like Jesus we need to serve others. Serving is how Jesus received a good name. Philippians 2:7-9 tells us that Jesus, “taking the form of a servant, and coming in the likeness of men… humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death… Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.” Serving God and one another is the way to seek a good name. Suggestions for prayer Ask for humility and readiness to serve God and one another. Rev. James Reaves served his last congregation, Grace Reformed Church (URCNA), in Kelowna, BC. He retired in 2014 after fifty years of ordained ministry. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

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Search CATEGORY: Daily devotional

Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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Daily devotional

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