Daily devotional

February 3 - Living water in Jericho

“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” - Luke 19:10b Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:19-22; Luke 19:1-10 Polluted water is l...

Daily devotional

February 2- Taken into glory

“Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him g...

Daily devotional

February 1 - Introduction to Elisha

On the road to Emmaus, two disciples walked with the resurrected Lord Jesus. Luke describes how beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpre...

Daily devotional

January 31 - Delighting in confessing our only comfort

Daily devotional

January 30 - Sharing our only comfort

“All the ends of the earth shall remember and turn to the Lord, and all the families of the nations shall worship before you.” - Psalm 22:27 Scripture reading: Psalm 67:1-7 Gospel comfort is not merely for the individual. It is a comfort to be expressed amongst those who do not know the comfort of belonging to the Lord Jesus Christ. It is not meant to be kept to ourselves. It is a comfort to be shared. John Piper put it this way: "Therefore, worship is the goal and the fuel of missions: Missions exists because worship doesn’t. Missions is our way of saying: the joy of knowing Christ is not a private, or tribal, or national or ethnic privilege. It is for all. And that’s why we go. Because we have tasted the joy of worshiping Jesus, and we want all the families of the earth included." This world is often a vale of tears. And outside of Christ there is no hope. Outside of Christ is eternal separation from the grace of God. Outside of Christ– eternal regret--the Bible speaks of weeping and gnashing of teeth. All authority has been given to Christ. And Christ calls His Church to go and tell: to make disciples of all nations, to baptize in the Name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, and then to teach all that Christ has commanded. And this call comes with the promise that He is always with us. The great commission may never become the great omission. “It is the whole business of the whole church to preach the whole gospel to the whole world.” – Charles H. Spurgeon Suggestions for prayer "I belong to Jesus, and ere long I'll stand with my precious Saviour there in the glory land (TPH 187:6). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 29 - Telling our children

“We will not hide them from our children, telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord, and His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.” - Psalm 78:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 84:1-12 For almost a month now we have been reflecting together on the marvelous teaching of Lord's Day 1 of the Heidelberg Catechism. This teaching must remain precious in our hearts. And while Lord's Day 1 is intensely personal, it may never remain only personal. If children have been entrusted to our love and care then, certainly they must hear from our lips, the source of their only comfort found in belonging to Jesus. As I write today, my wife and I have just returned from attending the funeral of a young child whom the LORD brought to Himself at 3 and a half. This young child was learning to delight in the testimony of Psalm 84--the lovely dwelling place where we learn of our eternal comfort and the blessing of those who trust in the LORD. Parents have a blessing and duty to tell, to give evidence of a living and lively faith, and to encourage their children to follow the LORD. While parents cannot give their children faith, they can model this great gift of grace. The best treasure in life is to belong to Jesus, to know His covenant and the promises that cannot fail. Parents pray often for wisdom to be found faithful. “God's purpose is that the Holy Spirit should take possession of our sons and daughters for His service; that they should be filled with the Holy Spirit, consecrated for service. They belong to Him and He to them." – Andrew Murray Suggestions for prayer “I belong to Jesus; He will keep my soul when the deathly waters dark round about me roll" (TPH 187:5). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 28 - How I am to thank God

“I have not departed from the commandment of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.” - Job 23:12 Scripture reading: Psalm 116:1-19 When we look through the prism of God's comforting, fortifying grace; when we meditate on what is necessary to make one belong body and soul to our Messiah, we cannot remain indifferent. When we humbly ponder what Jesus did to set His followers free; to secure salvation; to deliver us to the Father in heaven above, there must necessarily follow a life of thanksgiving and gratitude. Saved from the adversaries' hand and from the wrath of God against our sin, we need not fear the afterlife. Deliverance from and out of our sin and misery is a blessing that has no comparison. Our sin is a breach of relationship with the LORD. Only Jesus by His sacrifice can restore that relationship. And now, we give thanks as we are privileged to do so. How is it that you express your gratitude? If you were to make a list that characterized your thankfulness, what would you put on that list? Certainly, we ought to thank the Lord daily for His abiding favour. Believers have the Word of Truth setting forth the Line of Promise; the way of the covenant; the doctrines of grace; the story of salvation history; the way to live before the face of God. Praise God from Whom all blessings flow!! Gratitude is an offering precious in the sight of God, and it is one that the poorest of us can make and be not poorer but richer for having made it. – AW Tozer Suggestions for prayer "O thank the LORD, for He is good; His mercy e'er endures. So let the LORD's redeemed ones say, the ones He saved from fear. He saved them from their enemies and brought them from the lands, from east and west, from north and south, from adversaries' hands" (TPH 107A:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 27 - I must know how to be set free

“And God spoke all these words, saying: “I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage.”” - Exodus 20:1-2 Scripture reading: John 8:31-36 Apart from Christ, we remain in bondage and slaves to sin. Only Christ can set us free from the penalty and the power of sin. We need deliverance; to be released from condemnation; to experience liberation; to receive double imputation--my sin to Jesus His righteousness coming to me. There is no other name under heaven, by which we must be saved. Jesus, who is the Way and the Truth and the Life. No one comes to the Father except through Him. "O wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord!" (Romans 7:24-25) For the law of the Spirit of life has set you free in Christ Jesus from the law of sin and death. (Romans 8:2) Who the Son sets free, is free indeed (John 8:36) For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery. (Galatians 5:1) Out of my distress I called on the Lord; the Lord answered me and set me free. (Psalm 118:5) Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God. (I Peter 2:16) We say it again: only Christ our Redeemer can set us free. Glory Hallelujah! I thought I could have leaped from earth to heaven at one spring when I first saw my sins drowned in the Redeemer's blood. – Charles Spurgeon Suggestions for prayer "O Lord, our Saviour help, and glorify Your name; deliver us from all our sins and take away our shame" (TPH 79B:2). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 26 - I must know my sin

“For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God.” - Romans 3:23 Scripture reading: Psalm 51:1-19 Transgression. Trespassing. Missing...

Daily devotional

January 25 - What I must know

“Exalt the Lord our God, and worship at His footstool—He is holy.” - Psalm 99:5 Scripture reading: Psalm 25: 1-22 Today, we in God's grace...

Daily devotional

January 24 - Living for Jesus (II)

“And He died for all, that those who live might no longer live for themselves but for Him who for their sake died and was raised.” - 2 Corinthians...

Daily devotional

January 23 - Living for Jesus (I)

“Then Jesus said to His disciples, If anyone desires to come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me.” - Mathew 16:24...

Daily devotional

January 22 - And makes me whole-heartedly willing

“And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ.” - Colossians 3:23-24 Scripture reading: Joshua 24:14-28 Do you see yourself working for the LORD, knowing that sin is no longer counted against you because it was accounted against the Saviour? Not only are we saved from, but we are also saved for. We are saved from the wrath of God and saved from the consequences of our sin. We are saved for service in the kingdom of God and to do so with gladness. Saved for a response of gratitude; a life of seeking the LORD and His kingdom. As Joshua said--"As for me and my house we will serve the LORD." Consider Deuteronomy 10:12 "Serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul." I Samuel 12:24 "Only fear the Lord and serve Him faithfully with all your heart. For consider what great things He has done for you." Psalm 103:1 “Bless the LORD, O my soul and all that is within me, bless His holy name!” Romans 12:11 "Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord." I Corinthians 15:58 "Therefore, my beloved brethren, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” May the LORD help us by His Holy Spirit to understand that our kingdom life does not generate our righteousness; rather our righteousness in Christ (all of grace) generates a life of thankful living. “God's work done in God's way will never lack God's supply." Hudson Taylor Suggestions for prayer "When in His might the Lord arose to set us free, and Zion was restored from her captivity, in transports then of joy and mirth we praised the Lord of all the earth" (TPH 126B:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 21 - Christ by his Holy Spirit assures

“For I will pour water on him who is thirsty, and floods on the dry ground; I will pour My Spirit on your descendants, and My blessing on your offspring” - Isaiah 44:3 Scripture reading: John 14:25-28; 15:26, 16:5-11 The faith to believe is a rich gift of God's abounding grace. To travel through life without certainty is no life. Many people invest in insurance. It is said that the purpose of insurance is to provide financial protection against potential losses by transferring the risk from an individual or business to an insurance company. But insurance and assurance are two different things. Insurance has no lasting value. Mature believers rejoice in the lasting value of the gift of assurance. Even when we experience doubts, Christians can always go back to the fact that the LORD will never leave or forsake us. But how can we be sure that Jesus delivers us from the wrath to come? (1 Thessalonians 1:10). Well let me ask you some questions. Do you have a whole-hearted trust in God’s promise not only to others but to you as well to forgive your sins? Do you believe in His gift of grace because of Christ’s merit to grant you eternal righteousness and salvation? In short, do you believe the gospel message rooted in Christ’s perfect once for all sacrifice? If yes, you do know something of the Holy Spirit’s convicting power to bring you under the banner of glorious assurance. If not, you must run to the LORD and seek His favour. Do so today. Faith is a living, daring confidence in God's grace, so sure and certain that a man could stake his life on it a thousand times. - Martin Luther Suggestions for prayer “Breathe on me breath of God, fill me with life anew, that I may love what Thou dost love, and do what Thou wouldst do" (TPH 397:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 20 - Because I belong to him

“Now He who has prepared us for this very thing is God, who also has given us the Spirit as a guarantee.” - 2 Corinthians 5:5 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 5:1-15 Once more, we have that beautiful word--belonging. Because I belong to Jesus. Believers can never tire of confessing their security in Christ. Jesus’ followers confess because I belong to Him, Christ by His Holy Spirit assures me of eternal life. What glorious, blessed assurance! The good news promises--guarantees--convicts me of what is yet to come. Disciples have an eye on the glory day, and we praise God for it. This world is filled with uncertainties. But in the most holy faith we may confess certainty. God will lead us from this world to the next, and it is the work of the Holy Spirit to convict our hearts of the life to come. Christians can live knowing we are safe in Jesus' hands, and it is the Holy Spirit who assures us that Christ's hold is sure. Our calling is to trust the LORD at His word. How tragic it is to know that so many of our neighbours live without the assurance that can only be given through the Holy Spirit. There are millions who are lost. So many remain dead in their trespasses; blind to their need for salvation and the reality that is yet to come. And what a calling to be used by the LORD to persuade others. "The real truth is that while He came to preach the Gospel, His chief object in coming was that there might be a Gospel to preach.” R.W. Dale Suggestions for prayer “I belong to Jesus; He has died for me; I am His and He is mine through eternity” (TPH 187:4). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 19 - For my salvation

“Now My soul is troubled, and what shall I say? ‘Father, save Me from this hour’? But for this purpose, I came to this hour.” - John 12:27 Scripture reading: Mark 14:26-47 The line of promise. The bonds and blessing of the covenant of grace. The abiding mercies of the Lord upholding and protecting the eternal plan before time. The virgin birth of Christ. Our Redeemer's mission and ministry. A ministry opposed each step of the way. Gethsemane. (Lord, forgive us for the times we have read about Gethsemane with dry eyes). Our beautiful Saviour who took the curse upon Himself. He was born of a virgin and laid in a crude cradle. The cruel cross. The Messiah's testimony of His Father's forsakenness. The declaration of victory--it is finished. The curtain was torn from top to bottom. Buried in the stone-cold tomb. Resurrected on the third day. Ascended to the right hand of the heavenly Father. The custodian, keeper, guardian and protector of our souls. The promise of the second coming. Our LORD who saves to the uttermost. Oh, how rich a redemption for the believer. And then to say for my salvation. Simply amazing. If you are reading this as an unbeliever, I urge you to turn to Christ. Salvation is our greatest need. Without it, you are lost eternally. Trust in the promises of the WORD of God. Apart from Christ there is no hope to reach the blessing of eternity. Apart from the One who was sent to be a ransom for many, there is an eternity of separation from the love and grace of God. "Gethsemane is not a field of study for our intellect. It is a sanctuary of our faith.” – Klass Schilder Suggestions for prayer “Sing praise to God who reigns above, the God of all creation, the God of power, the God of love, the God of our salvation. My soul with comfort rich He fills, and every grief He gently stills: God all praise and glory" (TPH 214:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 18 - All things

“Our God is in the heavens; He does all that He pleases.” - Psalm 115:3 Scripture reading: Romans 8:18-32 All things, not some things for our ...

Daily devotional

January 17 - Not a hair

“There are many plans in a man’s heart, Nevertheless the Lord’s counsel—that will stand.” - Proverbs 19:21 Scripture reading: John 6:35...

Daily devotional

January 16 - Jesus watches over me

“Fear not, for I am with you; Be not dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you, yes, I will help you, I will uphold you with My righteous r...

Daily devotional

January 15 - Set free from the tyranny of the devil (II)

Daily devotional

January 14 - Set free from the tyranny of the devil (I)

“Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall glorify Me.” - Psalm 50:15 Scripture reading: Psalm 40:1-17 The devil is tyrannical. His methods are many and tyranny is one of them. The sneaky snake is oppressive--he prowls; he seduces. He is an agent of terror. “...our ancient foe doth seek to work us woe; his craft and power are great, and armed with cruel hate, on earth is not his equal.” The believer is to stand against the wiles of the devil. Our English word “wiles” is generally used to express deception through trickery and includes all the methods that would be part of that. It has to do with cunning or skill, applied to no good purpose. Jesus has come to destroy the works of the devil (I John 3:8). Do you believe that? Oh, you must! By the power of the Holy Spirit, believers accept the testimony of the Apostle Paul as he recounted his conversion before King Agrippa. He testified of Christ's message to him as he was being sent "to open their eyes (the Gentiles), in order to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins and inheritance among those who are sanctified by faith in Me" (Acts 18). “We have to do with a subtle enemy, an enemy who uses wiles and stratagems. He has a thousand ways of beguiling unstable souls: hence he is called a serpent for subtlety, an old serpent, experienced in the art and trade of tempting” – Mathew Henry commentary on Ephesians 6:11. Suggestions for prayer In prayer testify "O God, most holy are your ways, what god is great like You? You are the God by wonders known, whose power the nations view. Your people You redeemed, O LORD, with your almighty arm; the sons of Jacob, Joseph's seed, you saved them from all harm" (TPH 77:5). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 13 - Through the blood of the cross

“Likewise He also took the cup after supper, saying, “This cup is the new covenant in My blood, which is shed for you.” - Luke 22:20 Scripture reading: Colossians 2:1-15 Life is in blood. You will die if you bleed out. Jesus gave His precious blood to give us life. This must always be soul stirring for us--gripping us by our heart strings. From the Canons of Dort Chapter 2 Article 8 we read: For this was the most free counsel of God the Father, that the life-giving and saving efficacy of the most precious death of His Son should extend to all the elect.1 It was His most gracious will and intent to give to them alone justifying faith and thereby to bring them unfailingly to salvation.2 This means: God willed that Christ through the blood of the cross3 (by which He confirmed the new covenant)4 should effectually redeem out of every people, tribe, nation,5 and tongue all those, and those only, who from eternity were chosen to salvation and were given to Him by the Father. God further willed that Christ should give to them faith,6 which, together with other saving gifts of the Holy Spirit, He acquired for them by His death; that He should cleanse them by His blood from all sins,7 both original and actual, both those committed after faith and before faith; and that He should guard them faithfully to the end8 and at last present them to Himself in splendour without any spot or wrinkle.9 1 Jn 17:9; 2 Eph 5:25-27; 3 Lk 22:20; 4 Heb 8:6; 5 Rev 5:9; 6 Phil 1:29; 7 1 Jn 1:7; 8 Jn 10:28; 9 Eph 5:27. (efficacy-to bring about the desired results) Suggestions for prayer Acknowledge before the LORD "What can wash away my sin? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. What can make me whole again? Nothing but the blood of Jesus. O precious is the flow that makes me white as snow, no other fount I know, nothing but the blood of Jesus" (TPH 278:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 12 - Jesus has fully paid

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.” - Romans 6:23 Scripture reading: Isaiah 53:1-12 Jesus paid it all! He paid our debt. He paid to remove the curse. He paid to satisfy God's justice. He paid to wash the believer as white as snow. By God’s grace we testify that the death of Christ has infinite value. We read in the Reformed Confession Canons of Dort Chapter 2 Articles 3&4: This death of the Son of God is the only and most perfect sacrifice and satisfaction for sins,1 of infinite value and worth, abundantly sufficient to expiate the sins of the whole world.2 1 Heb 9:26, 28; 10:14. 2 1 Jn 2:2. This death is of such great value and worth because the person who submitted to it is not only a true and perfectly holy man,1 but also the only-begotten Son of God,2 of the same eternal and infinite essence with the Father and the Holy Spirit, for these qualifications were necessary for our Saviour. Further, this death is of such great value and worth because it was accompanied by a sense of the wrath and curse of God3 which we by our sins had deserved. 1 Heb 4:15; 7:26.2 1 Jn 4:9, 3 Mt 27:46. Do you believe this? Infinite Value—the fullness cannot be fully comprehended. Trust the final and once for all sacrifice of the Lord Jesus. "Faith is never something isolated or alone. You must never divorce faith from its object. Faith is always linked to the object. What is the object? The object is the Lord Jesus Christ and His perfect work and his perfect righteousness." – Dr. Martyn Lloyd-Jones Suggestions for prayer Confess before the Lord: "And when before the throne, I stand in Him complete, Jesus died my soul to save my lips shall still repeat. Jesus paid it all, to Him I owe; sin had left a crimson stain, He washed me as white as snow" (TPH 276:4). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 11 - Belonging to my faithful Saviour

“The Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve and to give His life a ransom for many.” - Matthew 20:28 Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:1-4; Isaiah 50:4-7 There are many characteristics/qualities that are to be attributed to our Messiah. He is the beautiful Saviour. Believers confess the wisdom, the compassion and the humility of Christ. What a soul strengthening description the opening words of Hebrews 1 give us about the person of Christ. Christians around the world recognize that Jesus is 'the way, the truth and the life.’ Only through Jesus can we arrive safely home in our Father's house. He is the friend of sinners--the LAMB of God who came to take away the sins of the world. He is the light of this dark world. Our H.C. describes Jesus as our faithful Saviour. This is a beautiful confession. Jesus was faithful to His task to the end. He set His face as flint to Jerusalem where He as a sacrifice for our sins would be crucified, dead and buried. The faithful Saviour who saves to the uttermost was unwavering in His commitment to fulfilling God's plan of salvation. He is reliable and trustworthy, always keeping His promises to those who believe in Him. Jesus was fully devoted to God's purpose and mission Today as the body of Christ we bring our worship. Our LORD is worthy of our adoration. Devote yourself to declaring His glory. May our hearts know something of 'Hallelujah what a Saviour'! “The glory of the Gospel is that the one from whom we need to be saved is the very one who saves us." – R.C. Sproul Suggestions for prayer "My song forever shall record the tender mercies of the Lord; your faithfulness will I proclaim, and ev'ry age shall know your name" (TPH 89B:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 10 - Belonging body and soul in death

“But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then Christ is not risen. And if Christ is not risen, then our preaching is empty, and your faith is a...

Daily devotional

January 8 - Our souls also belong to Jesus

“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ: May mercy, peac...

Daily devotional

January 7 - Belonging body

“Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time, casting your care upon Him, for He cares for you.” -...

Daily devotional

January 6 - I am not my own but belong (II)

“Or do you not know that your body is the temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and you are not your own? 20 For you were...

Daily devotional

January 5 - I am not my own but belong (I)

“For none of us lives to himself, and no one dies to himself. For if we live, we live to the Lord; and if we die, we die to the Lord. Therefore, whether we live or die, we are the Lord’s. 9 For to this end Christ died and rose and lived again, that He might be Lord of both the dead and the living.” - Romans 14:7-9 Scripture reading: Psalm 100:1-5 I am not my own. How beautiful and immensely comforting. Where would we be if we were left on our own and to our own devices? Why, we would be on the road to hell. Who of us could navigate the journey from this world to the next? I am not my own, but I belong. Personally, I belong to Jesus. Believers are Christ’s possession. He owns us. He purchased us with His own precious blood. He gave His life to the death, so that in our death we might be brought to the life of eternal life. We are upheld by His person, His power and His presence. Christ’s cross is the place of our cleansing, and in His church we confess together as the body of Christ our redemption. The world is filled with many who try to go it alone. The Christian realizes it cannot be done. The world will speak of the self-made man who can pick himself up by his own bootstraps. The Christian recognizes that life is short, death is sure, sin be the cause--but Christ be the cure. When we look through the prism of God's comforting grace we are strengthened. Strengthened to understand that we are never alone simply because He has not left us alone. We are strengthened, producing fortitude and resilience as we seek to live out our calling as Christ’s disciples. We are not our own but belong! No true Christian is his own man - John Calvin Suggestions for prayer Confess before the LORD: "Know that the LORD is God indeed; He formed us all without our aid. We are the flock He surely feeds, the sheep who by His hand were made” (TPH 100B:2). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 4 - Only comfort in death

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of His saints.” - Psalm 116:15 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:1-28 Death is the final enemy. "The wages of sin is death” (Romans 6:23a). And yet, on this Lord's Day, we together with the congregation gathered in the courts of the LORD confess that death has been defeated. As the body of Christ, we have assembled to declare resurrection glory. Jesus died and arose so that His followers will one day be called out of the grave. Hallelujah PRAISE the LORD!!! One might ask–"Since Christ has died for us why do we still have to die (H.C. Q 42)? How privileged we are to answer "Our death does not pay the debt of our sins. Rather, it puts an end to our sinning and is our entrance into eternal life.” (H.C. A 42) And how blessed we are to confess with Lord's Day 17 Q. How does Christ’s resurrection benefit us? A. First, by His resurrection He has overcome death, so that He could make us share in the righteousness which He had obtained for us by His death.1 Second, by his power we too are raised up to a new life.2 Third, Christ’s resurrection is to us a sure pledge of our glorious resurrection.3 1 Rom 4:25; 1 Cor 15:16-20; 1 Pet 1:3-5. 2 Rom 6:5-11; Eph 2:4-6; Col 3:1-4. 3 Rom 8:11; 1 Cor 15:12-23; Phil 3:20, 21. Never forget the words of Jesus "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in Me, though he were dead, yet shall he live". John 11:25-26 Yes, Hallelujah PRAISE the LORD!!! Suggestions for prayer "For you will not forsake my soul unto the grave, nor will you leave your Holy One to see the tomb’s decay. Life’s pathway you make known, full joy of boundless store is found with you; at your right hand are pleasures evermore" (TPH 16:5). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 3 - Only comfort in life

“Where can I go from Your Spirit? Or where can I flee from Your presence? If I ascend into heaven, You are there; If I make my bed in hell, behold, You are there. If I take the wings of the morning, and dwell in the uttermost parts of the sea, even there Your hand shall lead me, And Your right hand shall hold me.” - Psalm 139:7-10 Scripture reading: Psalm 139:1-18 As we travel to the world to come, our great need remains the comfort of the gospel. Comfort not meaning comfortable but the necessary strength to travel each day with the assurance that our LORD goes before us, come what may. The word "comfort" originates from the Old French "confort", which itself comes from the Late Latin "confortare", meaning "to strengthen greatly". This is our great need in this vale of tears. This is our great need as we prepare for eternity. This is our great need to be enabled to live Coram Deo-- before the face of God. Your life may have had more than its share of struggles. And yet who do we have but the LORD? Let us in the congregation and in our homes praise the LORD that our greatest need has been supplied in the mercies, the grace and the compassion of our great Triune God. It has been given to all true believers who look to Jesus Christ for salvation. As we set ourselves to gather with the congregation in which we have been placed, may the LORD add His blessing, so that we again may be strengthened in the comfort, the wonderful comfort of the blessed promises secured in Jesus Christ our LORD. There is no erratic power or action or motion in creatures, but they are governed by God's secret plan in such a way that nothing happens except what is knowingly and willingly decreed by Him. – John Calvin Suggestions for prayer Confess before the Throne of Grace--"Father, I know that all my life is portioned out for me; the changes that are sure to come I do not fear to see; I ask Thee for a present mind, intent on pleasing Thee” (TPH 500:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 2 - My only comfort

“Jesus said to him (Thomas and the rest of the world) I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Me.” - John 14:6 Scripture reading: John 14:1-7 In this world filled with sin and misery it is to our great comfort to speak of our ONLY comfort. While there may be other realities that encourage us in our journey, ultimately there is only ONE comfort--Jesus Christ--Lord and Saviour for all who believe. Do you share this conviction? There are many so-called religions. All claim to have answers to basic questions. All other religions stress what man must do. Christianity insists we must trust what Christ has done and is doing. The Christian faith rejects all other claims. The Christian faith boldly declares that there is but one way to be received into the world to come. Jesus on the road to the cross, declares for all that He alone is the way, the truth and the life. And praise God that through Him, Christ’s followers are promised the abundant life to come. The Christian faith is an exclusive faith. It excludes all who do not receive the Saviour. As someone else has put it: "The most controversial yet fundamental claim in the Christian faith is that Jesus alone has accomplished everything necessary for the salvation of all who believe in Him. For this reason, He must be trusted. This doctrine separates Christianity from every other worldview, and it unites every other doctrine within our faith". “I believe in Christianity as I believe that the sun has risen: not only because I see it, but because by it I see everything else.” – C.S. Lewis Suggestions for prayer In prayer confess before the LORD: "I have no other comfort which life and death endures than that I am my Savior’s, whose death my life secures. To you with soul and body, O Jesus, I belong; You are my only Master and my Redeemer strong" (TPH 480:1). Rev. Vellenga is presently serving as a ‘here and there’ preacher who preaches across several Reformed denominational/federational lines. Peter and his wife Judith reside in Delaware, Ontario and are blessed with eight children and a growing quiver of grandchildren. 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

January 1 - Introduction to the Heidelberg Catechism

Daily devotional

December 31 - And the child grew…

“And the child grew and became strong, filled with wisdom. And the favor of God was upon him.” - Luke 2:40 Scripture reading: Luke 2:39-40 L...

Daily devotional

December 30 - Anna

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

Daily devotional

December 29 - Simeon (II)

“And Simeon blessed them and said to Mary his mother, “Behold, this child is appointed for the fall and rising of many in Israel, and for a sign t...

Daily devotional

December 28 - Simeon (I)

““Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel.” And his father and his mother marveled at what was said about him.” - Luke 2:29-33 Scripture reading: Luke 2:25-33 Joseph and Mary were in the temple to consecrate Jesus and to offer the purification sacrifice. As they crossed the temple courts, most just saw an ordinary baby. An elderly man, however, approached Joseph and Mary. Simeon was a true believer who trusted God and longed for Messiah. The Spirit had told him he would see Messiah before he died. He hurried over to Jesus and took Him in his arms. Thanks to God’s revelation, and the internal testimony of the Spirit, he saw his Saviour! With Messiah in his arms, Simeon blessed God and said, “Lord, now you are letting your servant depart in peace, according to your word; for my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel” (Luke 2:29-32). By faith, Simeon believed what the Bible said about Jesus. He rejoiced that Jesus would redeem Gentiles as well as Jews, people from every tribe and nation. “It is too light a thing that you should be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob and to bring back the preserved of Israel; I will make you as a light to the nations, that my salvation may reach to the end of the earth” (Isaiah 49:6). Do you believe what the Bible says about Jesus? Do you receive him as your Saviour and Lord? Do you long to see him, as Simeon did? Suggestions for prayer Praise God that our long-expected Jesus will return to make all things new. Pray, “Come, thou long-expected Jesus, born to set thy people free. From our fears and sins release us, let us find our rest in thee.” Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 27 - Holy to the Lord

“And when the time came for their purification according to the Law of Moses, they brought him up to Jerusalem to present him to the Lord (as it is written in the Law of the Lord, “Every male who first opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord”) and to offer a sacrifice according to what is said in the Law of the Lord, ‘a pair of turtledoves, or two young pigeons.”” - Luke 2:22-24 Scripture reading: Exodus 13:1-2,11-16 From cradle to cross, our Lord Jesus humbled Himself in our place as one under the law. This began with His circumcision at eight days old. It continued with His consecration to the Lord as firstborn at forty days old. Joseph and Mary followed the LORD’s instruction in Exodus 13. The LORD called His people to respond to His redeeming grace with costly, firstfruits giving. Worshipers sacrificed their firstborn male animals to the LORD. However, the LORD mandated worshipers to redeem their firstborn sons with a sacrificial lamb – a reminder of the Passover when the LORD provided the blood of a lamb to spare Israel’s firstborn sons. Israel is identified as God’s firstborn son, redeemed by the blood of animals in their place. Israel identified with Isaac in Genesis 22, where God commanded Abraham to sacrifice his only son, then spared his life by providing a ram in his place. Parents brought their redeemed firstborn sons before the Lord to consecrate them for His service. This is what Joseph and Mary did when they brought Jesus to the temple. Little did they know that the LORD would not spare His Firstborn Son as He had Isaac, Israel and Israel’s firstborn sons. Like the Passover Lamb, He would die for all God’s children in the “church of the firstborn” (Hebrews 12:23). “I appeal to you, therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship” (Hebrews 12:1). Suggestions for prayer Praise God that He consecrated His Firstborn to live and die as our substitute. Pray for grace to offer yourself to Him as a living sacrifice in grateful response. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 26 - Born under the law

“And at the end of eight days, when he was circumcised, he was called Jesus, the name given by the angel before he was conceived in the womb.” - Luke 2:21 Scripture reading: Galatians 4:1-6 We return to Luke 2. The shepherds have come and gone. The magi have not yet arrived. Jesus is eight days old. In obedience to the angel, Joseph and Mary name him Jesus (Matthew 1:21). In obedience to the law, they have him circumcised. Two thousand years earlier, the LORD had commanded Abraham to apply circumcision, the sign of the covenant, to all boys born into the covenant family when they were eight days old (Genesis 17:12). Circumcision proclaimed the need for cleansing and spiritual renewal. It proclaimed God’s gracious promise to include, cleanse and renew believers and their children in his covenant family. As a bloody sign, it also proclaimed, “Without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness” (Hebrews 9:22). Jesus was sinless. He did not need cleansing! He did not need spiritual renewal! Yet he identified with us as sinful humans to receive the sign of inclusion, cleansing and renewal in God’s covenant family. This was part of His humiliation. Paul would later say, “When the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons” (Galatians 4:4-5). It was for our cleansing and inclusion in God’s covenant family, that Jesus submitted to circumcision. The shedding of His blood marked the beginning and the end of His life on earth. His blood secures our inclusion, cleansing and spiritual renewal in God’s covenant family. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that Jesus chose to identify with us as sinful humans, so that we might identify with Him by grace as God’s covenant children. Pray that our children might embrace their place and purpose in God’s covenant family through faith in Christ. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 25 - Presents or presence?

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” - John 1:14 Scripture reading: Luke 2:1-20 His parents showered him with gifts. However, he wished they had been around more. They showered him with presents (p-r-e-s-e-n-t-s) but he preferred their presence (p-r-e-s-e-n-c-e). Our deepest need is to be restored to life in God’s presence. “In your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore” (Psalm 16:11b). God the Son became flesh and dwelt among us as Immanuel, God-with-us, to atone for our sin and restore us to life in God’s presence. All who turn from sin to trust in Christ enjoy His presence, by the power of His Spirit, already now. “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20b). Jesus is God’s ultimate Christmas present to us! Receive Him by faith, and you will find all God’s other presents wrapped up in Him: forgiveness, righteousness, peace, adoption, the Spirit, spiritual growth and fruit, purpose, an inheritance and resurrection. A rich man lost his only son. He put up his estate for auction. Hundreds came, hoping to snag a treasure. The auction began with a painting of the man’s beloved son. “$1000?” No bids. “$10?” Again, no bids. Suddenly, the son’s friend burst into the hall and raised his hand. “Going once, going twice, sold!” The exuberant man claimed the painting of his friend. The auctioneer then shocked the crowd, saying, “This concludes today’s auction. He who gets the son gets it all.” He who gets the Son gets it all. Merry Christmas. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His ultimate Christmas present, Jesus Christ, and every other gift we receive in Him. Pray that you might grow to treasure Christ and His gifts more and more. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 24 - Immanuel

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son of the Father, full of grace and truth.” - Joh...

Daily devotional

December 23 - Doxology

“And the shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all they had heard and seen, as it had been told them.” - Luke 2:20 Scripture read...

Daily devotional

December 22 - Mary’s meditation

“But Mary treasured up all these things, pondering them in her heart.” - Luke 2:19 Scripture reading: Ephesians 3:14-21 Luke briefly leave...

Daily devotional

December 21 - Go, know, and tell

“And when they saw it, they made known the saying that had been told them concerning this child. And all who heard it wondered at what the shepherds...

Daily devotional

December 20 - Those who seek will find

“When the angels went away from them into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” And they went with haste and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:15-16 Scripture reading: John 12:20-32 The angel had promised the shepherds, “You will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” in Bethlehem, the city of David. The shepherds then put feet to their faith and found Him where God said they would find Him. They also found Him as God said they would find Him – lying in a manger. Do you want to find Christ? Then seek Him where He promises to show up. Seek Him tomorrow in worship at a church where Christ is faithfully, truly and warmly proclaimed and worshiped. Seek Him in His Word, the Bible and in prayer. I often urge people just beginning to explore the Bible and Christ to start in one of the Gospels. I say, “First, ask Jesus to reveal Himself to you in what you read. Second, read a short section. Third, pray to God about what you read. Tell Him what impacted, confused, disturbed or excited you. Do the same thing every day.” Seek Jesus where He promises to show up, and you will find Him. Actually, He will find you. Seek Him in the fellowship of His body, the brothers and sisters through whom He speaks to you, encourages you, challenges you, rebukes you and intercedes for you. In John 12:20-32, some Greeks said to Philip, “Sir, we want to see Jesus.” Jesus responded with this promise: “And I, when I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all people to myself” (John 12:32). Suggestions for prayer Praise God that Christ shows up where He says He will – in worship, in the means of grace, and in the fellowship of believers. Pray that He will open your heart, and the hearts of others to seek and receive Him there. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 - “Let’s go!”

“When the angels went away from them into heaven,the shepherds said to one another, “Let us go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.”” - Luke 2:15 Scripture reading: James 1:22-25 The angel has just announced good news of great joy. “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior; who is Christ the Lord. And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger” (Luke 2:11-12). The astonished shepherds sat around and discussed their experience. “That angel had a great message! He’s a good speaker, too. And the choir was amazing. Well... shall we run to Starbucks for a pink drink? Who’s in?” No, that’s not what happened. These shepherds had just heard the breaking news that the long-expected Jesus had been born in nearby Bethlehem. The angel had just told them they would find a baby wrapped up in a manger. There is only one appropriate response to the announcement that Christ has just arrived in your neighborhood: you go and seek Him! That’s the first thing the shepherds did when the angels returned to heaven. “Let us go over to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has made known to us.” These men were doers of the Word, and not hearers only. Their feet proved their faith in response to the gospel. What about you? Do the sermons you hear via pulpit and podcasts move you to seek the Christ they proclaim? Do they move you to trust and obey Him? Or do they prompt discussion and debate over Sunday dinner and nothing more? Suggestions for prayer Praise God that the Christ proclaimed in the gospel is accessible to all who seek Him. Pray that the Holy Spirit will move you to seek Christ in response to His voice in the gospel. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 - Peace on earth

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”” - Luke 2:13-14 Scripture reading: Luke 1:67-80 The gospel of Christ brings glory to God in the highest. It also brings peace on earth. It brings peace on earth “among those with whom he is pleased.” A literal translation of the Greek reads, “peace among men of good pleasure.” Do you long for peace on earth? Do you long for a world with no more war, no more violence and bloodshed? Do you long for a world without divorce, family feuds, bitterness, betrayal, broken friendships and bad blood between people and people groups? Do you long to be at peace with God, others and yourself Only people “of good pleasure” will enjoy the kind of peace promised here forever. The “good pleasure” mentioned in Luke 2:14 is the pleasure God has for His children in Christ. He delights in them only because they share Christ’s delightful status through faith in Him. Thanks to Christ and His perfect life and death in our place, God now says to us what He once said to Jesus: “You are my beloved Son; with you I am well pleased” (Luke 3:22b). God’s forgiven children enjoy peace with God through faith in Christ (see Romans 5:1). His Spirit then empowers us to live at peace with our brothers and sisters in Christ (see Ephesians 2:14-18; 4:1-3; Romans 12:18). Ultimately, “peace on earth” will include perfect harmony and well-being with God, each other, within, and the rest of creation. Then we will give “glory to God in the highest” perfectly forever. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the undeserved pleasure and peace we enjoy in Christ. Pray for the Holy Spirit’s power to be a Christlike peacemaker in your relationships and in your sphere of influence. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 17 - Glory to God

‘And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased!”” - Luke 2:13-14 Scripture reading: Romans 11:33-36 A dear saint in my congregation who has since gone to be with the Lord, approached me one Christmas Day after my sermon on this passage. “Pastor,” she said, “the Bible does not say the angels sang these words.” I conceded she was right. I suppose I love the idea of a mass heavenly choir singing these words. These words have certainly since been put to beautiful music! Whether sung or said, these words proclaim two great results that flow from God’s marvelous work of sending His Son into the world. The first great result is “glory to God in the highest.” The second result is “on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased. God deserves all the glory for his jaw-dropping, redemptive work for us in Christ, beginning with the incarnation. He deserves to be acknowledged, admired and adored for His glorious character and attributes displayed in Christ, and His saving work for us. In fact, the goal of God’s redeeming work is to draw us back into fellowship with our Triune God to glorify Him and enjoy Him forever. The Romans 11 doxology trumpets the goal and result of God’s astounding ways – His sovereign ways in redeeming a people to glorify Him, beginning with election and ending in glorification. “Oh, the depth of the riches and wisdom and knowledge of God!... For from him and through him and to him are all things. To him be glory forever. Amen” (Romans 11:33a,36). Suggestions for prayer Praise God, specifically, for all He has done for you in Christ, and what that reveals about His character. Pray that the gospel increasingly fills you with wonder, awe and adoration for our Triune God. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 16 - Only Jesus gets the choir

“And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace ...

Daily devotional

December 15 - A sign

“And this will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in swaddling cloths and lying in a manger.” - Luke 2:12 Scripture reading: Isaia...

Daily devotional

December 14 - Christ the Lord

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this ...

Daily devotional

December 13 - A Saviour

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this ...

Daily devotional

December 12 - Good news of great joy

“And the angel said to them, “Fear not; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”” - Luke 2:10-11 Scripture reading: Isaiah 52:7-10 It’s great to receive good news. “The cancer is gone!” “Your son will survive!” “An anonymous donor paid your tuition!” Good news received and believed, floods you with gladness and gratitude. It produces joy. God’s messenger shouted to the shepherds, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people.” God ordained that the good news would produce great joy in them. This brings us back to Isaiah 52:7-8a: “How beautiful upon the mountains are the feet of him who brings good news, who publishes peace, who brings good news of happiness, who publishes salvation, who says to Zion, ‘Your God reigns.’ The voice of your watchmen – they lift up their voice; together they sing for joy.” Imagine it. The king marches out to face a terrible foe. Back in the city, the watchmen and citizens wait to hear the outcome with a mixture of hope and dread. Their fate lies in the hands of their king A herald comes running. The watchmen spot him in the distance. Soon, he’s within earshot and hollers, “Our king won! Our king reigns!” The watchmen erupt with relief and joy. Then they pass the good news on to the citizens of the city. The angel here is the herald. The shepherds are the watchmen who hear the good news. It is good news that floods them with great joy. It is also good news “for all the people.” They need to pass it on. And so do we. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for declaring to you the good news of Christ and His redeeming grace. Pray for grace, boldness and opportunity to pass it on like the shepherds did. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 - Angels

‘And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night. And an angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were filled with great fear.” - Luke 2:8-9 Scripture reading: Psalm 103:19-22 Psalm 103:19 reminds us, “The LORD has established his throne in the heavens, and his kingdom rules over all.” He has a vast army of heavenly troops, eager to carry out His commands. We call them angels. “Bless the LORD, O you his angels, you mighty ones who do his word, obeying the voice of his word! Bless the LORD, all his hosts, his ministers who do his will!” (Psalm 103:20-21). The LORD often sent angels to deliver messages to His people. In fact, the Hebrew and Greek words for angel mean ‘messenger.’ The LORD often told His people, through angels, what He was going to do next in redemptive history. For example, God told Zechariah, through the angel Gabriel, that his wife would give birth to John, the forerunner of Jesus (Luke 1:5-25). God told Mary, also through the angel Gabriel, that she would miraculously give birth to Jesus (Luke 1:26-38). The Great King now sends an angel to announce the birth of His Son to shepherds in a field. As usual, the glory-of-God radiance of these heavenly warrior-messengers startles and terrifies the shepherds. The shepherds, however, have nothing to fear. God’s warrior has come in grace, not judgment. God’s messenger has come with good news, not bad news. Today, we don’t expect angels to deliver the gospel to us. “In these last days he has spoken to us by his Son” (Hebrews 1:2a). Thank God, we have access to His life-giving voice in the Scriptures. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He has chosen to reveal the gospel of Jesus Christ to us. Pray that the Holy Spirit would open the hearts of many to believe the gospel and receive Christ as Savior and Lord. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 - Shepherds

“And in the same region there were shepherds out in the field, keeping watch over their flocks by night.” - Luke 2:8 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 1:26-31 Rome is not where the action is, Bethlehem is! The spotlight shifts from Bethlehem to a field not far away. Shepherds are tending their sheep, out in the open, under the night sky. Jewish tradition tells us these men were not trusted or respected in Jewish society. The testimony of shepherds and women were not accepted in court. Jewish society looked down on both. Did you just connect the dots in your own mind? The Lord chose shepherds to proclaim the birth of Christ and women to proclaim the resurrection of Christ! “For consider your calling, brothers: not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are so that no human being might boast in the presence of God” (1 Corinthians 1:26-29). Jewish tradition also tells us these shepherds raised sheep for temple sacrifices. Such sheep required special care to preserve them without blemish: no cuts, no scrapes, no wounds. Not far away, the Lamb of God, the Lamb without spot or blemish, the Lamb who takes away the sin of the world, lay bundled up in a feedbox. He, too, would be raised for a sacrifice, one not far from the temple grounds. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the way He uses humble vessels to accomplish His purposes. Pray that God would form and use you for His purposes, strengths, weaknesses, and all. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 9 - Rome and Bethlehem

“And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” - Luke 2:6-7 Scripture reading: Luke 1:26-38 When I was in grade school, I hated writing ‘Mediterranean Sea’. The ancient Romans called it ‘Mare Nostrum’ – ‘Our Sea’. I wish it had that name when I was in school! ‘Our Sea’ proclaims, “We own it all.” Under Augustus, the Roman Empire encircled the entire sea and controlled every inch of its coastline. Look at a map of the ancient Roman Empire. See Rome, the power center at its heart. Now look for little Bethlehem, on the eastern fringe of the great empire. Rome and Bethlehem: great is the contrast! Great is the contrast between the emperor in Rome and the baby in Bethlehem. Thankfully, a snapshot in the middle of time does not tell the whole story. Nor does it tell us where history is headed. The angel had said to Mary, “You will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus... The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over the house of Jacob forever, and of his kingdom there will be no end” (Luke 1:31,32b-33). Luke 2 begins in Rome, with Caesar Augustus on the throne. Within sixty years of Christ’s birth, however, many in Rome would say, ‘Christ is Lord,’ instead of ‘Caesar is Lord.’ Acts, the sequel to Luke’s Gospel, ends with Paul preaching the gospel of Christ in Rome itself. Augustus is dead, but Jesus lives and rules as king. Bethlehem triumphs over Rome in every age. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for revealing to us that Christ is Lord in a world that says, ‘Caesar is Lord.’ Pray for courage and confidence to show and tell others the good news that Jesus is Lord. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 8 - Veiled in flesh

“And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and lai...

Daily devotional

December 7 - Whose decree?

“And Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the town of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David, which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the h...

Daily devotional

December 6 - When Caesar says “jump”

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was g...

Daily devotional

December 5 - Quirinius

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was g...

Daily devotional

December 4 - The decree

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” - Luke 2:1 Scripture reading: Isaiah 55:10-11 Humans share with God the power of words – words spoken and words written. The power of language is one way God created us in His image to rule in His name. However, we have all experienced the power of human words for good or evil. When a girl in your class skins her knee, and you sit beside her and ask, “Are you okay?” you are using the power of words for good. When you run and tell a teacher she is hurt, you are using the power of words for good. When you say something nasty to someone because you want to hurt him, you are using your words for evil. The more power a human ruler has, the more power his words have. In Luke 2:1, Caesar Augustus speaks with power. He issues a decree, an executive order. He wants every person in his vast empire registered so he can track them, tax them and rule them more efficiently. Caesar’s decree shall accomplish what he purposes and shall succeed in the thing for which he sent it (see Isaiah 55:11). Little does Caesar realize, however, that his decree is simply a tool in the hands of the Sovereign Lord of heaven and earth as He works out His sovereign decree to save His chosen ones and His fallen world in Jesus Christ. Remember that the next time you chafe under a human decree that complicates your life. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the sovereign power of His word to save us and to govern history, even using human decrees. Pray for grace to rest in His sovereign power when troubled by human decrees. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 - Caesar Augustus (II)

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” - Luke 2:1 Scripture reading: Mark 10:35-45 Augustus led Rome into an era of prosperity and peace after years of civil war. He tackled government corruption; he ‘drained the swamp’. He developed an amazing road system and effective government structure to bind his empire together. The economy boomed. We call that era “The Pax Romana” – the Roman Peace. It sounds good, doesn’t it? However, Augustus maintained the Pax Romana with an iron fist and expanded it through conquest. His road to power was blood-soaked. Augustus teamed up with two allies to slaughter hundreds in their quest for power. Together, they conquered the empire. Then Augustus defeated the other two to become the sole ruler of Rome. Human rulers usually have a mixed legacy. At worst, they claw their way to the top by trampling others. After that, they fight to stay there. We desperately need our true and perfect King, born in Bethlehem. He did not trample others to seize power. Instead, he “emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross” (Philippians 2:7-8). Jesus said, “Even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45). This King came to serve us and our need for salvation. He redeems us to embody His sacrificial servant leadership in our fallen world. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for King Jesus, our perfect and all-powerful King who lowered Himself and laid down His life to save us. Pray for grace to embody His sacrificial servanthood in our fallen world. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 - Caesar Augustus (I)

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” - Luke 2:1 Scripture reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 “Good news! The Son of God has come. He has taken His rightful place as the chief priest of His people. He has ushered in a golden age of peace and prosperity.” You might be excused for thinking these words describe Jesus Christ. Ironically, these words describe how ancient Rome viewed Caesar Augustus. Caesar Augustus assumed power in Rome in 27 BC. He ushered in the ‘Pax Romana’, a glorious new age of peace and prosperity in the Roman Empire. When Jesus arrived in Bethlehem, Rome had its own ‘redemptive history,’ complete with a miraculous origin story, descent into darkness, and the climactic arrival of a divine son and savior who would lead Rome to her destiny and usher in heaven on earth. Thus, the birth of God’s Son in Bethlehem ensured a clash of kingdoms. On the one hand, see the Kingdom of God with its true Son of God and Savior at the center of the true history of redemption, Who came to usher in the true heaven on earth. On the other hand, see the kingdom of this world with its counterfeit son of God and savior at the center of a counterfeit storyline who came to usher in a counterfeit heaven on earth Today, too, we must discern where the storylines, value systems, doctrine of salvation and utopian visions of our culture clash with the gospel of Jesus Christ. We must proclaim “Christ is Lord” to our lost world. We must order our lives accordingly. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He has revealed Jesus Christ His Son to us at the heart of redemptive history. Pray for grace to proclaim and embody the truth that Christ is Lord in a lost world. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 1 - Introduction to Luke 2

Luke 2 enjoys the spotlight at this time of year. Students recite these verses at Christmas programs. Many of us memorized these verses. Pastors preach multiple sermons from Luke 2. We sing Christmas hymns inspired by this passage: Once in Royal David’s City; Angels, We Have Heard on High; Hark! The Herald Angels Sing; While Shepherds Watched Their Flocks by Night; Go, Tell it on the Mountain; Silent Night; and Angels from the Realms of Glory; to name a few. Over the centuries this account has been embellished. As we read Luke 2, an image pops into our heads, of a cozy-looking barn, with a clean layer of straw, Joseph and Mary hovering over a manger with baby Jesus with a halo around his head, a group of shepherds kneeling with their lambs around them, a donkey, a cow and a star shining bright above the barn. The three wisemen are also there, offering the newborn king one of the three gifts. Do you see what I see? As a preacher, I confess that as Christmas approaches, I sometimes turn to the much-worked-over, embellished Luke 2 and think, “Do I really want to preach through this passage again?” Yes, I do! I may not preach it every year, but I routinely return to it. In Luke 1-2, Luke has given us the most detailed account of the birth of Jesus, a tremendous gift to the church. It is an edifying rhythm, to return to this account. For this reason, I have chosen to lead you through Luke 2:1-40 over the month of December. Together, we will hear the good news of great joy for all people. We will ponder anew what the Almighty can do (has done) in sending his Son in the fullness of time to be born in humble circumstances on the fringe of the mighty Roman Empire. May Christ himself, by the power of his Spirit, meet us in the verses of Luke 2 and move us to rejoice and respond as the shepherds, Simeon and Anna did. In those days “In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” - Luke 2:1 Scripture reading: Psalm 33:6-11 Luke 2 doesn’t begin in Bethlehem. It begins in Rome. It doesn’t begin with Christ Jesus. It begins with Caesar Augustus. “In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus...” In those days, all eyes were on Rome, not Bethlehem. Caesar’s decrees dominated headlines and news feeds. Caesar’s dictates impacted the daily lives of God’s people, just as they did the lives of others. These days, decrees go out from President Trump and Prime Minister Carney. All eyes are on Washington and Ottawa. Their decrees dominate headlines and news feeds. Their dictates impact our daily lives. Are your eyes so fixed on Washington or Ottawa that you’ve lost sight of Bethlehem? Do you fret excessively over decrees from Washington or Ottawa, leading you to sin? Conversely, do you rejoice excessively that your man is on the throne? Have you put “your trust in princes, in a son of man, in whom there is no salvation?” (Psalm 146:3). If your answer is ‘Yes’ to any of these questions, your ‘gut theology’ proclaims ‘Caesar is Lord,’ not ‘Christ is Lord.’ It is time to refocus our eyes and hearts on Bethlehem where the real action is. In those days, the birth of a baby in Bethlehem did not fill the headlines or news feeds. No doubt, Caesar did. We, however, walk by faith, not by sight (2 Corinthians 5:7). “The counsel of the LORD stands forever, the plans of his heart to all generations” (Psalm 33:11). Suggestions for prayer Thank God that His counsel stands forever, regardless of what happens in Washington and Ottawa. Pray that the Lord will give you grace to walk by faith and not by sight. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. 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 30 - Anticipation and celebration

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious b...

Daily devotional

November 29 - Tempted to praiseless prayer

“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” - Matthew 6:9 Scripture reading: Psalm 81:1-16 Yesterday, a friend sent ...

Daily devotional

November 28 - Tempted to forget the measure of your days

Daily devotional

November 27 - Tempted to Christmas gluttony

“...and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. ” - Proverbs 23:2 Scripture reading: C...

Daily devotional

November 26 - Tempted to greed

“The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.” - Proverbs 15:27 Scripture reading: Luke 12:13-21 One interesting question to be posed at this time of year is, ‘why does there have to be such an emphasis on giving toys and gifts to children?’ That is a worldly, non-Christians emphasis imposed on Christmas celebrations. In one region where I lived, the firefighters, the foster care association, the Salvation Army, as well as some local churches had a toy drive. There were families on two or three of those lists whose children had a bonanza of gifts. It is imposed on the Christian celebration of the incarnation of Jesus. Why are our Christian churches and denominations focusing so much on gift-giving rather than focusing on Jesus? I have a serious question: is all this Christmas gift-giving toxic charity? Let me explain. There is such a strong emphasis on giving gifts for free, that those who are in need are even more reliant on charity. There is no sense in which this is a hand-up, to help a family out of poverty, but it is a hand-out that keeps families in cycles of poverty. I wonder also, if our giving of gifts, or monetary gifts to agencies that care for folks who are poor, perpetuates a cycle of greed? When a family is in need of the basics of life, why is there a priority to have toys, games and video games given which celebrate worldly greed and consumption? Even if gifts are to be given, what gift would be wise so that greediness is not instilled in the hearts of the recipients? Suggestions for prayer For families who seek to be lifted out of poverty; for wisdom in local churches and Christian families, to know how to truly help those who are in need. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 - Tempted in charitable giving

“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” - Micah 6:8 Scripture reading: Matthew 6:1-4 Christmas is near. Soon, you will hear bell ringers in the mall. Your inbox will be inundated with pleas from local charities. I am aware of a charity in my community that has an honour wall which highlights the most generous donors. In their foyer, you see the names of gold level donors, printed in large letters on gold-colored plaques. The same honour is conferred to silver level donors on silver plaques and lower level donors on bronze plaques. Why are those people giving their gifts? It may well appear that those donors are trumpeting their generosity for all to see. What motivates you to donate to charity? The passage before us today commands believers to practice righteousness. Righteousness is defined in the Bible as caring for widows and orphans in their distress. It also involves meeting the needs of those in distress, and helping the foreigners among us. It is commanded obedience. If you are obeying so that you can be recognized by others, then you are now, already, getting your reward for your obedience. Believers, in view of the great grace and compassion that God has shown them in Christ, are moved by the Spirit to help others. From the rich store house of His goodness, believers desire to show God’s love in practical and demonstrable ways to those within the household of God and beyond her walls, so that many will be drawn to Jesus. The fact that the Father sees what you are doing, is sufficient, a great blessing. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you, as a believer, grow in your willing obedience to do justice (that is, care for the poor). Ask the Holy Spirit to help you examine your patterns of giving and reasons for giving that you may do so with purity of heart to honour God. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 - Tempted to wasting time

“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called…” - Ephesians 4:1 Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:15-17 Are you familiar with the term ‘doom scrolling’? My guess is almost anyone 35 or under will immediately recognize the reference. There are so many short media clips, (a.k.a. shorts) available online that a person could easily spend an hour, or hours, just flipping through random clips. It is specifically called doom scrolling, because the scroller consumes content slanted toward sad news, or sensational news which leads people to greater despair and hopelessness. The days are evil. It is an axiomatic statement (an obvious truth that almost doesn’t need to be stated). As in the days of the Apostle Paul, so in our day also, there are enough activities that are evil and would lead the people of God astray into evil activities. However, the call of Scripture is that believers walk in understanding as to what the will of the Lord is. To walk with the Lord means to use your time well, to be temperate, not abusing your body with food, alcohol, or drugs. As you read here in Ephesians, to walk with the Lord means that you, as a believer, will not pollute your mind with what you’re watching. Now is an important time to ask yourself if you’re spending too much time on your phone, or computer, or visiting inappropriate websites? To walk with the Lord means that you as a believer use your resources to be a blessing to others, meeting the needs of those who are in poverty. Such poverty can be spiritual, financial, or social. Suggestions for prayer Appeal to God to bring revival across our land, that evil will be pushed back and the knowledge of God will increase; that the Spirit of God leads you to act in ways that increase your personal walk with God. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 23 - Welcome to the Sunday celebration

“Brothers, join in imitating me, and keep your eyes on those who walk according to the example you have in us.” - Philippians 3:17 Scripture reading: Philippians 3:13-16 Welcome to the Sunday celebration. What a joy it is to rest in the work of Christ our Lord. What a gift it is to gather with the people of God, to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs to the Lord our God. The rest of the Sabbath is a time when the gains in your faith, made through the grace of God, are acknowledged in thankful worship before the King. Welcome to the Sunday celebration. Paul, by his example of straining toward the upward call of the Gospel, by his desire to take hold of all they’d already attained in Christ, encouraged the people of Philippi. He longed for them to be so united in Christ that the things behind them, their former ways of life and past rivalries would be set aside in view of the greatest goal of serving Jesus, the prize of life, the hope of every longing heart. Is that how you receive the Sunday, as a unifying time where Christ Jesus is your prize? Welcome to the Sunday celebration, where mature Christians, by the example of their engaged involvement in the worship service, model living faith to those who are young in the faith. How you pay attention, sing, how you show yourself to be in a posture of prayer during worship, all these activities lead others to walk in your example. As you worship God with fellow believers, trust that your presence and your involvement, every Sunday, is an encouragement to other believers around you. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for those in your congregation and family who are to you a wonderful example of a mature Christian; bring your thanks to God for some specific ways in which you can see He is leading you to greater maturity. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 22 - Tempted to avoid suffering

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

Daily devotional

November 21 - Tempted to drift

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” - Hebrews 2:1 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy...

Daily devotional

November 20 - Tempted to all kinds of idle talk

“As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And He did not permit him but sai...

Daily devotional

November 19 - Tempted to stinginess

“And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was n...

Daily devotional

November 18 - Opening up for hospitality

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” - Hebrews 13:1-2 Scripture reading: Acts 2:40-47 Someone dear to my heart used to joke around during that dreaded time of COVID-19, “I was made for times like these. I am required to have a six-foot personal bubble, and no one can unexpectedly hug me.” I’d add to the levity by saying, “I am tempted to buy her a doormat that reads: ‘Welcome. Why are you here’”?! Who visits you? Who do you invite into your home? When was the last time you intentionally hosted people you didn’t know? There are churches that have “host families” designed each Sunday, so newcomers to the local congregation have a place to go for lunch. While that is a good idea, it points to a deeper issue among the family of Jesus Christ. Many church members do not spontaneously welcome outsiders. How welcoming are you really? The command is for people who are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, who are being made new in Jesus Christ, to extend hospitality. In fact, men should not be leaders in the household of God if they are not demonstrating their commitment to Jesus by showing hospitality to strangers. In Hebrews such strangers were those who were fleeing persecution, or people who were called by God to the mission field. There were no hotels nor readily available accommodations so church members opened their homes to people they didn’t know, confident that it was the Lord Himself and His messengers whom they were entertaining. What about you? How open is your home and your heart to the people God is sending your way? Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for those among you who have the gift of hospitality; pray for the Spirit to reveal to you if you are doing well in this area or need to make yourself, your family and your home open to others. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 - Breaking up the Sunday cliques

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” - Hebrews 13:1-2 Scripture reading: Acts 2:40-47 Perhaps your church is planning on sending out invitations to your Christmas season worship services. I know of a church that sent out about 1,000 invitations last year, being delivered by church members who did a lot of walking. Why mention this? Many congregations hope that many people who are not used to attending church will show up for Christmas. That is great. Let me ask you a serious question: Are you prepared? If some family, or a few new people, show up, will you welcome them? At Pentecost about three thousand people were added to the Church! Staggering. No wonder the believers devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship and sharing meals. The new believers needed to be taught about Jesus Christ. Old habits and rituals needed to be replaced by a living relationship with Jesus Christ. Those new believers had come from far away and needed lodging and friendship. Some thirty-plus years ago, our family’s home congregation had a two-minute rule. The first two minutes after the worship service each member was required to go speak with someone unknown to him. It might be a fellow worshiper who is unfamiliar. It might be a stranger who happened to be attending. The point is, all too often, church members form Sunday cliques, hanging out with the very same people they already know and with whom they are comfortable. New people feel unwelcome. This Christmas season, plan on welcoming all those whom the Spirit of God directs to your local church. Suggestions for prayer Start praying now that God will by His Spirit, stir up the hearts of people to attend church throughout December and the Christmas season; pray for an openness of your own heart to receive those whom God will send. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 - Hold tight those citizenship papers

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” - Philippians 3:14-15 Scripture reading: Philippians 3:12-21 Safely through another week, God has brought us to the blessedness of Sunday, the day in which in addition to daily family and personal devotions, believers have the privilege of gathering with His people and worshiping Him. All such worship is the dress rehearsal for glory. As Paul stated so clearly, our citizenship, right now, is in heaven. We look forward to Jesus Christ’s return from glory and being caught up with Him to the new heavens and the new earth. As Paul wrote, we know the prize of life right now is to walk in close communion with Jesus Christ. Whatever teaching and instruction the Spirit has given in the past will be added to by continuing to hear the Word preached. By this the believer’s sanctification will be increased. Sundays remind the believer that his life is not his own. There is no such thing as “free time” or “me time”. All your days are lived under the gracious, watchful gaze of the Lord of heaven and earth. He is bringing your life here to perfection in Christ, so that at the moment of His choosing, you will be brought to Him. Christians realize life is more than money, politics, houses, vacations, retirement or time with family. While we live on earth now, we are refugees, displaced people, longing for the eternal dwellings with the Father. Public worship unites you with others who also hold tightly the citizenship papers given in Jesus Christ. One day soon He will return. What holy joy awaits! Suggestions for prayer Pray that public and private worship today will inspire in you a longing for fuller life with Jesus now, and greater anticipation of life with the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit in eternity. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 15 - Children, youth, what is worth striving after?

“I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus. Let those of us who are mature think this way, and if in anything you think otherwise, God will reveal that also to you.” - Philippians 3:14-15 Scripture reading: Proverbs 4:1-9 The worst thing in life might be this: to achieve your goal of amassing money, or great power, or having tremendous influence over many people and then, having achieved it, find that it is meaningless and empty. So many powerful and influential people who seem to be on the top of the world reach for the next goal, the next prize, the next thing. Why? Because each achievement that one thought would be awesome and make life good, turns out to be so empty. Little children, sons and daughters of wise parents, the Bible is filled to overflowing with all that is meaningful and worthwhile. In the Bible, wisdom is personified as a woman who teaches and guides you all your life through. Jesus was guided by wisdom all His life. Even when people rejected Him, when crowds wanted to stone Him and authorities persecuted Him, He walked with confident hope in the pathways of God His Father, because He was directed by wisdom. The screens of this world offer so many tantalizing images of what you should strive for. The sad truth is, if you achieve it, then tomorrow there will be some new prize, some new necessary, unworthy achievement. To all perfection I see a limit, but Your commands are boundless (Psalm 119:96 paraphrased). The point is, the closer one draws to God, the fuller one’s commitment to life submitted to Him, the greater, wider and higher will be his boundless joy, boundless blessing and boundless confidence. Following Jesus has boundless adventure and purpose. Suggestions for prayer Parents and children and youth, pray that Jesus will become the prize of your life and your highest joy; ask God to reveal the things or activities in your life which are keeping you from effectively striving for the goal, the upward call of God which leads you to call Jesus your greatest treasure. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 14 - Children, who is your teacher?

“God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil...

Daily devotional

November 13 - Do not disregard the role of women

“For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he...

Daily devotional

November 12 - Are you faithful leaders, Fathers?

“Hear my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” - Proverbs 1:8 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-25 ...

Daily devotional

November 11 - The temptation of nations

“And, when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before ...

Daily devotional

November 10 - Pride and humility

“Thus says the LORD; “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of my rest? All these things my hand has made, and so all these things come to be, declares the LORD. But this is the one to whom I will look: he who is humble and contrite in spirit and trembles at my word.”” - Isaiah 66:1-2 Scripture reading: Proverbs 28:26 Last year I travelled to Ontario, so that I could celebrate my parents’ anniversary with them. There was light-hearted banter as we sat outside in the beautiful September day sunshine, and waited for the restaurant to open. Note that we were hungry. My mom asked my opinion on creationism versus evolution. I gave a very definitive answer—solidly on the side of creationism. Somewhat surprised, my mom responded, “Do you always have to be right?” A little snide in my response, I replied, "I get that from my maternal genetics.” Dad, unable to conceal his smirk, nevertheless, moved away slightly. Humility. It is not a trait that is honoured in society today. People gladly give their unsolicited opinions on sports or politics, movies and stars, and so on. Such blather is often encouraged by various media platforms, where the opinionated one is egged on to further extremes of language and opinion by the number of “likes” given. God alone is most high. He is all-knowing. He is glorious. Upon whom does He cast His eye? Those who are humble. Those who are contrite. Notice that these two traits must go together. To be humble means one is teachable. If one is teachable, and he has, by the Word, by the Spirit, or by others, been made aware of his sin or wrong doing, he must confess it. That is contrition. He who is humble will also tremble at the Word of God. By the Word, the humble-wise one is instructed by God. Suggestions for prayer As you read the Word, ask the Holy Spirit to reveal areas in your life and recent situations where you have not been humble. Having been so instructed, confess it to God and ask to be contrite and learn to tremble at His Word. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 - Praying scripture

“And call upon me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you, and you shall honor me.” - Psalm 50:15 Scripture reading: Isaiah 12: 1-6 It is common for believers to bring prayer requests to elders and pastors and ask them to include such in the congregational prayer (also known as the pastoral prayer). Psalm 50 reminds believers that our faithful Father invites His people to call on Him, but He also commands His people to thank Him for prayers answered. It seems this is an aspect of prayer that can easily be neglected or overlooked. Today I’ll type out a sample prayer, based on Isaiah 12, that puts into practice some things examined in the last few days. There are two blank lines where you can insert your reasons for thanking God, for giving Him the glory, and why you would make His Name known. We give You thanks, O LORD, for though You were angry with us, Your anger has turned away and You have given us comfort in Christ our Lord. With the eyes of faith we see You, God Who is salvation, and we trust You and are not afraid. You, LORD God, are our strength and our song, You have become our salvation. With joy we are drawing water from the wells of salvation. We give thanks, LORD, for ________________________________. Joining Your people through every generation, we make known Your deeds____________________________. We proclaim that Your Name is exalted. Sing praises to the LORD, for He has done gloriously; let this be made known in all the earth. Shout, and sing for joy, O inhabitant of Zion, for great in your midst is the Holy One of Israel. Suggestions for prayer Take a verse or two from your favorite Psalm and turn it into a personal prayer, expressing thanks, or lament, or putting into words what God has placed on your heart. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 - Tempted to lazy-praying

“Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us what is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” - Hebrews 13:20-21 Scripture reading: Psalm 47:1-9 Use your imagination for a moment. Imagine your name is Bob. I am your friend asking you for something. “Hi Bob. Well, Bob, I have a favour, Bob, to ask of you Bob.” No doubt, if you were hearing this, you’d be driven to distraction by the repeated use of your name. Listening to some parents, elders, or ministers pray, you’d get the same weird sensation. There is an over-use of a name, like, LORD, or God. It is repeated. Repeated. Repeated, so often like it is a comma. Now look at Psalm 47 once again. God is addressed as: The great King over all the earth. (What a glorious title!). The psalmist calls Him “Our King” and “The God of Abraham”. He is the One Who is highly exalted”. Now consider Hebrews, where He is the “God of peace”. Jesus is “The great shepherd of the sheep.” Jesus is also called “Jesus Christ” meaning the One anointed by God for holy service. The Bible is filled with the names of God. Rather than lazy praying, using one name repeatedly, consider Who you are addressing as you bring His people before Him. Call out to the God of peace to help a family who is in marital conflict. Confess Him as “the great King” when seeking forgiveness for the rebelliousness of people who so often strain against His rule. Looking for, and longing for Jesus’ return, name Him the “great King over all the earth” Whose glory will be revealed when He returns with all His holy angels. Suggestions for prayer Keep a notebook handy as you read the Bible, personally and as a family, so you can write down names for God. Then try to incorporate those names into your personal and family prayers. He has revealed Himself by His names, so that you can approach His throne of grace and find grace and mercy in your time of need. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 7 - Vision and prayer

“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life, and whoever captures souls is wise.” - Proverbs 11:20 Scripture reading: I Kings 8:41-43 At the dedication of Solomon’s temple, the king prayed that foreigners drawn in by the report of the great Name of God and His mighty works would be received by the LORD. Already at that point in Israel’s history, it was clear that the people of God were meant to be a beacon shining into the darkness of this world, shining the glory of God. As stated in Proverbs 11, believers are to be soul-winners. The prayers of believers are to be persistent, urgent, so filled with love that they are continually imploring God to bring their friends, neighbours, co-workers and people from every tribe and nation and language into the kingdom of God. Dear fellow believers, is this the urgent prayer of your heart? Do you long for people near and far to know the great Name of Jesus, in Whom salvation is alone found? Therefore, it is a critical matter of prayer that saints call out to God for the work of missionaries and ministers, evangelists and parents, teachers and preachers to be effective, that many will come to Jesus. Dear fellow ministers, if your congregational prayers don’t reflect this as much as they might, I’d encourage you to broaden your congregational prayer, so that in accord with the command of Scripture, you faithfully, regularly model prayer for missions and for the harvest to come in. Dear fellow believers, examine your personal and family devotions. Are you praying for workers in the harvest field and for many to be brought in? Suggestions for prayer Get a prayer card from church, and regularly pray for the missionaries your local congregation supports. Go to the website “The Joshua Project: People Groups of the World” and learn about unreached people groups and tribes, and begin praying in an informed way. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 6 - Tempted to prayerlessness

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spir...

Daily devotional

November 5 - Banality* and prayer

“The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. T...

Daily devotional

November 4 - Tempted by prayer shortcuts

“You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not sco...

Daily devotional

November 3 - Desire and knowledge

“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” - Proverbs 19:2 Scripture reading: Psalm 37:1-7...

Daily devotional

November 2 - Beholding Jesus

“One thing I have asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the LORD and to inquire in His temple.” - Psalm 27:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 1:4-8 The Old Testament sacrifices pointed to Jesus. King David longed for the time when Jesus Himself would be present among His people. He peered into the promises of God (those sacrifices) and would gaze on them, consider them, delight in them. He willed himself to see the goodness of God and splendor of His Son. When John the disciple of Jesus had the revelation, he was stirred to declare “Behold, He is coming.” Look with your eyes. Look with the eyes of faith. Look and long for Jesus’ return. This is the best desiring your eyes can ever take hold of—spending all your time focusing your thoughts on joyfully expecting Jesus’ return. The temptation facing many believers is having a faith in Jesus which treats Him as if He were merely fire insurance against the horrors of hell. However, such believers do not take Him to their hearts. He does not fill their vision. The Bible is constantly urging believers to look to Jesus, to see Him, to behold Him. That is to love Him so completely that He becomes the heart’s sole desire. In fact, seeing Him, and thereby finding all pleasure in Him makes all other lusts and temptations fade in the light of His glory and grace. Today is Sunday. Sing praises to Jesus unto the glory of the Father. Know He, Who came to earth so long ago, will return. Let that expectation fill your vision so that by the Spirit’s prompting you will overthrow every temptation that might otherwise distract you. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the Father in heaven to draw many believers into the church so that the praises of Jesus would fill the vision of believers and deepen their obedient faith; that God will draw many people to true faith in Jesus Christ this Sunday. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 temptations

Many people are already, no doubt, knee-deep in their preparations for the celebration of Christmas. There are plans to be made for special meals and family get-togethers. There are worship services and decorations. Many workplaces, which would ordinarily never speak of Jesus, are pleased enough to have parties and time off during Christmastide. It is easy to get caught up in the festivities, and lose sight of the fact that Jesus’ incarnation was necessitated by the sinfulness of humankind. You may have read in my brief biographical paragraph that I am a prison-visiting pastor with Redemption Prison Ministry, Canada. While working among new Christians, those who are incarcerated and those who are paroled, it has become a humbling experience for me to see how deeply these folks hate their sins. Those who are behind bars, but have found true freedom in Jesus Christ, are determined to root out evil and cast temptation far from themselves. Considering these things, and being aware that I have been asked to prepare a series of devotions for November, I thought about purposefully examining various passages of scripture to reveal the various temptations that believers face – temptations that must be addressed. Temptations that are all too often concealed, are being exposed by the beauty of the Word of God, and recognized as dangerous as believers rely on the Holy Spirit. Once the areas of temptation that might assail us have been revealed, then it is easier to be prepared to fight the temptations. Part of this fight is the decision to yield our hearts, minds and all our celebrations to the Lord and King, Jesus Christ, before Whom we one day will lay all our trophies down, and in Whom alone we will find our all in all. Seeing and temptation “When I saw among the spoil a beautiful cloak from Shinar, and 200 shekels of silver, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, then I coveted them and took them.” - Joshua 7:21 Scripture reading: I John 2:15-17 Ah, the power of seeing. Many people discredit the power of advertisers. Sporting events are crammed with commercials. At the time of writing, popular, paid, movie streaming services have inserted commercials; while irritating the viewer, advertisers know these are effective. What you see, you begin to consider, and what you are thinking about, you begin to want to have for yourself. Eve, though she knew the command of God, saw the beautiful, forbidden fruit, and desired it. She took it for herself, and having allowed temptation to take hold of her, seized it for herself. In like manner, Achan, though he knew all the spoils of war were supposed to be devoted to the God of Glory, admitted that having seen the clothing, the silver and the gold, he desired them. He seized them for himself, not caring about the consequences which might befall all the rest of Israel. Temptations to sin, once the eyes allow them in, are destructive. John, now an old man, the last living member of Jesus’ twelve disciples, wrote to warn the church of God. Temptation is a theme that has run through all the Scriptures. Temptations once recognized need to be fought for the sake of one’s purity before God. What are you looking at? What temptations are you allowing into your life? Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Spirit of God aids believers to recognize how the world and advertisers are seeking to influence them away from total devotion to God; that Jesus will be altogether lovely in the eyes of His people. For over six years already, Rev. Richard T. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. 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 - Grace be with you all!

“All those with me send greetings to you. Greet those who love us in the faith. Grace be with you all.” - Titus 3:15 Scripture reading: Number 6:22-27; Titus 3:12-15 Paul’s benediction gives great hope. The benediction is a promise of God’s grace for the present and the future. There could have been many reasons for the people of the church in Crete to lose hope. They were suffering from the troubling circumcision party, and false teaching and quarrels about the law. Plus, these Christians lived among Cretans that were known to be awful, hard, stubborn, beastly people. Maybe you consider the people in your congregation (including yourself), and you can find reasons to despair about the future of the church. There are hard, difficult people everywhere. But when we depend on God’s grace, there is always reason to hope. Today is Reformation Day. There have been several reformations in Christ’s church throughout church history. Every time it is a return to God’s grace—not just a reminder of it, but a renewed dependence upon it. Christ does preserve His church; Christ does build His church; and even if the church gets very small or looks hopeless in a difficult world, it will be preserved in God’s grace. There is also a joyful concluding note here of the unity of the church. Not only is Paul not alone, but neither are the Christians on Crete. There are many others of “the faith” with whom they share God’s love. Christ’s church is found all over the world. Jesus Christ is still working “for the sake of the faith of God’s elect” (1:1). All praise and glory to Jesus Christ our Lord! Suggestions for prayer Praise Jesus Christ for building and preserving His church. Thank Him for making you part of His church. Ask Jesus to continue to renew His church in the Holy Spirit and in sound doctrine. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 30 - Cases of urgent need

“And let our people learn to devote themselves to good works, so as to help cases of urgent need, and not be unfruitful.” - Titus 3:14 Scripture reading: James 1:19-27; Titus 3:12-15 Paul wants these Christians to keep learning by doing. He is not merely reminding them to do good works, as if he has not emphasized that point all along. He is focusing attention on “cases of urgent “need” and “fruitfulness.” Every church has urgent, pressing needs. Urgent needs in the New Testament varied: caring for widows and orphans, who were unable to provide for their own livelihood, giving to the poor, helping and healing the sick; urgent spiritual needs that required prayer and instruction. We may notice a troubled marriage that needs encouragement, children that need guidance, cancer patients that need car rides to the clinic, a young family that could use free babysitting, a family struggling to cover the costs of God-centered schooling, a lonely church member or visitor ,or a church member under discipline. You can probably think of other such cases. We may not always be aware of the urgent needs in our churches. People who have urgent needs are not always open about those needs. Christians need one another. Helping these urgent needs is another way we can serve one another with God’s gifts. We need to be generous with our time and talents to help in such cases where we are able. Christians need each other. Helping with these urgent needs is another way we can serve one another with God’s gifts. We need to be generous with our time and talents. Suggestions for prayer That God would make any urgent needs in your congregation known. That God might use you to help someone in urgent need. That God would make you fruitful in good works. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 29 - Partners in the gospel

“When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to spee...

Daily devotional

October 28 - Heretics

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warpe...

Daily devotional

October 27 - Unprofitable and foolish thing

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissension, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” - Titus 3:9 Sc...

Daily devotional

October 26 - Devoted to good works

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to ...

Daily devotional

October 25 - Justified and glorified!

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:4-7 Scripture reading: Romans 8:18-30; Titus 3:1-8 There are two more vital and glorious gifts of grace that are ours in Jesus Christ: justification and glorification. Justification is a legal declaration that God makes (e.g., Rom. 8:33-34). He makes this gracious declaration on the basis of Christ’s perfect righteousness, which we receive by faith. Jesus perfectly obeyed as our representative and in our place. God now sees us as if we had never sinned and as if we had been as perfectly obedient as Christ was for us. Glorification is the final stage of our salvation. It will happen when Christ comes again—we will be raised with new bodies, our souls will be united to our new bodies, and we will be without the corruption of sin. In glorification, our sanctification catches up to our justification, and we will reign with Christ forever, worshiping Him in the joy of perfection. Mephibosheth was not only spared by David, but was made to be like one of David’s sons (2 Sam. 9); Joseph’s brothers were not only spared in Egypt, but kept from famine there (Gen. 45-46); the lost son was not only forgiven, but restored (Lk. 15). By God’s grace, we will also inherit eternal life. Christ is our propitiation (1 Jn. 2:2), which means He turned God’s wrath away by taking it upon Himself; but it is also through Christ’s all-sufficient saving work that we become God’s children (Rom. 8). Our whole life is grace upon grace. Though we have many hardships now, there is joy awaiting us! Suggestions for prayer That we would be made ready for glory. That we would put away all self-justifications, and firmly trust in Christ who is for us and whose righteousness covers us before God. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 - Why did Jesus save us?

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom He poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior, so that being justified by His grace we might become heirs according to the hope of eternal life.” - Titus 3:4-7 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:7-13; Titus 3:1-8 Apart from the grace of Jesus Christ, we would still be in our sins, and slaves to it. God intervened in our naturally, sinful lives in which we were inclined to hate God and our neighbor. He did this because of His goodness and loving kindness, not because of us. It is not because we are morally or intellectually, or in any other manner, superior to unbelievers. It is “not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to His own mercy” (see also Rom. 3:19-25). We did not ask for God to save us; He came to us in His Son. Unbelievers have a bad heart and a bad record; so did we. By God’s grace, we now have the “washing of regeneration…of the Holy Spirit.” We are born again. Baptism is the sign and seal of this washing. God promises to wash away our sins with the blood of Jesus Christ and sends the Holy Spirit to dwell in us. Regeneration means we have been taken from a state of being dead in sins and trespasses to a new state of being alive in Christ. People who are alive in Christ can believe, worship, serve and love God. We are also being renewed by the Holy Spirit. This means that He is still powerfully working in us to put sin to death in us, to make us more and more like Christ, and to produce His good fruit in us (Gal. 5:22-23). Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving for the goodness and lovingkindness of God for your salvation. Give thanks that you are no longer enslaved to the various passions and pleasures of sin. Pray for those you know who need the Holy Spirit’s wisdom and power to grow in grace. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 - What we once were

“For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.” - Titus 3:3 Scripture reading: Romans 5:5-11; Titus 3:1-8 I enjoy a good fireworks show. Maybe you do, too. I would not enjoy a fireworks show in the late morning on a summer day, however. You could still hear the sound, but the radiance of the colors and designs would be lost against the blaze of the summer sun. Fireworks are best at night, against a black backdrop, because they sparkle the best against that deep contrast. Likewise, the gospel of grace radiates best against the black backdrop of our sinfulness. Paul’s sobering reminder to the Cretans through Titus is a sobering reminder to us as well: remember what you once were. Don’t forget the darkness from which you came. Don’t rewrite your history as so many do today, scrubbing clean from that historical record how wretched you were by nature. These words accurately describe natural human life, even if it sounds harsh at first blush. Apart from Jesus Christ, this is how people are. But here are the bright fireworks of grace: Jesus saved us from this very sad and hopeless condition! We ourselves were once this way (see also 1 Cor. 6:9-11), but no more! Jesus saved us from that wretched condition (described further in vv. 4-8). Does this elicit compassion and patience from you for those who are still “slaves” to various passions and pleasures? Does this supercharge your zeal to tell others about Jesus and what He has done for you? Do you see the need for the gospel to be proclaimed everywhere? Suggestions for prayer Pray for missionaries who are bringing the gospel to far away and difficult regions. Pray for the courage and desire to tell an unbeliever about Jesus and invite that person to church. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 22 - Submission to rulers and authorities

“Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people.” - Titus 3:1-2 Scripture reading: Proverbs 11:1-15; Titus 3:1-8 This third chapter applies the sound doctrine of God’s Word to relationships outside the church. Evidently, the new believers were struggling with submitting to the ruling magistrates and authorities. But if we want a decent society, decency starts with us. Only Christians are regenerated by the Holy Spirit. Only Christians are saved by grace in Jesus Christ and know what mercy and kindness and love are. Only Christians pray to God through Jesus Christ, praying even for enemies and kings and rulers (Matt. 5:44; 1 Tim. 2:1-2). Society doesn’t know or care, but they need Christians. As Christians, we are often characterized by what we are against, rather than what we are for. We are for human life, the care of the poor and needy, peace from conflicts, private property and wise leadership. We are for these things because we know the God who made all things and preserves all things; all things are His, and we are entrusted with much from Him. This does not make the gospel political or social, but the gospel has political and social implications. If the Cretans are liars, then Christians should do good and speak the truth. If Cretans are evil beasts, then Christians should avoid quarreling, and not pick fights in public or on social media. If Cretans are lazy gluttons, then Christians should do good and show courtesy. Christians should be Christlike. This is not our doing; it is a gift of God. Suggestions for prayer Pray for those who persecute Christians—for their conversion and for God’s justice to be done. Pray that you and all Christians would be salt and light in this present world for God’s glory. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 21 - The perfect pastor

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let not one disregard you.” - Titus 2:15 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4:6-16; Titu...

Daily devotional

October 20 - The toughest verse

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” - Titus 2:15 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4:6-16; Titus...

Daily devotional

October 19 - Jesus gave himself to redeem us

“… 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 al...

Daily devotional

October 18 - The appearance of God’s grace

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-co...

Daily devotional

October 17 - Adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour

“Bondservants are to be submissive to their own masters in everything: they are to be well-pleasing, not argumentative, not pilfering, but showing all good faith, so that in everything they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” - Titus 2:9-10 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:13-25; Titus 2:1-10 Christians should be distinct at work and in work relations. Everyone works for someone else. Even if you own your own business, you work for your customers and clients. As Christians, we belong to a greater Master, and we belong to Him as bondservants. Christ purchased us with His own blood to redeem us from sin, to be His, and because we are “bound” to Christ we serve Him. We work in a similar structure: our employer or client has given us work to do and will pay us a fair wage to do it. We submit by doing good work. We can do good work joyfully and in a well-pleasing, non-argumentative way because we are ultimately doing our work for Christ (see Eph. 6:5-8; 1 Pet. 2:18-25). Even unbelievers can recognize Christians who work in good faith (e.g., Joseph, Daniel, Nehemiah). Yet, Christians can be guilty of complaining about the boss or work conditions or the pay. Christians can be guilty of stealing from employers, either by actual theft, or by being late or leaving early, or spending time at work on personal matters, like checking social media or messaging friends while working. As Christians, our work is intended to “adorn” the gospel. Like a jeweler who carefully sets a diamond so that it won’t break free from its setting, and that it sits at the best angle to beautifully reflect the light that hits it, so our work is to set the gospel of our Savior before others. Suggestions for prayer Pray for joyful and humble service at work. Pray with repentance for where you have sinned at work. Pray that your work will “adorn the doctrine of God our Savior.” Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 - A model of good works

“Show yourself in all respects to be a model of good works, and in your teaching, show integrity, dignity, and sound speech that cannot be condemned, so that an opponent may be put to shame, having nothing evil to say about us.” - Titus 2:7-8 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-11; Titus 2:1-10 If sound doctrine should show in soundness of living, certainly that would apply to ministers. A man should “walk the talk.” Hypocrisy cannot reach higher than a teacher who lives contrary to his teaching. Ministers should be striving to do good works in every area of life. Ministers are Christians first, God-fearers and disciples of Jesus Christ. Many ministers are also husbands and fathers, and called to obedience and good works in those relationships. We will write more about this later, but ministers must be faithful and do good in these relationships, and congregations need to respect his commitment and devotion to those relationships. Ministers should also realize that their lives are under observation by the congregation, as an example to follow. They should also be mindful of their conduct and speech when out in the community, especially if the minister is known or comes to be known to be a minister. The world is always watching (the “opponents”; v. 8), and would love to have more ammunition to show hypocrisy. When teaching, ministers are called here to have integrity and dignity and “sound speech” (see again 2:1). That is, a minister’s teaching should be undiluted, not a mix of opinions, but pure, truthful, biblical teaching. His teaching should also be worthy of respect. Ministers need to do their work well—interpreting, studying, reading to understand the truth of Scripture. Congregations need to respect this part of his life and calling as well. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your pastor and his family, that he would be a man of good works, and his teaching would have integrity and dignity. Pray for his encouragement, and that God would give you people in your life who are good examples to follow. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 - Self-control

“Likewise, urge the younger men to be self-controlled.” - Titus 2:6 Scripture reading: Proverbs 23:19-24:2; Titus 2:1-10 Young men also have it tough in our present day. There’s the injustice of judgmental phrases, like “toxic masculinity,” or being labeled “alpha,” or, worse, “beta.” Many young Christian men are also being allured by ultra-masculine takes, by unbelieving podcasters and influencers online. Masculinity is not inherently evil; it has been twisted and distorted by the curse of sin, like everything else in God’s good creation. But we don’t need to go to the world to find out what manhood looks like. Young men need to exercise self-control. It’s the singular instruction given to them in this book. Yet this one instruction covers a lot of ground, having in view a young man’s physical strength, his zeal, opportunities, leadership qualities, ideas, his tongue, behavior, urges and desires, and his tendency to be proud and arrogant of all he possesses and is capable of. A real man is able to keep himself in control, in self-mastery. Self-control aims at submitting to the will of Jesus Christ. A real man knows his place before his Savior and Lord. Young men, are you humble enough to look to the older men in your life to learn from them? If you are struggling with self-control, are you praying for the help of the Holy Spirit and finding help from other men in your life? Seek out the wisdom and advice of your father, grandfather, pastor, elder in church, or another Christian man who has the character traits of Titus 2:2. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the young men in your family and church. Can you think of a young man who could use the wisdom and advice of an older Christian man? Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 14 - The gift of older christian women

“Older women likewise are to be reverent in behavior, not slanderers or slaves to much wine. They are to teach what is good, and so train the young women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled, pure, working at home, kind, and submissive to their own husbands, that the Word of God may not be reviled.” - Titus 2:3-5: Scripture reading: Proverbs 31: 1-31; Titus 2:1-10 Our present culture is tough on men and women as well. God’s curse that a woman’s “desire would be against her husband” has become a cultural badge of honor. Women are told lies about themselves and their lives: that submission is shackles, that true worth is found in career success, that motherhood is a waste of time and talents and more. What a blessing to have older women in the church who can model, teach and instruct the younger women on what biblical womanhood really is! What an encouragement to a young mother to hear from an older mother that she really is doing OK! What precious instruction to a young wife to hear from an older wife what love and submission really looks like in practice! Between the culture and sinful human nature, women need this kind of biblical instruction and example. Selfishness, laziness and a desire to take control over a husband and family are natural sinful tendencies. As much as not every man grows old graciously, not every woman grows old graciously either. These instructions could be good for the sanctification of the older women as well; to know that they are very useful in the church. And it may stir up their hearts knowing that they are looked up to as examples. Note the importance of this instruction: that the Word of God may not be reviled. The world is watching our behavior. We all need God’s grace, and we need each other in the church as well. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the women in your family and in your church. Can you think of any of those women who could serve the younger women this way? Can you think of any younger women who could use the help of an older woman in the church? Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 13 - The gift of older christian men

“Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.” - Titus 2:2 Scripture reading: P...

Daily devotional

October 12 - Sound doctrine and sound living

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” - Titus 2:1 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12; Titus 2:1-10 The Cretans sound lik...

Daily devotional

October 11 - Everyone is a hypocrite

“They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” - Titus 1:16 Scripture...

Daily devotional

October 10 - Give thanks in all things

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.” -...

Daily devotional

October 9 - Rebuke them sharply

“Therefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn away from the truth.” - Titus 1:13b-14 Scripture reading: Galatians 5:1-15; Titus 1:10-16 Legalism can be a danger for any Christian, but particularly for new Christians. It might be out of eagerness to get a feel for the new Christian life, like the thrill of driving a new car and seeing what it can do. It might also happen because of the influence of other Christians in the fellowship circle around a new Christian: the desire to fit in, to conform, to become like other Christians. It’s another thing if this legalism is imposed on new Christians. Rules and “musts” and “shalls” and “ought to’s” that are not biblical should not be imposed. Galatians 5:1 says, “For freedom Christ has set us free; stand firm therefore, and do not submit again to a yoke of slavery.” Peter also proclaims, “Now, therefore, why are you putting God to the test by placing a yoke on the neck of the disciples that neither our fathers nor we have been able to bear?” (Acts 15:10). What the Cretans need—what we all need—is God’s Word of truth and grace. Sometimes we have to be rebuked sharply, so the truth can cut through our legalism and self-righteousness; other times it must be done so that it can cut through our laziness. Whatever the case, let us be devoted to God’s Word of truth, living in the grace and freedom of Jesus Christ, and not by the commands of people. Suggestions for prayer Pray for strong and wise elders to keep our churches free from false teachers and false teaching. Pray for wisdom to discern the lies and mere commands of people. Pray for humility to listen to Jesus Christ in His Word. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 - Preach the gospel to these people?

“One of the Cretans, a prophet of their own, said, ‘Cretans are always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons.’ This testimony is true.” - Titus 1:12-13a Scripture reading: Ephesians 4:17-32; Titus 1:10-16 Sometimes, search committees in churches will send pastors a profile of the congregation, with the history and background, and a summary description of the people and their demographics. Imagine getting a church profile like this! Epimenides was the prophet who wrote this. Polybius also wrote, “greed and avarice are so native to the soil in Crete, that they are the only people in the world among whom no stigma attaches to any sort of gain whatever.” The “shameful gain” the false teachers are seeking is not a surprise, nor is the admonition that elders must not be “greedy for gain.” Our churches also have difficulties. Our churches, however, are not full of sinless people who always get along and submit willingly to every decision of the consistory. We are all capable of lying and do tell lies. We are all capable of following sinful, “animal” instincts, whether in the pursuit of pleasure, in getting quickly defensive, in lashing out in anger, or in following sinful desires or passions. We are all capable of being lazy, whether in work or study, in relationships, or in spiritual disciplines and obedience to God. We are not yet what Christ has saved us unto and is making us into: perfect holiness and righteousness (see Eph. 4:24). We need the gospel. We need the transformative power of the Holy Spirit. We need to grow in Christlikeness by His grace. We need faithful preaching and godly elders as much as the Cretans did! Suggestions for prayer Pray for humility not to think of ourselves more highly than we ought to think. Pray for Christ to use His Spirit and Word to renew our hearts in faithfulness to Him. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 - Silencing false teachers

“For there are many insubordinate, empty talkers and deceivers, especially those of the circumcision party. They must be silenced, since they are upsetting families by teaching for shameful gain what they ought not to teach.” - Titus 1:10-11 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4: 1-16; Titus 1:5-16 What makes for an engaging action story is a worthy opponent. Sherlock Holmes found one in Moriarty. Moses had Pharaoh. David had the Philistines. Mordecai had Haman. In the New Testament, the opponents are false teachers. They are not simpletons. They are “deceivers”: crafty and cunning. Jude describes them as people who have “crept in unnoticed” (v. 4), and Paul describes them as “imposters” (2 Tim. 3:13). These are worthy opponents that must be confronted with the truth of God’s Word. This is another reason why elders need to know and believe sound doctrine. The best way to spot a counterfeit is to study the original. The false teachers do not submit to God’s Word. These particular false teachers were likely Jewish members who were imposing Mosaic law on other church members, who were swayed by their false teaching. Their goal was monetary gain—not entirely unlike the false teachers today, whose messages and urgings are often followed by instructions on where to send your monetary support for the “ministry.” Titus will have to minister to God’s people, in this kind of church context. The elders appointed will have to minister in the same context. False teachers must be disciplined. Elders will have to learn about these things in order to minister effectively for God’s people and against the false teachers. You need to guard yourself by listening to and studying God’s true Word. May God give wisdom to His elders and ministers! And may Christ protect His blood-bought people from false teaching! Suggestions for prayer Pray that false teaching and false teachers might be exposed by the truth of God’s Word. Pray that elders and ministers would be courageous to “silence” false teachers. Pray for your growth in the knowledge of God’s Word. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 6 - God’s stewards

“For an overseer, as God’s steward, must be above reproach. He must not be arrogant or quick-tempered or a drunkard or violent or greedy for gain, but hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. He must hold firm to the trustworthy Word as taught, so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine and also to rebuke those who contradict it.” - Titus 1:7-8 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:1-9 Elders must also be “above reproach” in their personal character and conduct. The “negative” descriptions are really all a matter of self-control. Is he controlled by arrogance, stubbornness and vanity, or is he a humble servant? Is he controlled by angry and irritable emotions, or is he gentle with even cantankerous sheep? Is he controlled by alcohol, or does he keep it in control? Is he controlled by a bullish attitude, always trying to get his own way, or is he a patient listener and collaborator? Is he controlled by a love of money, garnering favor for potential financial gain, or is he serving for the needs of others, maybe even at his own cost? The “positive” characteristics are also a matter of self-control. Does he open his home and life to strangers, sharing his life and possessions? Are people comfortable and joyful in his company? Does he rejoice in good things and seek good for others? Does he deal justly and charitably with others? Does he live a “set-apart” life? Does he strive to obey the Lord? A man’s knowledge and relationship to God’s Word is a third category. An elder cannot teach sound doctrine if he does not first know and believe sound doctrine. Elders must faithfully receive the means of grace, know God’s Word, and in their teaching and visiting convey sound doctrine. Sound doctrine is the proper basis for teaching and correcting in the church (see also 2 Tim. 3:16-17). Suggestions for prayer Pray for the elders in your church. Pray that the Lord will raise up men as elders with the biblical character. Pray that the Lord will use the elders to shepherd and protect the flock. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 5 - Elder essentials (II)

“If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or subordination.” ...

Daily devotional

October 4 - Elders essentials (I)

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…” - Titus 1...

Daily devotional

October 3 - Grace and peace and the common faith

“To Titus, my true child in a common faith: grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” - Titus 1:4 Scripture reading: Ro...

Daily devotional

October 2 - Entrusted with preaching

“…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in His Word through the pre...

Daily devotional

October 1 - Introduction to Titus

Titus was a “partner and fellow worker” of Paul (2 Cor. 8:23) and served to encourage the Corinthian church to be as generous as the Macedonian churches had been (2 Cor. 8; 12:17-18). Paul instructs Titus about establishing the church in a very unpromising situation. Elders have not been appointed, but must be. What is more, the elders must meet biblical qualifications. Titus must instruct the people in sound doctrine and life. These are basic instructions for all Christians. However, the unpromising part of the situation is that these people are Cretans. The notorious Cretans are “always liars, evil beasts, lazy gluttons” (Titus 1:12). Yet the gospel of Jesus Christ is to be proclaimed to such people, despite their characteristic roughness. There was also a contingency of false teachers that had Jewish roots who were upsetting the people there. Paul urges Titus to preach the gospel. Paul is not imposing his apostolic authority, but rather showing that all things are owing to “the kindness and love of God our Savior” and specifically to all that God has done in Christ (Titus 3:3-7). Thus, the highest standard is set before Titus and the Cretans: “For the grace of God has appeared bringing salvation for all people…” (Titus 2:11). No one can save themselves by their own will and works, but rather God our Savior “saved us…according to His own mercy” (Titus 3:5). Finally, Paul puts that reliance on the grace of God in the glorious context of Christ’s coming again, “the blessed hope—the appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ” (Titus 2:13). This letter to Titus emphasizes what God has done to bring salvation to His people, and the certainty of its conclusion when Christ returns in glory. For the sake of the faith of God’s elect “Paul, a servant of God and an apostle of Jesus Christ, for the sake of the faith of God’s elect and their knowledge of the truth, which accords with godliness…” - Titus 1:1 Scripture reading: Romans 1:1-7; Titus 1:1-4 William Wilberforce was a lord in the British Parliament in the late 1700s, best known for his work to abolish the slave trade in the British Empire. As a Christian, he was not only concerned about the political and economic issues of slavery; he also carried a burden for their conversion to the Christian faith. This burden of his was met with as much opposition as his abolition efforts. Another lord of the Parliament said something to the effect of: “if they are elect, God will save them.” But Wilberforce, believing the means of grace and God's love for the elect, persevered: it was for the sake of the elect that the gospel must be proclaimed. Such conviction is clearly behind Paul's letter to Titus. Paul serves Christ as an apostle for this purpose: “to further the faith of God's elect” (v. 1). Rom. 1:5-6 says: “to bring about the obedience of faith for the sake of His Name among all the nations, including you who are called to belong to Jesus Christ.” All true ministers serve Christ for this high purpose. Your minister needs your prayers and encouragement for preaching! The gospel is God’s means to change peoples' hearts and lives. Paul's letter to Titus will stress the idea that sound doctrine goes hand in hand with the life of sanctification and good works. Faith and knowledge of the truth “accord with godliness”; the gospel is so powerful it can even change Cretans (see 1:12). It can even change us. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your minister’s preparation to preach the gospel. Pray you will be prepared to hear God’s Word. Pray that God will change your heart and life in godliness through sound preaching. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. 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 - To God be the glory

“Now to him who is able to do far more abundantly than all that we ask or think, according to the power at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, forever and ever. Amen.” - Ephesians 3:20-21 Scripture reading: Romans 11:33-36 There isn’t a better way to end this section of Ephesians dealing with God’s merciful salvation than with a doxology. A doxology is a song or poem of praise to the Lord. There is a reason why we end our worship services with a doxology. This is where the gospel takes us. As a believer, I have sung a doxology in my head or heart on so many different types of occasions whether it be the birth of a child, the conversion of an unbeliever, the baptism of a child, the loss of a godly grandparent, or even seeing the beauty of the world around us. Since we are worshipping creatures, those united to Christ have a life informed by doxology. Part of the reason for this doxology in the middle of Ephesians, is due to the mystery revealed (i.e. the inclusion of Gentiles), the love of Christ, and the election of God. With these weighty truths, we see that He is able to do “far more abundantly than all that we ask or think.” The peace in the heart of the believer is strengthened by a recognition that God is on the side of his people and He knows what is best for us. It takes faith to grasp that reality and take it to our hearts. To Him be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help form your life by means of a doxology. Think of all the things you have to be thankful for. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 love of Christ

“…may have strength to comprehend with all the saints what is the breadth and length and height and depth, and to know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” - Ephesians 3:18-19 Scripture reading: Psalm 118: 1-29 There is a profound truth found in Psalm 118. Towards the end of the Psalm (vs. 22-24) we see Jesus elevated as the “chief cornerstone.” That reality is connected to what we see back in verses 6 and 7. In those verses we see the phrase, “The Lord is for me.” We do not need to fear, because the Lord is for me. We might wonder how God can be for us so consistently. How often do we let him down? How often do we stumble and fall into sin? Daily! But the reason God is for us, is because of the love of Christ. Ephesians 3:19 says that the love of Christ surpasses knowledge. The love of Christ is incomprehensible. It might not be a truth we reflect upon daily, but maybe it should be. Christ’s love for us is so much greater and steadfast than our love for Christ. Let that be an encouragement to you this week. Stop and pause and reflect upon that wonderful truth. Notice, also, what it says at the end of Eph. 3:19, “…that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” Once again, though all glory goes to God, the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge is revealed to us for our comfort. What a mystery to be filled with the fullness of God. Suggestions for prayer Ask God that your love for Jesus and His work might grow. Examine your heart in prayer and determine to whom you might show that love to those around you. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 28 - Do not lose heart

“So I ask you not to lose heart over what I am suffering for you, which is your glory.” - Ephesians 3:13 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 11:16-33 As a pastor, I have seen some dear friends in the ministry go through messy church disputes and schisms. It is mentally, spiritually draining upon them. It is easy to wonder what God's plan is, when the individual wants to preach the gospel of Christ. We might have wondered what God’s plan is in that situation. Our vision is limited as we realize we cannot see the whole picture. We do know that the Lord has all things in his fatherly hand. (Rom. 8:28) As Christians, it is to the Lord Jesus Christ that we look. He was mistreated, lived and died for us. Jesus was more deserving of good treatment than anyone. He never uttered one idle word, or had one ungodly thought. Yet, as Isaiah 53 predicted, he was afflicted for us. Let this Lord’s Day remind you of that truth. We will likely not be faced with martyrdom for our faith. Though, there could be some reading this who face real dangers for their Christian convictions. But, even if that is not you at this time, view your present suffering as James 1 explains: God is working in your life. When Guido de Bres, the author of the Belgic Confession of Faith, was being led to the gallows, he had one final opportunity to confess his faith. He had joy over the privilege of dying for the sake of the gospel. He said, “I never dared to think that God would do me such an honor.” Suggestions for prayer Bring before God the burdens of your heart and cast them before him. Ask God to give you patience to start to understand trials in life. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 27 - The power of God’s grace

“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the...

Daily devotional

September 26 - The mystery of Christ

“When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ…” - Ephesians 3:4 Scripture reading: Acts 2:1-13 In the vers...

Daily devotional

September 25 - God’s dwelling place

“In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” - Ephesians 2:22 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-3 ...

Daily devotional

September 24 - A solid foundation

“…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” - Ephesians 2:20 Scripture reading: 1 Co...

Daily devotional

September 23 - Citizenship

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” - Ephesians 2:19 Scripture reading: Philippians 3:12-21 I lived in Canada for 15 years as a pastor. I have U.S. citizenship. Canada is a wonderful country. We had a very positive experience. We were welcomed and cared for, etc. But we were not citizens. Though we never ran into legal trouble, it always felt a little different. I guess that is how immigrants likely feel their whole lives. What citizenship affords an individual are the rights and privileges. They are part of a nation, a commonwealth. Both Ephesians 2:19 and Philippians 3:20 speak of our heavenly citizenship. Ephesians 2 focuses more on the horizontal relationship of fellow citizens to each other. They are in this together. Philippians speaks more of the vertical relationship of citizenship where we await a Savior. In either case, this present world is not our ultimate home. We have a new life and identity in Jesus Christ. In my case I lived in a peaceful, beautiful country and I was from a wonderful country. By nature, we are strangers and aliens, even enemies to the household of God. But in Jesus Christ, our citizenship brings us into the church, the bride of Christ. What a gracious ruler we have as heavenly citizens. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for your heavenly citizenship. Ask God to provide ways to show unity in the household of God. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 - Access to the Father

“For through him we both have access in one Spirit to the Father.” - Ephesians 2:18 Scripture reading: John 10:22-30 I’ve always wondered what it was like to be the child of someone who was famous. Whether an athlete or movie star or politician, as a child I couldn’t imagine what it would feel like to call that person Mom or Dad. At any time, you could simply talk to them about anything. So many people wanted what you had access to. In Jesus Christ, we have far more. Better than being the son of Michael Jordan or Mickey Mantle, we are children of God. Because of that relationship, we have access to God 24/7. In fact, our access and union with him is so great, that it continues without us realizing it. We don’t have to make an appointment to come before God in prayer and fellowship. We don’t have to schedule a time to sing psalms and hymns to our Triune God. We have access to the Father, through Christ at all times. There is no one that can take that away. Therefore, cast your cares upon him. Bring to God your fears and anxiety. Bring before him your frustrations at work or school or in the home. He knows us, and he will minister to us. One day a year, on the Day of Atonement, the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies and make atonement for God’s people. Since atonement now has been paid in the precious blood of Christ, we have access to God through him. Pray to the Lord and you will know peace. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you to pray without ceasing. Focus this week on your access to the Father. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 - Preaching peace

“And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.” - Ephesians 2:17 Scripture reading: Romans 10: 1-21 We have a 30 acre lake behind our house. This past winter my family watched as a bald eagle killed a Canadian goose on the ice. All the other geese watched from a distance. It was quite a bloody spectacle to behold. As I write this now, I am watching a bald eagle on that same small lake. As he flies, the geese start to honk. The eagle is not bringing any peace to the goose population. But it is peace that you should be looking forward to hearing today, the Lord’s Day. After all, what gospel does a minister have to bring but the gospel of peace. It was the message from the angels to the shepherds on Christmas evening, and it is the message that is to be preached to those who are far and near. The Ephesians were in the category of “far off.” But through the preaching of the gospel of peace, they had been brought near. Maybe today you feel far off. Maybe you wonder where you stand before the Lord, and what message He might have for you. Use this day to draw near, not only to worship, but to hear and believe in faith, all that Christ has done for you. We are granted peace. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to use the preaching of the Word to strengthen your faith today. Pray for your pastor that he might faithfully preach the gospel of peace. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 20 - One new man

“…that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace…” - Ephesians 2:15b Scripture reading: Galatians 2:15-21 We are taught in Genesis 2 and Ephesians 5 that when two are united in marriage they become one. We can understand this as a metaphor for the intimacy and union in marriage. When it comes to our union with Christ, this is highlighted above all. Union with Christ is really the foundation of our justification. I fear that as Christians we do not think of this often enough. In Galatians 2, Paul confesses that through his union with Christ, it is no longer he who lives, but Christ who lives through him. Think of the implications of that beautiful truth. The believer is called to daily die to sin and self, and live anew to Christ. This is called daily conversion. The way this can take place is through the leading of the Holy Spirit, the promised Comforter (John 14, 16). It is no longer us against God. The hostility and the enmity have been removed. By grace and through faith we are united to God in Jesus Christ. A marriage in the Lord can be a life-long fulfilling joy of love and peace. But nothing can compare to the extent of the unity in which Jesus is united to his bride, the church, which Ephesians 5 calls a profound mystery. Think through the implications of that relationship in your life. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for your union with Christ. Ask God to help you fight against sin through that beautiful union. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 19 - Our peace

“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” - Ephesians 2:14 Scr...

Daily devotional

September 18 - Brought near

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” - Ephesians 2:13 Scripture reading: Acts 8...

Daily devotional

September 17 - For a purpose

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:10...

Daily devotional

September 16 - All of grace

“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: T...

Daily devotional

September 15 - Resurrection

“…even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” - Ephesians 2:5 Scripture reading: John 11:17-28 When our Lord Jesus Christ raised his friend Lazarus from the dead after having been dead for four days, the Jewish leaders had a serious problem on their hands. No one can be raised from the dead and they knew it. It was so serious that the leaders made plans to arrest and kill Lazarus. A walking and talking testimony to Jesus’ power was not what they wanted around Jerusalem. This is a precursor to Christ’s resurrection and ours. Sometimes in life you hear stories of people who are very sick and end up getting better. Those are times of rejoicing. But the problem we have seen here is that we are not spiritually sick. If so, then maybe some medicine could help us. Eph. 2:5 says that we were dead. Condemnation was ours. We could not atone for our transgressions. This contrasts our new life together, in Christ. The great difference between Lazarus and us, is that Lazarus had to die again after his resurrection. We are promised in John 11:25b “…Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live.” Right after Jesus says those words in John 11, he weeps and then he tells Lazarus to “come out”. Who has the power to raise the dead? Only the one who would leave the tomb empty on Easter morning. “By grace you have been saved.” Suggestions for prayer Thank God for your own spiritual resurrection. Ask God to give you the vision to await the future bodily resurrection from the dead. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 - But God…

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us.” - Ephesians 2:4 Scripture reading: Romans 3:9-31 In two simple words, we see the great transition in Ephesians 2. The same thing takes place in Romans 3. Romans 3:21 begins with “But now….” The word “but” shows a transition. The word “but” is a conjunction that connects two ideas together that contrast each other. We had been looking at our natural, sinful and fallen condition. However, God does not leave us there. We are moved from the position of “in Adam” or “in sin” to a place of being “in Christ.” This contrast cannot be overexaggerated. These are polar opposites. We live in a world where Sunday is like a second Saturday. As an unbeliever you can catch up on yard work, you can sleep in, and you can carve out the day for yourself. But for those redeemed in Christ, their Sunday is altogether different. Our regular work in the office, field or classroom stops on this day of rest. On Sunday, we orient our lives around worship, fellowship, service and rest. Why is it so important to be in worship today? Besides God telling us to, we recognize our need for spiritual food. In the coming week we will be in a spiritual battle, and only God can supply the spiritual armour we need (Eph. 6:10ff.). We were lost in our sin and misery, and the condition into which we have been placed in Adam. “But God” does not leave us there. We are now united to Christ by grace, through faith. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for a clear contrast in salvation from unbelief to faith. Ask God to help you sanctify this day for his glory. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 - Our natural condition (II)

“And you were dead in…..sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” - Ephesians 2:1-3 Scripture reading: Exodus 32: 1-35 The narrative of the golden calf in Exodus 32 is a sad one. Shortly, after receiving the Ten Commandments, the Israelites break the 2nd commandment in an Egyptian way. They knew that Yahweh had brought them out of Egypt. In that sense, they were not explicitly breaking the first commandment. Their great problem was that they sought to worship Yahweh THROUGH the means of the golden calf. This was forbidden. What they gave into, is the desire of the flesh. The nations around them had idols. Egypt certainly had idols, and the flesh wants to see with the eyes what is worshipped. That same mentality of discontentment, creeps into our hearts. We are often not satisfied with the means God provides for us to worship him. We have to fight the temptation to improve what God provides. This is especially the case when it comes to worship. Tomorrow you will, Lord willing, sit under the word with the ordinary means of grace to worship the Lord. Trust that God provides us all that we need. Eph. 2:3 calls us “…by nature children of wrath.” Let us not live “by nature”, but rather by “super-nature” redeemed in Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to remove any idols from your hearts. Thank God for giving us the means of grace (i.e. the preaching of the Word and sacraments). Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 12 - Our natural condition (I)

“And you were dead in…..sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world…carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind.” - Ephesians 2:1-3 Scripture reading: Romans 1:18-25 An accurate portrait of someone will include the “warts and all.” In these days of airbrushing and photo-shopping to make things look better, the Bible paints a picture of humans in their depravity. To put it mildly, the picture isn’t pretty. The words described in Eph. 2 are that we are dead in sin, and we are children of wrath. Romans 1 paints an even fuller picture that lays out the need for redemption in Christ. As sinners in Adam, we have become twisted and perverted spiritually. We trade the truth for the lie, and our hearts, according to the Heidelberg Catechism, are inclined to “hate God and my neighbor.” (H.C. LD 2, QA 5) The reason the Apostle Paul paints humans in such an awful light, is because the clearer we can see our dire situation, the more glorious the following verses will become. They will exalt the love and mercy of God to those who have waged war on him. The enemies of God, by grace and through faith, will become friends of God in Christ. The place, the sinner outside of grace walks, is a path that follows the course of this world. It is a path that rejects God and His ways. It is a world of lies and false promises. It is a world that promises joy and satisfaction, but it cannot supply either. All of us would be walking that path if left to ourselves. Let us flee the course of this world. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for strength to reject the course of this world. Ask God to open your eyes to the false allurement of the present age. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 11 - Head of the church

“And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” - Ephesians 1:22 Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:22...

Daily devotional

September 10 - Christ’s exaltation

“…that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and author...

Daily devotional

September 9 - Praying for the saints

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the ...

Daily devotional

September 8 - Sealed by the Holy Spirit

“…were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory...

Daily devotional

September 7 - The word of truth

“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.” - Ephesians 1:13 Scripture reading: Romans 10: 5-17 Each Lord’s Day we have the privilege to sit under the preaching of the Word. God has ordained that the word preached would be the primary way that faith is produced and strengthened. It is your daily meal served by the Lord himself through the mouthpiece of the minister. As we think about Ephesians 1:13, we are reminded that the preaching is to be heard. It is audible, entering the ear. It should be intelligible, impacting the mind with understanding. The content is to be centered on the “word of truth, the gospel of your salvation.” Week after week the preacher is called to explain, illustrate, and apply the gospel of your salvation. Since this is gospel preaching, it is all for the glory of God. He is the giver of grace and faith. So, preaching is to be heard, but it must be believed. The Christian is not called to believe in a sermon, they are called rather, to believe in the object of faith, the Lord Jesus Christ. As you sit under God’s word today, ask the Lord to grow and strengthen your love for the Lord Jesus Christ. John 15:13 says, “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends.” How great is the love of our Savior for us! Suggestions for prayer Ask God to grow your love for Jesus. Pray for your pastor today as he preaches the word of truth. _________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Download the RP App for daily delivery of this devotional to your phone. The Nearer To God Devotional team also offers a print version for purchase at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

September 6 - Inheritance obtained

“In Him we have obtained an inheritance, having been predestined according to the purpose of him who works all things according to the counsel of His will.” - Ephesians 1:11 Scripture reading: Psalm 16:1-11 When the will of a wealthy man or woman is read, the family might gather around to see what has been left to them. One might receive a house or a car, maybe a large sum of money or other earthly treasures. In Psalm 16, which speaks of our inheritance, it is God Himself who is the inheritance of his people. “The Lord is my chosen portion…indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. (Psalm 16:5-6)” Sometimes an older relative might tell you what they will leave to you upon the time of their death, while other times you might have no idea. God tells us what our inheritance will be. It is none other than an eternal and unfading salvation. In Eph. 1:11 we read that “we have obtained.” How do we obtain this inheritance? It almost makes it sounds like we earned it or deserve it. However, like our adoption as sons (v. 5), this is all of God’s grace. As we have seen, our election is not merely unto eternal life. Our election in Christ is for this present life as well. It is rooted in our identity and calling before the Lord. Would you live your life any different if you knew that you were going to receive the largest inheritance ever given? How might our inheritance in Christ impact your living day by day? Suggestions for prayer Thank God for your gracious inheritance which is yours by faith. Commit to live out that family identity in Christ. Ask God for help. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 - All things in him

“… as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” - Ephesians 1:10 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:1-27 Ephesians 1 takes us from the beginning of the world with our election in verse 4, all the way to the consummation of all things in verse 10. Today's scripture reading, Revelation 21, is often read at funerals or in cemeteries. The reason this is appropriate at the time of death, is because it reminds us that the best is yet to come. God’s grand plan of redemption reaches even beyond the elect image bearers. They obviously are the ones who receive the grace of salvation because of sin. Nevertheless, as the whole creation groans (Rom. 8:22) under the weight of sin, so the whole creation will be impacted by the work of Christ. All things are being united to Christ. Once again, this verse can be easily abused by false teachers, but when it is rightly understood, it affords us greater reason to praise God. It also furnishes us with the call to stewardship since it is clear that God cares beyond simply saving souls eternally. The old world will be purged with fire. Rev. 21 tells us it will pass away. Let that remind us not to set our anchor too deep into this world. But the consummation of all things in Christ will restore the glory of the creation that was lost in the fall. Let us remain planted in this present world with an eye for that which is to come at the return of the Lord Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for his glorious work of uniting all things in Christ. Pray “Maranatha” Lord Jesus, come quickly. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 4 - Adopted as sons

“He predestined us for adoption to Himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will.” - Ephesians 1:5 Scripture reading: Romans 8:1-17 One of the most beautiful pictures of God’s love is the teaching of adoption. The Heidelberg Catechism teaches in Answer 33 that we are God’s children by adoption. This language is seen throughout the scriptures. Already in the Old Testament, God speaks of calling a people that were not his own, to be his own. That is adoption. It also shouldn’t surprise us that God chose a concept from the realm of the family to describe his gracious relationship with his children. Ephesians 1:5 uses the term “adoption…as sons.” What about women? Women are in a sense adopted as sons. Some places in the scriptures speak of those adopted as children of God, but not in Ephesians 1. The reason for this is because it is the sons who had the right to inheritance in the ancient world. Down in Eph. 1:11 we read, “In him we have obtained an inheritance.” This inheritance is obtained because of our sonship in Jesus Christ. It isn’t very good news that you are adopted if the adoptive father is wicked and abusive. But, God, our adoptive father is loving and compassionate. Psalm 103:13 says, “As a father shows compassion on his children, so the LORD shows compassion on those who fear him." Thank the Lord for your adoption as sons, for if you are a son of God, that ensures you that you have an eternal inheritance. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for his adopting love to you. Ask God to comfort you in difficult times with the knowledge that He is a compassionate Father in heaven. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. 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 3 - Chosen unto godliness

“…that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love…” - Ephesians 1:4b Scripture reading: 2 Peter 2:1-12 Sometimes in professio...

Daily devotional

September 2 - Chosen in him

“…even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world….” - Ephesians 1:4 Scripture reading: Romans 8:29-39 Ephesians 1:3-14 ...

Daily devotional

September 1 - Introduction to Ephesians

Our devotions this month will be taken from Ephesians 1-3. The book of Ephesians can easily be separated into two parts. The first half, which we will...

Daily devotional

August 31 - The “so-that” mission continues

“And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi.” - Genesis 25:11 Scripture...

Daily devotional

August 30 - I will go

“Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.”” - Genesis 24:58 Scripture reading: Genesis 24: 1-67 For our youth, conversations often revolve around a couple of key concerns: dating, marriage, and guidance. In this, the longest chapter in Genesis, both come into focus: Who will Isaac marry? And how will they find her? Abraham had finally learned not to take matters into his own hands. This was to be a matter of prayerful dependence and obedience. Isaac must not be unequally yoked with someone outside God’s covenant promises. Even before Abraham’s servant finishes praying (Genesis 24:45), there is beautiful Rebekah! God shows His steadfast love and faithfulness (Genesis 24:27). But this is more than a covenantal love story. It is ultimately about God’s covenant love for His people in Jesus Christ. This marriage—and all covenant marriages—matters “so-that” God’s saving purpose for the nations can unfold. Sarah is dead. The promised Seed must still come through Isaac. So, when Rebekah is asked if she will go to marry Isaac, she answers sight unseen, “I will go.” She’s never met him, but she’s ready. She's saying she is willing to be part of the Lord's ongoing purposes for blessing the nations. Effectively, she’s saying, “I will go with Jesus.” Isaac and Rebekah marry, and through their line, Jesus is born. And now we, the bride of Christ, are made beautiful by His love—washed, without spot. Though we have not seen Him, we love Him (1 Peter 1:8). May we be blessed with “so-that” marriages and families and covenant youth with this focus: “I will go!” Suggestions for prayer Pray for godly marriages. Pray for a generation ready to say, “I will go” with Jesus, and go out into the world with hope. Pray for the Lord’s blessing in worship tomorrow. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 - Pilgrim hope in death

“So the field of Ephron which was in Machpelah, which was before Mamre, the field and the cave which was in it, and all the trees that were in the field, which were within all the surrounding borders, were deeded to Abraham as a possession.” - Genesis 23:17,18a Scripture reading: Genesis 23: 1-20 This chapter is, in many ways, a sad one. It speaks repeatedly of death. Sarah, Abraham’s beloved wife of many years, has died. And death is always sorrowful. We should never be superficial about it. Death is not how things are supposed to be. Abraham wept. They had shared so much together—decades of life, love, struggle, and grace. They had hurt each other, forgiven each other, and carried on. Now that time is over. Death is sad. Jesus wept at Lazarus’s grave, He raged at death. So, we are right to mourn. But as Christians, we mourn in hope. We have an eternal inheritance, a glorious future. That’s why Abraham was so intentional about securing a burial plot for Sarah. God had promised that land, and Abraham trusted that promise would be fulfilled. His actions pointed beyond death to the certainty of God’s Word. We too have been promised a glorious inheritance in the new heavens and new earth, where righteousness dwells. No more death, no more pain, no more tears. All things will be made new. Abraham refuses to accept the land as charity from the world. He won’t rest until he has secured it properly, “I am a sojourner, I am different from you.” His hope was not in this world, but in God’s promise. Thank God, Jesus gave Himself no rest until the deed for our eternal inheritance was secured—at the cost of His own blood. Rest by faith, knowing that our inheritance is sure in Him. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that though we die, we shall live. Pray comfort for those who mourn. Ask for courage to share the hope of our eternal inheritance in Christ with those who grieve. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 - Jehovah Jireh

“And Abraham called the name of the place, The-Lord-Will-Provide; as it is said to this day, “In the Mount of the Lord it shall be provided.”” - Genesis 22:14 Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-19 You may have heard the Bible song, “Jehovah Jireh, my provider, His grace is sufficient for me.” The Hebrew name Jehovah Jireh appears in our theme verse, translated as “the LORD will provide.” What a comfort this was for Abraham—and for Isaac! And for us. God will provide. His promises are sure. In verse 5, Abraham told his servants, “we will come back to you.” Hebrews 11:19 says he believed God could raise Isaac from the dead. Though bewildered, Abraham trusted God’s promise. When Isaac asks, “Where is the lamb?” Abraham answers, “God will provide for Himself the lamb.” But what he finds caught in the thicket is not a lamb, but a ram. A substitute for the moment—but clearly more was to come. “In the mount of the LORD it shall be provided” is a glorious promise that one day, in that place, the LORD would provide the true Lamb. The phrase can also be translated, “In the mount of the LORD, He will be seen.” Behold Jesus, the Lamb of God! He finished His work in Jerusalem. God has provided. In light of this, God reaffirms to Abraham in Genesis 22:18, “In your seed all the nations of the earth shall be blessed.” Jesus is that seed, and the blessing for the nations is sure because of His finished work. So, let’s go, knowing everything we need to fulfill our “so-that” mission is already provided. He gave His Son—how will He not also, with Him, graciously give us all things? His grace is sufficient for me. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His unfailing promises and provision in Christ. Pray to trust His sufficiency and be a channel of His blessing to the nations. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 27 - Where is the Lamb?

“But Isaac spoke to Abraham his father and said, “My father!” And he said, “Here I am, my son.” Then he said, “Look, the fire and the wood, but where is the lamb for a burnt offering?”” - Genesis 22:7 Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-19 The young man Isaac’s question must have cut like a knife: “Father, where is the lamb?” There’s a sense of pathos and bewilderment. Abraham is convinced: “God will provide for Himself the lamb.” Picture what God paints here to show what our salvation cost. See Abraham and Isaac trudging up the mountain together. See God the Father and God the Son walking together for our salvation. The Father, in love, sending His Son, and Jesus leaves heaven for a long arduous walk of obedience in our place. See Abraham placing the wood on Isaac’s back, and Jesus carrying His cross to Calvary. As Isaac is laid on the wood, see Jesus laid on the cross, hands and feet bound and nailed. Isaac has the wood; Abraham holds the fire and the knife. Jesus bears the cross; the Father pours out His holy wrath. When Isaac cries “Father,” Abraham says, “Here I am.” But Jesus cries, “My God, why have you forsaken Me?” and hears no reply. He became a curse instead of us. The whole Old Testament, with all its sin and struggle, screams the same question: “Where is the lamb?” John the Baptist declares when Jesus comes on the scene: “Behold the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” Here He is! Our sins and the world’s sins still cry out “Where is the Lamb?” As God’s “so-that” people, we shout the answer: Behold the Lamb! God didn’t spare His own Son, but delivered Him up for us all. Believe in Him and be saved! Suggestions for prayer Praise God that He did not spare His own Son but gave Him for you. Look to Christ for everything you need. Ask for boldness to proclaim to others: “Behold the Lamb of God!” Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 26 - God tests the faith of his friend

“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”” - Genesis 22:1 ...

Daily devotional

August 25 - God is with you in all that you do

“And it came to pass at that time that Abimelech and Phichol, the commander of his army, spoke to Abraham, saying, “God is with you in all that yo...

Daily devotional

August 24 - Laughing at the promises?

“And Sarah saw the son of Hagar the Egyptian, whom she had borne to Abraham, scoffing.” - Genesis 21:9 Scripture reading: Genesis 21:8-21; Ga...

Daily devotional

August 23 - Laughing with the promises!

“And Sarah said, “God has made me laugh, and all who hear will laugh with me.”” - Genesis 21:6 Scripture reading: Genesis 21:1-7 When ...

Daily devotional

August 22 - Remember who you are!

“Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you shall live.” - Genesis 20:7a Scripture reading: Genesis 20: 1-18 In Genesis 20, we encounter another disappointment. Abraham had been doing so well. He was walking with God, trusting His promises, and devoted to prayer. But now, having traveled to Gerar, he becomes anxious in unfamiliar territory. Sadly, he reverts to an old pattern—he tells people that Sarah is his sister. Sound familiar? (See Genesis 12:10–20.) Abraham forgets God’s promises. He forgets who he is. Instead of being a blessing to the nations, he brings the opposite. Within a year, Sarah is to bear the promised child—yet here she is in a king’s harem. What a hopeless mess! Do you ever forget who you are or why you’re here? Do you fall back into the same old sinful habits and feel the disappointment that follows? When we are disillusioned with ourselves, we often struggle at prayer, we don’t dare to speak the truth, and are of no blessing to others. But praise God—He doesn’t leave Abraham (or us) stuck in forgetfulness. God takes sin seriously. He takes marriage seriously. In His mercy, He brings Abraham’s sin into the light and restores him. Abraham cannot keep lying. He is a prophet, and he must speak the truth. He will be a man of prayer again Thank God your failures are not final either. There is forgiveness and restoration with God. Remember His promises. Remember who you are. Remember Whose you are. And go be His “so-that” people again—those who pray and those who proclaim! Suggestions for prayer Reflect on ways you forget who you are in Christ. Confess the sins that silence your prayers or witness. Ask for God’s mercy to restore you. Pray for boldness to speak truth, bless others, and be faithful in prayer. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 - The Lord being merciful

“And while he lingered, the men took hold of his hand, his wife’s hand, and the hands of his two daughters, the Lord being merciful to him, and they brought him out and set him outside the city.” - Genesis 19:16 Scripture reading: Genesis 19:12-29 We’ve previously reflected on the sobering lessons from the life of Lot. Today, we want to ask: why was Lot delivered from Sodom? There are two encouraging truths to consider. First and most importantly, the foundational reason is found in our theme verse today—it was because the Lord was merciful. God exercised His chesed, His covenant mercy and lovingkindness. Lot did not deserve it. He lingered. He couldn’t or wouldn’t pull himself out of the city of sin. But, in the Lord’s mercy, he and his family were taken by the hand and brought out. It’s the same with us. Left to ourselves, we would remain in bondage to sin. But God, by His gracious and mighty hand, delivers us from darkness and brings us into His marvelous light. It is God’s mercy alone. Second, Lot had a praying uncle. Verse 27 tells us that when the judgment came, Abraham went early to the place where he had stood before the Lord (praying), as in Genesis 18:22,33. Many of us, if we are in Christ, can look back and say: someone prayed for me—a parent, grandparent, friend, or pastor. And God was merciful. As God’s “so-that” people, will we also take our place before the Lord, praying earnestly for others? Will we stand in the gap for our families, our neighbors and our cities? Who are you praying for today? Suggestions for prayer Reflect on the truth that your salvation is all of God’s mercy. Give thanks for those who prayed for you. Pray that the Lord will show His mercy to others, bless us in His grace, “so-that” the nations may praise His name. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 - Lot: Lessons from a covenantal drifter

“So Lot went out and spoke to his sons-in-law, who had married his daughters, and said, “Get up, get out of this place; for the Lord will destroy this city!” But to his sons-in-law he seemed to be joking.” - Genesis 19:14 Scripture reading: Genesis 19:12-38 Lot made it out of Sodom alive—but barely. He suffered a great loss. He was saved “as through fire” (1 Corinthians 3:15). What can we learn? It began with a look. In chapter 13, Lot looked and saw the best land. He wanted it. We know that already then, he moved in right next to Sodom. Now, by chapter 19, he’s within the gates, he’s one of them. What are you looking at? What are you looking for? Then there was Lot’s lingering. He couldn’t let go. He had immersed himself so deeply in Sodom’s life that he struggled to leave. If we’re not careful, we do the same—dabbling in sin, then lingering there. Where are you tempted to linger? Then consider Lot’s losses. He lost his influence—his sons-in-law thought he was joking. He lost his moral marbles—offering his daughters to satisfy the mob. He lost his wife and his family. What a tragic legacy. We should all take warning! Yet the gospel gives us hope. If we are in Christ, we will see Lot in heaven. He is called “righteous Lot” in 2 Peter 2:7. That righteousness was not his own—it was the gift of God’s grace. What hope this gives to those who feel too far gone: “There can be no hope for me.” Yes, there is. Repent and believe the gospel. God will not cast aside those who turn to Him. The legacy of such a life is the blessing of being right with God, by grace through faith. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on what draws you from God. Where do you linger in sin? Ask for grace to repent and trust Him. Praise Him for His mercy. Pray for a life of grateful devotion. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 19 - God comes to judge

“And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when He overthrew the cities in which Lot had dwelt.” - Genesis 19:29 Scripture reading: Genesis 19:1-29 Genesis 19 records the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah. The time for judgment had come, and God’s judgment was right. This chapter gives us a snapshot of how the wrath of God will come down with full intensity against sin. That judgment falls throughout history—on individuals, civilizations, and cultures—but it also points to the final judgment that will come when Jesus returns. We must be careful when we speak of judgment; we know God delights in mercy. But we must also be honest; God’s judgment is real. The reason for judgment here is plain—gross homosexual perversion. It is an abomination to the LORD (Leviticus 18:22; 20:13; Ezekiel 16:50). The men of the city were so enslaved to sin that they would not relent. They could not break free. It’s a sober warning: when sin rules over us, we cannot rescue ourselves. But let’s guard against two dangerous extremes. One is pride: “At least I’m not like them!” The other is despair: “I’m so caught in sin (whatever it is), there’s no hope for me.” Paul’s words in 1 Corinthians 6:9–11 are helpful here. He warns that unrepentant sinners will not inherit the kingdom of God—but then he gives great hope: “Such were some of you. But you were washed.” There is hope for all who run to Jesus in repentance and faith. There is forgiveness with God. There is hope in His mercy. There is grace for sinners like you and me. Praise the Lord! Suggestions for prayer Pray earnestly for our culture, that it would repent and return to the Lord. Pray that we would all take our sin seriously. Praise God for the blessing of His mercy and the hope He gives in Jesus. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 18 - Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?

Daily devotional

August 17 - Standing before the Lord

“Then the men turned away from there and went toward Sodom, but Abraham still stood before the LORD.” - Genesis 18:22 Scripture reading: Gene...

Daily devotional

August 16 - Chosen for a “so-that” purpose

“For I have known him, in order that he may command his children and his household after him, that they keep the way of the Lord, to do righteousnes...

Daily devotional

August 15 - Is anything too hard for the Lord?

“Is anything too hard for the Lord? At the appointed time I will return to you, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” - Gene...

Daily devotional

August 14 - Do not pass me by

“My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant.” - Genesis 18:3 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:1-15 Our passage today records a very special meeting with very special guests. God shows up. Along with two angelic visitors, He comes to meet with Abraham, His friend. Without knowing exactly who his guests are at first, Abraham pulls out all the stops and offers warm hospitality. The fated calf is prepared; no expense is spared. Hebrews 13:1–2 tells us we should learn from Abraham about the blessing of hospitality—literally, “the love of the stranger!” As God’s “so-that” people, we need to grow in hospitality for the gospel’s sake: “Join us—we’ve got room, and we’ve got food!” But more deeply, we also learn about the blessing of covenant friendship with God. Psalm 25:14 says, “The secret of the LORD is with those who fear Him, and He will show them His covenant.” Abraham doesn’t want to miss out: “Do not pass by your servant,” he pleads with the Lord. Let’s not miss how God delights in sweet communion with sinners like Abraham—and us. God is not distant; He loves to be asked. Don’t let Him pass you by. Draw near with full assurance of faith. Cultivate humble, hungry dependence on Him every time you open His Word, hear it preached, or receive the sacraments: “Lord, do not pass me by.” In all you do, every day, ask for His presence, His nearness and guidance: “Lord, do not pass me by!” And rest assured—He delights in fellowship with sinners like us. He won’t pass you by. Suggestions for prayer Pray that your covenant friendship with the Lord may grow in every part of your life. Ask Him to grow in you a heart for hospitality, “so-that” many come to know His friendship. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 - You shall keep my covenant

“And God said to Abraham: “As for you, you shall keep My covenant, you and your descendants after you throughout their generations.”” - Genesis 17:9 Scripture reading: Genesis 17:15-27 We’ve seen how the blessing of covenant is all of God’s grace: “As for Me, My covenant is with you” (Genesis 17:4). But since a covenant is a relationship, it has two sides. There are God’s promises, and there are our responsibilities. “As for you,” God says, “you shall keep my covenant” (Genesis 17:9). Promises aren’t to be taken for granted, but embraced. And as we believe, we know God also has expectations. He said to Abraham, “Walk before Me and be blameless!” No, we’re not perfect, and it’s not about earning our salvation—Jesus paid it all. But this is how we want to live in the joy of that salvation. God also warns that it’s possible to break covenant (Genesis 17:14). Those who refuse circumcision—or the circumcision of the heart (Deuteronomy 10:16)—those who live in unbelief and rebellion, trample the Son of God underfoot. That’s serious. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God (Hebrews 10:26–31). God is so committed to His covenant and justice that He punished our sin in His beloved Son. Do you struggle? Have you fallen? Let God’s covenant promises bring you home. Hear these words from the Form for Baptism: “If we through weakness fall into sin, we must not despair of God’s grace, nor use our weakness as an excuse to keep on sinning. Baptism is a seal and totally reliable witness that we have an eternal covenant with God.” Come home. Repent and believe. God delights in mercy. He promised. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on how we may take God’s promises for granted. Repent and believe the gospel. Plead God’s promises for yourself and others. Pray for the nations to come in. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 12 - I will be your God

“And I will establish My covenant between Me and you and your descendants after you in their generations, for an everlasting covenant, to be God to you and your descendants after you.” - Genesis 17:7 Scripture reading: Genesis 17:1-14 We use the word “covenant” often. It simply means “relationship.” So, when God says to Abram, “As for Me, behold, My covenant is with you,” He is declaring that in mercy, He has bound Himself in relationship with His people. Here, God confirms that blessing with Abram: “I am your God!” And it’s all grace—from God’s side, not Abram’s. Abram is now 99 and still has no heir. No doubt this caused him grief and embarrassment. His name, Abram, means “father of a nation,” but he has no children. So God repeats the promise and changes his name to Abraham—“father of a multitude of nations.” The blessing keeps getting better! And don’t forget, all of this is “so-that” the gospel will bear fruit in all nations. In His mercy, God gives Abraham circumcision as a sign and seal of the promise (Romans 4:11). God is saying, “I am your God—get hold of this and never forget it.” Blood must be shed, but it points to the bond Abraham has with God. And God goes further: “This bond is for your children too, it is everlasting. I will be their God.” Since this covenant is everlasting, and since God never changes, the sign and seal of this blessing is still for believers and their children today. Now that Christ has shed His blood once for all, baptism replaces circumcision (Acts 2:39; Colossians 2:11–12). In your baptism, God assures you: “My covenant is with you!” Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His grace in binding Himself to undeserving sinners like us. Believe the promises. Pray that His grace would shine through you “so-that” the nations may come to know Him too. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 11 - Seeking blessing our way, not God’s way

“And He said, “Hagar, Sarai’s maid, where have you come from, and where are you going?”” - Genesis 16:8 Scripture reading: Genesis 16: 1-16 Have you ever wanted happiness and blessing so badly that you tried to find it your own way, rather than God’s way? How did that work out for you? How did it work out for everyone else? It seems Abram and Sarai grew tired of waiting for God’s promise. He had said they’d be a blessing to the world through the children He’d give them. But Sarai was still childless. So, she took matters into her own hands. Abram listened, and they tried to bring about the promise through Sarai’s maid, Hagar. That was not God’s way. Hagar became pregnant, and the result was a mess. There was no blessing in that home. Abram and Sarai were not being a “so-that” blessing to others. God’s way was ignored, and His people were despised. Hagar was treated harshly by Sarai and ran away. Nothing good comes from doing things our own way. But God is merciful. He sought Hagar when she fled. He asked her, “Where have you come from, and where are you going?” That’s a good question for us—and a good one to ask the world. We’ve come from sin and brokenness. And apart from God, we’re headed for more of the same. But by grace, we can be headed somewhere far better: a life of blessing and hope. God urged Hagar to go home. Blessing is only found in covenant with God—only through faith in Jesus. Jesus did it God’s way, not His own way: “Not my will, but Yours be done.” He went to the cross to bring us into that blessing. We find it as we trust in Him. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on any way you seek blessing on your own terms. Repent and return. Pray to be a true “so-that” blessing to others through joy in covenant with God. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 10 - How can I know?

“And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”” - Genesis 15:8 Scripture reading: Genesis 15:6-21 Yesterday we rev...

Daily devotional

August 9 - Counted righteous by God

“And he believed in the Lord, and He accounted it to him for righteousness.” - Genesis 15:6 Scripture reading: Genesis 15:1-7; Romans 4:1-8 ...

Daily devotional

August 8 - Your shield and exceedingly great reward

Daily devotional

August 7 - Blessed by the greater one

“Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him.” - Genesis 14:18,19a Scri...

Daily devotional

August 6 - Lift your eyes to the promises

“And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, eastward, and westward; for all the land which you see I give to you and your descendants forever.” - Genesis 13:14,15 Scripture reading: Genesis 13:5-18; Revelation 7:9 What are you looking at? What is your focus? In today’s passage, we see a stark contrast between Abram’s focus and that of his nephew, Lot. Both had been richly blessed materially, so much so, that the land was no longer big enough for both. To avoid strife, Abram offered Lot first pick of the land so they could part ways. Lot saw dollar signs and chose what would be most lucrative for him. But notice, he ignored the fact that the men of Sodom were exceedingly wicked. He pitched his tent near Sodom, seemingly unconcerned, as long as he could succeed financially. What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and lose his soul? (Mark 8:36). This separation would have been sad for Abram, so God came to encourage him. He urged Abram to lift his eyes and remember God’s promises. Where Lot saw dollar signs, Abram saw the promises. “Look,” God said, “one day I will give you this land, but more, your descendants will be as many as the dust of the earth.” More than flocks, herds, or fat bank accounts, God wants us to know He is gathering peoples from all nations into a multitude you cannot number, like dust of the earth (Rev. 7:9). The question for us is, where are our eyes focused? Where is God and where are His promises in our thinking? Are you thrilled to be one of God’s “so-that” people in this great plan? Where is your focus? Suggestions for prayer Reflect on what holds your attention. Are you distracted by the world’s things and ways? Ask God to keep your focus on His promises and to use you “so-that” all peoples may know Him. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 - Losing sight of the promises

“Now there was a famine in the land, and Abram went down to Egypt to dwell there, for the famine was severe in the land.” - Genesis 12:10 Scripture reading: Genesis 12:10-13:4 Abram’s first response to God’s call and promise was encouraging. Sadly, trouble soon comes, and his response is far from encouraging. It’s as if he’s forgotten God’s promises. But let’s not be surprised—the Christian life is like that, isn’t it? Jesus warned us that in this world we will have trouble. Yet when pressures build, we too, sometimes are tempted to give up and even fall into sin. At the first sign of trouble—a famine—Abram heads down to Egypt. Egypt was, in Moses’ day, a picture of living apart from God. Notice, Abram doesn’t seek God’s guidance; he just leaves. One sin leads to another. Abram lies and puts his wife in jeopardy to save himself. More than that, since the blessing was to come through Abram’s seed (ultimately Jesus), by risking Sarai, Abram endangers the promise. He’s made a mess he can’t fix. He’s no blessing to Pharaoh. He’s hardly living the “so-that” life. Until God graciously intervenes and sets things right. By God’s grace, Abram and Sarai get to start over. God does this for Sarai’s sake—ultimately for Jesus’ sake—so Jesus could be born. Thank God that Jesus, instead of risking His bride’s (the church’s) life, laid down His own to save us from sin, faithlessness and lies. Have you been living in Egypt—worldly ways, distant from God? Lost sight of the promises? Look again. God is faithful. Come home and begin again. Suggestions for prayer Reflect on your tendency to lose sight of God’s promises and to look to the world instead. Repent. Trust God’s promises. Pray for joy and fruitfulness in Jesus. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 - Going on with our covenant God

“There he built an altar to the LORD and called on the name of the LORD. So Abram journeyed, going on still toward the South.” - Genesis 12:8a, 9 Scripture reading: Genesis 12:1-9; Hebrews 11:8-10 In Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, Alice comes to a fork in the road. Looking up, she sees a Cheshire cat in a tree and asks which way to go. The cat replies, “Where are you going?” Alice answers, “I don’t know.” The cat says, “Then it doesn’t matter which way you go.” By this point, Abram knows where he’s going. He’s following God, headed to “the city with Foundations.” Hearing God’s promises, Abram takes God at His Word and moves forward in faith. In Abram’s first responses, we see a picture of what it means to walk with God as pilgrims. He doesn’t drive his tent pegs too deeply because he’s on the move with God. He walks in enemy-occupied territory—the Canaanites lived there—but he will be a blessing by being set apart. So, he builds an altar and calls on the name of the Lord. He plants a flag of worship in enemy territory, declaring God’s glory among the nations and distinguishing himself by faith, worship and prayer. As John Piper reminds us, “missions exist because worship doesn’t” (Let the Nations Be Glad). By God’s grace, we are a “so-that” people. We are here to worship and declare God’s glory among the nations, even in enemy territory. Remember, we too were once His enemies. Now we know where we’re going and want others to know that blessing too. Suggestions for prayer Pray for strong confidence about where you are going by God’s grace. Pray for gracious, godly distinctiveness to be a blessing. Pray for a passion for God’s glory. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 3 - The “I wills” of God

“Then the Lord appeared to Abram and said, “To your descendants I will give this land.” And there he built an altar to the Lord, who had appeared to him.” - Genesis 12:7 Scripture reading: Genesis 12:1-9 We’ve been told we are blessed and will be blessed “so-that” we may be a blessing to all the nations. It’s a glorious task but also a weighty responsibility. Do you sometimes think it’s too much? Don’t forget: God has promised! Yesterday we noted the repetition of “bless.” Today be encouraged by the 7-fold repetition of the Lord’s “I will” in these verses: I will show you a land, I will make you a great nation, I will bless you, I will make your name great, I will bless those who bless you, I will curse those who curse you, and I will give your descendants this land. I will! Surely, He will! God is at work. God has spoken. God has promised, and His promises are sure. Rest in the “I wills” of God today and be encouraged to get out and go with His promises tomorrow. As He sends us out as His “so-that” people, remember His promise: I am with you always, even to the end of the age (Matthew 28:20). He is. He has promised. He will. Don’t forget Jesus prays for you: “Father, I will that those You have given Me be with Me where I am to behold My glory” (John 17:24). We know where we’re going. One day we’ll be with Him, so what do we have to fear? Be encouraged—you are not alone. He reminds us: I will never leave you or forsake you (Hebrews 13:5). He will bless you. He will! Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you rest in the faithfulness of His promises today. Pray to be emboldened in the joy of your salvation to be a “so-that” missionary. Trust God to supply all your needs according to His riches in glory. He will! Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. 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 2 - Go and be a blessing!

“And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall ...

Daily devotional

August 1 - God’s mission for his “so-that” people

Daily devotional

July 31 - The God of fellowship

“Little children, keep yourselves from idols. Amen” - 1 John 5:21 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:21; 2 Corinthians 6:11-7:1 Some find this vers...

Daily devotional

July 30 - We know!

“We know that we are of God…” - 1 John 5:19 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:18-20; Ephesians 3:8-21 John brings his epistle to a close with wo...

Daily devotional

July 29 - The necessity of praying for one another

“If anyone sees his brother sinning a sin which does not lead to death, he will ask, and He will give him life…” - 1 John 5:16 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:16-17; James 5:13-18 While there are a number of difficult issues to deal with in a passage like this, we will be focusing on that which is abundantly plain. Just as we saw yesterday that we can have confidence in our prayers for greater fellowship with God, so here we see that we can have the same confidence as we pray for our brothers and sisters in the Lord. Just as we know that God desires fellowship with us as we come to Him in Jesus, so too we know that God desires fellowship with our brothers and sisters as they come to God in Jesus Christ. As we live life together in the Gospel, there are times when we see fellow believers walking down the path of sin. We are reminded here that as we pray for restored fellowship for our brothers, the Lord will hear those prayers and answer them. These answers might not always be pleasant in an earthly sense, but from an eternal perspective, God will answer those prayers in regard to deepening fellowship with Him. You have to remember that as a person is a believer in Jesus, God has already promised that he will not ultimately fall from his state of salvation. Once again, we are praying God’s promises back to Him! We must pray not only for ourselves, but also for our brothers that our fellowship with God would be strengthened. Suggestions for prayer Think of a number of fellow believers in your life and pray specifically and confidently for them that God would bless then with a deeper sense of God’s love and grace in the Gospel. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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 - A glorious promise

“…if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us....and we know that we have the petitions that we have asked of Him.” - 1 John 5:14,15 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:14-15; Luke 11:5-13 Often verses such as these are taken out of context and turn God into a cosmic vending machine. We put a prayer in and God spits out whatever we ask. What is forgotten is the key phrase “according to His will”. God will sovereignly do what God will do. Our prayers are effectual as we pray according to God’s will. For those whose first love is Jesus Christ and who earnestly desire fellowship with God through Him, these verses are priceless. We already know from the previous verses that God’s will is that His people be saved and that they enjoy fellowship with Him. Our passage in Luke tells us that God will give the Holy Spirit (the agent of fellowship) to all who truly ask for Him (v.13) Our walk with God is not always an easy one. There are times when our hearts are cold or when we feel as if we are simply going through the motions of fellowship with God. It is especially at these times that we need to turn to passages like these and pray to God that our hearts would be softened and that we would begin to experience His love and grace afresh. As we come to Him in and through the Lord Jesus Christ, we already know that God wills it! As long as we truly come to God in Jesus Christ, these types of prayers are never presumptuous because we are simply praying God’s promises back to Him. Suggestions for prayer As you look to Jesus, take God at His word today and plead for a greater fellowship and a deeper desire to know Him. He is listening and will answer! Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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 - Delighting in God

“Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy.” - Exodus 20:8 Scripture reading: Exodus 20:8-11; Deuteronomy 5:12-15 Having fellowship with God is, in essence, getting to know God and in turn, worshipping Him for who He is. These verses speak to us of the commandment that we have to take God up on the glorious gift of setting aside a day to focus on this fellowship. The fourth commandment, as expressed in Exodus speaks to us about God’s own delight in Himself. As God completed the creation week, He looked at all He had done and said, “This is very good." God’s resting on the seventh day does not mean that He was tired (He can’t get tired), but instead speaks of His delighting in His finished work. We are called to rest today in the same way that God did. We are to set aside the busyness of our lives in order to worship God for Who He is. The fourth commandment, as expressed in Deuteronomy, speaks to us about God’s gracious salvation. The Exodus is one of the clearest pictures in the Old Testament of God’s provision of saving a people in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It ultimately points to man’s slavery to sin and death and the bearing of God’s mighty arm in the redemption purchased by the person and work of Jesus. This reality also goes a long way in explaining to us what resting on the Sabbath really means. It means looking to Jesus and resting in His finished work on our behalf. These things considered, have a wonderful rest today! Suggestions for prayer As you prepare for today, ask the Lord to grant you true rest. Ask Him to feed your soul in the Gospel of Jesus Christ that you might worship Him for who He is. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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 26 - God desires fellowship

“These things I have written to you who believe in the Son of God, that you might know that you have eternal life.” - 1 John 5:13 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:6-13; Isaiah 62:1-5 John is speaking in this section about the testimony of the triune God Himself concerning Jesus as the Son of God sent to redeem sinners. He states, "The witness of God is greater; for this is the witness of God which He has testified of His Son" (v.9). It is amazing for us to think that God desires the salvation and fellowship of His people to the point where He is willing to condescend to us and not only send His Son, but also to bear testimony to this in His Word. This passage (along with the entirety of the Bible) tells us that God’s intention is not to hide Himself, but instead to make Himself known to His people. Just as a shopkeeper would not hang an ‘open’ sign in his window if He did not want people to come into his store, so too God would not have given His Word if He did not want to be known. The second amazing reality of these verses is that God also wants us to know that we have fellowship with Him. As we have already gathered from John’s first epistle, his purpose for writing the epistle (under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit), is that we might know that we have eternal life (v.13). This reality is true not only when you read First John, but whenever you read any portion of God’s Word. God has given you His Word because He wants you to know Him! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His grace and mercy, that He has done everything that you might know Him. Pray for a deepening of this knowledge. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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 25 - Obedient fellowship

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” - 1 John 5:3 Scripture reading: 1 John...

Daily devotional

July 24 - The imperative of love

“And this commandment we have from Him: that he who loves God must love his brother also.” - 1 John 4:21 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:19-21; 1...

Daily devotional

July 23 - Unashamed fellowship

“Whoever confesses that Jesus is the Son of God, God abides in him, and he in God.” - 1 John 4:15 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:13-18; Matthew ...

Daily devotional

July 22 - Love’s motivation

1 John 4:11 Beloved, if God so loved us, we also ought to love one another. Scripture reading: 1 John 4:7-12; Ephesians 4:25-32 This passage has...

Daily devotional

July 21 - More than conquerors

“…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” - 1 John 4:4 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:4-6; John 10:22-30 As we look around at our world today, we undoubtedly see many forces at work that would seek to eradicate Jesus and His followers from the earth. The Bible speaks plainly about the world’s animosity towards Jesus Christ and all who belong to Him. At times we can almost begin to panic thinking that the world, the flesh and the devil are winning and that we should retreat into a corner and hide. While John certainly doesn’t deny the existence of God’s enemies in this world, he helps us put these enemies in their proper perspective. As we compare these enemies to ourselves they seem large and unconquerable (think of the spies with Joshua and Caleb in Numbers 13:31-33), but as we compare them to the King of Kings and the Lord of Lords, they are minuscule. As we think about the absolute sovereignty of our God, we know that nothing can keep Him from carrying out every one of His purposes. Central to those purposes is saving, protecting and blessing His children - all to the glory of His name! In the Lord Jesus Christ, we have fellowship with this God! By His Spirit, our great King in heaven dwells within us and in Him we most certainly have overcome the world. As we look to Christ, there is no reason to fear because “He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world." Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would give us confidence in the midst of His and our enemies. Pray that those enemies would be silenced and that Jesus’ name would be exemplified. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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 - A Lord’s day focus

“So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the Word of God.” - Romans 10:17 Scripture reading: Romans 10:14-21 The Lord’s Day is a gift given to us in order that our souls might be fed in the Gospel and that our fellowship with God might be strengthened. Central to the blessing of this day is corporate worship and central to our experience of corporate worship is the preaching of the Word. We are reminded today, in the words of Paul, that God has chosen to use the preached Word to both bring people to faith in Jesus and also to nurture them in that faith. If you look at the progression of verse 14, you will notice that it begins with the question of how someone can call on Him in Whom they have not believed and ends with the necessity of a preacher. Preaching is God’s plan for establishing and nurturing fellowship with Him. We need to notice also that these words come to us in the context of Israel’s refusal to heed that which was preached (v.16-21). The Lord had provided many Sabbaths and many sermons, but it appears that Israel wasted those Sabbaths and refused to truly embrace that message of Jesus Christ. As you prepare to enjoy the gift of another Lord’s Day and another sermon, be reminded that these blessings do not come automatically. For these things to be true blessings, they must be approached in faith. Prepare your heart to go to the house of the Lord expecting to hear from Him. Suggestions for prayer Pray not only for the preparation of your own soul as you go to the house of God, but pray for family and friends who will attend with you. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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 - The Spirit of fellowship

“…And by this we know that He abides in us, by the Spirit whom He has given us.” - 1 John 3:24 Scripture Reading: 1 John 3:24-4:3; Romans 8:1-17 The Holy Spirit is a blessed gift given to all who truly believe on the Son of God. It is the Spirit who unites us to Christ, sanctifies us in Christ, illuminates us in the things of Christ, and is the guarantor of our inheritance in heaven. There is an intimate connection between the finished work of the Lord and the person of the Holy Spirit. Paul summarizes this reality in Romans 8:9 when he says, “Now if anyone does not have the Spirit of Christ, he is not His." Without the work of the Spirit, Christ is not ours and fellowship with God is impossible. Focusing on our theme of fellowship with God, John is emphasizing a very specific work of the Holy Spirit. He states that we know that Christ abides in us by the work of the Holy Spirit. It is by the work of the Spirit within a believer that we know that we are adopted children. It is by the Spirit that our spirits can cry out in the most intimate way “Abba Father”. Without the constant work of the Holy Spirit, we would not be able to have fellowship with God. But as we keep in step with the Spirit and His ministry within us, we will enjoy fellowship with God as we walk in the light of Jesus Christ. If we are listening to the Spirit carefully, we will be keeping our souls zeroed in on our glorious Redeemer. Are you listening? Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the precious gift of His Spirit. Pray that God would work by His Spirit making Christ precious to you that you might enjoy fellowship with Him today. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. 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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Nearer to God Devotional

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

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February 4 - Bethel or Beth-aven?

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February 3 - Living water in Jericho

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February 2- Taken into glory

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February 1 - Introduction to Elisha

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January 31 - Delighting in confessing our only comfort

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January 30 - Sharing our only comfort

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January 29 - Telling our children

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January 28 - How I am to thank God

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January 27 - I must know how to be set free

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January 26 - I must know my sin

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January 25 - What I must know

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January 24 - Living for Jesus (II)

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January 23 - Living for Jesus (I)

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January 22 - And makes me whole-heartedly willing

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January 21 - Christ by his Holy Spirit assures

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January 20 - Because I belong to him

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January 19 - For my salvation

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January 18 - All things

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January 17 - Not a hair

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January 16 - Jesus watches over me

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January 15 - Set free from the tyranny of the devil (II)

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January 14 - Set free from the tyranny of the devil (I)

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January 13 - Through the blood of the cross

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January 12 - Jesus has fully paid

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January 11 - Belonging to my faithful Saviour