Daily devotional

July 2 - Fellowship in the light

“God is light and in Him is no darkness at all.” - 1 John 1:5 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:5-8; Ephesians 5:8-21 Light is a common metaphor...

Daily devotional

July 1 - Introduction to 1 John

This month we will be working through the epistle of First John. The main theme of this book is the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and the fellowsh...

Daily devotional

June 30 - Jesus, our best shepherd

“Now may the God of peace who brought up our Lord Jesus from the dead, that great Shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covena...

Daily devotional

June 29 - Jesus’ better transforming love

“Let brotherly love continue…” - Hebrews 13:1 Scripture reading: Hebrews 13:1-19 While chapter 11 was about faith, chapter 12 about hope, ...

Daily devotional

June 28 - Jesus brings us to a better place of worship (II)

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem to an innumerable company of angels, to the general assembly and church of the firstborn who are registered in heaven, to God the Judge of all, to the spirits of just men made perfect, to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling that speaks better things than that of Abel.” - Hebrews 12:22 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12: 18-29 What makes Mount Zion so special? Yes, the uncountable number of angels worshipping God with unceasing joy and adoration. Yes, it is those who are part of the church of the firstborn; those who can say with Psalm 87 that they have been born in this city. Yes, it is the spirits of all the Old Testament saints who are already made perfect. What joy to know that when we worship here on earth, we already join the saints and angels of heaven. The worship there is called a general assembly, which means: a festal gathering. That makes worship so glorious! Oh, that we would realize this more, and take worship more seriously, seeking to worship God acceptably with far more reverence and godly fear (vs. 28). But, there is nothing that makes worship better than the fact that we have a glorious Mediator of the New Covenant, and His promises make worship full of bliss! Think about it. He has promised to no longer remember our sins! He has promised to write the law upon our hearts! He has promised to make us walk in His ways! And on top of that, He gives us the hope that one day we will arrive in heaven safely! Jesus brings us to a better place of worship, better than Mount Sinai, better than the earthly foretaste of heaven in our worship here below, yes, far better! One day He will bring us to heaven itself, the place where streams of pleasure forever flow, and boundless joys abide! Suggestions for prayer Pray for tomorrow’s Lord’s Day, that you would worship God acceptably through Jesus; that you would not only have the foretaste of heaven, but a firm hope of worshipping Jesus in heaven one day. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 27 - Jesus brings us to a better place of worship (I)

“But you have come to Mount Zion and to the city of the living God, the heavenly Jerusalem…” - Hebrews 12:22 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12: 18-29 As Jesus endured the suffering, He fixed his eyes on the joy that was set before Him, the joy of heaven, the joy of celebrating His victory with all His saints around His throne (Heb 12:2). And so, all believers are to endure and fix their eyes on the joy that is set before them… It is the joy of being able to enter the worship of heaven, already now! The contrast in these verses is sharp. There are two mountains where the people are called to worship the Lord, Mount Sinai and Mount Zion. Mount Sinai stands for the law, for its legal fears. It also stands for death as soon as you touch the mountain, because God’s presence is like a consuming fire on Mount Sinai. But how incomparably different Mount Zion is! It is the temple mount; it is the city of Jerusalem. It is the place of protection, safety and enjoyment of God’s holy presence. Now notice what it doesn’t say in our text: you came (past tense), or you will come (future). No instead it says: you have come, or in NKJV you are come… (perfect tense). This means something has happened in the past… and because of that, you are now enjoying the ongoing results, or effects of that! You are come, OR you have come! Zion, dear believer, is where you find peace with God, because of Jesus’ blood that speaks better things than that of Abel. This is your new place of worship! Your better place of worship! Suggestions for prayer Thank God that through the sacrifice of Christ we are delivered from the curse of the law. Praise God that now we may already worship God on Mount Zion, with the foretaste of heaven, accepted and beloved! Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 26 - Jesus shows us a better way to suffer (II)

“If you endure chastening, God deals with you as with sons; for what son is there whom a father does not chasten?” - Hebrews 12:7 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-17 The Hebrew Christians were experiencing suffering. They were discouraged and ready to give up (cf. 12:3,12). Why? They had lost sight of Jesus! They had lost sight of His sufferings. Hebrews 5 showed us that, although Jesus was God’s Son, yet, He learned obedience by all He suffered. He learned to submit to His heavenly Father through suffering. Here in chapter 12, the writer to the Hebrews makes it clear that to those who belong to Christ, those who are loved by the Father, will also suffer. They must endure Fatherly discipline, like Jesus. Actually, if that is absent in our lives, you have a good reason to fear that you are a bastard, more like Esau (cf. vs. 8,16), who only lived for his own lusts and desires. No, God deals differently with sons and daughters who are loved. Their chastisement is no punishment, like Christ’s. It is because they are disciplined and trained to be the image of Christ. God does that because He loves you, dear believer! Realize His wonderful purposes with your suffering: He wants you to submit (vs. 9), to be holy (vs. 10), to have peace and to walk in righteousness (vs. 11). That’s why God chastens us, why He calls us to suffer and why He brings us through rigorous training. Let’s not be discouraged, but look to Christ (vs.1-2). Don’t forget; Christ suffered as a Son, so will we. Christ learned obedience through suffering, so must we. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that Jesus shows us a better way to suffer, namely, to suffer to be conformed to His image. Pray that you will never forget the loving purposes of your heavenly Father when you suffer. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 25 - Jesus shows us a better way to suffer (I)

“Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” - Hebrews 12:1-2 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-17 The Hebrew Christians were ready to give up and go back to the Old Testament rituals. Chapter 10 showed us that some of them were ready to draw back, also because of the suffering and shame that came with being a Christian. In chapter 11 the author to the Hebrews made it clear that the Old Testament saints lived by faith, without having the same view on the fulfillment of the promises as New Testament Christians do. And although they experienced hardship, trouble, shame and suffering, yet they endured and reached the finish line and received the reward of grace! Chapter 12 opens with the picture of a race, a marathon. The stands of the colosseum are filled up with the OT saints (cloud of witnesses), the spiritual athletes of the past. Their stories are there to cheer on the NT runners. “If we can endure and finish, then certainly you can!”. They encourage us: “Don’t give up! Lay aside your sinful desires for love of ease, and your desires to avoid suffering and shame… Instead, fix your eyes on Jesus! Look how He suffered, and kept moving towards the finish line!” He was the Author (lit. forerunner) and Finisher (completer) of faith. He shows us how to suffer better. Jesus wasn’t backing off because of shame, spitting and heart-rending suffering at the cross. Instead, He focused on the joy of being with His people eternally, seated at His Father’s right hand… Therefore, let’s look to Jesus; learn from Jesus and run with endurance! Suggestions for prayer Pray for the same joy that Jesus had to fill your heart when the Lord calls you to suffer in your life. Thank God that He endured the cross to deliver you from the wrath of God and ask the Lord to help you believe and realize more that He endured the heaviest of sufferings for you. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 24 - Jesus prepared something better for us (II)

Daily devotional

June 23 - Jesus prepared something better for us (I)

Daily devotional

June 22 - Jesus’ better way to God (II)

“Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith. (…) Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering (…) Let us cons...

Daily devotional

June 21 - Jesus’ better way to God (I)

“Therefore, brethren, having boldness to enter the Holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way which He consecrated for us (…) let us d...

Daily devotional

June 20 - Jesus leaves us a better testament (II)

“And according to the law almost all things are purified with blood, and without shedding of blood there is no remission.” - Hebrews 9:11 Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:15-28 The first covenant was ratified with the sprinkling of blood by Moses (vs. 19-20). The day that Moses made the covenant, almost everything was somehow touched with blood. The vessels, altar, scrolls, priests and people, they all needed the blood of sprinkling. Blood, lots of blood was needed Do you understand the preciousness and power of the blood of the New Covenant? Moments before His death, Jesus instituted the New Covenant with the words: This is My blood of the New Covenant, shed for many for the remission of sins. He was saying: My blood needs to be shed, so that it can sprinkle many people, that many share in my inheritance. Without my blood there is no forgiveness! That night and the following day, Jesus’ blood flowed! He sweated blood in the garden, crawling over the ground as a worm. His back was brutally plowed, and slashed open (cf. Psalm 129:3). The crown of thorns made his head bleed. The nails would be driven through His hands and feet. The spear would pierce his side… Why? Because Jesus’ blood is better than Moses’ blood of sprinkling! Isaiah tells us, just in the chapter prior to that grand 53rd chapter: SO! (In this way) shall He sprinkle many nations! (cf. Isa 52:15). This was needed so that our spiritual life can be cleansed… Our prayers, worship, good deeds, words, emotions, desires, will, and our whole life, needs to be pardoned and purified… And our future inheritance be assured! Suggestions for prayer Confess your need for the pardon and purification of the blood of Christ for your whole spiritual life, and for the assurance of your future inheritance. Ask Him to apply it with renewed power to your soul. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

June 19 - Jesus leaves us a better testament (I)

“For where there is a testament, there must also of necessity be the death of the testator. For a testament is in force after men are dead, since it has no power at all while the testator lives.” - Hebrews 9:16-17 Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:15-22 When God made a covenant with his people Israel on Mount Sinai (see Exodus 19-24), they all promised Moses that they would do all the words the Lord had spoken. Now, for the covenant to be made, first, there needed to be a death, and second, blood needed to flow. Moses killed an animal and sprinkled the blood upon the people and the tabernacle (cf. Ex. 24:5-8; Heb 9:19-20). That is exactly how the covenant was ratified. But the Sinai covenant was only a picture and pointer, the writer to the Hebrews tells us in this chapter. It was a picture and pointer to a better covenant, yes, a better testament (vs.16). In Greek the Word Covenant and Testament are one and the same word. And in this context that is a well-chosen word! Think about it… Moses’ covenant could not truly cleanse the people’s conscience (vs. 14), but there is a better testament, a last will, the will of God, shown to us in Christ… And that will, that Testament does what the Mosaic covenant could not do! It ratifies all God’s promises through the death of Jesus! That’s why Jesus’ death is so precious to us… Because through it, God’s forgiveness is more than certain! Through it, the believer can now enjoy the forgiveness promised in the New Covenant promises! Through it, God will remember our sins no more! His last will secures the promise that lost sons and daughters will inherit the promised forgiveness and eternal life! Suggestions for prayer Praise and thank God for the certainty of the New Covenant promises through Christ’s death on the cross. Pray for the grace to enjoy and rejoice in this forgiveness every day of your life. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 18 - Jesus, minister of a better sanctuary (II)

“But Christ came as High Priest of the good things to come, with the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands, that is, not of this creation.” - Hebrews 9:11 Scripture reading: Hebrews 9:11-15 Perhaps you remember something of the solemnity of the Old Testament Day of Atonement. This day the High Priest wore a simple garment. After he washed himself, he entered the sanctuary to bring in the golden censer of incense. After various sacrifices for himself and his family, he determines which of the two waiting goats will be slaughtered and which one will be sent away. After the sacrifice of the one goat, he carefully enters into the holy place and sprinkles the blood on the mercy-seat. As he carefully exits, he lays his hand on the head on the second goat, confesses the sins of God’s people over this goat, and then it is brought into the wilderness to die there! That was the ministry of the Old Testament, which could never take away sin, because it had to be repeated over and over. But Jesus came to fulfill all these shadows! He came to earth in His simple garment, stripped of glory. There was no beauty in Him that we should have desired Him. He prayed the High Priestly prayer (John 17) before He Himself would die on the cross. His prayer was set before the Lord as incense (Psalm 141). Jesus can be seen in both goats, as He endures the fire of God’s wrath as the sacrifice, as He bore the sins of many away, and as He enters heaven with His very own blood there to minister as the better Minister of the Heavenly sanctuary! Let’s look to Him and trust His ministry! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for Jesus who endured the wrath of God for every believer. Bless God for laying upon Him the iniquity of us all! Praise God for removing our sin as far as the East is from the West! Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 17 - Jesus, minister of a better sanctuary (I)

“A minister of the sanctuary and of the true tabernacle which the Lord erected, and not man.” - Hebrews 8:2 Scripture reading: Hebrews 9: 1-10 When on Mount Sinai God gave Moses the blueprint of the tabernacle, the Lord told him exactly what it should look like. Everything had to be according to God’s plan. Why? Because everything had to be like the true tabernacle, like heaven itself! In other words, the tabernacle was a picture of heaven itself! It was a picture of how sinners can return to the glorious rest and awesome presence of God in Paradise. The central drama of how sinners could return in God’s presence was seen in the great day of Atonement. On that day, the High Priest could enter into the most Holy place of the sanctuary, yes, in the presence of God Himself. But as he did that, he was reminded by the veils he passed through that God is awe-inspiringly holy, and that nobody could just go there without blood. Ultimately the blood of bulls and goats could not accomplish what Christ’s blood only could. His blood alone can cleanse our conscience from dead works so that we serve the living God! (vs. 14) Jesus Christ went into the true tabernacle! He went to heaven itself to bring in His very own blood, and there He ministers on behalf of His people. And His blood is accepted! His blood cleanses even our conscience so that we joyfully serve the living God! Let us fully trust His ministry today. Let us pray for the joy of a cleansed conscience and let us serve Him! Suggestions for prayer Trust Christ’s entrance into heaven for you! Thank God for His blood that cleanses our conscience from dead work, and pray for faithfulness in serving the living God today. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 16 - Jesus, mediator of a better covenant (II)

Daily devotional

June 15 - Jesus, mediator of a better covenant (I)

Daily devotional

June 14 - Jesus’ better intercession (II)

“For such a High Priest was fitting for us, who is holy, harmless and undefiled, separate from sinners, and has become higher than the heavens.” -...

Daily devotional

June 13 - Jesus’ better intercession (I)

“Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.” - Heb...

Daily devotional

June 12 - Jesus, the better Melchizedek

“For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him.” - Hebrews 7:1 Scripture reading: Hebrews 7:1-24 Have you ever heard a story or sermon about Melchizedek? I guess you haven't heard very much about him, often. Yet, this obscure figure that appears mostly in Genesis 14, has much to teach us, since he is a wonderful type of Christ. Just like Melchizedek, Christ is both King and High Priest. But both His Kingship and High Priesthood are far better than Melchizedek’s. Melchizedek was king of Salem (later Jerusalem), but Jesus is King of the heavenly Jerusalem! Melchizedek is called a king of righteousness, but Jesus Christ is the King of righteousness. His character is holy, harmless and undefiled! Melchizedek was a king of peace, peace-loving in a violent world, but Jesus came to bring everlasting peace, through the shedding of His own blood! We have peace with God, peace with our neighbors and peace even in our hearts. Melchizedek was a priest of the Most High, Jesus is not just a priest, He is the priest of the Most High. Powerful and Sympathetic, He is able to deliver us from our sins, able to stand in our place, continually interceding for us! Melchizedek blessed Abraham with a temporary blessing, but Jesus because He lives forever, can bless us with everlasting blessings! Melchizedek met Abraham and brought him bread and wine. Jesus met us in the sacrament and served us bread and wine, signs and seals that show His love, His salvation and make us long for eternal peace in heaven. Do you see it? Jesus is our better Melchizedek! Suggestions for prayer Praise Jesus Christ, for ruling, for being righteous, for bringing peace, for interceding and blessing us with spiritual blessings (Eph 1). Pray that whenever you partake of the Lord’s Supper, you would relish in His love and long for the New Jerusalem. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 11 - Jesus, our better Isaac

“Saying, “Surely blessing I will bless you, and multiplying I will multiply you.”” - Hebrews 6:14 – Scripture reading: Hebrews 6:13-20 What a day it was, when the knife hangs over Isaac, when Abraham was ready to sacrifice his dearly beloved and long-awaited son. What faith Abraham showed! “God Himself will provide a Lamb, my son!” (Gen. 22:8). And so they came to the top of the mountain, and Abraham bound him there to the altar… ready to kill him. Abraham is an example for us who through faith and patience inherited the promises (Heb 6:12). And what a promise he got that day! Not just a promise… But a promise and an oath! Look again at verse 14, compared with the original text in Genesis 22:17-18, God adds something beautiful. Namely, that in thy seed shall all the nations of the earth be blessed! One seed! The Coming Seed! Christ! God assures Abraham, who was willing to offer up his son Isaac, that there will be a better Isaac! It is Jesus Christ! Was this the moment that Jesus later spoke about in John 8:56, the moment that Abraham saw the day of Christ and rejoiced?! Very likely! One thing is sure, that Abraham could trust 100% that God would keep his promise and oath! And He did! For just like Abraham, God spared not His own Son…. Unlike Abraham, the knife did come down on God’s Isaac. As he suffered on the mount of Golgotha, God’s wrath which you and I deserve was poured out on His Son, His beloved Son… To deliver us from our sins! Therefore, Jesus is our better Isaac! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for Jesus who bore the wrath of God on Golgotha! Thank God for fulfilling both His promise and oath in and through Christ’s salvation. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 10 - Jesus supplies a better maturity

“And we desire that each one of you show the same diligence to the full assurance of hope until the end.” - Hebrews 6:11 Scripture reading: Hebrews 5:10-6:12 Have you ever wondered… … why the Israelites in the wilderness wanted to go back to Egypt? Especially when they were so close to the Promised Land? … why the people in the wilderness grumbled again and again about the food God gave them?! … why they preferred the fish, the garlic, the leeks and onions, the melons and the cucumbers of Egypt over the huge clusters of grapes from the Promised Land? The answer of the writer to the Hebrews is clear: spiritual immaturity… They were living by their cravings and desires rather than by the Word of God. Let this passage challenge us, and ask ourselves: what am I living for? The Word or, my desires? The author to the Hebrews desires that professing Christians would mature, spiritually speaking. In Hebrews 5:11-14 he shows how he wants to talk about spiritually rich topics, like Jesus as the greater Melchizedek. But he fears that because they are still loving their spiritual baby food, they cannot stomach this spiritually rich banquet, yet. That’s why he says in 6:1: “Let us go on to perfection” (maturity). More than that, in Hebrews 6:4-8, he comes with a stirring warning, thinking back of the wilderness wanderings. Many enjoyed the richest blessings of God, but most of them were not saved and changed… Although he knew that it was different for many of his hearers, yet, he still stirred them up to replace all dullness for diligence and hopeful assurance through faith in Christ (Heb 6: 9-12). Suggestions for prayer Prayerfully ask the Lord to reveal areas in your life where you have been spiritually immature or dull. Pray that you may grow up in Christ to full maturity to be(come) a strong Christian. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 9 - Jesus, better than Aaron (II)

“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” - Hebrews 4:14 Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10 Jesus, unlike Aaron and every other Old Testament high priest, who was himself subject to weakness and sin (Heb 5:2), was nevertheless tempted and tried in all points like we are. But the difference is, He never sinned! You could of course object and say, well, if Jesus never sinned, would He be able to sympathize with us? Yes, because not only did He become a human being like us but, when Jesus was on earth, He received a thorough training on the job. How? His Father brought His Son through every form of inexpressible human suffering, so much so that He even offered up prayers with vehement cries and tears (Heb 5:7-9). Weeping tears! Loud cries! Deep anguish! Jesus knows what suffering is; listen to Him in Gethsemane! Listen to Him at the cross! This horrible suffering perfectly suits Him to be the sympathetic and compassionate High Priest that we need, when we find ourselves in suffering, difficulties and trials. Would you feel comfortable telling your sin, temptations, pain and troubles to someone who is aloof and looking down on you, and has no experience with it? Of course not! Jesus was tempted without sin. But He did experience the wrath of God over sin. So, He knows... He understands it better than any of us… He can sympathize like no one else! Therefore, come boldly to His throne of grace, and you will find help in your time of need, just at the right time! Suggestions for prayer There is a throne of grace! There is a wonderfully sympathetic High Priest! Come! Pour out your heart! Hold nothing back, sin, troubles, temptations. He can help and sympathize like no other! Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 8 - Jesus, better than Aaron (I)

“… So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest…” - Hebrews 5:5a Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10 What a tragic mo...

Daily devotional

June 7 - Jesus’ rest better than Joshua’s (II)

Daily devotional

June 6 - Jesus’ rest better than Joshua’s (I)

“So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief.” - Hebrews 3:19 - Scripture reading: Hebrews 3:7-19 “But there are giants!......

Daily devotional

June 5 - Jesus, better than Moses

“…And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant…” - Hebrews 3:5a Scripture reading: Hebrews 3:1-6 The Hebrews, who were te...

Daily devotional

June 4 - Jesus, lower yet still better than the angels

“But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, for the suffering of death crowned with glory and honor, that He, by the grace of God, might taste death for everyone.” - Hebrews 2:9 Scripture reading: Hebrews 2:5-18 Adam was crowned with glory and honor as one who was created in God’s image. All things were put under his feet. But his and our tragic fall with him, took the crown from our heads. The image of God in us is marred, and all of us must now die… But there is One, who is better than Adam, He is the One under whose feet all things will be placed! His name is Jesus! And in order to stand in Adam’s place… He was made a little lower than the angels… He, for whom the angels bow, and He whom the angels worshipped eternally. Think about that! He became lower than the angels! Why? To suffer death… To taste death for everyone The Father said to Him: “Son, taste death,” when He crawled as a worm and not a man on the ground of Gethsemane! As He looked into this cup of God’s eternal wrath over our sin, this poisonous cup of death… He tasted it, yes, He drank it! Hallelujah! He drained it empty on behalf of His people! And after He tasted death, He rose victoriously and went back to the place of glory and honor, the place higher than the angels! Why? So, that you and I, sinners as we are, can taste the cup of God’s grace, and be crowned with glory and immortality! None of the angels could do this! He who became lower than the angels, is better than the angels! What a Savior! Jesus is better! Suggestions for prayer: Praise Jesus for stooping so low, tasting death for sinners like us. Pray that you would drink deeply from the cup of His grace, and eagerly look forward to being crowned with glory and immortality. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 3 - Jesus, better than the angels

“… having become so much better than the angels…” - Hebrews 1:4a Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:4-2:4 The Jews believed that one of the greatest works angels ever did, was connected to the giving of the law (cf. Acts 7:53). Therefore, the Jews believed they had to follow all the laws God had given very strictly, including the ceremonial laws in Leviticus. Angels gave the law, but Jesus is better and more glorious than the angels… This passage makes three arguments: Jesus is better… …Because of special Sonship (vs. 4-5) – Yes, angels are called sons of God (cf. Job 1:6, Psalm 82:6) but Jesus Christ is THE Son of God. To prove that, Psalm 2:6 and 2 Samuel 7:14 are quoted. Jesus is the supreme Son of God, not only because He is more beautiful, glorious and powerful than the angels, but He is the only begotten Son of God! Begotten by virtue of His birth, resurrection, and session at God’s right hand. Jesus’ enthronement in heaven is called the day of His begetting. …Because of angelic Worship (vs. 6-7) – There were two special moments in which God the Father called the angels to worship His Son. First, when Christ entered this world by birth and second, when He rose from the grave. The fact that the angels worship Jesus, shows Jesus’ superiority over the angels. …Because of glorious Kingship (vs. 8-14) – In these verses Psalm 45 and 104 are quoted to show the supreme Kingship of Jesus. It speaks about His throne, His Sceptre, His righteous rule, His anointing and His eternal rule! All to say: Angels can’t compare! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the ministry of angels (Heb. 1:7) but thank God even more for Jesus’ ministry. Worship Jesus - along with the angels - for His birth, death, resurrection and heavenly rule and glory. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 2 - Jesus, better than the prophets

“…Who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person…” - Hebrews 1:3a Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:1-4 Jesus is better! He is better than the prophets! God speaks to us through Him. What is God saying to us? Who is Jesus? Why is He better? The answer of verses 1-4 of Hebrews 1 is glorious. Here it is: …Heir of all things – That means: the universe in all its splendor was not just created for Him, it is a gift of God the Father to His Son! Everything was made to reflect God’s glory (cf. Col. 1:16-17). …Brightness of God’s glory – Jesus is the outshining splendor of who God is! He is more glorious than the Sun! In the light of Jesus, we see the glory of who God is! (cf. 2 Cor. 4:6). …Express image of God’s being – Jesus is the exact imprint, representation of God. The best example is a coin with the imprint of a ruler’s face. In the same way, Jesus bears God’s image or imprint (cf. Jn. 14:9). …Upholding everything by His word – In other words, He’s got the whole world in His hands: every nanoparticle of this creation, everything in your and my life, including our bodies! Without His upholding hand everything would collapse and spin out of control. …Purged our sins with His own blood – Ah! The Gospel! What filth He came to cleanse from our hearts. What grace to stoop so low! …Seated at God’s right hand – After His sacrifice, what glory followed! He has a name and a place above every name and every place! Let’s worship Him! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the glory of Christ, His radiance, His Person, His Power, His Sacrifice, there is none like Him! Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 1 - Introduction to Hebrews

The book of Hebrews is not an easy Bible book to understand but, when after diligent study it is opened up to us, we see it is worth the effort! The book of Hebrews was written to Jews who wanted to turn back to the Old Testament shadows and ceremonies. They found it easier – that kind of worship was more physical in nature – and you can easily go through the routines. But the author to the Hebrews (we don’t know for sure who wrote it) strongly warns his Jewish audience not to return to that kind of worship. Why? Because Jesus is better than anything they have in the Old Testament! Jesus is not only the fulfilment of them all, but if they have Jesus, they have so much more than what they used to have in the Old Testament! This month we are going to explore the book of Hebrews with the theme: Jesus is better! That little sentence sums up what Hebrews is all about. Jesus is better! Jesus was not just better for the Jewish audience to which this book was initially written. Jesus is better, for you and me. He is better than anything this world has to offer. His person is better, His glory is better, His salvation is better, His sympathetic heart is better, His sacrifice is better, His holiness is better. He is everything sinners and saints need! I invite you to come and see for yourselves that Jesus is better. The answers the book of Hebrews gives will show us the glory of God beaming from the face of Jesus! Let’s pray for eyes and hearts to see, believe, embrace and conclude: Jesus is better indeed! Jesus is all I need! Jesus, better than the prophets (I) “God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son…” - Hebrews 1:1-2a Scripture Reading: Hebrews 1:1-4 God spoke, God speaks and continues to speak. But the way God speaks to us has changed over time. In the opening verses of Hebrews, we are told that in the past, God spoke to the fathers and the prophets. Think about how often God appeared and spoke, for instance, in Genesis alone. He spoke to Adam, Eve, Satan, Cain, Noah, Abraham, Hagar, Jacob and Joseph, to mention a few. When He spoke, He spoke in various forms of communication. He used His voice, He used dreams and other ways. God spoke in the past to our fathers and by the prophets. But there is something special in the way God has spoken in these last days, the days in which we live. Not only because the canon is closed but, especially in the way He speaks! Because in these last days He speaks to us primarily by His very own Son: Jesus Christ! He is the Living Word! All of Scripture is about Him, and all of Scripture points to Him! He is God’s final Word to a sinful world! Yes, He speaks to us by His Son! Sinners hear the Gospel: of a perfect Savior, full of radiant glory and redeeming grace! The book of Hebrews is going to show us how Jesus fulfills all the Old Testament shadows and ceremonies, and of how Jesus is better than them all! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the Bible, Jesus and for speaking to us. Pray that you would hear the voice of Jesus in your Bible reading and in study of the book of Hebrews this month. Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 31 - Without excuse

“For his invisible attributes, namely, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly perceived, ever since the creation of the world, in th...

Daily devotional

May 30 - God’s timeline and our salvation

“Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice and come out, those who have done good to the resurr...

Daily devotional

May 29 - Grateful praise to our ascended Lord!

“For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the pre...

Daily devotional

May 28 - Immeasurable love

“…Know the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled with all the fullness of God.” - Ephesians 3:19 Scripture reading:...

Daily devotional

May 27 - Eternal grace

“But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved—” - Ephesians 2:4,5 Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:1-10 Grace has been defined in many ways, but the essence of grace is unmerited favor. We deserve damnation, yet those who have saving faith in Christ experience unmerited favor – the grace of God – in the past, present, and future. If you have saving faith in Christ, it is because of God’s “purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began” (2 Timothy 1:9), as your name was inscribed “before the foundation of the world in the book of life of the Lamb who was slain” (Revelation 13:8). We experience God’s grace and are secure in our salvation through the eternal work of Christ, our Savior. But we also experience the grace of God each day of our lives, even in trials. Consider the Apostle Paul: What was the greater blessing for him – having the thorn removed from his flesh, or having the promise that God’s grace is sufficient for every thorn? (2 Corinthians 12:9). But grace isn’t given to us just in the past and the present. We will experience the fullness of God’s grace in the life to come. After describing how it is by grace that we are saved from sin (5), the Holy Spirit describes how we are already in principle raised with Christ in the heavenly realms (6) “so that in the coming ages he might show the immeasurable riches of his grace in kindness toward us in Christ Jesus” (7). Such is the marvelous and eternal grace of our loving Lord! Suggestions for prayer Sincerely thank God for His immeasurable and eternal grace. And show the sincerity of your prayers by living a life of grateful obedience, doing the good works that God has before ordained for you to do (10). Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 26 - Mercy, grace, and steadfast love

“The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love.” - Psalm 103:8 Scripture reading: Psalm 103:1-22 Three strands of God’s character are intertwined together to form one divine powerful cord. Mercy refers to the compassion of God. He looks upon us as a Father who has compassion for his children (13). With Fatherly compassion, the Lord extends His grace to us, forgiving our iniquity (3), redeeming our lives from the pit of sin and misery, crowning us with steadfast love and mercy (4), and separating our sins from us an immeasurable distance (12). He does not deal with us according to our sins or repay us according to our iniquities (10). Instead, in the ultimate act of grace, God sent His Son, Christ Jesus, to be our sin-bearer. And the Son came willingly, even though it required the sacrifice of His life, which is the pinnacle of love, for “Greater love has no one than this, that someone lay down his life for his friends” (John 15:13). Yet Jesus laid down His life for us while we were sinners, living in animosity against Him, and by nature objects of God’s righteous and proper wrath because of our transgressions (Romans 5:8; Ephesians 2:1-3). Such steadfast love is truly astounding! It is a love that is “from everlasting to everlasting on those who fear him” and is extended one generation to another (17); it calls us to be faithful to Him who has loved unlovable sinners with a steadfast, eternal love. No wonder David ends the Psalm the same way he begins it: “Bless – (Praise) – the LORD, O my soul!” Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord with all your soul – with your entire being. Ask Him to keep you faithful to His covenant and commandments (18), with Biblical fear (17) which includes reverent awe and wonder, praise and adoration for God’s mercy, grace, and steadfast love. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 25 - Christ, our passover lamb

“Cleanse out the old leaven that you may be a new lump, as you really are unleavened. For Christ, our Passover lamb, has been sacrificed.” - 1 Corinthians 5:7 Scripture reading: Exodus 12:1-13; Matthew 26:17-29 When the Lord saw the blood on the doorposts, He passed over those homes with His righteous and proper judgment. By doing so, He foreshadowed the redeeming work of Jesus Christ, our Passover Lamb. Through saving faith in Christ we are passed over for judgment. Jesus bore the judgment we deserve as He took the curse of our sin upon Himself. He was given a body, conceived by the Holy Spirit in the virgin Mary, so that He would have blood, blood that He would shed on the cross of Calvary to propitiate – to cover – our sins and thus appease the righteous and proper wrath of our triune God against sin. It is essential that Christ took on human flesh with a body like ours, not only so that He would shed His blood to save us from our sins, but also to take our identity. Since man sinned, a man must pay the debt of sin. But no human could ever pay that debt. Only God could and did. He did so by sending His Son, one with the Father and the Holy Spirit, true eternal God, yet born in human flesh to perfectly represent us (Hebrews 2:14-18). We are to respond by “cleansing out the old leaven”, meaning we turn from sin, striving to live holy, pure lives out of gratitude for the redeeming work of Christ. We are called to holy living, not just on Sunday, but every day that God grants us grace to live. Suggestions for prayer Confess to the Lord the “old leaven” – the sin – in your life. Pray for continued sanctification so that you grow more like Jesus and less like Adam. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 24 - The active obedience of Christ

“…So that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” - 2 Corinthians 5:21b Scripture reading: Zechariah 3:1-10 When Jesus, in His passive obedience, was crucified to cleanse us from our sins by shedding His precious blood, He did not leave us with a blank slate. Sometimes the redeeming work of Jesus is pictured as Him wiping off all the black marks on a white board so that nothing is left but the white board in all its purity. And that is an accurate illustration as far as it goes, for through saving faith in Christ we are thoroughly cleansed and are given this promise from the Lord: “…Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow…” (Isaiah 1:18). But Jesus not only removed the curse of our sin from us, He also imputes – credits – to us His perfect record in keeping the law. Consider that Jesus never used His Father’s name in vain. He never served false gods. He never killed, coveted, stole, or committed adultery. That defines His active obedience. His perfection in keeping the law wasn’t just outward, but inward. In other words, He did not look in lust at the woman at the well. He did not murder anyone in His heart by thoughts of anger and retaliation. Not even the Pharisees. Not even those who crucified Him. He kept the law perfectly, and after removing every transgression from the slate of your life and mine, He writes on that clean slate – the cleansed white board of your life – His perfect record of righteous obedience to every nuance of the law. Suggestions for prayer Sincerely thank God that by grace through saving faith your sins are covered by the shed blood of Christ, the filthy sin-stained rags of self-righteousness are removed, and He clothes you in His garments of glorious righteousness, just as portrayed in Zechariah 3:3-5. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 23 - The passive obedience of Christ

“For our sake he made him to be sin who knew no sin…” - 2 Corinthians 5:21a Scripture reading: Isaiah 52:13-53:12 In our electronic age, g...

Daily devotional

May 22 - Redemption through the Son

“And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.” -...

Daily devotional

May 21 - New life from the Spirit

“Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Corinthians 1:3 Scripture reading: John 3:1-15 Jesus emphasize...

Daily devotional

May 20 - The electing love of the Father

“For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not only in word, but also in power and in the Holy Spir...

Daily devotional

May 19 - Only through Christ

“It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” - Hebrews 10:31 Scripture reading: 2 Samuel 6:1-11 In 1 Samuel 6 we read that seventy men were killed because they looked into the ark of the Lord. In 2 Samuel 6 we read how Uzzah was put to death as he tried to steady the ark when the oxen stumbled. The people of Israel experienced the truth of Hebrews 10:31 long before it was written. Why was God’s judgment so severe? The judgment was severe because the men who were put to death didn’t approach the ark in the way that God had commanded. Specific instructions were given to the priests concerning the ark (Exodus 25:12-14; Numbers 4:15; 1 Chronicles 13:10; et al.) because that is where God Himself dwelt symbolically. The mercy seat covered the ark. Once per year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest would sprinkle the blood of the sacrifice on the mercy seat. That shed blood pointed to Christ. It is only through faith in Him and His shed blood that anyone can enter the presence of God. Many people today take the Lord’s presence as casually as those who were slain in the Old Testament era. But apart from saving faith in Christ they will find the truth that God, perfectly just and holy, must pronounce judgment for sin. Christ took the judgment of sin upon Himself for all who have saving faith in Him alone. But all others will find that apart from Christ it is indeed a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the serious warnings in His Word. Take the warnings to heart, and pray for those who have no regard for the holiness of God and His righteous eternal judgment on unrepentant sinners. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 18 - Who is able to stand before this holy God

“Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?” - 1 Samuel 6:20 Scripture reading: 1 Samuel 6:1-7:2 The anguished question of 1 Samuel 6:20 permeates the entire Bible. When Adam and Eve covered their nakedness with fig leaves and tried to hide from God, they were motivated by this question, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?” Throughout the Bible that question is asked by convicted sinners who see their sinfulness and God’s holiness. The question was in Isaiah’s mind when he saw the glory of the LORD and cried out: “Woe is me!... for I am a man of unclean lips…(and) my eyes have seen the King, the LORD of hosts!” (Isaiah 6:5) It was on David’s mind as he cried out from the depths, “If you, O LORD, should mark iniquities, O LORD, who could stand?” (Psalm 130:3). The question was on Peter’s mind when he saw the power and holiness of Jesus and exclaimed, “Depart from me, for I am a sinful man, O Lord” (Luke 5:8). Even the anguished question of the Philippian jailor, “What must I do to be saved?” Acts 16:30 is a variant of this question, “Who is able to stand before the LORD, this holy God?” The only answer is that we stand in the presence of our holy triune God by grace, through saving faith in Christ alone. There is no other name under heaven which can save us (Acts 4:12). Christ alone is the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6). Suggestions for Prayer Pray that today through the proclamation of the law and the gospel (they go hand in hand) many will be convicted of sin and driven to saving faith in Christ alone, standing before the holy God only by the merits of Christ our Savior. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 17 - Providence in retrospect

“For I have become like a wineskin in the smoke, yet I have not forgotten your statutes.” - Psalm 119:83 Scripture reading: Psalm 119:81-88 The metaphor “a wineskin in the smoke” describes the feelings that come at the lowest points in our lives. We all have those low points and so did the Psalmist. In the previous two stanzas, the Psalmist recognized that it was good for him to be afflicted; he recognized that affliction enabled him to know God’s decrees, and that it was the Lord who in faithfulness allowed affliction to come into his life. And now, in this stanza, the full weight of affliction pressed upon the Psalmist, and he cried out in verse 83, “I am like a wineskin in the smoke”, symbolic of suffering to the point of shriveling up with sorrow. Even in the darkest trials, even in the most despairing situations in life, even at those times when we seem to be “at the end of our rope” – when our heart is shriveled with sorrow like “a wineskin in the smoke” – God holds out before us the truths of His Word that He works all things for our good. But often we only see that truth in retrospect. The Puritan writer, John Flavel, noted that providence is like a Hebrew word: it is only understood when read backwards. When we see hard providence through the lens of the cross, we see that God has redeemed us at the cost of His Son’s precious blood. He has decreed all things for our ultimate good, so we are to prayerfully wait on Him, striving to be faithful and obedient always. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that His grace is sufficient even when we feel like “a wineskin in the smoke.” And thank Him that “The sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us” (Romans 8:18). Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 16 - Providence and civil government

“The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the LORD; he turns it wherever he will.” - Proverbs 21:1 Scripture reading: Exodus 2:1-10 The work of God’s providence reveals precise timing. Those who don’t know about the precise timing of the Lord’s providence might conclude that it was “a lucky break” that Pharaoh's daughter “just happened” to be at the riverbank when Moses came by. But those who know God’s hand of providence, are not surprised. Just as Esther was raised to power “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14), so was Moses. The Lord spared the life of Moses from Pharoah’s heartless decree to kill all the male children of Israel. The one who would deliver God’s people would be prepared by the Egyptians themselves. Moses was given the finest education; he was prepared and provided for in the palace of Pharaoh, all of which shaped him into the leader who God would use to deliver Israel out of their bondage in Egypt. The same is true today. Although circumstances often look bleak for God’s people, God Himself is raising up the political leaders that He desires to be in place, for Romans 13:1 assures us that “There is no authority except from God, and those that exist have been instituted by God.” The political leaders may bring about the needed reforms, or they may add to the godlessness of their culture. But, either way, God has a purpose and a plan for them, a purpose and plan that ultimately leads to the second coming of the Lord Jesus Christ, the ruler over all nations and all people. Suggestions for prayer Pray for those in authority over us (1 Timothy 2:1, 2) and express gratitude that Jesus Christ is the King of kings and Lord of lords who will correct all wrongs on the last Day (2 Thessalonians 1:3-12). Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 15 - Providence and redemption

“Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife.” -...

Daily devotional

May 14 - Providential protection

“Keep me as the apple of your eye; hide me in the shadow of your wings…” - Psalm 17:8 Scripture reading: Psalm 91:1-14 Have you ever com...

Daily devotional

May 13 - Worry quelled by providence

“…The Lord is at hand; do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made ...

Daily devotional

May 12 - Providence and reliance on God

“Indeed, we felt that we had received the sentence of death. But that was to make us rely not on ourselves but on God who raises the dead.” - 2 Co...

Daily devotional

May 11 - The ultimate work of providence

“This Jesus, delivered up according to the definite plan and foreknowledge of God, you crucified and killed by the hands of lawless men.” - Acts 2:23 Scripture reading: Matthew 26:1-16 In verse 2 Jesus predicted His death as He said to His disciples, “You know that after two days the Passover is coming, and the Son of Man will be delivered up to be crucified.” Meanwhile, the chief priests and the elders were plotting how they might kill Jesus, but they set a wholly different timeline. They said, “Not during the feast, unless there be an uproar among the people” (5). These verses teach us that Jesus arranged every detail of His crucifixion, even the exact time at the Passover. He was not caught by surprise by the kiss of betrayal. He was not caught by surprise by the Roman troops; there was no surprise at the judicial trials he faced. He knew His destination from all eternity. Before the world was created, He had willingly offered Himself as the only sacrifice that can take away our sin. The shadow of the cross was imprinted in His heart and mind throughout His days on earth. When a fireman risks his life to save the lives of those in a burning house, it is indeed a heroic act. But the intent of a fireman is to rescue people and then escape alive. But Jesus knew from all eternity that our salvation would cost Him His life. Yet, He willingly planned out every detail of His death in the ultimate act of providence. It is yet another reminder of His great love for those whom He came to redeem. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that His providence governs the smallest events – the random arrow, the sparrow that falls to the ground, but also the most profound and awesome event in the world – the sacrifice of His Son for our salvation. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 10 - Not by chance

“The lot is cast into the lap, but its every decision is from the LORD.” - Proverbs 16:33 Scripture reading: 2 Chronicles 18:28-34 Not only do we see that the Lord has created a wonderful world, which even under the curse of sin cannot hide His glory, but His Word also includes God’s testimony concerning Providence, that is, how He governs the world and all that transpires in it. We have unmistakable and obvious wonders of providence such as when the Lord led Israel out of Egypt. But we also have innumerable examples of His providence “behind the scenes” in everyday life. 2 Chronicles 18 records one of those innumerable works of God’s providence “behind the scenes.” Micaiah had prophesied that Ahab would be killed in battle by the Syrians, but it looked as though his prophecy would not be fulfilled. Ahab disguised himself in battle and the Syrians went after King Jehoshaphat of Judah instead of King Ahab. But just when it seemed that God’s plan would be thwarted, 2 Chronicles 18:33 notes: “But a certain man drew his bow at random and struck the king of Israel between the scale armor and the breastplate.” It is amazing – truly astounding – how God works in providence! Even events that seem to be “at random” are evidence of God’s providence fulfilling His purposes! Proverbs 19:21 reminds us: “Many are the plans in the mind of a man, but it is the purpose of the LORD that will stand.” And that is still true today as our risen and ascended Savior and Lord governs all things from the right hand of our heavenly Father. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His providence, both in His unmistakable and obvious works, and in His innumerable works of providence behind the scenes. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 9 - The new heavens and earth

“But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” - 2 Peter 3:13 Scripture reading: Romans 8:18-25 The question is sometimes asked, “Will the new heavens and earth be totally new? Or will they be ‘new’ in the sense of this cosmos being completely transformed and restored?” Romans 8:19 describes how creation waits eagerly for the second coming, implying a renewal. From this passage and others, many theologians believe the new heavens and earth will be new in quality, not in origin. They also point out that the Holy Spirit inspired the Greek word kainos, not neos to describe the new heavens and earth. Neos refers to new in origin, kainos to new in quality. It is also noted that just as our bodies will be gloriously transformed, they will still be our self-same bodies (Job 19:25-27; Philippians 3:21), and the same is true for creation (Romans 8:21). Another reason for the renewal of creation, rather than a totally new creation, is based on the complete demise of Satan and his schemes. If the Lord were to abandon the perfect cosmos He created in order to create a totally new heaven and earth, Satan could have the last laugh. He would be consigned to eternal judgment (Revelation 20:10), but he could have the satisfaction that his evil schemes caused the total destruction of God’s perfect creation. But Satan will never have the last laugh. The Father sent His Son to save His people from their sins, but also to purge the earth with fire and then restore the perfection of creation in the new heavens and the new earth! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord Jesus that He ascended into heaven not only to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25), but also to prepare a place for us (John 14:3) that is glorious beyond our comprehension (1 Corinthians 2:9). Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 8 - An unbreakable covenant

“While the earth remains, seed time and harvest, cold and heat, summer and winter, day and night, shall not cease.” - Genesis 8:22 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 33:14-26; 2 Peter 3:8-13 Many “experts” predict that the world will end due to a great calamity from climate change or a meteor striking the earth. But the Lord assures us that the sun will rise and set each day until He fulfills His purpose in Christ. That was true for the first coming of Christ during His earthly ministry. And it will be true for His second coming, when every eye will see Him and every knee bow before Him, acknowledging He is Lord of all to the glory of God the Father (Philippians 2:10, 11). The earth won’t be destroyed by a great disaster. God’s promise is that the sun will rise and the sun will set, day after day, until the last Day – that great and glorious Day when Jesus returns and will end history as we know it. Then no longer will the sun be a mark for the day and the moon for the night, for as Revelation 21:23 tells us, “The city” – the heavenly Jerusalem, secured by the eternal kingship and priesthood of Christ – “has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” God will not allow His creation to be destroyed but will preserve it until Jesus returns. And in the meantime, we are to hasten the second coming of Jesus Christ by living holy and godly lives as we witness to those around us. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His unbreakable covenant, secured by Christ, of both salvation and the preservation of the world. And pray for God’s sanctifying grace in your life so that you are an increasingly legible “letter from Christ…known and read by all” (2 Corinthians 3:2, 3) to hasten the Lord’s return (2 Peter 3:11, 12). Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 7 - New creations in Christ

“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” - 2 Corinthians 5:17 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

May 6 - Our place in the world

“What is man that you are mindful of him, and the son of man that you care for him?” - Psalm 8:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 8:1-9; Hebrews 2:5-...

Daily devotional

May 5 - God’s wisdom and knowledge in creation and providence

Daily devotional

May 4 - Revealed in the world and the word

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork...The law of the LORD is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony ...

Daily devotional

May 3 - Our Creator and our Helper

“Our help is in the name of the LORD, who made heaven and earth.” - Psalm 124:8 Scripture reading: Genesis 1:1-31 The creation of the entire cosmos and all that is in it was not a long, hard process for our triune God. It wasn’t a project in which He enlisted the entire host of angelic powers to assist Him so that finally, through a great cosmic effort the world came into being. Not at all! He spoke and this world, this cosmos, came into being by the power of His spoken word! Psalm 124:8 teaches us that our help comes from the all-powerful Creator of the Cosmos. As such, the Lord is more than able to help you. Sometimes we want to help someone with whatever trial or hardship they face, but we recognize our own inability and weakness. Although we want to help, we ourselves are helpless. That is never the case with the Lord! His qualification to help you is that He is the Creator of heaven and earth. After all, God created the entire cosmos, including the solar system for “He determines the number of the stars; he gives to all of them their names” (Psalm 147:4). He also sees the sparrow falling to the ground (Matthew 10:29-31). The Lord knows and cares. How much more does He know about your situation and your needs? And because He knows our every need better than we know our needs, He assures us that He will work all things for the good of those who love Him, who are called according to His purpose (Romans. 8:28). Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that as our compassionate heavenly Father He is willing to help us. And thank Him that as the Almighty Creator of the Cosmos, He is more than able to help us. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 2 - Wonderful are your works!

“Where were you when I laid the foundation of the earth? Tell me, if you have understanding.” - Job 38:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 104:1-35 Faith that God created the universe is crucial because creation clearly reveals that there is a Creator (Romans 1:20; Hebrews 11:6). In an effort to deny the existence of God, the evolutionist goes to absurd lengths to deny the Biblical record of creation, proving the truth that “The fool says in his heart, ‘There is no God’” (Psalm 14:1; 53:1). The truth of creation is evident not only in the macro sense – the cosmos God created – but also in the intricate way that we are formed. Even the slightest reflection on how we are created should instill a response of praise and wonder as we see that God in merciful grace created us in His own image. Isaac Newton, who formulated the law of gravity and built the first reflecting telescope, was asked why he believed that God created the world. He replied that if he examined nothing more than the human thumb he would believe in the Creator. Newton observed how the thumb is placed in just the right position on the hand to work effectively with the fingers, and is protected by the thumbnail, and how even in something as common as the human thumb, we see the creative genius of Almighty God! Whether looking at the cosmos through a telescope, or whether looking at the smallest cell through a microscope, we see the glory of God powerfully revealed, leaving us without an excuse for joyful saving faith in His Son, Jesus Christ! (Romans 1:20). Suggestions for prayer Prayerfully express David’s sentiment from Psalm 139:14: “I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well.” Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

May 1 - Introduction to God’s creation

Can you imagine an artist painting a picture without a plan or purpose for that picture? Even an abstract artist has a purpose for the abstract art that he or she creates. So, too, when God created the world, He did so with a plan and a purpose. In creation His majestic glory is beautifully arrayed, and in creation His divine attributes are clearly seen leaving all humanity without excuse for knowing He exists. Because the Lord created the cosmos with a purpose, He providentially watches over and governs the world He has created. Although our world seems chaotic and often events make no sense to us, we have full assurance that God is yet working with providential care as He directs this world according to His purpose and His plan. What is His purpose and plan? His purpose and plan centers on the redeeming work of His Son, Jesus Christ. At the fullness of time the eternal Christ was born of a woman, born under law, to redeem His people from their sin so that by God’s grace we become new creations in Christ. As such, creation, providence and redemption all work together to bring God’s eternal plan – “the purpose of his will” (Ephesians 1:5) – to fruition. It is my prayer that each one of us gains a deeper appreciation for God’s wondrous works of creation, providence, and redemption through the devotions this month. And if you haven’t yet come to know the redeeming grace of God, I pray that you come to know God’s ultimate purpose, accomplished through His decrees, which is the salvation of His people by grace through saving faith in Christ alone. Before the ages began “(God) saved us and called us to a holy calling, not because of our works but because of his own purpose and grace, which he gave us in Christ Jesus before the ages began…” - 2 Timothy 1:9 Scripture reading: Ephesians 1:1-14 When we think about creation, we often think about the beginning of time. After all, the first verse in the Bible states: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth” (Gen 1:1). But before the cosmos was created, before the earth was formed and set on its axis, the Father, Son and Holy Spirit worked out a plan of salvation known as the Covenant of Redemption. In this covenant, the Father would send His Son, whom He loved so deeply from all eternity, into this sin-stained world as He “blessed us in Christ with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places, even as he chose us in him before the foundation of the world…” (Eph. 1:3, 4). The Son would come, not reluctantly, but eagerly, with joy set before Him as He endured the cross, scorning its shame (Hebrews 12:2). And the Holy Spirit would apply and guarantee the merits of the Son’s redeeming work to all whom the Father has chosen (Heb. 12:13, 14; 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22). With this purpose in mind, “according to the purpose of his will” (Eph. 1:5), God created the world in all its majestic glory. He providentially watches over His creation, working all things for the good of His redeemed people. As such, the gospel is behind the purpose of creation, for it is through the gospel – the good news that Christ came to save sinners – that we are saved by grace through faith in Christ alone. May that describe you and me, today, and always! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for planning out our redemption before the ages began, and ask Him to enable you to live a life of gratitude for His redeeming grace. Pastor Ted Gray is an emeritus minister of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois. Before serving in Oak Lawn, Pastor Gray served Orthodox Presbyterian churches in Oregon and Florida, and Christian Reformed churches in Vermont and Illinois. He and his wife, Karen, reside in Crown Point, Indiana. 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

April 30 - It is finished

“…they shall come and proclaim his righteousness to a people yet unborn, that he has done it.” - Psalm 22:30 Scripture reading: Ephesians 1:3-10 Martin Luther helps us here in his comment on the phrase, a people yet unborn. He says, What is this? What people is there that is not born? According to my understanding I think this is said for a reason – because the people of other kings are formed by laws, by customs, and by manners. But these are not the things by which you can move a man to true righteousness: it is only a fable of righteousness, and a mere theatrical scene or representation. For even the law of Moses could form the people of the Jews unto nothing but hypocrisy. But the people of this King are not formed by laws to make up an external appearance. They are made by water and the Spirit into a new creature of truth. How very true! The psalmist is taking a glimpse into the most glorious future. That’s why he wraps up this psalm with the word that answers the question he began it with. In verse 1, the suffering Servant cried out, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? It was the deepest pit of despair – the situation of being so totally outside of God’s care. And now look at what we have here. The last word says that he has done it. And wasn’t this the last word of the cross as well? All of what the suffering Servant went through was for you. And it was enough. It is finished, Christ cried from the cross. He thereby proclaims His righteousness through all the ages of human history. By making the cross to Jesus the ladder leading up to heaven, God accomplished His saving plan for His people. Hallelujah! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His love shown in His Son. Thank Him every day for the difference it makes until we are in heaven. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 29 - Covenantal continuity

“Posterity shall serve him; it shall be told of the LORD to the coming generation…” - Psalm 22:30 Scripture reading: Psalm 78:1-8 It’s q...

Daily devotional

April 28 - Every knee shall bow

“All the prosperous of the earth eat and worship; before him shall bow all who go down to the dust, even the one who could not keep himself alive.�...

Daily devotional

April 27 - It’s on his head

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

Daily devotional

April 26 - The ends of the earth

“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 ...

Daily devotional

April 25 - Joyful affliction

“The afflicted shall eat and be satisfied; those who seek him shall praise the LORD! May your hearts live forever!” - Psalm 22:26 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 24:19-22 The joy in this section of the psalm is such that all are blessed by it. Verse 26 affirms this as it speaks of the afflicted eating of this and being satisfied by it. This is something which here goes beyond what the Law said. It may be seen as a natural extension of the provisions for the poor, but it is yet more. And it is something more here because of what it is spiritually. Those who are the poor are found worshipping God seriously – this is a festival that will go on for two days. Naturally the poor know they will be fed here but, as part of the covenant people, they are also being fed spiritually. John Calvin brings out how the joy of such an occasion would minister to them in their misery when he says, For they saw in that feast, as in a mirror, the goodness of God set forth to all who are in affliction, which might assuage with wonderful consolation the grief arising from all their calamities. How different this is from the parties of this world. They only have their friends who are their social peers. And they certainly wouldn’t want any ministers around to dampen the spirit! As is fitting for a service of thanksgiving, there is a parting blessing. The text ends with, May your hearts live forever!, because now we may live forever in the presence of the One whose joy we celebrate for all eternity. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that he is no distinguisher of persons, but any may come to Him. Pray that many more may come to worship Him. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 24 - A cloud of witnesses

“From you comes my praise in the great congregation; my vows I will perform before those who fear him.” - Psalm 22:25 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:1-3 Verse 25 returns us to the gathering of God’s people. It speaks about the “great congregation”. Except now the call to thanksgiving has ended. Following the configuration of Old Testament worship, he has brought the thank offerings of Leviticus 7:16. The sprinkling with blood and the laying of fat pieces upon the altar has been done. It’s the left-over meat of the sacrifice that now provides a joyful meal. And, yet, there is still this looking to the Lord. In fact, we see here the whole congregation joining together in this. Those to whom He has called in verse 23 are singing God’s praise along with Him. Dear friends, this is no joy that you can celebrate on your own. Indeed, which joy is there that you can honestly enjoy alone? Moreover, this is especially good news! For what else can they be celebrating than God’s keeping and guiding of His own, by His own hand. This is the care that would bring about the ultimate redemption of His people in His only begotten Son. And that’s what they’re looking forward to. Even more than remembering God’s great deliverances there is the promise of the Messiah’s coming. And then all would be in all. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the “great congregation” – the Church of all ages and all places. Plead with Him to bring in all the number of the elect. Moreover, pray that Jesus will come back very soon! Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 23 - Here is the lowest

“For he has not despised or abhorred the affliction of the afflicted, and he has not hidden his face from him, but has heard, when he cried to him.” - Psalm 22:24 Scripture reading: Isaiah 53:4-9 We have seen that it's amongst the congregation that the suffering Servant gives thanks. Now verse 24 draws us back into the reason why, and that’s why we see the suffering Servant’s vow has been fulfilled. And what a verse this is! It is the gospel in a nutshell. Here is summed up what the prophet declares in Isaiah 53, the verses 4 and 7. For who doesn’t know the words, Surely he has borne our griefs and carried our sorrows; yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God, and afflicted? Consider the way our Lord entered Jerusalem in the triumphal entry. There was no mighty stallion for him; simply a humble man riding on the foal of a donkey. This is how He is described in Zechariah 9:9. His humility and his saving work come through there and here in our text. This was still some one thousand years away. But David was also a prophet and so it would happen as he prophesied. The expression that God has not hidden his face from him conveys this, because it is pointing to the fact that God’s face is upon Him. When Scripture speaks of God’s face being shown, it’s describing His richest blessing. The Aaronic blessing of Numbers 6:25 proves this, as it says the LORD make His face to shine upon you. With the completed work of His Son that’s exactly what God did! Suggestions for prayer Thank our Lord Jesus for His humility in bringing about the saving work of His own. Pray that we may embody that same spirit. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 22 - Praise is the highest

“You who fear the LORD, praise him! All you offspring of Jacob, glorify him, and stand in awe of him, all you offspring of Israel!” - Psalm 22:23 Scripture reading: Revelation 7:9-17 The suffering Servant now doesn’t only call out from the midst of the congregation, as in verse 22, He also calls out to the congregation. To cry out to them to fear the LORD is to highly respect the God of Revelation. Charles Spurgeon writes of the expression stand in awe: The more we praise God the more reverently shall we fear him, and the deeper our reverence the sweeter our songs. So much does Jesus value praise that we have it here under his dying hand and seal that all the saints must glorify the Lord. It’s in His saints praising Him that God delights in so much. In fact, this is the activity he most loves us to do. While verse 23 ending with the call to revere the Lord may seem an unnecessary repetition for those who have just been commended for doing that, it’s actually the most important task we can always be encouraged to do more. Besides, aren’t the true saints always going to welcome such a reminder? It’s the unbelieving ones who will soon enough resent being nudged about this. For them once on Sunday is more than enough. In fact, you’ll find that worshipping on Christmas and Easter only suits them just fine! The suffering Servant, with an immediate response and together with the saints – His brothers and sisters in the faith – gives thanks. And let’s sing it out! Suggestions for prayer Pray that our praising God will have an added zeal. Thank Him that in His Son we know so much why it’s the very best thing. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 21 - Expressing thanks

“I will tell of your name to my brothers; in the midst of the congregation I will praise you…” - Psalm 22:22 Scripture reading: Hebrews 2:8...

Daily devotional

April 20 - The vital hinge

“Deliver my soul from the sword, my precious life from the power of the dog! Save me from the mouth of the lion! You have rescued me from the horns ...

Daily devotional

April 19 - Faith cries

“But you, O LORD, do not be far off! O you my help, come quickly to my aid!” - Psalm 22:19 Scripture reading: Psalm 22:9-18 This is where ...

Daily devotional

April 18 - Who won what?

“...they divide my garments among them, and for my clothing they cast lots.” - Psalm 22:18 Scripture reading: John 19:23-27 Our text contain...

Daily devotional

April 17 - Seeing ourselves

“I can count all my bones – they stare and gloat over me…” - Psalm 22:17 Scripture reading: Isaiah 52:13-15 Someone able to count all his bones is invariably a person who is malnourished. But despite what He has been through you cannot say that our Lord would be in such a condition. There would have been a good amount of flesh and muscle tissue on Him. So how are these words foretelling us about why He would be described this way? Well, think about Christ on the cross. Look at His writhing in agony – it is the most extreme pain. And with His body being stretched out by that pain you can see all his bones. The people staring and gloating recalls the description in verses 6 to 8, but here it specifically relates to His physical suffering, and to the ghoulishness in watching someone die so cruelly. We would think that seeing someone die like this would have pulled at their heart-strings. There should have been a sense of compassion. But not here! This is the culmination of a campaign against Him, and so they delight at what they think is their victory. This is the moment that brings out the worst in human nature. But what’s especially tragic is that this is actually what our human nature is like. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that His Son died so that our nature is completely turned around. Pray that the old man is being put off while the new man is being put on – that which is created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness (Eph.4:24). Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 16 - Pierced

“For dogs encompass me; a company of evildoers encircles me; they have pierced my hands and feet…” - Psalm 22:16 Scripture reading: John 20:24-29 And still there is more, for if we thought that the description so far was quite graphic it becomes even more detailed now. In fact, the next three verses – the verses 16 to 18 – put the case beyond doubt altogether! Verse 16 draws again the imagery of the prey being trapped. This time it’s dogs surrounding Him. And there is no worse animal for this scene. When they are in a pack, they are evil. Any sheep in their way is a dead sheep. And that death will be the most torturous and protracted death. The words picturing hands and feet are vivid about this, because it’s the hands and the feet which are possible defences to ward off attack and to run away from attack. But here they are being pinned back Yet how prophetic isn’t this description when we know it is about Christ? Execution such as this was unknown in David’s time, and still it is clear what kind of death this will be. The gospels confirm this. Jesus inviting Thomas to put his finger in the nail hole is but one example. While we will not see the Lord’s pierced hands and feet this side of glory, may we yet be those blessed to have believed. Good Friday will become good for us because the only man truly good was God’s Son who sacrificed Himself for us. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the awe of the Roman Centurion viewing Christ’s death will be ours today. Plead that His death continues to make many more spiritually alive. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 15 - A suffering all of its own

“...my strength is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to my jaws; you lay me in the dust of death.” - Psalm 22:15 Scripture reading: John 19:28-30 In verse 15, the suffering is illustrated even more vividly. For when your strength is dried up like a potsherd you are describing a drying process within the kiln. It is a drying process which leaves absolutely no moisture in that clay whatsoever! Perhaps you have been in a hospital awaiting surgery. Do you remember when you couldn’t have a drink before you went in? How much didn’t you long for just a drop of water then? That is a suffering all of its own. And this suffering Servant experiences it in its worst extremity. No wonder that He next says, and my tongue sticks to my jaw. Cruel as all this is, it is yet happening with the power God Himself has given the enemy. When He says next, you lay me in the dust of death, it is God to whom He’s referring. And look where He has been laid. In the dust of the earth! How much isn’t God’s Son humiliated on our behalf? Because there can be no doubt that nothing in David’s life remotely fits this description. Here he is having a vision about something far beyond what he has ever experienced – or ever will. It is so very prophetic. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His great mercy in sending His only begotten Son for us. Confess those times you have not acknowledged this gift in word and in deed. Thank the Lord for His Word and Spirit opening our minds and hearts to this. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 14 - The only way we could die

“I am poured out like water, and all my bones are out of joint; my heart is like wax; it is melted within my breast...” - Psalm 22:14 Scripture reading: Isaiah 53:10-12 The dreadful state of the Servant cast into the midst of infuriated wild animals continues here. He is all alone, and nailed upon the cross. Verse 13 has confirmed this with the description of a ravening and roaring lion. Amos 3:4 tells us this roaring is what lions do when they’ve caught their prey. Then verse 14 graphically tells us what they do. The Servant’s body which is being poured out like water shows all the liquid being sapped from His body. This is the liquid which, as water and blood, is vital for survival. In the same verse we read Him tell that “all my bones are out of joint”. This means they are being stretched out in a forcible and anguishing way. And in the same verse still, there is the heart being like wax. This speaks of His burning pain, the inflammation of His wounds, and the pressure of blood on the head and the heart. These three actions are a clear description of but one type of execution – that of crucifixion. This can only be about being nailed to a cross. Suggestions for prayer Thank Jesus for His sacrifice for us. Thank Him that he took it on willingly, exactly for us. And pray that we will follow His example in making our lives sacrifices because of what He has done. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 13 - Walking right in

“Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me; they open wide their mouth at me, like a ravening and roaring lion.” - Psalm 22:12-1...

Daily devotional

April 12 - Facing the bullies

“Many bulls encompass me; strong bulls of Bashan surround me...” - Psalm 22:12 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:18-25 It is all coming a lot clo...

Daily devotional

April 11 - There is always prayer

“Be not far from me, for trouble is near, and there is none to help.” - Psalm 22:11 Scripture reading: Luke 22:39-46 What we hear in verse...

Daily devotional

April 10 - True trust

“On you was I cast from my birth, and from my mother’s womb you have been my God.” - Psalm 22:10 Scripture reading: Matthew 6:25-34 Verse ...

Daily devotional

April 9 - Yet!

“Yet you are he who took me from the womb; you made me trust you at my mother’s breasts.” - Psalm 22:9 Scripture reading: Psalm 139:1-16 Yet! This is the conjunction which completely turns the text around as verse 9 begins. But how is this so? What has changed things here? There is nothing that has changed, though. He is still cut off and universally scorned. However, here something stronger comes through all this. Something similar to what verse 3 introduced. For there he responds by looking higher whereas, here in our text he looks deeper. Having set his mind on God’s glory and fame in verses 3 to 5, David now focuses on God’s personal, life-long care of him. This is about the Father’s compassionate love. Here Charles Spurgeon notes: Our birth was our weakest and most perilous period of existence; if we were then secured by Omnipotent tenderness, surely we have no reason to suspect that divine goodness will fail us now? He who was our God when we left our mother, will be with us when we return to mother earth, and will keep us from perishing in the belly of hell. Exactly when you think this man would be full of doubt, he looks a different way. Instead of looking at those around him, he looks within. He realizes how he got to where he currently is. Imagine: If you and I know God’s care for us how much more wouldn’t the Saviour realize His Father’s love for Him in all circumstances? Suggestions for Prayer Thank God the Father for His love for us – His chosen and precious children – and, especially, His love for His Son. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 8 - Words do hurt

“All who see me mock me; they make mouths at me; they wag their heads; “He trusts in the LORD; let him deliver him; let him rescue him, for he delights in him!”” - Psalm 22:7-8 Scripture reading: Matthew 4:1-11 Christ will be disdained in the most despicable way. Matthew 27 showed that through five different derisions, he suffered. All the people were unanimous in their mocking laughter – priests and people, Jews and Gentiles, soldiers and civilians – and all at the moment he was completely helpless and about to die. Perhaps you’re familiar with that childhood retort: “Sticks and stones may break my bones, but words will never hurt me!” But they do, don’t they? How many times don’t abusive messages on a cell phone, taunting on the playground, or nasty remarks on social media, become factors in teenagers committing suicide? So, what could hurt the true man of God more than his God being scorned before him? Moreover, that’s what unbelievers do, because they argue from the erroneous idea that God is here to do just what they want him to do. Have they seen nothing? Don’t they realize we could never treat God as just a button we push? Well, yes, they do. But now they’re trying to push our buttons. They do the devil’s deed. Indeed, wasn’t it Satan who tempted Jesus in Matthew 4 this way – three times? And in Matthew 27:40 his henchmen cry out to the Lord, “Come down from the cross!” Let’s answer them the right way. Let’s say with our Lord, “It is written.” Suggestions for prayer Pray for God’s wisdom and power to stand up against Satan. And pray for the correct words to say to unbelievers who are trying to push our buttons. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 7 - This pains because be belongs

“But I am a worm and not a man, scorned by mankind and despised by the people.” - Psalm 22:6 Scripture reading: Luke 23:13-25 We come here to another extreme punishment which Christ alone went through. We know it could not apply to David, because here the sufferer moves from being completely isolated to being totally hated. It is not now about what God doesn’t do, because He has hidden His mercy, but what man does to God. It is vividly clear with the way verse 6 begins, for what could more graphically describe someone so badly treated by others than the word “worm”? A worm – the weakest of creatures is an animal as low as you could get, the one who is so often crushed, and is definitely helpless, powerless and unnoticed. This organism shows what you mean when you say, “I’ve never felt so low!” And when a worm is crushed, what can it do? This is some comedown for the One who is the great “I AM”, the Son of God, the Second Person of the Trinity, the King over all kings. Here He is the lowest of the low! By adding that He is “not a man”, it really brings it home what Jesus will be suffering. Even the common acts of humanity are denied Him. For us, He will be absolutely hated – completely cut off from the society of men. Isaiah 49:7 declares He would be despised and abhorred by the nation, and in Isaiah 52:14, He’s described as being marred beyond human likeness. Suggestions for prayer Confess your part in alienating the Messiah, cutting him off from mankind. Thank Him that He went this far for us. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 6 - Where the past comes in

“In you our fathers trusted; they trusted, and you delivered them. To you they cried and were rescued; in you they trusted and were not put to shame.” - Psalm 22:4-5 Scripture reading: Hebrews 1:1-4 Notice how many times the word “trust” appears in the text. Three times! And then notice how this word is used. It is tied in with being saved. In verse 4 the result of trusting is being delivered. So trust and deliverance are juxtaposed as cause and effect. Trusting looks to being saved. Then in verse 5 it has a different sense. There trusting and being rescued, or being “not put to shame”, are in a reciprocal relationship; they go together. It’s this second sense which further confirms how Messianic this psalm is. With Christ being man and God, His human side was thoroughly Israelite, while the God of Israel is also the God of salvation. So He pleads upon the promises He Himself has given to His people. They are the promises which, throughout the Church’s history, Christ has kept. And so our text tells us we must plead this way with God. We remind the Lord of the love He’s shown to His own in the past. We beg Him to remain constant. Let’s also have this very much upon our hearts as we worship together today. We aren’t isolated pockets of people, but are part of the greatest movement throughout the ages. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for this day He gives us – the Lord’s Day. Praise Him that we are part of those heading to eternity with Him. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

April 5 - He looks up

“Yet you are holy, enthroned on the praises of Israel.” - Psalm 22:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 4:1-11 Verse 3 shows this sufferer’s ...

Daily devotional

April 4 - A type of grief

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not ...

Daily devotional

April 3 - Why?

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me? Why are you so far from saving me, from the words of my groaning? O my God, I cry by day, but you do not ...

Daily devotional

April 2 - The psalm of the cross

“My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” - Psalm 22:1a Scripture reading: Psalm 22:1-8 These are words we all know. And we especially kno...

Daily devotional

April 1 - Introduction to the prophecies of the Messiah

The Old Testament is full of prophecies regarding the coming Messiah – the greater Son of David. Isaiah has often been called ‘The Gospel According to Isaiah’ as it is so detailed in describing the birth, ministry, suffering, death and victory of God’s Son – the Servant King. In the New Testament we see many references from the Psalms, to God’s promise working itself out in His coming to live amongst us. Psalm 22 stands out amongst these songs as particularly foretelling what Jesus Christ would experience in His suffering and death. Hence, journeying through its verses will provide much encouraging reflection in this time of Lent, as we look forward to remembering the passion of Christ and His victory over sin and death and the devil. It is no surprise that Psalm 22 has become known as ‘The Psalm of the Cross.’ May you not only be humbled in seeing what He suffered for you but also appreciate the great comfort this good news brings to a world so full of bad news. Reading the whole Psalm Psalm 22:1-31 - To the choirmaster: according to the doe of the dawn. A Psalm of David Scripture reading: 1 Chronicles 23:1-6 An elder was once reproached following a worship service where he had read a psalm. The man admonishing him was quite clear: “You didn’t read the whole psalm!” He replied he was sure he had read all the verses in the psalm. Then the man said, “But you didn’t read the title of the psalm. You know that’s a part of the psalm also, don’t you?” He was right. The titles given at the beginning of many of the psalms are a part of what was originally written. In the Hebrew Scriptures these titles count as the first verse of those psalms. You will find an extra verse in many psalms, because their numbering begins with the title. It is the title that can give us an insight into the subject of that psalm. But let’s also note it tells us how it’s sung. It is to be sung by a choir. In preparing the way for temple worship taking over from what God’s people had had in tabernacle worship, David set aside specific families within the Levitical priesthood to be singers. These are words especially for them as they led that ancient worship. Next it is given a tune to sing by – according to the doe of the dawn. These singers knew the tunes, and now they had the words to sing to that tune! Finally, consider King David himself – used by the Lord to reinvigorate His people’s worship of Himself through the institution of Temple worship. How inspired wasn’t he as the Lord wrote these words through him? Suggestions for prayer Praise God for faithful congregations joyfully singing God’s Word. Pray that where there is no wholehearted looking to the Lord, His Spirit will bring it about through His Word. Rev. Sjirk Bajema currently serves the RCNZ Oamaru, in Oamaru, New Zealand. Over the past thirty-eight years Rev. Bajema has been privileged to minister with four congregations in Australia and New Zealand. 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

March 31 - The Father of lights who does not change

“…the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” - James 1:17 Scripture reading: Psalm 100:1-5 James calls God, the Father of lights. He created the sun and the moon and the stars, and put them all in their places, so that they would shine on us. In a very real way, we can say, when we see the glory of the sunshine and we feel its warmth, and we see how it brings the world to life, when we stand in awe of the beauty of the stars in the heavens, we’re seeing and feeling the goodness of God. In our perception, those heavenly lights seem to change. We say that the sun comes up and the sun goes down. The moon and stars shine in the night sky, but they disappear in the daytime. Sometimes clouds hide the sun and the moon; in an eclipse, the sun’s light is darkened in the middle of the day. But the truth is that those heavenly lights are always shining, whether we can see them or not. James says that’s how it is with God. Sometimes you see the light of God’s goodness so clearly. But when you lose a loved one, or feel alone, or trouble hangs like a dark shadow over your life, you don’t feel the warmth of His love. But God is the Father of lights. Just like the sun and the moon and the stars still shine behind the clouds, on the other side of the world, the goodness of God always shines on us, without variation or shadow due to change. Suggestions for prayer Confess to the Lord that sometimes you have a hard time seeing His goodness and ask Him to help you believe that His love for you is unchanging. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 30 - We have thought on your steadfast love

“Walk about Zion, go around her, number her towers, consider well her ramparts, go through her citadels, that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever. He will guide us forever.” - Psalm 48:12-14 Scripture reading: Psalm 78:1-8 “Walk about Zion, go around her.” The psalmist asks that when you look at the church of Jesus Christ, do you see the glory and the strength of Zion? “Number her towers, consider well (or set your hearts on) her ramparts, go through her citadels.” Pay careful attention to where he goes with this. He’s not leading us on a tour of the literal city of Jerusalem, to show us how thick the walls are and how high the ramparts are. He points to the real defence, the real strength of Zion: “that you may tell the next generation that this is God, our God forever and ever.” This is the miracle of worship, of the ministry of Jesus Christ through His church: God is here, in His Word and Spirit, to save us, to sanctify us, to lead us in the way of salvation. We want our children and grandchildren to know God, to serve Him and worship Him. The Holy Spirit says this is how you lead the next generations in the way of faith: let them see the delight in your eyes, and hear the awe in your voice when you worship God. Testify to them in your homes about His goodness and grace and wisdom. Point to God and tell them, “Look at our God, children! Trust in Him, worship Him, serve Him.” Stay close to Him, because “He is our guide forever!” He will lead you in the way of life. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to lead your children and grandchildren, by your words and by your example, to trust, worship and obey Him. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 29 - God is good

“Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” - James 1:17 Scripture reading: Psalm 73:1-28 James literally says in verse 16, stop being deceived, my beloved brothers. In other words, these suffering Christians had already begun to doubt God’s goodness and wisdom. Maybe you’ve heard someone say, “Feed your faith, and your doubts will starve.” That’s good advice. The way to feed your faith is to take a long, hard look at God, as He shows Himself to you in the creation, in His Word, in Jesus Christ. James is saying in verse 17, Let’s look at God. Let’s think about who He is and how He deals with us. We believe that God is good. That’s at the very heart of everything that we believe about Him. But God’s goodness is greater and deeper than we imagine. It’s not as simple as, God is good, so He would never let His children suffer. God’s goodness includes loving discipline. Solomon says in Proverbs 3:11-12, “My son, do not despise the Lord’s discipline, or be weary of His reproof, for the LORD reproves him whom He loves, as a father the son in whom he delights.” Hebrews 12:8 adds, “If you are left without discipline, then you are illegitimate children, and not sons.” God’s record shows that His goodness is beyond all doubt. James tells us not to let our suffering raise doubts about His goodness. “Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change.” Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to recognize and to trust in His goodness, so that you can submit to His discipline, knowing that He disciplines you because He loves you. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 28 - Lured and enticed to our death

“Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” - James 1:15 Scripture reading: 1 Jo...

Daily devotional

March 27 - Be watchful

“Desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death.” - James 1:15 Scripture reading: 1 Peter...

Daily devotional

March 26 - Tempted in our suffering

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” - James 1:14 Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10 Usually, wh...

Daily devotional

March 25 - Lured and enticed by our own desires

“But each person is tempted when he is lured and enticed by his own desire.” - James 1:14 Scripture reading: Matthew 13:1-9, 18-23 Lord’s ...

Daily devotional

March 24 - Temptations make us exercise our faith

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God,” for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.” - James 1:13 Scripture reading: I Corinthians 10:1-22 When we meet trials, we have lots of questions. For a believer, the hardest questions are about God and why God would want us to go through hard times. We know that God is involved. We know that our struggles don’t come to us by chance, but from His hand. But James says, “Let no one say when he is tempted, ‘I am being tempted by God,’ for God cannot be tempted with evil, and He Himself tempts no one.” Our trials bring us both tests and temptations. God tests our faith, but He doesn’t send the temptations. God is good and holy. God can’t be tempted by evil, and He never tempts anyone. He has promised and He has confirmed in Christ that He seeks your salvation. God works to bring us to spiritual maturity. The pressure to turn away from Him, the inclination to give up on Him, certainly doesn’t come from God. He would never lead you into sin. But He does allow you to be tempted. Martin Luther said, “My temptations have been my masters of divinity.” It sounds strange until you hear his explanation: “Where faith is not continually kept in motion and exercised, it weakens and decreases, so that it must indeed vanish; and yet we do not see nor feel this weakness ourselves, except in times of need and temptation, when unbelief rages too strongly; and yet for that very reason, faith must have temptations in which it may battle and grow.” Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He would never tempt you to sin and ask Him to help you to exercise your faith when you are being tempted. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 23 - We have thought on your steadfast love

“We have thought on Your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of Your temple.” - Psalm 48:9 Scripture reading: Psalm 103:1-8 The writer of Psalm 48 says that the survival of the church depends on what she hears, and what she thinks about in worship, worship that will ensure that the church will survive and flourish in faithfulness. It has to be all about God, as we know Him in Christ. He says, “We have thought on Your steadfast love, O God, in the midst of Your temple.” When we talk about God, there are lots of things that we can speak and sing about. God is holy and sovereign, almighty and perfectly wise. But this is the heartbeat and the great theme of the gospel. And it’s not that we say, God is holy, but He also loves us; God is sovereign, but He loves us. In worship, we marvel and rejoice that God has chosen to reveal His holiness and sovereignty, wisdom and power in this remarkable, amazing way: by loving us with His steadfast, covenant, saving love. Paul says in Ephesians 3 that this is why God sent Jesus Christ to die, and gather Jews and Gentiles to build them into a dwelling place for Him: it is so that through the church, the manifold wisdom of God might now be made known to the rulers and authorities in the heavenly places. Today, when you listen to God’s Word, sing your songs of praise and bring your gifts, think of His steadfast love. He will be pleased, and you will be built up in faith. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you by His Spirit to dwell on His steadfast love, that you may worship Him today in true thankfulness and joy. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 22 - Trials and temptations

“Let no one say when he is tempted, “I am being tempted by God”” - James 1:13a Scripture reading: Ephesians 6:10-20 James said that God uses trials to test and purify our faith. But what about when people seem to lose their faith because of hard things that happen to them? How do we explain that? In our minds, trials and temptations are very different: trials purify your faith; temptations make you question God’s promises. Trials bring you close to God; temptations turn you away from Him. Trials and temptations have opposite aims and opposite effects. But in Greek, James uses the same word for both trials and temptations. That tells us something that we need to realize about suffering and prosperity too. In both of these experiences and in both of these circumstances, we’re facing both trials and temptations. In the same events, God is testing our faith, to make us put all of our trust in Jesus Christ, and we’re being tempted; an effort is being made to undermine our confidence in Jesus Christ. In other words, there’s a spiritual battle going on in our lives, which is played out in every experience and every circumstance. As Western Christians, we don’t always understand that, and that leaves us vulnerable. Peter alerts us to the danger: “Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour” (I Peter 5:8). Don’t underestimate the viciousness or deceitfulness of your spiritual enemies, but don’t overestimate their power either: James promises that if you “resist the devil … he will flee from you” (James 4:7b). Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to remember the spiritual battle that is always going on in your life and to give you strength to resist the devil. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 21 - Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth

“Like a flower of the grass he will pass away. For the sun rises with its scorching heat and withers the grass; its flower falls, and its beauty perishes. So also will the rich man fade away in the midst of his pursuits.” - James 1:10b-11 Scripture reading: Matthew 6:19-34 Wealth can be very deceptive. Because in this world, money is the measure of success and importance, and the key to security. Money is a key that opens many doors. And it can make you forget that you’re mortal. You’re going to die one day. We all tend to forget that, especially when we’re wealthy. Because everything seems to be within our reach, and so much seems to be under our control. But that’s an illusion. Jesus warns us in Luke 12, “Take care, and be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions.” James says, “You will pass away like a flower of the grass. The sun rises with its scorching heat, and withers the grass. Its flower falls, and its beauty perishes.” Everything that is alive today will one day be dead. It’s going to happen to us, too. How it will happen to each one of us, we don’t know. But it will, maybe because of sickness or old age or an accident. But, like a flower of the grass, even the rich man, who seemed so powerful and secure, will fade away in the midst of his pursuits. Jesus encourages us not to lay up treasures on earth, but to, “lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:20). Suggestions for prayer Confess to the Lord that your heart is naturally inclined to put your trust in wealth and possessions, and ask Him to help you lay up treasures in heaven. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 20 - We live by every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord

Daily devotional

March 19 - Thankfulness in poverty and in riches

“Let the lowly brother boast in his exaltation, and the rich in his humiliation.” - James 1:9-10a Scripture reading: Proverbs 30:1-9 By na...

Daily devotional

March 18 - Lowly believers boast in their exaltation

Daily devotional

March 17 - Faith is single-minded in its desire for Christ

Daily devotional

March 16 - The city of God is beautiful

“… the city of our God, which God will establish forever.” - Psalm 48:8 Scripture reading: Psalm 48:4-8; Matthew 16:13-20 We don’t know the exact historical background of Psalm 48, but it might have been written after the LORD destroyed the Assyrian army and delivered Jerusalem (see Isaiah 36-37). But the point is that “God has made Himself known as a fortress” in Jerusalem, and establishes His city forever because it was the seat of His kingdom and the place where the ministry of salvation took place in the temple. That’s why He sent His angel to put 185,000 Assyrian soldiers to death. The Assyrians’ hatred for Jerusalem was provoked by the spiritual revival under King Hezekiah. The hatred of God’s enemies is provoked when the church proclaims the gospel, and sinners find life in the kingdom of God. The events of Isaiah 37 have been replayed again and again throughout history. But Jesus has promised in Matthew 16, “I will build My church, and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.” And Jesus has been faithful: the church still stands and the gospel of Jesus Christ is still being proclaimed. God promised that the church is established forever, and “as we have heard, so have we seen in the city of the Lord of hosts, in the city of our God.” Give thanks to Jesus Christ that He has seen to it that you can gather with His congregation today to hear the message of salvation and to rejoice that you “are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God” (Ephesians 2:19-22). Suggestions for prayer Thank God that Jesus Christ continues to gather, defend and preserve His congregation, and that He has given you the indescribable privilege of belonging to His people. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 15 - Ask with no doubting

“Let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea that is driven and tossed by the wind.” - James 1:6 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 4:16-18 Some people claim that James is saying that we can ask God for anything, and as long as we believe that He can do it, and that He will do it, God will give it to us. If you’re sick and you ask God to heal you, and your faith is strong enough, then He will heal you. God doesn’t want you to suffer, and He’s so great that He can heal us; He can solve any problem that we might have. If you ask God for help and then you say, “Your will be done,” that just means that your faith isn’t strong enough. Those people assume that when you’re sick, or you’re struggling in some other way, the best thing that God could do for you would be to make you better and solve all your problems. But God can use our suffering to purify our faith (James 1:3-4), so that “We look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal” (II Corinthians 4:18). In 1 Peter 1, the apostle says that God can use our suffering to help us to find all of our comfort in belonging to Jesus Christ. He can use our suffering to sanctify us; He can use our suffering to humble us so that we repent of our sin and look for salvation in Christ alone. We couldn’t ask for more than that. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to make your requests in faith, with a single-minded desire for His saving purpose to be accomplished in your life. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 14 - The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God… - James 1:5a Scripture reading: Psalm 111:1-10 Psalm 111:10 says, “The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom.” The fear of the LORD is, knowing and confessing the truth about the LORD, and applying it to your life and your experiences. Psalm 111 talks about how God’s children love to read and hear and sing about what God has done. That’s how you get to know God’s faithfulness and perfect wisdom, steadfast love and absolute goodness. That’s how God is magnified; His greatness fills the whole scope of our vision. And that changes our experience. Because then we know when we have an accident, or we get that hard diagnosis, and even when someone sins against us, we don’t have to be anxious or worried about what the future’s going to be like. Because God has promised us in His Word and confirmed it in Christ that all things work together for our salvation. The burden of guilt and fear is lifted from our shoulders: “Who shall bring any charge against God’s elect? It is God who justifies. Who is to condemn?” (Romans 8:33-34a). This is the struggle of faith, to take what God has promised us, shown us in Christ to our situation and to our experiences, to set what we know about God over our questions. Ask God, by His Spirit, to teach you the fear of the LORD, because the fear of the LORD – knowing and confessing the truth about the LORD – is the beginning of wisdom. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you take what you know about Him, and about His purpose in your life, and apply that to the hard questions and situations that you struggle with. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 13 - We know God from his word and in Christ

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith… - James 1:5-6a Scripture reading: John 14:1-11 One of the hardest things for us to accept is the sovereignty of God over our lives. We confess it, especially when we talk about how God saves sinners. But when it comes to the way God directs the path of our lives, we’re not always ready to acknowledge and submit ourselves to His freedom to do whatever He pleases, and whatever He decides we need. But this belongs to the wisdom we need to count it all joy when we meet various trials. He’s God and we’re not. He’s not going to answer all our questions, or justify what He does in our lives. That’s hard for us, but the truth is that we don’t need to know why God is doing this to us and not to someone else. We don’t need to know what God is going to do in the future, or what the future is going to be like in order to be content. This is because we know God. The Bible is the record that shows us who He is and how He works, and what He’s like. Jesus says, “If you know Me, you know My Father. If you’ve seen Me, you’ve seen My Father” (John 14:7,9). It’s clear from God’s Word and in Jesus Christ that He loves us, and He’s committed to our salvation. Focusing on what God has revealed to us in Jesus Christ will give us the wisdom we need to count it all joy when we meet various trials. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that you can be sure that you know Him as He is, because He has shown Himself to you in Jesus Christ. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 12 - Asking God in faith

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him. But let him ask in faith…”...

Daily devotional

March 11 - Ask God for wisdom

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.” - James 1:5 S...

Daily devotional

March 10 - Do you need wisdom?

“If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God.” - James 1:5a Scripture reading: James 1:5-8 It might seem as if James has changed subj...

Daily devotional

March 9 - The city of God is beautiful

“Within her citadels God has made Himself known as a fortress.” - Psalm 48:3 Scripture reading: Psalm 48:1-3 We confess (in Article 29 of th...

Daily devotional

March 8 - Who wants to be perfect

“…that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” - James 1:4 Scripture reading: Colossians 1:24-29 I don’t know how much we really think about becoming perfect. I don’t know how important it is for us, that our faith would become mature, perfect. But maybe that’s why we tend to respond to the bad things that happen to us in the same way that an unbeliever would. Maybe that’s why we have a hard time really believing that God uses bad things to produce something good, and why we find ourselves becoming discouraged and angry and bitter because of the things that have happened to us. Because growing in our faith isn’t as important to us as having the life we want,or as having things go the way we thought they would, the way we had planned. It's okay, in fact, it’s right and good to cry out to the Lord in our suffering, and God in His Word encourages us to ask Him for relief. Faith prays. Faith means looking to God for all that we need. That’s Jesus’ point in the parable of the persistent widow (Luke 18:1-8). But becoming bitter and angry with the Lord is a symptom of immaturity. It means that we can only be happy if the Lord gives us what we want. “Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing” (James 1:2-4). Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to set your heart on His goal in your salvation: to become mature, and perfect in Christ. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 7 - The full effect of steadfastness is perfection

“Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.” - James 1:4 Scripture reading: Romans 5:1-11 The school down the road from us once had a sign out front that said, ”Aim for success, not perfection.” We understand what they mean: no one’s perfect. We know that we won’t be perfect until Christ comes again. But maybe we know that so well that when we hear James say,” Let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing,” we think we shouldn’t take that literally. But that is God’s goal for us. We think that being saved means I'm going to heaven when I die. This is what He promises us, and this is where He’s leading us, to perfection. This is what Paul says in Ephesians 4:13: “Christ has given His gifts to the church, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up, until we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God, and become a perfect man” (NKJV). And in Colossians 1:28: “We proclaim Christ, admonishing and teaching everyone with all wisdom, so that we may present every man perfect in Christ” (NKJV). God’s purpose in our salvation is to make us perfect and that should be what we want too, that we would become mature adults, full grown in our faith. It’s critical for us to remember God’s purpose and to make it our desire too, that He would use our trials to make us perfect in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to remember that His purpose in our salvation is to make us perfect in Christ. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 6 - Steadfastness in faith

“… you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” - James 1:3 Scripture reading: I Peter 1:3-9 God the Father promises in our baptism that He will provide us with all good and avert all evil, or turn it to our profit. God doesn’t promise to avert all evil, period. He promises to avert all evil, or turn it to our profit. That’s what He’s doing when we suffer. He’s turning the evil to our profit. When we face our trials in faith, God strengthens our faith. What does that mean practically speaking? It means that our focus on Christ, and what God gives us in Him becomes sharper. It means that our hope and our joy in Jesus Christ grow deeper and stronger. Our desire to have everything that Christ has for us becomes more intense. Knowing that God the Father is involved in our daily lives, and working for our salvation in all things becomes more real to us. It becomes more and more part of how we look at our lives, and think about what happens to us. We discover that in hard times, His Word comes more alive for us, and that our worship is more genuine, more sincere and more encouraging. What else do we want from God? There is no better thing that He could do for us, or give us. There is no more that we could possibly want from Him. In our trials, God gives us what we pray for more than anything else: our faith grows, our trust and our joy in the Lord become deep and strong. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to want what He wants: that your faith will grow and that you will find all your comfort in belonging to Jesus Christ. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 5 - The good thing God is doing for you when you suffer

“… the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” - James 1:3 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 8:1-20 James says you know at least one good thing that God is doing when you face trials. He’s testing your faith. Sometimes when we have tests at school, it feels like the teacher wants us to fail. But when God tests our faith, that’s not His purpose. He’s proving your faith. James says that means exposing weaknesses, so that your faith can be purified and strengthened. We’re grafted into Jesus Christ by faith; that’s how we share in His life and in all His blessings. God wants our faith to be pure and strong, so that we take in everything that Christ has for us. But our faith is like gold. Gold has to be put through the fire to get rid of impurities. That’s why we should count it all joy when we meet trials of various kinds – because we know that God uses our trials to purify our faith. That doesn’t mean that we should pray that God will send trials into our lives. But, when they come, when we struggle and suffer, we have to believe God’s promise that He is at work in our trials. And the surprising thing is that when we hold onto His promises, even though life may be hard, we discover that our faith is growing. Even if we have questions that God doesn’t answer, still we feel the comfort of knowing that we belong to Christ in life and in death more deeply and truly than when all is going smoothly. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you understand, and accept that your faith has to be tested by trials in order to be purified. Rev. Dick Wynia graduated from the Canadian Reformed Theological Seminary in 1986, and was ordained to the ministry in 1987. He has served four congregations, in Aylmer ON, Calgary AB, Wyoming ON and in Beamsville ON. After almost 37 years in active ministry, he recently became a minister emeritus. 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

March 4 - Be on your guard against bitterness

“Count it all joy … when you meet various trials.” - James 1:2 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12:3-17 James promises us that God is working ...

Daily devotional

March 3 - God is at work for your good in all things

Daily devotional

March 2 - The city of God is beautiful

“His holy mountain, beautiful in elevation, is the joy of all the earth.” - Psalm 48:1b Scripture reading: Psalm 48:1-3 In Psalm 46:4, it ...

Daily devotional

March 1 - Introduction to James

The meditations for this month are based on James 1:1-18. James calls the people to whom he wrote, the twelve tribes of the dispersion. They were most...

Daily devotional

February 28 - The aftermath (II)

“Mordecai…sought the welfare of his people and spoke peace to all his people.” - Esther 10:3 Scripture reading: Esther 10:1-3 While Mordecai was proclaiming peace to God’s people near and far, Christ has accomplished a greater peace, which is proclaimed through His church near and far, to Jew and Gentile: “How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of them that bring good news, who proclaim peace, who say to Zion, ‘Behold, your God’”! (Isaiah 52:7; Romans 10:15). The world needs to hear the good news of Christ’s peace, so that whosoever believes in the Son might not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:16). The gospel continues to be proclaimed to the visible church of Jesus Christ as well, calling people to faith and repentance, and to live transformed lives in Christ. Rejoicing for the great turnabouts in Esther’s time was appropriate, but they pointed to the greatest of turnabouts that God accomplished in Jesus Christ – changed lives as new creatures in Christ. As new creations in Christ, we look forward to the new heavens and the new earth – a time of full Sabbath rest for the people of God in Christ. If you know that great and restful turnabout in your life, you have reason today to be at peace, to rejoice in the Lord, and to praise Him with a rest-filled worship. If you do not know that restful reversal, then now is the time to turn around, to repent, and believe the call of Christ who says, “Come to me, all you who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanks that the Lord has provided the kind of peace that only Christ can provide you – peace with God and the peace of God. Pray that more people may be blessed to respond to the gospel of peace, both in the world and in the visible church of Christ. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 27 - The aftermath (I)

“And all the acts of his power and might, and the full account of the high honor of Mordecai, to which the king advanced him are they not written in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia?” - Esther 10:2 Scripture reading: Esther 10:1-3 Mordecai’s greatness is stressed here in the context of Ahasuerus’ greatness, both of which could be verified in the Book of the Chronicles of the kings of Media and Persia (6:1; 10:2). This verification of the episodes of Esther and Mordecai remind us as Christians of two important truths about God’s Word: Redemptive history is not comprised of myths, sagas, and made-up stories (2 Peter 1:16). False religion is riddled with myths, deceptive fabrications, and outright lies (Matthew 28:11-15). Scripture’s history, on the other hand, speaks of reality – the Medes and Persians were real people; Jerusalem and other biblical cities were real towns, and some continue to exist to this day. Biblical episodes were legitimately chronicled, researched and witnessed (Luke 1:1-4; 2 Peter 1:16-21). The Biblical message proclaims no fairy tales, but God’s truth. God never does anything in a corner, so to speak; even in a case like the book of Esther, where His Name is never mentioned. God’s acts are done publicly as He takes on the most formidable of foes and defeats them for the sake of His cause in Christ. Whether it is His opponents at Babel, Pharaoh of Exodus, the kings of the earth counselling against Him and His Christ, or whether it is disease or death, God displays His power for the world to see so that, along with the testimony of all creation, no one has an excuse to disbelieve His grace, greatness, and goodness (Romans 1:20). Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanks that the Lord has revealed to you the truth of God’s Word unto salvation in Christ. Pray that the Spirit of God would work mightily in the lives of many to find their lives on the truth of God’s Word. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 26 - The restful reversal celebrated (II)

“The command of Esther confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing.” - Esther 9:32 Scripture reading: Esther 9:16-32 Mordecai, as we saw yesterday, is a proclaimer of peace to both far and near (9;30; 10:3), reminding us of Isaiah 57:19 and the far-and-near peace that the LORD proclaims, and reminding us of Christ in Ephesians 2:17, who proclaims peace to those who are far away and near. Such peace won by the Lord is always worth celebrating. In these days, the ascended Lord is the great gift-giver to God’s people: “When ascended on high, he led a host of captives, and he gave gifts to men (Ephesians 4:8). As the Bread of Life, who provides eternal satisfaction and peace, He calls us to a better celebratory feast of rest today. Every Lord’s Day we celebrate Christ's rest to us as we worship God. Every Lord’s Day, we give of our gifts out of gratitude for Christ’s grace to us. Whenever we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, we anticipate the fuller rest that awaits God’s people – the wedding feast of the Lamb and the communion with the Lord that we will one day celebrate eternally. If the people in Esther’s time had reason for joy as they celebrated annually the rest that the Lord provided, how much more are we not privileged to celebrate weekly the rest that the Lord has given to us. Every time the covenant God in Jesus Christ calls us to His worship and to His communion feast, we remember the rest that is ours and the rest that is to come. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanks for the privilege of worship. Pray that the Lord will help you and others to take joy in the call to worship every Lord’s Day. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 25 - The restful reversal celebrated (I)

“The command of Esther confirmed these practices of Purim, and it was recorded in writing.” - Esther 9:32 Scripture reading: Esther 9:16-32 This passage reminds us much of Isaiah 57:19ff. “‘Peace, peace, to the far and to the near,’ says the LORD, ‘and I will heal him.’ But the wicked are like the tossing sea; for it cannot be quiet, and its waters toss up mire and dirt. ‘There is no peace,’ says my God, ‘for the wicked.’" A rest-filled festival marks the day when rest was given to the people in this last month of the calendar. Mordecai proclaims this peace to both far and near (9:30; 10:3). God’s people are to remember the peace won for them. At a time when no plunder was taken, gifts would now be given. A holiday of rest makes sense for a people who have been given rest from their labour. Generosity is appropriate for a people who, even though they take no plunder, have been given so much. Again, great reversal! This feast is supposed to take place because something transforming has taken place: this is to be done on the days on which the Jews received relief from their enemies, and in the month that had been turned for them from sorrow into gladness. Jesus Christ, according to Ephesians 2:17, proclaims peace to those who are far away and to those who are near. We will hear more tomorrow as to why that is important for us to know, but for now may we find ourselves as Christian believers taking joy in the everlasting peace that Christ has won for us. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanks for the transforming work of Christ to bring rest to our souls. Pray with thanks that God has established peace between Him and you through Christ, and peace between you and others who share that grace of God with us in Christ. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 24 - The restful reversal described (II)

“…on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who h...

Daily devotional

February 23 - The restful reversal described (I)

“…on the very day when the enemies of the Jews hoped to gain the mastery over them, the reverse occurred: the Jews gained mastery over those who h...

Daily devotional

February 22 - The second edict

“…the king allowed the Jews who were in every city to gather and defend their lives…” - Esther 8:11 Scripture reading: Esther 8:7-17 H...

Daily devotional

February 21 - The second request of Esther

“…let an order be written to revoke the letters devised by Haman the Agagite…which he wrote to destroy the Jews….” - Esther 8:5 Scriptu...

Daily devotional

February 20 - The plea of Haman

“Haman stayed to beg for his life from Queen Esther, for he saw that harm was determined against him by the king.” - Esther 7:7 Scripture reading: Esther 7:7-10 What irony for Haman! Earlier he gave the honour that he had expected to Mordecai. Now he bears the shame he had reserved for Mordecai. In triplicate, shame comes to Haman. First, the king declares shame. Haman had been angry because Mordecai would not “fall down” in honour before him (3:2). Now “Haman is “falling down” before the daughter of Mordecai (7:8). Ahasuerus perceives Haman defiling the royal marital relationship. Second, Ahasuerus’ servant covers Haman’s face. Haman covered his own face earlier (6:12), but now another does it. Such covering expressed shame for shameful behaviour (Psalm 44:15; 69:7). Third, shame consummates with Haman’s hanging. “Cursed is anyone who is hanged on a tree” (Galatians 3:13). The mighty has fallen! The king’s wrath is satisfied, like with Vashti, as Haman resembles the enemies of Ahasuerus that Mordecai uncovered in chapter 2. Haman, the enemy of Christ’s cause is defeated. Providence is leading to the saving of God’s people, but it also leads to the demise of Christ’s enemies. Haman had almost everything that a person could desire. But Haman was deceived. He fought against God and His cause, and he lost; such fighting is a fool’s errand. Yet we all deserve wrath – not merely that of a temporal king, but that of God – eternally. Only Christ can take that wrath away, so “Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in the way, for his wrath is quickly kindled. Blessed are all who take refuge in him” (Psalm 2:10). Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving if you cherish Christ for taking God's wrath away from you. Pray that more people will come to understand the futility of opposing the cause of Christ and instead see the blessedness of taking refuge in Him. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 19 - The plea of Esther

“Then Queen Esther answered, “If I have found favor in your sight, O king, and if it please the king, let my life be granted me for my wish, and my people for my request.”” - Esther 7:3 Scripture reading: Esther 6:14-7:6 Esther pleads for mercy and justice for herself and her people – ultimately for Christ’s cause. Haman seeks destruction; Esther seeks redemption. Esther is revealed as Jewish, but Haman is uncovered as the enemy of God’s people – wicked Haman of Agag. Esther serves royally in Ahasuerus’ kingdom and over God’s people. As a descendant of Kish, the father of King Saul, Esther serves better than her ancestor Saul did with Haman’s ancestor Agag. Agag wanted to destroy Christ's cause and God’s promises, and so Agag was to be annihilated, but Saul disobeyed, and his kingdom was then passed to David (1 Samuel 15). Seeking to destroy the plans of God is as old as redemption’s history. Evil promised man greatness, only to deceive him. God’s plans can never be scuttled, however, even at evil’s pinnacle with Christ’s crucifixion (Psalm 2). Evil still tempts us to believe that we are better off with evil instead of obedience. Evil teaches us that redemption is hopeless, and that fighting against evil is pointless. It is worth the fight, however, thanks to Christ – better than Saul, David, and Esther. Esther pleads her cause for a temporal preservation, but Christ pleads an eternal preservation as the Righteous Redeemer and Advocate. At Judgment Day, in mercy and justice, God will vindicate His people, and death, sin, and Satan will be no more. Our hope is not based on the evil that we see, but on the goodness and faithfulness of our covenant God in Jesus Christ that is promised to Christians. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving that the hope of evil’s ultimate demise has already been determined at the cross of Christ. Pray with praise that God permits you to see that the fight of faith is a good one to undertake each day. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 18 - The exalted one is humbled

“If Mordecai, before whom you have begun to fall, is of the Jewish people, you will not overcome him but will surely fall before him.” - Esther 6:11 Scripture reading: Esther 6:1-13 Jews were once mourning (4:3), and Haman rejoiced. Not anymore. The last has become first and the first last. Suddenly, nothing is working for Haman. His very wife and friends now realize that Haman will lose, for he is literally working against, “the Seed of the Jews” (v. 13). Pilate’s wife said, “Have nothing to do with that righteous man, for I have suffered much because of him today in a dream (Matthew 27:19). Gamaliel said in Acts 5:38-39, “Keep away from these men…for if this plan…is of man, it will fail; but if it is of God, you will not be able to overthrow them. You might even be found opposing God!" The gates of hell will not prevail against Christ. You do not win by opposing Christ. Many in the world have seemed to be winners – in power, pleasure, prosperity, and popularity. Yet, we will never know victory unless Christ, the true Seed of Abraham, is our only comfort in life and in death. Do not envy lives that leave Christ out; such exalted will be humbled. Mary said, “He scatters the proud in the thoughts of their hearts, he brings down the mighty from their thrones, and the rich he has sent away” (Luke 1:53). God promised Abraham, “…him who dishonours you, I will curse…” (Genesis 12:3). God will curse those content to dishonour the Seed of Abraham. We see it in Haman, and in all those who find their honour in themselves and not in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving that you can take comfort in belonging to Christ, even when the world is taking comfort in merely temporary gains and greatness. Pray that the Lord will continue to help you walk humbly before your God as you serve Him every day in Christ. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 17 - The humbled one is exalted (II)

“Thus shall it be done to the man whom the king delights to honor.” - Esther 6:9 Scripture reading: Esther 6:1-13 Haman tasted the bitterness of proclaiming honour to the one deserving it. Yet, we have the honour of confessing with the tongue, and bowing with the knee to the Lordship and salvation of Jesus Christ with a joyful heart – anticipating a day when, willingly or unwillingly, every knee shall bow and every tongue will confess Jesus Christ as Lord. With Mordecai, an oversight has been corrected. With Christ, the exaltation of which He is worthy, is His to know now at God’s right hand. In Him we also can experience a turning moment – no longer under the shame of our sin, but robed in Christ’s righteousness unto salvation. We are no longer children of wrath, but children of God. When we have known such a turning point, we can also look forward to others – to a sanctified and glorified life as those who already know a justified life. We not only know salvation today, but also that any suffering that we must yet undergo will all be righted one day. Compared to the glories that await, these trying times pale. For God exalts His own in His time; such an exaltation awaits the people of God. For the sake of the Seed of the Jews, Jesus Christ, God will be exalted; however, for the sake of God’s covenant, He also leads His people to glory. I hope it is with that faith, hope, and love that you can rejoice in such turning points for yourself in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving if you have known God’s turning of your life through a profession of Christ. Pray that each day you may show forth what it means to have your life turned to serve your Saviour. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 16 - The humbled one is exalted (I)

“And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for ?” The king’s young men…said,...

Daily devotional

February 15 - The correction of an oversight

“And the king said, “What honor or distinction has been bestowed on Mordecai for ?” The king’s young men…said,...

Daily devotional

February 14 - Haman’s plan to destroy

““…tell the king to have Mordecai hanged upon .” This idea pleased Haman and he had the gallows made.” - Esther 5:14 Scripture...

Daily devotional

February 13 - Esther’s plan to save (II)

“…let the king and Haman come to the feast that I will prepare for them, and tomorrow I will do as the king has said.” - Esther 5:8 Scriptu...

Daily devotional

February 12 - Esther’s plan to save (I)

“And when the king saw Queen Esther standing in the court, she won favor in his sight, and he held out to Esther the golden scepter that was in his hand.” - Esther 5:2 Scripture reading: Esther 5:1-8 The two plans in Esther 5 have similarities. Both are devised by the wife of the powerful – Esther of Ahasuerus and Zereth of Haman. Both are to be carried out “the next day.” Yet their goals have a life-and-death difference; one gets realized, and one will not. Esther’s appearance contrasts Mordecai’s in chapter 4. In chapter 1, Queen Vasthi refused to stand in royal splendour before the calling king. Esther risks her life as one not royally called, but comes in royal splendour. Her exalted appearance before the king is fitting, but risk of death looms largely. Yet, Esther does not die. The sceptre is extended to her on this third day after fasting begins. Instead, she is first among God’s people to be delivered from death in the book of Esther. Risking her life by identifying with God’s people, Esther’s life-saving moment foreshadows encouragement to us, for her life is first of many to be saved. Esther risked her life, but Christ gave His life for God’s people and His covenant promises. Esther’s life is spared after three days; Christ’s is resurrected after three days – having clothed Himself in righteous robes to remove our humiliation, so we might be clothed in His saving robes. Esther was a first-fruits of deliverance from death, but the first-fruits of Christ’s resurrection grant us new life for eternity, and new life to serve Christ for today. Christ’s salvation is better, which is why He deserves our profession, our praise, and our practice of His Word daily. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving that Christ gives us the hope of resurrection as the first-fruits of the resurrection. Pray that the Lord will help you daily to live the new life worthy of the gospel as a believer in Christ Jesus. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 11 - The response of Esther

“I will go to the king, though it is against the law, and if I perish, I perish.” - Esther 4:16 Scripture reading: Esther 4:15-17 For the first time, Esther explicitly identifies herself with God’s people. Only she could get an audience with the king and make the saving difference, doing it by identifying with God’s people. She was between a rock and a hard place, just like Jacob was long ago in Genesis 43:14 when he gave Benjamin to his sons to be brought to the second in command before Pharaoh, Joseph. If he did not send Benjamin, the last of his sons, the people would perish. If he did send Benjamin, would Benjamin ever come back? “If I am bereaved, then I am bereaved,” says Jacob. Now this daughter of Benjamin would come before the second in command of the king, and the king, knowing her dilemma. Yet, who else would be able to come before the king and save his people but this daughter of Benjamin? No one! Likewise, our Christ was the only one who could come before the throne of grace and save us. Unlike Esther, He had to die in order to save His people so that they would not perish eternally. He did so as one who identified with His people, as one called the King of the Jews. Jesus is the One that we needed; He still identifies with us today as the true man and the true Israel, not ashamed to call us His brothers. In reflection of Christ, we need to find ourselves identified, not with the world, but with Christ and His people. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving that Christ is not ashamed to call you His brother (or sister). Pray that the Lord will help you even more to live in the spirit that says, “It is no longer I but Christ who lives in me” (Galatians 2:20). Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 10 - The challenge to Esther

“And who knows whether you have not come to the kingdom for such a time as this?” - Esther 4:14 Scripture reading: Esther 4:5-14 Esther feared for her life when Mordecai urged her to speak to the king. Queen Vashti refused to come into the king’s presence when called. Now Esther is afraid to come into the king’s presence, having not been called. But Mordecai persists. Identify with God’s people! Judgment comes to those who will not identify with the people of God. Your name will otherwise perish. Only Esther has two names in the book of Esther; this ties her back to Joseph, but also identifies her with two ways of life – the earthly kingdom and heavenly kingdom. Which will take priority now? Mordecai sees the bigger picture. He knows that deliverance will be provided, but he also ponders that Esther may have been placed in her position for such a time as this. Amid sacrifice, judgement may be averted; salvation versus annihilation may occur. Esther’s situation reminds us of Jesus Christ. If He had not taken up the cup of judgment in the fullness of time, all would have been lost for humanity and for creation. But because Jesus Christ took up the challenge that was given to Him, His name did not perish. He received the name that is above every name for being obedient unto death. In Jesus Christ, it is always the time for us to serve our God; such is our challenge every day, to see that we are where we are, not by chance, but by the Fatherly hand of God to serve Him. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving that in the fullness of time God’s Son was obedient unto death to save you. Pray that the Lord will use you where He has placed you now to serve Him well. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 9 - The approach to Esther

“When Mordecai learned all that had been done, Mordecai tore his clothes and put on sackcloth and ashes…” - Esther 4:1 Scripture reading: Esther 4:1-11 Our passage begins with Mordecai, whom we have seen as a Joseph figure and therefore a type of Jesus Christ. He is found in humiliation a far cry from the Joseph of Genesis 41:42, clothed in fine linen. Mordecai is in this humbled state – because of the judgment of the king to destroy God’s covenant people. Esther, however, is ignorant about what is happening, just like people are ignorant that Esther is a Jew. She proposes a solution for Mordecai. She brings him clothes. Mordecai informs Esther that now is not the time for exaltation; it is time for humiliation. Mordecai knew the times; Esther did not. A humble approach to God was the timely response to those who saw judgement coming. Today – as always – impending judgment from the Lord is promised to an impenitent spirit. A perverse view of sin, self and God moves people to live in pride and impenitence. If we follow Scripture, we know the times and then we live in humility, rejoicing in the humble Christ who lived to redeem us, glorifying Him, the Father, and the Spirit with worship. We humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may exalt us in due time (1 Peter 5:5). For Mordecai and Christ, a time of exaltation was coming, but humility comes before glory, which is why we are called to take up our cross and follow our Saviour. Part of the way that we do that is to worship the Lord each Lord’s Day. Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving if you can say by grace that God has helped you to understand the times in which you live. Pray that the Lord will continue to help you live humbly before Him, including the times when you hear the call to worship Him. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 8 - The plot against the Jews

“So, as they had made known to him the people of Mordecai, Haman sought to destroy all the Jews, the people of Mordecai, throughout the whole kingdo...

Daily devotional

February 7 - The plot against the king

“Bigthan and Teresh…became angry and sought to lay hands on King Ahasuerus. And this came to the knowledge of Mordecai…” - Esther 2:21-22 S...

Daily devotional

February 6 - The appealing candidate

“Now Esther was winning favor in the eyes of all who saw her.” - Esther 2:15 Scripture reading: Esther 2:5-18 In our passage, peace replac...

Daily devotional

February 5 - The advice that pleased the king

““And let the young woman who pleases the king be queen instead of Vashti.” This pleased the king, and he did so.” - Esther 2:4 Scripture...

Daily devotional

February 4 - The powerless edict

“He sent letters to all the royal provinces…that every man be master in his own household…” - Esther 1:22 Scripture reading: Esther 1:13-22 A royal conference is called to fix a problem that was not the fault of a woman in the first place, but of a man who did not manage his household well. The conference is comprised of worldly disciples, who are led by the abuse of alcoholic spirits instead of the Holy Spirit. In the process, they promote chaos instead of order by an oppressive law: “Husbands are gods to their wives, like Ahasuerus is a god to his bride and everything else. Every woman must always listen to her husband.” Willing wives of love are not wanted; compelled wives are. What chaos! What a contrast to the kingdom of Christ, whose gospel not only saves believing husbands and wives, but fills their households with sacrificial love and willing service, thanks to the sacrificial love of Christ. True men do not base their roles as husbands on a self-perceived absolute power, but rather on their Saviour who gave His life up for His bride, the church. Laws need not be passed, therefore, compelling women to submit to their husbands; they will do so willingly when they have Christ-like husbands who are willing to sacrifice for their wives and to please them. Such loving sacrifice is true power at work – not the power of the tyrant, but the power of someone touched by Christ’s love. Christ’s love is reflected in the home of a husband who heeds the call to lead in righteousness, devotion and love, not by compulsion and selfishness. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for Christ’s sacrificial love. Pray that Christ’s sacrificial love might be evident even more by Christian husbands, and by all of us who are called to be followers of Christ. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 3 - God’s providence prevails over the shame

“Let the king give her royal position to another who is better than she.” - Esther 1:19 Scripture reading: Esther 1:13-22 As we reflect on this shameful summons by Ahasuerus, we also learn how God in His providence uses this shame for His glory. While drunken cohorts declare worldly wisdom about a better one than Vashti, God is preparing a better one to come “for such a time as this” (Esther 4:14). God’s name is never mentioned in Esther; nevertheless, His good plans for His glory and His people in Christ are evident – even amid foolishness. Others plot evil, yet God’s goodness prevails. This is not the only time, of course, that God uses shameful times for His glory. The greatest example was when the kings of the earth plotted against God and His Christ at the cross (Psalm 2), and yet the One in heaven laughs as He works these devices to His praise. In the shame of the cross, God triumphs over sinful humanity’s plans. As we await the day when sin will be no more, we can rest assured that God is still working His superior plans for His glory, and for the good of His own in Christ despite the evils of humanity. God’s providence was at work in the days of Esther for the sake of His covenant promises in the Christ to come, and His providence continues to be at work in our days for the sake of His covenant promises fulfilled in the coming of the Christ – the Lord Jesus Himself. What good news for all those who trust in this Saviour-King! Suggestions for Prayer Pray that the Lord will help you keep a proper perspective on the world around you, knowing that though the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. Pray with thanksgiving that this is our Father’s world in Christ. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 2 - A shameful summons

“…the heart of the king was merry with wine…” - Esther 1:10 Scripture reading: Esther 1:10-12 The drunken king of worldly power summons his bride to his banquet table to shame her. Shame on any husband who shames his wife! Yet this is the shameful picture of the husband-king, who holds sway over the world, but does not even know how to manage his own household with love and respect. Vashti’s non-conformity is a right reaction to this shameful abuse and speaks to the limit of Ahasuerus’ power. He had no authority to shame her, for he was under God’s law. His summons pointed to his recklessness, and how the state’s authority – or any authority – goes only so far, particularly when it comes to marriage matters. His is the abuse of power and of God’s order. The kingdom of man differs from the kingdom of God and His Christ, who calls His bride to Himself with all authority – not to shame her in recklessness, but to cover her shame with His saving righteousness. Vashti rightly refused the banquet call. However, we are wrong to refuse to come to Christ’s banquet. He calls us out of our shame to commune with Him forever. Every Lord’s Day we get a foretaste of that communion as we are lifted in worship into heavenly places, where Christ dwells at His Father’s right hand. Refusing the call to worship is to our shame, even as refusing Christ leaves us in our sinful shame. May the call to worship in the presence of our great Husband-King be our delight today. Suggestions for prayer Petition the Heavenly Father that you might find joy each Lord’s Day to worship in the presence of your great Saviour-King. Give thanks to God for providing Christ so that your shameful sin might be covered by His righteousness. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

February 1 - Introduction to the book of Esther

The book of Esther is well-known as the book in Scripture where the name of God is never mentioned, but where the providential hand of the covenant God is explicitly at work for the sake of His covenant promises to His people, fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Sermons on God’s providence have served to edify God’s people in Christ over the years—to know that while the wrong seems oft so strong, God is the ruler yet. The book of Esther does not disappoint us when it comes to providing that sort of providential consolation. At the same time, Esther challenges people who think they can scuttle the plans of God for His people in Christ, to heed the call to “Kiss the Son, lest He be angry” (Psalm 2:12), since those who seek to take counsel against God and His Christ take on such counsel in vain. The episodes of Esther remind us of the exploits and times of Joseph in Genesis. As they do, they will also remind us of Christ, who came in humility to deliver His people so that in Him they might find the rest of Christ, that the feast of Purim at the end of the book typifies. May this be a month of devotions that consoles you greatly as we focus on God’s saving and providential ways in Christ Jesus! Superficial splendour “…he showed…the splendour and pomp of his greatness for many days…” - Esther 1:4 Scripture reading: Esther 1:1-9 The Book of Esther opens with King Ahasuerus, who treasured his earthly power and wealth. These are trivial in comparison to the glorious riches and kingdom of God in Christ Jesus. It is easy to envy such worldly prowess. When we do, we follow Ahasuerus – we value the trivial. King Ahasuerus was big outwardly, but small inwardly. He was rich toward things, but not toward God. His kingdom was superficial, based on the temporary, not on the everlasting kingdom of Christ. Proper prioritizing is always challenging. We can value friends, family, work, or play more than God’s worship. In our society, community, gender, colour, and nationality come before Christ and His church. Pursuits and passions can be so misplaced; then we wonder why life becomes so chaotic. What our treasure should be is the kingdom of Christ – the pearl of great price. Nothing is more precious than to know that Christ’s blood was shed for our sin, and that we belong to Him in life and in death. While we might envy the world and what it owns, it is the world that should envy us, when we belong to Christ. We are to take joy in being part of the kingdom that never fades, and to produce fruits in the vine of Christ – fruit that will last for the King of kings who reigns forever. Suggestions for prayer Petition the Lord that He may help you daily to keep your Christian priorities straight and that more and more people may come to cherish what it means to belong to Jesus Christ in life and in death. Rev. John Vermeer is Pastor Emeritus of Doon United Reformed Church in Doon, Iowa and is currently living in Cedar Lake, Indiana. He has served churches in Kansas, Iowa, and Illinois over the course of 34 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

January 31 - Meeting the LORD

“Then we who are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And thus we shall always be with ...

Daily devotional

January 30 - The great commission

““Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit teaching them...

Daily devotional

January 29 - The life giving Lord

“And so it is written, “The first man Adam became a living being.” The last Adam became a life-giving spirit.” - 1 Corinthians 15:45 Scri...

Daily devotional

January 28 - Unpopular judgement

“Thus says the Lord of hosts, the God of Israel: ‘Behold, I will bring on this city and on all her towns all the doom that I have pronounced again...

Daily devotional

January 27 - Life in Christ

“He who finds his life will lose it, and he who loses his life for My sake will find it.” - Matthew 10:39 Scripture reading: Matthew 10:34-42 As the New Year unfolds, we will be making choices every day. Many are minor; some are major. One of the most important choices we make is: how will I live? Will I live for myself? Will I live just to get the things of this world? If that is all you are looking for, you may get what you desire, but Jesus says that you will lose your life. Strong words, indeed. Jesus calls His disciples to a life of sacrifice. There is no mistaking Jesus' words. If we are unwilling to give our lives in service to the Lord and His kingdom, then Jesus declares that we are not really following Him. That sacrifice, however, is not a source of pain and sorrow, as worldly people might view it, rather it is the choice that leads to life! Only Jesus can secure your eternal destiny. When you give your life a sacrifice for Him, it is evidence that you are, indeed, His disciple. He promises that you will find life eternal in Him. What is that promise worth to you? The Lord tells you: choose life. Dare to sacrifice the things of earth to gain, by God's grace, the joy of heaven. In the days ahead, ask yourself, “What have I lost for Christ's sake. What sacrifice have I made?” By the power of God's Spirit at work within you, choose to sacrifice your most treasured possession, your worldly relationships, anything for the sake of Jesus, your Saviour and King and your loving service to Him. Suggestions for prayer Pray for wisdom to make the right choices each day of the life God gives you. Seek the guidance you need to know what must be sacrificed in your heart and life in obedience to the words of Jesus in our text. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 - Celebrating life eternal

“Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.” - Colossians 3:16 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:1-7 Our Scripture reading today praises the risen and ascended Lord Jesus Christ, now seated at the Father's right hand. This is not just something that we can read and vaguely think about, but, as the chapter clearly teaches, this causes a reaction in the hearts and lives of all those who follow Jesus in faith. Has it caused a reaction in you? A true follower of Jesus wants to praise and worship the Saviour and grow in His grace. That does not happen by accident. Rather, it is something we strive for and this is good to reflect upon today, the Lord's Day, the day of resurrection. This is the day when Christians gather to worship with praise, singing and listening to Biblical teaching as God's Word is read and proclaimed in the midst of His gathered people. You, Christian, are called to set your mind on things above, to live a renewed life, and to let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another. That is why your presence at worship is so important. Do not fall for the false teaching, so popular today, which says that worship is optional. That is not at all so. Hearing God's Word proclaimed allows the Word to dwell within your heart, to motivate you, instruct you, correct you, challenge you and comfort you. Do not deprive yourself of that blessing by neglecting to come to worship whenever the doors of God's House are open. Be a faithful worshipper! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to work within your heart and soul that you will be one who worships in spirit and in truth this Lord's Day. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 25 - The victory

Psalm 16:10 For You will not leave my soul in Sheol, nor will You allow Your Holy One to see corruption. Scripture reading: Psalm 16:1-11 Tomorrow, the Lord's Day, comes with a call to worship in God's House. Christians worship a living Lord. In the Father's plan for the salvation of His chosen people, His Son would have to suffer and die. This Jesus did. In our text, though, David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, prophesied that death was not the ultimate destiny of Christ, nor of those who are His disciples. Christ could say in confidence to the Father: You will not leave my soul in Sheol. Christ rose from the dead. No decay, no corruption could touch the Holy One of God. By faith, we who share in the righteousness of Christ can also be confident. Although in earthly life we must endure trials and sorrows, although our physical bodies are weak, and at last we die, yet we know that in Christ we are delivered. We have the consolation that, as disciples of Jesus, we, like our Master, will not experience eternal corruption, but we will inherit eternal life and rise at the Last Day glorified and new. May this wonderful promise motivate you to serve the Lord faithfully. May the great consolation that you, if you are a believer, have in Christ Jesus, motivate you to love, serve and worship the Lord. That is the Victory we have in Christ. Those who experience it find that their hearts are filled with a desire to praise and worship the living Lord. May you go up to God's House to worship tomorrow in that spirit of Victory in Jesus Christ, the living Saviour! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His promise of eternal life. Pray for God to work within you and to give you the spirit of Victory in Jesus. Praise Him and prepare to worship Him tomorrow in church. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 24 - Looking for life

“And as we have borne the image of the man of dust, we shall also bear the image of the heavenly Man.” - 1 Corinthians 15:49 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 15:35-50 Last year saw massive migration movements of people around the world. No doubt this will be true in 2025 also. People are looking for safety, for economic opportunities, for a better life for themselves and their families. In their search many are willing to run great risks. What are you searching for this New Year? Christians seek to “bear the image of the heavenly man.” By nature we share in the image of Adam, the man of dust. We share his sinful nature. The glorious message of the Gospel, however, is that those made spiritually alive by the Spirit will, by grace through faith, share in the image of Christ Jesus, the heavenly Man. As the New Year unfolds, what sort of life are you looking for? Whose image do you seek to bear? Christ Jesus is the fountain of life, the risen Saviour. Let us seek to bear His likeness. In your life, hatred, anger, selfishness (characteristics of the man of dust) must be replaced by faith, hope and love, which are the blessed virtues of the heavenly Man. In the days ahead, seek to bear the image of the heavenly Man. Replace self-will with dependence on the Word of God, the Lord's revealed will. Replace time wasted on self with true devotion to the Lord and an active life in His church. Replace arguments and ill-will at home with the joy and peace of Christian family life. Seek to determine in practical ways in your own life how you can bear the image of the heavenly Man. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to touch your heart and life now so that you will look to Him for the power to live a life that reflects the image of Christ Jesus: whole, complete, satisfying, joyful and new. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 23 - The path of glory

“Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we shall also live with Him.” - Romans 6:8 Scripture reading: Romans 6:1-11 Each of us, you t...

Daily devotional

January 22 - How are you feeling?

“Therefore, since Christ suffered for us in the flesh, arm yourselves also with the same mind, for he who has suffered in the flesh has ceased from ...

Daily devotional

January 21 - Children of the Lord

“My covenant I will not break, nor alter the word that has gone out of My lips. Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David: His seed ...

Daily devotional

January 20 - Jesus’ sheep

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” - Psalm 23:6 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

January 19 - Jesus, our priest

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed. We all, like sheep, have gone astray, each of us has turned to our own way; and the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all.” - Isaiah 53:5,6 Scripture reading: Isaiah 53:1-6 On this third Lord's Day of the New Year, we are called to worship the Almighty in His house of prayer in the midst of His people. What do we need there? We need a listening ear to hear God's Word, we need to focus our attention on the prayers offered, we need to sing God's praise (even if our voice is just a joyful noise), and we need to give our thank offerings. One thing we do not need, however, is a human priest. We true Christians have but one priest; He is Jesus, the divine Son of God, our great High Priest of the New Covenant. As Isaiah prophesied, he gave Himself in His perfect sacrifice, once offered on Calvary's cross. There He bore the weight of our sins by providing a totally worthy sacrifice. May your time at worship this day clearly remind you that we stand represented by Jesus, the Christ of God, our only High Priest. We need no further sacrifice for sin, for Jesus paid it all. Let us thank God this day and every day that His love toward us, His people, is so great that He sent His Son to be our priest, the one to represent us, to stand in our place and to die that we might live. In faith and with heartfelt prayer, offer to God this day in worship your full trust in His saving grace and in the all sufficient merits of Christ. He alone is our priest and sacrifice together in His One Person. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to open the spiritual eyes of those who think they need a human priest to intercede for them. Pray that the Lord will direct you to find all that you need in His Son, our great and only High Priest. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 - The only Saviour

“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—how is it that you are turning back to those weak and miserable forces.” - Galatians 4:8,9 Scripture reading: Galatians 4:1-11 Toleration and compromise are hailed by many, perhaps most today, as the greatest virtues of all. All around us we see adherents of false religions. Some are fanatical, but many and surely the vast majority of those who hold no fixed religious beliefs, believe that all religions lead people to heaven, or at least to peace with a “god.” We Christians know, however, that there can be no compromise here. Either Jesus is the complete Saviour, or He is no Saviour at all. Where do you take your stand? In Galatia, at the time of the Apostle Paul, the Gentiles there were, and had been for ages, slaves to idols, who by nature are not gods. Now some were Christians, praise God! They faced a temptation, though, to fall into the thinking of, “Well, I can have Jesus and maybe still keep some trust in my old gods.” Here in our text the Apostle tells them this is impossible. It is impossible today too. As you prepare for worship tomorrow, search your heart carefully. We all face temptations, in one way or another, to put our faith and trust in someone or something other than Christ Jesus. Those who fall into this trap live in spiritual bondage, slaves to their own human ideas of religion, namely, false religion in all its aspects. Let there be no compromise! As a Christian recognize Jesus alone as your complete Saviour. Put your trust in Him, His Word and His power alone, which saves us. Suggestions for Prayer Pray for the Spirit's work to prepare your heart for worship tomorrow, the Lord's Day. Seek His help to root out all false religion, all vain hopes, and ask Him to guide you to faith without compromise in Jesus, the only Saviour. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 17 - A King’s worth

“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.” - Isaiah 9:7 Scripture reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 In 2025, the king business is not what it used to be. The wars and revolutions of the 20th and 21st centuries have greatly depressed the market for kings. Oh there are some left, and it's a well paying job with lots of perks for those who have it, but nowadays, the few kings that are left are mostly just figureheads, symbolic heads of state. There is one king, however, who today rules in might and splendour. One king is powerful and mighty, and He establishes justice and rules with judgment. This is, of course, King Jesus. We Christians celebrate the fact that Jesus is our King, the Son of David, born to reign in us forever. When He establishes His Kingdom in a human heart- in your heart- He removes sin and gives the gift of grace. King Jesus brings His people matchless blessings. Your calling and mine as Christians is to be sure, as the days of this new year go by, that Jesus is ruling our hearts and that by His divine grace we share in His righteousness. Let us exercise our faith, then, to welcome Jesus' rule as King of our hearts and lives. He is the ruler of our lives, and we rejoice to be His subjects, as part of His eternal Kingdom. Those who truly belong to the Lord serve a living King, the Lord Jesus Christ. May He rule in your heart and life, unchallenged and supreme. Suggestions for prayer Seek the powerful working of the Holy Spirit to submit gladly and faithfully to the rule of Christ in your heart and life. Ask the Lord to work in true churches around the world to keep themselves in full submission to Him. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 16 - Nobody is perfect

“For I was born a sinner— yes, from the moment my mother conceived me.” - Psalm 51:5 Scripture reading: Psalm 51:1-9 One of the most common excuses you will hear this year and which will fall from your lips too is: Nobody is Perfect. People constantly use this as an excuse for misdeeds, foul words and lack of concern for others. While it is certainly true that no one is perfect, this is not an excuse, rather it is an accusation. All people are sinners who have offended God and are in peril of punishment. As Christian people, enlightened by God's Word, we know that by nature sin affects and infects our whole being. No human excuse will be accepted. No surface remedy will cure the curse of sin. There is no person in this world, no created being in Heaven, no thought we can think, no deed we can do, that can remove the stain of sin. When we know this truth, we know our desperate need of our Saviour. Only Jesus can save! When at some point in this new year you hear the expression “Nobody is Perfect” remember how true that is. Remember it is not an excuse, but it is an accusation. By nature we are sinners in deeds, in actions and in words. People who are not perfect are worthy only of God's justice, of His punishment in this life and in the next. It is vital then, to have Jesus as your Saviour, because He alone is able to atone for all your sins, By God's grace, find in Jesus the One you need, because the truth is: you are not perfect, but He is! Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Spirit will enlighten you to recognize clearly that you are not perfect and that you need Jesus to be your Saviour. Pray for those around you (family, friends, co-workers, neighbours) who do not yet know their need for the Lord's salvation. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 15 - The Lordship of Christ

“Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God’s royal son.” - Psalm 2:11-12 Scripture reading: Psalm 2:1-12 ...

Daily devotional

January 14 - Power over fear

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” - Luke 12:32 Scripture reading: Luke 12:22-34 ...

Daily devotional

January 13 - Refusing Christ, refusing life

“…yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” - John 5:40 Scripture reading: John 5:30-40 If you have reached this point in our Nearer t...

Daily devotional

January 12 - Jesus saves

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

January 11 - Powerful trust

“Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God.” - Psalm 20:7 Scripture reading: Psalm 20:1-9 We Christians are blessed to have the most powerful trust of all: a wholehearted faith in Jesus Christ, the only Saviour. When we trust Jesus to deliver us, we escape the vicious circle of disappointment that worldly people experience as one by one their earthly trusts are betrayed. Those who trust in Jesus are never disappointed, rather they gain a wonderful confidence and peace. Those who trust in earthly schemes, weapons, human reasoning, secular politicians, biased professors and other academics are sure to have their trust betrayed just like those in David's day, who trusted in chariots and horses. Sadly, those who will not put their trust in God, will trust anyone or anything that catches their fancy, no matter how fatally flawed. As a child of God, wisely avoid that trap and put your trust in the Lord alone. In Jesus we find all things necessary for our salvation in this world and in the world to come. Those who put their trust in Jesus find that they share in the most powerful trust of all, because the Lord will never disappoint us. Jesus alone is faithful and able to protect us, to surround us with divine care, to lift us up in sorrow and earthly trials, and to bestow forgiveness and eternal life. In the days ahead, put your trust in God, not in human plans or promises. The more you trust Jesus, the greater will be your spiritual strength, your peace of heart, your experience of pardon, and your joy in the Lord's salvation! Suggestions for prayer Pray for wisdom to turn away from all worldly powers to which the evil one seeks to direct you. Pray that the Holy Spirit will direct you to trust in Jesus alone. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 - Starting with hope

“Now may our Lord Jesus Christ himself, and God our Father, who loved us and gave us eternal comfort and good hope through grace, comfort your hearts and establish them in every good work and word.” - 2 Thessalonians 2:16,17 Scripture reading: 2 Thessalonians 2:13-17 As this New Year unfolds, we look forward to the Lord strengthening us. Surely we need that help in 2025. Our text speaks to us of the good hope that we have, a gift of God, which comes to us through God's amazing grace. Our hope is the expectation we have for the future. Good hope is a positive attitude, a deep rooted feeling of joy, since we know that God will do great and good things for us, His people. David knew that feeling as he composed Psalm 31:24, “Be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord.” Daily let your prayer rise up to the Lord Almighty for hope to sustain us in each day that He gives us. When the Apostle Paul wrote this inspired epistle to the Thessalonians, he wrote that God gave them this gift of hope. They had it. Thankfully we Christians of the 21st century can testify to this also. The Lord has been good to us, and in the confidence of faith, we continue to pray to God for the blessing of hope, so that we can have a positive outlook on life, a life which trusts that God is in control. God only gives us the encouragement and strength we need. Look to the Lord, asking Him in humble prayer for His gift of hope, so that strong in faith, sound in doctrine, faithful in good deeds and encouraged in heart, we will live with hearts filled with hope, as we follow Jesus in true discipleship. Suggestions for prayer Seek God's gracious help through prayer for a heart, directed by faith, which is filled with good hope. Ask Him for confidence as you await His will to unfold in your life. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 9 - The path ahead

“Thus says the Lord: “Stand by the roads, and look, and ask for the ancient paths, where the good way is; and walk in it, and find rest for your souls. But they said, ‘We will not walk in it.’” - Jeremiah 6:16 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 6:16-21 God wants us not only to know the right path: the ancient path where the good was, is the Covenant of Grace. He also wants us to walk in it. This means that we repent from the sin of walking in the wicked way of worldliness. We must decidedly turn off the wicked way of sin, and by the grace of God turn onto the way of salvation through faith in Jesus Christ. If you have ever read the New Testament, then you know the way. The path has been revealed to you. In this world, however, the problem is that too many know the path of life, but they do not walk in it. They let things big and small, unnecessary doubts and fears, self-will, unconfessed sins become a hindrance to them. We can take a lesson from the inhabitants of Judah who said, “We will not walk in it.” The result was that each passing year grew worse for Judah, until at last they were destroyed. Let nothing hinder you or make you turn aside. Stand by the road; come alive in Christ. Look and see with eyes of faith. See the straight and narrow path that leads to life. Its gate opens only at the Name of Jesus and leads to the Holy City, the new Jerusalem of God. Ask about it. It is ancient and well known, for the Bible speaks plainly about it. Walk in it. Travel forward in the fellowship of faith in Jesus. He is the way, the truth and the life. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to enlighten you as you read the Scriptures, so that you will know the true path of life and walk in it. Pray that those around you, family and friends, will likewise find the path of life and walk in it. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 8 - The Lord’s will

“Instead you ought to say, “If the Lord wills, we will live and do this or that.”” - James 4:15 Scripture reading: James 4:13-16 For believers, God and His divine will should be so much a part of daily experience, that we consciously acknowledge it each step of life's way. Christians are to make a point of acknowledging the plan and power of God. This is true for our walk with God now and it is also true for the future, as a New Year stretches out before us. It's not merely a matter of saying, “If it is God's will.” Mere words are easily said and can be an empty habit. It is, rather, a matter of a heart which loves the Lord. It is the experience of a heart of faith that knows it is in God that we live and move and have our being. Living in that faith, we place our life, our hopes and plans for the future in God's hands. We humbly declare our wholehearted willingness to serve the Lord, trust and obey Him, and live in His will. As a New Year has begun, time stretches before us like a road into the distance. What kind of road will it be for us in 2025? We don't know, but God does. Christian, may God bless you in 2025 with a good life and crown your life with success. In all your living and in all your accomplishments, be humble and thankful to the Lord. By His will alone you are able to walk down the path He wants you to travel. Now and always, in all that you say, do and plan, seek God's will. Suggestions for Prayer Pray for true humility not just merely to accept, but rather to obediently live in God's will now and always. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 7 - A new walk with Jesus

“The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people t...

Daily devotional

January 6 - Expecting the best

“…therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” - Matthew 24:44 Scripture reading: Matthew 24...

Daily devotional

January 5 - Renewing our strength

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall ...

Daily devotional

January 4 - New wine

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But ne...

Daily devotional

January 3 - New Year’s resolutions

“Again, a new commandment I write to you, which thing is true in Him and in you, because the darkness is passing away, and the true light is already shining.” - 1 John 2:8 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:1-11 As Christians, we walk in newness of life. We want a new song in our hearts. At the start of 2025 it is good to think of this, since the past is past and the future stretches out before us. The birth, life, death and resurrection of Jesus, marks a turning point in history. The Spirit of the Lord applies the perfect work of Christ Jesus to us, His disciples. There is a change that must take place in our hearts and souls, if we are going to live by a new commandment this year. The Apostle, inspired by the Holy Spirit, tells us that this new commandment is to show love. We must shine with the loving light of Christ. The darkness of sin: personal shortcomings, hatreds are passing away, not passed away; we are not yet perfect. Rather passing away, because Jesus, the light of the world, has come and completed His ministry of love for His people, and His Spirit is at work within us to renew us. If you desire a happy 2025, live each day by an old, yet new, commandment: love God above all and your neighbour as yourself. Exercise Christian love in your homes, your congregations, when you interact with family and neighbours. That is the challenge put before you in our text. Only those who turn to Jesus will be able to live by this new commandment. Find newness of life in Him and then live out your faith in practical, Christian living. Make that your prayer in this new year. Suggestions for prayer Pray for a Spirit-directed resolution to live by the new commandment. Pray for opportunities to show the love of Jesus to those around you: family, friends, coworkers, neighbours. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 - A sanctified start

“So it was, when the days of feasting had run their course, that Job would send and sanctify them, and he would rise early in the morning and offer burnt offerings according to the number of them all. For Job said, “It may be that my sons have sinned and cursed God in their hearts.” Thus Job did regularly.” - Job 1:5 Scripture reading: Job 1:1-5 For many, the Old Year ended with celebrating, and that drew my attention to our text. We read in the opening verses of Job that his children lived in luxury. Daily they held a feast. Weekly their hospitality continued. When each cycle had run its course, Job knew he had to do something. He knew his children were not perfect. Sin easily enters into celebrations. Before we go further into the New Year, we do well to consider our standing, and that of our families, before the Lord. Maybe in our celebrations this season, we have sinned. Can we enter a New Year with a burden of sin upon our hearts? No. Surely it is the desire of every disciple of Jesus that we have a sanctified (that is, holy) start before God, as we advance into the New Year. The Spirit of God gave Job to see that a sanctified life (a life dedicated to God) is no once in a while thing. That is why Job gathered his family for a time of worship with a sacrifice every week. It was his constant practice. May the year 2025 be off for a good start for you. Know your need: you must be sanctified. Offer to the Lord a sacrifice of prayer and praise each week as you attend worship. Above all, look to Jesus and His sacrifice to cleanse and renew you. As a forgiven disciple, enter into the New Year with your burdens removed, your sin pardoned, your heart encouraged and your life set in the right direction. Suggestions for prayer Seek the Lord's forgiveness through the sacrifice of our Saviour. Pray for discipleship that seeks worship, fellowship and forgiveness week by week. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 new year!

For those of us who follow a calendar basically inherited from the ancient Romans, this month of January marks the start of the New Year. We Christians do not follow the Old Testament calendar, which marks a new year near the beginning of autumn. (Rosh Hashanah - in 2025 this falls on September 22). Although there is no Biblical demand that we celebrate the New Year starting on January 1, this holiday does mark an event in human life, noted around the world, which should cause us to reflect on the passing of time and our responsibility before God to use our time wisely. It is my hope and intention that this month of devotionals will do exactly that: urging us on to spiritual reflection and serious consideration of our use of the time God gives us throughout the course of our earthly lives, as each day that we receive is a gift from the Lord of time and eternity. May God bless us, one and all, in this Year of Our Lord 2025. First things first “But seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things will be added to you.: - Matthew 6:33 Scripture reading: Matthew 6:25-33 Today is the start of a New Year! All of 2025 stretches before us. We prayed our first prayer, ate our first meal. Many attended the first worship service of 2025 this morning. In our text, Jesus calls us to seek, before all else, a living relationship with Jesus by seeking His kingdom and His righteousness. That relationship is not just going to fall into our lap. Those who treat Christianity as a minor aspect of their existence, who do not faithfully attend church, who never pray or open their Bibles are not going to find the power, beauty and joy of a life lived fully in God's kingdom. Jesus' command is: Seek first! Right at the top of your agenda for 2025 must be a willingness to invest time and energy in God's Kingdom. Also, we are to seek “His righteousness.” Here is a challenge for us all. Often we seek God's forgiveness, but how often do we actively seek His righteousness? The Lord calls us to live a holy Christian life. A righteous life is a powerful witness of our Lord Jesus Christ. It is vital for ourselves, our families, our congregations and our witness that we seek Christ's righteousness in all we say and do in 2025 and onward through life. Seek first His kingdom and His righteousness. May that be your guiding light in this New Year. Rise to the challenge. Dare to live by Christ's high standard. Those who do, will not lose, for “all these things will be added to you.” Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to work His sovereign will in your heart, mind, and soul so that as 2025 unfolds you will, indeed, put first things first. Pray for wisdom to make God's kingdom and righteousness the first priority of your life. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. 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 31 - The Bride and Spirit in sync

“The Spirit and the Bride say, “Come.” And let the one who hears say, “Come.” And let the one who is thirsty come, let the one who desires take the water of life without price.” - Revelation 22:17 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:12-21 Here, at the end of the book, we are not in the vision any longer. The Spirit of God and the bride (not the Lamb’s wife) are together in their longing for the completion of the plan of God, where everything will be in submission to God, as Ephesians 1 talks about. In response to the vision, the body of believers, whom the Spirit has united in faith, longs for the coming of Jesus to make all things new, and to see the destruction of the wicked. We pray, “Thy Kingdom Come, Thy Will be Done!” Let this full salvation come quickly. Amid our longing, we extend with John the invitation. Anyone who is thirsty for the abundant and free life, whoever longs to know forgiveness and mercy and righteousness and love, let him drink the water of life without price. Christ has paid the price, and all may come to Jesus to find life. Free salvation is offered. Just believe that Christ has accomplished justification for confessing sinners on the cross. As the Heidelberg Catechism says, “All I need to do is accept this gift of God with a believing heart.” Jesus makes everything new. He makes us new creations. This whole creation will be renewed to the glory of God. All who long for this, who work for this, take heart. Jesus is coming soon. We invite all sinners to repent, believe and enjoy the abundant and eternal life found in Jesus. Amen. Come, Lord Jesus! Suggestions for prayer As you anticipate a new year, pray that your anticipation may, more importantly, be for the day of Christ’s appearing and the new creation! In this hope, purify yourself as He is pure (John 3:3) Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 30 - His reward is with him

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” - Revelation 22:12 Scripture reading: Rev...

Daily devotional

December 29 - Keeping the vision

“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” - Revelation 22:7 Scripture reading: Rev...

Daily devotional

December 28 - His name on our foreheads

“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” - Revelation 22:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-5 The blessedness ...

Daily devotional

December 27 - The trees of life

“Also, on either side of the river, the tree of life, with its twelve kinds of fruits, yielding its fruit each month. The leaves of the tree were fo...

Daily devotional

December 26 - The river of life

“Then the angel showed me the river of the water of life, bright as crystal, flowing from the throne of God and of the Lamb through the middle of the city.” - Revelation 22:1-2a Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-5 The beauty of the church is her fellowship with God. The Lamb’s wife, for eternity, shall live with Him and He with her. The church is here described as a garden (paradise) inside the city, as it were, and we first see the River of Life. The river of the water of life flows from the throne of God and the Lamb, and down the middle of the great street of the city. A River of Life! Life is essentially found in fellowship with God, something we have on the merits of Christ’s life and work. Jesus said, “If any man thirst, let him come to me and drink. Whoever believes in me, as the scripture has said, ‘Out of his heart will flow rivers of living water.’ Now this He said about the Spirit, whom those who believed in him were to receive, for as yet the Spirit had not been given, because Jesus was not yet glorified” (John 7:37-39). In the paradise of God, a river flowing from the Throne symbolizes that the Triune God is our eternal source of life and strength. In Ezekiel 47, the river flowed from the temple, the presence of God into all the world to gather the elect. In glory, we will have pure fellowship with the Triune God because of the work of the Spirit poured out by the glorified Christ and the Father. One life, through the Spirit, fills all believers, uniting us in fellowship with the Triune God. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to fulfill His promises speedily and thank Him for His Spirit Who is a guarantee of our eternal inheritance found in Christ alone. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 25 - Christ, the light of the world

“And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives its light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:23 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-27 Today, we celebrate the incarnation of Christ as the Light of the world. In the new heavens and earth, where our dwelling with God will be perfect, we shall see clearly, for we shall see Christ, Who is the light of God, face to face, and He shall illumine all things. Now we see as through a glass darkly, but then we shall see clearly. No temple is in the city, because God dwells with His people and they with Him in perfect fellowship. There is no sun or moon because Christ Himself perfectly radiates God. The glory of God radiates everywhere, so the nations walk in His light. Haggai prophesied a day when God would shake the earth and the wealth of the nations would pour into the temple. Believers are the precious jewels that come pouring into this radiant fellowship with God. John sees the gates of the city open, and people from all nations entering. But no one and nothing evil shall be found within the gates, within the wall. Only the glory and honour of the nations, those whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life, are found in this city. All impurity, falsehood and what is detestable will not be found in the city coming down out of heaven. If we have done shameful, impure things, do we have hope? Yes, there is forgiveness in Christ, Who took on flesh to bear our guilt. Everyone who trusts Him has their name written in the Lamb’s book of life. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the birth of Jesus, Who took on flesh to take away our guilt so that we could be restored to perfect fellowship with God. Thank God for the purity we have in Jesus, and our eternal fellowship with our Triune God. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 24 - A view of the city #2

“And I saw no temple in the city, for its temple is the Lord God the Almighty and the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:22 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-27 As we read the description of the city for the third time we certainly must see that its description is rather fluid. The wall is jasper, clear as crystal. Jasper is usually green, red, or blue, but here it is like a crystal, so pure. The city itself is made of gold, but pure gold, like clear glass. The wall has 12 foundations, and 12 angels at the 12 gates. The names of Israel’s tribes are on the gates, and the names of the apostles on the foundations. Each gate is a single pearl. The idea portrayed is that the church is a combination of Old and New Testament believers, perfectly united in faith in Christ. Ephesians 2 says, “Consequently you are no longer foreigners and aliens, but fellow citizens with God's people and members of God's household, built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, with Christ Jesus Himself as the chief cornerstone. In Him the whole building is joined together and rises to become a holy temple in the Lord. And in Him you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit.” The church is portrayed as a city, not because she is made of buildings, but because she is a new society, a sharp contrast to Babylon. Babylon’s work, recreation, art and education was all for the glory of man, but the church exists for the glory of God. People come from all directions into this unity with Christ! So beautiful! Suggestions for prayer As you reflect on Christ’s first coming, remember that He came to earth to bring us to heaven. Pray for His second coming, when all the elect shall be gathered in and the church will be complete, one in Christ. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 23 - A view of the city #1

“ showed me the holy city Jerusalem coming down out of heaven from God, having the glory of God, its radiance like a most rare jewel, like a jasper, clear as crystal.” - Revelation 21:10b-11 Scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-21 We see the city, the bride of the lamb, as it is coming down out of heaven from God. This is the Church that was built by Christ, whose inheritance is kept in heaven with Christ, and He shall bring it to completion on the glorious day. It is filled with the glory of God, a radiant, clear crystal. The church has been made pure and perfectly radiates the glory of God! This city is a perfect cube, 1380 miles in every direction. Traveling 55 miles per hour it would take 24 hours to cross the city, which stretches the approximate distance from Nags Head, NC, to Salina, Kansas, from Southern Maine to North Florida, and then as high. The church is immense, a number we cannot count. John is not seeing a literal city, but a symbol of the victorious church, the Lamb’s wife. The church does not live in the city, but the city is the church who dwells in perfect harmony with God. The beauty of the church here is our perfect fellowship with the Triune God. As Revelation 21:3 says, “Now the dwelling of God is with men, and He will live with them. They will be His people, and God Himself shall be with them and be their God.” No more tears, death or pain. All will be new. On earth we are the bride, but we will be the lamb’s wife, perfectly reflecting the glory of our Transcendent God. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His work in bringing His church to completion. Thank Jesus for coming in humility to take away our sins, so that we may look forward to the glory that shall be ours when He comes again. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 22 - The vision of the bride

“Come, I will show you the Bride, the wife of the Lamb.” - Revelation 21:9b Scripture reading: Revelation 21:9-27 When the Queen of Sheba ...

Daily devotional

December 21 - Trustworthy and true words

“It is done! I am the Alpha and the Omega, the beginning and the end. To the thirsty I will give from the spring of the water of life without paymen...

Daily devotional

December 20 - The new heavens and the new earth II

Daily devotional

December 19 - The new heavens and the new earth I

“Then I saw a new heaven and a new earth, for the first heaven and the first earth had passed away, and the sea was no more.” - Revelation 21:1 ...

Daily devotional

December 18 - Day of judgement

“Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it … And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened … and the dead were judged by what was written in the books.” - Revelation 20:11, 12 Scripture reading: Revelation 20:11-15 Today we catch a glimpse of the day of judgment. We see the great throne and Him Who was seated on it. Creation is seen to flee from God’s presence and it is as if all people were left ‘alone’ before the Judge. All are here; even the sea, and death and hades give up the dead. No one misses judgment day! Then the books opened, including a book of life. All who have died were judged, along with all who are yet living, by what was written in the books, according to what they had done, which reflects what was in their hearts. We see Death itself and Hades thrown into the Lake of fire, along with everyone whose name was not written in the book of life. All who believe, whose sins are covered in the Lamb’s blood, whose names are written in the Lamb’s book of life from before the foundation of the world (see chapter 13:8), are saved. Not because they are worthy, but because God graciously gave them faith and life eternal, clothing them in the righteousness of Christ, and they believed and followed Jesus, striving to live as He lived, loving and forgiving as He loved and forgave them. Jesus secured their salvation in His death, resurrection, and ascension. He loses none of those who are His. Believe this and rejoice in the certainty of Christ’s work! Don’t fear the final judgment: your Judge is your Redeemer. Only those who do not believe need fear Jesus’ coming. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the coming judgment and give thanks to God that we are, by God’s mercy, clothed in the righteousness of Christ and our names written in the Lamb’s book of life. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 17 - The destruction of Satan

“…the devil, who had deceived them, was thrown into the lake of fire and sulfur where the beast and the false prophet were, and they will be tormented day and night forever and ever...” - Revelation 20:10 Scripture reading: Revelation 20:7-10 At the end of the Thousand years (a symbolic term for the age of the Christ reigning in heaven) the devil will be released to deceive the nations again, and he will unite the world in opposition to Christ. We have already seen pictures of this great battle in which the beasts are destroyed along with the great city. “Gog and Magog” is an expression taken from Ezekiel 38-39 that refers to a great attack against the people of God. Little chance of survival, yet God’s people survived. This pictures, just before the final judgment, how the devil, when he will try once more to be victorious over the seed of the woman, will be defeated and thrown into the lake of burning sulphur where the beast and false prophet had been thrown. From this he will never escape, but suffer torment forever. Hallelujah! Christ is victorious. So here is another assurance of the defeat of Satan and our enemies. Nothing, no one will stop the Word of God from accomplishing what He says, what God has planned from before the foundation of the world. As we read in Ephesians 1, His purpose is to unite all things in Christ, things in heaven and on earth. And in Him, we who believe have the guarantee of the Spirit until we acquire possession of our inheritance, to the praise of God’s glory. Considering the growing opposition we see to our Lord and His church, we should take courage and rejoice. Our victory is certain. Suggestions for prayer Give God glory. Express your trust in His Word, His promises of our inheritance in the new heavens and earth, of an eternity of fellowship with our Triune God. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 16 - The victorious in Christ

“Blessed and holy is the one who shares in the first resurrection.” - Revelation 20:6 Scripture reading: Revelation 20: 4-6 Now John sees thrones upon which are seated those who have been given authority to judge. Here are those who have died for Christ’s sake and all believers who died prior to the second coming. They are reigning. Early Christians expected a quick return of Christ, and when family and friends began dying, they began to wonder about the reality of the kingdom and the promises of Christ. John's vision shows them that they are alive with Christ and share in His victory and authority. They have come to life and reign with Him. Those in glory are one with us who yet live. The first resurrection includes all who confess Jesus and follow Him rather than serve the creation and the gods of this world. All who have died to sin with Christ share in His life, His resurrection, and since we are raised with Him, we also reign with Him in glory. Even on earth, we are the authority of the Word, which has the power to make alive forever those who are dead in sin. In Christ, as 1 John 2 says, we have been given victory over the evil one. Those who are not in Christ do not share this new life, but blessed and holy are those who know the joy of this first resurrection. Though we die, we still live, forever! Our Mediator reigns, and we with Him by faith while we yet live on earth, but by sight if we have ascended to glory. Suggestions for prayer Praise our Triune God for the marvellous blessing of everlasting life, for God has set us apart for His praise for all eternity. Pray for the day of complete and final victory. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

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Daily devotional

July 3 - A life of repentance

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June 27 - Jesus brings us to a better place of worship (I)

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June 26 - Jesus shows us a better way to suffer (II)

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June 24 - Jesus prepared something better for us (II)

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June 17 - Jesus, minister of a better sanctuary (I)

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June 15 - Jesus, mediator of a better covenant (I)

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June 9 - Jesus, better than Aaron (II)

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June 8 - Jesus, better than Aaron (I)

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