Daily devotional

December 26 - The river of life

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of th...

Daily devotional

December 25 - Christ, the light of the world

“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:23 Sc...

Daily devotional

December 24 - A view of the city #2

“And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:22 Scripture reading: Revelation...

Daily devotional

December 23 - A view of the city #1

“ showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jas...

Daily devotional

December 22 - The vision of the bride

“Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:9b Scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-27 When the Queen of Sheba came to see Solomon, she found that the reality of his splendour was far beyond anything she had been told. What we are going to see about the bride, also called the New Jerusalem, is shown in ways we can understand, but when we get to heaven itself, we shall agree with the Queen of Sheba, saying that the half has not been told to us. There will be blessings such as no eye has seen, no ear has heard, nor man has ever imagined. The angel who shows John the vision is one who had a bowl of the seven last plagues. This connects us with what took place in Revelation 15-16, but here in contrast. There John had seen the vision of the great prostitute, who sought to allure us from Christ as if she had something more worthwhile to offer. But she led to death. Now we see the Lamb’s wife. Her glory is in sharp contrast to the prostitute’s doom. John was brought into the wilderness to see the prostitute, but here is brought to a high mountain. And as the Harlot was a picture of Babylon, the city of man in rebellion against God, the bride here is Jerusalem, the city where God dwells with His people, His church. We will see spiritual things in symbolic, physical ways, to help us understand the spiritual beauty and glory that awaits. This is crucial to understand as we look at the New Jerusalem. Suggestions for prayer Ask for the Spirit’s guidance as we begin to look at the New Jerusalem. This Christmas season we can be easily distracted by other things, but need help to focus on what is true and eternal. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 21 - Trustworthy and true words

“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without payment. The one who conquers will have this heritage, and I will be his God and he will be my son.” - Revelation 21:6-7 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-8 The Apostle Peter says that the inheritance of believers is incorruptible, undefiled and unfading, kept in heaven for us (1 Peter 1:4). By God’s power believers are guarded through faith for a salvation that will be revealed in the last time. This is trustworthy and true. When Christ returns, we will have a place in the New Heavens and Earth, in the New Jerusalem, a place of eternal blessing with Jesus. This is so certain that in verse 6, we read that it is accomplished! These are the words of God, the One on the throne, Who is the beginning and the end, The Alpha and the Omega. Jesus is faithful and true. He was before all things, made all things, and all things exist for Him. In Him, all things have their purpose. He is the sovereign Lord through Whom and for Whom and unto Whom are all things. So what He says is reliable and trustworthy! Notice, however, what is trustworthy and true. Those who seek after God, who are faithful unto the end will enjoy this inheritance. But for unbelievers, those who live for themselves and this world as it is under the curse, their portion will be in the lake of fire and sulphur, that is, eternal death! Those who thirst for Christ and rest in peace in Him are freely given the water of eternal life. “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied”(Matthew 5:6). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His words revealed in this vision, for they are trustworthy and true. Pray for the day when you shall see Christ face to face and be like Him since you shall see Him as He is. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 20 - The new heavens and the new earth II

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” - Revelation 21:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-8 What will the new heavens and earth be like? We are not told much. That there is no sea is a picture meaning no more turmoil of the nations. It will be a place of peace with God and each other. God will wipe away every tear from our eyes, and there will be no more death or mourning or crying, for the old things have passed away (not to be remembered; Isaiah 65:17). Everything will be made new. The creation will be refined by fire, as it once was by water. Out of the great cleansing fire emerges a whole new earth, reshaped in righteousness and purity; the same earth, but gloriously reshaped with no evidence of the curse. Even our bodies will be renewed like Christ’s glorious body. Everything will be in harmony under Christ. Ephesians 1:9ff says He will, when the times will have reached their fulfillment “unite all things in Him, things in heaven and things on earth.” This echoes Colossians 1:19-20, “For in Him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through Him to reconcile all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of the cross.” The sufferings of this present age are not worth comparing with the glory to be revealed in us. Of this glory 1 Corinthians 2:9 says, “No eye has seen, nor ear heard, nor the heart of man imagined, what God has prepared for those who love Him.” What a glorious hope. Lord Jesus, come quickly! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the hope we have in Christ. Pray for the Spirit to prepare us for the day of His glorious return. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 19 - The new heavens and the new earth I

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” - Revelation 21:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-8 In the book of Genesis we see the devil’s deceit, but here in Revelation we see him thrown into the lake of burning sulphur. Genesis shows man hiding from God, while Revelation shows man restored to fellowship with God. “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people and God himself will be with them and be their God.” Here the theme of Revelation comes to light. God has faithfully delivered the salvation He promised in the garden. Christ has crushed the serpent’s head. Christ triumphs and we are delivered from the curse and enter a renewed heavens and earth. Hallelujah! In Isaiah 65:17 God said, “Behold I will create new heavens and a new earth. The former things will not be remembered, nor will they come to mind.” 2 Peter 3:13 says, “But according to his promise we are waiting for a new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” John here sees, in a vision, this happening. As Jesus says, “I make everything new.” What a blessing it will be. As Isaiah 66:22-23 says, “For as the new heavens and the new earth that I make shall remain before me … so shall your offspring and your name remain … all flesh shall come to worship before me, declares the Lord.” What a marvellous hope we have. All things shall be made new, and the former things (sins) shall not be remembered (Isaiah 65:15). Suggestions for prayer Pray that Jesus may come quickly. How we long for the day when sin shall be no more, and all things shall be made new, and we will have perfect fellowship with our Savior and Lord. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 18 - Day of judgement

“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it … And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were op...

Daily devotional

December 17 - The destruction of Satan

“…the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be torme...

Daily devotional

December 16 - The victorious in Christ

“Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection.” - Revelation 20:6 Scripture reading: Revelation 20: 4-6 Now John sees ...

Daily devotional

December 15 - The binding of Satan

“Then I saw an angel coming down from heaven, holding in his hands the key to the bottomless pit and a great chain. And he seized the dragon, th...

Daily devotional

December 14 - The great feast

“Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God.”” - Revelation 19:17 Scripture reading: Revelation 19:11-21 Christ is coming to meet all who are opposed to Him. He is going to tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty. All His enemies have gathered to defeat Him and those with Him. But the angel calls the birds of heaven to come feast on the bodies of the mighty men, as well as all men, both slave and free, small and great. Any who follow the devil and his minions will be defeated! Thus we read in verse 20 that the beast was captured as well as the false prophet who had deceived so many. Here is the fulfillment of Isaiah 63:1-3: “Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments. “It is I, speaking in righteousness, mighty to save.” Why is your apparel red…? “I have trodden the winepress alone … in my anger…; their lifeblood splattered on my garments…” Notice that He defeats His enemies by the sword of His mouth, His Word. His Word is not just ancient writings, but the very power of God unto salvation for all who believe, and death for His enemies. As II Thessalonians 2:8 says, “Then the lawless one will be revealed, whom the Lord Jesus will kill with the breath of his mouth.” We must hold fast to the word of Truth. God’s Word always accomplishes what He intends. We who ride with Him will share in the victory. The beast and the false prophet are destroyed. They are thrown into the lake of fire. Believe the Word. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the assurance that all worldly power and those who proclaim lies will be destroyed, as well as those who serve them. Pray for the Spirit that we may faithfully follow Jesus, Whose word provides life for all who believe. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 13 - The rider on the white horse

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.” - Revelation 19:11 Scripture reading: Revelation 19:11-21 The groom stands in front of the church, anticipating the moment the doors of the church swing open and he sees his bride. And the bride anticipates seeing her groom waiting for her. We anticipate seeing Christ coming, but as heaven opens, we see Him dressed as a warrior, crowned, yet His robes dipped in blood. Behind Him is a whole army, but they are white and pure on their white horses. This is because Christ is the One Who fights our battles and defeats our enemies. He is the word of God that fells our enemies. He is the King of kings and Lord of lords. In the order of Revelation, the prostitute is destroyed. But before we see the final victory the Spirit reassures us of the destruction of the two beasts, the antichrist and the false prophet, and the dragon. He takes us back briefly to the last battle of Armageddon, when all the world is posed to destroy the church. We anticipate the wedding feast, but first must come a feast of a different sort! Jesus is coming in victorious judgment to make all things new. He does not come with vicious bloodlust, but with justice, as Psalm 96:13 says. No sin goes unpunished, no one will be judged too harshly. Notice His eyes, like a flame of fire. Nothing is hidden from Him. As Revelation 2:23 says, He “searches out mind and heart” and will “give to each as their works deserve.” Suggestions for prayer Ask God for patience as we long for the day of Christ’s appearance as the victorious Lord. Yet ask Him to come, defeat His enemies, establish His Kingdom, and take us home. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 12 - The marriage supper of the Lamb

“And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.”” - Revelation 19:9 Scripture reading: Revelation 19:6-10 The word Hallelujah is often used in music and movies to portray ecstasy. But here in Revelation 19 our hearts soar with the fall of the prostitute and the victory of Jesus, and all believers join in the majestic Hallelujah chorus. Yet, there is further reason to praise God, for we have longed not only for the defeat of our enemies, but for everything to be in submission to God. “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God, the Almighty reigns.” Further we rejoice “…and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come and the Bride has made herself ready – it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure.” All because we are clothed in the righteousness of Christ! Oh, how blessed are those who are invited to the wedding feast of the Lamb. Yes, the church is now the bride. From heaven He came and sought us to be His holy bride; with His own blood He bought us and for our life He died. In anticipation we ready ourselves. How blessed we are, for we do not share in the curse of the prostitute, but rather an eternity with our God. The angel reminds us that “these are the true words of God.” Let us not grow weary, but encourage each other as the day of the Lord draws near. Let us be faithful in our worship of God, for His promises are true and our union with Him is certain. Suggestions for prayer Pray for faith to believe the word, the testimony of our Lord and the spirit of prophecy. Pray for strength to live in anticipation, always ready for the wedding feast of the Lamb. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 11 - Rejoicing in heaven

“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God for his judgments are true and just, for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his saints.” - Revelation 19:1b-2 Scripture reading: Revelation 19:1-5 The word Hallelujah is used only four times in the New Testament, all in this chapter. It means, “Praise the Lord.” It is sung three times over the destruction of Babylon and once over the marriage feast! In response to the destruction of Babylon, John hears the roar of multitude shouting Hallelujah! This is the response of the Church Triumphant. They are rejoicing because of God’s salvation, power and justice. God promised salvation in the Garden and here at the end it comes – all praise and glory belongs to our God. “Hallelujah, the smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” This is perfectly just. God said that those who seek this life will lose it, while those who are willing to lose this life for Christ’s sake, will find it. God is being perfectly true to His promises. And never again shall rebellion and sin arise. Nothing on earth or in heaven shall again detract from God’s glory. Salvation will be complete and eternal. We see the 24 elders, representing the church of all ages, and the four living creatures worshipping God and saying, “Hallelujah!” And from the throne a voice cries out, “Praise God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” Here we are called to praise God, for sin shall be destroyed and we will live in a new heavens and earth. What a glorious day that will be when Jesus comes to judge the world in righteousness. Let us make ourselves pure for that day. Suggestions for prayer Give God praise and glory for His great plan of salvation that He is working out in time. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 10 - The fall of Babylon

“Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great!” - Revelation 18:2 Scripture reading: Revelation 18:1-24 As fascinating and wonderful as our civiliz...

Daily devotional

December 9 - The beast with seven heads

“I will tell you the mystery … of the beast with seven heads and ten horns that carries her.” - Revelation 17:4 Scripture reading: Revelation...

Daily devotional

December 8 - The great prostitute and the beast #2

Daily devotional

December 7 - The great prostitute and the beast #1

Daily devotional

December 6 - The final three bowls

“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” - Revelation 16:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 16:10-21 Many insist on believing the lie instead of the truth. God sends messengers or disasters to call them to repentance, but they refuse to repent. Such people will suffer God’s wrath. In the fifth bowl, the great deceiver and his followers face eternal judgment. All his followers will be plunged into deep spiritual darkness. They will be in anguish and distress, but not repent, like Pharaoh in Egypt. Many are taken in by the pleasures of this life, yet do not find lasting joy and peace, but rather agony and anguish. For this they will curse God. The sixth bowl pictures a way made for the enemies of the church to attack her. It is a picture of the forces of the antichrist gathering for the great battle of the last day. The Old Testament speaks of the great terrible day of the Lord (Joel 2:11) when God will gather the nations together for final judgment (Joel 3:2). Here they think they are going to destroy the church, but God will destroy them. The seventh bowl introduces us to the final day of judgment. A voice from heaven cries, “It is done!” Here is a picture of the final defeat of the kingdom of the evil one, which will be expanded on later in the next chapters. God will use all creation to accomplish His purposes. Though this world with devils filled should threaten to undo us, rejoice! Jesus is coming to judge the world in righteousness. Suggestions for prayer Since you long for the day when all things shall be made new, pray that God may come quickly. But until then pray that we may be used to call all to repentance before the day of final and complete darkness. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 5 - The first four bowls

“Then I heard a loud voice from the temple telling the seven angels, “Go and pour out on the earth the seven bowls of the wrath of God.” - Revelation 16:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 16:1-9 All creation speaks of God, and the gospel goes forth daily throughout the world. Yet, many suppress the truth and refuse to believe God and His Christ, or listen to the Spirit. God sends tragedies and disasters as warning calls to all men to repent. Yet, for many these disasters are final judgments, since they refuse to repent, but harden their hearts against God. In the bowls, we see similar judgments as in the trumpets (Chapters 8-9), yet with intensification. The seals spoke of 25 % destruction, the trumpets of 33%, but here the bowls speak of total destruction. The earlier series are calls to repentance. The bowls are not a completely different series of events, but similar events seen from a different perspective, namely, how for the unrepentant these disasters are the point of no return. Here we see the effect of disasters on those who, suppressing the truth and hardened in sin, are facing their final judgment. The second, third and fourth bowl are disasters on the sea, lakes and rivers, and sun. These disasters are total in the sense that they lead not to repentance, but are judgments on those who curse the name of God, and do not repent and give glory to God. Therefore, the angel in charge of the waters sings in verses 5-7 of the justice of what God is doing here. God in His mercy gives us this vision, calling us to repent and believe while we can before some disaster comes and it is too late. Suggestions for prayer While God sends warning judgments calling all men to repentance through various trials and disasters, pray that God gives us true repentance and faith, that we may always be ready when He calls. Pray that the nations may not harden their hearts on the day of trouble. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 4 - Seven angels coming with final plagues

“Then I saw another sign in heaven, great and amazing, seven angels with seven great plagues, which are the last, for with them the wrath of God is finished.” - Revelation 15:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 15:1-8 In Revelation 14, we were given three pictures calling us to endure in the faith. God, in Revelation 15:2-4, assures us of victory. But the end is not yet. The wrath of God is not yet complete! John sees a great and amazing sign. The last time this phrase is used was when the great dragon began his war against the church, calling the two beasts to help. Now we see a great and amazing vision of the final wrath of God to be poured out. Seven angels stand with the last judgments. In Revelation 8-11, we see how throughout history, God has sent warning judgments calling all to repentance and faith. In this chapter we see judgment on those who refuse to repent. The seven angels are ready to do their work. They come from the sanctuary, that is, from the presence of God. The clothing of the angels signifies they come with royal authority, with divine justice. They receive bowls of wrath from one of the four living creatures around the throne. These bowls were full of incense in chapter 5, representing the prayers of God people. Here in response to our prayers of “Thy Kingdom Come” the angels are given bowls full of wrath. God, in His glory (the temple is filled with his glory), gives many warnings for all to flee from the wrath to come. Today is the time to repent and put our trust in Jesus for salvation. Do not harden your heart like those in this chapter. Suggestions for prayer Amid the trials and disasters that come in this life, thank God that He hears our prayers, and though many refuse to repent, praise Him for His mercy in Christ for those who repent and trust in Him. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 3 - Reason for optimism

“And I saw what appeared to be a sea of glass mingled with fire – and also those who had conquered the beast and its image and the number of its name standing beside the sea of glass with harps in their hands.” - Revelation 15:2 Scripture reading: Revelation 15:1-8 After the vision of judgment in chapter 14, we are given another sign in heaven, seven angels with seven plagues who will finish the wrath of God. Then John sees what looks like a sea of glass mixed with fire. In Revelation 4, the sea was like glass clear as crystal, under and before the throne, but in this vision, it is mixed with fire. God, in His radiant glory, shows perfect anger over wickedness. Standing beside the sea are those who are victorious in the spiritual warfare. They have been faithful in trial, trusting the gospel promises, willing to give up all for Christ. Here they hold harps given by God to enable them to rejoice. As Israel sang after passing through the Red Sea, here the saints sing a song echoing that of Moses, but speaking of the redemption of Christ. Each phrase echoes rich Old Testament truth. Great and amazing are the righteous deeds of the Lord God Almighty (see Ps. 81, 130). The righteousness or justice of God’s ways are based on Deuteronomy 32:4. Therefore they sing, “Who shall not fear you, O Lord, and bring glory to your name?” They echo Old Testament expectations of the day when all nations would come and worship God (Ps. 86:9), something we see also in Philippians 2:9ff. The day is coming when all creation will worship our God, and God himself will accomplish this through the work of Jesus Christ the Saviour. We have great reason for optimism, for our God is righteous and true. Suggestions for prayer Although we see much opposition to Christ and His church, praise God for His great and amazing deeds, just and true, in Jesus Christ. Rejoice for the day is coming when all nations will glorify God and worship Him. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 2 - The harvest of the earth

“So He who sat on the cloud swung his sickle across the earth and the earth was reaped.” - Revelation 14:16 Scripture reading: Revelation 14:14...

Daily devotional

December 1 - Introduction to Revelation

In December of 2022, I did a series of devotions on Revelation 1-14:12. I was asked to do a follow-up series on the rest of the book of Revelation. I ...

Daily devotional

November 30 - Reckless zeal

“...for in just a little while I will punish the house of Jehu for the blood of Jezreel, and I will put an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel...

Daily devotional

November 29 - The Lord’s madman

“Rejoice with Him, O heavens, bow down to Him, all gods, for He avenges the blood of His children and takes vengeance on His adversaries. He repays ...

Daily devotional

November 28 - Life and death

“I call heaven and earth to witness against you today, that I have set before you life and death, blessing and curse. Therefore choose life, that you and your offspring may live, loving the LORD your God, obeying His voice and holding fast to Him, for He is your life....” - Deuteronomy 30:19-20 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 8:1-15 At the close of Elisha's ministry and the beginning of God's judgment upon Israel, we are shown the necessity of trusting in the Lord. We see the contrast between God's gracious dealings with the Shunammite woman, and the judgment He would bring upon Israel, by Hazael. In the first event we see life and blessing. In the second we see death and the curse. In the seven year famine, by which God was chastening Israel to return to Him, Elisha called the Shunammite woman to leave to find sustenance elsewhere. Obeying Elisha's warning, we see that the Word of the Lord was active not only in judgment, bringing death and the curse, but blessing for those who trust in Him. At the end of the seven years, she returns to implore King Joram to restore her house and land at just the moment Gehazi is there to attest that she is the woman whose son Elisha raised from the dead. As a result, the king restores both her land and the income she lost during her absence. This woman and her son were a living witness of the power of God's word to give life, prosperity and blessing. Yet, Joram continued to walk in the ways of his father, Ahab with terrible consequences. For now Elisha was called to anoint Hazael, as king of Syria, to wreck devastation upon Israel for all her sins. Unlike Israel, we must choose life in our Lord Jesus Christ, not death, as we listen to, and live by, His life giving Word. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to show you where you have failed to put His Word into practice in your life, that you would know the blessing of owning Him as God alone. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 27 - Unsolicited grace (II)

“And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus.” - Philippians 4:19 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:24 - 7:20 God again shows Himself to be the God of unrequested grace. Due to Israel's idolatry, Ben-hadad's siege of Samaria has brought upon her the curses of Deuteronomy 28 (see verse 53 ff.). Yet, King Jehoram, refuses to repent. Instead, he blames the Lord and His prophet for this calamity, and comes to kill Elisha - an all too familiar response when faced with the consequences of sin! But, amazingly, God proclaims, through Elisha, that the very next day, famine ravished Samaria would enjoy an abundance of food. Here is unsolicited (unasked for) grace! Here we see Romans 5:20 demonstrating that where sin increased, grace increased all the more. Who could believe that such could be possible? Certainly not Jehoram's captain, who mocked such a thing. So Elisha says to him, You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it. That night, God caused the Syrians to hear an imagined threat and flee in terror. Four lepers, facing death, decided to leave the city and cast themselves upon the mercy of the Syrians. Finding their camp abandoned they gorged themselves on the food left behind. Realizing they were sinning by not announcing this good news to the starving city, they declared this great salvation. The city was saved. But the captain was trampled by the people pouring out of the gates, and did not get a taste of this salvation. Like those lepers, we must tell the world of the Good News of Jesus, who as the Living Bread, gives eternal life to the world. Suggestions for prayer Ask that we may see our sins, and repenting of them, know the blessing of God, And pray that like those lepers, we may tell the Good News of salvation to others through faith in Jesus, our Lord. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 26 - Unsolicited grace (I)

“Jesus said, "For judgment I came into this world, that those who do not see may see, and those who see may become blind."” - John 9:39 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:8-23 In this humorous account, God shows His mercy to undeserving sinners, both to Israel and her enemies. This is revealed in His perfect knowledge, His infinite power, and His amazing love. First, though the king of Israel, Jehoram, didn't ask for it, Elisha warned him of the Syrians' plan to attack him every time. Such deliverance should have put Jehoram to shame and brought him and his nation to faith and repentance before their gracious and omniscient God. Secondly, when the king of Syria sends his great army to apprehend Elisha, the source of Israel's intelligence, God shows His power in neutralizing them through blindness. They are led by Elisha to Samaria, where they find themselves captive to Israel. Finally, God shows love to these pagan Syrians by calling Jehoram, through Elisha, not to kill them, but to feed them and send them home. Israel needed to see that like these blinded Syrians, whose eyes were opened to see God's amazing grace in sparing them from destruction, they needed to see this same truth regarding themselves. So do we all. For even though he saw it, Jehoram was blind to it and would not trust in the Lord. The fact that he wanted to kill all his Syrian enemies shows that he didn't understand God's grace at all. Even today, there is a two-fold response to God's grace in Jesus, either sight or blindness. May the Lord open our eyes to really see, and to trust not in our own strength, but in the Lord and in His marvellous grace. Suggestions for prayer Ask that we may truly see God's wisdom, power and grace in our lives, and to show His grace even to our enemies. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 25 - A prophet in Israel (II)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, not a result of works, so that no one may boast.” - Ephesians 2:8-9 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:15-27 Naaman brought lots of money and gifts to pay Elisha for his cure. But all he had to do is believe in the promise of God. So, Naaman humbles himself and dips seven times in the Jordan, as Elisha said. Why seven times? To signify total trust and obedience to the Word of God. For though salvation is free, the Gospel must be obeyed. The miraculous happens! His leprosy is gone, he's a new man! Astounding! But even more wonderful is the cleansing of all sinners, who by grace through faith, entrust themselves to Christ and are washed of all their guilty stains. Now Naaman confesses, "Behold, I know that there is no God in all the earth but in Israel." Thus, what the king of Israel would not confess in his unbelief, this Gentile comes to experience and proclaim. Thankful for his healing, Naaman wants to pay for it. But teaching that God gives salvation purely as a gift of grace that can never be earned or repaid, Elisha refuses anything from Naaman's hands. Gehazi, however, thinks otherwise. What he thought of Elisha's treatment of Naaman, the world thinks of the Gospel. It's too easy and too cheap. Yes, because it's priceless! And receiving payment from Naaman, Gehazi receives, as punishment from God, his former leprosy. Yes, there is a prophet in Israel. And one infinitely greater than Elisha- our crucified, risen and reigning Lord Jesus Christ. Only He can say, I, even I am the LORD, and besides me there is no saviour.(Isaiah 43:11) Suggestions for prayer Pray that our lives may show the wonder of God's grace to us through Jesus Christ alone, and the good works we display as nothing but thankfulness for His salvation. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 24 - A prophet in Israel (I)

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God…” - Ephesians 2:8 Scripture reading:...

Daily devotional

November 23 - The word of life (IV)

“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly.” - John 10:10 Scripture reading: ...

Daily devotional

November 22 - The word of life (III)

“Women received back their dead by resurrection.” - Hebrews 11:35a Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:18-37 The Word of Life - Jesus Christ - gi...

Daily devotional

November 21 - The word of life (II)

“The house of the wicked will be destroyed, but the tent of the upright will flourish.” - Proverbs 14:11 “Blessed are the meek, for they shal...

Daily devotional

November 20 - The word of life (I)

“...concerning the word of life- 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 1:1-2 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:1-7 This chapter shows us four manifestations of the Word of Life, proclaimed through God's prophet, Elisha. We see foreshadowed the saving power of Christ, the Word of Life to all who trust in Him, Who gives Freedom. Here, the wife of a godly prophet cries out to Elisha against her creditor who, in order to pay off her debt, threatens to make slaves of her sons. Learning she has a little oil, Elisha tells her to borrow as many jars as she can and to fill them with the tiny amount remaining. That she was to act in faith shows that she, personally, had to believe in the power of God's Word. That she and her sons would do so behind closed doors, without Elisha, shows that her faith would not be in Elisha, but in the power of God alone. The oil didn't stop flowing till the last jar was filled! Then, selling the oil at Elisha's command, not only was her debt paid and her sons saved from slavery, but they were supplied with an abundance to live on. Apart from Jesus, all are slaves to sin and Satan and condemned to eternal death in Hell. But Jesus, the Word of Life incarnate, has proclaimed good news to the poor and freedom to the captives (Luke 4:18). He came to give His life as a ransom for many. And from the cross he declared, for those who believe in Him, that their ransom has been paid in full! (John 19:30) Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would appreciate the freedom for which Christ has set you free, and show it by serving your fellow believers, in love (Galatians 5:13). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 19 - Fighting Moab

“For the hand of the LORD will rest on this mountain, and Moab shall be trampled down in his place, as straw is trampled down in a dunghill.” - Isaiah 25:10 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 3:1-27 Old Testament history is real and relevant to our lives. Moab stands for the world and like Israel of old, the danger for any congregation, and for you as a believer in Christ, is not just losing influence upon the world, as Israel lost control over Moab, but of being overcome by the world, as Israel was overcome through the collapse of her borders. Jehoram, king of Israel and son of Ahab, was as godless and idolatrous as his father. But Jehoshaphat, king of Judah, served the Lord. This whole account demonstrates God's response to faith and unbelief. For Jehoshaphat's sake, Elisha saved the armies of Israel and Judah by prophesying water for their thirsty troops and a great triumph over those of Moab. But then, something seemingly inexplicable happens. Seeing the battle against him, Mesha sacrifices his oldest son as a burnt offering on the wall of his city to his idol god. Then, we read "And there came great wrath against Israel." This wrath was of God, against covenant breaking Israel and their faithless king, Jehoram. Forced to retreat, his control of Moab was lost forever, and because of their ongoing sins, so was the future of Israel. As Isaiah says, the "Mountain," upon whom the "hand of the Lord will rest" is the church of true believers in Jesus Christ, through whom Moab "shall be trampled down." Indeed, For "this is the victory that has overcome the world - our faith" (1 John 5:4). Suggestions for prayer Pray that you may overcome the world through faith, with the spiritual weapons of God's Word, "and take every thought captive to obey Christ" (2 Corinthians 10:5). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 18 - Elijah’s ascension

“Truly, truly, I say to you, whoever believes in me will also do the works that I do; and greater works than these will he do, because I am going to the Father.” - John 14:12 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:1-25 When a great leader is about to leave the scene, we ask who will take their place? God answers in the ascension of Elijah. His exit from the world was prophetic. It declared that the Word of the Lord, spoken through Elijah, would triumph. Thus, with Elisha at his side, he encourages his spiritual sons, the prophets, on his last day on earth. Three times he bids Elisha to stay behind. Why? In view of what happens, this could not have been a command, but a test of Elisha's faith as to whether he recognized his own weakness and his utter dependence upon the Word and Spirit of the Lord. Having miraculously crossed the Jordan (a picture of death), on dry ground, Elisha asks, at Elijah's prompting, for a double portion of his spirit. Then, as they are separated by a whirlwind, with Elijah going up into heaven with chariots and horses of fire, Elisha cries, “My father, my father! the chariots of Israel and its horsemen!” According to Elisha, Elijah was in effect, the true force and defence against Israel's enemies. So Jehoash would declare of Elisha, when he was about to die, in 2 Kings 13:14, when no chariots were in sight. That a double portion of the Spirit was received by Elisha is evident in his ministry. But what Christ, by His ascension, has given us at Pentecost, is infinitely greater! “For in this world you will have tribulation. But take heart,” says Jesus, “I have overcome the world” (John 16:33). Suggestions for prayer Ask to be filled with the Spirit of our chief Prophet, only High Priest and Eternal King, Jesus Christ, and trust that you will be able to accomplish far greater things than even Elisha. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 17 - Lord of the flies

“Whoever believes in Him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe is condemned already, because he has not believed in the name of the only Son of God.” - John 3:18 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 22:51 - 2 Kings 1:18 What would you think of one who, seriously sick, refuses the care of a skillful doctor, but seeks the opinion of a quack who has healed no one? Representing all who spurn the grace of God in Jesus Christ was Ahaziah, son of Ahab. The famine prayed down by Elijah, the exposure of Baal's powerlessness on Mt. Carmel, and all the other of the Lord's awe inspiring dealings with his father, were known to Ahaziah. Yet, deadly sick from his injury, he inquires not of Elijah, but of Baal-zebub (lord of the flies whose swarms falsely foretold the future), the god of Ekron, concerning his recovery. In so doing, he proclaimed that in Israel (the Church), the real God is not known, or is unable to save. So we also proclaim when we trust in the gods of security, money, peer acceptance and pleasure, or our own good works, rather than in Christ. Yahweh's omnipotence, however, was strikingly shown when Ahaziah's messengers were intercepted by Elijah. “Is it because there is no God in Israel that you are going to inquire of Baal-zebub...?... you shall surely die." Rather than repent and submit himself to God, Ahaziah sends three captains of fifty men to arrest Elijah. Two are completely destroyed; one sues for mercy and is spared. But unrepentant Ahaziah dies in unbelief. Today, as you hear the "Word of Christ" (Romans 10:17), may you hear the Word of the Lord, who says, Incline your ear, and come to me; hear, that your soul may live (Isaiah 55:3). Suggestions for prayer Implore the Lord to give you the grace, today and always, to forsake your trust in idols, and to trust in Christ alone. He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches. (Revelation 3:22). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 16 - The 401st prophet

“But Jehoshaphat said, "Is there not here another prophet of the LORD of whom we may inquire?"” - 1 Kings 22:7 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 22:...

Daily devotional

November 15 - In Naboth’s vineyard

“Arise, go down to meet Ahab king of Israel, who is in Samaria; behold, he is in the vineyard of Naboth, where he has gone to take possession.” - ...

Daily devotional

November 14 - Treasonous treaties

“You adulterous people! Do you not know that friendship with the world is enmity with God? Therefore whoever wishes to be a friend of the world make...

Daily devotional

November 13 - The call of Elisha

“Then he (Elisha) arose and went after Elijah and assisted him.” - 1 Kings 19:21b Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:19-21 In the Lord's callin...

Daily devotional

November 12 - Discouraged?

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” - Romans 12:11 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:1-18 What a contrast to the previous chapter! There the prophet confronted the prophets of Baal without fear, now he flees from the wrath of one woman. Elijah failed to see the impotence of Jezebel to do what she threatened. Elijah feared dying by Jezebel's hand and what this would mean for the kingdom of God. Thus, he asks that he might die. Clearly, he expected more from the victory on Mt. Carmel. His response is, “It is enough... take away my life.” In other words, “What's the use?" And so we can be tempted to say in regard to the seeming weakness of our witness and work for Christ. Elijah was suffering battle fatigue and wanted to get off the battlefield. We could provide a list of discouraging complaints, as well. But Elijah was only an agent in God's sovereign plan. God had His 7,000, in service to Himself, besides. And through Hazael, Jehu and Elisha (vv 15-17), God would fulfill His plan. So, What are you doing here? (vv. 9,13). Have you abandoned the place of witness God has assigned you to? Have you withdrawn from the battle? Only after He finished His work for our salvation could Jesus say, “It is finished!” Only then could He say, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46). Oh, may we serve the Lord with unceasing zeal, right where He has placed us. No matter what battles we seem to have lost, know that by His death and resurrection, Christ has won the war! Suggestions for prayer Pray that you might persevere in your witness to Christ, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain (1 Corinthians 15:58). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 11 - A sound of rushing rain

“Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain and the earth bore its fruit.” - James 5:17-18 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:41-46 Elijah had prayed for drought so Israel might realize that in forsaking the Lord they had, in the words of Jeremiah 2:13; 3:3, forsaken the Spring of living water, that the showers have been withheld and no spring rains have fallen. And God answered his prayer in accordance with Deuteronomy 11:16-17. But now, following the Lord's demonstration of His grace and power on Mount Carmel, Israel's confession that the Lord is God, and her faith and repentance shown in destroying the prophets of Baal, the way of blessing is opened up, as God promised Elijah in verse 1. So for us, there can be no blessing until we are reconciled to God through faith in Christ and repentance of our sins. On the basis of this reality, Elijah can say to Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink, for there is a sound of the rushing of rain.” For this Elijah prays, as we must pray, alone, in humility, on the basis of God's revealed will, with definite requests, fervently, and with watchfulness and perseverance. For six times his servant returned to tell Elijah that there was not even one cloud! Yet, Elijah kept on praying. Finally, a little cloud like a man's hand was rising from the sea. And soon, the torrential downpour of blessing fell. So we must pray in regard to all of our needs, confidently and expectantly, in the assurance of Christ's perfect sacrifice. In your own prayer life, do you hear the sound of the rushing of rain? Suggestions for prayer Ask that you might learn to pray according to God's revealed will in Scripture, with confidence and perseverance, on the basis of Christ's once for all sacrifice of Himself on the cross. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 10 - The God who answers by fire

“...and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” - Hebrews 12:28-29 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:20-40 Here, the Lord reveals Himself as the prayer-answering God, - the God who answers by fire! That revelation was needed to call His people back to the worship of their covenant God. In the contest on Mt. Carmel, Baal, humanly speaking, had all the advantages. As the storm god, it should have been easy to provide just one bolt of lightning to ignite his altar. Furthermore, he had 850 of his followers calling upon his name, whereas the Lord had only one. They also got to choose the best bull for the sacrifice. As if this were nothing, Elijah drenches the Lord's altar with 12 jars of water to make it impossible to light. But Baal, like our idols of pleasure and possessions, cannot hear or answer prayer, regardless of our shouts and sacrifices. Thus, mocked and exhausted, his prophets give up in despair. Taking 12 stones to set up Yahweh's altar, Elijah reminds the people that all Israel, those to whom the word of the Lord came (verse 31), belonged to the Lord by His covenant promise. Then he prays, and the fire of God consumes the sacrifice and licks up the stones and the water, as well. And the people cried, “The Lord, He is God!” On this Lord's Day, let us remember the fire of God that fell upon Jesus, that we might be reconciled to God. Let us draw near to Him in worship and prayer, with reverence and awe as we tremble at the preaching of His Word - for our God is a consuming fire. Suggestions for prayer Pray that today, you may realize that the God who acted on Mt. Carmel is the God who speaks to you now. Pray that as Elijah prayed, you may expect, in Jesus' name, fire on the earth (Luke 12:49). Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 9 - Limping between two opinions

“Whoever is not with me is against me.” - Matthew 12:30 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:16-24 There's no half-way in our response to the Lord. For "If the LORD is God, follow Him; but if Baal, then follow him." God is a jealous God Who will not tolerate rivals (Ex. 20:5). But limping between two opinions -catering to two religions diametrically opposed - that's what Israel, under Ahab, was doing. Thus, he tolerates godly Obadiah along with the 450 prophets of Baal. In a day when many claim to be "spiritual" and in their own way "Christians”, the Word of God confronts us and says, "If the Christ of the cross be the Saviour, then follow Him, but if the "christ" of popular opinion be true, follow him." One demands the surrender of our hearts and wills to Him, and says take up your cross and follow me - that you must lose your life in order to find it. The other is simply an add-on to an otherwise worldly life. One is the pathway of liberty from sin, the other is the "freedom" to sin as you please. One leads to the joy of everlasting life; the other to temporal misery and eternal death. Unwilling to commit themselves to one or the other, many, even in the church today, "limp" between these two opinions, showing little steadiness in their walk, as they continue to attend church, but align themselves with the world. In the midst of a confused generation and a halfhearted church, may we show the world what Elijah's name really means: that "My God is Yahweh (the LORD)"-and that He is Lord alone! Suggestions for prayer Pray for consistency in renouncing the "Baals" of our culture for devotion to Christ. Plead that you not be conformed to the world, but transformed by the renewing of your mind through the Word of God. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 8 - True troublers of Israel

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad...for s...

Daily devotional

November 7 - The word of truth

“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.”” -John 11:25 Scriptur...

Daily devotional

November 6 - Blessings in Zarephath

“... there were many widows in Israel in the days of Elijah when the heavens were shut up three years and six months, and a great famine came over a...

Daily devotional

November 5 - Covenant wrath (II)

“Behold, the days are coming, declares the Lord God, when I will send a famine on the land- not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of he...

Daily devotional

November 4 - Covenant wrath (I)

“Take care lest your heart be deceived, and you turn aside and serve other gods...then the anger of the LORD will be kindled against you and He will shut up the heavens, so that there will be no rain...and you will perish....” - Deuteronomy 11:16-17 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 17:1-7 With Ahab, the worship of Baal was elevated to the status of state religion. Meanwhile, Jezebel was putting the prophets of the Lord to death. At such a time comes Elijah, like lightning from a dark sky. His name means My God is Yahweh, and he comes uninvited and unwelcome into the palace of Israel's faithless king. Filled with the holy indignation of the Lord and fiery zeal that His honour be restored, Elijah delivers the disagreeable message to the most powerful man in Israel. Boldly, he says to Ahab's face, "As the LORD, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word." Unlike Baal, Yahweh, the true God, sees, hears and acts as the living God. He demands covenant faithfulness, without which He will visit His people with covenant wrath. Oh, that every preacher of God's Word was as bold as Elijah! For according to His Word, the land flowing with milk and honey would be reduced to a barren wasteland of famine and death. In the next three years not one drop of water was to fall upon Israel that she might repent and turn back to the Lord. These words were written not only for Israel, but for you and me. If we serve the gods of popularity, prosperity or pleasure, we will suffer pain and destruction. Only in service to the true God, through Jesus Christ, in Whom is forgiveness of sins and eternal life, can we know His covenant blessing. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you might recognize the idols leading you astray from pure devotion to Christ. Pray for a jealous zeal for God, just as pure as God's jealous love for you. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 3 - An inscription erased (III)

“In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram, his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which He spoke by Joshua....” - 1 Kings 16:34 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 16:29-34; Psalm 95 Under Ahab, the rebuilt Jericho would no longer testify to God's salvation by grace through faith. Instead, it would declare that only through Ahab's power could Canaan be protected. That's why its curse fell upon Hiel, who laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram, his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son, Segub. The curse that fell upon Hiel is more terrible than it sounds. The Hebrew indicates that Hiel lost all his sons; that the curse began with the oldest son and continued as Hiel progressed in his work. When he finally finished, he lost the last of his sons, the youngest. Worst of all, he lost his name and inheritance in Israel, which his sons represented. He lost a place among the people of God. In this curse the Word of God was confirmed to the last letter. Yes, Hiel rebuilt the walls of Jericho. But next to his work was the Lord's: the tombs of Hiel's sons. The Lord kept pace with Hiel - both projects were completed at the same time. Because those graves were bound to Jericho's walls by God's living Word, Jericho continued to speak, but with a new inscription: cursed is anyone who seeks to be saved by works of the flesh. On this Lord's Day, may we see Jesus, the true Joshua, and enter the heavenly country, the true land of milk and honey. At its gateway is an inscription Ahab could never erase: By grace through faith in every Word of the Lord! Suggestions for prayer Pray that today you may hear the living preaching of Christ and, through faith, enjoy a foretaste of Paradise in the Canaan to come. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 2 - An inscription erased (II)

“And Ahab the son of Omri did evil in the sight of the LORD, more than all who were before him.” - 1 Kings 16:30 Scripture reading: Joshua 6:26; 1 Kings 16:29-34; Hebrews 11:30 As the gateway to Canaan, Jericho's fallen walls proclaimed a message. There was a song in those ruins sung for centuries. No Israelite could pass by without reading the declaration spelled out in its pile of stones: this city was received as a gift of grace through faith in Israel's God. Hence, God's curse upon anyone who would rebuild it. That Word, pronounced by Joshua, bound the judges and kings up to the time of Ahab. Though they did much to strengthen the cities of their kingdom, they allowed Jericho's ruins to speak. Though they often broke God's commands, they did not disturb those fallen walls. But Ahab represents a turning point in Israel's history. He needed a strong border - right where Jericho stood! Thus, he couldn't escape the question as to how he was to defend his country. Was he to rely on the Lord, or on human strength? Deaf to Jericho's divine message, he could only see this unfortified city as a threat. The purpose of Hiel's rebuilding was not to make it habitable again - for there were already people there - but to make it a fortress again. Ahab's trust was not in the Lord, but in weapons and fortifications. Jericho was no longer to be a testimony to the gospel of God, but to the power of Ahab. In regard to your salvation and blessing, where is your trust? In Christ alone, or in your own abilities Who is your refuge and strength? Will you live by faith in God's infallible Word or by sight? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to show you where you lack faith in Him. Implore Him for His grace, in the face of your temptations, trials and fears, to trust and live by His unfailing Word. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to God’s faithfulness

From 1 Kings 16:29 to 2 Kings 10:36 we find the rise and fall of the house of Ahab, the seventh king of the northern kingdom of Israel, who had broken away from the southern kingdom of Judah, and the dynasty of David, some sixty-two years before. It's a record of unbelief and sheer apostasy as Israel decides to go her own way, under her own king, and to her own way of worshipping God. Claiming to worship Yahweh, the one true and faithful, covenant keeping God, as the First Commandment stipulates, she failed to worship Him according to His Word, as He demands in the Second Commandment. Hence follows the increasing slide to perdition which reached a crescendo under Ahab and Jezebel. Yet, amazingly, the grace and love of our jealous God confronts His faithless people and calls them to faith through the ministry of Elijah and Elisha. Not until the appearance of God's final prophet, priest and king, our Lord Jesus Christ, would He display such power and grace to such an undeserving and unbelieving people. In the colourful events to follow, may we see Jesus and His grace, love and power, to us and our adulterous generation, to save us from our sins and restore us to abundant life and fellowship in and with Him. An inscription erased (I) “In his days Hiel of Bethel built Jericho. He laid its foundation at the cost of Abiram his firstborn, and set up its gates at the cost of his youngest son Segub, according to the word of the LORD, which He spoke by Joshua…” - 1 Kings 16:34 Scripture reading: Joshua 6 (especially verse 26); 1 Kings 16: 29-34 By the Spirit of God, there is attached to the list of sins committed by Ahab, the account of the rebuilding of Jericho's walls. In this, we see just how far he was turning Israel down the path of apostasy (see verse 33). Consider the significance of Jericho's broken walls. As the gateway to Canaan, Jericho was the first city that Israel, under Joshua, 600 years earlier, destroyed. Strategically located, the Canaanites had made it an invincible fortress on the border of their land. But praise God, without a fight its mighty walls collapsed when at His command His people marched around it, blew their trumpets and gave a shout. They destroyed the city through faith in the mighty power of the Lord! Joshua pronounced the curse upon any who would rebuild it. It had to remain an open city, a sign post not to be erased. As the gateway to Canaan, its ruins represented an inscription of grace that applied not only to Jericho but to the entire land of Canaan - the land of promise - and like salvation in Jesus, our true Joshua, was received as a gift of grace through faith. Jericho was to witness how Israel was different from all the other nations - that her salvation and very life was not of herself, but by the grace of her almighty and faithful God. That's why the moment Hiel went to work clearing away the ruins of Jericho, he unleashed the curse pronounced by Joshua. For the Word of God, regarding our blessing or cursing, cannot fail! Suggestions for prayer Praise God that His word cannot be broken, that His promise of life, through faith, in Jesus Christ, just as His curse upon unbelief, will not disappoint. Claim the promises of His Word (John 3:16-18; Jeremiah 17:5-8), by faith. Rev. Barry Beukema is a graduate of Calvin College and Westminster Theological Seminary, Philadelphia. He has pastored the Christian Reformed Churches in Burdett, Alberta and Smithers, British Columbia. He then pastored the URCNA churches of Smithers, BC, Thunder Bay, ON, Lacombe, AB, Neerlandia, AB, and is now pastoring the United Reformed Church of Taber, Alberta.Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 31 - Persevering grace

“But you, beloved, build yourselves up in your most holy faith; pray in the Holy Spirit; keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting for the mercy o...

Daily devotional

October 30 - Preserving grace

“My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. I give them eternal life, and they will never perish, and no one will snatch them out ...

Daily devotional

October 29 - Unstoppable grace

“. . .his dominion is an everlasting dominion. . . He does according to his will among the host of heaven and among the inhabitants of the earth and...

Daily devotional

October 28 - Christ’s successful death

“Husbands, love your wives, as Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her, that he might sanctify her, having cleansed her by the washing...

Daily devotional

October 27 - Chosen, not choice

“...For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth. It was not because you were more in number than any other people that the LORD set his love on you and chose you, for you were the fewest of all peoples, but it is because the LORD loves you...” - Deuteronomy 7:6-8 Scripture reading: Acts 13:13-52 “Tis not that I did choose thee, for, Lord this could not be; this heart would still refuse thee, hadst thou not chosen me.” Now that we know the glory and grace of God in Jesus Christ, it seems incredible that we would ever refuse One so gracious and kind. Yet, such is the depravity of the human heart that we would have. The stream of God's grace can be traced back to before the creation of the world. From all eternity the God of our salvation selected from the human race some who would be recipients of eternal life. And it's that eternal choice which leads some to choose to believe in Christ when they hear the gospel of salvation. That explains why the Gentiles in Acts 13:48 embraced the gospel. They were ‘appointed to eternal life’. The elect are chosen by God, but not because they are choice people; they are selected but not because they are select. God chose those He wanted to choose because He loved them. And if you ask why He loved them, the answer is because He did. This truth of unconditional election not only magnifies the glory of God, but it also offers unspeakable comfort to unbelievers and believers. If salvation were based on justice or merit, no unbeliever could have hope that he might be saved. Since salvation depends on God's eternal good pleasure, everyone who knows Christ can know as well that his salvation is secure. God will never stop loving us because God never started loving us since from all eternity God had set his affection upon us. Suggestions for prayer Bless the God and Father of our Lord Jesus that He has chosen us in Christ before the foundation of the world. Pray that God’s sovereign election would make us humble before His majesty and before others. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 26 - Very, very bad

“The LORD saw that the wickedness of man was great in the earth, and that every intention of the thoughts of his heart was only evil continually.” - Genesis 6:5 Scripture reading: Romans 3:9-20 As sinners, we are very, very bad. Sadly, the proof that we are by nature lost sinners is self-evident, even if everywhere disputed. God didn't create us this way, but we have become this by our fall into sin with the first Adam. Created good, we are, untouched by grace, incapable of doing any good at all, of any kind. By nature, we hate both God and our neighbour. In fact, we are so bad we are even unable to rescue ourselves from this self-inflicted mess. There is no spark of goodness in us that, given the right conditions, we could fan into flame and become Christians. We are dead in our trespasses and sins (Eph. 2:1). We are both unable and unwilling to come to Christ that we might have Life. Won’t this teaching put off unbelievers from pursuing Christ? If you tell them they can't believe, isn’t it more likely that they won't? I don't think so. It is actually the sense of our total depravity that spurs us to seek the mercy of God in Christ to do for us what we cannot do for ourselves. We are very, very bad. But Christ is very, very good. Thanks be to God that in the death and resurrection of the Lord Jesus, not only are our sins forgiven, but the devastating spiritual deadness is destroyed, so that by the Spirit of the ascended Christ we are made alive with Him. It is, after all, by grace that we have been saved. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Spirit of God might, through the preaching of his Word tomorrow, bring the dead to life for the praise of God’s glorious grace. Pray that God would give us a sense of our sinfulness that we might glory all the more in the gospel of free and sovereign grace. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 25 - Ascension and succession again

“For though we walk in the flesh, we are not waging war according to the flesh. For the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh but have divine power to destroy strongholds. We destroy arguments and every lofty opinion raised against the knowledge of God, and take every thought captive to obey Christ, being ready to punish every disobedience, when your obedience is complete.” - 2 Corinthians 10:3-6 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:15-18 It isn't exactly clear what was behind the request of the sons of the prophets when they pressed Elijah to allow them to seek Elijah. It is clear, however, that it was not Elijah they should have been seeking. Like Elisha, they should have been asking, “Where is the Lord, the God of Elijah?” (v. 14) That should be our concern too: Where is the Lord Who can do mighty things for the honour of His name and the blessing of His people? Elisha is Elijah’s successor. So are we. We can see this by looking back and forward from the story. If you look back you will find another tag team that wrestles with the forces of darkness, namely, Moses and Joshua. Elijah is the new Moses and Elisha the new Joshua. Looking ahead we see that John the Baptist is the new Elijah (Matt. 17:11-13) which makes Jesus the new Elisha. Joshua, Elisha, and Jesus have names that mean the same, begin their ministries at the Jordan, and all receive the Spirit for ministry. Jesus is unique, of course. He is the only Saviour Who reconciles sinners to God. And He is also the only One Who gives the Spirit to His own to carry on His mission of bringing all things under His Lordship. We do that through missions and evangelism, but also by bringing our lives as churches, families, and individuals in subjection to His authority. Do you see areas of your life where you need to wield the sword of the Spirit that you might better please our sovereign? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to enable you to examine your lives so that we might better please our God and Redeemer. Pray that He would empower us by the Spirit so that we might have the courage and conviction to work for Christ’s honour in every sphere of our lives. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 24 - Ascension and succession

“Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance and forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem. You are witnesses of these things. And behold, I am sending the promise of my Father upon you. But stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high.” - Luke 24:46-49 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:1-14 There's no doubt that Elijah’s leaving would leave a big hole. He had been God's ‘army’ on Israel’s behalf. His loss will be devastating. But God will provide for His work. He has a succession plan in place. In his farewell tour, Elijah visits the school of the prophets, probably to encourage them to continue their fearless promotion of God's claims on His people. There's also Elisha. He had served with Elijah for some years and now it was time for Elisha to fly solo. Elijah tests him by suggesting that he abandon Elijah on his final tour. Elisha refuses to bail. That's the kind of people that the kingdom of God needs, people who will not turn back even when the future is unnerving. And then the final moment arrives. Elisha asked for something that Elijah is unable to give, a double portion of his spirit. How wise that Elisha recognizes that he cannot minister in his own strength. However, Elijah promises his successor that, if he sees him being taken, he shall receive the double portion. Elisha does see the glory of God – God coming down in chariots and horses of fire and therefore receives the promised Spirit. Leaving the Jordan in the power of the Spirit, Elisha does Elijah's farewell tour in reverse, across the Jordan, to Jericho and Bethel, before returning to Samaria. That succession is complete but the succession of the servants of God continues and what we need is what Elisha needed: a vision of God’s glory and the outpouring of God’s Spirit. And God delights to grant both. Suggestions for prayer Pray with Moses, “Please show me your glory.” Confess that our help is in the name of the Lord and ask for the Spirit to be poured out on us so that we may be faithful and effective servants of the Lord. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 23 - Our God is a consuming fire

“Now therefore, O kings, be wise; be warned, O rulers of the earth. Serve the LORD with fear, and rejoice with trembling. Kiss the Son, lest he be a...

Daily devotional

October 22 - Living like an atheist

“The LORD is a stronghold for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble. And those who know your name put their trust in you, for you, O LOR...

Daily devotional

October 21 - Does the Lord not see?

“But it displeased Jonah exceedingly, and he was angry. And he prayed to the LORD and said, "O LORD, is not this what I said when I was yet in my co...

Daily devotional

October 20 - Does the Lord not see?

“This is evidence of the righteous judgment of God, that you may be considered worthy of the kingdom of God, for which you are also suffering- since...

Daily devotional

October 19 - The righteous sufferer

“So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood. Therefore let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured. For here we have no lasting city, but we seek the city that is to come.” - Hebrews 13:12-14 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 21:1-16 Naboth was a righteous man. He refused Ahab's offer, not because he was churlish, but for righteousness’ sake. He knew the Lord's laws forbade, under most circumstances, the selling of one's land (Lev. 25:23-28). The gift of the land was part and parcel of Israel's redemption. Redemption was not simply escaping from slavery but provision for the future. The promise of God to the fathers was realized only when Israel possessed its inheritance in the land and enjoyed life there with their Redeemer. Naboth treasured God’s blessing and was not going to part with it. Esau did. So did Demas (2 Tim. 4:10). Would you? His determination cost him. He suffered through wicked machinations. Remarkable how similar Naboth's experience was to our Lord’s: Christ was accused of blasphemy against God and king, two false witnesses spoke against him, and he was put to death outside the city. The similarity is not so much because Christ joins us in our suffering as that we join Him in His. But even as Christ received His inheritance following His suffering, so will the saints receive theirs following suffering. Naboth is dead but not forgotten. His name is mentioned seven times after his killing. And after his death his vineyard is still called ‘the vineyard of Naboth’ (v. 18). Nor did he not lose his eternal inheritance. Neither shall we who trust in the righteous Sufferer, Jesus Christ. Our names are engraved on His palms, those palms that were outstretched on Golgotha’s cross for your salvation, a salvation that rescues you from tyranny to bring you into an inheritance. Suggestions for prayer Pray that we would be encouraged to embrace suffering for Christ’s sake by the confidence that we shall share in His glory. Pray for your minister that he may preach Christ and Him crucified and that God’s Word would both comfort and convert for the glory of the Saviour. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 18 - From desire to death

“Let no one say when he is tempted, "I am being tempted by God," for God cannot be tempted with evil, and he himself tempts no one. But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire. Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” - James 1:13-15 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 21:1-16 This story and every sin’s saga begins with a desire. Not all desires are evil, of course. Some we should have, like the desire to be a better Christian. Some we may have, like the desire for children, though even here we must be careful if God in His grace and wisdom withholds from us what we legitimately may desire. Some desires we may not have. We may not crave what God forbids. There is no nuance here. Ahab had the wrong kind of desire. He may have had a green thumb, but he also had a green heart. He envied Naboth's vineyard so he could turn it into a vegetable garden closer to the palace. And that desire led to death. When righteous Naboth turns down the offer, Ahab goes home and sulks like a petulant child. By the way, how we respond to thwarted desires often can reveal whether our desires are godly. Wicked Jezebel is no help. Had she been godly, she could have encouraged him to applaud Naboth for his righteousness and to be thankful that God didn’t let him have what he sinfully desired. It is a blessing to marry well. Instead, Jezebel uses forgery, blasphemy, and perjury to steal the vineyard from Naboth. Ahab got what he wanted, but he got more. His desire led to death. Naboth's. But his own too. What a warning to us to kill sin before it kills us. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to show us where we have ungodly desires so that by His Spirit we may put them to death. Pray that we would rejoice in the blessings of God to others and be content with His kindness to us. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 17 - Carrying the cross for Christ

“And he said to them, "Truly, I say to you, there is no one who has left house or wife or brothers or parents or children, for the sake of the kingdom of God, who will not receive many times more in this time, and in the age to come eternal life."” - Luke 18:29-30 Scripture reading: Luke 14:25-33 Clearly our Lord Jesus calls us for a whole-souled commitment. He demands that we reorder our loves (v. 26), release our lives (v. 26), recount the costs (vv. 28-32), and relinquish our grip on our possessions (v. 33). This is what it means to be his disciple. Have we done that? Have we given up our cherished desires, even for legitimate things, for the sake of Christ? Are we willing to give up time and money and energy and reputation and comfort to serve our Redeemer? Are you ever uncomfortable for the gospel’s sake? Christ is not necessarily asking us to sell everything and go to Nepal as a missionary. Though it would be great if we sent out more missionaries! But he is asking us to give more of our time for prayer and our money for missions. He’s asking us to forego visiting with family some Sundays so we can be a blessing to those in the congregation who are unlike ourselves. He’s asking us to show hospitality, to visit the elderly, and to witness to unbelievers despite our discomfort. He wants you to speak to the visitor at church even though you are quiet and introverted. He is calling children to serve their parents and siblings. He is calling us to be uncomfortable for Him. Sound restrictive? Not if you see it as service to the Saviour. At the end of a long life of suffering for the Lord Jesus, the great missionary, David Livingstone, said his hardships were ‘nothing when compared with the glory which shall be revealed in and for us. I never made a sacrifice.’ Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to teach us where we might serve Him as Christ’s disciples. Pray that God would raise up ministers and missionaries to go to the ends of the earth with the gospel of life. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 16 - Joyfully serving Christ

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.” - Titus 2:11-14 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:19-21 Well, that was a surprise! Elisha is plowing on his family's farm and suddenly Elijah throws his cloak on him. Somehow Elisha knew what that meant and joyfully responds. He runs after Elijah, eager to do God's work. He bids farewell to his parents, kissing them goodbye. He slaughters his oxen and burns the yokes, indicating that he was making a complete break both with his former work and future inheritance. And he celebrates his call to service with his friends. Elisha eagerly responds to God’s call. That's a good word for us, isn't it? Our service to God is too often bare duty. We serve in Church office because the congregation elected us. We care for our elderly parents because it is the right thing to do. We attend worship because God calls us to. We resist sin because it is against God’s law. It is right to do things because our Master places these obligations upon us, but shouldn’t there also be delight in our doing? These obligations are opportunities to do something for Christ. And shouldn’t joy saturate our service? It wasn’t going to be easy for Elisha. He was leaving a large farm and an affectionate family. Farming was just becoming fun again now that the drought was over. And the life he was going to lacked security and promised hardship. And notice, he was called to be Elijah’s assistant. Hardly glamorous. By the grace of God, he heeded God's call. Should not Christ’s service to us win our service to Him? Shouldn’t the grace of God make us zealous for good works? Suggestions for prayer Ask that God would forgive us for our, at times, begrudging obedience. Pray that the Holy Spirit might conform us to the image of Christ who said, ‘I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.’ Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 15 - The voice of grace and judgement

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in hea...

Daily devotional

October 14 - Covenant prosecution

“Working together with him, then, we appeal to you not to receive the grace of God in vain. For he says, “In a favorable time I listened to you, a...

Daily devotional

October 13 - Discouraged

“Behold, my servant whom I have chosen, my beloved with whom my soul is well pleased. I will put my Spirit upon him, and he will proclaim justice to...

Daily devotional

October 12 - Effective prayer

“...I, Daniel, perceived in the books the number of years that, according to the word of the Lord to Jeremiah the prophet, must pass before the end ...

Daily devotional

October 11 - Showers of blessing

“The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. Elijah was a man with a nature like ours, and he prayed fervently that it might not rain, and for three years and six months it did not rain on the earth. Then he prayed again, and heaven gave rain, and the earth bore its fruit.” - James 5:16c-18 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:41-46 There are more blessings here than simply the rain. For example, Elijah commands Ahab, “Go up, eat and drink.” The contest on Carmel is more than a contest. It is a covenant renewal ceremony. Elijah prepares the altar as a burnt offering. In the Old Testament the burnt offering was followed by a fellowship offering. There is a feast after the fire - wonderfully depicted in the Lord’s Supper. We remember the sacrifice of Christ and then eat His flesh and drink His body. Fellowship restored. Then there is the rain but before it comes down, prayer must go up. Yes, God said He was going to send rain but He still wishes to be asked for His promise to be fulfilled. So with humility (notice Elijah’s posture) and persistence (seven times) Elijah prays on behalf of his people as their mediator even as Christ intercedes for us so the blessings may fall. And the Lord answers. How much we owe to our Mediator’s prayers. Then there is that peculiar detail at the end of the chapter. It must be significant because the hand of the Lord is involved. He gives Elijah energy to lead Ahab on the 17 mile journey back to Jezreel. It appears that for a while anyway, things are as they should be in Israel. There is confession, fellowship, rain, and the Word of the Lord (represented by Elijah) leading the way of the king. The king was never meant to follow his own wisdom. Nor are we. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that He is willing to have fellowship with sinners through the death of our Lord Jesus Christ and thank Him for the Lord’s Supper. Pray that God would make us men and women, boys and girls, who pray for His promised blessings that we may glorify and enjoy Him. Ask Him to teach us His Word so that we would know His promises and live according to His commands. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 10 - The contest

“I am the Lord; that is my name; my glory I give to no other, nor my praise to carved idols.” - Isaiah 42:8 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:19-40 You might think that the contest is between Elijah and the 450 prophets of Baal. But it isn’t. It is between God and Baal. For too long the people have been giving their allegiance to Baal. Now God was challenging Baal to a duel to demonstrate who was really deserving of devotion. He did this as a kindness to His people so that they would know Him and their hearts would be turned back to Him. Baal, the storm god, was a fertility god. For three years he had been impotent and before God was going to send rain, He wanted to display publicly Baal’s weakness and His own glory. The contest was in Baal’s area of expertise. Baal had more backers, 450 prophets and they had the first choice of the bull. Elijah was alone, the altar of God was in ruins, and the rebuilt altar was soaked. Certainly, Baal would answer by fire and win. But Baal didn’t answer that day. God does because, unlike Baal, He exists. And the people declare devotion to Him. This story highlights God’s judgement on the wicked. Notice the slaughter of the prophets of Baal. But you shouldn’t miss the mercy. The fire could have fallen on the people. They deserved it. But it fell on the altar instead. It had done that before in Israel’s history (Leviticus 9:24; 1 Chronicles 21:26-27) and it would do so again on the cross when the fire of the Lord falls on the Lord Jesus so that it would not fall on those who bow before Christ and say, “My Lord and my God!” Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would demonstrate His glory in His Church and our nation so that people might confess Christ as Lord to the glory of the Father. Thank the Lord for the mercy displayed in the cross of our Lord Jesus so that believers would be spared the wrath of God. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 9 - Divided hearts

“No one can serve two masters, for either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and money.” - Matthew 6:24 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:17-22 Ahab pulls one of the most common tricks guilty people use. He tries to shift blame. ‘Not I,’ said Adam, ‘but you, God, and Eve are to blame.’ ‘Not I,’ says Ahab, ‘but you, Elijah, you are the troubler of Israel. Elijah rebukes him. He had simply announced God’s judgement; Ahab’s abandonment of God had earned it. Israel was experiencing God’s promise for disobedient people (see Deuteronomy 28:15, 23). And notice Ahab’s response. Not an outright rejection of the Word of God. He obeys Elijah and summons the prophets to Carmel. Having confronted the king, Elijah addresses the people and asks them why they will not give wholehearted devotion to their covenant God. They are wavering. They do not want to forget the Lord nor do they wish to reject Baal. They want both. This is a temptation we all face. For a variety of reasons—fear, peer pressure, boredom—we don’t give unwavering devotion to Christ. But he calls us to. If we confess the Lord is God, which we unfailingly do, then we must follow Him. We must let nothing—money, pleasure, reputation—capture our affections. A jealous God is looking for exclusive devotion. The Bible tells us the people did not answer Elijah’s confrontation though it doesn’t tell us why. What is your response to this call to commitment? Only the conviction of both the futility of other gods and the destruction of those who serve them and the surpassing greatness of having Jesus Christ as Lord will compel us to respond with, ‘We will take up our cross and follow Christ.’ Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would teach us His way that we may walk in His truth, that He would unite our hearts to fear His name (Psalm 86:11). Ask that God, by His Word and Spirit, might capture our affections by showing us the Prince of Glory so that we would gladly give our souls, our lives, our all. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 8 - The king and his servants

“But it shall not be so among you. But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Mark 10:43-45 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 18:1-18 Ahab and Jezebel are opposed to God and His Church. Jezebel, aggressively so. That wicked woman cuts off the prophets of the Lord as she seeks to eradicate God’s worship. We wouldn’t do that, of course, but we need to guard against a more sophisticated way of killing the Lord’s prophets, like listening to preaching without submitting to it. Then there is King Ahab. He ignores the plight of his people, but cares for his animals of war, trusting in them for victory rather than in the Lord. He also ignores his soul. He pursues grass and not the grace that would remove God’s wrath and bring blessing to his parched soul and realm. Too many within the church imitate him, giving their best energy to pursue what will wither rather than God’s enduring blessings. They care more about grass than grace. And how stubborn Ahab is! Repentance would bring blessing to him, his people, and his animals. But how the human heart resists repentance. God has His own amidst the apostasy of His Church. There is Elijah and at least 100 other prophets hidden by God’s faithful servant Obadiah. Rather than suggesting that Obadiah compromised to be employed by an enemy of the Church, the passage highlights his devotion to the Lord. Admittedly, Obadiah does hesitate to go public with his devotion but finally agrees when Elijah reminds him of the big God they serve, the Lord of hosts. Aren’t you grateful that Christ cares more for His subjects than Ahab did and is willing to bear God’s wrath for their blessing? And doesn’t this spur you on to serve Him faithfully, whatever the cost? Suggestions for prayer Give thanks for our servant King, the Lord Jesus and ask God that by His Spirit we would be faithful servants of Christ and not exhibit the characteristics of the enemies of the gospel. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 7 - Resurrection life

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through th...

Daily devotional

October 6 - Revive us again

“There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” - Romans 8:1 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 17:17-24 How painful! ...

Daily devotional

October 5 - Marveling at his grace

“Note then the kindness and the severity of God: severity toward those who have fallen, but God’s kindness to you, provided you continue in his ki...

Daily devotional

October 4 - Not by bread alone

“And he humbled you and let you hunger and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that he might make you know that ma...

Daily devotional

October 3 - God’s gracious judgement

“Or do you presume on the riches of his kindness and forbearance and patience, not knowing that God’s kindness is meant to lead you to repentance?” - Romans 2:4 Scripture reading: Matthew 3:1-12; 1 Kings 17:1-7 Talk about a short-term ministry! No sooner does Elijah begin than he is sent away. What is God doing? He’s judging his people. They refused to listen to His Word. Now He refuses to speak it. He’s sending a famine, not only of food, but of the hearing of the Words of the Lord (Amos 8:11). Sobering, isn’t it? But in God’s judgement, we see grace. In the midst of the famine, He preserves Elijah by feeding him with ravens because God has a plan to send him back. He has not completely deserted His people. Prophets communicated God’s message both by their lives and their mouths. We hear God’s judgement in “Neither dew nor rain these years.” That’s God’s response to incessant rebellion. But even this announcement is gracious. First, God is going to showcase the incompetence of the storm god, Baal, so that Israel would abandon him and return to the Lord. Second, threatened judgement is always a call to repentance so that we might experience God’s forgiving grace. Notice how John the Baptizer warns in preparation for the coming of grace in Christ. What a mercy when your engine temperature warning light brightens your dashboard! Imagine if God had abandoned them to their sin like He had the other nations. Jesus, the greater Prophet has come. We have heard the warnings from His mouth and have seen the seriousness of God’s wrath in His death. What have we learned? Though not soft on sin, our God is gracious in His judgements. How much more gracious is He in His grace! Suggestions for prayer Pray for His Spirit so that we would cherish the Word of God we have, both as we read it and hear it preached. Praise the Holy God that He is gracious and forgiving. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 2 - God’s man

“Now Elijah the Tishbite, of Tishbe in Gilead, said to Ahab, “As the Lord, the God of Israel, lives, before whom I stand, there shall be neither dew nor rain these years, except by my word.”” - 1 Kings 17:1 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-31; 1 Kings 17:1-5 No scholar seems able to tell us about Tishbe. Neither do we know much about Elijah’s parents except what is most important: in a day of rampant unbelief they confess their faith in the covenant Lord by naming their son Elijah, meaning, My God is the Lord. God’s chosen servant’s beginnings are clouded in obscurity yet Elijah’s character explodes in this introduction. Elijah is a man of courage, addressing the king of Israel, one who is no friend of God’s prophets. What emboldened him? First, conviction that God lives, in contrast to Baal, who according to pagan mythology, annually died. Second, consciousness of God. God was not simply one before Whom he stood but before Whom he stands. To Elijah, the colossal figure of the King towers above the king. Third, confidence in God’s promise to punish idolatrous people (Deuteronomy 28:15, 23-24). Elijah is also a committed man. He is told to go and he goes (vv. 2, 5). It doesn’t seem that significant except that people like that were scarce in his day and also in ours. But it should be common among Christians. Whatever God calls me to do, I will do. Whatever He forbids, I will forgo. This is the man Elijah. He was like Christ, the greater Prophet, who was chosen from obscurity, courageous before men, and committed to serving His God unstintingly. The Spirit upon Christ is the Spirit upon Elijah and is the Spirit upon us to shape us to be that kind of Christian. Suggestions for prayer Ask that God would pour out His Holy Spirit upon us to conform us to the image of Christ so that we might fearlessly serve Him in his Church and our nation. Pray that God would make your Minister a man of courage and commitment. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 1 - Introduction to the word of God

The word of God is living and active. It is not only something we study, it studies us. As the Bible reveals truths about itself, it also, simultaneously, reveals truths about us. That's what you will discover as we work our way through the sacred account of the greatest of the Old Testament prophets, Elijah. From his sudden appearance before Ahab to his surprising disappearance before Elisha, his successor, these studies will highlight the astonishing grace of God to his people in his Son, Jesus Christ, the greatest of all prophets and the final Word of God. In the lead up to Reformation Day, and in light of the Synod of Dort, we will end the month looking at the five main points of doctrine in dispute in the Netherlands in the early 1600s, not so much for disputation, as for celebration. Hope in dark days “. . .according to the word of the Lord” - 1 Kings 16:34 Scripture Reading: 1 Kings 16:29-34 There were dark days in Israel when Ahab came to the throne and they only became darker. It was bad enough that Ahab sanctioned the breaking of the second commandment by worshipping God through the golden calves. He also promoted the worship of Baal, the nature god of the Canaanites. Ahab bears responsibility for this because, contrary to God’s gracious command, he married the pagan Jezebel who had an evangelistic zeal to supplant the Lord‘s worship with Baal’s. Ahab further demonstrated his contempt for God’s Word by rebuilding Jericho, the ruins of which were a monument to God’s grace and judgement. Ahab wants to worship God and Baal. Would to God that this sin of syncretism, attempting to serve two masters, were only a past malady in Christ’s Church. Alas, we see those same Ahabian tendencies when we limit the Lordship of Christ to specific areas of our lives. Christ is Lord, we confess, but I will marry whom I will. I will not let that confession interfere in maximizing profits in my business or His Lordship dictate what will entertain me. He is as Lord as I make Him Lord. Syncretism. But if the sons of Hiel die according to the Word of the Lord (Joshua 6:26) doesn’t that encourage us to believe that other promises of God will be fulfilled too, including the promises to destroy the serpent, to forgive syncretistic sinners, and to sanctify His people? Indeed it does! Suggestions for prayer Ask that God would unite your heart to fear His name (Psalm 68:11) and praise Him that none of His promises fail, neither His promises of judgement nor of blessing. Reverend John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John currently serves as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 30 - We shall be like him

“Beloved, we are God's children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” - 1 John 3:2 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:1-3, 16-18; 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 We can replace the word love with the name of Christ in 1 Corinthians 13:4-8: “ is patient and kind; does not envy or boast; is not arrogant or rude. does not insist on own way; is not irritable or resentful; does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. love never ends.” And we all say, “Amen!” Do that with your name or anyone else’s name and no one says, “Amen!” If we are honest, we all fall far short of this portrait of love. But thanks be to God that we see Christ, our Saviour, in this portrait! And we can say, “I have been crucified with Christ. It is no longer I who live, but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me” (Galatians 2:20). Here is an amazing truth: One day, in the new creation, we will be able to put our names in vv. 4-8, because one day we will be perfectly like Christ (1 John 3:2). We will love God and each other perfectly. Isn’t that amazing?! What a day that will be! If you long for that day, then strive to walk in love more and more by God’s Spirit, as you behold the glorious love of Christ in the Gospel (2 Corinthians 3:18). Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He, “shows His love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). Thank God that Christ loved you to the end (John 13:1). Pray that the Spirit would produce Christ-like love in your life this day and thank God that one day you will be perfectly like Christ. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 29 - The character of the God we worship

Daily devotional

September 28 - Faith, hope, love: The greatest is love

Daily devotional

September 27 - Then I shall know fully

“Now I know in part; then I shall know fully, even as I have been fully known.” - 1 Corinthians 13:12 Scripture reading: Romans 8:28-39; 1 Co...

Daily devotional

September 26 - Seeing a mirror dimly vs. face to face

Daily devotional

September 25 - The age of childhood vs. the age of adulthood

“When I was a child, I spoke like a child, I thought like a child, I reasoned like a child. When I became a man, I gave up childish ways.” - 1 Corinthians 13:11 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-11 The contrast between this age and the age to come, is like the contrast between childhood and adulthood. Children behave in a way that is appropriate to their age. When they are toddlers they speak with a limited vocabulary. They lack the wisdom and discernment to recognize dangerous situations. They also are very cute in the things they say and do. But if an adult acts like a toddler, we think there is something wrong with them. Adults should know not to touch a hot stove. It’s funny when a toddler rams cake into their mouth with their bare hands and gets frosting all over their face. But it’s odd for an adult to eat cake in such a manner. What Paul is saying here is that this age is the age of childhood, where we do things appropriate to childhood. The age to come is the age of adulthood, to be consummated at Christ’s return. This relativizes the gifts that the Corinthians were boasting in. Just as children eventually grow up and make a definitive break with childish ways, so too, they will one day leave these gifts behind. But love abides forever. And whatever gifts God gives us now are not to demonstrate how “spiritual” we are. Rather, they are to be used in love for the building up of the body of Christ. Let us then grow in Christ, and use our gifts in loving service of others, especially our brothers and sisters in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Spirit would mature us in the image of Christ so that we use our gifts, not for childish/selfish reasons, but in loving service of others, just as Christ first loved us. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 24 - We know in part

“For we know in part and we prophesy in part, but when the perfect comes, the partial will pass away.” - 1 Corinthians 13:9-10 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:1-11; 1 Corinthians 13:8-10 The problem in the Corinthian church was not a lack of knowledge and prophecy. The problem was a lack of humility and love, in how they used that knowledge (cf. 1 Corinthians 8:1). Thus, Paul impresses upon them, “we know in part and prophesy in part.” This ought to instill humility in us. While we may know the Bible and systematic theology better than any seminary professor, we need to be humble because it’s still a partial knowledge. We still have so much to learn. The revelation that we have of Christ now, while it’s far greater than what they had in the Old Testament, is still a partial revelation compared to the full revelation of Christ’s glory at His second coming. It’s a sufficient revelation for this age (2 Timothy 3:16-17), but we look forward to “the perfect” (i.e. the full revelation of Christ at His return). Then the partial will pass away and we will have a theology of glorified saints. Additionally, we do theology now as those who are tainted by sin. But in glory we will be entirely free from sin forever. Older Reformed theologians called their theological summaries and systems “our humble theology” and “a theology for pilgrims on the way.” Good theology ought to humble us, and be used in love and humility to build up the body of Christ. Let us walk in love and humility looking to the love and humility of Christ in our salvation (Philippians 2:1-11). Suggestions for prayer Confess to God the times that you have been proud and unloving in how you’ve used your knowledge of the Bible and theology. Rest in God’s love and forgiveness in Christ, and pray that the Spirit would enable you to walk in humility and love. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 23 - Love never ends

“Love never ends. As for prophecies, they will pass away; as for tongues, they will cease; as for knowledge, it will pass away.” - 1 Corinthians 13:8 Scripture reading: Romans 5:1-8; 1 Corinthians 13:1-8 Paul says climactically, “love never ends.” More literally, love never falls down or falls apart. It doesn’t fall to pieces in hardship. It has no expiration date. Remember, Paul is in the midst of a discussion on spiritual gifts. The Corinthians were enamoured with the gifts of prophecy, tongues, and knowledge. But as Sinclair Ferguson puts it, “Gifts are secondary; love is primary. Gifts are tools. What matters is how a person employs them.” And Paul says that these gifts will pass away. Anthony Thiselton writes, “how can preachers and prophets have anything to say when the last judgment not only reveals, but evaluates and pronounces judgment upon, everything. The sermons of prophets and the ‘knowledge’ of theologians are rendered redundant, while the character and fruit of love does not fall apart. To prophecy would be like switching on a in the full light of the noonday sun.” When Christ returns and ushers in the glories of the age to come, these gifts will no longer be needed. Some were even part of the foundation laying era of the apostles and prophets (Ephesians 2:20). But love never ends. Indeed, Christ’s love for us never fell apart in hardship. Christ loved us all the way to the cross and will love us for all of eternity. And His “love has been poured into our hearts by the Holy Spirit who has been given to us” (Romans 5:5). Therefore, let us walk by the Spirit in Christ-like, never-ending love! Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for the never-ending, never-failing, love of Christ. Pray for the Holy Spirit to fill you with a Christ-like love that never ends. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 22 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving

“Enter his gates with thanksgiving, and his courts with praise! Give thanks to him; bless his name!” - Psalm 100:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 100:1-5 We are called to worship God with thanksgiving. Why? Because “He made us, and we are His” (v. 3). God is our Creator and Redeemer. We owe Him thanksgiving for creating and sustaining us, and for the manifold gifts that He gives us in creation. Has not God given you good gifts like food, clothing, shelter, transportation, music, art, technology, movies, books, board games, family, friendships and more? Enter His gates with thanksgiving! Even more, God has ransomed us, not with silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ (1 Peter 1:18-19). Christ is the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for us and gives us eternal life (John 10:11, 28). “Christ…suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, that he might bring us to God” (1 Peter 3:18). It is by grace alone, through faith alone, because of Christ alone that we can say, “we are His people, and the sheep of His pasture” (v. 3). And because of the blood of Christ we not only enter God’s courts with praise, we also “have confidence to enter the holy places” (Hebrews 10:19). In the Old Covenant only the High Priest could enter the holy of holies, and only once a year on the Day of Atonement. But now in Christ, we can confidently enter the holy of holies and draw near to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). How can we not enter God’s presence with thanksgiving today and every Lord’s Day? Suggestions for prayer Confess your ingratitude for the many blessings of creation and redemption and rest in God’s promise of forgiveness in Christ (1 John 1:9). Pray that God would grant you and the other worshippers grateful hearts as you enter His presence with singing and His courts with praise. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 21 - Love endures all things

“Love…endures all things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-2; 1 Corinthians 13:7 Love endures through the good time...

Daily devotional

September 20 - Love hopes all things

“Love…hopes all things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture Reading: Ephesians 2:1-10; 1 Corinthians 13:7 The idea here is that love hopes f...

Daily devotional

September 19 - Love believes all things

"Love…believes all things" - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture reading: Psalm 15:1-5; 1 Corinthians 15:7 The idea here is not that love believes ...

Daily devotional

September 18 - Love bears all things

“Love bears all things.” - 1 Corinthians 13:7 Scripture Reading: 1 Peter 2:22-25; 1 Corinthians 13:7 The word “bears” has the idea of �...

Daily devotional

September 17 - Love rejoices with the truth

“Love…rejoices with the truth” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:17-25 Love rejoices with the truth. Love rejoices when truth and integrity win the day, even when it is injurious to oneself. It rejoices when the truth of the Gospel is proclaimed. Love rejoices when the truth of God’s Word exposes the lies of the devil. It does not want to hear and pass on lies, gossip or slander. Love doesn’t share things on social media carelessly because it confirms one’s bias. Love goes the extra mile to fact check things, not believing everything on the internet. It wants truth to win, even if it isn’t what one wants to hear or believe. Love joyfully celebrates truth! Again, Jesus fulfills this aspect of love. Jesus not only rejoiced with the truth but He IS the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6). He is Truth Incarnate. He never rejoiced at wrongdoing. He never lied, gossiped or slandered. No deceit was found in His mouth (1 Peter 2:22). Rather, He always delighted to speak the truth in love. He always rejoiced to reveal the truth of who God the Father is (John 4:34; 14:9; 17:4). And He rejoiced to reveal the truth of how we can be reconciled to God through faith in Him (John 5:24; 6:47). By His Spirit He now sanctifies us in the truth of God’s Word, so that we also love the truth and speak the truth in love. As followers of the Truth let us rejoice with the truth! Suggestions for prayer Ask God for forgiveness for the times you’ve failed to rejoice with the truth and rest in the truth of the Gospel. Pray that the Spirit of Truth would help you to always rejoice with the truth and to rejoice in the Lord, who is the Truth. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 16 - Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing

“Love…does not rejoice at wrongdoing.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-6 Scripture reading: Romans 5:6-11; Philippians 4:8 The Corinthians were arrogantly blessing some terrible wrongdoing (Christians taking other Christians to court, sexual immorality, mistreating the poor, and more). But love does not bless sin and rejoice in wrongdoing. Sometimes we do this when we see our political candidate acting sinfully towards his/her political opponent. We rejoice because it makes the opponent look bad and our candidate look good. Or sometimes we might take pleasure in the bad behaviour of others because it makes us feel better about ourselves and it gives us the opportunity to correct them from a self-righteous pedestal. Instead, we should genuinely care about helping others who are caught in sin and restore them in a spirit of gentleness (Galatians 6:1). At other times we rejoice in wrongdoing when it happens to someone we envy, find annoying, or who has mistreated us. But love does not rejoice at wrongdoing. Love rejoices in righteousness. Love rejoices in the truth. Love rejoices when it sees others walking in God’s ways. Love Incarnate taught us to love our enemies and pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:44). He not only taught this, He lived it to the point of death, even death on a cross, where He prayed for and died for His enemies (Luke 23:33-34). Indeed, “God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8). “Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another” (1 John 4:10-11). Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins of rejoicing in wrongdoing. Rest and rejoice in what Christ has done in his perfect life and sacrificial death to reconcile you to God. Pray that the Spirit would help you to rejoice in God and His grace, truth, beauty and goodness. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 15 - Come into his presence with singing

“Come into his presence with singing!” - Psalm 100:1 Scripture reading: Psalm 100:1-5; Ephesians 5:18-20 Not only is it a great privilege to come into God’s presence by the blood of Jesus (Hebrews 10:19-22), it’s also a great privilege to come into His presence with singing. God commands His people to sing in worship throughout the Old Testament. When we come to the New Testament, it’s no different. Colossians 3:16 says, “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly…singing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Music is a great gift from God! It’s a powerful means of impressing the truth of God’s Word deep within our hearts and stirring up our affections for God in worship. And when we come into His presence with singing let us remember that we are not only addressing our songs to God, but also to each other (Ephesians 5:19). Even more, as Dietrich Bonhoeffer put it, “It is the voice of the Church that is heard in singing together. It is not you that sings, it is the Church that is singing, and you, as a member of the Church, may share in its song…Thus all singing together that is right, must serve to widen our spiritual horizon, make us see our little company as a member of the great Christian Church on earth, and help us willingly and gladly to join our singing, be it feeble or good, to the song of the Church.” Let us delight to come into God’s presence with singing today! Suggestions for prayer Pray for yourself and those with whom you will gather for worship today, that the Word of Christ would dwell in you richly as you sing “psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, with thankfulness in your hearts to God.” Pray that the Spirit would fill you with reverence and awe, and with joy and gratitude for the grace and glory of God. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 14 - Love is not resentful

“Love…is not…resentful.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Scripture reading: Matthew 18:21-35; Luke 23:32-34 The word for “resentful” has the idea of keeping records of wrongs with a view to paying back injury. Paul is saying that love keeps no record of wrong-doing. It doesn’t keep tabs and harbour bitterness, always ready to bring up past offences. Perhaps you yourself struggle with resentment towards someone. How can we be free from resentment? Only the Holy Spirit can set us free as we meditate deeply on the love and forgiveness of God in Christ. Psalm 130 says, “If you, O LORD, kept a record of sin, O LORD, who could stand? But with you there is forgiveness.” God remembers our sins no more! (Jeremiah 31:34). That doesn’t mean that he literally forgets them. It means that he won’t remember them against us. Instead, He removes our sins as far as the east is from the west (Psalm 103:12). He casts them into the depths of the sea (Micah 7:19). No one ever had more reason for resentment than Jesus. But He did not come into the world to pay back. Instead, His surprising mercy and sacrificial love led to the cross that “cancelled the record of debt that stood against us with its legal demands” (Colossians 2:14). His sacrifice covers all our sins and has the power to dissolve our resentment. Therefore, by the Spirit of Christ who dwells within us, let us put away all bitterness and resentment. Let us forgive one another, as God in Christ has forgiven us (Ephesians 4:31-32). Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins of resentment; know that God is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness (1 John 1:9). Pray for the Spirit’s power to forgive others, as God in Christ has forgiven you. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 13 - Love is not irritable

“Love…is not irritable.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:21-25; Romans 8:28 Are you ever irritable? Maybe at certain...

Daily devotional

September 12 - Love does not insist on its own way

Daily devotional

September 11 - Love is not rude

“Love…is not…rude.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4-5 Scripture reading: Matthew 11:28-30; Titus 3:1-8 A Christian man once told me that he didn�...

Daily devotional

September 10 - Love is not arrogant

“Love…is not arrogant.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: Proverbs 16:5; Philippians 2:3-8 Arrogance is another word for pride or be...

Daily devotional

September 9 - Love does not boast

“Love does not…boast.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 The Corinthians struggled with boasting in their gifts and status. They also boasted about their favourite teacher (1 Corinthians 1:12; 3:3-4, 21-23). In doing this, they were really just boasting in themselves and looking down on others for choosing a less gifted teacher. No doubt, we struggle with boasting in our own ways. We often boast about ourselves on-line. We often interrupt someone’s story to boast about ourselves and tell a better story. This word can also be translated as “vainglorious,” which is inordinate pride in oneself or one's achievements; excessive vanity. It’s to brag and go on and on about one’s achievements. Proverbs 27:22 says, “Let another praise you, and not your own mouth; a stranger, and not your own lips.” What is the antidote to such boasting? It’s to repent of vain glory seeking and to acknowledge that all that we have is a gift from God. As Paul said earlier, “What do you have that you did not receive? If then you received it, why do you boast as if you did not receive it?” (1 Corinthians 4:7). And so, rather than boasting, we are to be thankful for whatever we have been given and give God all the glory. We also must acknowledge that, apart from Christ, we are sinners who deserve God’s eternal wrath. Let us then be thankful for His amazing grace in Christ! “Let the one who boasts, boast in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 1:31). Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would help you NOT to vainly seek your own glory, but to humbly seek HIS glory and thank HIM for all the good gifts HE has given you. Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 8 - Serve the Lord with gladness

“Serve the LORD with gladness!” - Psalm 100:2 Scripture reading: Psalm 100; Hebrews 10:19-25 The command to “serve the LORD” has in mind participating in corporate worship, which is where we get the phrase, “worship service." Serving the Lord is much broader than corporate worship. As Paul says in Romans 12:1, “present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship/service.” Indeed, our whole lives are to be a grateful service to God. But our first and primary service to God is to worship God with His people. And that’s what it means here, as it’s paralleled by the command, “Come into his presence.” Sadly, many professing Christians today consider corporate worship to be optional. But it’s not optional in the Bible. In both the Old and New Testaments, it’s something that God commands of His redeemed people (e.g. Hebrews 10:19-25, “not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near”). I’ve never met a mature Christian who does not faithfully gather with God’s people on Sundays for worship. On the flip side, I have met many who attempt the Christian life apart from corporate worship and they are like a piece of wood that’s been pulled out of a bonfire that quickly goes out on its own. Corporate worship is vital to the Christian life. It’s both a duty and delight. Let us serve the LORD with gladness! Let us come into His presence with singing! Suggestions for prayer Pray that all the members of your church would come into God’s presence for worship today and serve the LORD with gladness! Pray for those who are unable to attend, for whatever reason, that God would bless them and enable them to return next Sunday. Pray for those who stay home willingly, that God would convict them of their sins and draw them back to “serve the LORD with gladness!” Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 7 - Love does not envy

“Love does not envy.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:3-8 Paul returns to negatives. Here he says that love does not envy. He mentioned in 1 Corinthians 3:3 that there was “jealousy/envy” among them. When we are overly focused on our own gifts, especially in comparison to the gifts of others, we can easily fall into envy, wishing we could have what others have. But we must put to death the envy in our hearts. Envy can make our bones rot and leave a bitter taste in our mouths (Proverbs 14:30; James 3:14). And it leads to competition, strife and division in the body of Christ. How can we die to envy and grow in contentment? We must remember that God is infinitely wise, just, good and gives each of us the gifts, resources and opportunities that we have, according to His perfect plan to glorify Himself and bless His people. We must remember that we are one body and we all benefit from each other’s gifts (1 Corinthians 12:14-26). We must look to Christ “who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant” (Philippians 2:5-7). Behold the beautiful love, humility, and contentment of Christ in our salvation, and strive to be more and more like Him in gratitude. Pray for the Spirit to grant you contentment for it will only come by His strength (Philippians 4:11-13). Suggestions for prayer Who or what are you tempted to envy? Pray that God would help you to resist the sin of envy and to be content with the gifts, resources, and opportunities that He has given to you, according to His infinite wisdom and goodness. Pray that you’d be “content to fill a little space, if Thou be glorified” (Anna L. Waring). Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 6 - Love is kind

“Love is patient and kind.” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 3:4-8 Kindness flows out of patience. Kindness is the positive manifestation of patience. In the words of Gordon Fee, “The Spirit not only empowers us to endure the hostility or unkindness of others; He also enables us to show kindness to them actively, to pursue their good. If longsuffering means not to “chew someone’s head off” (see Gal. 5:15), kindness means to find ways of binding up their wounds.” This is motivated by the fact that God not only withholds wrath from us but also shows eternal kindness towards us in Christ (Ephesians 2:1-7). Jerry Bridges describes kindness as, “a sincere desire for the happiness of others.” How can you show kindness to those in your home? At church? At work? In your neighborhood? To your enemies? “So then, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to those who are of the household of faith” (Galatians 6:10). If you are weary of doing good, remember God’s kindness to you in Christ. In Christ, God’s kindness toward you is saving, merciful, life-transforming, generous and eternal (Titus 3:4-7). If God has been so kind to us in Christ, let us walk by the Spirit in Christ-like kindness toward others. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Spirit would make you sensitive to the opportunities in your family, church, and society, in order to show kindness. Pray for the Spirit to enable you to walk in those good works, “which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” (Ephesians 2:10). Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 5 - Love is patient

“Love is patient.” - 1 Corinthians 13:3 Scripture Reading: Exodus 34:5-7; James 1:19-21 Having addressed the necessity of love, Paul now d...

Daily devotional

September 4 - Nothing without love (II)

“And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not lo...

Daily devotional

September 3 - Nothing without love (I)

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.” - 1 Corinthians 13:1 Scripture r...

Daily devotional

September 2 - A more excellent way: Love

“But earnestly desire the higher gifts. And I will show you a still more excellent way.” - 1 Corinthians 12:31 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians...

Daily devotional

September 1 - Introduction to the love chapter of the Bible

This month we will consider one of the most well-known chapters of the Bible, 1 Corinthians 13, sometimes referred to as “the love chapter of the Bible.” But Paul’s description of love isn’t a “feel-good” passage about love and how we can all walk in love if we just try hard enough. I don’t know about you, but as Paul holds up the mirror of love, I don’t always see myself in it. That makes me feel guilty. And that’s because love is the fulfillment of the law (Romans 13:10) and one of the uses of the law is to expose our sin. That’s what Paul is doing here. The verbs he uses to describe love are a rebuke of the behaviour of the members of the Corinthian church (read the whole letter and see!). So too, this passage rebukes our lack of love. But the point isn’t merely to make us feel guilty and leave us to wallow in our guilt. The point is to drive us to Christ in the Gospel. Thanks be to God that we see Christ perfectly reflected in this mirror of love! As we’ll see, this passage ultimately reveals the love of Christ in our redemption. But as those who are united with Christ, through faith, this passage also reveals the kind of love that Christ works in us by His Spirit. Indeed, this month, may the Spirit grow us in Christ’s image for the glory of God and the good of our neighbour! On Sundays, we will meditate on Psalm 100 as a preparation for corporate worship. Make a joyful noise to the Lord “Make a joyful noise to the LORD, all the earth!” - Psalm 100:1 Scripture Reading: Psalm 100:1-5 This opening imperative calls us to exuberance in worship. More literally it says, “Shout to Yahweh/The LORD.” The idea here is that of a glad shout that loyal subjects give to their king when he appears before them. It’s similar to what happens in sports as fans shout for joy when their team appears on the field. This Psalm calls us to that kind of joy in our hearts when we gather together for worship on the Lord’s Day. May we not be outdone by sports fans! May we have more excitement for the worship of God than anything else in creation! John Stott comments that “if God is king, what can our worship be but joyful? Away with funereal faces and doleful dirges! Joy, gladness, and singing are to be the accompaniment of worship.” And this call to worship is not just for the Jews or one particular people group. It’s a call to all the earth, for God is the Great King over all the earth. He made it all. And therefore, all the earth owes him allegiance and joyful praise. In the words of Charles Spurgeon, “Never will the world be in its proper condition until with one unanimous shout it adores the only God.” And so, let each of us respond to God’s call to worship this day. Let us worship our Triune God with thanksgiving in our hearts. And let us do so with exuberance! Let us make a joyful noise to the LORD! Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would give you and all with whom you gather for worship today a joyful exuberance in worship. He is worthy of it! Rev. Brian Cochran is ordained in the United Reformed Churches in North America and has served as the pastor of Redeemer Reformation Church in Regina, SK, for 14 years. This month he starts a new call to Grace URC in Torrance, CA. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 31 - Farwell

“I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” - Colossians 1:18 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:7-18 Paul began his letter by assuring the Colossians that he always thanked God when he prayed for them. Paul was indeed a man of much prayer. And yet, as great an apostle that Paul was, he was only a man. Apostles and pastors are beset with weaknesses like everybody else. Apostles and pastors have sins that need to be put to death like everybody else. And Apostles and pastors are as prone to discouragement as everybody else. Therefore, Paul concludes his letter by readily admitting that he needs Christ’s sustaining grace every bit as much as they do, which is why he now appeals to them to remember him as he has remembered them. This last section of Paul’s letter to the Colossians shows us that the fellowship of the gospel is supported by a mutual care for one another. Office-bearers must care for their congregation. But the congregation must likewise care for them. Throughout this passage, Paul is pressing home the fact we as believers really are interdependent on one another. Christ has woven our lives together in order that we might offer mutual support to one another. As we follow in the example of Epaphras, struggling on one another’s behalf in our prayers, we, too, shall come to stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for bringing us together in the bond of the Spirit. Pray that our congregations would be marked by mutual care and support for one another. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 30 - A new humanity: The Christian in the world

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving. . . Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” - Colossians 4:2,5 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:2-6 As the Apostle begins to wrap up his letter to the Colossians, perhaps you noticed how Paul ends his letter where he began – namely with the necessity of prayer. Paul recognizes that while most of his readers are not going to be ministers, they are going to be engaging in a whole manner of activities in the world. And knowing that the world is always watching, Paul wants us to recognize that we have an opportunity to bear witness to the Lord Jesus. It may well be the case that you will be the only exposure to the gospel of Christ that your neighbour or your co-worker ever has. If those around us perceive that the Gospel has not really changed us, then they’ll assume that it’s because the Gospel doesn’t have the power to do so. Therefore, we must show by our lives that Christ is our all in all and our everything. When Paul calls us to walk in wisdom toward outsiders, what he’s getting at is that we should be “walking Bibles” as it were – not in the sense that we are always quoting Scripture all the time, but in the sense that by our very lives, we should show something of who Christ is, what Christ has done, and that Christ is indeed a Saviour worth living for. Suggestions for prayer Pray we would be the light of the world and the salt of the earth in everything we do. Pray that God would indeed open to the church a door for the Word, to declare the mystery of Christ. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 29 - A new humanity: The Christian at work

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23-24 Scripture reading: Psalm 90:12-17 & Colossians 3:22-4:1 In our passage today, we are both encouraged and challenged with a Protestant notion that many of us probably take for granted – and that’s the notion that regardless of our respective callings, we are serving the Lord Christ. What Abraham Kuyper said was spot on – “There is not one square inch of the whole domain over our spiritual existence over which Christ, who is sovereign overall, does not cry, “MINE!” Whether you work in the field with your hands or in the study with your mind – you are serving the Lord Christ, which means that your calling has inherent dignity and honour to it, regardless of what the world may or may not say about it. In those years leading up to the Protestant Reformation, there was a great divide between the sacred and secular, between the clergy and the laity. But when Martin Luther rediscovered the priesthood of all believers, he also rediscovered the biblical notion of vocation. And in that glorious rediscovery, a real sense of gospel purpose and meaning was restored to the believer, no matter how “ordinary” his/her life may have been. You don’t have to live in the limelight to serve the Lord Christ. You don’t have to do something flashy or extraordinary for Jesus to say on the last day, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would be glorified in our labour. Ask Him to give us all a strong sense that we are serving Him with the work of our hands. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 28 - A new humanity: Christian fathers

“Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” - Colossians 3:21 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 6:4-9 & Hebrews 12:...

Daily devotional

August 27 - A new humanity: Christian children

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord.” - Colossians 3:20 Scripture reading: Proverbs 1:8-19 & Luke 2:4...

Daily devotional

August 26 - A new humanity: Christian husbands

“Husbands, love your wives, and do not be harsh with them.” - Colossians 3:19 Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:25-33 & 1 Peter 3:7 In Ep...

Daily devotional

August 25 - A new humanity: Christian wives

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.” - Colossians 3:18 Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:22-24 & 1 Peter 3:1-6 Your...

Daily devotional

August 24 - A new Humanity: Mirroring my Saviour

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” - Colossians 3:12 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:12-17 There are many occasions where what you wear gives expression to who you are. When you go to a wedding, it’s never hard to figure out who the bride is, because the bride is the one wearing the beautiful white wedding dress. When you go to a graduation ceremony, it’s not too hard to figure out who the graduates are, because they’re the ones wearing the square caps and the graduation gowns. And this is the imagery that the Apostle Paul is using here in Colossians. In virtue of our union with Christ, we have put off the old man with all its practices, and we have put on the new man, which is being renewed in knowledge after the image of its Creator. Who you are on the inside – a new creation in Christ Jesus – must be reflected on the outside – not only by mortifying your sin, but also by mirroring your Saviour. Those who belong to Him will more and more begin to look like Him, act like Him and reflect Him to those around them. In essence, Paul is telling us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, so that when others see us, they see something of Him. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God that Christ first showed compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience towards us. Pray for the Spirit’s help to mirror these Christian virtues to one another. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 23 - A new humanity: Mortifying my sin

“Put to death therefore what is earthly in you…” - Colossians 3:5 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:5-11 Do you love Christ enough to kill for Him? That’s a sobering question, isn’t it? Do you love your Saviour more than you love your sin? If you had to part with one or the other, which would it be? Jesus, we know, has given us everything. As Article 26 of the Belgic Confession says it so beautifully, “There is no one in all the world who loves you more than Jesus Christ loves you.” And now the question is set before you – to what extent do you love Him? “Do you love Him enough to kill for Him?” In Verses 5 and 8, Paul calls us to put to death and to put away all the sins and vices that belong to the old man, for on account of these things, the wrath of God is coming. God is going to judge the world on account of the kinds of sins that Paul lists in verses 5-11. Paul wants us to see the seriousness of our sin. Just as any patient of sound mind would not dare to ignore the presence of cancer in his body, neither should the Christian dare to remain indifferent to sin and its destructive power. “For if you live according to the flesh, you will die. But if by the Spirit you put to death the deeds of the body, you will live” (Romans 8:13). Suggestions for prayer Ask God to shine the light on your sin. Seek His grace to mortify your sin in repentance and faith. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 22 - A new humanity: The Christian’s new destiny

“When Christ who is your life appears, then you also will appear with him in glory.” - Colossians 3:4 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:1-3 & Colossians 3:1-4 By nature, we were destined for death and destruction. But, in Christ, we are destined for glory. In contrast to those who set their minds on earthly things, “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Saviour, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself” (Philippians 1:20-21). How amazing it is for us to recognize that in this world of death and decay, where everybody dies and where our culture seems at times to be rotting from the inside-out, we have a living Saviour and a lasting promise. In Christ, we have a glorious guarantee: that even as He was always destined for glory, we, too, are destined for glory. As we confess in Lord’s Day 19 of the Heidelberg Catechism, “In all distress and persecution, with uplifted head, confidently await the very judge who has already offered Himself to the judgement of God in place and removed the whole curse from . Christ will cast all his enemies and into everlasting condemnation, but will take and all his chosen ones to himself into the joy and glory of heaven.” Suggestions for prayer Give praise to God for a new destiny in Christ Jesus. Pray that He would grant to us all an earnest longing for Christ’s appearing. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 21 - A new humanity: Hidden with Christ in God

“For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.” - Colossians 3:3 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:1-4 The Apostle is drawing out the further implications of what he has already said in the previous chapter. In Verse 12 of Chapter 2, Paul said that “You have been buried with Christ in baptism, in which you were also raised with him through faith in the powerful working of God, who raised him from the dead.” Paul has reminded his readers of that which was emblematic of their baptism – that when they came as families and individuals to be baptized, their old lives were left behind, and who they were going to be from that point forward was to be determined by the Lord Jesus. When God sees you, he no longer sees you for who you used to be; for the old you has died. When God sees you, he no longer sees you in light of all your sins and your failures. But when God sees you, He sees His own dear Son, in Whom you have been hidden. And what a great source of encouragement this should be for us here and now. Whatever sins may have marred your identity in the past are now covered by perfect righteousness of the Lord Jesus Christ. Your spiritual bank account is filled with His righteousness, and you are so secure in God’s heart that He has already granted you Christ’s heavenly status. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the reality that your life is now hidden with Christ in God. Seek His grace to live before Him in the confidence of this truth. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 20 - A new humanity: The Christian’s new mentality

Daily devotional

August 19 - A new humanity: Raised with Christ

“If then you have been raised with Christ” - Colossians 3:1a Scripture reading: Colossians 2:16–3:4 In Colossians 3:1-4, Paul sets befor...

Daily devotional

August 18 - “He disarmed the rulers and authorities”

Daily devotional

August 17 - Nailed to the cross

“This he set aside, nailing it to the cross.” - Colossians 2:14 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:18-21 & Colossians 2:11-15 Do you r...

Daily devotional

August 16 - Paul’s pastoral warning

“See to it that no one takes you captive by philosophy and empty deceit.” - Colossians 2:8 Scripture reading: Psalm 16:1-11 & Colossians 2:8-10 Part of our walking in Christ involves resistance. We must resist being carried away by the foolish philosophies and ideologies of this world. Through the philosophies and ideologies of the world, Satan appeals to our sense of self-righteousness and self-autonomy, and he seeks to allure us away from finding our satisfaction and joy in Christ alone. Materialism, for example, appeals to one’s desire for instant gratification. Secularism appeals to one’s desire to be free from God’s law. Transgenderism appeals to one’s desire for sexual autonomy and self-autonomy. And lest we be totally naïve, we need to recognize that these ideologies don’t just appeal to people outside of the church, but to people inside the church as well. These evil “isms” promise us everything – autonomy, freedom and power. But they deliver on nothing. They are empty and deceitful. They are like a Venus Flytrap: as soon as a person comes to embrace them, those promises clamp down on them, making them more miserable than ever before. But in Christ Jesus there is indeed fullness of joy forevermore. “In Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily.” Why then would you ever look to another? Why would you ever think that you need something more? Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would help His people resist the empty and deceitful philosophies of this world and to continually rest in the truth of Christ, Who alone can satisfy the deepest longings of the human heart. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 15 - Walking in Christ

“Therefore, as you received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in him.” - Colossians 2:6-7 Scripture reading: Psalm 1:1-6 & Colossians 2:6-15 The Bible often makes use of various metaphors to describe the nature of the Christian life. Here Paul uses the metaphor of walking. But what does this walking consist of? According to the Apostle Paul, there are four key components: We must remain rooted in the truth of Christ (v. 7). The Christian life does not begin one way but finish in another way. The Christian life, from start to finish, is to be lived in and through the Lord Jesus. We must resist being carried away from Christ. (v. 8). Who among us doesn’t know someone who, at one time, appeared to be a disciple of Christ before eventually being carried away by one of the empty ideologies of the world? Satan disguises himself as an angel of light. Therefore, our resistance must remain strong. We must remember our circumcision in Christ (v. 11). In Christ, we’ve received that which circumcision pointed to all along, namely, the removal of our sin and the new status of being clean before God. We must rest in the Cross of Christ (v. 14). For it was there, at the cross of Christ, that the record of debt that once stood against you was cancelled once and for all. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the grace to continue walking in the Lord Jesus Christ. Ask God to protect us from the ideologies of the world and to keep our eyes fixed on Christ Jesus the Lord. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 14 - Paul’s mission

“Him we proclaim, warning everyone and teaching everyone with all wisdom, that we may present everyone mature in Christ.” - Colossians 1:28 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:28-2:5 The Apostle finally makes perfectly clear what he’s been alluding to all along. Paul is a man on a mission. And his mission is to present everyone mature (or complete) in Christ. For this Paul toiled with all his might, according to the measure of strength which the Lord Jesus had graciously worked within him. As Paul pours out his prayers on the Colossians’ behalf, his desire is that they would grow up into spiritual maturity. For we never graduate from the school of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ. There is always more to learn and more to grasp more fully. And because our faith is often so weak, we need to be reminded of Christ, of who He is, what He has done, and what He is now doing at God’s right hand, again and again and again. And we are to grow in Him. Paul writes with a view toward Christ’s second coming, but until that day comes, all of Paul’s energy is going to be channelled into this one thing: presenting his readers mature in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would continue to mature you and the members of your local congregation in the faith. Ask for grace to make the best use of the means of grace that God has given us with this goal in view. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 13 - Paul’s model

“Now I rejoice in my sufferings for your sake.” - Colossians 1:24a Scripture reading: 1 Peter 3:8-13 & Colossians 1:24-27 Just as Christ came into the world to endure much pain and suffering for the sake of the Church, so, too, Paul has placed himself in this mold of the cross for the sake of Christ’s body, that is, the church. One of the questions that this model raises for us is whether God might be using our own suffering in a similar way. Sometimes trials come our way and we wonder, “Why am I going through this?” “How can God possibly be working this thing for my good?” Those aren’t always bad questions to ask. After all, Paul assures us in Romans 5 that “Suffering produces endurance, and endurance produces character, and character produces hope, and hope does not put us to shame.” But rather than asking, “How can God possibly be working this for my good?” Perhaps we should be asking, “How might God be using my suffering for the good of someone else?” That’s likely a more searching question. But it’s a good question, because it causes us to look away from ourselves, and it produces within us a sense of self-forgetfulness for the sake of others who might be going through something similar. Suggestions for prayer 1 Peter 2:21 tells us that Christ suffered for us, leaving us an example that we might follow in His steps. Pray for grace to follow in His steps willingly when sufferings and trials come your way. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Dimly lit courtroom with serious looking judge.

Daily devotional

August 12 - Christ’s gracious purpose in reconciliation

Sun coming up over mountains with the word reconciled centred.

Daily devotional

August 11 - A personal Saviour

“And you, who once were alienated and hostile in mind, doing evil deeds, he has now reconciled in his body of flesh by his death.” - Colossians 1:...

Background mountains with sun coming up behind a cross in the foreground.

Daily devotional

August 10 - Jesus: our King and friend

“For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making ...

Dusk with sunset and church with steeple and lights in the foreground.

Daily devotional

August 9 - And He is the head of the body

“And he is the head of the body, the church.” - Colossians 1:18 Scripture Reading: Revelation 1:9-20 & Colossians 1:15-20 Here in Coloss...

Daily devotional

August 8 - In him all things hold together

"And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together." - Colossians 1:17 Scripture Reading: Colossians 1:15-20 Abraham Kuyper once said that “There is not a square inch of the whole domain of our human existence, over which Christ who is sovereign over all does not cry, ‘Mine!’” Christ reigns supreme over the cosmos. Therefore, whatever fullness or quality of life that the Colossians were being led to think they were missing out on, Paul would say, “It is not so.” “You only need Christ. Spiritual fullness and quality of life can only be found in Him.” Not only is Christ the image of the invisible God, but Christ is the creator and sustainer of the universe. All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to Him. Christ is in charge. Christ rules supreme. Christ is holding all things together in the palm of His hand. And what a comforting reality this is for us. For this supreme reign holds true not only for the cosmos and for all of world history generally, but also for you and me personally. The very same Christ who holds the universe in the palm of His hand, also holds you. The very same Christ who holds the waters of the ocean together from covering the land is the very same Christ Who holds your marriage together. When Paul says, “in Him all things hold together,” he means just that – all things – including your little life as well. He sees you. He knows you. And nothing is hidden from His sight. The transcendent (beyond-us) God of Glory is also the immanent (ever-near-us) God of Grace. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks for the knowledge that Christ reigns supreme over all and pray for the grace to live for the praise of His name. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 7 - Christ is the image of the invisible God

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation.” - Colossians 1:15 Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:1-14 & Colossians 1:15-20 Perhaps we come to a passage like this, and we’re tempted to think to ourselves, “Well this is sort of ‘old hat.’ After all, who among us doesn’t already know that Jesus is the eternal Son of the Eternal God? We confess it every Sunday in the Apostles Creed. But at the time when the Apostle Paul was first writing this letter, the theology of these verses was groundbreaking and life-altering. For in the person of Jesus, the Colossians had come to know what God was really like. For Jesus, from all eternity, is the perfect image – the perfect representation of the Father. If you want to know what God is like, you need only look to His Son. In the second place, Paul tells us that this Jesus is the firstborn of all creation. The word firstborn, as Paul uses it here, is a title. Just as the firstborn son in the ancient world had claim to everything belonging to his earthly father – so, too, Christ has claim to everything that is the heavenly Father’s. Christ possesses the place of prominence and preeminence. His is the name that is above every other name. Therefore, He alone is worthy of all our adoration and praise. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for making Himself known to us in His Son. And pray for the grace to render Him glory and honour as the firstborn over all creation. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 6 - Transferred

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.” - Colossians 3:13-14 Scripture Reading: Revelation 7:9-17 Having considered Paul’s petition in Verses 9-12, we also do well to ask the question, “On what basis has Paul made such a request to God?” How can Paul be sure that he has not been praying into thin air? Here we discover that the power of Paul’s prayer rests in the person and work of Jesus Christ through Whom God has graciously delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us into the kingdom of light. Do we recognize that Satan’s kingdom is a dark kingdom? Satan’s kingdom is a kingdom of enslavement to sin. Satan’s kingdom is the dead-end kingdom. It is full of empty promises, disappointment, and misery. It’s a kingdom that’s run by a tyrant, for Satan is not our friend, but our adversary. But God has transferred us out of the kingdom of darkness and into the glorious kingdom of His beloved Son. And what a glorious kingdom this is. God’s kingdom is ruled by an eminently gracious king in Whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of all our sins. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to the Lord for delivering you from the domain of darkness. Pray for the conversion of those who still belong to that kingdom. Pray that God would be gracious to deliver them from it through the preaching of the gospel. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 5 - The purpose of Paul’s prayer

“So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him.” - Colossians 1:10 Scripture reading: Psalm 1:1-6 & Colossians 1:9-12 As we saw yesterday, Christians need to be filled with the knowledge of God in all spiritual wisdom and understanding. But to what end? We find the answer here in Colossians 1:10: so that we might walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. But what does this walking look like? In the first place, walking worthily of the Lord involves bearing fruit in every good work – not as a means of gaining God’s approval, but bearing fruit in every good work in gratitude for His saving and transforming grace. In the second place, walking worthily of the Lord involves increasing in the knowledge of God. Paul wants us to see the vital connection between spiritual knowledge and spiritual action. The Christian life is not a stagnant life. But the Christian life is a growing life. In the third place, Paul describes this walking worthily of the Lord as being characterized by “being strengthened with all power, according to his glorious might, for all endurance and patience with joy.” And here Paul assures us that this walking worthily of the Lord is never done in our own strength, but it is only in God’s strength. And then in the fourth place, walking worthily of the Lord is expressed in thanksgiving. A worthy walk is a thankful walk. For God Himself has qualified us to share in the inheritance of the saints. Suggestions for prayer Pray for grace and spiritual strength to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord. Seek God’s forgiveness for where you have fallen short. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 4 - Paul’s petition

“That you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding.” - Colossians 1:9 Scripture reading: 2 Pete...

Daily devotional

August 3 - The word of truth has come to us

“Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and inc...

Daily devotional

August 2 - Thankful to God

"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you...

Daily devotional

August 1 - Introduction to the book of Colossians

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians in order that he might present every one of them mature (or complete) in the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:...

Daily devotional

July 31 - Grace be with you

“I, Paul, write this greeting with my own hand. Remember my chains. Grace be with you.” - Colossians 4:18 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:18 We come to an end of our walk through the letter of Colossians. We began the month with national holidays and worshipped on four Sundays. We have meditated on the supremacy of Christ, on the new communion and life we have in Jesus Christ. We have done some thinking about preachers and preaching and the church's leadership. And now it comes time to end. It is a daunting task to write to and for others, and we are not always sure who will read it and what impact it will have, but we leave that in the hands of Christ, the head of the church. That's what the inspired Paul did. Paul writes his farewell. He ends where we started—grace. By grace, we have been saved and stay saved. By grace, we put off the robes of sin and put on the robes of Christ's righteousness. And though Paul is in chains, by grace, the letter went out to the Colossians and Laodiceans and the communion of the saints then and now have been blessed. I hope our month together has been helpful for you and maybe even once or twice provided some inspiration for thought, word or deed. But in the end, if we leave the letter with a new respect for the work of Christ on earth, establishing churches through the preaching of the Good News and the declaration of the supremacy of Christ, then much has been accomplished. Grace be with you! Suggestions for prayer Pray for God's grace and that you will live in the peace and hope that He gives. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 30 - Fulfill your ministry

“And say to Archippus, "See that you fulfill the ministry that you have received in the Lord."” - Colossians 4:17 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:17 Here is another of Paul's interesting commands to the Colossians: "See that you fulfill your ministry." Archippus is mentioned as a member of Philemon's household and a fellow soldier with Paul and Timothy (Philemon 1:2). We think he was appointed by Paul either to minister in Colosse or, more likely, in Laodicea. It seems that he was not doing the work of his calling, and though ministry can have a more general meaning, it appears from this context it was his sacred calling to be a pastor and preacher. It may also be that he was the angel of the church in Laodicea that Christ by John wrote to. Some wonder if Archippus was not doing his work, that perhaps he was lukewarm and led that church to be rebuked by Christ that they were neither hot nor cold (Rev. 3:14-16). Christ by Paul via the Colossian letter rebukes Archippus- "fulfill the ministry you have received from the Lord." Note that preachers are not self-designated. They are called by Jesus Christ and appointed by Him. Our work as preachers is to serve Him; sometimes, we as a congregation must hold him to that task. Christ has joined the leader to lead by the bond of love and peace, where those who are led bring prayerful encouragement of unity and harmony to accomplish the Lord's work. See Christ, the head of the church, at work! Suggestions for prayer Pray that your elders, deacons and pastors will do the work they are called to do. Pray that the Lord will bless their work and that Christ will find and continue to appoint new men for the task at hand. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 29 - Sharing the treasure

“And when this letter has been read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and see that you also read the letter from Laodicea.” - Colossians 4:16 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:16 What were the sermons about yesterday? Can you remember? Was there something that struck you? Was something preached that moved you and challenged you? Did you hear about Christ and Him crucified? Was it good to be in the household of God? Was the sermon good to share with someone else? Sermons are like that. People will ask me if I heard a sermon by a preacher that I should listen to. People are excited and want to share the Word. That, too, is part of the communion of the saints. I can respect that Paul, by the Spirit, understands that the letters he wrote to the Colossians and Laodiceans should be shared. (We do not have the letter addressed to Laodicea) The Colossians and Laodiceans needed both these letters. We need only the Colossian letter. Paul, from prison, was still productive and active in his ministry, no matter the circumstances. And we are blessed because as the letter was read in Laodicea, we have also been able to read and reflect upon it. The wonder of Scripture is its timelessness and effectiveness. We read these letters some 1900 years later, and they still seem fresh and applicable. That is Christ at work. He who died for us, keeps us nourished through the Spirit and Word, through preachers and preaching, pastors and pastoral care. What a friend we have in Jesus! Maybe there is someone who needs to hear what you heard yesterday! Pass on the preaching and watch what Christ will do. Suggestions for prayer Pray for a briefing on the preaching yesterday for the hearers. Ask a blessing for your pastor as he begins preparing for next week's sermons. Pray for someone you may be working with and sharing sermons and the good news. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 28 - The communion of the saints

“Luke the beloved physician greets you, as does Demas. Give my greetings to the brothers at Laodicea, and to Nympha and the church in her house.” - Colossians 4:14-15 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:14-15 Sometimes, I bring some of our Young People when I preach at a church plant or preaching station. At first, I did that so that they would see the work of church planting or worship with smaller numbers, but often in an intense way. I hope some of our young men might be moved to pursue that kind of work. It is always interesting to see what God is doing and the body of Christ at work. But there was something I did not expect, and that was how the church plant congregation received us. There were greetings and questions. Sometimes, those who have been raised in the church wish for a more dramatic experience of conversion, but often, those who were not raised in the church, wish that they did not have to live their previous life of darkness. The communion of the saints is a fantastic thing. We also learned how important it is for church plants to realize they are part of something bigger. It is nice to know that churches collect, pray and intercede for them. The Colossians knew that Paul was concerned, and Luke and Demas were too. There was a communion of saints at Nympha's house. All of that is the work of Christ in the community and worldwide. So, let me challenge you as you go to church today. If a church plant is nearby, perhaps try to attend there- letting your elders know, of course- and bring greetings. The communion of the saints is another blessing of going to church! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to bless your day of rest, the congregation, the preaching and worship and remember yours and the congregations worldwide. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 27 - The praying pastor

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and ...

Daily devotional

July 26 - Men of the ministry

“These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.” - Colossians 4:11...

Daily devotional

July 25 - The pastor’s love

“Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to yo...

Daily devotional

July 24 - Speech seasoned with salt

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” - Colossians 4:6 Scriptur...

Daily devotional

July 23 - Walk in wisdom

“Walk in wisdom toward outsiders, making the best use of the time.” - Colossians 4:5 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:5 Right after asking for prayers for wisdom, Paul commands the readers to be wise towards outsiders. We have been taught what life inside the church is to be like. If we are unwise towards those outside the church, what will they think of our Lord? That is part of the Great Commission work of the saints in Colosse. There are then two parts to our local work of evangelism. Preaching is the primary means of grace and the key that opens and shuts the Kingdom. Paul commands the church to pray that the Word be appropriately preached. But there is also our witness to the community. The catechism puts it this way, "by our godly living, our neighbours may be won over to Christ." How we live and handle ourselves is the evidence of Christ in us. It is the way that we reflect the image of God. That is not easy when we are constantly attacked, ridiculed or laughed out of the public square. Paul reminds us that how we defend faith matters; we must call others to the truth and always speak it in love. In this day of political polarization, upcoming elections, and unrest, we in Christ need to be the voice of reason. The church must be the community of wisdom and hope for the people of this world. May God bless us—as the hymn goes—with wisdom "to walk with the Lord by the light of His Word and to trust and obey." Suggestions for prayer "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind." - James 1:5-6 Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 22 - Praying for the preacher

“At the same time, pray also for us, that God may open to us a door for the word, to declare the mystery of Christ, on account of which I am in prison—that I may make it clear, which is how I ought to speak.” - Colossians 4:3-4 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:3-4 Earlier in the letter, Paul let the congregation in Colosse know of his prayer for them. Paul knows that the church belongs to Christ. He is the head of the body, supreme over all, and working all things for the congregation's good. Paul calls the church to be active in prayer for his work, too, because the work will be in vain without the blessings of Christ and His Spirit. He asks for the opportunity and the ability. He asks that prayers be made for wisdom. Paul knew his limitations and needs and asked the prayers of God's people. We have mentioned preaching and preachers this month. It is easy to take them for granted. I think, too, that there is much that the pastor does that is not seen. What did Paul do all day? At the time of this writing, he is in prison. But we read that he was a tentmaker to provide for his daily needs. He taught in public and the synagogues. He went from house to house preaching and teaching. Your preacher likely does some of the same. He spends time in the Word preparing sermons, praying, and going from house to house to teach and comfort. He does counselling and marriage preparation, baptism visits and leads funerals and weddings. All of it involves a lot of speaking. That allows much opportunity for foolishness and the need for the Spirit's wisdom. Pray that your Pastor will be wise! Suggestion for prayer Spend some time today in prayer for your preachers and missionaries in light of Paul's command. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 21 - Continue in prayer

“Continue steadfastly in prayer, being watchful in it with thanksgiving.” - Colossians 4:2 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:2 Paul continues his staccato directions about love in the church, family and household. He also speaks to our hearts when he calls us to continue praying. Interestingly, we need reminding of that. Yet, I think it is true for many of us that we are not consistently steadfast in prayer. Particularly when things are going well, the habit of worship continues, but that steadfastness is not persistent. Then, when trials and struggles hit, we are on our knees. But is it for the Kingdom of God or relief for us? We are called to continue steadfastly in prayer. Today, we start fresh, head to worship and look forward to the week ahead. When taking this command seriously for the church, elders and pastors typically have set times in worship for prayer. John Calvin adds that our singing is part of how we pray. We have already been called to minister to one another in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs from the heart of thanksgiving. The Heidelberg catechism places the Lord's prayer in the gratitude section. Today, we take a break from our work and rest in the finished work of the Lord Jesus. We are reminded of His time in prayer and the prayers He taught us. Remember to be steadfast and watchful in prayer with thanksgiving. Let us assemble ourselves today and all the more because the Day of the Lord is approaching. Let us worship, pray and thank God with our hearts, souls and voices. Suggestions for prayer Ask for the Spirit's guidance for today's pastor and church's prayers. Ask for the blessing of maturing in your prayer life so that you may grow in thankfulness and joy. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 20 - Work for the Lord

“Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23-24 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:22-4:1 Paul draws us to one last aspect of home life: the relationship between masters and servants. How does one in Christ treat their employees, and how does one in Christ behave as an employee? The optimum would be for a Christian man (who loves his wife and children because he is in Christ and puts on the clothing of love and the bond of peace) to relate reasonably towards his servant, a brother or sister in Christ. They know their roles in the church community and realize them in the Kingdom of God and the family. When godly leaders lead godly workers, the name of Christ is promoted. Here, we see the body becoming a team working together in the work setting, which causes the light of love to shine. Workers demand their rights in a world without Christ's love, and businesses and managers assert theirs. The love of money drives us to contentious workplaces. Often, Christian bosses have to show love and leadership to non-Christians, and Christian employees must serve non-Christian bosses. Frequently, there is unfairness, yet we all have roles rooted in Christ's sacrificial service to us. We must work from the heart of gratitude and for the honour of our Lord Jesus. He gives the blessings and the inheritance that is eternal and glorious. We realize that our work is part of how Jesus builds His Kingdom, and He will bring His reward in due time. Suggestion for prayer Pray that God will bless the workplaces of Christian business owners and that you and the members of your congregation will be blessed with work and be able to fulfill their tasks to the glory of Jesus. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 19 - Fathers and children

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” - Col...

Daily devotional

July 18 - Husbands and wives

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.: - Colossians 3:18-19 Scr...

Daily devotional

July 17 - Put on love

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” - Colossians 3:14 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:14-17 Put on ...

Daily devotional

July 16 - Clothing ourselves with Christ

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and...

Daily devotional

July 15 - Conversion

“Do not lie to one another, since you have put off the old man with his deeds, and have put on the new man who is renewed in knowledge according to the image of Him who created him,” - Colossians 3:9-10 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:8-11 The catechism helps us answer the question: "What is involved in genuine conversion?" Using among other texts Colossians 3:5-10, the instructor answers: "Two things: the dying-away of the old self, and the rising-to-life of the new." Orthodoxy, the right doctrine, must show itself in a changed life of orthopraxis or proper practice. New creatures live in a new way in part by changing their ways. It does not matter about nationality, ethnicity, race or culture. Every human being needs to change. We need to stop sinning and offending God. It is only when the glory of Christ in us happens, as we have learned utilizing our orthodoxy in Christ, that orthopraxis can happen. Sinners saved by grace live by grace and reject all that is ungracious. That is a long list of sins there. You can find one or two of the ones you used to walk in. I understand that many in Colosse were former Jews or Gentiles, and so that change in their adult way of living was powerful. They had to make some choices about walking away from who they used to be. Maybe you have been in a church setting your whole life, so the change is less pronounced. If we are honest, we know these sins still cling to us and we still need to be active in the Spirit's work of conversion so that we let Christ rule and be our all in all. Suggestions for prayer Pray for a change, or the continuing change of heart, to be weaned from the temptations of this world to the glory of Christ. Pray for the hallowing of the Father's name that His Kingdom will come and be done on earth as it is in heaven. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 14 - Put to death the old man

“Therefore put to death your members which are on the earth:” - Colossians 3:5a Scripture reading: Colossians 3:5-7 With the Heidelberg Catechism (LD 38), we confess about the Sabbath day, "Every day of my life I rest from my evil ways, let the Lord work in me through His Holy Spirit, and begin in this life the eternal Sabbath." Today should be the start of putting what Paul now commands the Colossians into practice. He speaks first to their present struggles with heresy and such and calls them to set their minds on the things of Christ and then to remember where they came from. They were sinners living in a world that praised sin and rewarded them for lewd behaviour. But now they were circumcised of heart, baptized into the death of Jesus. If you were to put to death the religious practices of the world, so too would the sins of this worldly flesh die. If it was confirmed that the ceremonial law had served its purpose, the Ten Commandments were still intact as the way to live as people who set their minds on the things above. I love Sunday worship because it is a great weekly reset. Sins, habits, horrible thoughts, and our nasty imaginations are confronted with the Good News, the reading of the law, and the confession of sins. There, we meet Christ in Word and sacrament; we are challenged to live as new creatures and put to death what Christ died for. Bring your burdens to Christ, bend the knee to Him, and live for His glory and honour. Suggestions for prayer Repent and believe. Ask for a heart open to receive forgiveness and worship the Lord. Pray that you will love Him with your heart, soul, mind, and strength, and pray for the members of your congregation and the church worldwide. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 13 - Set your mind on things above

“If then you were raised with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ is, sitting at the right hand of God. Set your mind on things above, not on things on the earth. For you died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God. When Christ, our life, appears, you will also appear with Him in glory.” - Colossians 3:1-4 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:1-11 Where is Jesus? We have been thinking about Him here on earth and on the cross. But He is alive and on the right hand of God, directing events for the saving of the elect, the church's work and the rule of the Kingdom of God here on earth. We glimpse His glory when we read the first chapter of Revelation. We get a taste of His compassion when Steven looks and sees Him standing there in heaven as the stones rained down on the good deacon. Christ is in heaven. In time, the saints will be with Him there. He taught us that. We must set our hearts on the things of heaven. The rituals we spoke of yesterday were a way for the heretics to keep us caught up in this world, trying to save ourselves. But where Christ is, we will be, for by His work, we are set free. He is alive, and where He is, we will be. What glory will that be? We can taste it here on earth when we go to church. Today is our day of worship preparation. Let us set our minds on the things above. That does not mean we will be so heavenly-minded that we will be of no earthly good. What better thing can we do for our communities than to gather with the congregation tomorrow and worship the King? To be with the communion of saints gives us a little glimpse of the glory that waits for us. Suggestions for prayer Pray about the things of heaven and the glory of Christ. Pray for a good time of worship tomorrow, and pray that the Lord will bless Sunday worship worldwide. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 12 - Let no one judge you

“So let no one judge you in food or drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ.” - Colossians 2:16-17 Scripture reading: Colossians 2:16-23 Paul now commends the Colossians for what they have in Christ. He is their head and she is His bride. Still, some excluded the Colossian Christians from the body of Christ because they were not practising the rituals of Judaism or paganism. We are not positive what heresy was being practiced in Colosse. The Colossians were being criticized and were in danger of giving in to the vain philosophy and false religions that were being merged with the pure truth of the Gospel. Added to that was a legalistic pietism. What precisely was the heresy about angels, is difficult to ascertain. Whatever the case, Paul says we need Christ; in Him is all the substance and glory of true religion. You know that that was what the Reformation was all about in those days when the Roman Church elevated the rituals and obscured the Redeemer. The rituals of the Old Testament were, in a manner of speaking, pregnant with the reality of Christ, but when Christ came, their message continued in Him, but the symbolism and practice were no longer necessary. Christ had died on the cross, and the spiritual and material were joined. Paul teaches them that they have matured in Christ and moved on from the principles of this world. In Christ, we are freed from human doctrine and self-willed religion. In Christ, we are free indeed. In Christ, we have the substance, and in Him, we have all we need. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the protection of the church and the purity of her religion. Pray that nothing would obscure the pure gospel in the church. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 11 - You he made alive

“And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasse...

Daily devotional

July 10 - Walk in Christ

“As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him,” - Colossians 2:6 Scripture reading: Colossians 2:6-10 It is challe...

Daily devotional

July 9 - Paul’s shepherd’s heart

“Though I am absent in the flesh, I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.” - Colo...

Daily devotional

July 8 - Rejoicing in suffering for preaching

“I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is th...

Daily devotional

July 7 - The gospel preached to you

“…if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.” - Colossians 1:23 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:21-23 Do you still look forward to it? Is there joy in you going to church today and hearing a sermon? By the Word preached, the church in Colosse was formed. There was no church but God sent the preachers, the good news was heard, and people confessed Jesus had risen from the dead and is Lord! (Romans 10). Preaching is foolishness to the world, but to us, it is food and water for life. Come to the Saviour, He gently calls you, hear the Shepherd's voice—go to church and worship by listening and drinking freely of the water of life. Do you still look forward to it? As a church, we are free to assemble and preach to the world and, as the children of God, listen to it. In other places that will happen under duress, in hiding, in prisons and concentration camps, in secret rooms and basements. But it will happen. It will happen today in bombed-out buildings in Ukraine, in communist and Islamic kingdoms and places unknown to many, but God. Jesus will not be stopped. Today, we hope many of the yet-to-be-called elect will hear the good news that brings us joy and peace. We may go to church as the reconciled enemies and sinners, saved by grace, and the impure made pure in the blood of Jesus. Go to church today and praise God from whom all blessings flow. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your church today as it assembles to worship God. Ask for a blessing upon the means of grace: the preaching and sacraments, and pray that many will kneel in the name of Jesus to the glory of God the Father. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 6 - The head of the church

"And He is the head of the body, the church, the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence. For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross." - Colossians 1:18-20 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:18-20 Through Jesus, the world was created, and by Him, the creation, fallen and broken because the first image bearer broke with God, but will be restored, reconciled and renewed. God loved the world so much that He gave His only Son to redeem it, as John tells us in chapter 3 of his gospel. Paul told the Romans that the creation is waiting for the sons of God to be adopted and for the glorious liberty of the sons of God (Romans 8). The firstborn of creation is the head of the church. He rules all things by the will of the Father and the Spirit of wisdom for the well-being of the church so that all things work for the good of those who love the Father in Christ Jesus (Romans 8). He gave His body and blood for the complete remission of all our sins. Again, we read that word peace, which is well with our souls. Part of the way He rules us as head of His beloved bride is to call us into the presence of His people and worship God. He calls us to assemble as Christ's body to worship and receive hope and comfort. As we hear the preaching of Christ and Him crucified, perhaps accompanied by the sacraments that focus our attention on Christ and His completed work, give God all praise and honour due to His name. Prepare your hearts and souls! Suggestion for prayer Pray for the men preparing to bring the Word tomorrow so that Christ and Him crucified may be boldly declared, and the people of God challenged to repent and believe. Pray for the true worship of God around the world in freedom and even in persecution. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 5 - Christ the firstborn over all creation

“He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For by Him, all things were created in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were made through Him and for Him. And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist.” - Colossians 1:15-17 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:15-17 Paul goes on to teach us more about our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. He is the image of the invisible God. I enjoy that language. How can Jesus be the image of the invisible? Later, in Colossians 3, Paul teaches us that we are being renewed after Christ's image, which entails a new way of a holy and God-pleasing living. Christ was as Adam once, and even more so because though Adam was created, everything was created in Christ, Who was not made. He is one with God. As John writes in his Gospel, Christ, the Word was with God, was God and all things were created by Him and through Him, and now we know too that the creation was made for Him! Because He is God, He alone could bear our sins, conquer death, and ensure the victory of the Kingdom of God. This past week, Canada and the US celebrated their national holidays. But how many, even acknowledging some god, recognize the Lord Jesus Christ as ruler of our nations? How often do we live as if Jesus were not the firstborn over the creation? In a world with trouble and trials, in our day and age of polarizing politics and election years ahead, we rest in the truth that Jesus Christ has been given dominion because He is the new image bearer. His Spirit renews us, making us new creations. Let us "live for Jesus, the life that is true." Suggestion for prayer Pray for a deeper understanding of the Lordship of Jesus Christ. Pray that He will bless His Kingdom and thank God for the redemption we have in Him. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 4 - Our independence

“He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the Kingdom of the Son of His love, in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.” -Colossians 1:13-14 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:13-14 Today, Americans celebrate the Declaration of Independence. In that declaration, the founding fathers declared: "We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed, by their Creator, with certain unalienable rights, that among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." But where does a man find life, liberty, and happiness? As North America flounders as a society without God, the church, as the society of God in Christ, declares our freedom from sin, death and hell because of the grace and peace we have from God the Father in Jesus Christ. We think of our freedom in Christ because of His work on the cross. His suffering brought us peace with God. By His resurrection, we are raised to a new life that brings us new, lasting happiness. We know that of ourselves we have no rights, but in Christ, we have grace, peace and access to God. Paul told the Philippians that our citizenship is in heaven, and Jesus prayed that we would be left in the world to be salt and light in the world. Paul prays for the church in Colosse and, by extension, for our churches too, that we would persevere as a church, always faithful and convinced of the work of Jesus Christ. In Him, we rejoice and celebrate, and I hope our prayers and celebration are far more powerful and beautiful than pageants and parades of the day. May all hear from us today: "Hallelujah! What a Saviour!" Suggestions for prayer Thank God for our freedom. Pray that the people of the United States and all countries would embrace the great truths of God's Word and the wonder of Christ and glorify the Father. Pray for the church's witness today. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 3 - Praying for our church

“For this reason, we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you,” - Colossians 1:9 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:9-12 A...

Daily devotional

July 2 - Thankful for our church

“We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you” - Colossians 1:3 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:3-8 ...

Daily devotional

July 1 - Introduction to Colossians

The meditations for this month are based on Paul's letter to the Colossians. Much like his letter, written from prison, to the Ephesians, the first pa...

Daily devotional

June 30 - Jesus with thy church abide

“Now to him who is able to keep you from stumbling and to present you blameless before the presence of his glory with great joy, to the only God, ou...

Daily devotional

June 29 - Sickening compromise

“They said to you, “In the last time there will be scoffers, following their own ungodly passions.”” - Jude 18 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 13:3-22 Compromise, compromise, compromise. When someone thinks they don’t really need to apply the Word of God to their life, there is something sick and wrong. They are not walking in the truth and then the next generation will not learn the truth. Tobiah the Ammonite should not have been allowed in the temple courts. J.I. Packer writes, “Tobiah was a worldly-wise formalist and pragmatist; he would not let his faith affect his personal or professional life.” We see these types in the world. They bring Satan’s lies, telling us not to trust God’s Word, but to follow what we feel in the moment. Perhaps you have friends, co-workers, teachers, or family members that don’t care about following God and instead pressure you to compromise? Don’t give them a place of influence, lest they lead you to be like them. More compromise. Israel neglected the house of God and was failing to honour the Sabbath. Thankfully, Nehemiah had zero tolerance for this sort of compromise. If our faith is healthy, we will seek first the Kingdom of God and seek to obey God’s Word above all. We are prone to forget and misplace our priorities, and the work of turning from sin and living for God is never done. Thank the Lord that He sent servants like Nehemiah to show us our wrong. Thank the Lord that He sent Christ, Who shows us we are sick, and offers the cure we need through His blood which atones for our sin and His Spirit which makes us new. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for those who have the love and courage to correct you when needed. Ask God to help you love holiness more than your own pleasures. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 28 - Definite conversion

“Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord.” - Romans 12:11 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 13:1-3, Deuteronomy 23:3-8 Being converted to God means we must both embrace what is good and reject what is bad. Some people have an easy time singing in the choir, but they have a hard time putting away wicked and greedy habits. The law of God makes clear that we cannot serve two masters or hold two identities. The law of God commanded the Israelites to live distinct from the Moabites and the Ammonites because the Moabites and Ammonites had despised God and His Word. They would lead Israel down a path of constant compromise. So, with trust and obedience to the Word of God, the Israelites exclude those of foreign descent. Now this does not mean everyone with foreign descent would be excluded. The most famous Moabite was a woman named Ruth. She renounced her old ways, came into Israel, and was honoured with being one of the mothers of Christ. Those who renounce the foreign identity and fully embrace the identity of the people of Israel could stay – of course they could. However, those who wanted to be both the people of God and also of the people of the world, they had to go. Conversion means a clear turning from the old ways. We cannot love and pursue sin, while also calling ourselves part of the holy people of God. Our devotion to the Lord includes separating ourselves from compromise and from those who push us toward compromise. Our identity must be firmly and fully in Christ Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to identify things in your life that push you to compromise. Pray for the Lord to help you persistently turn away from sin and toward thankful obedience. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 27 - Sing Choirs of new Jerusalem

“And they offered great sacrifices that day and rejoiced, for God had made them rejoice with great joy; the women and children also rejoiced. And the joy of Jerusalem was heard far away.” - Nehemiah 12:43 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 12:31-47 Sometimes on a Sunday, I will briefly stop singing and take in the words being sung by people in the pews. It warms my heart. Singing is often connected with God’s great works. There will be singing in heaven. When the apostle John had a vision in Revelation 15, the saints in heaven were singing the song of Moses. Song is a natural response to the work of God in our hearts and lives. This occasion in Nehemiah was like none other. Two great choirs were trained and ready. Starting at the bottom of the city, one choir went one way on the wall around the city, and the other the opposite way. They encircled the city, singing of God’s mercies and faithfulness, perhaps Psalm 48 or 122. Those in the city would hear voices echo back and forth until they met in the Temple Courts for the final stanzas of praise. Amazing! Glorious! The city was filled with song, sounding out from Mount Zion and was heard far away. Remember the disgrace recorded in chapter 1 that caused Nehemiah to weep? A generation prior, the book of Ezra records a mixture of joy and weeping that could be heard far away (Ezra 3:13). Now there are shouts of great rejoicing. They could not sing this way in a foreign land; they did much weeping over the years. But now they rejoice in song. God promises this to us. You might go out weeping, but wait on the Lord, and you will return with songs of joy. Suggestions for prayer Pray for those going through dark times where songs of praise are difficult. Pray for the Lord’s ongoing work in your heart, that your heart may be tuned to sing His praise and long for the glories of the New Jerusalem. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 26 - Preparing for worship

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come. 18 All this is from God, who through Christ reconciled us to himself and gave us the ministry of reconciliation.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17–18 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 12:27-30 The walls are complete. The people of Israel are ready to praise the Lord with a celebration. But first, both the people and the walls were purified. The only way we can offer acceptable worship to God is through the cleansing He gives. The Israelites had cleansing ceremonies which steadily reminded them (and we must know this too) that our sin creates a barrier between God and His people. On this day, the walls were purified. The walls cannot save them, only the Lord can. The ceremony was like a statement saying, “May it please the Lord to use these walls for His purpose of preserving His people and for proper worship.” We remember that these walls were not built by experts; they reused old stones blackened by the fires. The walls carried marks, which were like scars reminding Israel of their foolish past. Only by the cleansing of God do they become worthy of God. Think about the things the Lord has done for you. And think of all the mistakes in your own past. Are there things in your life that remind you of the times you failed to trust God and rebelled against His Word? That is real, isn’t it? But there is cleansing. We can belong to the Lord and be worthy of bringing worship to God though the cleansing and renewal given in Jesus Christ. May we daily seek our life in Christ Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Confess your recent sins and the sins you have not wanted to confess. Repent and ask the Lord to cleanse you from your sin, that you may offer to God worship that is pleasing to Him. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 25 - From one generation to the next

“The Lord records as he registers the peoples, “This one was born there.”” - Psalm 87:6 “But as it is, God arranged the members in the ...

Daily devotional

June 24 - Gathered by the Lord

“Now the leaders of the people lived in Jerusalem. And the rest of the people cast lots to bring one out of ten to live in Jerusalem the holy city, ...

Daily devotional

June 23 - O Jesus I have promised

“Join with their brothers, their nobles, and enter into a curse and an oath to walk in God’s Law that was given by Moses the servant of God, and t...

Daily devotional

June 22 - The peace of knowing who we are

“And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” - Luke 23:41 Scripture...

Daily devotional

June 21 - The assurance of knowing who we are

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” - Hebrews 4:16 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 9:9-32 “We have been through a lot together.” A 90 year-old man told me about his deceased brother. They lived through the war in the Netherlands; they served together in the Dutch army, moved to Canada and started a business together. A great history can tell a lot about a relationship. The Israelites were rebuilding their identity as the people of God, and in doing so they had learned that they have been through a lot together; or rather, God had brought them through a lot. This gave them assurance. Look back at the past, look at what happened when the people sinned and at what happened when they sought the Lord. And why was God merciful? Because He is righteous; because He is faithful to Himself. God in His mercy punished, but did not destroy His people. In relentless mercy, God sent His Son to bear the punishment that we deserve, so that through faith in Jesus we can confidently lay claim to God and the promises He gives to His children. Galatians 3:7 says that it is those of faith who are sons of Abraham. This means by believing in God and His promises; this is our history too. Let us learn and recall and retell the old stories. May our prayers reflect this understanding and our faith be assured. Though we have come through many dangers and have frequently wandered, in Christ, we can boldly approach the throne. God would no sooner deny us than He would deny His own Son – Great is His faithfulness! Suggestions for prayer Pray that your faith may be strengthened by understanding that God will comfort you with the knowledge that you belong to Him, because He has been merciful. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 20 - The humility of knowing who we are

“For I know that nothing good dwells in me, that is, in my flesh.” - Romans 7:18a Scripture reading: Nehemiah 9:1-8 When the law was read in chapter 8, the people were told not to weep. Then the Feast of Booths was celebrated with much joy. It is vital for God’s people to rejoice in what the Lord is doing. But even the believer who is assured of God’s love needs to be keenly aware of his sin, own that sin, and confess it to God. The law is read. Then for three hours the people confess their sin and worship God. How can confession and worship go together? Wouldn’t the confession discourage them and leave them feeling worthless? No, not when they remember who they are in the Lord. Confession and worship go together when we honestly confess our sin, knowing the goodness of God that triumphs over our sin. The Bible teaches us to confess our unworthiness and God’s worthiness. Confess our pathetic foolishness and God’s patient faithfulness. Confess how we wandered and how God pursued us. Yes, we have sinned, but we praise God for He is righteous. The Israelites found comfort in the lamb that was offered for their sin. That lamb points to Jesus who was offered that our sins may be removed. It is humbling to think of our sin and of Jesus suffering on the cross to remove our sin and guilt. But we worship, for this is the working of the grace of God. Like Romans 7 ends and Romans 8 begins, “Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ…. …there is therefore now, no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” Suggestions for prayer Spend some time confessing sin in your heart and life; then as you consider God’s grace (in prayer or song), praise God for His amazing love. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 19 - The joy of knowing who we are

“And all the assembly of those who had returned from the captivity made booths and lived in the booths, for from the days of Jeshua the son of Nun to that day the people of Israel had not done so. And there was very great rejoicing.” - Nehemiah 8:17 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 8:13-18, Leviticus 23:39-43 Does your family have any summer traditions? My parents got married in July and went camping for their honeymoon. When I was young, every July our family would go camping, and now I make it a priority to take my family camping each summer. Wonderful memories are made. The Feast of Booths was about much more than a family tradition or a break from work. The feast had been forgotten, but now it would be revived to teach and connect the people with their God and His care for them. They would stay in the booths to remember that their God provided for their fathers in the wilderness for 40 years. During the feast, they would spend time with friends and family, feasting, learning the stories of how God cared for His people and that this is theirGod who is strong and mighty and faithful. This is our God, too. We are still pilgrims, travellers, passing through this world, looking forward to the New Jerusalem to come. We still look to our God to provide for us all we need in the wilderness of life. This is what Jesus taught. When it was the Feast of Booths and the people were thinking of how God, through Moses, brought water from the rock, then Jesus declared in a loud voice, “If anyone thirsts, let him come to me and drink.” God has provided for His people. He continues to provide for His people, and will provide for us until our weary days are done and we are home. Rejoice in this! Suggestions for prayer Ask God to make you keenly aware of His past, present and future care for you. Pray that God will give you joy, even on the days you feel weary and alone. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 18 - The joy of the Lord is your strength

“You shall no more be termed Forsaken, and your land shall no more be termed Desolate, but you shall be called My Delight Is in Her, and your land Married; for the Lord delights in you, and your land shall be married.” - Isaiah 62:4 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12 If chapter 3 is my very favourite, then chapter 8 is my second. The wall is done. Fathers are coming back to the city with their families. They are not coming to admire the walls, but to listen to the law of God. Old Ezra, the faithful priest, is brought before the huge gathering, and he reads the law. I picture Ezra reading a section of Deuteronomy, and the leaders of the people meeting with families and small groups, answering questions and ensuring they understand. And then another section is read. All day they read and learn from the law. The law convicted the people. They knew they were sinners and worthy of punishment. They weep, but they are told not to weep. The law is wrapped in grace. Remember the great work which God has begun - the law was not read to condemn the people, but to teach them to live as those who have received God’s love. They are told, “The joy of the Lord is your strength.” That changes things! What does it mean that God delights in you and that he joyfully invests in you? Hebrews 12:2 tells us that for the joy set before Him, Jesus endured the cross. This means, in spite of our sin, we are not a pain to God. Yes, God delights in dwelling with us and working in our lives. And so may that be our strength. How can we apply the law of God? What is our motivation? It is knowing God loved us first. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for what He has done in the past and for patiently teaching us His ways. Ask the Lord to help you understand His Word and apply it daily. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 17 - To glorify God

“And of Zion it shall be said, “This one and that one were born in her”; for the Most High himself will establish her.” - Psalm 87:5–6 Sc...

Daily devotional

June 16 - A refuge of worship

“So the wall was finished on the twenty-fifth day of the month Elul, in fifty-two days. And when all our enemies heard of it, all the nations around...

Daily devotional

June 15 - What if God’s servant lies?

“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.�...

Daily devotional

June 14 - Conspiracy!

“Blessed be the Lord, my rock, who trains my hands for war, and my fingers for battle.” - Psalm 144:1 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 6:1-9 Jesu...

Daily devotional

June 13 - Grace-filled leadership

“And whoever would be first among you must be your slave, even as the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:27–28 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 5:14-19 There are many politicians who don’t have a generous bone in them, and yet they speak loudly on the need for the rich to share. We sense their hypocrisy and are outraged. It happens in homes too. If a father demands his children always tell the truth, but lies to save himself trouble – it is a shame. Now, no human leader is perfect, but we should expect leaders, husbands, elders and politicians to be examples. We see that in Nehemiah. These verses look at over 10 years of his role, and we notice a few things. First, Nehemiah refused to be a burden. He could have placed a tax on the people for food for himself and his servants. But he did not need it, so he didn’t ask. Second, he regularly fed and served others. From his own supply he showed hospitality to those in need. Nehemiah was keenly aware of the burden that was on them and laboured to support them. In this we see the ministry of Christ. He was rich beyond splendour and because of His love for lost sinners like us, He became poor. King of kings, Jesus came to serve. Do we recognize this service? Do we know that in following Jesus we carry a burden that is light? Jesus is the Good King that we need. And knowing this, then we are able to show grace to others and bless those weighed down and in need. We can focus less on serving ourselves and more on serving those around us. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks for the Good King you have in Jesus Christ. Ask the Lord to look upon you with favour and bless the good you have done for those around us. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 12 - Trouble at home

“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” - 1 John 3:17 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 5:1-13, Deuteronomy 23:19 The wall was going up, but things were not well at home. While fathers went to the front lines of building the wall, mothers had to make do without income. Land was mortgaged, and children were being sold in order to buy food. Those lending the money were supporting the work of the wall, but at the same time they were greedily taking advantage of the circumstances of the poor. Do you sense the injustice? Can you see the division that would be forming? There is nothing wrong with wealth, but getting richer by taking advantage of the poor is plain wrong. Disgraceful. What good is a nice wall when the people are filled with greed or bitterness? Angry at the injustice, Nehemiah calls the people to walk with fear of the Lord. A child will not bully his sibling if his parent is right there. So why should we take advantage of others when God sees all? Everything we have comes from God. God loves the one who is oppressed, and God is able to take our livelihood from us in a moment. We cannot try to build our own kingdom and at the same time seek first God’s kingdom. What is the answer to injustice? Grace. When the lenders stopped charging interest, when we show the grace of God to others, then hearts are blessed. Bitterness is replaced with thankfulness. The nations around should see not only protective walls, but a community that shows the love of God. Suggestions for prayer When others are inconsiderate toward you, pray for grace to know your life is in God’s hands. Pray that God will help you know His love and patience to help you be generous to others, especially those in need. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 11 - Doing the hard work

“Work out your own salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure.” - Philippians 2:12b–13 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 4:21-23 I grew up on a farm where working long days was common in the busy seasons. Now, much of that was spent in the cab of a tractor. I could not imagine laying bricks from dawn to dusk and sleeping with work clothes still on and a sword still strapped to my side. I wonder how many thought, “Really, if this is the work of the Lord, why is it so hard?” Doing the things the Lord calls us to do is often hard, tiring work. For some reason, the attitude of many today is that there should not be too much sacrifice, and the fight against sin should be only a little bit difficult. When people are serving and sacrificing, some might say, “Relax, for God loves you either way.” If that was the approach Nehemiah and the builders took regarding the wall, the wall would never have been built and the children would not know the Lord. So what does that mean for us? Why should someone work on their marriage – it is going to be hard? Why should we set the alarm so we can do devotions? Why should we bother guarding our tongues? And the answer is because this is what God has called us to do. This is what Jesus is equipping us for. This is how we will glorify the Lord and how we bless those around us. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord Jesus for making the ultimate sacrifice that you may know salvation. Confess where you have refused to serve the Lord and ask the Lord to conform your will to His. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

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Daily devotional

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