Daily devotional

September 21 - Love endures all things

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

Daily devotional

September 20 - Love hopes all things

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

Daily devotional

September 19 - Love believes all things

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

Daily devotional

September 18 - Love bears all things

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

Daily devotional

September 17 - Love rejoices with the truth

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

Daily devotional

September 16 - Love does not rejoice at wrongdoing

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

Daily devotional

September 15 - Come into his presence with singing

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

Daily devotional

September 14 - Love is not resentful

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

Daily devotional

September 13 - Love is not irritable

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

Daily devotional

September 12 - Love does not insist on its own way

Daily devotional

September 11 - Love is not rude

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

Daily devotional

September 10 - Love is not arrogant

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

Daily devotional

September 9 - Love does not boast

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

Daily devotional

September 8 - Serve the Lord with gladness

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

Daily devotional

September 7 - Love does not envy

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

Daily devotional

September 6 - Love is kind

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

Daily devotional

September 5 - Love is patient

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

Daily devotional

September 4 - Nothing without love (II)

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

Daily devotional

September 3 - Nothing without love (I)

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

Daily devotional

September 2 - A more excellent way: Love

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

Daily devotional

September 1 - Introduction to the love chapter of the Bible

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

Daily devotional

August 31 - Farwell

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

August 29 - A new humanity: The Christian at work

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

Daily devotional

August 28 - A new humanity: Christian fathers

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

Daily devotional

August 27 - A new humanity: Christian children

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

Daily devotional

August 26 - A new humanity: Christian husbands

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

Daily devotional

August 25 - A new humanity: Christian wives

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

Daily devotional

August 24 - A new Humanity: Mirroring my Saviour

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

Daily devotional

August 23 - A new humanity: Mortifying my sin

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

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

Daily devotional

August 19 - A new humanity: Raised with Christ

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

Daily devotional

August 18 - “He disarmed the rulers and authorities”

Daily devotional

August 17 - Nailed to the cross

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

Daily devotional

August 16 - Paul’s pastoral warning

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

Daily devotional

August 15 - Walking in Christ

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

Daily devotional

August 14 - Paul’s mission

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

Daily devotional

August 13 - Paul’s model

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

Dimly lit courtroom with serious looking judge.

Daily devotional

August 12 - Christ’s gracious purpose in reconciliation

Sun coming up over mountains with the word reconciled centred.

Daily devotional

August 11 - A personal Saviour

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

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

Daily devotional

August 10 - Jesus: our King and friend

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

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

Daily devotional

August 9 - And He is the head of the body

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

Daily devotional

August 8 - In him all things hold together

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

Daily devotional

August 7 - Christ is the image of the invisible God

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

Daily devotional

August 6 - Transferred

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

Daily devotional

August 5 - The purpose of Paul’s prayer

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

Daily devotional

August 4 - Paul’s petition

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

Daily devotional

August 3 - The word of truth has come to us

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

Daily devotional

August 2 - Thankful to God

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

Daily devotional

August 1 - Introduction to the book of Colossians

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

Daily devotional

July 31 - Grace be with you

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

Daily devotional

July 30 - Fulfill your ministry

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

Daily devotional

July 29 - Sharing the treasure

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

Daily devotional

July 28 - The communion of the saints

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

Daily devotional

July 27 - The praying pastor

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

Daily devotional

July 26 - Men of the ministry

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

Daily devotional

July 25 - The pastor’s love

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

Daily devotional

July 24 - Speech seasoned with salt

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

Daily devotional

July 23 - Walk in wisdom

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

Daily devotional

July 22 - Praying for the preacher

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

Daily devotional

July 21 - Continue in prayer

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

Daily devotional

July 20 - Work for the Lord

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

Daily devotional

July 19 - Fathers and children

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

Daily devotional

July 18 - Husbands and wives

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

Daily devotional

July 17 - Put on love

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

Daily devotional

July 16 - Clothing ourselves with Christ

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

Daily devotional

July 15 - Conversion

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

Daily devotional

July 14 - Put to death the old man

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

Daily devotional

July 13 - Set your mind on things above

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

Daily devotional

July 12 - Let no one judge you

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

Daily devotional

July 11 - You he made alive

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

Daily devotional

July 10 - Walk in Christ

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

Daily devotional

July 9 - Paul’s shepherd’s heart

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

Daily devotional

July 8 - Rejoicing in suffering for preaching

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

Daily devotional

July 7 - The gospel preached to you

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

Daily devotional

July 6 - The head of the church

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

Daily devotional

July 5 - Christ the firstborn over all creation

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

Daily devotional

July 4 - Our independence

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

Daily devotional

July 3 - Praying for our church

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

Daily devotional

July 2 - Thankful for our church

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

Daily devotional

July 1 - Introduction to Colossians

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

Daily devotional

June 30 - Jesus with thy church abide

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

Daily devotional

June 29 - Sickening compromise

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

Daily devotional

June 28 - Definite conversion

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

Daily devotional

June 27 - Sing Choirs of new Jerusalem

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

Daily devotional

June 26 - Preparing for worship

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

Daily devotional

June 25 - From one generation to the next

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

Daily devotional

June 24 - Gathered by the Lord

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

Daily devotional

June 23 - O Jesus I have promised

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

Daily devotional

June 22 - The peace of knowing who we are

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

Daily devotional

June 21 - The assurance of knowing who we are

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

Daily devotional

June 20 - The humility of knowing who we are

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

Daily devotional

June 19 - The joy of knowing who we are

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

Daily devotional

June 18 - The joy of the Lord is your strength

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

Daily devotional

June 17 - To glorify God

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

Daily devotional

June 16 - A refuge of worship

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

Daily devotional

June 15 - What if God’s servant lies?

“Beloved, do not believe every spirit, but test the spirits to see whether they are from God, for many false prophets have gone out into the world.�...

Daily devotional

June 14 - Conspiracy!

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

Daily devotional

June 13 - Grace-filled leadership

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

Daily devotional

June 12 - Trouble at home

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

Daily devotional

June 11 - Doing the hard work

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

Daily devotional

June 10 - Armed and ready

“Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world.” - 1 Peter 5:8–9 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 4:15-20 Sometimes soldiers go off to war, fighting at the front, hundreds of miles away from home. Sometimes war comes to us. We think of life for those in Ukraine. Suddenly no place is safe and every civilian must also be a soldier. The threat of an attack on Jerusalem came down a degree. The building could continue, but everyone had to be their own bodyguard. Those going to get supplies had the supplies in one hand and a weapon in the other. Those on the wall continued the work, carrying their sword and trowel. What a lesson for us in the Christian life. We must be always ready, always watchful, always prayerful. When we are on the road, at the worksite, in town and out of town, we need to have our weapons ready against the attacks of the enemy. Satan wants to contaminate godliness and destroy growth. Satan will attack us when and where we are vulnerable. We need to be always ready to stand firm in the faith and fight off the attacks. And what are the weapons we must have ready for our spiritual battles? It is the Word of God, the truth of God. It is the shield of faith and steadfast prayer. A life of serving the Lord will be attacked by Satan. But we know the One Who is greater. Trust the Lord. As James 4:7 says, “Resist the devil and he will flee from you.” Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for equipping you for the battle. Confess where you have been careless, and ask for watchfulness and discernment, so you can recognize the schemes of the devil and stand firm when tempted. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 9 - Halfway there (living on a prayer)

“And we prayed to our God and set a guard as a protection against them day and night.” - Nehemiah 4:9 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 4:6-14 Who...

Daily devotional

June 8 - A fool’s errand?

“…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is...

Daily devotional

June 7 - The body of Christ

“Then Eliashib the high priest rose up with his brothers the priests, and they built the Sheep Gate. They consecrated it and set its doors. They con...

Daily devotional

June 6 - Through the thresher

“Do good to Zion in your good pleasure; build up the walls of Jerusalem.” - Psalm 51:18 Scripture reading: Psalm 122:1-9 What is so import...

Daily devotional

June 5 - Troublemakers

“But when Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite servant and Geshem the Arab heard of it, they jeered at us and despised us and said, “What is this thing that you are doing? Are you rebelling against the king?”” - Nehemiah 2:19 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 2:9-10,17-20 Repairing and rebuilding the wall is hard enough without opposition, accusation and mockery. This is true also in the Christian life: it is hard enough to be fighting sin and temptation, to be thankfully and humbly serving the Lord when there is no opposition. But it will come. You turn away from selfish desires and people say, “Why beat yourself up, it does no good.” Or if you are striving to be patient with a difficult person, people might tell you, “You are a fool to even try.” We live in a time when the world says we are better off ignoring God than following God. Today, we meet people who don’t mind the church as long as she is insignificant and does nothing. You might have friends who don’t mind that you are a Christian as long as your Christianity is meaningless. Sanballat, Tobiah and Geshom at worst hated Israel and at best hated Israel for being a holy nation. They wanted Israel to be owned and swallowed up by the other nations. Today people want the church to be swallowed up by the world and live by the ways of the world, and the Christian to be swallowed up by sin, living for the idols the world lives for. In these times we need to know Christ has come to us and is with us for a good reason. The whole world might stand against us, but when we are doing the work of God and serving His Kingdom, we will not be put to shame. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to strengthen you with His presence and to fix your eyes on His will so that you can serve the Lord faithfully even as you face opposition. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 4 - Examining the damage

“Then I arose in the night, I and a few men with me. And I told no one what my God had put into my heart to do for Jerusalem. There was no animal with me but the one on which I rode.” - Nehemiah 2:12 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 2:9-18 On June 1st, we asked what our priorities are. Maybe you have realized areas where you have been living for the wrong things and, as a result, your life is a mess. So like Nehemiah, start with prayer and confession, asking for God’s help, and then roll up your sleeves and face the work before you. Some people pray, but that is all they do. Nehemiah saw the disgrace and went to see what needed to be done. Nehemiah was not interested in mere appearances. He would not put new paint on a rusty car without first removing and repairing the rust. Nehemiah carefully and secretly surveyed the damage so he could take account of what needed to be done. In doing this, Nehemiah shows us the work of Jesus. Revelation 2:1 tells us that Jesus Christ walks among the seven golden lampstands (which are His churches). This is good. Jesus walks among His church. Jesus sees where there is disgrace, and He knows what the needs are. As we struggle, let us look to the Lord Jesus who knows the difficulties we face, to also supply, strengthen and restore our lives and His church. With the help of Christ, will you address areas of trouble and disgrace? Though it may be ugly and the task may seem impossible, keep your faith fixed on the good hand of God to strengthen you for His work. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord strengthen you to look at what is in disgrace in your heart, to help you consider why it is so, what needs to be done, and how the Lord will help you. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 3 - Prayers answered

“And the king granted me what I asked, for the good hand of my God was upon me.” - Nehemiah 2:8b Scripture reading: Nehemiah 2:1-8 Nehemiah spent about four months in fasting and prayer, asking that God would give him success in the presence of the king. Then one day the opportunity came. King Artaxerxes asked Nehemiah why he was so troubled. Nehemiah wasn’t sure of what he should say; he did not want to come across as a traitor to Artaxerxes and the kingdom of Persia, but his heart was in the work of God, in Jerusalem. When the king asked Nehemiah what he wanted, Nehemiah knew God was working in Artaxerxes’ heart. One more prayer to the “King of kings who reigns in heaven”, and Nehemiah brought the entire shopping list of things he would like King Artaxerxes to provide. Artaxerxes had nothing to gain by funding this endeavour, but it pleased him to give even more than Nehemiah had asked. Proverbs 21:1 says, “The king’s heart is a stream of water in the hand of the Lord: he turns it wherever he will.” We face a new week. Living as citizens of heaven in this world seems like an impossible task. But take comfort, for God will not neglect His work, nor His people. We feel small and powerless, but will we cling to the God of heaven, the King of all kings? We don’t always know if our plans will succeed, and we do not know what the Lord will do. But take comfort that the hand of God is good, and it will not fail. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Lord will work in the hearts of leaders and those in authority over us. Pray that you can boldly serve the Lord with grace and truth, knowing His hand upon you. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 1 - Introduction to Nehemiah

In the year 539 BC, the prophet Daniel was an old man serving in the courts of Babylon, receiving visions from the Lord of kingdoms rising and falling. Persia conquered Babylon, and Cyrus sat on the throne. A year later, Cyrus issued a decree that the Jews could go back to Jerusalem and rebuild the temple. We read this account in the book of Ezra. Ezra returned to Jerusalem around the year 458 BC, and they began the rebuilding with limited success. Nehemiah was 13 years later. Nehemiah will be the focus of our devotions this month. Nehemiah will do the Lord’s work in spite of swarms of opposition, and we see again and again that his help, his strength, his joy, and his hope is in the Lord and in trusting and obeying the Word of God. As you read through the book of Nehemiah and consider this devotion that accompanies it, I pray that you will be encouraged in your service to the Lord and in living for the Lord. We are always tempted to go the easy way, to compromise, to just let sin be in our lives. Nehemiah shows how the Lord is at work with His people so that His people (like us) can live, not like the nations, but for the Lord. Perhaps you have great changes you need to make in your life. Perhaps you need encouragement to press on in the faith. May God’s Word guide and refresh you day by day. Priorities of the heart “Let my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth, if I do not remember you, if I do not set Jerusalem above my highest joy!” - Psalm 137:6 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 1:1-4 How do you live in the world and not let the comforts and pleasures of the world cause you to lose sight of the eternal? Do you love your position or certain comforts more than the Lord and His work? Nehemiah had a position in a palace. As cupbearer, people would think he is living the dream. But Nehemiah knew his position was temporary. Nehemiah’s passion was to see the exiles returned and Jerusalem restored as the place where God dwells with His people, and where the Lord is rightly worshipped by His people. This is why Nehemiah was anxious to hear news of Jerusalem and of the exiles that had returned. When Hanani told him that Jerusalem was in disgrace, Nehemiah was heartbroken. Through the prophets, God had promised He would restore the people to Jerusalem and dwell with them there. The work had begun in the days of Ezra, but now it seems no one cares enough to carry on with it – disgraceful! For us today, God’s dwelling is not in the temple, but in the hearts of true believers. Are we prioritizing the work of the Lord in our hearts and lives? Or have we become careless? Also today, central to the Lord’s work is the local church. Do we care about the state of the church? Do we grieve sin and long to see the kingdom of Christ furthered, that more and more God may be known and worshipped? Suggestions for prayer Pray that God will help us to never forget what it means to belong to Him. Pray for hearts that deeply long to see the work of God furthered in our hearts and in the world around us. Rev. Simon Lievaart currently serves Bethel United Reformed Church of Smithers BC. Prior to this, he served the United Reformed Church in Doon, IA. Rev. Lievaart grew up in southern Alberta, attended Redeemer University College and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

June 2 - Start with prayer

“Let your ear be attentive and your eyes open, to hear the prayer of your servant that I now pray before you day and night for the people of Israel ...

Daily devotional

May 31 - Let us be stable and studious

“You therefore, beloved, knowing this beforehand, take care that you are not carried away with the error of lawless people and lose your own stabili...

Daily devotional

May 30 - Of pots and kettles

“Just as our beloved brother Paul also wrote to you according to the wisdom given him, as he does in all his letters when he speaks in them of these...

Daily devotional

May 29 - A call to evangelism

“And count the patience of our Lord as salvation.” - 2 Peter 3:15a Scripture reading: Matthew 28:16-20 In relation to the return of Chri...

Daily devotional

May 28 - We can hasten the coming of the day of God!

“Waiting for and hastening the coming of the day of God,” - 2 Peter 3:12a Scripture reading: Acts 17:31 Hastening means ‘to hurry’ or ‘to speed up.’ Picture a time when Mum or Dad announced a family trip to the park when the lounge and bedrooms were tidy. And the tidying went very slowly at first, until Dad said, “The sooner all this is tidied up, the sooner we will go!” Then everyone got really busy! This was Dad trying to hasten the time of departure, to bring it about sooner than might otherwise have been the case. What we see in verse 12 is that pursuing holinesses and godlinesses hastens the coming of the Lord. Isn’t that striking?! If you love the Lord Jesus and desire to show your thankfulness to Him for your salvation, then every act of devotion to Him, and every effort to resist temptation, and every choice made to do what pleases your Father in heaven, hastens or speeds up the day of Christ’s return! Now, I know what Calvinists are thinking – but isn’t God sovereign? Doesn't everything happen according to His plan? And doesn’t Acts 17:31 say that God “has fixed a day on which He will judge the world in righteousness”? Yes. All this is true. But we cannot let that cancel out the call to pursue holinesses and godlinesses, which hasten the coming of the day of the Lord. This is one of those wonderful mysteries that we simply must affirm and celebrate. Let us heed the call to intentional Christian living. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord for an ever-deepening thankfulness for Christ’s person and work. Ask Him to cause this to lead you to a deeper obedience. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This 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 27 - The new heavens and new earth

“But according to his promise we are waiting for new heavens and a new earth in which righteousness dwells.” - 2 Peter 3:13 Scripture reading: Isaiah 65:17-25 When believers die, their souls go immediately to be with Christ in heaven (Luke 23:43). But after the Day of Judgment, our resurrected and glorified bodies, having been reunited with our souls, will be welcomed into the eternal kingdom. 2 Peter helps us to see that the eternal kingdom will be a new heaven and new earth. Revelation 5:9-10 says of believers: “They shall reign on the earth.” So, heaven will not be an ‘up there on the clouds’ existence, but a wonderful ‘on the earth’ existence. It will be a purified and refined version of the earth we stand on today, having been purified by the burning that Peter describes. In other words, sin and all its consequences will be destroyed. The new creation will no longer be in “bondage to decay” (Romans 8:21). There will no longer be tears or death or mourning or pain (Revelation 21:3). As one author said, “Christ will renew the world to make it a fitting dwelling place for His renewed people.” When we visit friends who have had their house renovated and upgraded, we typically say something like, “Wow! I love what you've done with this place!” And with the greatest of reverence, that will surely be our reaction in the new heavens and new earth, Lord, I love what you have done with the place! But this wonderful world is only for those who have received Christ as their Lord and Saviour in this life. Have you done so? Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the promise of His return. Ask Him to come quickly! Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 26 - “What sort of people ought you to be?”

“Since all these things are thus to be dissolved, what sort of people ought you to be in lives of holiness and godliness … Therefore, beloved, since you are waiting for these, be diligent to be found by Him without spot or blemish, and at peace.” - 2 Peter 3:11-14 Scripture reading: Psalm 15:1-5 In Matthew 25, Jesus describes the separation of all humanity into the sheep and the goats. When the sheep ask Him why they are welcomed into the eternal kingdom, He said, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.'” In other words, all that we do out of love and thankfulness for Him and for our salvation, we did to Him. Thus, every ounce of effort we put into growing in obedience and sexual purity and being content, and not giving in to anger and lust and greed, etc, survives the burning and is rewarded. Now, the way that the words holiness and godliness are written in Greek is in the plural. So, literally, Peter is saying, “It is necessary for you to live in holinesses and godlinesses.” Think back to chapter 1 where the believer is told to “make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue … knowledge … self-control … steadfastness … godliness … brotherly affection … love.” Therefore, waiting for the coming day of the Lord is not about sitting on our hands and staring at the clock. There are all sorts of holinesses and godlinesses that we must busy ourselves with. In the work and example of Christ, we have every reason to “make every effort.” Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His holiness. Thank Him for ministers who properly apply His Word to our lives, that we may become more like Christ. Ask Him to cause you to grow, by His Word and Spirit, in holinesses and godlinesses. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 25 - The patience of God

“The Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” - 2 Peter 3:9 Scripture reading: Psalm 130:1-8 When God was about to destroy Sodom and Gomorrah, Abraham ‘argued’ God down to not doing so if just ten righteous persons could be found in the cities. These were extremely wicked cities! This is an illustration of God’s patience with sinners. He is able to be patient and merciful because He has dealt with our sins by putting them on His Son, and punishing Him, on the cross. This is the glorious gospel! It is why God is free to not treat us as our sins deserve and to remember our sins no more. We might wonder, though, how this verse relates to the doctrine of election. For, if God has only chosen some to salvation, then how does that stack up with the statement here that He does not wish that “any should perish, but that all should reach repentance”? Well, notice who it is that Peter is speaking to. It says that God is “patient toward you.” And who are you? 2 Peter is addressed to those “who have obtained a faith of equal standing with .” In other words, Peter addressed his letter to believers, to all God’s elect, including those who had not yet been born. So, this verse is not saying that God really wants every single person to repent, but that the return of Christ will only come when all those whom God has chosen to salvation have come to repentance and faith, and not a day before! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His electing mercies. Pray that He would soon bring the full number of His elect ones to faith in Christ. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 24 - This verse is not about the days of creation!

Daily devotional

May 23 - Judgment day

“But by the same word the heavens and earth that now exist are stored up for fire, being kept until the day of judgment and destruction of the ungod...

Daily devotional

May 22 - For scoffers will come

“… knowing this first of all, that scoffers will come in the last days with scoffing, following their own sinful desires. They will say, "Where is...

Daily devotional

May 21 - Peter’s much-needed reminder

“This is now the second letter that I am writing to you, beloved. In both of them I am stirring up your sincere mind by way of reminder, that you sh...

Daily devotional

May 20 - The dangerous activity of false teachers (part 2)

“What the true proverb says has happened to them: "The dog returns to its own vomit, and the sow, after washing herself, returns to wallow in the mire."” - 2 Peter 2:17-22 Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 4:10-14 Peter completes his identikit sketch of false teachers with two animal illustrations of their dangerous activity. A sick dog, if it is hungry enough, will eat its own vomit. How disgusting! And having taken a bath in clean water, a pig will head straight back to mud and manure for a good wallow. One preacher described the gospel as like a spiritual emetic and laxative. An emetic is a medicine that makes you vomit up the poison or drugs that you have swallowed, and I am sure you know what a laxative does. And in a similar way, the gospel makes us ‘vomit up’ our addictions and habitual bad behaviours. But false teachers basically put addictions and habitual bad behaviours, which is what “sensuality” is, in front of us again and they tell us it’s all OK, and in so doing, they invite us to eat our own vomit. But to listen to them, would be as disgusting as the dogs and pigs described here. Peter was called by the Lord Jesus to feed His sheep. One way that a shepherd feeds and cares for sheep is to steer them away from predators and poison. There will be those who try and lead us away from Christ and the Christian life. But now we know what they look like; we know their warped personality and dangerous activity. May Christ and His way be what we seek. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for Jesus Christ, the author and perfector of our salvation. Ask the Lord to raise up a new generation of men who would preach the full counsel of His Word. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This 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 19 - The dangerous activity of false teachers (part 1)

“These are waterless springs and mists driven by a storm. For them the gloom of utter darkness has been reserved. For, speaking loud boasts of folly, they entice by sensual passions of the flesh those who are barely escaping from those who live in error. They promise them freedom, but they themselves are slaves of corruption. For whatever overcomes a person, to that he is enslaved.” - 2 Peter 2:17-22 Scripture reading: Ezekiel 34:1-10 Peter continues his identikit sketch of false teachers by exposing their dangerous activity. Storms cause havoc, but at least they bring water that refreshes. False teachers create spiritual havoc, but they do not bring any grace or assurance or hope. In contrast, the preaching of sound doctrine is described in Scripture as like living and clean water (John 7/Ezekiel 36). From it we receive Christ and learn how to live a life that is pleasing to God. It truly cleans and satisfies and revives! But false teachers are not only empty, they are also enslaving. They preach freedom from the law. They say you can live as you please. But this is not freeing; it is enslaving. People just become slaves to their wicked passions. A Scottish minister of many years ago said, “The best preaching is: Believe on the Lord Jesus Christ and keep the Ten Commandments.” Today, many would accuse him of legalism – preaching salvation by works. But he was not explaining how to be saved, but what the best preaching is. Think of the Great Commission that Christ gave to the church: Go, make disciples of all nations, baptizing them, and "teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you." We are saved by grace alone, through Christ alone, which we receive by faith alone. But we are to present our whole body as an instrument to do what is right for the glory of God. Suggestions for Prayer As we go to the house of the Lord, give thanks for faithful preachers. Ask Him to keep them from error and to exalt Christ. Ask Him also to help us to be doers of His word, and not just hearers. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 18 - The warped personality of false teachers (part 2)

“They have followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved gain from wrongdoing, but was rebuked for his own transgression; a speechless donkey spoke with human voice and restrained the prophet's madness.” - 2 Peter 2:10-16 Scripture reading: Numbers 22:15-35 Peter continues his identikit sketch of false teachers with a biblical illustration. The illustration he uses is Balaam. Balaam was offered great riches by the king of Moab if he would come and curse the people of Israel. Initially, Balaam flat-out refused to go and did not curse Israel. However, the king sent more men and a bigger offer. And Balaam, probably with hands rubbing together and his bank account details ready to hand out, asked the Lord, again, if he might go – please, please, please??? Oh how dangerous is the love of money (1 Timothy 6:10). A New Testament equivalent of Balaam is Demas. Described in Colossians and Philemon as a “fellow worker” of Paul’s, in 2 Timothy 4:10 we read that “Demas, in love with this present world, deserted and gone to Thessalonica.” Demas loved money more than he loved Christ and was either backslidden or apostate. 1 Timothy 3 tells us that an elder should not be a “lover of money.” 1 Peter 5 offers a similar warning to elders against desiring “shameful gain.” So, watch out for office-bearers, both those in your church, but also those on TV or online, who constantly talk about money. For this is a sure sign that their motives are mixed at best. But give thanks also for office-bearers who serve willingly, eagerly, and as examples to the flock. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for elders who serve willingly, eagerly, and as examples to us all. Ask the Lord to keep them from a desire for shameful gain and/or a domineering spirit. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 17 - The warped personality of false teachers (part 1)

“Bold and willful, they do not tremble as they blaspheme the glorious ones … They count it pleasure to revel in the daytime. They are blots and blemishes, reveling in their deceptions, while they feast with you. They have eyes full of adultery, insatiable for sin. They entice unsteady souls. They have hearts trained in greed. Accursed children! Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray.” - 2 Peter 2:10-15 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4:1-8 When a crime has been committed, police sometimes issue an identikit sketch. It is a drawing of the main features of the person who committed the crime. In this part of Peter’s letter, he is providing his readers with an identikit sketch of false teachers. The chief characteristics that he identifies are insolence and insatiability. To be insolent is to be rude and disrespectful. It is described here as ‘blasphem the glorious ones.’ Jude uses the same description of false teachers. This is a much-debated phrase. It could be a reference to angels. The other possibility is the apostles and office-bearers of the church. On balance, the latter option seems to fit the context better. So, these false teachers had no hesitation criticizing and rejecting the authority of those whom the Lord had called to bless His church. Another character flaw was their insatiability. To be insatiable is to be constantly greedy for more. One area where this came out was sensuality, as we see in verses 13-14. And this was no secret or hidden passion; it was all done “in the daytime.” Another passion of theirs was money. They wanted to be rewarded, handsomely, for what they taught. Money was a constant topic of their conversation. And church history is littered with many examples of false teachers with these personality traits. But we have now been warned – watch out for teachers who display insolence and insatiability! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to preserve our leaders from these attitudes and behaviours. Thank Him for the godly men He has placed over us. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 16 - Glimpses of grace!

“if He did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others … and if he rescued righteous Lot, greatl...

Daily devotional

May 15 - The wicked condemned - Portrait three

“if by turning the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah to ashes He condemned them to extinction, making them an example of what is going to happen to the u...

Daily devotional

May 14 - The wicked condemned - Portrait two

“if He did not spare the ancient world, but preserved Noah, a herald of righteousness, with seven others, when He brought a flood upon the world of ...

Daily devotional

May 13 - The wicked condemned - Portrait one

“For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but cast them into hell and committed them to chains of gloomy darkness to be kept until the judg...

Daily devotional

May 12 - The tactics of false teachers

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you, who will secretly bring in destructive heresies, even denying the Master who bought them ... And many will follow their sensuality … And in their greed they will exploit you with false words …” - 2 Peter 2:1-3 Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 3:1-9 You may have heard before that the way that bank-tellers learn to recognize counterfeit money is by regularly handling genuine money. For if you know the real thing well it is easy to spot the fake. Yesterday we saw the importance of being under faithful Bible teaching and having faithful elders. But we are wise, also, to understand the tactics of false teachers. Peter tells us that false teachers “secretly bring in destructive heresies.” Jude talks about them “creeping in unnoticed.” Paul says, in Galatians 2:4, “Yet because of false brothers secretly brought in – who slipped in to spy out our freedom that we have in Christ Jesus.” And in 2 Corinthians 11:13, he said of them, “For such men are false apostles, deceitful workmen, disguising themselves as apostles of Christ.” So, they are cunning weasels. Ultimately though, what they teach is contrary to Scripture and Confession. They undermine rather than build up. They promote sensuality rather than sanctification. Peter speaks of them “even denying the Master who bought them.” Some see this as proof that the doctrine of the perseverance of the saints is wrong. It is not! These false teachers taught a Saviour Jesus, but not a Master. Thus, their refusal to obey His commandments and the false doctrines that they taught revealed that they were not true believers. In this way, they denied the Master who bought them. May the Lord guard our pulpits from error today and bless us with faithful teachers/teaching. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the preaching and teaching of God’s Word today. Ask the Lord to keep our ministers from error, and to speak His truth through them. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This 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 11 - “There will be false teachers”

“But false prophets also arose among the people, just as there will be false teachers among you…” - 2 Peter 2:1 Scripture reading: Matthew 24:1-13 Can you remember a time at school when you were thinking, “Why do I need to know this?” Well, that is the question of believers that Peter anticipates with the beginning of chapter 2. He has reminded believers of the certainty of the Second Coming and Judgment by appealing to the authority of the Apostles and Scripture. And now, so that there is no doubt about why this doctrine is important, Peter explains why a godly life and maintaining the truth of Jesus’ Second Coming is so important. And the why is false teachers and their devastating impact. In Matthew 24, Jesus spoke about the time between His first and second Coming. He said, “Many false prophets will arise and lead many astray.” That warning is what Peter echoes when he says that “there will be false teachers among you,” and that many will follow their destructive heresies and sensuality. Paul said the same thing in 2 Timothy 4:3-4. These truly are sobering words that we do well to heed. To think that this could not happen to us is foolishness. This is why active membership in a local congregation, where elders who take their shepherding responsibilities seriously is so important. We need regular exposure to the truth and warnings about error. We should also do as the Bereans did and examine the Scriptures to see if what we are being taught is so (Acts 17:10-11). Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for elders who take their responsibilities seriously. Thank Him for the privilege of being able to participate in the life of a congregation in freedom. Pray that the Lord would be with our brothers and sisters who do not enjoy these freedoms. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 10 - The authority of scripture

“And we have something more sure, the prophetic word, to which you will do well to pay attention as to a lamp shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts, knowing this first of all, that no prophecy of Scripture comes from someone's own interpretation. For no prophecy was ever produced by the will of man, but men spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.” - 2 Peter 1:19-21 Scripture reading: Jeremiah 1:1-10 These words, together with 2 Timothy 3:16, are cornerstone texts for the doctrine of the inspiration of Scripture. They make it clear that the Holy Spirit guided what the prophets and apostles wrote, so that the Bible is the very Word of God. Peter’s point here is that the birth, life, death, resurrection and ascension of Jesus are all in the Old Testament, but they are hidden or shadowy or hinted at or there by way of types and anti-types, and promises and prophecies. They have become plain with the New Testament. In this way, then, the coming of Jesus and the Gospel accounts more fully confirm the prophetic word. Peter’s particular focus is the Second Coming of Christ and the Day of Judgment. They are spoken of in Daniel 7, Isaiah 13, Psalm 2, and Psalm 110. But they are made plain by passages like Matthew 24:30, 26:64, Acts 1:11, Acts 17:31, 1 Thessalonians 4:16, and 1 Corinthians 15. So, believer, do not be persuaded by anyone who teaches otherwise. Christ will come down to earth from heaven, and He will receive His bride to Himself, for all eternity! So, do pray: “Come Lord Jesus!” And friends, if you have not yet received Christ and believed in Him as your Saviour and Lord, know that He is coming, maybe today! And then comes judgment. So, take hold of Him, now! Suggestions for prayer Confess that we often do not live as though we expect Jesus to return. Give thanks that we have the very Word of God on the pages of Scripture! Ask Him to help us warn others to be ready for Christ’s return. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 9 - The mount of transfiguration

“For we did not follow cleverly devised myths when we made known to you the power and coming of our Lord Jesus Christ, but we were eyewitnesses of His majesty. For when He received honor and glory from God the Father, and the voice was borne to Him by the Majestic Glory, "This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased," we ourselves heard this very voice borne from heaven, for we were with Him on the holy mountain.” - 2 Peter 1:16-18 Scripture reading: Matthew 17:1-8 Myths – made up stories – can be entertaining and even instructive. This is true of Ancient Greek myths, Aesop’s Fables and the myths of pagan cultures. But all they are is made up stories. They lack a factual, historical basis. One accusation levelled at Christianity is that the Bible is just a collection of myths and fables. The false teachers of Peter’s day were teaching that the Second Coming was a myth; that Jesus was not going to return and that there would not be a Day of Judgment. Therefore, how you lived did not matter. Peter’s response to this false teaching is his reminder to his readers that he and the other apostles were eyewitnesses of the majesty of Jesus Christ. They had seen Him transfigured right in front of their eyes. They had seen Moses and Elijah with Him. They had heard the voice of God speak from heaven. This event really happened. Why this event is important will become plain in verses 19-21, but the key point here is that the reminder to remain established in the truth and to make every effort to live a godly life is based on fact – an actual, historical, literal, physical, real event. Peter and James and John witnessed it! What we must do is believe it. And remember the words of Christ: “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed" (John 20:29). Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the gift of faith. Thank Him for giving us His Word that we might know Christ through the testimony of prophets and apostles. Ask Him for wisdom and courage to tell others the good news about salvation in Jesus Christ. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 8 - A much-needed reminder

“Therefore I intend always to remind you of these qualities, though you know them and are established in the truth that you have. I think it right, ...

Daily devotional

May 7 - “Make your calling and election sure”

Daily devotional

May 6 - What is at stake

“For if these qualities are yours and are increasing, they keep you from being ineffective or unfruitful in the knowledge of our Lord Jesus Christ. ...

Daily devotional

May 5 - The ‘qualities’ we must cultivate

“For this very reason, make every effort to supplement your faith with virtue … knowledge … self-control … steadfastness … godliness … bro...

Daily devotional

May 4 - The believer’s privileged position

“His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us to His own glory and excellence, by which He has granted to us His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may become partakers of the divine nature, having escaped from the corruption that is in the world because of sinful desire.” - 2 Peter 1:3-4 Scripture reading: Ephesians 1:3-14 There are many passages in Scripture that describe the believer’s privileged position. Privilege has become something of a dirty word in our day and age, but it shouldn’t be. We do not deserve God’s favour. But by His grace, because of Christ’s work, we possess “every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places” (Ephesians 1:3). Peter describes this as “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” He tells us that we have been called to the “glory and excellence” of God, and that we have “His precious and very great promises.” He even says that we “become partakers of the divine nature”! As born-again ones, the image of God is restored in us in the full sense (Ephesians 4:24). We are being made more and more like the Lord Jesus (Romans 8:30). We are adopted children of God (Romans 6), and one day the Lord Jesus will take us home to the place He has prepared for us (John 14:2). This is astonishing! We should burst out in praise as we meditate on these realities. Why this is so vital and important is all that follows in 2 Peter. Peter is about to describe the hard work of Christian living. We will/can only commit to this life if we know for certain that we already possess “all things that pertain to life and godliness.” And we do! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for every spiritual blessing. Name each of them as you read them in passages like this. For, just as we ought to confess particular sins, particularly (Westminster Confession of Faith Ch. 15.5), so we should praise God for particular blessings, particularly. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This 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 3 - The importance of correct knowledge

“May grace and peace be multiplied to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” - 2 Peter 1:2 Scripture reading: Hosea 4:1-6 When we send a card or an email, we sometimes write “best wishes” or “all the best” on the bottom. Regardless of how sincere we might be, however, there is not really anything we can do to bring that about. Peter desired that believers enjoy the grace and peace of God, in abundance. Grace is God’s undeserved favour, and peace is the absence of conflict, turmoil and doubt, and the presence of unity, harmony and confidence. But this was not Peter’s equivalent of our “best wishes.” For Peter was an apostle of Jesus Christ. His words were written with the inspiration and authority of the Holy Spirit. Thus, his words contained the power to convey grace and peace to believers. How? “in the knowledge of God and of Jesus our Lord.” In other words, the Holy Spirit uses our study of the Word of God to work grace and peace in us and through us. The importance of correct knowledge is a central theme of Peter’s letter. False teachers were a problem in Peter’s day, and the Scriptures tell us that there will always be false teachers. What we need then is correct knowledge. We need it as an anchor for faith, as ‘glasses’ that help us recognize error, and as a guide for life. We get this knowledge only by Word and Spirit. Suggestions for prayer Confess any failures to pursue growth in knowledge. Thank the Lord for His abundant grace and peace to you in the knowledge of God and of Jesus Christ our Lord. Ask that you may grow in this knowledge. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

May 2 - Our glorious position in Christ

“To those who have obtained a faith of equal standing with ours by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.” - 2 Peter 1:1b Scripture reading: Romans 8:1-17 This letter is addressed to all who have put their faith in the Lord Jesus Christ. Romans 10:9 says, “If you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.” The sermons in Acts describe this as repenting of your sins and believing in Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. Have you done this? If you have not, will you do so, today? If you have, then Peter tells you that you have obtained “a faith of equal standing with ”! They saw Jesus with their own eyes and heard Him teach. But Jesus said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). That includes us! But the key point is that we are as much children and heirs of God as the Apostles were. This glorious position is a gracious gift of God. Peter says that we have obtained this faith “by the righteousness of our God and Saviour Jesus Christ.” It has its origins in “the calling and election” of God, as we shall see later in this chapter. And it is something that the Holy Spirit has worked within us (Ephesians 2:8-9). As the hymn-writer so beautifully expressed it: ‘Tis not that I did choose Thee, for Lord that could not be; this heart would still refuse Thee, hadst Thou not chosen me. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the gift of faith and our standing in His sight. Ask the Spirit to work the gift of faith in others through our words and deeds. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com. ...

Daily devotional

May 1 - Introduction to arguing, defending, attacking, warning, and pleading

When you are given incorrect directions, you will not arrive at your desired destination. And surely the most important destination that exists is heaven. But how do we get there? Are there many ways to heaven, or just one? And can we know for certain that we are headed in the right direction? 2 Peter warns us about the danger of those who give the wrong directions (false teachers). It also provides us with reliable and trustworthy directions for the journey to heaven. R. Kent Hughes has helpfully summarized the key theme of each of the three chapters of 2 Peter in this way: Can someone come to know God without knowledge of Jesus as God’s Son? Can one know God and abandon or ignore the rigorous life that the apostles required of those who profess Christ. Can you know God and reject the notion that Jesus will come back to judge the living and the dead? As we consider answers to these questions, we will see that correct knowledge is very important. But while this includes doctrine, it must also be spiritual and experiential knowledge. This means that by the power of the Holy Spirit at work within us, these doctrines are true in relation to us, personally, and they affect how we live. 2 Peter will take us back to creation and forward to the new heavens and new earth. It offers us wonderful encouragement. Yet, the overall tone of 2 Peter is polemical. That means there is arguing, defending, attacking, warning, and pleading. So, there will be arguing, defending, attacking, warning, and pleading in these devotions. May the Lord use them to help you “confirm your calling and election” (2 Peter 1:10). You’ve got to love Peter! “Simeon Peter, a servant and apostle of Jesus Christ.” - 2 Peter 1:1a Scripture reading: Matthew 16:13-19 The author of the letter is the disciple of Jesus, called Simon, to whom Jesus gave the extra name Peter, which means ‘rock’ (John 1:42). Simeon is the Hebrew version of Simon. As a man, Peter was a real ‘mixed bag.’ Many have described Peter as someone who suffered ‘foot in mouth disease,’ because of his often hastily spoken words. But he was also the disciple who answered Jesus’, “Who do you say that I am?” question with the wonderful profession of faith: “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.” And it was because of these words that Jesus said to him, “You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it.” And this is why you gotta love Peter! For we are so like him. We also truly believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God. But we also, at times, deny Him, by what we do or say or think, or fail to do or say or think. We are mixtures of belief and unbelief, of obedience and disobedience, of faith and failure. But Simeon Peter, warts and all, was loved by Jesus and used, powerfully and wonderfully, as an Apostle, and then received into glory. That should be, to each of us, a source of great encouragement! If Christ can love and use Simeon Peter, then He can love and use me! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for how He uses ‘mixed-bag’ humans like Simeon Peter. Ask Him to strengthen your faith, and to use you to encourage, edify and exhort others. Rev. Andre Holtslag is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary in Dyer, Indiana (2007). At the present time he serves the Reformed Church of Avondale, which is in the city of Auckland, New Zealand, and is one of the Reformed Churches in New Zealand (RCNZ). Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 30 - The Spirit and the Bride

“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 t...

Daily devotional

April 29 - The fruit of the Spirit - Self-control

“A man without self-control is like a city broken into and left without walls.” - Proverbs 25:28 Scripture reading: Galatians 5:16-24 As w...

Daily devotional

April 28 - The Holy Spirit and worship

“And they devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers.” - Acts 2:42 Scripture rea...

Daily devotional

April 27 - The fruit of the Spirit - Gentleness

“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” - Colossians 3:12 Scripture ...

Daily devotional

April 26 - The fruit of the Spirit - Faithfulness

“…Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” - Revelation 2:10 Scripture reading: Revelation 2:8-11 God is a faithful God Who has kept every promise. Faithfulness is being trustworthy, loyal and dependable. And since our covenant-keeping God is faithful, shouldn’t that also be true of His people? We are being conformed to the image of His Son. We are those in whom the Spirit of God dwells. Sadly, even among professing Christians, we find faithlessness. At their marriage, a man and a woman vow to love and be faithful to each other “till death do us part,” and then later break that vow. Church discipline happens in the church often because someone is unfaithful to their spouse, or unfaithful to their vows made at their profession of faith. This is not of Christ. This is not of the Spirit and should not mark the people of God. The church in Smyrna was a suffering church. They were slandered, poor, and Jesus said they would soon face even more trials and tribulation. But then He said, “Be faithful unto death, and I will give you the crown of life.” The Holy Spirit is working such faithfulness in you and in me. Dear Christian, I encourage you to be faithful. Be faithful to Christ! Be faithful to your spouse! Be faithful to our word! Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Spirit’s fruit of faithfulness will increase in you. Pray for God’s blessing on your marriage and the marriages of your loved ones. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 25 - The fruit of the Spirit - Faithfulness

“It was to show His righteousness at the present time, so that He might be just and the justifier of the one who has faith in Jesus.”- Romans 3:26 Scripture reading: Romans 3:21-31 Yesterday, we considered John’s statement that God is faithful to forgive our sins. But what does he mean when he says that God is also “just” to forgive our sins? To say that God is just is to recognize His infinite righteousness. The justice of God is not an optional thing, but an unchangeable attribute of who God is. He gave righteous laws to humanity and requires them to conform to His moral law. God’s essential and eternal righteousness means He must visit every transgression of that law with punishment. As Paul said, “The wages of sin is death…” (Romans 6:23). The Canons of Dort puts it this way: “His justice requires that…the sins we have committed against His infinite majesty be punished with both temporal and eternal punishments, of soul as well as body. We cannot escape these punishments unless satisfaction is given to God’s justice” (2.1). But in His amazing love and mercy, God provided His Son to take our place. Christ bore the punishment we deserve by dying a cursed death on the cross. This sacrifice fulfilled God’s just penalty against our sins, and so John can rightly say that God is just to forgive us our sins. While our forgiveness and salvation highlight the faithfulness of God, He is faithful in so many other ways. He is our heavenly Father who faithfully provides our food, clothing, shelter, and every breath. “The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is Your faithfulness” (Lamentations 3:22-23). Suggestions for prayer Give thanks that God gave Jesus as a propitiation for all your sins. Thank God for His daily provisions for you. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 24 - The fruit of the Spirit - Faithfulness

“If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” - 1 John 1:9 Scripture reading: 1 John 1:1-10 The seventh fruit of the Spirit is faithfulness. This fruit pertains to loyalty, trustworthiness and dependability. Today we will focus on the faithfulness of God, and then later discuss this fruit in the believer. I’m sure you’ve read and heard 1 John 1:9 many times. As a pastor I refer to this passage often to comfort and assure the congregation that in Christ, their sins are forgiven. Have you thought about why John says that God is “faithful and just to forgive us our sins”? We can be assured of forgiveness because of the faithfulness and justice of God. But what does this mean? God had promised to forgive sins. To sinful Israel and Judah, whom God called a “sinful nation, a people laden with iniquity” (Is. 1:4), God said, “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red like crimson, they shall become like wool” (Is. 1:18). Later, Isaiah will prophecy of the coming Suffering Servant: “He was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities…the Lord has laid on him the iniquity of us all” (Is. 53:4-6). So when John says that God is “faithful” to forgive us our sins, he is pointing out that what God had promised, from Adam and Eve and on throughout history, God has fulfilled. He is trustworthy and dependable. As Paul had said, “All the promises of God find their yes in Him.” (II Corinthians 1:20). God is faithful. Oh, praise Him. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks today for the faithfulness of God. Be assured that because God is faithful, your sins are forgiven. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 23 - The fruit of the Spirit - Goodness

“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 good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” - Titus 3:8 Scripture reading: Titus 3:1-11 Every now and then I get to watch a movie or read a story with my grandchildren. Near the beginning of the story, as we’re learning about the characters, my six-year-old grandson will inevitably ask, “Is he a good guy or a bad guy?” In the passage above, Paul instructs Titus to remind his congregation to be ready for every good work. And he grounds that instruction in what God had done for them. “But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Saviour appeared, He saved us…” (vv. 4-5). Because of God’s goodness in our salvation, we are called to goodness. Christians are to be the good guys and gals. And goodness is the sixth fruit of the Spirit. We don’t do good in order that the Spirit would dwell in us, we do good because the Spirit dwells in us. Goodness has to do with morality and spiritual excellence. It is closely related to kindness because the evidence of goodness is so often seen in how we relate with kindness to one another. If we have been the recipients of God’s goodness and kindness, then we ought to show the same to others. As we’ve already noted, we are living in dark days with so much hatred, division, anger and violence. Jesus said that we are the light of the world (Matthew 5:14). Don’t hide that light. Rather, those in whom the Spirit dwells have the opportunity to be shining lights of goodness in this evil, dark world. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the second coming of Christ. Pray that in the meantime you will shine brightly with goodness in this dark world. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 22 - The fruit of the Spirit - Kindness

“Put on then, as God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience…” - Colossians 3:12 Sc...

Daily devotional

April 21 - The fruit of the Spirit - Patience

“Be patient, therefore, brothers, until the coming of the Lord…” - James 5:7 Scripture reading: James 5:7-11 Patience is one of the attrib...

Daily devotional

April 20 - The fruit of the Spirit - Patience

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to His purpose.” - Romans 8:28 ...

Daily devotional

April 19 - The fruit of the Spirit - Peace

“You keep him in perfect peace whose mind is stayed on You, because he trusts in You.” - Isaiah 26:3 Scripture reading: Isaiah 26:1-9 Isai...

Daily devotional

April 18 - The fruit of the Spirit - Peace

"For if when we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son, much more, having been reconciled, we shall be saved by His life." - Romans 5:10 Scripture reading: Romans 5:1-11 The third fruit of the Spirit is peace. This peace is both the objective peace we have with God and the subjective sense of wellness the believer has while sojourning in this world. And the former is necessary before the latter can be truly experienced. Paul begins Romans 5 by saying, “Since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” This means that all those who are not in Christ are at enmity with God and in rebellion against His Lordship. Paul had made this point in the first three chapters of Romans. And in Psalm 7, David writes: “God is a righteous judge, and a God who feels indignation every day. If a man does not repent, God will whet his sword; He has bent and readied His bow” (vv. 11, 12). Jonathan Edward’s great sermon, “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God” very graphically brought out the reality of this enmity and God’s inevitable judgment. But the good news is that God sent His only begotten Son to bear the penalty of our sins on Himself, to be our righteousness, and so turn away the just wrath of God that we deserved. In Christ, we have been reconciled to God. Instead of enemies, we are now children of God, in a relationship of harmony. We have peace with God. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks that God, in Christ, has saved you. Give thanks for the Holy Spirit, who applies what Christ has done to and for you. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 17 - The fruit of the Spirit - Joy

“I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” - Habakkuk 3:18b Scripture reading: Habakkuk 3:1-19 When the Bible speaks of our joy, we discover that it is the Christian’s response to all the blessings we have from God. But the wellspring, the fount of joy is our salvation in Jesus Christ. For example, James instructs us to “count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds…” (James 1:2). But we cannot be joyful in our trials apart from our salvation in Christ. In Psalm 119, the Psalmist says that he delights in God’s Word, in God’s commands, and in God’s testimonies. But we cannot find joy in God’s revelation without being in Christ. And at the end of Luke’s gospel, just after Jesus’ ascension, we read that His disciples “worshipped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:52). But we cannot worship joyfully apart from being in Christ. Habakkuk was a prophet during very difficult days. In the short, Old Testament book of Habakkuk, the prophet raises complaints to God about the sorry state of affairs in Judah. He is burdened because God seems to be indifferent to the appalling spiritual condition of His people (Habakkuk 1:2-4). But after God answers his complaints, Habakkuk responds with those beautiful words, “I will take joy in the God of my salvation.” Is that your joy? God sent His only begotten Son to save you. He is the God of your salvation. Do you take joy in Him? Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Holy Spirit would impress on you His great love for you. So great is the Father’s love that He gave Jesus to be your salvation. Pray that your joy would be evident and recognized by others. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 16 - The fruit of the Spirit - Joy

“But now the righteousness of God has been manifested apart from the law, although the Law and the Prophets bear witness to it—the righteousness of God through faith in Jesus Christ for all who believe. For there is no distinction: for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God…” - Romans 3:21-23 Scripture reading: Romans 3:9-26 I don’t know anybody who doesn’t want to be joyful. Yesterday we saw that Jesus is the source of true joy, and that we will bear much fruit, including the fruit of joy, if we abide in Him. But what does this mean? The Heidelberg Catechism is a summary of biblical teaching and begins by asking the question, “What is your only comfort in life and in death?” The answer can be summarized: “That I belong to Jesus.” But notice what the second question asks: “What must you know to live and die in the joy of this comfort?” Then it lists three things. That is, if you desire (as I do) to live in joy and to die in joy, you need to know and understand these things: First, that I am a sinner. And not only am I a sinner, but I have no hope of earning or meriting God’s favour on my own. Because I am a sinner, I deserve only God’s punishment. Second, that God in love sent His only begotten Son to save sinners like me. There is no other Saviour but Jesus Christ and I am trusting in His salvation. Third, that my gratitude is the inevitable response to God’s grace in Christ. This gratitude is not only a feeling but shows itself in a life of obedience to God’s will. When you know, understand and believe those three things, you will have joy. Suggestions for prayer Pray for a deeper appreciation for the gospel. Pray that the gospel will be the pillar and foundation of your church’s ministry. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 15 - The fruit of the Spirit - Joy

“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.” - John 15:11 Scripture reading: John 15:1-11 Joy is the possession of every child of God. The triune God is a God of joy and the source of joy to all who trust in Him. In Deuteronomy 16:15, Moses told the children of Israel: “The Lord your God will bless you in all your produce and in all the work of your hands, so that you will be altogether joyful.” And the second fruit of the Spirit listed in Galatians 5 is “joy.” This means that those in whom the Holy Spirit dwells will possess, to some extent, joy. Jesus instructed His disciples (and you) in the upper room so that His joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full. He said this after saying that He is the Vine and we are the branches, and apart from Him we can do nothing. Apart from Jesus, we cannot bear fruit. Apart from Jesus, we are nothing but withering branches, only good for being “gathered, thrown into the fire, and burned.” So Jesus lovingly instructs and encourages us to abide in Him. Only then will we thrive, bear fruit and live. Only then will we know the joy that Jesus promises. This means romance will not bring lasting joy. Recreation and sports cannot offer lasting joy. Politics and governments cannot bring you joy. Only by abiding in Christ will you have joy. Why? Because He is the ultimate and only source of joy! Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would abide in Christ, from whom all blessings flow. Pray for the joy of the Lord. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 14 - The fruit of the Spirit - Love

“Love is patient and kind…” - 1 Corinthians 13:4 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 13:1-13 As you study the fruit of the Spirit, you’ll n...

Daily devotional

April 13 - The fruit of the Spirit - Love

“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; Just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will kno...

Daily devotional

April 12 - The fruit of the Spirit - Love

“We love because He first loved us.” - I John 4:19 Scripture reading: 1 John 4:7-21 When you understand that the summary of God’s law is...

Daily devotional

April 11 - The fruit of the Holy Spirit

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” - Galatians 5:25 Scripture reading: Galatians 5:16-26 We’ve seen that the Holy...

Daily devotional

April 10 - The Holy Spirit brings repentance

“Bear fruit in keeping with repentance.” - Matthew 3:8 Scripture reading: Matthew 3:1-10 Metanoia is the Greek word that we translate “repentance.” It literally means, “changing one’s mind” and when used in Scripture means a change in one’s thoughts and way of life resulting from penitence. John the Baptist was telling the Pharisees and Sadducees that metanoia is what they needed. He was saying that their “righteousness” was mere outward conformity to the law, but lacking an inner, heartfelt repentance. Jesus would later repeat this criticism, saying, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs, which outwardly appear beautiful, but within are full of dead people’s bones and all uncleanness.” Metanoia as a change of mind and heart that results in a life of righteousness and obedience. It is something internal that the Holy Spirit does in a believer. Metanoia isn’t simply being sorry for sin, nor does it result in a cold, teeth-clenching obedience. The Holy Spirit changes our hearts of stone to hearts of flesh, so that we recognize our sin, agree that our sin is grievous and an affront to God, are truly sorry for our sin, and so endeavour to turn away from sin and toward God and His ways. If you covet your neighbour’s house, the Holy Spirit doesn’t sanctify you by removing the house. He changes how you think, and what you love. He will give you contentment and gratitude for what God has given you so that your desire for your neighbour’s house diminishes and goes away. The Holy Spirit works metanoia from the inside out. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Spirit of God would grant you and your loved ones true repentance / metanoia. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 9 - The Holy Spirit sanctifies

“But we ought always to give thanks to God for you, brothers beloved by the Lord, because God chose you as the firstfruits to be saved, through sanctification by the Spirit and belief in the truth.” - II Thessalonians 2:13 Scripture reading: II Thessalonians 2:13-17 As Christians, we love God and desire to live for Him, but if we’re honest with ourselves we see that our love is lacking. We want to obey Him, but often we disobey. As Luther would say, we are simul justus et peccator, which is Latin and means, “at the same time justified and a sinner.” We’re justified, saved, born again, belonging to Christ, temples of the Holy Spirit and have everlasting life. And even though that is true, we also covet, lie, lust, hate, and treat God lightly. This is every Christian’s struggle and reality in this world. Only death or Jesus’ second coming will put an end to our sinning. But you ought not to despair. The Holy Spirit does indeed dwell in you and shines the light on Christ’s atoning work for you, reminding you that you need the gospel every day. But He is also at work in you sanctifying you and conforming you to the image of Jesus. Lord’s Day 44 of the Heidelberg Catechism asks why God wants the Ten Commandments preached so pointedly. It answers in part, “so that we may never stop striving and never stop praying to God for the grace of the Holy Spirit, so that we may be renewed more and more after God’s image, until after this life we reach our goal: perfection.” Suggestions for prayer Pray for the grace of the Holy Spirit to renew you more and more after God’s image. And pray, “Come Lord Jesus, come quickly.” Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 8 - The Holy Spirit regenerates

“But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” - Romans 8:10 Scripture reading: Romans 8:1-11 I recall one of my professors in Seminary repeatedly saying, “Regeneration precedes faith.” He was driving home the truth that apart from the initial work of the Holy Spirit, no one would or could have faith in Christ. Jesus Himself said, “No one can come to me unless the Father who sent me draws him. And I will raise him up on the last day” (John 6:44). And the way the Father draws is by the Word and Spirit. The consistent teaching of Scripture is that apart from Christ, sinful humanity is spiritually dead. Paul makes this point in the early chapters of Romans, and also in Ephesians where he says, “You were dead in your trespasses and sins…” (Ephesians 2:1). His point is, what can dead people do? The spiritually dead cannot do anything. They cannot mourn over their sins and repent. They cannot breathe life into themselves. They are in an impossible situation. But with God all things are possible, and by grace alone His Spirit enters a dead corpse and breathes life into it. Only after that can that newly revived, regenerated person sense how great is their sin and misery and flee to Christ in faith. The Spirit is life! And “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit” (I Corinthians 12:3). Suggestions for prayer Confess your sins to the Lord and praise Him for His amazing grace in your life. Give thanks that the Holy Spirit is life, both now and forevermore. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 7 - The Holy Spirit reveals Christ

“But when the Helper comes, whom I will send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth, who proceeds from the father, he will bear witness about me.” - John 15:26 Scripture reading: John 15:18-27 As you go to worship today, how do you judge whether a worship service is “Spirit-filled?” I’m afraid many make that determination based on very shallow criteria. Some seem to think that if the music (or the preacher) is lively and upbeat, the Spirit is there. It’s as if the Spirit arrives when the music reaches a certain tempo, or decibel level; or when the pastor gets revved up and is walking all across the stage. Actually, the Spirit may in fact be present, but not because of the tempo. Jesus says that when the Spirit comes, “he will bear witness about me” and “He will glorify me” (John 16:14). This is the better criteria: Is Christ being proclaimed in this worship service? Is the truth about Jesus being taught? Does Jesus have the preeminence in this place? Then you can be assured that that worship service is “Spirit-filled.” If you visit the Lincoln Memorial in Washington DC after dark, you will notice that the statue of Abraham Lincoln sitting on his chair is lit up with a large spotlight. The purpose of the spotlight is not to draw attention to itself, but to draw your eyes to Lincoln. The Holy Spirit is like that spotlight, shining the light on Jesus – so that you will know and worship Him. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your pastor that he will faithfully preach Christ. Pray that the Spirit will shine the light on Jesus and that you will worship your Lord and Saviour well. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 6 - The Holy Spirit will convict

“And when He comes, He will convict the world concerning sin and righteousness and judgment.” - John 16:8 Scripture reading: John 16:1-15 ...

Daily devotional

April 5 - The Holy Spirit is a teacher

“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have s...

Daily devotional

April 4 - Who is the Holy Spirit?

“And I will ask the Father, and He will give you another Helper, to be with you forever, even the Spirit of truth…” - John 14:16-17a Script...

Daily devotional

April 3 - The necessity of the ascension

“It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go I will send him to you.” - John 16:...

Daily devotional

April 2 - The Spirit is life

“But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the Spirit is life because of righteousness.” - Romans 8:10 Scripture reading: Romans 8:9-11 Yesterday, we saw that Jesus’ resurrection was no hoax. Everything, including your salvation – justification, sanctification and glorification – depends upon the resurrection of Jesus. In Him our sins are forgiven, and our faith is valid and worthwhile. Forty days after the resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, and then ten days after that, He and the Father sent the Holy Spirit upon the church at Pentecost. Speaking of this to His disciples in the upper room, Jesus said, “It is to your advantage that I go away, for if I do not go away, the Helper will not come to you. But if I go I will send him to you” (John 16:7). This means that if you’re a Christian, the living Christ has given you His life-giving Spirit. You are a regenerate person because the Spirit of Christ dwells in you and has given you life. The Holy Spirit has made you His dwelling place. You are a temple of the Holy Spirit. And this gracious work of the triune God, Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, changes you. The Holy Spirit is not dormant, but is at work sanctifying you and conforming you to the image of Christ. This month, we will be focusing on the Holy Spirit and what He means to you. Suggestions for Prayer Thank the Father for raising Christ from the dead and giving you the Holy Spirit of life. Pray for the Spirit’s sanctifying work in your life. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

April 1 - Introduction to the Holy Spirit

I Corinthians 12:3 tells us that “no one can say ‘Jesus is Lord’ except in the Holy Spirit.” This means that if you have sincerely professed your faith in Christ, this can only be because the Holy Spirit has moved you to do so. In fact, the Holy Spirit has made His home in you. You are indwelt by the Holy Spirit. But, who is the Holy Spirit and what else does He do? I recently heard a pastor say, “Many people see the Father as the angry God, the Son as the loving God, and the Holy Spirit as the weird God.” Such a sentiment is sadly mistaken and contrary to what God’s Word teaches. But still, the Holy Spirit can be difficult to grasp. We understand “fatherhood” and are familiar with “sonship.” But “Spirit” or “Ghost” are concepts that are harder for us to fathom. And so this month we will focus on the Holy Spirit. We’ll see that He was sent by the Father and the Son at Pentecost; that He is true and eternal God; that He is one of the three persons of the trinity; and that He is essential for our salvation. But we’ll also see that He is essential for our sanctification and we will then focus on what Paul calls, “the Fruit of the Spirit. No April fools “Tell people, ‘His disciples came by night and stole him away while we were asleep.’”” - Matthew 28:13 Scripture reading: Matthew 28:11-15 My calendar doesn’t acknowledge it, but today is April Fools’ Day. There doesn’t seem to be agreement on how this all got started, but it has become a day when you can do pranks, practical jokes and hoaxes on others and then call out, “April Fools.” It’s usually quite innocent and all involved, the prankster and the pranked, have a good laugh. It’s rare, though, that April Fools’ Day is the day after Easter, and there couldn’t be a greater contrast. And yet, when the guards told the chief priests about the resurrection of Jesus, these spiritual leaders decided to play a hoax on the people. They instructed the guards to say that the disciples came at night and stole the body. They instructed the guards to tell a lie. Yes, yesterday was Resurrection Sunday. After His death and burial, on Sunday morning, Jesus rose from the grave and conquered death. This really happened. It was no hoax. Jesus’ body was not stolen. In I Corinthians 15, Paul makes the point that Christ’s resurrection was not a hoax. It was prophesied in the Old Testament, He was seen alive by the disciples, by 500 other people, and then by Paul himself. He even goes on to say, “If Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile, and you are still in your sins;” and that “we are of all people most to be pitied.” (vv. 17-19) But in fact, Christ has been raised from the dead!! This is no April Fools. Suggestions for Prayer Give thanks that God’s plan of salvation is accomplished because of Christ’s atoning death and resurrection. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen was born and raised in California and has been an ordained minister of the Gospel for nearly 33 years. He is now serving as pastor of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) near Denver, Colorado. He is also the General Editor of the Trinity Psalter Hymnal. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 31 - The worship of the Victor

“Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing!” - Revelation 5:12 Scripture reading: Matthew 28:1-20 When the disciples saw the resurrected Christ on the mountain, “they worshiped him” (Matthew 28:17). This makes sense because the resurrection of the Lord Jesus was the public display of His victory. He is the One to Whom all authority in heaven and on earth had been given (Matthew 28:18). He had, by His death, defeated the devil (Hebrews 2:14), and as the Conqueror He is worthy to be praised. Our worship on earth enters the worship of heaven. We join our voices with the voice of many angels, numbering myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands, saying, “Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and might and honour and glory and blessing” (Revelation 5:12). We worship the One Who is the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, Who has conquered (Revelation 5:5). We worship the One Who by His blood ransomed people for God from every tribe and nation (Revelation 5:9). We worship the One Who rides a white horse and Who has “King of kings and Lord of lords” written on His robe and on His thigh (Revelation 19:16). Isn’t that a most wonderful thought, the thought that we are joining heaven’s worship of the triumphant Lamb? Doesn’t this make the first day of the week, the day of resurrection gladness, the best of all days? And shouldn’t our worship today make us long for the return of the glorious Christ? “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus!” Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the victory of the Lamb and His glorious resurrection. Thank God for the weekly celebration of His victory. Pray for the return of Christ in glory. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 30 - Cross purposes: Victory!

“Now is the judgment of this world; now will the rule of this world be cast out.” - John 12:31 Scripture reading: John 12:20-36 We don’t usually associate the cross with victory. That’s the resurrection. That is not how our Lord Jesus sees things. In John 12:27-28, Jesus contemplates the cross and it leaves Him unsettled. His soul is troubled. Yet, He recommits Himself to glorify His Father and tells us that the cross is His victory. Jesus says that ‘now’ is the judgement of this world (v.31), not in terms of condemnation, but in terms of who will be the ruler of the world. After Adam and Eve sinned, Satan was assigned as the god of this age, the ruler of the world. The cross is a time of crisis. Who will be the ruler of the world? Will Satan continue to lead this world to its devastating end, or will the world come under new leadership with a new direction toward restoration. Jesus is in no doubt as to the outcome of the cross crisis. ‘Now’, after years of destructive rule, is the time of judgement. ‘Now’, also, is the time when the ruler of this world will be cast out (v.31). Satan will be defeated. Rule will be wrenched from him. Christ will triumph. The cross is His throne; there He is lifted up. By dealing with human sin, Christ has ‘destroyed the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil’ (Hebrews 2:14). It doesn’t always look like Christ has won the victory. However, if you are Christian, if you have been drawn to Jesus Christ, you are a proof. And you are not alone. Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord for Christ’s victory. Ask that His triumph might be seen more and more throughout the world. Pray for His ambassadors as they proclaim His triumph tomorrow. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 29 - Cross purposes: Reconciliation

“For if while we were enemies we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, now that we are reconciled, shall we be saved by his lif...

Daily devotional

March 28 - Cross purposes: Propitiation

“For God has not destined us for wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ.” - 1 Thessalonians 5:9 Scripture reading: Hebr...

Daily devotional

March 27 - Cross purposes: Sacrifice

“He entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal...

Daily devotional

March 26 - Cross purposes: Redemption

“To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion ...

Daily devotional

March 25 - Christ’s return

“This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven.” - Acts 1:11 Scripture reading: 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 When special guests arrive at your home you don’t want to miss their arrival! A concern the Thessalonian Christians had was that their deceased fellow believers would miss out on Christ’s return. It was enthusiastically anticipated. They were waiting for God’s Son from heaven (1 Thessalonians 1:10). And so should we. We don’t know when our Lord will return. But we know that He will return and what a glorious day that will be. It will mark the end of the suffering and hardship for the people of God. The returning Christ will come with power to vanquish the enemies of the Church of God (Revelation 19:11-21). He will usher the new heavens and the new earth when God’s dwelling place will be with man and they will live in perfect happiness for eternity. For the believer, the return of Christ will be a welcome sight, so we cry, ‘Come, Lord Jesus!’ (Revelation 22:20). But for those who do not know Christ as their personal Saviour, that day will be terrifying. They will call upon the mountains to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:16). But now there is still time. In the first coming of Christ, He comes with grace and mercy. He invites sinners to flee from the coming wrath by coming to Him for grace. The next time, mercy will no longer be extended. He will come in judgment against all those who have rejected His offer of grace. Do not be one of those. Suggestions for prayer Join with the Church of all ages and pray that the Lord Jesus would come soon. Pray for grace to trust in the Lord Jesus so that His coming will be eagerly anticipated not dreadfully expected. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 24 - Christ, our minister

“I will tell of your name to my brothers.” - Hebrews 2:12 Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:11-22 The Lord Jesus is at the heart of Christian worship. He is our worship leader Who presents us to the Father, Who sings together with us, and Who preaches to us. In Scotland, if a little girl, upon entering our church building, didn’t see me, she would ask her father, “Where is God?” Of course, the Minister is not God. However, the little girl was recognizing something intuitively. She had somehow grasped that when the Word of God was being preached, God Himself was speaking to her. She was on good ground in thinking this. Jesus told His disciples that He had other sheep who would come into the fold after His death and that they would listen to His voice (John 10:16). The Apostle Paul says that Christ preached peace to the Ephesians (Ephesians 2:17) even though the Lord had never ventured to Asia Minor. Paul writes that people need to hear Christ if they are to believe in Him (See ESV footnote on Romans 10:14) and that faith comes through hearing the word of Christ (Romans 10:17). When ministers and missionaries faithfully proclaim the Word of God, people are hearing the voice of Christ. As the author of Hebrews reminds us in Hebrews 2:12, Christ tells of God’s name to His brothers in the midst of the congregation. That means we should listen carefully to the preaching of the Word. As the Father said on the Mount of Transfiguration, “This is my Son, my Chosen One; listen to him!” (Luke 9:35). Suggestions for prayer Pray for Ministers and Missionaries that they might faithfully preach the Word. Ask God to give you grace to listen with submission to the voice of the Good Shepherd as you sit under the ministry of the Word today. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 23 - Christ’s spirit

“Being therefore exalted at the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, he has poured out this that you yourselves are seeing and hearing.” - Acts 2:33 Scripture reading: John 15:26-16:15 When Jesus went up, the Spirit came down. What blessing it is to have the Spirit. Our Lord tells His disciples that it is to their advantage that He goes away because when He goes, the Spirit comes. When the Spirit comes, He will guide the apostles into truth. Our Lord was speaking of the Spirit’s guidance in their lives. Through them, we are blessed to have the truth of God written for us in the Bible, inspired by the Spirit. It is to our advantage that Jesus goes. When the Spirit comes, He will glorify Christ. The Spirit is the divine matchmaker, introducing needy sinners to the Lord Jesus, that they might be married to Christ for their eternal salvation. Without the Spirit convicting us of our sin and showing us the glory of the Lord Jesus, we would be forever lost. It is to our advantage that Jesus goes. When the Spirit comes, Jesus comes. He speaks about the Holy Spirit as another Helper, that is, another like Himself. So closely connected are the Son and the Spirit that Paul says the Lord is the Spirit (2 Corinthians 3:18). That means that when the Lord Jesus goes, He does not leave us as orphans, but comes to us (John 14:18). In His humanity, Christ could only be in one place at a time. But, by His Spirit, He can always be with His people. Through the Spirit, He can make His home with believers (John 14:23). It is to our advantage that Jesus goes. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for our Lord Jesus’s tender care for us in that He sent His Holy Spirit to be with us. Ask God for grace that we might walk in the Spirit and be conformed to the image of Christ. Pray for Christ’s heralds as they preach tomorrow. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 22 - Christ’s ascension

“And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them. While he blessed them, he parted from them and was carried up into heaven.” - Luke 24:50-51 Scripture reading: Acts 1:1-11 Many churches that give attention to the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, hardly give a nod to His ascension into heaven. Yet, the Bible marks Christ’s ascension. It is His exaltation. Although all authority had been given to Him at His resurrection (Matthew 28:18), the ascension marks Christ’s coronation. As Peter preached, ‘Let all the house of Israel therefore know for certain that God has made him both Lord and Christ, this Jesus whom you crucified’ (Acts 2:36). Christ went into heaven to reign as King of kings and the Lord of lords. His ascension also reminds us that the work of our Lord Jesus is not finished. At the right hand of the Father He orchestrates the great mission enterprise. The Lord Jesus pointed out Judas’s successor (Acts 1;24-25), poured out the Spirit on Pentecost (Acts 2:33), adds to the Church (Acts 2:47), arrested Paul (Acts 9:1-9), directed Peter into the Gentile mission (Acts 10:9-16) and blessed the preaching of His Word (Acts 11:21). He rules to build His Church. From the right hand of the Majesty, He continues to serve His Church by interceding for them. In heaven, He prays for His people and supports them in their Christian journey. Luke tells us that when Jesus was ascending, His hands were lifted in blessing. What a powerful reminder that He is exalted as head over all things to the church (Ephesians 1:22). He rules for our blessing. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that our Lord Jesus is, even now, at the Father’s right hand and that He is in a position of majesty and power for the blessing of His Church. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 21 - Christ our King (II)

“For the Lord is our judge; the Lord is our lawgiver; the Lord is our king; he will save us.”- Isaiah 33:22 Scripture reading: Exodus 20:1-17...

Daily devotional

March 20 - Christ our King (I)

“They will make war on the Lamb, and the Lamb will conquer them, for he is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those with him are called and chosen...

Daily devotional

March 19 - Christ our Priest (III)

“Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail.” - L...

Daily devotional

March 18 - Christ our priest (II)

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

Daily devotional

March 17 - Singing with Christ

“For this I will praise you, O Lord, among the nations, and sing to your name. Great salvation he brings to his king, and shows steadfast love to his anointed, to David and his offspring forever.” - Psalm 18:49-50 Scripture reading: Romans 15:8-13 Singing is a large part of our worship services. We lift our voices in praise of the Triune God. It is a wonderful privilege to sing with our brothers and sisters. More than that, we are commanded to ‘praise him in the midst of the throng’ (Psalm 109:30), that is, in gathered worship. The privilege is so great we don’t even mind if some of our brothers and sisters sing somewhat off-tune! What a joy to respond to the summons, “Oh come, let us sing to the Lord; let us make a joyful noise to the rock of our salvation!” (Psalm 95:1). In our passage, Paul quotes from Psalm 18:49 which speaks of Christ’s praise of God among the nations and His singing to God’s name. That is, when we worship the Lord in song, the Lord Jesus sings with us. Listen to His declaration in Psalm 22:22 “n the midst of the congregation I will sing praise.” I suppose we don’t often think about the worship that Jesus, our brother, brings with us to our God. Yet, that is what Paul says. The Lord Jesus became a servant to the circumcised so that the Gentiles might glorify God for His mercy, and Jesus joins them in the praise of God. In fact, the common theme of our songs, both Jesus and ours, is that God has rescued us from our enemies. Think about why you are singing and Who you are singing with the next time you are in corporate worship. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to teach us to sing with Jesus with joy and gladness. Pray that God would raise up ministers and missionaries to go to the ends of the earth with the gospel of life so that the nations might glorify God for His mercy. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 16 - Christ our priest (I)

“For it is impossible for the blood of bulls and goats to take away sins. . . . And by that will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all.” - Hebrews 10:4, 10 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1:13-21 The Old Testament gives an elaborate ritual, symbolizing the need for the shedding of blood for the remission of sins. Already in the Garden, after Adam and Eve’s sin, God killed animals to clothe them with skins. The necessity of death and blood for forgiveness was pictured in the sacrificial system. On the annual Day of Atonement, recorded in Leviticus 16, the High Priest would kill a bull as a sin offering for himself and his house. Then he would kill the goat of the sin offering for the people. The blood of the bull and goat would be sprinkled on the mercy seat in the Holy Place. Then he would lay his hands on the head of another goat and confess the sins of the people of Israel. That goat would be sent into the wilderness. All this symbolized the Lamb of God Who would come to take away the sins of the world (John 1:29). Christ is the lamb without blemish and His blood is precious (1 Peter 1:19). But Christ is not only the sacrifice. He is also the priest who offers up Himself, not for His own sins (He had none), but for the sins of His people (Hebrews 7:27). This our Lord Jesus did for us on the cross of Golgotha. He bore our sins on the tree (1 Peter 1:24) as the substitute for sinners. He bore the punishment sin deserved, eternal death, so that all who believe in Him might be forgiven and have eternal life. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His indescribable gift. Give thanks that the Lord Jesus was willing to be our substitute and take the curse we deserved so that we might have His blessing. Pray for the ministers of the gospel as they proclaim the words of life tomorrow. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 15 - Christ our prophet (II)

“And he came and preached peace to you who were far off and peace to those who were near.” - Ephesians 2:17 Scripture reading: John 10:1-18 Although Jesus is now at the right hand of the Father, He hasn’t stopped carrying out His prophetic office in His state of exaltation. How does He serve us now? First, He teaches through the Bible. He promised His disciples He would give them the Spirit Who would guide them to the truth (John 16:13). They, in turn, wrote the New Testament. All Scriptures, inspired by the Spirit of Christ, are the words of our prophet. In that sense, the whole of the Bible is a red-letter edition, not just the words the Lord Jesus explicitly spoke. Second, when the Word of God is preached, we hear the voice of Jesus. The apostle Paul told the Ephesians that the Lord Jesus preached peace to them even though He had never been in Ephesus (Ephesians 2:17). In the voice of Christ’s ambassadors, apostles and pastors, who faithfully proclaim His word, we hear the voice of our Good Shepherd (John 10:16). As Paul writes to the Romans, ‘So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ’ (Romans 10:17). Finally, when our Lord Jesus ascended to glory, He poured out His Spirit upon the Church. Without the Spirit, the things of God are unintelligible to us (1 Corinthians 2:12). Hearing the voice of Christ in the reading and preaching of Scripture will be of no value to us unless the Holy Spirit illuminates our minds and hearts. Christ, by His word and Spirit, teaches us. Our obligation is to listen to Him. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He has not left us to find our own way, but has given us a great prophet Who by His word and Spirit teaches us. Pray that we would listen to Him. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 14 - Christ our prophet (I)

“and a voice from the cloud said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.”” - Matthew 17:5 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 18:15-22 Jesus is, as Peter confessed, the Christ of God (Luke 9:20). Christ means anointed and He fulfills the three Old Testament offices of prophet, priest, and king that required being anointed with oil upon entering the office. Moses was the great Old Testament prophet of God. He spoke to the people of God on God’s behalf because they were terrified of the voice of the Lord. Moses was God’s spokesman. God said He would put His words in Moses’s mouth and Moses would speak them to the people. To reject the voice of Moses was to reject the voice of God. God promised that one day He would raise up for His people a prophet like Moses. He fulfilled the promise in Jesus, the Anointed. Jesus did miracles to authenticate His preaching just as Moses was able to do powerful signs to verify the legitimacy of his ministry (Exodus 4:1-9, 28-31). In fact, when Jesus raised the widow of Nain’s son the people exclaimed, “A great prophet has arisen amongst us!” (Luke 7:16). As the Prophet of God, Jesus speaks words of eternal life (John 6:68). As the Word of God Himself, He came to make God known (John 1:18). As our Lord Jesus stood on the Mount of Transfiguration with two great Old Testament prophets, Moses and Elijah, the voice of the Father sounded from heaven commanding us to listen to the Lord Jesus. If we do not honour the Son, we do not honour the Father who sent Him (John 5:23). Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to give us hearing ears and a submissive heart so that we may honour the Father by honouring the Lord Jesus, our Prophet. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 13 - Christ’s miracles

“Men of Israel, hear these words: Jesus of Nazareth, a man attested to you by God with mighty works and wonders and signs that God did through him i...

Daily devotional

March 12 - Christ’s compassion

“. . . a bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory; and in his name the Gentiles ...

Daily devotional

March 11- Christ’s temptations

“For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive....

Daily devotional

March 10 - Presented by Christ

“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not ha...

Daily devotional

March 9 - Christ, the warrior

“I will put enmity between you and the woman, and between your offspring and her offspring; he shall bruise your head, and you shall bruise his heel.” - Genesis 3:15 Scripture reading: 1 John 3:1-10 Ask most Christians why Christ came into the world and their answer will be in terms of the forgiveness of sins. And they’re correct. As John himself says in our passage: ‘You know that he appeared in order to take away sins’ (v. 5). But that’s not all the Bible says about the ministry of the Lord Jesus. In fact, the first gospel promise in Genesis 3:15 is couched, not in the language of forgiveness, but in the language of conquest. The Israelites sang on the shores of the Red Sea, ‘The Lord is a man of war’ (Exodus 15:3). The Lord Jesus came into this world to destroy Satan (Mark 1:24), to drive him out (John 12:31), or, as John says, ‘The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil’ (v. 8). It is no surprise that before Jesus’s public ministry He encountered Satan in the wilderness, nor that the first miracle recorded in Mark’s gospel is the freeing of the man with the unclean spirit. Jesus has come to defeat our enemy, to crush the head of the serpent. How does He do that? Satan’s power over us is our sin, but if the Lord Jesus can deal effectively with sin’s condemning and enslaving power, Satan’s authority is broken. This our Lord did in His death on the cross. He paid the penalty sin deserved and, in so doing, He takes away our sins and destroys the works of the devil. Thanks be to our Champion! Suggestions for prayer Thank God that Jesus Christ has delivered us from the tyranny of the devil. Pray that by the Spirit we would not give in to our defeated enemy’s temptations. Pray for listening ears and receptive hearts as we listen to the voice of our Saviour tomorrow. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 8 - Christ, empowered by the Spirit

“But if it is by the Spirit of God that I cast out demons, then the kingdom of God has come upon you.” - Matthew 12:28 Scripture reading: Matthew 12:15-32 How did Jesus carry out His ministry? We can explore this by considering how Jesus did miracles. To perform them, did He dip into His divinity? We might be tempted to say, ‘Of course, after all, He was God.’ But we need to be careful here. After all, other prophets like Moses and Elijah could do miracles too and they certainly weren’t God. Our Bible passage points the way for us. Isaiah prophesied that God would put His Spirit upon His chosen servant, the Lord Jesus. At the commencement of His ministry, at His baptism, this happened. The Spirit of God descended like a dove upon our Lord (Matthew 3:16). Then, led by the Spirit into the wilderness, Jesus was tempted by the devil (Matthew 4:1). He returned to Galilee ‘in the power of the Spirit’ (Luke 4:14) and in the synagogue, He quotes from Isaiah 61 alerting His hearers that the Spirit of the Lord was upon Him (Luke 4:18). Jesus tells His opponents that He has cast out demons, not by Beelzebul, but by the Spirit of God (Matthew 12:28). If He cast out demons by the Spirit of God, we can be sure that He did all His miracles in the Spirit’s power. Jesus was a faithful servant of God; He was obedient as man. It was the Holy Spirit operating upon our Lord’s humanity, Who enabled Him to perform miracles and to carry out His ministry in faithfulness to His Father’s will and for the blessing of His people. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that the same Holy Spirit Who was upon our Lord, is upon all of God’s people, enabling us to serve our heavenly Father. Ask for grace that we would not quench, resist, or grieve the Spirit of God. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

March 7 - Christ, the God-man

“And he will redeem Israel from all his iniquities.” - Psalm 130:8 Scripture reading: Matthew 1:18-25 The two names given to the child in these verses, Jesus and Immanuel, point us to the unique nature of our Lord. Jesus points to His humanity. He is in the womb of a human mother. He is given a human name, Jesus, the equivalent of the Hebrew name Joshua. And Joseph is given the right to name Jesus. That is a sort of adoption ceremony whereby Jesus is adopted into a human family, particularly, into the lineage of David. He is truly man. But there is more going on here. He is in His mother’s womb, but He is not there in an ordinary way. We are told in verse 25 that Joseph and Mary had no sexual relations before she gave birth to the baby. Gabriel told Mary in Luke 1 that the child would be called the Son of the Most High, and that the coming of the Holy Spirit upon her and the power of the Most High overshadowing her, would ensure that the child born would be the Son of God (Luke 1:32, 35). You also see His divine nature in the names given. Even Jesus, which points to His humanity, highlights His divinity. Joshua, the Old Testament equivalent, means the Lord saves. If Jesus is going to save His people from their sins, He must be the Lord. This is confirmed when we’re told that He would also be called Emmanuel, which means, God, with us (v. 23). Jesus Immanuel, the God-man, fully human, fully divine and our Saviour. Suggestions for prayer Pray that we would grasp the wonder of God becoming man while remaining God. Thank the Lord Jesus for His willingness to become like us. Rev. John van Eyk began his ministry in Cambridge, Ontario as a Church Planter and Minister of the Riverside Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. After 13 years there, he served almost 10 years in the Tain/Fearn congregation of the Associated Presbyterian Churches in the Scottish Highlands. John has served as Senior Pastor of Trinity Reformed Church (United Reformed) in Lethbridge, Alberta since 2017. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

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Daily devotional

September 22 - Enter his gates with thanksgiving

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September 9 - Love does not boast

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September 8 - Serve the Lord with gladness

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September 7 - Love does not envy

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September 6 - Love is kind

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September 5 - Love is patient

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September 4 - Nothing without love (II)

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September 3 - Nothing without love (I)

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September 2 - A more excellent way: Love

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August 28 - A new humanity: Christian fathers

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August 27 - A new humanity: Christian children

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August 26 - A new humanity: Christian husbands

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August 25 - A new humanity: Christian wives

Daily devotional