Daily devotional

December 15 - A sign

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

Daily devotional

December 14 - Christ the Lord

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

Daily devotional

December 13 - A Saviour

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

Daily devotional

December 12 - Good news of great joy

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

Daily devotional

December 11 - Angels

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

Daily devotional

December 10 - Shepherds

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

Daily devotional

December 9 - Rome and Bethlehem

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

Daily devotional

December 8 - Veiled in flesh

“And while they were there, the time came for her to give birth. And she gave birth to her firstborn son and wrapped him in swaddling cloths and laid him in a manger, because there was no place for them in the inn.” - Luke 2:6-7 Scripture reading: John 1:14-18 Do you envision a small barn with rustic beams, a clean layer of straw, a cozy lantern hanging from the rafters, a V-shaped manger on an X-shaped pedestal, with a donkey, a cow and a couple of sheep encircling Joseph and Mary as they gaze upon the baby in the manger? Those images did not come from Luke 2:6-7. Luke wastes no words reporting Jesus’ birth. His description is matter of fact, understated, ordinary. Joseph and Mary arrive in Bethlehem, and Mary goes into labor. They can’t find a place to stay, so Mary gives birth to Jesus close to a feedbox. Was this feedbox in a barn, a cave, an enclosure? Were animals present? We don’t know. She wraps him tight and lays him in the feedbox. The medium is the message. Luke’s ordinary, unadorned reporting matches the radical chasm God the Son crossed to become flesh, to humble himself as one of us. The circumstances of His birth also foreshadow His humiliation as the suffering Son of Man. He was despised and rejected by men. He died outside the camp, under God’s curse for our sin. Christ, by highest heaven adored, Christ, the Everlasting Lord! Late in time, behold him come, Offspring of the Virgin’s womb. Veiled in flesh the Godhead see; Hail th’Incarnate Deity, Pleased as man with men to dwell, Jesus, our Emmanuel. Charles Wesley. Hark! the Herald Angels Sing, stanza 2. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the gift of Immanuel, God with us, the Word made Flesh. Ask God to stir up wonder and adoration in your heart in response. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 7 - Whose decree?

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

Daily devotional

December 6 - When Caesar says “jump”

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

Daily devotional

December 5 - Quirinius

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

Daily devotional

December 4 - The decree

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered.” - Luke 2:1 Scripture reading: Isaiah 55:10-1...

Daily devotional

December 3 - Caesar Augustus (II)

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

Daily devotional

December 2 - Caesar Augustus (I)

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

Daily devotional

December 1 - Introduction to Luke 2

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

Daily devotional

November 30 - Anticipation and celebration

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ, who will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself.” - Philippians 3:20-21 1 Thessalonians 5:1-11 No doubt many of you know exactly how many days there are left until Christmas. As excited as some of you readers may be for that day, today’s devotion is asking you to examine yourself with this question: “Are you equally, less, or more excited for the return of Jesus?” When my middle son was young, he’d get so excited for the company that would visit us during the Christmas break. In fact, he’d stand outside, in the cold, for as long as an hour, waiting for the company to arrive. He’d come into the house with them, having been the first to greet them…even though he’d been shivering for quite a while. Jesus will return. The images in the passage are of people who are so intent on watching and waiting for Jesus’ return, that no thief in the night could possibly catch them unawares. Because they are wide awake, so ready for Jesus, they’d catch a robber before he’d rob them. Did you notice the reference to the breastplate of faith, love and the helmet of hope? The breastplate covers the heart, lungs and vital organs. It covered the guts as well. In those days it was thought your emotions came from your intestines. You know the expression, “I feel it in my guts. Right?” Guarding your vital seat of emotion kept alive the hope and expectation of Jesus’ return. On this day of all the week the best, Sunday, may you grow in joyful anticipation that Jesus will return. His arrival is closer than you think. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Spirit of God to renew in your heart and imagination the wonderful expectation of the return of Jesus; pray that during this season many of your friends, co-workers and family members who do not know Jesus will encounter Him and join you in anticipating His return. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com...

Daily devotional

November 29 - Tempted to praiseless prayer

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

Daily devotional

November 28 - Tempted to forget the measure of your days

Daily devotional

November 27 - Tempted to Christmas gluttony

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

Daily devotional

November 26 - Tempted to greed

“The greedy bring ruin to their households, but the one who hates bribes will live.” - Proverbs 15:27 Scripture reading: Luke 12:13-21 One i...

Daily devotional

November 25 - Tempted in charitable giving

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

Daily devotional

November 24 - Tempted to wasting time

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

Daily devotional

November 23 - Welcome to the Sunday celebration

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

Daily devotional

November 22 - Tempted to avoid suffering

“Therefore let those who suffer according to God’s will entrust their souls to a faithful Creator while doing good.” - 1 Peter 4:19 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 4:12-19 Think for a minute about who wrote these words. Yes, Peter who pledged to Jesus that even if all the other disciples abandoned Him, Peter would stand up and defend Jesus. When he saw that Jesus was prepared to suffer for the sake of His Father’s glory, Peter crumbled and ran. Worse, he betrayed even knowing Jesus. Rather than dealing harshly with Peter, surely you can empathize. You know how hard it is to stay true to Jesus while friends mock you. It doesn’t matter if you are 10 or 60, the peer pressure that society lobs against Christians tempts you to go soft in your stance for Jesus. First, know that suffering will happen for any Christian. Be assured that suffering confirms that you belong to Jesus. Second, do not claim to be suffering for Jesus, when in fact you are suffering for your own bad behavior. Your bad behavior must be punished so that you will be purified. Third, suffering does not bring you shame if you stand firm against it. In Jesus’ high priestly prayer (which is found in John 17), He asked His Father to glorify His Own Name and His people, as He sends them out into the hostile world. Fourth, suffering guards you against thinking salvation and sanctification are an easy street for believers. They are not. Believers must face suffering. When you suffer, entrust your soul to the care of your Creator, the One Who made you, knowing the purpose for which He designed you. He knows what you can and can’t endure. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Spirit of God to make you aware of the times and circumstances where you are avoiding the necessary suffering to which God has called you to endure. For the suffering you already know you have avoided, ask God’s forgiveness and the grace to be prepared for the next round of it. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 21 - Tempted to drift

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

Daily devotional

November 20 - Tempted to all kinds of idle talk

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

Daily devotional

November 19 - Tempted to stinginess

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

Daily devotional

November 18 - Opening up for hospitality

“Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” - Hebrews 13:1-...

Daily devotional

November 17 - Breaking up the Sunday cliques

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

Daily devotional

November 16 - Hold tight those citizenship papers

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

Daily devotional

November 15 - Children, youth, what is worth striving after?

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

Daily devotional

November 14 - Children, who is your teacher?

“God may perhaps grant them repentance leading to a knowledge of the truth, and they may come to their senses and escape from the snare of the devil, after being captured by him to do his will.” - 2 Timothy 2:25b-26 Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-9 You know we are living in the end times. The clearest sign is that children are disobedient to their parents. This is precisely what Paul wrote to Timothy. It is a sign that godlessness has so increased in the land that parents have neglected their duties, and not taught their children the fear of the LORD. There are many men I minister to who have never heard about God, creation, love or sin. There is a vast ignorance where there should have been youthful instruction in the Bible, and through it teaching about Jesus. Once in a great while I’ll hear of a man who, when he comes to Bible study of his own accord, credits a praying grandmother, or mother, for his interest in the things of God. In an over-used cliche, a movie or TV show depicts a child in the family as smarter than his dumb parents. He is witty, abusive, rebellious and ungrateful. It is almost as if the script writer read II Timothy to script the ideal child who is in rebellion against God and headed for hell. The world says be different, but then, ironically demands conformity to its ways by wearing brand name jeans, or buying the it cologne. The Bible teaches that if you’d be truly unique, then be lovers of God. If you want to live and know that your life has meaning, then listen to and obey the teaching of your godly parents. Such children escape the snares of the devil, who seeks only to destroy and kill. Suggestions for prayer Repent, children, if you have been in rebellion against God and your parents. Ask the Spirit of God to give you a willing, humble and teachable heart. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 13 - Do not disregard the role of women

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

Daily devotional

November 12 - Are you faithful leaders, Fathers?

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

Daily devotional

November 11 - The temptation of nations

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

Daily devotional

November 10 - Pride and humility

“Thus says the LORD; “Heaven is my throne, and the earth is my footstool; what is the house that you would build for me, and what is the place of ...

Daily devotional

November 9 - Praying scripture

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

Daily devotional

November 8 - Tempted to lazy-praying

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

Daily devotional

November 7 - Vision and prayer

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

Daily devotional

November 6 - Tempted to prayerlessness

“Rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. Do not quench the Spirit.” - I Thessalonians 5:16-19 Scripture reading: Luke 6:12-16 Let that sink in. Before choosing the disciples, Jesus spent a whole night in prayer, no doubt, imploring His Father in heaven to grant Him the right men. As a man, Jesus needed wisdom and direction from the Father to make right choices. Jesus was given the Holy Spirit without measure (John 3:34). In the strength of the Spirit’s power, Jesus yielded Himself fully to His Father, and asked for the answers He needed. The Gospel of Luke records over a dozen instances of Jesus going away to a desolate place and praying. You are likely tempted to prayerlessness. Excuses include: No time; too busy; don’t know what to pray for. The reading in I Thessalonians is a helpful guide. Prayer includes rejoicing. Recite Isaiah 12. It is a brief passage that shows what rejoicing looks like. (Go ahead. Read it.) Pray with thanksgiving. Here are some reasons for thanksgiving: life in Christ; new hope; your family in Christ. At different times all day, give thanks to God. Ask the Spirit, as the day progresses, for discernment to make morally right decisions at work, to do what is good in contrast to what is popular or easy at school, to show yourself faithful to God in daily life. How did Jesus avoid evil? How did Jesus not step into the temptation traps carefully laid out for Him by the devil? He persisted in prayer. Put reminders in your phone to pray at different times in the day. As you pray, you will find talking to God easier. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Spirit of God to open your mind and heart so that you don’t stop the Spirit’s work in your life; look for reasons all through the day to give thanks to God, then offer these up to God in prayer; requesting that God give you the motivation to be a believer who prays without ceasing. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 5 - Banality* and prayer

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

Daily devotional

November 4 - Tempted by prayer shortcuts

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

Daily devotional

November 3 - Desire and knowledge

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

Daily devotional

November 2 - Beholding Jesus

“One thing I have asked of the LORD, that will I seek after: that I may dwell in the house of the LORD all the days of my life, to gaze upon the bea...

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to temptations

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

Daily devotional

October 31 - Grace be with you all!

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

Daily devotional

October 30 - Cases of urgent need

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

Daily devotional

October 29 - Partners in the gospel

“When I send Artemas or Tychicus to you, do your best to come to me at Nicopolis, for I have decided to spend the winter there. Do your best to speed Zenas the lawyer and Apollos on their way; see that they lack nothing.” - Titus 3:12-13 Scripture reading: Romans 12:3-13; Titus 3:12-15 The endings of Paul’s letters are not always easy to understand. What exactly does the Holy Spirit intend for us in these final greetings? Surely, these endings of letters are not afterthoughts or postscripts. The Holy Spirit has an intended meaning in every passage of God’s Word. Keep in mind these were real people. They were known to Titus and likely to the church in Crete. Artemas we know nothing else about. Tychicus is mentioned elsewhere (Eph. 6.21-22; 2 Tim. 4.12), as a “dearly beloved brother” and “minister.” Perhaps Artemas and Tychicus were both ministers which is why they are being sent to replace Titus. Zenas is a lawyer, perhaps trained in Roman Law. Apollos is probably the Apollos from the book of Acts and elsewhere. All of these men are helpful to Paul in the ministry, and he is urging them to conduct their travel soon because travel to Nicopolis was difficult in winter, so preparations should be made now. The other important point to note is that Zenas and Apollos should be provided for their travel, so “they lack nothing.” The church also serves as a sort of network of material provisions for ministers and elders for the broad ministry of the gospel. Partnership and unity in the gospel of Jesus Christ should show in a practical working together in all these ways. How are you using your gifts in service to the church? Are there other ways you could serve? Suggestions for prayer Thankfulness to God for the various gifts of God’s people for the broad ministry of the gospel. Help to know your own gifts and opportunities to use those gifts in the church. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 28 - Heretics

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

Daily devotional

October 27 - Unprofitable and foolish thing

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

Daily devotional

October 26 - Devoted to good works

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

Daily devotional

October 25 - Justified and glorified!

“But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, He saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according ...

Daily devotional

October 24 - Why did Jesus save us?

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

Daily devotional

October 23 - What we once were

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

Daily devotional

October 22 - Submission to rulers and authorities

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

Daily devotional

October 21 - The perfect pastor

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let not one disregard you.” - Titus 2:15 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4:6-16; Titus 2:11-15 There are various versions of The Perfect Pastor: the perfect pastor preaches exactly 20 minutes; he condemns sin roundly, but never hurts anyone’s feelings; he makes $400 a week, wears good clothes, drives a nice car, and gives $300 a week to the church. He is 29 years old with 40 years’ experience; he smiles all the time with a straight face; he makes 15 home visits a day and is always in his study to be available when needed. The perfect pastor is also always in another church! This is the toughest verse in the book of Titus. But we have not considered the toughest part of this tough verse yet, “Let no one disregard you.” Ministers will be disregarded, but Paul tells Titus: “don’t let them.” How can a minister—especially one among the Cretans (1:12)—keep that from happening? The way to let no one disregard you, pastor, is to be faithful to the commands here: declare, exhort, and rebuke. Are you doing that in the Name of Christ, as a shepherd called by the Good Shepherd, and can you answer with a good conscience that, yes, you prayerfully labored to faithfully preach in the sufficiency of Christ, seeking the wisdom of the Holy Spirit? And even though it’s Tuesday, and the sermons from Sunday are not as fresh in your minds and hearts, are you able and willing to evaluate your pastor’s preaching on these terms? Did he faithfully preach God’s Word as God’s Word? Suggestions for prayer Pray for your pastor’s calling and work—as a husband and father; for his preaching, teaching, visiting, counseling, and meetings. If you have a complaint or grudge against a pastor, pray for a soft heart toward him and opportunity to reconcile. Give thanks for the gospel ministry. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 20 - The toughest verse

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

Daily devotional

October 19 - Jesus gave himself to redeem us

“… waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from al...

Daily devotional

October 18 - The appearance of God’s grace

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

Daily devotional

October 17 - Adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour

Daily devotional

October 16 - A model of good works

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

Daily devotional

October 15 - Self-control

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

Daily devotional

October 14 - The gift of older christian women

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

Daily devotional

October 13 - The gift of older christian men

“Older men are to be sober-minded, dignified, self-controlled, sound in faith, in love, and in steadfastness.” - Titus 2:2 Scripture reading: Proverbs 4: 1-27; Titus 2:1-10 Many older men have been good teachers to me. My father taught me the faithfulness of the Christian life. My father-in-law taught me the joy of the Christian life. My grandfather taught me the love of the Christian life. My wife’s grandfather taught me the peace of the Christian life. A father in the faith taught me the wisdom of the Christian life. Younger men learn from older and wiser men in your church. Older men, be a teacher to the younger. Other older men have taught me what I do not want to be when I am older. Ecclesiastes 7:1 says, “A good name is better than precious ointment, and the day of death is better than the day of birth.” The point is to live well, according to sound doctrine, so that you may live well and be well spoken of with a good reputation when you are older. Some older men are grumpy, complaining, insensitive and irritable. This grizzly disposition might have an explanation, but it begs the question whether the gospel was joyfully received by the brother in humility and meekness. Older men are exhorted to be clear-headed, serious and worthy of respect, and self-controlled in their behavior; in short, they should be wise. Wisdom often comes with age, but it’s neither automatic nor guaranteed. Older men should show a wholesome trust in God (against complaining), love toward others (against irritability), and perseverance (which would counteract a lot of the grumpiness at how things have changed so much!). Suggestions for prayer Pray for the older men in your family and in your church—that they may have these characteristics by God’s grace. Pray that you would be humble and teachable enough to listen to the wisdom and life experience of the older men in your life. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 12 - Sound doctrine and sound living

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

Daily devotional

October 11 - Everyone is a hypocrite

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

Daily devotional

October 10 - Give thanks in all things

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

Daily devotional

October 9 - Rebuke them sharply

“Therefore, rebuke them sharply, that they may be sound in the faith, not devoting themselves to Jewish myths and the commands of people who turn aw...

Daily devotional

October 8 - Preach the gospel to these people?

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

Daily devotional

October 7 - Silencing false teachers

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

Daily devotional

October 6 - God’s stewards

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

Daily devotional

October 5 - Elder essentials (II)

“If anyone is above reproach, the husband of one wife, and his children are believers and not open to the charge of debauchery or subordination.” - Titus 1:6 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 3:1-7; Titus 1:1-9 We are not naturally bent to submit to authority. We are naturally inclined to be suspicious of authority, to mistrust, to question leadership and authority, and to rebel against it—either with a hard heart, or with an arrogant attitude. We think we should be the authority because we would do it better. Increasingly in the service industry, customers are becoming more demanding. It seems more church members are taking that same consumer attitude toward the church. We expect elders to be perfect. “Above reproach” does not mean perfect; if it did, every man in every church would be disqualified. “Above reproach” means “without blame” or “unaccused”; elders must be of “unquestioned integrity,” or “unimpeachable.” If you consider the doctrine and life of an elder, it should be clear that he has left no loophole open for heinous sin. Elders must be “above reproach” in three particular areas of life: marriage and family, personal character and conduct, and in doctrine. The first set of characteristics do not require an elder to be married; rather, if he is married, he must only have one wife. This would rule out anyone who has multiple wives, or anyone who is unlawfully divorced and remarried. If he has children, it should be clear that they are being nurtured in the Christian faith at home—they should be believers and not rebels or prodigals. 1 Tim. 3.5: “for if someone does not know how to manage his own household, how will he care for God’s church?” Suggestions for prayer Pray for the elders in your church. Pray that the Lord will raise up men with the biblical character of elders. Pray that the Lord will use the elders to shepherd and protect the flock. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 4 - Elders essentials (I)

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

Daily devotional

October 3 - Grace and peace and the common faith

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

Daily devotional

October 2 - Entrusted with preaching

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

Daily devotional

October 1 - Introduction to Titus

Titus was a “partner and fellow worker” of Paul (2 Cor. 8:23) and served to encourage the Corinthian church to be as generous as the Macedonian ch...

Daily devotional

September 30 - To God be the glory

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

Daily devotional

September 29 - The love of Christ

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

Daily devotional

September 28 - Do not lose heart

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

Daily devotional

September 27 - The power of God’s grace

“Of this gospel I was made a minister according to the gift of God’s grace, which was given me by the working of his power. To me, though I am the very least of all the saints, this grace was given, to preach to the Gentiles the unsearchable riches of Christ.” - Ephesians 3:7-8 Scripture reading: Romans 1:1-7 Our lives are complicated. We have many different opportunities and responsibilities. There are many wonderful and encouraging experiences and opportunities to which we are called by God. For the Apostle Paul, it seemed his main purpose in life was to preach to the Gentiles. Once his life was changed by his encounter with the risen Lord, he was forever changed. Paul’s desire is for the lost and the message he has for them is the message of the “unsearchable riches of Christ.” What greater purpose can a life have than to be the bearer of good news of great joy. When we reflect upon God’s grace in our life, we ought to reflect a similar desire. God’s grace can make the filthiest sinner clean. There might be people in our minds that we think are beyond the potential reach of God’s grace. They are not. God’s grace is sufficient. Paul, in Eph. 3:8, calls himself the least of the saints. We know he thinks this because he was the great persecutor of the church. However, Paul was seized by the grace of God. Let God’s grace seize you as well. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to give you sight to see the power of his grace. Pray for an unbelieving acquaintance, and the opportunity to speak the gospel. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 26 - The mystery of Christ

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

Daily devotional

September 25 - God’s dwelling place

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

Daily devotional

September 24 - A solid foundation

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

Daily devotional

September 23 - Citizenship

“So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God.” - Ephesians 2:1...

Daily devotional

September 22 - Access to the Father

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

Daily devotional

September 21 - Preaching peace

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

Daily devotional

September 20 - One new man

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

Daily devotional

September 19 - Our peace

“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility.” - Ephesians 2:14 Scripture reading: Psalm 139: 1-24 In the ancient world, when one king would visit another, he would bring some type of gift to present to the other king. The importance of such a gift was that it was a sign of respect and peace. The visiting king did not want to go to war with the other king. It was something that signified that peace. In Jesus Christ, we not only receive a picture that signifies peace, we receive the actual peace. The need for peace was occasioned by the sin of our first parents. In Adam, we waged war on God. He is the offended Creator. But in Christ, that wall which separated us from God has been broken down. This was pictured at the death of Jesus Christ. When our Lord gave up his spirit upon the cross, the curtain in the temple was torn in two. This pictured our access into the very throne room of God. The Holy of Holies had been opened. So, the question arises, how can we approach the throne room of God empty handed. We have no present to bring. Our works fall short of even a minimal understanding of the law and righteousness. What we bring before God is none other than Jesus Christ. He is our peace, and we are accepted in him. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the peace accomplished in Jesus Christ. Ask God to grow you in your love for your Savior. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 18 - Brought near

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

Daily devotional

September 17 - For a purpose

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

Daily devotional

September 16 - All of grace

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

Daily devotional

September 15 - Resurrection

“…even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved.” - Ephesians 2:5 Scripture r...

Daily devotional

September 14 - But God…

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

Daily devotional

September 13 - Our natural condition (II)

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

Daily devotional

September 12 - Our natural condition (I)

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

Daily devotional

September 11 - Head of the church

“And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” - Ephesians 1:22 Scripture reading: Ephesians 5:22-33 In Ephesians 5, we have a beautiful comparison which sets the stage for Christian marriage. In that passage, the husband-and-wife relationship is mirrored with the church’s relationship to Jesus Christ. In a world that rejects biblical norms for marriage, Ephesians 5 is a refreshing picture of the unity and love that can flourish in an obedient marriage. Though Ephesians 5 focuses primarily on marriage, Ephesians 1:22 is speaking of the headship of Christ. As the head of the church, the church is to be obedient to Christ. This enables the church to direct her worship according to the scriptures. The means of grace and Christian discipline are all Christ-centered and focused. The call of the gospel is the call of Christ as he calls in the lost sheep of spiritual Israel. As the Lord sits at the right hand of God the father, He continues to rule His church through her office bearers. That is a tremendous calling for anyone in the special offices. There are many applications flowing from the truth of the headship of Christ over the church. Many of these applications flow out of the word pictures given in the Bible to describe the church. In the New Testament, the church is called a light on a hill. Believers are salt and light. Christians, according to 2 Corinthians 5:20 are “…ambassadors for Christ, as though God were making an appeal through us…” I cannot think of a weightier calling than being an ambassador for Christ. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to make you a faithful ambassador for Christ. Ask God to direct you in ways you can serve the head of the church. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 10 - Christ’s exaltation

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

Daily devotional

September 9 - Praying for the saints

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

Daily devotional

September 8 - Sealed by the Holy Spirit

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

Daily devotional

September 7 - The word of truth

“In him you also, when you heard the word of truth, the gospel of your salvation, and believed in him, were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit.”...

Daily devotional

September 6 - Inheritance obtained

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

Daily devotional

September 5 - All things in him

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

Daily devotional

September 4 - Adopted as sons

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

Daily devotional

September 3 - Chosen unto godliness

“…that we should be holy and blameless before Him. In love…” - Ephesians 1:4b Scripture reading: 2 Peter 2:1-12 Sometimes in professional sports you hear about role players who are on a team for a particular purpose. In baseball, it might be a closing pitcher or pinch hitter. In hockey it might be a strong enforcer who protects the star of the team. Their role is their purpose for being on the team. In Ephesians 1:4, we see immediately the purpose to which God has chosen his people. They are chosen to be holy and blameless before him. To be holy before God refers to the fact that they are set apart. They are set apart from the whole lot of fallen humanity, and set apart as a child of God. I Peter 2:9 says, “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.” Their position is unto holiness. Their calling is unto godliness. To be blameless before God in Eph. 1:4 does not mean to be morally free from any flaw. Rather, it means to have a heart devoted to God alone. The great heroes of the faith in Hebrews 11 could be called blameless even though each one of them was a sinner saved by grace. The role God calls us is to seek first the kingdom of God. Our Lord said in John 14:15 “If you love me, keep my commandments.” That is the call for those set apart in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that our identity is found in Jesus Christ. Ask God to continue to sustain you by His grace and Holy Spirit so that you might seek first His kingdom. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 2 - Chosen in him

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

Daily devotional

September 1 - Introduction to Ephesians

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

Daily devotional

August 31 - The “so-that” mission continues

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

Daily devotional

August 30 - I will go

“Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.”” - Genesis 24:58 Scripture reading...

Daily devotional

August 29 - Pilgrim hope in death

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

Daily devotional

August 28 - Jehovah Jireh

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

Daily devotional

August 27 - Where is the Lamb?

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

Daily devotional

August 26 - God tests the faith of his friend

“Now it came to pass after these things that God tested Abraham, and said to him, “Abraham!” And he said, “Here I am.”” - Genesis 22:1 Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-19 Have you ever had those moments when you wanted to cry out, “Lord, what are you doing? Why is this happening? Have you forgotten your promises?” That’s likely what Abraham was thinking when God came to him in this way. But from the very first verse, we’re told—this is a test. God never intended for Abraham to sacrifice Isaac (see Jeremiah 32:35). What God is doing is showing Abraham—and us—that His call is total. “I want you, all that you treasure, all your desires. I want your whole heart. Give me your all!” So, we must ask: If God took what’s most precious to you, would you still trust Him? Would you still worship Him? Is He still worthy of praise? Yes, He is! In response, Abraham rises early. He’s ready to obey. What God asks, he will do promptly. Three times in the passage we hear him say, “Here I am” (vv. 1, 7, 11). What a way to begin the day! Why not begin your day saying to God “Here I am. I want to serve You. I want to obey. I need your help, Lord, here I am!” The wonderful thing about all this is that ultimately the Lord in His love provides for Abraham, and Isaac is spared. This is the point: the Lord gives what He asks. Take heart, the LORD asks the world of us, and we are weak. It's too much for us. But in His grace to us in Jesus Christ, God gives what He asks. He is faithful. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for grace to begin each day with a willing heart: “Here I am!” Praise Him for His faithfulness to provide all He asks of us, through Christ. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

August 24 - Laughing at the promises?

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

Daily devotional

August 23 - Laughing with the promises!

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

Daily devotional

August 22 - Remember who you are!

“Now therefore, restore the man’s wife; for he is a prophet, and he will pray for you, and you shall live.” - Genesis 20:7a Scripture readi...

Daily devotional

August 21 - The Lord being merciful

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

Daily devotional

August 20 - Lot: Lessons from a covenantal drifter

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

Daily devotional

August 19 - God comes to judge

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

Daily devotional

August 18 - Shall not the judge of all the earth do right?

“Far be it from You to do such a thing as this, to slay the righteous with the wicked, so that the righteous should be as the wicked; far be it from You! Shall not the Judge of all the earth do right?” - Genesis 18:25 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:16-33 What becomes very clear from Abraham’s appeal to the LORD is the acknowledgment that God is the judge of all the earth, and His judgment is always right and just. God is perfectly righteous, and everyone must answer to Him. Abraham had already been told in Genesis 15:16, that the land he was promised would not be his immediately—because the sin of the Amorites was not yet full. God was longsuffering with them. In His dealings with Sodom and Gomorrah, we now see that judgment does come. The sins of Sodom and Gomorrah were full. The time for judgment had come. As we sing in Psalm 98, God will come to judge the nations with righteousness. There will be no injustice. Everyone will get what they deserve. God will judge—and His judgment will be right. Are you ready for that? By God’s grace, we can be. But only if we are in Jesus Christ. In His coming to earth and going to the cross, Jesus took upon Himself what our sins deserve. As believers, we may say Jesus has taken our stand before God. And in pouring out His wrath upon Jesus in our place, God—the judge of all the earth—has done what is right. He is both just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus (Romans 3:25–26). As we trust Him, we may rejoice to be counted righteous, just as Abraham was. Suggestions for prayer Remember that Jesus will come again to judge the living and the dead. Rest in the fact that He has already taken what your sins deserve. Pray as “so-that” people, urging others to flee the wrath to come and find their refuge in Jesus. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 17 - Standing before the Lord

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

August 15 - Is anything too hard for the Lord?

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

Daily devotional

August 14 - Do not pass me by

“My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant.” - Genesis 18:3 Scripture reading: Genesis 18:1-15 Our pa...

Daily devotional

August 13 - You shall keep my covenant

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

Daily devotional

August 12 - I will be your God

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

Daily devotional

August 11 - Seeking blessing our way, not God’s way

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

Daily devotional

August 10 - How can I know?

“And he said, “Lord God, how shall I know that I will inherit it?”” - Genesis 15:8 Scripture reading: Genesis 15:6-21 Yesterday we revelled in the blessing that Abram was counted righteous by faith. Today, as we follow Abram further, he has another question for God: “But how can I know?” Maybe you’ve asked the same. We need to know. God graciously gives Abram the answer—through a covenant ceremony. Animals are cut in two, and a pathway of blood is prepared. This was the formal “cutting” of a covenant—a binding relationship. Both parties would normally walk the path, declaring: “If I break this covenant, let me become like these carcasses.” Understandably, this would have overwhelmed Abram. He knew he could not keep such a covenant perfectly. Neither can we. The pathway of blood pictured the curse we all deserve. But here’s the wonder: God causes Abram to fall into a deep sleep. Abram doesn’t walk through the pieces. God alone passes through. God is saying, “I am so committed to My promise that I would rather be torn apart than break My word.” All of this is fulfilled in Jesus. At the cross, He walked the pathway of blood. He became the curse for us, so we could receive the blessing of Abraham. He was “cut off” so we could be brought in. So how can we know? By looking to Jesus. God keeps His covenant forever. He has staked His own life on it. These things are written so you may know. And we know, “so-that” the world may know. Suggestions for prayer Bring your doubts and uncertainties to God. Thank Him for the certainty found in Jesus’ finished work. Pray this blessing would be confirmed in worship today and overflow through us to others. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 9 - Counted righteous by God

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

Daily devotional

August 8 - Your shield and exceedingly great reward

Daily devotional

August 7 - Blessed by the greater one

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

Daily devotional

August 6 - Lift your eyes to the promises

“And the Lord said to Abram, after Lot had separated from him: “Lift your eyes now and look from the place where you are—northward, southward, e...

Daily devotional

August 5 - Losing sight of the promises

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

Daily devotional

August 4 - Going on with our covenant God

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

Daily devotional

August 3 - The “I wills” of God

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

Daily devotional

August 2 - Go and be a blessing!

“And you shall be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and I will curse him who curses you; and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed.” - Genesis 12:2b,3 Scripture reading: Genesis 12:1-3; Galatians 3:6-14 The Lord’s call for Abram to “get out and go” is often seen as the Old Testament background for Jesus’ “Great Commission” in Matthew 28. Abram is promised a blessing, told he will be a blessing, and therefore called to be a blessing. “Blessing” here is far more than just a nice feeling or having plenty of money. This blessing is the God-given gift of right fellowship with God, through Jesus Christ. God has prepared that blessing for all the families of the earth, and here He begins to unveil it by blessing Abram. This is the gospel God preached to Abram (Galatians 3:8). Abram didn’t deserve this at all. His family had been idol worshipers and had settled in Haran. His blessing is entirely God’s grace and initiative. The fivefold repetition of “bless” in these verses stands out, especially compared to the emphasis on “curse” in Genesis 3-11. God’s curse is what we all deserved. But the good news of the gospel is that Jesus became the curse for us, so the blessing might come upon the Gentiles (Galatians 3:13). By God’s grace, the gospel has come to us. As we sing at Christmas in Isaac Watts’ hymn, Joy to the World: “He comes to make his blessings flow far as the curse is found.” Believing Him, we are so blessed. Now let’s be a blessing as, a “so-that” people, and bring that blessing to others! Suggestions for prayer Reflect on the blessing Christ became a curse for you to know. Pray to be a blessing. Pray for God’s blessing on the preaching and worship of the Lord’s Day, that many more may come to know that blessing. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

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

Daily devotional

July 31 - The God of fellowship

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

Daily devotional

July 30 - We know!

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

Daily devotional

July 29 - The necessity of praying for one another

Daily devotional

July 28 - A glorious promise

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

Daily devotional

July 27 - Delighting in God

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

Daily devotional

July 26 - God desires fellowship

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

Daily devotional

July 25 - Obedient fellowship

“For this is the love of God, that we keep His commandments. And His commandments are not burdensome.” - 1 John 5:3 Scripture reading: 1 John 5:1-5; Psalm 119:17-24 What comes out of our lips is a reflection of who we are. If you listen to someone for any amount of time, you soon learn what type of person he is. This is equally true of God. The Bible is His Word and as His Word, it tells us who God is. The moment a person comes to faith in the Lord Jesus, there is a new relationship established between that person and God. In Jesus Christ, we truly desire to know God and to please Him. It is precisely for this reason that a true believer loves God’s commandments. These commandments tell us something about the God that we love and these commandments teach us how to best please Him. The Psalmist can declare that God’s testimonies are his delight (Psalm 119:24) and he pleads with God to allow him to see wonderful things from the Law (Psalm 119:18). If we love God, then His commandments are not burdensome. Because the Bible is God’s revelation of Himself, it is essential for our fellowship with God. We must come to the Bible first and foremost with the desire that our fellowship with God would be nurtured in that Word. Some study the Bible to prove it wrong, some study it to win an argument, but those who truly know the Lord Jesus Christ will come to the Bible with a longing to know God better. Be encouraged, God always honours this humble attitude! Suggestions for prayer Pray for a humble heart that the Lord would bless your devotions to your soul. Pray that you would know deeper fellowship with God each time you read the Word. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 24 - The imperative of love

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

Daily devotional

July 23 - Unashamed fellowship

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

Daily devotional

July 22 - Love’s motivation

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

Daily devotional

July 21 - More than conquerors

“…He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” - 1 John 4:4 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:4-6; John 10:22-30 As we look aroun...

Daily devotional

July 20 - A Lord’s day focus

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

Daily devotional

July 19 - The Spirit of fellowship

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

Daily devotional

July 18 - Confirming our fellowship

“For if our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and knows all things.” - 1 John 3:20 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:19-23; John 21:15-19 If you have been regularly following this month’s devotionals you know that John has laid before us many ‘tests’ to determine whether or not we truly have fellowship with God. John sets the standard high as he encourages us to walk faithfully as Jesus walked. In light of these pronouncements, we can sometimes become discouraged as we compare ourselves to this example. Our human hearts often have the tendency to become focused on our sin and so, become discouraged. John pauses here to make sure that our eyes of faith are where they need to be. He tells us in verse 23, “and this is His commandment: that we should believe on the name of His Son Jesus Christ and love one another." A good conscience before God does not come when we focus on ourselves, but when we look to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith. Peter is a wonderful example of this principle. After Peter had denied the Lord three times you can imagine that his heart was struggling. In response to his denial, Jesus forces Peter back to the issues of love for Him and love for His people. Peter is finally left with laying his heart before the omniscient God in his statement, "Lord, you know all things; you know that I love you." In our struggles, we come back to the essentials of the faith. Ask yourself, “Do I love the Lord Jesus Christ?" Then take that heart to the Lord. Suggestions for prayer Express your love for the Lord and for His people as you pray to Him. Ask Him to grant you a confidence of soul as you look to Jesus as your only hope in this life and in the next. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 17 - Love exemplified

“By this we know love, because He laid down His life for us. And we also ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.” - 1 John 3:16 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:16-18; Romans 9:1-3 John moves from the negative example of Cain and sets before us the example of none other than Jesus Himself. Jesus is the perfect reflection of love. As we think of Christ and His work on the cross for His people we see that love is selfless, self-sacrificial and enduring. Jesus laid aside all His comforts, turned His back on His privileges, endured the cross and bore the judgement of a holy God for the sins of a lost and sinful people. Amazingly, this is the pattern that John calls us to follow. As we think about the love Christ showed for sinners, John says, “Go and do the same for your brother and sister." We certainly cannot save them, but we are called to mimic Christ’s love in our actions towards them. John does not leave us guessing as to what this love should look like. He tells us that talk is cheap in this regard and that true love is shown in action. He encourages us to take all that God has commanded us to do in regard to our neighbour (the summary of the second table of the law) and actually DO it. We are to live out the truth of God in the context of the lives of those around us. Our lives need to be poured out in the service of others. John tells us that just as Jesus laid down His life for us, we should lay down our lives for the brethren. Suggestions for prayer Pray specifically that the Lord would give you opportunity to serve. Thank Him that in so doing He is giving you the opportunity to be a witness of His grace. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 16 - Love one another

“We know that we have passed from death to life, because we love the brethren.” - 1 John 3:14 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:10-15; Genesis 4:1-15...

Daily devotional

July 15 - A new creation

“And you know that He was manifest to take away our sins, and in Him there is no sin.” - 1 John 3:5 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:4-9; 2 Corint...

Daily devotional

July 14 - Children of God!

“Behold what manner of love the Father has bestowed on us, that we should be called children of God!” - 1 John 3:1 Scripture reading: 1 John ...

Daily devotional

July 13 - Calling the Sabbath a delight

“If…you call the Sabbath a delight….Then you shall delight in the Lord.” - Isaiah 58:13,14 Scripture reading: Isaiah 58:1-14 Isaiah 58:1...

Daily devotional

July 12 - The confidence of fellowship

“…abide in Him, that when He appears, we may have confidence and not be ashamed before Him at His coming.” - 1 John 2:28 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:28-29; Matthew 5:31-46 The words of John in these two short verses, remind us of the sure reality that Jesus Christ is coming back to this earth a second time. In His first coming, Jesus came to do all that was necessary to save a people unto Himself. He has now returned to heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father demonstrating that His work has been completed. On a day that is already determined by God, Jesus will come back to earth. This time, it will not be as a Saviour offering salvation to all who would come to Him, but as a Judge holding each accountable for the decision that they have made regarding Him This is exciting news for those who have come to Christ and who currently have fellowship with God through Him. As we believe in Jesus and walk with God in this life, we have already begun to experience the grace of God. In other words, we already know how we will be received on the day that Jesus returns as Judge. John speaks of all those who currently abide in Jesus as having confidence before the Judge at His coming. The wonderful reality for those who are now walking with the Lord is that our current fellowship is but a foretaste of the perfect fellowship that will be ours in heaven. Does this day frighten or excite you? The answer to this question speaks of the current state of your fellowship with God Suggestions for prayer Pray to the Lord to make you truly excited for the return of Jesus Christ. Thank the Lord for the confidence that we can have as we look forward to that day. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 11 - Fellowship in the truth (II)

“If what you heard from the beginning abides in you, you also will abide in the Son and in the Father.” - 1 John 2:24 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:24-27; 1 Corinthians 2:6-16 As we were reminded of yesterday, fellowship with God outside of the truth that is Jesus Christ is impossible. Thankfully, we have been given two wonderful aids to bring us to understand and experience that reality. John encourages his readers to abide in those things which they heard from the beginning. This is a reference to the message that John had given to them as an apostle of the Lord Jesus Christ and, by extension, points us to the written Word of God. It is not by accident that Jesus is called the incarnate Word (John 1:1) and that the Bible itself is called the Word of God (2 Timothy 3:16). Fellowship with God is fellowship in His Word. The second aid that John reminds us of is nothing less than that gift of the Holy Spirit Himself. Because of our naturally dead hearts, we need the Holy Spirit to take the truth that is revealed to us in the Bible and enlighten our souls with it. It is by the Holy Spirit that we actually are able to hear the voice of Jesus speaking to our souls and encouraging us in fellowship with Him and with the Father. It is solely the job of the Holy Spirit to do this. Jesus has indeed established teachers in the church, but none other than the Holy Spirit, Who can take what is preached and speak to our souls. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the Bible and for His Holy Spirit. Pray each time that you sit down with the Bible that the Spirit would make God’s truth effectual in your life. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 10 - Fellowship in the truth (I)

“Who is a liar but he who denies that Jesus is the Christ?” - 1 John 2:22 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:18-23; John 18:28-38 There are many claims to ultimate truth in the world today. Even those who deny that there is an absolute truth can tell you absolutely that this is true! John is warning us here of all who would come and stand against that which is true. Indeed, he is clear that all who deny that Jesus is the Christ, are liars. Jesus Christ, Himself is truth and all that comes from Him is true. John is clear that there is no possibility of knowing God the Father while at the same time denying that Jesus is the Christ. If we are to know anything of fellowship with the God of truth, it must come through the truth that is Jesus Christ. It sometimes can get overwhelming trying to decipher all the different claims to truth. The tendency in the modern world is to just lump all truth claims together and celebrate them equally. Thankfully, John gives us an extremely simple, yet profound, test of ultimate truth: If it denies Jesus is the Christ, then it is a lie! In John’s Gospel, Jesus tells us, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6). The Church has a unique and glorious message to proclaim; namely, Jesus as the anointed of God, sent to redeem sinners. With all the noise of competing truth claims, let us remain focused on the only one that is not a lie – Jesus, truth incarnat Suggestions for prayer Pray for our nation where truth is being terribly blurred. Pray that the Gospel of Jesus Christ would take root once again and that the lies of the evil one would be silenced. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 9 - Fellowship and the world

“And the world is passing away, and the lust of it; but he who does the will of God abides forever.” - 1 John 2:17 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:15-17; James 4:1-10 As the Scriptures speak to us about our love for God, one thing is very clear; our hearts cannot be divided in that love. Either love for God is the driving principle of our lives or something else is – it can’t be both. John speaks here of the love for the world, which represents anything that is opposed to Christ and His kingdom. He clearly states that anything that is generated from the lust of the flesh, or lust of the eyes, or from selfish pride is antithetical to God and has no place in the affections of a believer. None of these things come from the fellowship that is established with God in the Gospel of Jesus. The fact is, that we do struggle with this from time to time. As we allow our eyes of faith to drift ever so slightly from the Lord Jesus, the things of this world become more pleasing to us. John encourages us once again to keep our focus on the love of the Father. This love, as it comes to us in our Saviour, is an eternal love that can never fade or pass away. This is contrasted to the fleeting reality of the world and its system. The simple fact is, that there is nothing that this world has to offer that can even begin to compare with the gift of fellowship with God. As we keep our eyes fixed on Christ, the world will hold no allure to us. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would enable you more and more to see the world and its system as He sees it. Pray for eyes of faith to behold glories that belong to all who call on the name of the Lord. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 8 - The blessings of fellowship

“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ…” - E...

Daily devotional

July 7 - Fellowship expressed in relationships

“He who loves his brother abides in the light…” - 1 John 2:10 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:7-11; John 13:31-35 When we think about fellow...

Daily devotional

July 6 - Lifting our eyes to heaven

“Unto You I lift up my eyes, O You who dwell in the heavens.” - Psalm 123:1 Scripture reading: Psalm 123:1-4 Psalm 123 is one of a group of ...

Daily devotional

July 5 - Fellowship in action

“He who says he abides in Him ought himself also to walk just as He walked.” - 1 John 2:6 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:3-6; John 14:19-24 W...

Daily devotional

July 4 - Christ our advocate

“…if anyone sins, we have an Advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous.” - 1 John 2:1 Scripture reading: 1 John 2:1-2; Hebrews 7:20-28 Sometimes, the Christian life can be difficult. There are times when we struggle to the point of questioning our relationship with the Lord. John is tenderly writing to encourage believers, especially in these difficult times. He does so by directing our eyes in faith to look to Jesus, our great Advocate with the Father. We have the Righteous One standing before our Father in heaven, pleading His righteousness on our behalf. We are vividly reminded here that our standing before God does not depend on what we do, or on how we feel, but instead on the Christ that we believe in. He is the One "able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him" (Hebrews 7:25). During times of spiritual struggle, one of the most difficult issues to deal with is the feeling that God looks at us in wrath because of our sin. Outside of the Lord Jesus Christ, this is most certainly true, but John reminds us here that for all who believe, Jesus is our propitiation. This means that Jesus has taken God’s wrath against our sin and bore it in Himself. So complete is this work of propitiation that Christ has not only taken each believer’s sins upon Himself, but the sins of all of God’s chosen ones wherever they are found in the world. If you are a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ, God looks at you in love, not in wrath. Receive this by faith. Suggestions for prayer As you look to Christ, thank the Lord for such a perfect Advocate in heaven. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 3 - A life of repentance

“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins…” - 1 John 1:9 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:8-10; Psalm 32 As we continue to look at John’s theme of fellowship with God, sin is a topic that may not be ignored. In fact, John mentions the word sin 27 times in his short epistle. The bottom line is simply that our sin hinders our fellowship with God – always. A true believer understands this clearly as well as the sad reality that though we desire to be free of sin in our life, we still struggle with it on a daily basis. How do we reconcile the fact that sin hinders fellowship with God and the fact that we still sin? In a word – repentance. John tells us that if we look to Christ and confess our sin, God will forgive and cleanse us – every time! It is for this reason that the Christian life can be described as a life of continual repentance. It is not enough for us to begin our walk with the Lord asking for forgiveness and committing to new obedience, but because we continue to struggle with sin in our life, we must continue to confess and turn from those sins. This is the path of continued fellowship with God. Thomas Watson states, “There is no rowing to paradise except upon the stream of repenting tears. Repentance is required as a qualification. It is not so much to endear us to Christ as to endear Christ to us. Till sin be bitter, Christ will not be sweet.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord would teach you more and more to see sin as He sees it. Take time to repent of particular sins particularly. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 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 in the Bible to describe who God is. It speaks of God’s holiness or, in other words, His absolute moral perfection. In God there is not even a hint of darkness nor could there be, for God IS light. When we think about the fellowship with God that Jesus has provided, we must never forget that we have fellowship with an absolutely holy God Who cannot have fellowship with sin. John reminds us that how we live is a very important indicator of our fellowship with God. The fact that John sets the bar so high in terms of our walk with God drives us back, time and time again, to the Lord Jesus Christ Himself. The only way that we can walk as we ought in this life is if we continue to walk in the light of Jesus Christ. As we exercise faith in Jesus Christ, He is the One who cleanses us from all unrighteousness. As we continue to walk by faith in Jesus, He is the One who truly enables us to walk in the light as He is in the light. We must never forget that we are called to "be holy as God is holy" (1 Peter 1:16) and that this is only possible as we continue to walk in the light of the Lord Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Spend some time dwelling on the holiness of God and thank Him for enabling you to be able to have fellowship with such a God! Pray earnestly that you would walk this day in the light of the gospel of Jesus Christ. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 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 fellowship with God that comes through Him. I am assuming that you are using this devotional because you are interested in deepening this fellowship. Whether you are seeking truth in Jesus for the first time or whether you have walked with God for many years, John’s first epistle is a wonderful guide. As many of you will already be aware, it is important that you approach God’s Word humbly and prayerfully. I pray that this month will be a wonderful one for your walk with the Lord. May the Lord bless you each day as we explore the wonderful theme of fellowship with God. I have written these devotionals so that you will read through First John in its entirety over this month. I have also included passages that will help with the theme for the day. I encourage you to read both Scripture readings as each devotional will tie these passages together. The Christ of fellowship “…truly our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ.” - 1 John 1:3 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:1-4; John 1:1-14 There is nothing more essential to mankind than the question, "Who is Jesus Christ and what did He do?" John begins his first epistle with a gloriously clear answer to this very question. In a few short words, John declares to us that Jesus Christ is both He Who was from the beginning (see also John 1:1) and He Who took on flesh and so could be seen and touched. John introduces us to none other than the second person in the Holy Trinity Who took on flesh in order to save sinners – Jesus Christ the God\man Just as it is important to know who Jesus Christ is, it is equally important to understand what He came to earth to do. We have already said that He came to save sinners, but what does that really mean? It means that by Christ’s work, all who believe in Him are forgiven of their sins. But what is the result of having one’s sins forgiven? In verse 3, John makes the statement that in Christ "our fellowship is with the Father and with His Son Jesus Christ". You see, Jesus Christ came into the world so that all who believe on Him would have true fellowship with God. This is the essence of true biblical Christianity! Suggestions for prayer As you look to the Lord Jesus Christ in faith, pray that the Lord would help you to grow in the fellowship that John is speaking of. Pray for a sense of the joy that he is speaking of in 1 John 1:4. Rev. Brian Murray is the associate pastor at Grace ARP Church and the Director of Gillespie Academy in Woodstock, Ontario. He has been ordained in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church since 2003 and he and his wife Melissa have four children. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

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)

Daily devotional

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

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)

“And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise. God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” - Hebrews 11:39-40 Scripture reading: Hebrews 11: 1-40 What an amazing and wonderful testimony about faith we receive in this chapter from Old Testament saints. Some of them received only part of the promises. Some of them saw the promises from afar off, while some of them only embraced the promises in the shadows. Verse 39 shows us that they did not receive the fulfillment of THE promise. What was THE promise? Christ! None of them came to know the fullness and glory of the person and work of Jesus Christ, His death, resurrection and ascension, and His blessed priesthood, like we do! (Look up: Mt. 13:17). That’s why this chapter ends with saying: God has truly prepared something better for us! Why? Because Jesus is better! His promises are better! His glory is greater! His blood is better! His faithful perseverance is better! And we have all that to look at and to spur us on in the trials of life… These Old Testament saints, who endured, never saw how Jesus took the cross, despised the shame for the joy set before Him (Hebrews 12:1-2). But we and the Hebrew Christians can! That’s why we are called to lay aside every besetting sin, and run the race with endurance, looking to Jesus, the Author and Finisher of our faith! Through Jesus, God has truly prepared something better for us! As we look to the persevering example of Christ, we should be encouraged to face our every-day trials and difficulties with determination. Let us look to Jesus today. Suggestions for prayer Pray for endurance and faith to look to Jesus whenever you experience trials and temptations. Thank God that He has given us the full revelation of Christ in His Word to encourage us in hard times. 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 23 - Jesus prepared something better for us (I)

“And all these, having obtained a good testimony through faith, did not receive the promise. God having provided something better for us, that they should not be made perfect apart from us.” - Hebrews 11:39-40 Scripture reading: Hebrews 11: 1-40 We’ve probably come to the most well-known chapter of the book of Hebrews. I think we all love the stories of Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses and all the other saints of the Old Testament which are mentioned in this chapter. What is the aim of the author to the Hebrews with this chapter? At the end of chapter 10, you can see that some Hebrew Christians were ready to draw back from the faith. And he warns them with the strongest and fiercest warnings in the Bible, condemning apostasy. In this chapter, he shows that every Old Testament saint faced similar difficulties, tests and trials as they did. And how did they overcome them? By faith! Abel had to give his own life for his faith and Noah was mocked for building the ark. Abraham did receive a promise but had to wait for it; he did not receive it here below. Instead he looked to inhabit a better city by faith. Moses had to overcome his love of pleasure and his fear of man, as he chose to be part of God’s people and led them out of Egypt. And the examples in this chapter are multiplied by how people learned to live by faith despite all odds. These heroes of faith are there to ask us: Will you continue to obey God? Will you overcome trials and obstacles? Will you live for something better than this world? Will you treasure the things unseen? Will you live by faith? Suggestions for prayer Pray for the increase of your faith. Pray for the grace to live with an eternal perspective. 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 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 S...

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...

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)

“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, insomuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” - Hebrews 8:6 Scripture reading: Hebrews 8:6-13 After this tragic incident of the golden calf, Moses the mediator of the Old Testament intercedes on behalf of the people that God would turn His wrath away from this sin. Moses even offered his very own life, when he said: Lord, blot me out of your book! (Ex.32:32). But the Lord did not answer that prayer… Why? Because God was planning to make a better covenant, with better promises, with a better covenant Mediator, who would be blotted out of God’s book on behalf of his people! His name is Jesus! Verse 10-12 tells us about this new covenant and its better promises. The Lord promises to give them better hearts. He will write the law in their minds and upon their hearts. That means they will desire obedience to the core of their being. The Lord promises a better relationship with Himself. Everyone from the least to the greatest will know the Lord! Nobody has to tell them, because this relationship is empowered by the Holy Spirit who leads them in all the truth. The Lord promises better forgiveness. God will show his people mercy! Undeserved! He will no more remember their sins. Of course, God never forgets anything! But, this means that He will no longer bring our sins up to us or hold them against us. When Jesus, the Mediator of the New covenant took the Lord’s Supper cup, He said: This is the blood of the new covenant, shed for many for the remission of sins! Let’s never forget His promises! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for such glorious new covenant promises! Thank God for the Lord’s Supper in which we remember these promises. Ask the Lord to write the law more deeply upon your heart. 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 15 - Jesus, mediator of a better covenant (I)

“But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, insomuch as He is also Mediator of a better covenant, which was established on better promises.” - Hebrews 8:6 Scripture reading: Hebrews 8:1-6 Can you picture it? Moses is coming down from the mountain, and has been in God’s very own presence. But the Lord sent him back down. Why? As he comes closer to the foot of the mountain, he knows why… He sees that God’s people who promised obedience to God’s covenant and law, have terribly broken His commandments. They are feasting and dancing around the golden calf! In wrath and disappointment Moses throws the two stone tablets of the law down into shambles, a visible sermon: a broken law, a broken covenant! Why did they break the covenant? They were led out of Egypt, but Egypt was still in their hearts! They needed laws that were not just written down… They needed a law in their hearts! That’s why the Lord made a new covenant with them, a similar covenant, but one of a better quality. A covenant that climaxes and excels all the other previous covenants, made with Abraham, Noah, Moses and David. Now, notice what verse 8 tells us about the Maker and Initiator of the covenant. I will make it! The word ‘make’ here means conclude, or consummate. In other words, this is going to be the climatic, final, and most glorious covenant! This is covenant with transforming power! It is all based on God’s promised ‘I wills’, all of grace! This covenant is a one-sided covenant! That means God will take the punishment when it is broken by His people. That’s why Jesus is the Mediator of a better covenant! Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins against God’s broken law and covenant. Ask the Lord to remove all your sins and deeply change your heart. And thank God for His one-sided covenant and trustworthy covenant promises. 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 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.” - H...

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 ...

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 moment in Israel’s wilderness wanderings it was. Consumed by fire, the earth opened up, and these 250 rebellious people tumbled straight into hell. What a shock! How awful! It had never happened before. Why? What did Korah, Dathan and Abiram do? They were proud! They had sinful ambition! They did not agree with the place God had given Aaron. They sought greater things for themselves. God had set Aaron and his sons apart, in an extensive ritual, for the priesthood (Lev. 8-9). To make God’s choice clear to the people, the rods of all the tribes had been laid before the Lord overnight. And the next day Aaron’s rod blossomed! God had chosen and set Aaron apart! And our text says: So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a High Priest! Jesus, unlike us, had no sinful pride or ambition… This priestly task was given to Him by the Father. Psalm 2:7 and Psalm 110:4 are quoted to prove this (Heb 5:5-6). Jesus was set apart as the Son of God and the High Priest in Melchizedek’s order, to be a Priest forever, better than Aaron! That’s why He can be such a suitable High Priest for us! No weakness, no sin, no pride, only perfect submission that perfectly pleased His Father who appointed Him (cf. Heb 5:3,8). Do you at times struggle with pride? Do you sometimes struggle to submit? Jesus is the High Priest that you and I need. He is better than Aaron. His staff blossoms! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for Jesus’ perfect sinlessness and submission! His sinlessness can cover your sins of pride and selfish ambition. Ask the Lord to help you kill every last ounce of pride in 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 7 - Jesus’ rest better than Joshua’s (II)

“There remains therefore a rest for the people of God.” - Hebrews 4:9 Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:1-13 In this passage the author to the Hebrews stresses that the rest God offers is still for today. Although the Lord swore the oath negatively, yet, the opposite is true too. Those who believe will no doubt enter into God’s offered rest! Indeed, those who learn to mix the Word of God with faith, while they hear it, will find rest for their souls! Those who learn to rest from their own works, will enter into God’s rest. Although Joshua brought the people into the Promised Land, the people did not yet experience the final and full rest of God’s promises (vs. 8). You remember how the enemies had to be driven out, and were still in the land years later… No, Joshua didn’t bring perfect rest or peace. Five hundred years later David came. He wrote Psalm 95 and tells us that God has not given up on the idea of giving His people rest, but there again the rest was not final. What rest did God promise? Temporal rest? Physical rest in Israel? No! God promises spiritual rest, true sabbath rest, eternal rest! He promises Jesus’ rest, which is better than Joshua’s! He invites us to come and rest today: Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest (Mt. 11:28). This is the rest verse 9 talks about. A rest that points back to creation before the fall, and forward to the future, final and perfect rest in heaven, the glorious Promised Land. Suggestions for prayer Thank and Praise God for offering spiritual rest in Christ! Pray that you might enjoy more of this rest as you live by faith in the promises of God. 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 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

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 gr...

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 the things that have been made. So they are without excuse.” - Romans 1:20 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-21; John 20:30, 31 Romans 1:20 makes it clear that the majesty of creation leaves us without excuse to acknowledge, trust, and live for God. We do so by saving faith in Christ, having great joy in this life and throughout eternity! But many others are separated from Christ, “having no hope and without God in the world” (Ephesians 2:12). Many are separated from Christ because “The god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelievers” (2 Corinthians 4:4). Many others hesitate to come to Christ in repentance and faith because of sins in their past and present. If that describes you, remember the lost son who squandered his inheritance on prostitutes and wild living. When he confessed his sin and returned to his Father, he was welcomed with open arms (Luke 15:11-24). God’s grace is greater than your sin! For many others “The cares of the world and the deceitfulness of riches choke the word” and they fall away (Matthew 13:22). Still others, refusing to acknowledge God, are given over in their sin and reap sorrow in this life, and unless they repent, eternal sorrow (Romans 1:18-32). Instead of making excuses not to believe, take to heart the invitation of Revelation 22:17: “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” so that by believing you may have life in His name! (John 20:30, 31). Suggestions for prayer If by grace you have true saving faith in Christ, thank God for His wondrous works of creation, providence, and redemption! And, if you are on the outside looking in, pray that God would graciously give you a new heart and saving faith in Christ alone. 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....

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Search CATEGORY: Daily devotional

Daily devotional

December 16 - Only Jesus gets the choir

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December 2 - Caesar Augustus (I)

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December 1 - Introduction to Luke 2

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November 30 - Anticipation and celebration

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November 29 - Tempted to praiseless prayer

Daily devotional

November 28 - Tempted to forget the measure of your days

Daily devotional

November 27 - Tempted to Christmas gluttony

Daily devotional

November 26 - Tempted to greed

Daily devotional

November 25 - Tempted in charitable giving

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November 24 - Tempted to wasting time

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November 23 - Welcome to the Sunday celebration

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November 22 - Tempted to avoid suffering

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November 21 - Tempted to drift

Daily devotional

November 20 - Tempted to all kinds of idle talk