Daily devotional

May 25 – Life before the night of judgment

When your children say to you, “What do you mean by this service?” you shall say, “It is the sacrifice of the LORD's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.” – Exodus 12:26-27

Scripture reading: Exodus 12:1-32; Psalm 91

God’s people were to take a lamb into their homes, care for it for four days and then kill it at twilight. Especially for the children, this must have been shocking! "Dad, what are you doing?" And when they said this, their fathers were to answer: “It is the sacrifice of the LORD's Passover, for he passed over the houses of the people of Israel in Egypt, when he struck the Egyptians but spared our houses.” God had His people make special preparations packed with meaning as a display of their faith in the face of judgment.

They were to honour the LORD’s Passover by killing the lamb on the fourteenth day, marking their dwellings with its blood, and remaining within these blood-marked dwellings until the dawn broke. And, in a truth that is profoundly significant, the blood of one lamb would cover the life of all who dwelt in that blood-marked dwelling. In Egypt, all who acted in faith were delivered, while all who ignored His promised coming saw death’s cold hand in their homes.

Do we similarly live with faith in the face of God’s coming judgment? The LORD has decreed that He is coming again to judge the living and the dead. In Luke 18, Jesus Christ asks, “When the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on earth?" Be sure that you are trusting in Jesus, the Lamb of God who has been provided for you and enables you to live with confidence as you await the coming JudgmentDay!

Suggestions for prayer

Tell our Gracious God that we cherish His wondrous love and the Lamb Whom He has provided to us for our deliverance! Thank Him for His Blood and Righteousness which gives us both forgiveness of sins and righteousness in His Presence!

This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC.

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Daily devotional

May 24 – Reset your clocks to Exodus time

This month shall be for you the beginning of months. It shall be the first month of the year for you. – Exodus 12:2 Scripture reading: Exodus 12:...

Daily devotional

May 23 – Not a dog shall growl against you

Every firstborn in the land of Egypt shall die... There shall be a great cry throughout all the land of Egypt, such as there has never been, nor ever ...

Daily devotional

May 22 – He will let you go from here

The LORD said to Moses, "Yet one plague more I will bring upon Pharaoh and upon Egypt. Afterward he will let you go from here. When he lets you go, he...

Daily devotional

May 21 – God commands the darkness to swallow Egypt

Daily devotional

May 20 – God commands the heavens to strike and the locusts to destroy

“By now I could have put out my hand and struck you and your people with pestilence, and you would have been cut off from the earth. But for this purpose I have raised you up, to show you my power, so that my name may be proclaimed in all the earth.” – Exodus 9:15-16 Scripture reading: Exodus 9:13-21; Psalm 29 Pharaoh’s sorcerers were humiliated. These lurking shadows, with power to frighten Pharaoh and wield authority in Egypt, were driven away by their boils in the last plague. Whatever threat they possessed was neutralized. They are never mentioned again. Egypt’s whole system of command and control is being decimated by these waves of judgment on Egypt. And the LORD explains what He is doing: "I am showing you My power so that My name may be proclaimed in all the earth!" This is the whole point of the plague cycle. The LORD’s power is being shown in increasing magnitude. “The hail, rain, thunder and fire came as a barrage,” writes Phillip Ryken, “an opening of the arsenal of judgment to pour out his deadly wrath on Egypt.” So Pharaoh’s servants ask, "How long shall this man be a snare to us? Let the men go, that they may serve the LORD their God. Do you not yet understand that Egypt is ruined?" This judgment scene in the Old Testament serves as a preview of the all-out destruction that shall occur on the Last Day. As a hymn writer puts it, At His call the dead awaken, rise to life from earth and sea; all the pow'rs of nature, shaken by His looks, prepare to flee. Careless sinner, what will then become of thee? But to those who have confessed, loved and served the Lord below, He will say, "Come near, ye blessed, see the kingdom I bestow; you forever shall My love and glory know." Suggestions for prayer Rejoice in the LORD’s goodness that ‘the free gift following many trespasses brought justification’ for all who believe in Jesus Christ! Ask the LORD to give you courage as you testify of the blessings which you have received through His grace to you! This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC....

Daily devotional

May 19 – God commands the animals to die and the dust to bring distress

“The LORD will make a distinction between the livestock of Israel and the livestock of Egypt, so that nothing of all that belongs to the people of Israel shall die.”And the LORD set a time, saying, "Tomorrow the LORD will do this thing in the land." And the next day the LORD did this thing. – Exodus 9:4-6 Scripture reading: Exodus 9:1-12 God has an amazing way of getting His point across, doesn't He? He has said to Pharaoh, “You shall let my people go and you shall know that I am the LORD.” Now the signs and judgments are being displayed for all to see and they are steadily increasing in power and consequences until at last God will slay every firstborn of Egypt and then drown the remainder of the powerful of Egypt in the Red Sea! The LORD’s purpose in all this activity in Egypt was to make His name known among the nations and to bring His treasured people out of their bondage into the land of promise. Those two great purposes – to glorify God and restore the Israelites to the land of the promise – are on full display here. He strikes all the beasts of Egypt, but spares all that belonged to the Israelites. And then, the very dust which coated the Hebrew slaves from the brick kilns of their slavery is cast upon Pharaoh and his hosts and they are oppressed by these wretched boils. Even still, Pharaoh’s heart was hardened. One godly congregant wrote recently, “Pharaoh grieves me. He grieves me because his hardened heart and unwillingness to accept God’s sovereignty remind me so much of my sister. Her heart is hard towards Jesus and her will is unyielding to God’s sovereignty ... she and Pharaoh have too much invested in sovereignty over their own lives... Why doesn’t she see that lasting peace comes only from knowing Jesus?” (Cited in Phillip Ryken, Exodus, p 275) Suggestions for prayer Pray that the LORD’s message would be heard and received in faith by new generations. Pray that the LORD would give us greater joy in the news that lasting peace comes only from knowing Jesus. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC....

Daily devotional

May 18 – God commands the dust and the flies to afflict Egypt

The magicians tried by their secret arts to produce gnats, but they could not. So there were gnats on man and beast. Then the magicians said to Pharaoh, "This is the finger of God." But Pharaoh's heart was hardened, and he would not listen to them, as the LORD had said. – Exodus 8:18-19 Scripture reading: Exodus 8:16-32; Psalm 66 In the third and fourth plagues, the LORD chose small and seemingly trivial bugs to make a serious point: the Egyptians were being confronted by the LORD of heaven and earth. The gnats (or lice) were taken from the dust of the earth to afflict the Egyptians. The flies were taken from the skies to drive the Egyptians mad. These plagues testified that the LORD’s power was incredible. It’s almost amusing that the magicians – who had created snakes, blood, and frogs through their dark secret arts – are now stumped by the most insignificant of critters – the gnat! These demonically empowered men now confront the truth: “This is God’s doing!” But Pharaoh refuses to heed the Word of the LORD. He tries to trap the Hebrews by offering them a chance to make sacrifices in Egypt. He tries to twist God’s commands and keep the Hebrews in a place of compromised loyalty to God. Yet what do we see? Moses and Aaron confront Pharaoh’s lies and attempts to cheat them. God was bringing the powers of Egypt to its knees and humbling every refuge, every so-called god that they turned to, by displaying His absolute power over them. Charles Spurgeon explains, “God’s demand is not that his people should have some little liberty, some little rest in their sin, no, but that they should go right out of Egypt... Christ did not come into the world merely to make our sin more tolerable, but to deliver us right away from it.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that our Father, as He instructs us as His children, gives us discernment to see the temptations which are placed in our path to turn aside from Him or to offer compromised sacrifices to Him. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC....

Daily devotional

May 17 – God commands the frogs of the Nile to invade Egypt

Moses said to Pharaoh, "Be pleased to command me when I am to plead for you and for your servants and for your people, that the frogs be cut off from you and your houses and be left only in the Nile." And he said, "Tomorrow." Moses said, "Be it as you say, so that you may know that there is no one like the LORD our God.” – Exodus 8:9-10 Scripture reading: Exodus 8:1-15 Surely a frog was nothing, right? Well, it shouldn’t surprise you that the Egyptians reverenced the goddess Heqet as the Egyptian goddess of childbirth. She was depicted with the head of a frog as a symbol of fertility. This is the false god that God attacked in this second plague. Heqet is undone through a sanity-stretching invasion. The frog goddess is toppled from a place of reverence and respect as the Egyptians begin to mutter every time they find another frog in their beds, their pots, their ovens and their kneading bowls. So Pharaoh cries out – he wanted relief, as one writer put it, from the punishment for sins, but not relief from sin itself. Pharaoh was coming to know about God through Moses but he was not prepared to come to God for deliverance from sin – Pharaoh wanted no part in salvation, just a respite from the plagues and these curious people. We look upon Pharaoh crying out for relief from one plague and we realize the powerful difference between a true cry of a repentant heart to the Servant of the Lord and the false cry of those who remain hardened in sin and unrighteousness. Only those who repent and believe in Jesus can find true relief and lasting peace with God! Let us cry out for deliverance to the One Who hears our cry and answers our request as we humble ourselves before Him! Suggestions for prayer Pray for the salvation of many in this world who are following false gods. Pray that your faith in Jesus would be strengthened as you cry out to Him in all of life’s troubles and hardships. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC....

Daily devotional

May 16 – God commands the water to become blood

Thus says the LORD, "By this you shall know that I am the LORD: behold, with the staff that is in my hand I will strike the water that is in the Nile,...

Daily devotional

May 15 – The Lord warns and Satan still tries to deceive Pharaoh

Daily devotional

May 14 – They shall all know that I am the Lord

Though I multiply my signs and wonders in the land of Egypt, Pharaoh will not listen to you. Then I will lay my hand on Egypt and bring my hosts, my p...

Daily devotional

May 13 – Out of my bondage, sorrow, and night (Jesus I come to Thee)

Daily devotional

May 12 – I am and I will

The LORD said to Moses, "Now you shall see what I will do to Pharaoh; for with a strong hand he will send them out, and with a strong hand he will drive them out of his land." – Exodus 6:1 Scripture reading: Exodus 5:22-6:12; Acts 4:1-31 God takes us places in our lives that we think are entirely backwards – entirely opposite of what we want or expect or think can in any way be a good thing. “Why have you done evil to this people?” Moses asks, “Why did you ever send me?” The despair of Moses resonates for so many who've known struggles and pain. Yet God will display that “everyone who has been born of God overcomes the world.” This truth emerges in this scene which previewed the coming deliverance of God’s people. For “this is the victory that has overcome the world – our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world except the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God?” Remember this as you gather to worship the Great I AM today! After all, Pharaoh thought he was in control. Pharaoh boasted, “I will not let you go, I will not help you, and I will not let you rest.” God's response is even clearer: “I AM and I will deliver My people and give them rest.” As our passage unfolds, God again promises deliverance and declares that He will be vindicated. His character will be proven through the events that follow. God's name is now to be fully known and He is to become famous for what He does to Egypt. We can trust the LORD to do what is right even in the harshest of circumstances and when we face the most strident opposition. Suggestions for prayer Praise our God Almighty and marvel at His splendor, power, and righteousness! Thank Him for saving us from our distress! Ask Him to strengthen our hearts to serve Him with greater confidence. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC...

Daily devotional

May 11 – I’m Pharaoh and I will not

“Thus says the LORD, the God of Israel, 'Let my people go, that they may hold a feast to me in the wilderness.'" But Pharaoh said, "Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice and let Israel go? I do not know the LORD, and moreover, I will not let Israel go." – Exodus 5:11-12 Scripture reading: Exodus 5:1-21; Isaiah 51 After narrowly escaping death through the emergency circumcision of Moses' son, Moses met Aaron in the wilderness and they traveled to Egypt. Incredibly, the people believed the message they heard and then bowed their heads and worshipped the one true God. You could say Moses is on a roll! Moses must be expecting even greater things to happen when he brings God’s Word to Pharaoh. Surely, all that had been promised is about to come about! But things don't go according to plan, do they? At least, as we see so often in our lives, according to our plans. In Exodus 5, we see two sides to one great showdown. Here we are ring-side and we hear the boast: “I'm Pharaoh, and I WILL NOT. I will not listen to your God and I will not let you go. Whoever you think you and your people are, I will not take orders from you.” Moses is shaken by Pharaoh’s refusal. Yet, in the picture here of everything going awry – of the oppression becoming greater and not less – we see a distant preview of another Servant of God Who came to His own and His own disciples struggled to understand how good could come from His rejection. The children of Abraham did not receive Him. Jesus came with a message and mission of freedom and faced the great powers of the evil one head on. When it seemed like the powers of darkness triumphed at Golgotha, Christ Jesus demonstrated His power by rising again on the third day and silencing the boastful mouth of Satan! Suggestions for prayer Ask God to show you how to ‘count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds’. Pray for a renewed heart that trusts that the LORD shall bring us good even when others refuse Him. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC....

Daily devotional

May 10 – Let me go

Moses took the staff of God in his hand. And the LORD said to Moses, "When you go back to Egypt, see that you do before Pharaoh all the miracles that I have put in your power. But I will harden his heart, so that he will not let the people go.” – Exodus 4:20-21 Scripture reading: Exodus 4:18-31; Romans 8:18-39 In Romans 8, we read, “If God is for us, who can be against us? He who did not spare his own Son but gave him up for us all, how will he not also with him graciously give us all things?” God is for us – what a precious truth this is! Do we consider this as we struggle to be freed from the things which keep us from serving God as we should? Do you let the knowledge of what God has done, and is still doing, power your life? The good word of the gospel provides you with every reason and encouragement to strive against sin! For when our cry for help comes to the LORD, He declares, “I have freed you!” This is such a key part of the Christian life. All who believe in Christ live in a newfound freedom! We no longer live as those who remain in rebellion against God and captivity to sin. Here in Exodus 4, Moses’ hesitation has been overcome and he tells Jethro, his father-in-law, that he must go and do what God has called him to do. God has reassured His struggling servant repeatedly. Why? He is a God who saves His people! In a harsh world filled with many trials and hardships, the Lord comforts His people every day. In this age with its many troubles, the Lord provides a vivid display of His will in action in the story of the Exodus – hardening and softening hearts, addressing doubts and fears and calling all to service. Suggestions for prayer Pray for a deepening awareness of God’s gracious care for you. Pray that He would help you to be more and more willing to live as He calls you to live. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC....

Daily devotional

May 9 – Are we sufficiently equipped for what lies ahead?

Then the LORD said to him, "Who has made man's mouth? Who makes him mute, or deaf, or seeing, or blind? Is it not I, the LORD? Now therefore go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall speak." – Exodus 4:11-12 Scripture reading: Exodus 4:1-17; Hebrews 13:8-21 “Who am I that I should go?” Moses asks the Angel of the LORD. And God responds with 27 more verses of exhortation and encouragement for His servant Moses! Remember, God is not so distant from His people that He doesn't understand our weaknesses and our fears. He even holds back His anger over Moses' continued objections. But Moses’ fears are real and he’s not wrong – he gets a lot of the predictions he makes right! He's doubtful of Israel's reaction to him – and for good reason! He's fearful of Pharaoh's reaction to him – and for good reason! He's even correct that the signs which God has set before him are still going to be questioned and even rejected by the people! The LORD's plan of deliverance ultimately required someone with more to offer than a trembling heart and the signs which God gave him. Jesus has come with His unblemished obedience and divine power to remove our guilt and rescue us. Yet, as believers awaiting Jesus’ return, we can likewise see real threats and wonder if we are sufficiently equipped for the struggles we face. We face temptation, growing hostility, and personal hardship. And as He reassured Moses, He assures us that He is with us. He gives us His Word to shape our lives. He provides us with the signs of baptism and the Lord’s Supper to deepen our faith. And He assures us by His Spirit that He will “equip you with everything good that you may do his will.” (Hebrews 12:21). Suggestions for prayer Rejoice in the LORD’s continued mercies. Thank Him for being patient with you in your weakness. Ask Him to give you a renewed resolve to serve Him without compromise. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC. ...

Daily devotional

May 8 – It shall not harm you

The LORD said to Moses, "Put out your hand and catch it by the tail"--so he put out his hand and caught it, and it became a staff in his hand-- "that ...

Daily devotional

May 7 – Who shall I say you are?

Moses said to God, "If I come to the people of Israel and say to them, 'The God of your fathers has sent me to you,' and they ask me, 'What is his nam...

Daily devotional

May 6 – How can we come near?

God called to him out of the bush, "Moses, Moses!" And he said, "Here I am." Then he said, "Do not come near; take your sandals off your feet, for the...

Daily devotional

May 5 – God’s ways are not our ways

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways ...

Daily devotional

May 4 – The defender of the oppressed

When he was forty years old, it came into his heart to visit his brothers, the children of Israel. And seeing one of them being wronged, he defended the oppressed man and avenged him by striking down the Egyptian. He supposed that his brothers would understand that God was giving them salvation by his hand, but they did not understand. – Acts 7:23-25 Scripture reading: Exodus 2:11-15; Acts 7:17-29 What was Pharaoh’s fear? In chapter 1 vs 10, he fears that the Hebrews would join the enemies of Egypt and fight against them and escape from the land. Amazingly, that’s exactly what Moses does here. Here’s a son of esteem and privilege in Pharaoh’s court, next in line to the throne according to the ancient historian Josephus. What does he do? He joins the enemy. What’s more, he fights for them and escapes from the land. In this remarkable scene, Moses served as a defender and avenger of the oppressed. This is the inspired interpretation which the martyr, Stephen, sets before us in Acts 7:24-25. Moses strikes the first blow against Pharaoh’s forces. Yet the weary hearts of the Hebrews were not prepared to see that God was giving them salvation by Moses’ hands. They looked at the prospect of deliverance and thought it was too far-fetched and they rejected Moses. When Stephen preached on this text before the Council, he made the point all too clear for them: you are acting with greater disdain and danger to your soul if you reject Jesus Christ, the Righteous One, Who has come to defend the oppressed and avenge all wrongdoing. For unlike Moses, who shrank in fear once he realized what he had done, Jesus unfailingly overcame our great enemy and now He opens the gates of Heaven to all who believe in Him. Moses’ actions were only a preview of the glorious way in which God has now given us salvation through the pierced hands of His Son! Suggestions for prayer Pray for God to remove every obstacle in the hearts of those who think salvation from sin is either unnecessary or simply impossible. Pray for courage to be a witness of Christ our Defender and Redeemer! This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC....

Daily devotional

May 3 – Delivered

By oppression and judgment he was taken away; and as for his generation, who considered that he was cut off out of the land of the living, stricken for the transgression of my people? And they made his grave with the wicked and with a rich man in his death, although he had done no violence, and there was no deceit in his mouth. – Isaiah 53:8-9 Scripture reading: Exodus 1:15-2:10; Isaiah 53 We can read many stories in the Bible of times when the LORD miraculously and powerfully delivered His people from the spear and sword of their enemies. He spared the Hebrew children through the faith-filled actions of Shiprah and Puah, the Hebrew midwives. He delivered baby Moses from the very river in which he was supposed to be killed. Moses was brought to the site of death. He was spared. He was rescued from certain death by means of an ‘ark’ – a vessel of deliverance which was safeguarded by the LORD so that Moses might be rescued by a most unlikely rescuer – Pharaoh’s daughter! These are important testimonies to the love God has for you. He hears your cries and answers your pleas. He promises you deliverance from the judgment to come and He sets before you everlasting life. Amazingly, then, the greatest testimony of our deliverance is found in the scene of a man brought to the place of death who was not delivered. Our Saviour was not spared at the site of His judgment. Even though He was entirely pure and innocent, He laid down His life so that we might be saved in Him. This salvation through the payment of our sins and the bearing of our judgment is now finished! You are delivered because Christ was not spared. He was stricken for our transgressions. Through His death and resurrection, we now confidently tell Satan and his whole dominion that we do not fear their power for we have been delivered and we shall be raised again with Christ! Suggestions for prayer Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ! Praise the name of the LORD for His unfailing mercies and wondrous deliverance of sinners who call upon His name to receive life through His death! This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC....

Daily devotional

May 2 – The collision of two great powers

But the more they were oppressed, the more they multiplied and the more they spread abroad. And the Egyptians were in dread of the people of Israel. – Exodus 1:12 Scripture reading: Exodus 1:1-14; Revelation 12 The Pharaoh of Egypt was shrewd and cunning. He did not know or care about the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. He was most willing to become an enemy of God's people. In this, Pharaoh was taking up the vain battle cry of Satan and all who follow him in rebellion against the LORD God. He thought his human powers could overcome the problem posed by the rapidly multiplying people of God. In these events in Exodus, Satan saw that his attempts to wipe out the people whom God loved were futile. With Satan behind him spurring him on, Pharaoh would see first hand that no ruler or power can stop the LORD God! No chains can deter the LORD’s purposes for his people. No army can ever stand in His way. No waters can hem in His people and not even a wilderness without food and water can actually disrupt God's purpose to save His people! Jesus, our great Saviour from the powers of sin, death and the devil, says to His followers, “In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world" (John 16:33). Those words are true for all who suffer for His name’s sake as a part of the people of God. When it seems like we're caught in the collision of great powers – when we face grave threats or increasing pressures, we must be and are reminded of this glorious testimony of Christ our Lord: “I have overcome the world." Suggestion for prayer Thank the LORD for delivering us from our bondage to sin and the powers of the evil one. Pray for strength to withstand temptation. Ask the LORD to increase your trust in Jesus Christ alone for deliverance from the powers of evil in this world. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC....

Daily devotional

May 1 – The central Character in the story of all our lives

Introduction to the month of May This month we will be looking at Exodus 1-13 in order to see the tremendous way that the historical exodus of God’s people from Egypt foreshadows the wondrous exodus of all who are redeemed from sin, suffering and the tyranny of the devil. Our prayer is that we will see more fully the way that God’s people can have hope and confidence in the work of Jesus for us as sinners in need of God’s mercy and grace. There are a remarkable array of characters in these pages of Scripture and every one of them has a message to tell us in our time of awaiting our entry into the Promised Land (Hebrews 12:22-24)! You will meet villains who oppose the LORD and His anointed (Psalm 2:2). You will meet a people who are reluctant to listen to a man whose presence has seemingly made things worse for them (John 6:66-69). You will meet a redeemer and judge who is reluctant to take up his calling until the LORD gives him a name to proclaim, a series of signs to perform and a stirring message: My people shall be set free to worship Me (Hebrews 10:5-7). In this series of devotions for the month ahead, we’ll look at the story that the martyr, Stephen, appealed to in Acts 7:17-36 to explain that the coming of Jesus Christ was always anticipated in scripture and that He is truly our Saviour and King! **** Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and God of all comfort, who comforts us in all our affliction, so that we may be able to comfort those who are in any affliction, with the comfort with which we ourselves are comforted by God. – 2 Corinthians 1:3-4 Scripture reading: Psalm 48, 2 Corinthians 1:1-4 God is the central character in the story of all our lives. As Scripture says, “In Him we live and move and have our being” and “we are His offspring.” So when the story of your life is written, it is always the case that God is the central character – whether He is recognized in this role or not. We might think we’re the central character in the story of our lives. It feels like we are! Yet, one part of our faith-filled response to God is that we learn to humble ourselves before Him and see that He is the most important figure in our story. Yet, if a story-teller dropped by your house and wanted to capture your story, I wonder if he might be caught off guard if you said, “First, I need to tell you about God because He is more important and central a character in this story than I am!” The story of the Exodus is first and foremost a story which highlights the greatness of the LORD God. His plan brings comfort to His people. His actions reveal His glory. His mercies reveal His steadfast covenant faithfulness. His powerful triumph over the armies of Pharaoh reveals the splendor of His holy Name to all! As we proceed through this account of trouble and triumph, we will do well to keep reminding ourselves that God is truly the central character in the story! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for being the One who comforts us in all our affliction. Pray for humility to submit to God’s will for our lives and to rejoice that He is the most important character in our life story. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Norman Van Eeden Petersman is the pastor of the Vancouver Associated Presbyterian Church in BC. ...

Daily devotional

April 30 - Joy with Jesus

Father, I desire that they also, whom You have given me, may be with me where I am…– John 17:24 Scripture reading: John 17:1-26 I want to co...

Daily devotional

April 29 - Future joy

He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning nor crying nor pain anymore, for the former ...

Daily devotional

April 28 - Joy in worship

True worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth. - John 4:24 Scripture reading: John 4:1-26 Since joy, in some measure, ought to be ...

Daily devotional

April 27 - Angelic wonder

…things into which angels long to look.- 1 Peter 1:12 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1:3-12 I’m curious about angels. Not the fat little-winged...

Daily devotional

April 26 - Counterfeit joy (4)

May my meditation be pleasing to Him, for I rejoice in the Lord.- Psalm 104:34 Scripture reading: Psalm 104:1-35 I live in Colorado and most days I can see the Rocky Mountains. When on a clear day, I see the distant white-capped peaks, my heart rejoices in wonder and praise. But I’m sure that when unbelievers see the same sight, though they do not acknowledge the Creator, they still experience a certain awe and wonder. Simply living in this world is a blessing. Although many will not acknowledge it, God has blessed us humans. We have talents and abilities, enjoy good health, have material possessions, have family and friends. We can appreciate beautiful art, wonder at a colorful sunset, and be in awe of majestic mountains. Whether a Christian or not, there is a joy that comes with living. It is the joy of God’s common grace. Psalm 104 recounts God’s great creative work. The psalmist looks at the mountains and is in awe. He recognizes that God sends rain on the just and the unjust alike. He hears birds singing, watches animals feed, sees ships navigate the oceans. At the end of the Psalm he says, “I rejoice in the Lord.” Not the ships, the rain, the animals, the mountains, but I rejoice in the Lord. Joy in God’s creation will not last because there is so much more. Jesus asked, ”For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?” (Mark 8:36). True, lasting joy comes not in the earthly gifts we enjoy from our Creator, as wonderful as they are, but in trusting and rejoicing in the Creator Himself. Suggestions for prayer Pray that your joy would not consist simply in the gifts God has given, but would be in God Himself and that you would have a thankful heart for all of God’s gifts. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 25 - Counterfeit joy (3)

For what does it profit a man to gain the whole world and forfeit his life?- Mark 8:36 Scripture reading: Mark 8:31-38 C.S. Lewis once said: “It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.” Lewis was right. We have infinite joy offered us, but we are satisfied with that which is much less. We’ve already looked at the counterfeit joy of sin and of circumstances. Today, I want to consider things that are not necessarily bad, but are ultimately trivial. I like playing sports and enjoy following my favorite players and teams. I’ll watch an occasional game on TV, or play a round of golf with friends. But I can honestly say that I can do without these things. Yet, I’m sure you’ve noticed that some people’s lives revolve around sports. My wife is artistic and enjoys making crafts. But she wisely does not allow that activity to run her life. If sports, or crafts, or recreation, or stamp-collecting or some other activity is what fills you with joy and meaning, you’ve settled for something far too little. You are making mud pies in a slum when you are offered a holiday by the sea. You are, as Lewis would say, “Far too easily pleased.” Don’t settle for the trivial. God, in Christ, is your true and infinite joy. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would not find your joy and meaning in the small, trivial things. Repent for desiring and being satisfied with too little. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 24 - Counterfeit joy (2)

Other seeds fell on rocky ground, where they did not have much soil, and immediately they sprang up, since they had no depth of soil, but when the sun rose they were scorched. And since they had no root, they withered away.- Mathew 13:5-6 Scripture reading: Matthew 13:1-23 Every nation has strict laws against making and using counterfeit money. People who deal in commerce and handle money regularly must learn to distinguish fake money from real money. Banks, for example, have classes to train their employees how to tell the difference. In the parable of the sower, Jesus taught about a certain kind of counterfeit joy. When He explained the point about the seed that fell on rocky soil, He said, “This is the one who hears the word and immediately receives it with joy…” But when trials and hardships arise, this person fell away. Far from being true and lasting joy, this was a counterfeit joy because it was contingent on circumstances. When everything is going smoothly in life, when things are going well, it is easy to confuse that sense of well-being with lasting joy. But this is not really joy at all because it depends on circumstances. Remember that Jesus said, “In this world you will have tribulation, but be of good cheer (be joyful), I have overcome the world.” The true joy of a believer is one that does not fall away due to tribulation and hardship. True joy’s foundation is far greater, far deeper than this world’s ups and downs. Its foundation is Jesus Christ. Therefore, pleasant circumstances cannot produce true joy and difficult circumstances cannot detract from true joy. Suggestions for prayer Pray that God would grant you wisdom to distinguish true from false joy and that you will rest in Jesus and have a joy that cannot be shaken by hardship. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 23 - Counterfeit joy (1)

By faith Moses… refused to be called the son of Pharaoh’s daughter, choosing rather to be mistreated with the people of God than to enjoy the fleeting pleasures of sin. - Hebrews 11:24-25 Scripture reading: Hebrews 11:23-28 Hebrews 11 is an entire chapter that focuses on the faith of Old Testament believers. And speaking about Moses, the writer says that Moses rejected the “fleeting pleasures of sin.” This is instructive to us as we focus on joy. It is important to distinguish between true, lasting joy and a counterfeit of joy. One such counterfeit is pleasure that comes from sin. When tempted, the devil would have us believe that if we give in to the temptation, we will be more joyful than now. And the reason it is so effective is that there are often certain pleasures that accompany sin. Moses, as the adopted son of Pharaoh’s daughter, could have lived in palatial opulence and had every sensual desire met. Instead, he chose the difficulties of wilderness living. Why? Because he understood that true joy comes in trusting and following the Lord. David learned that the hard way. When he committed adultery with Bathsheba, he did so for the “joy” of sexual gratification. He soon discovered that while this may have brought him “fleeting pleasure,” it brought him no joy at all. This is why when he finally repented of his sin, he asked God: “Restore to me the joy of Your salvation” (Psalm 51:12). He had discovered that the fleeting pleasure of sin is a counterfeit to true lasting joy in the Lord. Suggestions for prayer Repent of your sins and, like David, ask God to restore your joy. Pray that God would give you faith like Moses to see beyond fleeting pleasures. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church(URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 22 - The joy of believing

Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.- Hebrews 11:1 Scripture reading: John 20:24-29 Thomas wasn’...

Daily devotional

April 21 - Resurrection joy

Mary Magdalene went and announced to the disciples, "I have seen the Lord." - John 20:18 Scripture reading: John 20:1-18 It is clear from readi...

Daily devotional

April 20 - For the joy set before him

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 seate...

Daily devotional

April 19 - Jesus’ seventh word on the cross

“Father, into Your hands I commit My spirit!” - Luke 23:46 Scripture reading: Luke 23:44-49 This word, like the fourth and fifth, is a quota...

Daily devotional

April 18 - Jesus’ sixth word on the cross

“It is finished.” - John 19:30 Scripture reading: John 19:28-30 You and I might not finish something we’ve begun. Due to laziness, weakness or for reasons outside our control, that project you were working on or letter you were writing or diet you started, didn’t get completed. But that can never be said of Christ. Jesus’ sixth word on the cross is a word of triumph. He fully completed what He came to do. In 1 John 3:5 we read, “You know that He appeared to take away sins.” A few verses later John says, “The reason the Son of God appeared was to destroy the works of the devil.” These purposes are not separate, but the same. Christ came to take away our sins and thereby to free us from the tyranny of the devil. There are times when I’m keenly aware of my own sins and conclude, as did Paul, “O wretched man that I am” (Rom. 7:24). At those times, when the devil points his finger at me and says “guilty,” I remind myself of this sixth word on the cross. “It is finished.” Christ paid it all. That truth restores the joy. Horatio Spafford got it right when he penned this stanza in his well-loved hymn, “It is Well with My Soul”: “My sin – O the bliss of this glorious thought! – My sin, not in part, but the whole, is nailed to the cross and I bear it no more; praise the Lord, praise the Lord, O my soul!” Suggestions for prayer Pray thatGod would forgive your sins because of Christ’s sacrifice for you and that He would grant you a deeper assurance that your sins are forgiven and that it is well with your soul. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church(URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 17 - Jesus’ fifth word on the cross

“I thirst.” - John 19:28 Scripture reading: John 19:28-30 Jesus’ fifth word on the cross is only one word in Greek which, when translated is, “I thirst.” And while His mouth was most certainly parched, Jesus is telling us something deeper. First, this word expresses that Jesus was fully human so that He could justly bear the sins of humans. He didn’t simply appear to be human, He became flesh. While on earth He slept, wept, grew weary, ate, walked and got thirsty. This means that today Jesus knows your aches and weaknesses. He is a High Priest who sympathizes with your infirmities. Second, John tells us that Jesus spoke this word “to fulfill the Scriptures.” Psalm 69:21 says, “They gave me poison for food, and for my thirst they gave me sour wine to drink.” Jesus is identifying Himself with the godly sufferer of Psalm 69. He is the Suffering Servant of the Lord. And third, Jesus spoke this word to declare that His death was for you. In the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, the rich man was in hell and called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.” Jesus’ thirst is a declaration that He was experiencing and enduring the unquenchable anguish of hell, of divine wrath. He thirsted because the wages of our sins were poured out on Him. Here is our joy: Jesus thirsted so that you and I will never thirst that unquenchable anguish in hell. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks that you have a Saviour Who understands and sympathizes with your weaknesses and infirmities. Pray for the salvation of your unbelieving loved ones. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church(URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 16 - Jesus’ fourth word on the cross

…"My God, My God, why have You forsaken Me?" - Matthew 27:46 Scripture reading: Matthew 27:45-56 I wonder if the onlookers at Jesus’ crucifixion were starting to get uncomfortable at this point. For three hours “there was darkness over all the land.” Were they starting to realize that something about this crucifixion was different from all the others they had witnessed? Then, out of the darkness they hear the agonizing voice of Jesus quoting Psalm 22:1 – “Eli, Eli, lema sabachthani?” The anguish He experienced while bearing the full wrath of God and being forsaken of God wrenched from Him those amazing words. But while this fourth word is a question, the Son of God knew precisely the answer. Jesus was not seeking some information that He lacked but, in fact, was making a remarkable statement. He is saying: “I am the fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies. Psalm 22 is about Me. Isaiah 53 is about Me.” And He is saying: “I am forsaken by God.” The eternal Son of God, Who had always been in perfect fellowship with the Father, was now forsaken. That bond was broken. Jesus wanted the crowd, and us, to know this. Why? Because the only possible reason that the Father would ever forsake the Son is if the Son were bearing our sins. This is the fount of our joy! Jesus, who knew no sin, became sin for us. Jesus was forsaken of the Father so that you and I would NEVER be forsaken! Suggestions for prayer Give thanks that God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son. Pray that your pastor, and every pastor everywhere, would boldly preach the gospel of Christ’s atoning sacrifice. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church(URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 15 - Jesus’ third word on the cross

…He said to His mother, "Woman, behold, your son!" Then He said to the disciple, "Behold, your mother!" And from that hour the disciple took her to his own home.- John 19:26, 27 Scripture reading: John 19:17-27 About 33 years earlier, Mary and Joseph brought the infant Jesus to the temple. While there, Simeon took Jesus in his arms and praised God for letting him see God’s salvation. While Joseph and Mary marveled at all this, Simeon blessed them also and prophesied about what Christ would do. As he spoke, he turned to Mary and said, “And a sword will pierce through your own soul also” (See Luke 2:22-35). That sword thrust came as she watched her Son hanging, nailed to the cross. But Jesus, loving her in spite of His agony, cared for His earthly mother. Many may wonder why He addressed her as “woman” thinking it sounds rather cold and heartless. But Jesus is actually telling her that she must see Him not simply as her Son, but as her Saviour and Lord. At the same time, as a faithful Son, He appointed John to take her in and care for her. From that point on, John would be her guardian, provider and protector. Jesus’ third word on the cross is a word of love and affection. But while this particular word is directed toward Mary and John, it is that very same love and affection for you and me that compelled Him to give His life. Christ, by taking our sins upon Himself, provided us with our greatest need – forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Oh, what love! Oh, what joy! Suggestions for prayer Give thanks that God has provided your needs, both materially as well as spiritually. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church(URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 14 - Jesus’ second word on the cross

And He said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with Me in Paradise."- Luke 23:43 Scripture reading: Luke 23:35-43 We might view t...

Daily devotional

April 13 - Jesus’ first word on the cross

And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."- Luke 23:34 Scripture reading: Luke 23:18-34 Looking forward to Good Fri...

Daily devotional

April 12 - Jesus’ joy

But now I am coming to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves. - John 17:13 Scripture readi...

Daily devotional

April 11 - Joy in this world

But now I am coming to You, and these things I speak in the world, that they may have my joy fulfilled in themselves.- John 17:13 Scripture reading...

Daily devotional

April 10 - The fruit of joy (ii)

…rejoice that your names are written in heaven. - Luke 10:20 Scripture reading: Luke 10:1-10 The reason that joy is a fruit of the Spirit is because the Spirit always brings us back to Jesus. When Jesus was comforting His disciples, He told them that after His departure, the Holy Spirit would come. He said, “He (the Spirit) will glorify me, for He will take what is mine and declare it to you” (John 16:14). The Holy Spirit’s primary purpose is to reveal, to shine the light on Jesus. Where Jesus is preached, where Jesus is praised, where Jesus is glorified, there the Spirit is at work. And since Christ is the ultimate source of joy, joy is an inevitable fruit of the Spirit. We have a tendency to find joy in lesser things – our marriage, our work, sports and recreation, our children or grandchildren, etc. We might even find joy in “spiritual” things like our church, our teaching responsibilities or our serving as office-bearers. But even here Jesus sets us straight: Luke 10 tells us that Jesus sent out His followers on a mission and gave them extraordinary, miraculous powers. They went out into the villages and were able to heal diseases and cast out demons. When they returned to Jesus they were filled with joy because they were able to do all these things. But Jesus reoriented their focus and said, “Do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to you, but rejoice that your names are written in heaven.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that your pastor would faithfully preach Christ and Him crucified and give thanks that your name has been written in the Book of Life. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 9 - The fruit of joy (i)

But the fruit of the Spirit is… joy…- Galatians 5:22 Scripture reading: Galatians 5:16-25 My family and I lived in Hawaii for seven years. We lived on the island of Kauai, nicknamed “The Garden Island.” In our backyard, we had a lime tree, an orange tree and a few banana trees. Every year, without fail, we enjoyed the fruit that those trees produced. In Paul’s letter to the Galatians, he used this same agricultural reality as a metaphor to describe the results of being in the Spirit. These are, as he calls them, “the fruit of the Spirit.” His list describes what I should expect to experience as a Christian and see in other Christians. Where the Holy Spirit is, these Spiritual characteristics, to some extent, will be present also. Paul’s list is not set forth in a loose and arbitrary way. There is a purposeful order and inter-connectedness. Love is the first fruit and out of love flows joy; and out of love and joy flows peace, etc. Joy is the disposition of one’s personality toward cheerfulness that is rooted in Christ. And since joy is a fruit of the Spirit, we may rightly conclude that the Holy Spirit, the third Person of the Trinity, is not a grump – or a Scrooge, or a Grinch. He is God. And God is joyful. That is why, when the people in Nehemiah’s day wept over their sins, he comforted them with this very truth. He said, “Do not be grieved, for the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah8:10b). Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Spirit’s fruit of joy would be present and growing in your life and repent if you’ve given the impression to others that the Spirit is a grump. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church(URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 8 - Joy in tribulation

Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.- James 1:2 Scripture reading: James 1:1-8 Hardship in life is never fun, but we all have these “trials of various kinds.” Five and a half years ago, when my doctor informed me that I had cancer, my whole existence was jolted. After getting over the shock, I started thinking “I want to be at my children’s weddings” and “I want to hold my grandchildren.” I shed tears and wondered about my uncertain future. Five months later I underwent major surgery that removed the cancer. Thankfully, I have been “clean” ever since. But how can you “count it all joy” when you hear such news? Or when your child dies? Or when you lose your job? The unbeliever finds this incredible. Instead of joy, he will get angry at life. Or she will drown her pain in drugs or alcohol. But the child of God knows that nothing happens by chance, but everything comes from God’s fatherly hand. God’s purposes are always for our good (Romans 8:28). They are productive, not destructive, moulding us into the image of Christ. When you experience trials, it isn’t bad luck. Rather, God is working to make you beautiful – your dross to consume and your gold to refine. During those five months of uncertainty about my health, God strengthened my heart. Far from shaking my fist at God, by His grace, I rested in His goodness and faithfulness. The faith that I had always professed was confirmed and that has brought me unspeakable joy. Why? Because “the testing of your faith produces steadfastness.” Suggestions for prayer Pray that when the Lord sends trials in your life, He will confirm your faith and that your joyful response to hardships will be an encouragement to others. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church(URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 7 - Worship with gladness

Serve the Lord with gladness! Come into His presence with singing! - Psalm 100:2 Scripture reading: Psalm 100:1-6 Since joy in our salvation carries over to joy in all God’s blessings, it is not surprising that when the psalmist writes about worship he often includes joy. Throughout the Psalms, God’s people are often instructed to lift up their voices in praise. Think, for example, of how often the word “Hallelujah” is used in the Psalms. Psalms 113-118 are called the “Hallel” Psalms and the final five Psalms (146-150) all end with the same word, “Hallelujah.” Hallelujah means “Let us praise the Lord.” It seems to me that joy is an essential ingredient in praise. Praise is the believer’s joyful response to who God is and what He has done. I cannot help but wonder what is happening in a person’s heart when we begin worship with singing that great hymn “Praise to the Lord, the Almighty” and it looks as though he or she is singing about their next dentist appointment. I cannot judge such a thing, but it appears as though there’s little praise going on. When you gather for worship, are you “serving the Lord with gladness?” To praise the Lord with joy does not mean that the Christian never experiences sorrow or pain. In fact, true repentance means there is a real sorrow for our sins. But even so, the believer’s sorrow should never be separated from the conviction that, as the hymn writer so beautifully penned, “It is well with my soul.” Christ has overcome and I am His. That conviction cannot help but overflow into joyful praise! Suggestions for prayer Pray that as you worship today, your worship would be a sincere response of joyful praise to God who is worthy, and that not only you, but your church congregation would have the reputation of worshipping the Lord with gladness. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church(URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 6 - Joy in God’s revelation

In the way of Your testimonies I delight as much as in all riches… I will delight in your statutes; I will not forget Your Word.- Psalm 119:14,16 ...

Daily devotional

April 5 - Joy in the God of my salvation

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 t...

Daily devotional

April 4 - Joy & peace

I have said these things to you, that in me you may have peace. In the world you will have tribulation. But take heart; I have overcome the world.- J...

Daily devotional

April 3 - Abide in me

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 In chap...

Daily devotional

April 2- Tidings of comfort and 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 Yesterday I began by saying: “I want to live in joy, and I want to die in joy.” And we saw that Jesus is the only true source of joy. But Jesus lived over 2000 years ago. How can my joy in 2019 have anything to do with Jesus? 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 favor 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. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

April 1 – Good news of great joy

Introduction April's theme is “The Christian's Joy.”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.” Jesus told His disciples, “These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full” (John 15:11). 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. This month we explore this great blessing given us by God. We will distinguish between true Christian joy, which is lasting, and the fleeting “joy” of this world. We will look at what is the basis of this joy, focusing on Christ’s atonement, His words on the cross and His resurrection. And we will consider those things that hinder our joy and how God graciously restores our joy. May God bless you abundantly as you study His Word this month and may you be strengthened because“the joy of the Lord is your strength” (Nehemiah 8:10). **** Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord.- Luke 2:10-11 Scripture reading: Luke 2:8-14 I want to live in joy and I want to die in joy. I think you’d be hard pressed to find anyone in this world who does not want the same thing. Joy is a desirable thing. Granted, there are people who seem to thrive on difficulty and even wallow in their unhappiness. To use a modern description, their lives have far too much drama. But I think it’s fair to say that even so, they would prefer a life of joy over their difficulties if they could find it. When the angel spoke to the shepherds at Jesus’ birth, he said, “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, who is Christ the Lord” (Luke 2:10-11). So it isn’t surprising that when we celebrate Christ’s birth we often see and use the word “JOY.” We find it in our decorations, on the front of Christmas cards, in our church bulletins, even on store windows. Why? Because joy and Jesus are inseparable! The good news that the angel told was joyful news; more than that, it was news of GREAT joy. The arrival of Jesus changed everything. He came on a rescue mission and He accomplished it. This means that if you desire joy, believe in and cling to Jesus. You simply will not find joy anywhere else. Suggestions for prayer Pray that the Holy Spirit would use this month’s devotions to increase your joy. Pray for friends or loved ones that you know who seem to lack joy. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Derrick Vander Meulen is the minister of Coram Deo Reformation Church (URC) in Littleton, Colorado....

Daily devotional

March 31 - Be firm in your faith!

Resist him, firm in your faith, knowing that the same kinds of suffering are being experienced by your brotherhood throughout the world. And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, Who has called you to His eternal glory in Christ, will Himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. - 1 Peter 5:9-10 Scripture reading: James 4 What is your protection against your adversary, the devil? Your faith! To resist him means to refuse to submit to him and let him direct your life. Remember, the words that Jesus spoke to Peter before his denial: "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. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers" (Luke 22:31-32). Why did Peter’s faith not fail? Jesus prayed for Him. Why does your faith not fail? Jesus is also praying for you! Why is faith so important here? Because Satan directs his attacks to destroy your faith in Christ. Suffering is one of the ways he uses to raise doubts in your mind concerning the reliability of God. When we suffer we think we are alone. This is not the case. Many others have endured the same kinds of trials and have been able to persevere in the faith because the Lord was there with them. Any suffering you experience is limited to what God will allow in your life. As a God of all grace, is there anything too difficult for Him to help you with? He is the God who has called you to eternal glory in Christ! What you have in Christ far outweighs what you lack here on earth. As you attend church today, think about the sufficiency of your Saviour. He Himself will restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the gift of faith and that Jesus is making intercession so that our faith will not fail. Ask the Lord to help you resist the devil, to be firm in your faith, so that you will overcome him through the grace God gives to you. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 30 - Your adversary

Be sober-minded; be watchful. Your adversary the devil prowls around like a roaring lion, seeking someone to devour. - 1 Peter 5:8 Scripture reading: Zechariah 3 You have an adversary, one who strives against you: an enemy. One of the main reasons we have anxieties and cares is because of this enemy. The word Satan means adversary, and the word devil means the accuser, the slanderer. Peter gives two imperatives concerning this adversary. Be sober-minded; be watchful. To be sober-minded means to have self-control and to not allow this enemy to influence you. Rather, always be under the direction and control of the Lord your God. To be watchful means to be awake, always aware, and to never be off your guard. Always be aware of your weaknesses and don’t let this enemy get the better of you because of them. How does Peter describe him? He compares the devil to a lion that is hungry looking for prey that he can devour. There is one that is actually hunting you, one who is stalking you without your knowledge, hoping to devour and destroy your faith in Christ. He has slandered and tried to destroy others in the past, (one example is Joshua in Zechariah 3), and he will continue to do so in the present and into the future until Christ returns. According to the context, there are two ways the devil tries to attack us. Satan seeks to puff up our pride, trying to convince us we do not need God and he tries to get us to believe God does not care for us. Do not let this enemy get the better of you! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that we can flee to Christ when the devil comes to accuse and attack us. Ask the Lord to help you heed these warnings and to be diligent and watchful especially when we feel weak in our faith. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 29 - He cares for you

...casting all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you. - 1 Peter 5:7 Scripture reading: Psalm 55 Verse 7 is governed by the verb in the...

Daily devotional

March 28 - Are you humble? (2)

Humble yourselves, therefore, under the mighty hand of God so that at the proper time He may exalt you. - 1 Peter 5:6 Scripture reading: Proverbs 1...

Daily devotional

March 27 - Are you humble? (1)

Likewise, you who are younger, be subject to the elders. Clothe yourselves, all of you, with humility toward one another, for "God opposes the proud b...

Daily devotional

March 26 - Biblical leadership

So I exhort the elders among you,… shepherd the flock of God that is among you, exercising oversight, not under compulsion, but willingly, as God wo...

Daily devotional

March 25 – Are you prepared?

...but in your hearts regard Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you. - 1 Peter 3:15 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 3:1-17 It can be very challenging to share your faith in Christ with others and there are many questions we can ask ourselves. Will I say the right things? Will I be able to explain the gospel correctly? Was I sincere? Or, why couldn’t I remember that verse, it was perfect?! We can play mental gymnastics before, during and after witnessing to someone. Many feel uncomfortable talking to others about Christ. They can be afraid of rejection, of looking foolish or of offending others of a different faith. Yet, our aim should always be to share our Saviour with a lost world (Mark 16:15-16). We must always remember, we are not in the business of converting people; that is the work of the Holy Spirit, but we are in the business of planting the good seed of God’s Word in the hearts of others. We leave it to the Lord to apply His Word to hearts and give the growth (1Corinthians 3:7). Peter tells us, as those who are dedicated to Christ by true faith, to always be prepared to make a defense of the reason for our Christian hope at any time. You share real hope every time you speak to someone about Christ, a hope that has a foundation, a hope that has a real future, a hope that will not disappoint! Know the truths of God’s Word and pray for the Spirit’s help so that you will always be ready to share your hope. Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord He revealed Christ to us and that we were enabled to come to Him in repentance and faith for our salvation. Pray that we will be able to share this hope we have in Christ with others. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 24 - Who can really harm you?

Now who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good? But even if you should suffer for righteousness' sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them, nor be troubled. - 1 Peter 3:13-14 Scripture reading: Romans 8:18-39 Today is a day of worship and praise. As we spend time in God’s house, we are reminded that living for Christ by His Word and Spirit is always best. However, you are not guaranteed that living a godly life and doing good will always be received with recognition and kindness from others in return. The reality is that here in North America we may never face persecution at the level that people have in other parts of the world like North Korea, the MiddleEast, or China (to name just a few). Yet, when you try to talk to someone about the Lord or even do good and act kindly to someone, their response may not be positive at all. We must recognize that our society is becoming more antagonistic and hostile toward Christ and the gospel. This is true whether we are facing torture for our faith or whether we’re just nervous about the thought of telling someone about Christ. Peter asks the question, "Who is there to harm you if you are zealous for what is good?" If we have a passion for Christ and we are dedicated to serving Him, who can really harm us? Paul told us if God is for us who can be against us (Romans 8:31) and that all things happen for our good (Romans 8:28). God’s sovereignty and protection help us not to be fearful or troubled. "We are more than conquerors through Him who loved us" (Romans 8:37). Suggestions for prayer Be thankful to spend this day in worship to our covenant God. Praise Him that Christ enables us to be blessed even in our suffering. Ask the Lord to give you grace and peace through His Word in those times when you do have fear and feel troubled. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 23 - The war against your soul

Beloved, I urge you as sojourners and exiles to abstain from the passions of the flesh, which wage war against your soul. - 1 Peter 2:11 Scripture reading: Romans 13 As Christians, we are involved in a spiritual battle. Peter tells us to continually abstain from the passions of our flesh that make war against our souls. The word passion refers to any kind of self-seeking and includes ungodliness, lust, and covetousness. These passions have full sway in the hearts of unbelievers because they are ignorant of God and His holiness and grace as revealed in His Word. But for you as a Christian, growing in your knowledge of Christ, you don’t have to be controlled by selfish desires. We turn from self-centered living to now living under Christ’s lordship as those called by God out of this fallen world. Fleshly lusts are human desires which stem from our own depravity and seek fulfillment apart from God and His will for us. A sojourner or a pilgrim (exile) would not put down roots in a place where he or she had no intention of staying, and so Peter warns the church against getting involved with fleshly lusts which war against the soul. These passions hinder our spiritual journey as pilgrims and cause much grief and pain. How should you then deal with fleshly lusts? You cannot overcome them by human effort or self-discipline. They are only overcome by the power of the indwelling Spirit as you live by faith in Christ. Paul told us to put on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make no provision for the flesh (Romans 13:14). Have you come to Christ to help you win this war? Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord that Christ is with us and has cleansed our sin with His own precious blood. Ask the Lord to help you live for Christ and to help you overcome the passions of the flesh. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 22 - Our privilege and responsibility

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God's people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. - 1 Peter 2:9-10 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 7 Clearly, Peter wants us to understand that the church is something unique in this world. Look at how He describes every believer in Christ: You are a chosen race! You belong to a royal priesthood! You are a member of a holy nation! You are God’s possession! You have now received His mercy! The first thought that comes to my mind is how can this be? I don’t feel very special. I am just an ordinary person going about my business living my life day by day. Who am I to claim such privileges especially when I feel so unfaithful? Keep in mind that what Peter is telling you here is based completely on what God does for you in Christ and not on anything you think or feel. He tells us that at one point we were not a people, but now we are God’s people. What made this change happen? We received the mercy of God. Your covenant God was pleased to make you His, simply because He loved you and would fulfill the covenant oath He made concerning you just as He did for Israel in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 7:6-9). You may not feel very special to God, but He assures you that you are! He called you out of darkness and placed you in a very privileged position with a very important responsibility, to proclaim Christ to a lost world. Being in such a privileged position, will you proclaim Him? Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the privilege to be called by God in Christ because of His love and mercy. Ask Him to help you to fulfill your responsibility to proclaim Christ to a lost world that needs the gospel. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 21 - We are living stones

...you yourselves like living stones are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God...

Daily devotional

March 20 - Our living stone!

As you come to Him, a living stone rejected by men but in the sight of God chosen and precious. - 1 Peter 2:4 Scripture reading: Psalm 118 How d...

Daily devotional

March 19 - Desire pure spiritual milk

So put away all malice and all deceit and hypocrisy and envy and all slander. Like newborn infants, long for the pure spiritual milk, that by it you m...

Daily devotional

March 18 - The shortness of life

…for "All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains...

Daily devotional

March 17 - Born again

...since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; - 1 Peter 1:23 Scripture reading: John 3 I read a story about an old church that sat empty and abandoned for a long time in a rundown neighborhood. The decaying building blended naturally into the whole area. Storefronts were boarded up. An old school building was padlocked. The place was grim, unswept, forgotten. Then one night everything changed. The old church was lit up. Parked cars lined the streets. The sound of music filled the air. What had been dead and abandoned had come to life. There have been many people like this old church, spiritually dark, empty, and without any life. Then, as if someone turned on a switch, they came to life! What makes such a radical change in a person’s life? God makes His people born again by His Holy Spirit! The new birth gives us a new nature as well as a new and living hope (1 Peter 1:3). Peter explains that the new birth comes through the living and abiding word of God. By the Word(logos), he means "God's self-revelation," which would include both His spoken message of the Old Testament and the message of the gospel through Christ, our great prophet in the New Testament (Hebrews 1:1). God's Word is living because it gives life to all who hear it and respond to it in faith. Has the Bible made an impact on your life? Does it continue to make an impact especially on this day of worship? God’s Word is life to all who respond to its message! Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the new birth and that He does not leave us dead in our trespasses and sins. Ask the Lord to enable His Word to have a continual impact on your life by His Holy Spirit. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 16 - An earnest love

Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart. - 1 Peter 1:22 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 13 How important are the words, “I love you”? These are words repeated by those who very much care for each other. These are words I often say to my wife. Remember, love is one of the cornerstones of the Christian faith. Paul told us that …faith, hope, and love abide, these three; but the greatest of these is love (1 Corinthians 13:13). The one thing that Jesus will never say to you as a Christian is, I don't love you anymore. But rather, I love you with an everlasting love because I laid down my life for you. In response to His love for us, we should certainly love Him and His people. Peter describes our love as earnest and from a pure heart. The basis for such love is obedience to the truth by which the Saints have purified their souls, resulting in sincere love for others. Obedience to the truth of God’s Word and the gospel, means we come to the One Who has the ability to purify us, Who is Christ. We are made righteous in Christ by our repentance from sin and true faith in Him. Our love should be a warm brotherly affection, the kind evident in a closely knit family. This is the kind of love members of God’s family have toward other family members as brothers and sisters in Christ. It is also a purposeful, sacrificial love, the kind our Lord demonstrated on the cross of Calvary. Do you have this kind of love? Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord for His love for us, a love that sent His Son to earth to die for us. Pray that we would respond to this love by having a sincere love for Him and for others in His Church. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 15 - Made manifest for us!

He was foreknown before the foundation of the world but was made manifest in the last times for your sake, who through Him are believers in God, who raised Him from the dead and gave Him glory, so that your faith and hope are in God. - 1 Peter 1:20-21 Scripture reading: Colossians 1 At the end of the day, where are your faith and hope? They must be in God Who set forth our redemption even before the foundation of the world! This verse is a rich display of God’s grace toward unworthy sinners like us, who only deserve God’s judgment and wrath. Jesus, coming into this world to save us, is not just an afterthought when the Fall happened in the Garden of Eden. The Lord has a purpose to save His people and is not willing to leave us in darkness and sin. When the time was right, He willingly revealed our Saviour to us. How good is our God! Through Jesus, we can come to God in faith. Through Jesus, we have life from the dead because God raised Him from the dead. Through Jesus, we will go to be with God in glory because Jesus has been raised to glory. Everything that happens to Jesus happens to us as we are heirs and joint-heirs with Him. If you are lacking assurance today or struggling with your Christian faith due to weakness or failures in your life, meditate on these two verses. God knows we fail and often fall into sin, that’s why He sent us His Son. There is an answer for hopelessness and despair in this world and that answer has always been Jesus. Where are your faith and your hope today? If your answer is in God through Jesus, then it is in the right place! Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord that He set forth the salvation of His people before the foundation of the world and that we can have real faith and hope in God because He has established us in Christ. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 14 - We are redeemed by precious blood

...knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. - 1 Peter 1:18-19 Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 5 When you are traveling, you always need to pack for the place of your destination. If you are traveling to the beach, you would bring your swimsuit, lotion, sunglasses and a towel. It would not make much sense to bring these items on a trip to the Arctic! As Christians, what is our destination? We are preparing ourselves for heaven when we will be with Christ for eternity. We should no longer live according to futile ways inherited from those who lived before us. Ungodliness can show itself in many ways, but always comes down to the world, the flesh and the devil. We have inherited a sinful nature that causes us to be guilty and corrupt before a holy God. The world is cursed by sin and the devil is active and prowls around like a roaring lion seeking someone to devour. What is the answer to all this? It is nothing that is perishable like silver or gold. What saves us is much more precious or costly; not even all the gold and silver in the world could buy it if that were possible! Every Christian is ransomed by the precious blood of Christ, just like a pure lamb without spot or defect. The perfect offering has been made for your sin. The pure and holy Lamb of God, Jesus ransomed you out of this sinful world so that you would belong to Him. If you belong to Jesus, how then are you preparing for eternity to be with Him? Suggestions for prayer Praise the Lord that He ransoms His covenant people from a cursed world and restores them to Himself through the precious blood of Christ. Ask the Lord to enable you byHis Spirit to live a sanctified life that pleases Him and to no longer live in futile ways. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 13 - Live in fear?

And if you call on Him as Father who judges impartially according to each one's deeds, conduct yourselves with fear throughout the time of your exile....

Daily devotional

March 12 – We are to have a right moral standard

Daily devotional

March 11 - We are to have right obedience

As obedient children, do not be conformed to the passions of your former ignorance. - 1 Peter 1:14 Scripture reading: Ephesians 2 Paul told us ...

Daily devotional

March 10 – We are to have right thinking

Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of ...

Daily devotional

March 9 - The prophets spoke about him

Concerning this salvation, the prophets who prophesied about the grace that was to be yours searched and inquired carefully, inquiring what person or time the Spirit of Christ in them was indicating when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the subsequent glories. - 1 Peter 1:10-11 Scripture reading: Hebrews 1 Peter continues to encourage suffering Saints by telling them that even the prophets of old looked for and testified concerning God’s salvation and grace given to His people. This should encourage us as well! The Lord had a plan to save a people and, over time, revealed that plan in the progression of His revelation through His Word to the prophets, various other means and now to us through His Son Jesus (Hebrew 1:1). What did the prophets search for? God made a gradual discovery of Christ from the time of Adam down through the running centuries to the New Testament times. Each prophecy from the prophets was a part of the full picture that Christ would come to reverse the curse that the fall of Adam brought upon all mankind. Christ Himself declared to the men on the Emmaus road: "…O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into His glory?” And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, He interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself (Luke 24:25-27). Christ needed to come, to suffer, to rise from the dead and to enter into His glory to fulfill the plan of salvation for us as well as all those who came before us and those who belong to Him in the future. How great is God’s grace for His covenant people! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to help you to also testify to the good news of the gospel, that salvation has come and Jesus sets sinful captives free. Pray that as the prophets spoke about Jesus, we would be able to do the same through His Spirit and by His grace. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 8 - How can we see him?

...whom having not seen you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory, obtaining the outcome of your faith, the salvation of your souls. - 1 Peter 1:8-9 Scripture reading: Hebrews 11 How can you love and believe in someone you do not see? In fact, Peter tells us that we have not seen Jesus, not in the past or even now in our present day. Yet, for the Christian, He is the most important Person in your life! The reality is we have seen Him and because we have seen Him, we love Him and believe in Him. This is because we see Jesus with the eyes of faith. Our love for Jesus is based on the certainty that He loved us and came into this world for us in order to restore us to God and take away our guilt and shame. We do not need to see Jesus with our physical eyes to know that He is real. We have an assurance and conviction of faith just like those many witnesses that lived before us who are highlighted in Hebrews 11. We love Him and come believing because, by the regenerating power of His Spirit, our hearts are so moved to come to Him and give ourselves to Him by faith. We recognize the depth of our sin and greatness of His mercy whereby He forgives our trespasses and grants us salvation freely by His grace. Because of Jesus in our lives, we can certainly rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory. Do you love and believe in Him with the eyes of faith? If you do, you can rejoice and be filled with His joy! Suggestions for prayer Pray the Lord helps you to look to Jesus with the eyes of faith even if your present circumstances make it difficult to see Him. Ask the Lord to grant you joy in Christ knowing that by faith you belong to Him and nothing can separate you from His love. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 7 - A genuine faith

...so that the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold that perishes though it is tested by fire – may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. - 1 Peter 1:7 Scripture reading: Hebrews 12 Genuine faith is at the very heart of Christian life. We are saved by faith, we live by faith and without faith, it is impossible to please God (Hebrews 11:6). But what makes your faith genuine as opposed to something false or misguided? Peter tells us that genuine faith is something tested and more valuable than even gold purified by fire! When gold is placed in a furnace, it is not that the gold should be damaged or destroyed, but that it might be made more pure and precious. All the impurities and dross must be burned off so that only the gold will be present and nothing else. In fact, it has been said that an Eastern goldsmith would keep the precious metal in the furnace until he could see his face reflected in it. Why must we go through the furnace of affliction, pain, or sorrow? It is so that the tested genuineness of your faith would reflect the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ more and more each day until all His people go to be with Him in glory! How do you know your faith is real and not false? True faith is a full belief and trust in Christ to save you no matter what you face in life whether good or difficult. Genuine faith is a faith that may be found to result in praise and glory and honor at the revelation of Jesus Christ. Do you have this true faith? Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to grant you a genuine faith that will stand up to all the trials and sorrows in life, a faith that centers in Christ alone for salvation and a faith that is being purified so that Christ will be more and more precious to you. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 6 - Rejoicing in tough times

In this you rejoice, though now for a little while, as was necessary, you have been grieved by various trials. - 1 Peter 1:6 Scripture reading: Acts 5:12-42 In verse 6, Peter now returns to his theme of suffering and tells these scattered, persecuted Christians, they have much to rejoice in while at the same time they are distressed by various trials. Seems like a contradiction doesn't it? Joyful and distressed?!? How are we to understand this? He is declaring that we can be joyful for who we are in Christ, for the living hope we possess, for the great inheritance we shall receive, that we are kept by the power of God and that one day we shall go to be with Christ. All these things lift up the soul and help in distressing times and encourage us when experiencing suffering in this life. Peter himself had experienced great suffering. In Acts 5, after being beaten and warned not to speak in the name of Jesus, he and the other apostles departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name (Acts 5:41). They were able to rejoice despite their suffering because they counted themselves worthy to suffer dishonour for Jesus. Is your perspective the same? Do you count yourself worthy to suffer for Jesus? This does not mean we put on a superficial smile and never show grief whenever we experience pain. Remember, trials only last a little while and then every Christian is comforted in eternity. Being with Christ far outweighs the trials of life. That is our rejoicing! Is it yours? Suggestions for prayer Pray for the peace and joy of Christ when going through times of pain and suffering and that, like the Apostles, you will be able to count yourself worthy to even suffer shame for the name of Jesus. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

March 5 - Guarded by God’s power

...who by God's power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time. - 1 Peter 1:5 Scripture reading: Psalm...

Daily devotional

March 4 - The Christian’s inheritance

...to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you... – 1 Peter 1:4 Scripture reading: Romans 8:1-17 U...

Daily devotional

March 3 - Why should we praise God the Father?

Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to His great mercy, He has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the r...

Daily devotional

March 2 - The Triune God saves us

…To those who are elect…according to the foreknowledge of God the Father, in the sanctification of the Spirit, for obedience to Jesus Christ and f...

Daily devotional

March 1 - Introduction, and encouraged by election

For the month of March, we will do a study based on the Epistle of 1 Peter. I am not able to cover the entire book; however, we can take a good look at chapter one, most of chapter two, and chapter five as well as some verses in chapter three. This epistle is a very practical book, not just for those who lived during Peter’s day, but also for us as we experience growing hostility in our society as believers dedicated to Christ. The main theme of this book is suffering for Christ. Peter wrote to encourage these Christians who were going through difficult times. They faced terrible persecution, most likely at the hands of the Roman Emperor, Nero, and Peter tried to encourage them by pointing them to their future hope and inheritance (1 Peter 1:4-5), to the fact that suffering has a purpose (1 Peter 1:6-7), and to the knowledge that Christ also suffered for us (1 Peter 2:21). Peter touches on a variety of different themes and doctrines in his book and uses some key terms. One key concept is precious. He calls the tested genuineness of your faith – more precious than gold (1 Peter 1:7). He declares that we have been redeemed with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot (1 Peter 1:19). Christ is the living stone chosen and precious(1 Peter 2:4,6). And he gives instructions to wives when he says, let your adorning be the hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in God's sight is very precious (1 Peter 3:4). My desire as we look at this epistle for the month of March is that Christ would be more precious to you and that your love and devotion to Him would grow and thrive within your heart. **** Peter, an apostle of Jesus Christ, To those who are elect exiles of the dispersion in Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia. - 1 Peter 1:1 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1 As we begin to look at this chapter, Peter is writing to a church that is suffering, oppressed, experiencing pain and enduring persecution. In verse 1, he says they are scattered and exiles in this world, and in verse 6, he speaks of the suffering of grief in all kinds of trials. Peter does not try to encourage them by telling them their trials will end, the pain will cease or even that the world will become a friendlier place if they can just hang on and persevere long enough. What does Peter present to the suffering church? Living hope in the living God! This living hope comes as they are a chosen people granted salvation by God. This should also give us hope and assurance in the Christian faith. He is the One Who appointed a people for Himself to be His covenant children. In the Bible, election is always declared to encourage the Saints and never to discourage them. We are not told to try and figure out if we are elect or not, but to repent from our sins, believe and come to Jesus by faith and be saved. Election teaches us that true believers cannot be lost and have real assurance of God’s salvation. Why are you to persevere and have hope in a fallen and cursed world as a Christian? By faith in Christ, you are also chosen by Him and belong to Him as God set His love upon you to save you! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that we can also be encouraged, even in our trials, because as true believers we belong to Him. He is the One Who chose us and tells us He will never leave us nor forsake us. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Michael Jaatinen is the minister of Mount Zion Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church in Moncton, NB....

Daily devotional

Thursday February 28 – Wholehearted commitment

So he departed from there and found Elisha the son of Shaphat, who was plowing with twelve yoke of oxen in front of him, and he was with the twelfth. Elijah passed by him and cast his cloak upon him. – 1 Kings 19:19 Scripture reading: 1 Kings 19:1-21; Luke 9:57-62 In retrospect, when Elijah saw Elisha plowing with a yoke of oxen, he cast his cloak upon him. Elisha knew the symbolism of receiving Elijah's cloak. He realized that Elijah was picking him as his successor. But more than that, Elisha realized that the cloak wasn't being presented to him just by Elijah but by the Lord. That's why Elisha did not offer any excuses. He did not say, “I will follow you after we get the plowing finished.” Or, “I will follow you when the harvest is in.” Instead, verse 20 describes how Elisha left his oxen and ran after Elijah. When he caught up to Elijah he had only one request. He said, “Let me kiss my father and my mother, and then I will follow you.” By that request, Elisha was not evading the call to serve like those described by Jesus in Luke 9. Rather, Elisha was fulfilling the teaching Jesus would later give to His disciples when He said, “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me” (Matthew 16:24). Elisha’s life of commitment reveals the truth that Jesus would later speak, “No one who puts his hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom of God” (Luke 9:62). What an example Elisha set! No matter what calling or vocation you have, use your time, energy and talents to serve the Lord. For His glory and the building up of His kingdom! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He calls each one of us to be a fellow worker with Him and gives all of us a place of service within His kingdom, as every Christian is vital to the body of Christ (1 Corinthians 12:12-26). This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

Wednesday February 27 – Resurrection power

The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. – 1 Corinthians 15:56-57 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 13:20-21; 1 Corinthians 15:35-58 Skeptics of the Bible find 2 Kings 13:21 to be another fanciful story. But to those of us who know the resurrection power of Christ, there should be nothing surprising about that verse. The unique experience of the corpse coming to life points us to the certainty of our bodily resurrection and assures us that death holds no victory for those whose faith is in the Lord Jesus Christ. But this unique account also portrays the gift of everlasting life given to everyone who by God’s grace encounters the Man of God, the Lord Jesus Christ, through saving faith in Him alone. Elisha was a type – or foreshadow – of Christ. Chapter by chapter we read how he was called the man of God. He was a foreshadow of the true eternal Man of God, the eternal Christ who took on human flesh, Jesus. And we know that spiritual life is given to all who have faith in Christ, just as physical life was given to the dead man thrown into Elisha’s tomb. As Jesus said, “For as the Father raises the dead and gives them life, so also the Son gives life to whom he will” (John 5:21). This passage, along with many others, reminds us that the Lord is the author and giver of life, both spiritual and physical, for which He is to be forever praised! Suggestions for prayer Thank God that even in the valley of the shadow of death we need fear no evil (Psalm 23:4) because death has been swallowed up in victory through the redeeming work of Jesus Christ (1 Corinthians 15:54-57). This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

Tuesday February 26 – Lukewarm?

So, because you are lukewarm, and neither hot nor cold, I will spit you out of my mouth. – Revelation 3:16 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 13:14-25 Why did Joash only strike the ground three times? Some commentators believe that he thought the whole scenario was foolish. Some liken it to Naaman’s initial reaction when Elisha’s servant told him to dip himself seven times in the Jordan River. Naaman thought that would be foolish and was angered by the command. Some believe that Joash had a similar reaction to the instructions Elisha gave him. Others point out that it represents a spiritual lukewarmness. Instead of recognizing it as an opportunity to receive God’s blessings, Joash responded apathetically and just “went through the motions.” But it wasn’t just Joash who was apathetic to the commands of the man of God. Many professing Christians treat the commands of Scripture the same way. For example, many professing Christians treat prayer the way Joash responded to Elisha’s command to strike the ground with the arrows. They pray a few times, and that’s enough. The same type of prayer is lamely offered before each meal, and perhaps before turning in for the night, but enthusiastic, fervent prayer isn’t offered because there is that same spiritual lukewarmness. Each one of us must look at the response of Joash to the man of God and ask ourselves how fervent we are in our response to the Man of God whom Elisha foreshadowed. How fervent and responsive are we to Him, in our prayer life, and in all the other aspects of our day to day living? By God’s grace, may our response be fervent, faithful obedience always! Suggestions for prayer Ask forgiveness for lukewarmness and pray for an ever-increasing hunger and thirst after righteousness. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

Monday February 25 – Warnings of God fulfilled

Whoever believes in the Son has eternal life; whoever does not obey the Son shall not see life, but the wrath of God remains on him. – John 3:36 ...

Daily devotional

Sunday February 24 – History as His story

The Lord brings the counsel of the nations to nothing; he frustrates the plans of the peoples. The counsel of the Lord stands forever, the plans of hi...

Daily devotional

Saturday February 23 – The deadly power of sin’s enticement

Daily devotional

Friday February 22 – God’s perfect timing

… Just as Gehazi was telling the king how Elisha had restored the dead to life, the woman whose son Elisha had brought back to life came to appeal t...

Daily devotional

Thursday February 21 – So close, yet so far

There will be weeping there, and gnashing of teeth, when you see Abraham, Isaac and Jacob and all the prophets in the kingdom of God, but you yourselves thrown out. – Luke 13:28 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 7:3-20; Luke 13:22-30 The remarkable passage in 2 Kings reminds us that for the sake of Christ, God provided food for His people (v.16), just as He does today, in lean times and times of plenty (Matthew 6:25-34). But it also teaches us that we are not to savour the feast without telling others the good news of the gospel. The lepers feasted on the food left behind by the Syrian army. But they realized what they were doing was not right. In verse 9 they said, “What we are doing is not right. This is a day of good news and we are keeping it to ourselves.” But do you realize that a lot of Christians today do the same thing as those lepers did? Is it possible that in your life, you have done that? I know that in my life, unfortunately, many times I have feasted on the gospel without telling others the good news. The passage is also a graphic warning, reminding us that the punishment of unbelief includes the torment of seeing the blessing, but not partaking of it. Elisha had told the captain, “You shall see it with your own eyes, but you shall not eat of it.” The captain was so close to abundant blessings, and yet so far. But he is not alone. All those who reject the Word of God and harden themselves in unbelief will come under the Lord’s judgment. And part of that judgment will include seeing the blessing and glory of salvation for others, but not tasting it themselves (Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 13:28). Suggestions for prayer If you have entered the narrow door of salvation (Luke 13:24), thank God for His grace. If you are unsure, pray that God will enable you to strive to enter the door of salvation by faith in Christ alone. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

Wednesday February 20 – The floodgates of heaven

But he said, “What is impossible with man is possible with God.” – Luke 18:27 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:32-7:2 We should not be surprised by the unbelief of the king’s officer who exclaimed, “If the Lord himself should make windows in heaven, could this thing be?” In his response, we see the natural response of humanity to God. Unbelief in the human heart is so strong that Jesus taught, “If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31). It is only by God’s grace that any of us believe in Him. If God, in immeasurable grace, did not transform your heart and my heart by the regenerating power of His Holy Spirit, we would be just as unbelieving as the servant who expressed his great doubt to Elisha. In contrast to a heart of faith is a heart of unbelief. Consider King Jehoram. When he heard that the woman had eaten her son, he immediately blamed the Lord and Elisha (vs.31, 33), even though the Lord had warned the people that such a horrific disaster would come upon them if they rejected Him and His Word (Leviticus 26:27-29; Deuteronomy 28:15, 53-57). The view of Jehoram, that God is to be blamed for our hardships, is hardly a unique view. Proverbs 19:3 serves as an incisive commentary on the wicked blaming the Lord as it declares, When a man’s folly brings his way to ruin, his heart rages against the LORD. May your heart and mine be focused in faith on Jesus Christ, not doubting His power to save, but always rejoicing in Him! Suggestions for prayer Thank God that all things are possible for Him, even our salvation from sin and the gift of everlasting life through saving faith in Jesus Christ. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

Tuesday February 19 – Worldly sorrow and true repentance

I confess my iniquity; I am sorry for my sin. – Psalm 38:18 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:24-33 King Jehoram surprised the people by wearing sackcloth beneath his royal robe. Wearing sackcloth was highly significant; it denoted great sorrow and implied repentance for sin. However, an outward expression of repentance means nothing if it isn’t sincere. Immediately after revealing that he was clothed in sackcloth, Jehoram described how he planned to kill Elisha that very day (v.31) and blamed God’s servant for the disaster (v.33). Perhaps you have known people who are quick to apologize, but then they go back to doing the same thing that they apologized for. A genuine apology and true repentance require a change in conduct. In fact, that is the meaning of the word repentance. It means to turn. To repent is not just to say to the Lord, “I’m sorry for my sin,” but it involves turning from that sin. All of our life involves repentance, but unfortunately, because of the sinful nature within us, we never completely turn from sin. Instead, until the day we die, we struggle with sin and temptation. In the life of every true believer, repentance from the heart is so crucial, for godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death (2 Corinthians 7:10). King Jehoram, like so many others, including Judas Iscariot, had a worldly sorrow. But by God’s grace may you and I have true repentance that leads to salvation, as our sins are covered by the precious blood of Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Pray the prayer of David, “Have mercy on me, O God, according to your steadfast love; according to your abundant mercy blot out my transgressions. Wash me thoroughly from my iniquity, and cleanse me from my sin!” (Psalm 51:1-2). This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years...

Daily devotional

Monday February 18 – God’s angelic army

Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. – Isaiah 41:10 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 6:8-23 If you were Elisha’s servant, looking out at the forces of Syria surrounding you, how afraid would you be? From the servant’s point of view, he and Elisha were doomed. The Syrians had surrounded them; there was no way of escape. By contrast, Elisha was as calm as could be. When his servant exclaimed, “What shall we do?” Elisha replied, “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them” (v.16). Elisha had no doubt that God’s angelic force was there. He understood that God’s army is far greater and more powerful than any human army. He understood the truth that is written in Psalm 91:9-11: Because you have made the Lord your dwelling place—the Most High, who is my refuge—no evil shall be allowed to befall you, no plague come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways. Elisha exemplified the truth of Psalm 20:7: Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the Lord our God and he exemplified the truth of 1 John 4:4, He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. With that knowledge, would you be afraid? We may not face the force of the Syrian army, but we face the attack of the evil one and his followers. But the same God who protected Elisha and his servant says to us, “Fear not!” and promises to be with us, even to the end of the age! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He has power over the forces of evil in a fallen world and thank Him for the promise of His Son, “I give eternal life to them, and they will never perish; and no one will snatch them out of my hand” (John 10:28). This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

Sunday February 17 – He cares for you!

Therefore do not be anxious about tomorrow, for tomorrow will be anxious for itself. Sufficient for the day is its own trouble. – Matthew 6:34 Sc...

Daily devotional

Saturday February 16 – God is not mocked

He makes a pit, digging it out, and falls into the hole that he has made. – Psalm 7:15 Scripture reading: Judges 1:1-7 Reflecting on Naaman�...

Daily devotional

Friday February 15 – God knows your heart

So he went out from his presence a leper, like snow. – 2 Kings 5:27b Scripture reading: 1 John 1:5-10 As we see Gehazi’s leaving Elisha’s ...

Daily devotional

Thursday February 14 – God’s just judgment

For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. – Ecclesiastes 12:14 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:15-...

Daily devotional

Wednesday February 13 – A gift that cannot be bought

Knowing that you were ransomed from the futile ways inherited from your forefathers, not with perishable things such as silver or gold, but with the precious blood of Christ, like that of a lamb without blemish or spot. – 1 Peter 1:18 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:8-14 Naaman discovered that salvation is a gift of God’s grace that cannot be bought. He could not buy his cure with gold or silver, not even with ten extremely valuable suits. Naaman, to his initial dismay, also found that he could not be cured of leprosy by influence, not even with a letter from the king. Yet there are many people today who try to buy their salvation with deeds of self-righteousness, not realizing that we have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a polluted garment (Isaiah 64:6a). Many others try to be cured of their sin by influence. “I have been a lifelong member of the church,” they might say. Or, “Because of my baptism, I know that God will receive me.” But the sacraments, precious as they are to those of us who believe in the Lord Jesus Christ, can never save us. The only way to be cleansed from sin, which is represented by Naaman’s leprosy, is to be cleansed by the precious blood of Jesus which is portrayed by the cleansing that Naaman received as he washed himself seven times in the Jordan River. When we come to Christ in saving faith we are cleansed from something far worse than leprosy; we are cleansed from sin and granted eternal life, which is why we are to live to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved (Ephesians 1:6)! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that the day prophesied by Zechariah was fulfilled at Calvary by Jesus Christ: On that day there shall be a fountain opened for the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, to cleanse them from sin and uncleanness (Zechariah 13:1). This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years. ...

Daily devotional

Tuesday February 12 – A terminal condition

…He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. – 2 Kings 5:1 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:1-10 Naaman would be one of those people who would be hard to buy a present for. I’m sure you have encountered that. Maybe you have a friend or family member who seems to have everything. At Christmas or their birthday, what can you possibly buy for them? Naaman was like that. He had everything that those in the world value; he had a great job as the commander of the Syrian army and he had prestige, success and wealth. Yet, even though Naaman had all these blessings, there was not a single person in Syria who would trade places with him, for, as verse 1 points out, He was a mighty man of valor, but he was a leper. His leprosy was no minor rash. It was a serious skin disease. There was no human cure. He needed the cleansing that only God can provide. And in that way, Naaman was just like you and just like me. His leprosy was like our sin. The wages of sin is death, the Bible warns, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord (Romans 6:23). We need the cleansing that only Jesus can provide. Naaman sought out Elisha, the man of God. Have you and I, by God’s grace and Holy Spirit’s power, sought out Jesus, the Man who is true God, yet truly human, sent to save His people from their sins through faith in His cleansing blood? If so, what gratitude we should have! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for all His blessings, especially for the cleansing from sin that comes through saving faith in Jesus Christ. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

Monday February 11 – A childlike faith

“Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.” – Mark 10:15 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 5:1-5a; Mark 10:13-16 Naaman had the death sentence of leprosy on his life until, by God’s gracious providence, a young girl witnessed to him. Although this girl was young, she had experienced excruciating trial. Verse 2 explains, Now the Syrians on one of their raids had carried off a little girl from the land of Israel, and she worked in the service of Naaman’s wife. It was a terrifying experience to be taken captive. Yet, like Joseph in Egypt and Daniel in Babylon, she continued to live out her faith in the Lord. And because she did, she had the respect of Naaman and his wife. They listened when she said to her mistress in verse 3, “Would that my lord were with the prophet who is in Samaria! He would cure him of his leprosy.” Although she had been taken captive in war, she had steadfast faith and trust in God. She had faith that God would work through Elisha to bring healing for Naaman. Despite her circumstances, she focused in joyful faith on the Lord and witnessed to others about Him. Jesus taught that whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it. In the trials of your life and mine, do you and I remain steadfast in faith, trusting in God’s mysterious providence? And through our trials and our joys, do we witness to the cleansing power of our Lord so that others may know Him? By God’s grace, may you and I follow the example of the young girl and always have a childlike faith! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to give you the same trust in His Fatherly care that a young child has in a godly earthly father, praying the words of Mark 9:24, “I believe; help my unbelief!” This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

Sunday February 10 – The bread of life in Gilgal

Jesus then said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, it was not Moses who gave you the bread from heaven, but my Father gives you the true bread from heaven.” – John 6:32 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 4:38-44; John 6:22-51 As the Lord sustained Elisha and the prophets through a severe famine, we see that He uses whatever means He wills to accomplish His purposes, even a little bit of flour and twenty small loaves of bread. But that should not surprise us because it points to the biblical truth that God will always provide daily bread for His people (Matthew 6:11, 25-34). It also foreshadows the truth that Jesus is the Living Bread who cleanses and sustains all who look to Him in saving faith. All the Old Testament writers looked forward to Christ. Every cleansing is a foreshadow of the cleansing that Christ brings. Even the cleansing of the stew foreshadows the cleansing, the purification, that God brings to rancid sinners. The bread brought by the man from Baal-shalishah is pointing ahead to Him who is the Bread of Life, our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. In John 6:51 Jesus declared, “I am the living bread that came down from heaven. If anyone eats of this bread, he will live forever. And the bread that I will give for the life of the world is my flesh” (the flesh being a reference to His body being pierced and crucified at Calvary). It is by grace through faith in Christ alone that we are sustained in this life and raised up in perfection, body and soul, on the last day. If you truly believe that, then live to the praise of God’s glorious grace, today and always! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His cleansing power and thank Him for His Son Who is the Living Bread Who sustains us throughout the pilgrimage of this life and throughout eternity. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

Saturday February 9 – Life from above

And you were dead in the trespasses and sins …But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead...

Daily devotional

Friday February 8 – Straight to Christ

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 Sc...

Daily devotional

Thursday February 7 – The debt paid

...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 20:28 Scripture reading: 2 Kin...

Daily devotional

Wednesday February 6 – Three kings and God’s prophet

Daily devotional

Tuesday February 5 – God’s use of the insignificant

…Not many of you were wise according to worldly standards, not many were powerful, not many were of noble birth. But God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise; God chose what is weak in the world to shame the strong; God chose what is low and despised in the world, even things that are not, to bring to nothing things that are, so that no human being might boast in the presence of God. – 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 3:1-12 This passage reminds us that the Lord often uses insignificant people and events to accomplish His purposes, for nothing is too hard for Him. When the three kings realized how perilous their predicament was, Jehoshaphat asked where they could find a prophet of the Lord. Who pointed the way to Elisha? It was an unnamed officer of the king. It was just a common everyday person who answered, “Elisha the son of Shaphat is here, who poured water on the hands of Elijah” (v.11). The pouring of water on the hands refers to a menial task that Elisha had in his service with Elijah. Elisha had left his family’s prosperous farm to become a humble servant of Elijah’s. During that time, about a decade, nothing is written about Elisha’s service. But we gather from verse 11 that he served willingly in whatever job was put before him, even the menial task of providing water for Elijah. He is an example of what Paul would write to the Colossians about: Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men (Colossians 3:23). You might feel insignificant, as though there is no purpose for you in God’s kingdom, but God has no insignificant people. Even those whose names we don’t know are known to God, for He knows each one of us by name, and has a purpose for our lives! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that He has a purpose for you. Ask Him to reveal His purpose for you with clarity, and then strive to live according to God's purpose – His will – for your life. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

Monday February 4 – Bethel or Beth-Aven?

So Jacob called the name of the place where God had spoken with him Bethel. – Genesis 35:15 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:23-25; Genesis 28:10-22 The account of Elisha at Bethel seems harsh until you consider the history of Bethel. Bethel means “house of God” and was given that name by Jacob after he had a dream about a ladder ascending into heaven (Genesis 28:19). Bethel was later called “Beth-Aven” meaning “house of evil” (Hosea 10:5) because Jeroboam built a temple for a golden calf at Bethel (1 Kings 12:28-30). The jeering of the youths reflected the mindset of the community. They jeered him, not just for his bald head, but because he was a prophet of God and not a follower of Jeroboam’s golden calf. Their mocking phrase, “Go up, you baldhead!” was likely intended to mock the ascension of Elijah. Their taunting and disbelief foreshadowed the taunts given to Jesus on the cross. This short sad account reminds us that religion itself is not ridiculed by the world. False religions are accepted, just as calf-worship was revered in Bethel. It is biblical, Christ-centered religion that is ridiculed (John 15:18-25). It also teaches us that there are blessings for those who listen to God’s Word and accept His messengers (2 Kings 2:19-22), but judgment for those who reject His Word and His messengers (2 Kings 2:24). By way of application, all humanity is either in Bethel or Beth-Aven. But we are only in Bethel – in God’s house – through saving faith in His Son, Who alone is the way, the truth and the life, the only way to the Father (John 14:6)! Suggestions for prayer If you are a member of Bethel, a child of God through faith in Christ, thank God for His grace and mercy! If you are still in Beth-Aven, on the outside looking in, pray remembering the promise of Jesus, “All that the Father gives me will come to me, and whoever comes to me I will never cast out” (John 6:37). This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years. ...

Daily devotional

Sunday February 3 – Living water in Jericho

For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost. – Luke 19:10b Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:19-22; Luke 19:1-10 Polluted water is like sin; it has a pervasive, detrimental effect on everyone as it permeates and destroys everything in its path. Although salt seemed to be a strange remedy, it symbolizes God’s covenant with us. Salt was required on all grain offerings and is described in Leviticus 2:13, as the salt of the covenant with your God. The cleansing of water in Jericho foreshadowed the work of Christ. Jesus also went to Jericho to do a work of cleansing. He went to the home of Zacchaeus, a tax collector who was known as a great sinner. The people said, “He has gone in to be the guest of a man who is a sinner.” But Jesus said, “Today salvation has come to this house, since he also is a son of Abraham. For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:9,10). In that sense, Jesus is still in Jericho because by His Word and Spirit the Son of Man still seeks and saves those who are lost. AsHe does so, He goes to the source, cleansing the heart of sinners, just as the polluted water was cleansed at the source, at the spring (v.21). The same One who cleansed the waters of Jericho so long ago can cleanse your heart and mine. He does so first by giving us saving faith in Christ as we are justified. And then, having begun that good work in us, He carries it on to completion as He sanctifies us by the Holy Spirit through the Word of God. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that just as the water in Jericho was permanently cleansed (vs.21, 22), so are we when we believe in Christ, knowing, that he who began a good work in you will bring it to completion at the day of Jesus Christ (Philippians 1:6). This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

Saturday February 2 – Taken into glory

Men of Galilee, why do you stand looking into heaven? This Jesus, who was taken up from you into heaven, will come in the same way as you saw him go into heaven. – Acts 1:11 Scripture reading: 2 Kings 2:9-18; Acts 1:1-11 The company of prophets saw that the spirit of Elijah was resting on Elisha, but their eyes were blinded to the reality of Elijah’s ascension into heaven. Unless the Lord in sovereign grace gives us spiritual eyes to see, ears to hear and a heart to respond, we will not understand our need for the ascended Christ. As 1 Corinthians 2:14 points out: The natural person does not accept the things of the Spirit of God, for they are folly to him, and he is not able to understand them because they are spiritually discerned. By God’s grace, by the Holy Spirit’s indwelling, do you see the spiritual truths of God’s Word? Do you see that Elijah’s ascension was but a foreshadow of the ascension of Jesus Christ? Do you see that Christ sacrificed Himself for you before ascending into the glory of heaven so that one day you, too, may ascend into glory by His merits and not yours? Do you see that He will return in glory, bodily, not to bear sin but to judge the living and the dead? Do you eagerly await His return and the unveiling of the new heavens and the new earth? If so, then look for every opportunity to serve Him with gratitude and joy, just as Elisha did so long ago, as he served as Elijah’s attendant! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for revealing His Son to us through the types and shadows of the Old Testament as well as the New Testament testimonies of His redeeming love. And thank Him that we too will ascend into glory as He will transform our lowly body to be like his glorious body, by the power that enables him even to subject all things to himself (Philippians 3:21). This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Ted Gray has served as pastor of First United Reformed Church in Oak Lawn, Illinois for the last 15 years....

Daily devotional

February 1 – Introduction, and our dependence on God alone

Daily devotional

Thursday January 31 – The feast of booths

On the fifteenth day of the seventh month you shall have a holy convocation. – Numbers 29:12 Scripture reading: Numbers 29:12-38 We end the de...

Daily devotional

Wednesday January 30 – Strive side by side

…we will take up arms, ready to go before the people of Israel, until we have brought them to their place. – Numbers 32:17 Scripture reading: N...

Daily devotional

Tuesday January 29 – Joshua – the new leader

And Moses did as the Lord commanded him. He took Joshua and made him stand before Eleazar the priest and the whole congregation, and he laid his hands...

Daily devotional

Monday January 28 – The daughters of Zelophehad

The daughters of Zelophehad are right. You shall give them possession of an inheritance among their father's brothers and transfer the inheritance of their father to them. – Numbers 27:7 Scripture reading: Numbers 27:1-11 The daughters of Zelophehad are mentioned by name. Some see these sisters as defenders of women’s rights, daring to go where women did not go in the past. We indeed must speak highly of these sisters, but for different reasons. They trusted the promises of the LORD and acted out of faith. In chapter 26 we read about the second census, which is connected to inheriting the land. These sisters realize that they will not have any land, for their father has died and they have no brother. They go to Moses and Moses asks the LORD. The LORD is positive about the request. He loves it when His people work with His promises. Why would these women want an inheritance? The land was a tangible proof of God’s promise to bring about His kingdom. If these women had no land, then their family would miss out. In fact, then sin would be of greater power than God’s work. Yes, they admit the sin of their father but plead for a place in God’s kingdom. The Lord gives rules to safeguard this. It shows us that the power of God’s grace is greater than the effects of sin. That is a wonderful message to live with, in our personal lives, in our families and in our churches. We do not ask for land, but by God’s grace, we receive a place in the church, the communion of saints. In this communion, we see and experience the powers of His grace. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the powers of His grace. Pray to be living members of the communion where He has given you a place. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Sunday January 27 – The second counting

Among these the land shall be divided for inheritance according to the number of names. - Numbers 26:53 Scripture reading: Numbers 26:1-4; 52-56; 63-65. The Book of Numbers is marked by two countings. The first one is in chapter 1, and the second is here. This one marks the end of a period: all those 20 years or older have died, except for Joshua and Caleb. Moses is still alive too, but he will not enter either. This new counting indicates a new generation. These numbers speak of God’s faithfulness and care. After all that has happened, there is a new generation, there is still a people. Each tribe is represented. They will all receive a part of the land as promised to Abraham. In fact, the number is quite close to the first number. In spite of Israel’s grumbling and stubbornness, the LORD goes on. He counts His people again, to make sure they are all there. He counts those who are able to go to war. There are battles coming. Inheriting the land will require effort. The chapter also contains a warning for next generations, to go on in faith and obedience. Notice that throughout this chapter, people are mentioned who died because of disobedience or irreverence. It mentions the plague that had just happened. It refers to Dathan and Abiram. (Although, we also learn that the sons of Korah did not die!) When Judah is counted, Er and Onan are mentioned. Among the Levites, we find Nadab and Abihu, who died. Inheriting is by faith, it is not automatic. Let’s not take it for granted, but heed the warning of this counting. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His faithfulness. Pray for strength to follow the Lord, to trust and obey Him. Pray that next generations may confess this as well. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Saturday January 26 – Baal Peor

Phinehas the son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has turned back my wrath from the people of Israel, in that he was jealous with my jealousy among them, so that I did not consume the people of Israel in my jealousy. – Numbers 25:11 Scripture reading: Numbers 25 From the wonderful heights of Balaam’s defeat, we now go to the terrible depths of Israel’s immorality. The women of Moab invite the men of Israel to a feast for their gods. It involved sacrifices to the dead, sexual immorality and idolatry. The men fall for it. The anger of the LORD is kindled. A plague breaks out. The invitation to participate in sexual immorality was the brainchild of Balaam (Numbers 31:16). He could not change the blessing into a curse. But he knows that the people of Israel themselves could do this if they would insult the holiness of the LORD. So, he suggests the Moabites tempt Israel with idolatry and immorality. The enemy cannot stop God's blessings by force, nor can he get in between the Lord and His people. He can try to tempt God’s people so that they will incur His covenant wrath. The situation is saved by the zeal of Phinehas. He kills an Israelite man and Midianite woman who blatantly defy the holiness of the LORD. Phinehas is praised for it. How can we resist the temptations of the evil one? Are we any better than the Israelites? We have a High Priest Who has satisfied the anger of the LORD, our Lord Jesus Christ. Yes, we fall into sin too, but in His mercy, God imputes to us the righteousness and holiness of Christ. It is ours by faith in God’s promises. Therefore we can and must pray, lead us not into temptation. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the righteousness and holiness of Christ. Pray for strength not to be led into temptation. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Friday January 25 – Balaam: prophet against his own will

“… but speak only the word that I tell you.” – Numbers 22:35 Scripture reading: Numbers 22:22-37 Having seen what Israel had done with Sihon and Og, King Balak realizes that there is something special about this people, they are blessed. Conventional warfare will not stop them. If somehow he can take the blessing away or change it into a curse, then he can stop them. He turns to the expert in this field: Balaam. Balaam had the reputation of being connected to the spiritual world and his words were powerful. However, Balaam had to recognize that when the LORD blesses Israel, Balaam cannot change this. Balaam can only say what the LORD allows. This message is driven home to him by what happens on the journey. The donkey sees the Angel of the LORD and saves Balaam’s life three times. The donkey saw more than Balaam who was the expert in spiritual matters! What an irony! He admits he is no match for the LORD God. In the chapters that follow we find some of the most beautiful prophecies about God’s faithfulness coming from the mouth of Balaam. The LORD will fulfill His promises and no evil spirit can stop Him. First, the enemy tried to stop Israel with force. The next attempt is by demonic powers. The LORD shows that demonic powers are under His control. We are involved in a battle with forces in the air. We need not be overwhelmed by it. Christ has disarmed the demons on the cross (Colossians 2:15). Therefore, they cannot separate us from God’s love in Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that Christ is King and that the demonic powers cannot stop His work. Pray that we are not intimidated by Satan’s power, but be strong in the Lord and His might. Pray that we may use the whole armor of God. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Thursday January 24 – Many nations He struck down

Daily devotional

Wednesday January 23 – Inheriting the land is by faith alone

Daily devotional

Tuesday January 22 – The Lord shows Himself holy at the waters of Meribah

Daily devotional

Monday January 21 – Made clean to serve

For if the blood of goats and bulls, and the sprinkling of defiled persons with the ashes of a heifer, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how...

Daily devotional

Sunday January 20 – Provide for the support of God's servants

Behold, I have given you charge of the contributions made to me, all the consecrated things of the people of Israel. I have given them to you as a portion and to your sons as a perpetual due. – Numbers 18:8 Scripture reading: Numbers 18:8-32 The priests and the Levites have important work to do. Because of their work, Israel can continue to function as people of the Lord. But they have to live too. They need income, food and drink. Since the Levites had no inheritance in Israel, the LORD makes sure they can live and do their work. He is their inheritance and for this reason, gives to them a portion from what the people give to Him. Certain parts of the sacrifices, the wave offerings and the price of redemption, which the people had to give to the LORD, the LORD now gives to the priests. When it comes to the Levites, the LORD gives to them the tithes which Israel are commanded to give to the LORD. The Levites needed to give a tithe of their income as well. The importance of these laws is that in this way the ministry of the tabernacle could continue. The same counts for us. True, we do not have priests and Levites anymore, but in 1 Corinthians 9:13-14, Paul refers to these laws and connects them to providing for those who preach the gospel. In Lord's Day 38 of the Heidelberg Catechism, we confess that the Ministry of the Gospel has to be maintained. Are we willing to give? The support of the priests and Levites had the LORD in the centre. Our support for the ministry of the gospel also is a spiritual service. We give to glorify the Lord, and we do so thankfully. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that we have opportunity to give to Him. Pray that we may give thankfully and willingly. Pray that the ministry of the Gospel may continue throughout this world. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Saturday January 19 – How can we come near to God?

And the people of Israel said to Moses, “Behold, we perish, we are undone, we are all undone. Everyone who comes near, who comes near to the tabernacle of the Lord, shall die. Are we all to perish?” – Numbers 17:12-13 Scripture reading: Numbers 17:12-18:7 Finally, the Israelites seem to get it. They show respect for the holiness of God. This is pleasing to the LORD. We know this from Deuteronomy 5:22-33. At the time the LORD had spoken to them from Sinai they had shown similar awe. The LORD’s response was wonderful, “Oh that they had such a heart as this always.” Our God is a consuming fire, and therefore we have to worship Him with reverence and awe (Hebrews 12:28-29). Let’s keep this in mind as we prepare for worship. Does our worship reflect this respect for the holiness of our God? “Are we all to perish?” The LORD answers the question of His people. He makes the priests responsible for guarding the holiness of the LORD. When they do their work faithfully, Israel will be able to come near to God and not be consumed. If they do not serve faithfully, then the LORD will punish the priests; they will bear the iniquity. The priests receive a clear mandate to guard the holiness of the sanctuary and they are accountable to the LORD. This chapter has implications for the task of the elders to exercise discipline over the congregation. If they do this faithfully, it will be a blessing to the church. How can we come near to God? It is an important question for us as well. The answer is even more wonderful than the one Israel received. We can come near in confidence through the atoning work of our Priest, Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the perfect work of our High Priest. Thank Him also for elders who are charged to supervise us. Pray that we prepare ourselves for worship in the proper way. Pray that the elders may receive wisdom and courage. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Friday January 18 – The high priest stops death and gives life

And the LORD said to Moses, “Put back the staff of Aaron before the testimony, to be kept as a sign for the rebels, that you make an end of their grumblings against me, lest they die.” – Numbers 17:10 Scripture reading: Numbers 16:41-17:11 You would think what had happened to the rebels was enough for the grumblings to stop. It was not. The very next day the people accuse Moses and Aaron of killing the people of the LORD! The LORD is ready to destroy Israel. In fact, He is already doing it. A plague has started. There is no time for Moses to intercede, as in previous instances. Quickly Moses gives instructions to Aaron. He has to take a censer with coals from the altar and go among the people. That was something to order! The High Priest was holy and thus not allowed to come in contact with death. But Aaron goes and when the plague comes to where he stands with his censer, it stops. The intercession of this High Priest stops the power of death. Following these events, the LORD wants to make it clear that He appoints leaders. He uses the staff of Aaron as a visual proof, because, unlike all the others, it has sprouted, put forth buds, produced blossoms and bore ripe almonds. These are the same buds and blossoms as on the lampstand! The staff of Aaron becomes a symbol of life. The LORD gives life through the High Priest appointed by Him. It is not difficult to see how Aaron here foreshadows Christ, our High Priest. Christ by His death and resurrection broke the power of death. In Christ alone is true life. How rich we are in Christ and His intercession. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for what we have received in our High Priest, Jesus Christ. Ask for His grace and Spirit to fight the powers of sin and live new lives. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Thursday January 17 – Jealousy is the root of rebellion

Therefore it is against the LORD that you and all your company have gathered together. – Numbers 16:11 Scripture reading: Numbers 16:1-35 Again the people rebel. As Psalm 106:16 shows, it is fuelled by jealousy. There are actually two movements that find each other in a common goal: to get rid of Moses and Aaron. The first group is Korah and his followers. They resent that Aaron alone can be the high priest. They feel that they should be able to take that position as well. Their reasoning: all in the congregation are holy. The other group is led by Dathan and Abiram, who are from the tribe of Reuben. They oppose Moses as leader. Isn’t Reuben the oldest son of Jacob? Moses recognizes that two groups are involved. He tries to reason with Korah and his followers. Consider how privileged you are already as priests. Why are you not satisfied with what you have? When it comes to Dathan and Abiram, Moses summons them, but they refuse to recognize his authority. Moses then refers the judgement to the LORD. Korah and his followers have to appear before the LORD in the tabernacle. As they do, fire comes down and consumes them. With regard to Dathan and Abiram, Moses orders the people to withdraw from them. The earth opens up and swallows them alive. The LORD confirms that Moses and Aaron are appointed by Him. Let’s not think that we are immune to jealousy. The Spirit warns us not to follow Korah (Jude 11) and perish as he did. Instead, the Lord calls us to obey our leaders and submit to them (Heb 13:17). Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the leaders He gives. Ask for His grace to obey and submit to them. Pray for those who are charged with oversight over our lives. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Wednesday January 16 – How to live as God's people in God's land

Daily devotional

Tuesday January 15 – Two reports

Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread to us. Their protection is removed from them, and the L...

Daily devotional

Monday January 14 – Put away all envy

Why were you not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? – Numbers 12:8 Scripture reading: Numbers 12 “So put away all malice and all dec...

Daily devotional

Sunday January 13 – Is the Lord’s hand shortened?

Daily devotional

Saturday January 12 – God shall arise and by His might put all His enemies to flight

Arise, O LORD, and let your enemies be scattered. – Numbers 10:35 Scripture reading: Numbers 10:11-36 The day of departure has come! The ark, the throne of the King of kings, is leading the way. Whenever the ark was lifted up, Moses said, “Arise, LORD, let your enemies be scattered, and your foes flee before you.” When the ark stopped, he would say “Return, O LORD to the countless thousands of Israel.” These words have a war-like tone. The journey is not a holiday trip, but part of God’s plan to destroy the power of the enemy and give His people peace in His kingdom. This is part of the war mentioned in Genesis 3:15! King David saw his task in fighting the wars of the LORD in this light as well. In Psalm 68 Israel rejoices in the victory given by the LORD. Note that the Psalm begins with the words of Numbers 10:35. The wars King David had to fight were not for personal gain, but also part of God’s plan to destroy the kingdom of darkness and establish the kingdom of light. Interestingly, the apostle Paul in Ephesians 4:8 refers to Psalm 68, when he describes the victory of the Lord Jesus Christ. As His people, we share in this victory. The Lord gives office-bearers so we may share in His victory. Going back to Numbers and the words of Moses, they were a prophecy of the victory of Christ and therefore we still sing them today with Moses and David as we look forward to the complete victory of our King. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the victory of Christ. Pray that His Kingdom may come, when God will be all in all. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Friday January 11 – The trumpet shall sound

They shall be a reminder of you before the LORD. – Numbers 10:10 Scripture reading: Numbers 10:1-10 The LORD commands Moses to make two silver trumpets. These trumpets function in the covenant relationship: the LORD calling His people and the people calling upon Him. In the first place, the trumpets are to be used when the LORD calls together leaders of the congregation or the people as a whole. In the Bible, the voice of the LORD is often connected to a trumpet. His voice is like the sound of trumpets. By means of these two trumpets, the LORD reminds His people that they have to follow His voice. Their travels are directed by the voice of God. The second use of the trumpets is when the army is going out to war and on feast days. In these instances, the trumpets express the voice of the people. It says that they shall be a reminder of Israel before the LORD. That means: He will hear the trumpets, remember His promises and help or bless them. Of course, the LORD does not forget, but He loves it when His people appeal to Him on the basis of His promises. We no longer hear trumpets as the LORD calls us, nor do we use trumpets to call upon the LORD. The Lord comes to us in an audible voice and we may call upon Him with our voices (see Hebrews 12:18-25). What a blessing to live in this wonderful communion with our Lord as we are on the way to the day when the trumpet will sound. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for calling us by His Word and for giving us the freedom to call upon Him. Pray for wisdom to pray in a way that is pleasing to God. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Thursday January 10 – The Lord leads his people

At the command of the LORD the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the LORD they camped. – Numbers 9:18 Scripture reading: Numbers 9:15-23 The journey through the wilderness will not be easy. The LORD makes sure His people know that He leads the way. He does this by the cloud of glory. It had filled the tabernacle after it had been set up (Exodus 40). The cloud is the assurance that the LORD Himself is present in His glory. When the cloud lifts, the people have to break up camp. When the cloud settles down the people have to camp. The LORD leads the way, knows the way and He will provide on the way. This means the people need not worry. Yes, the journey will have its challenges, but the LORD is leading. They will not get lost. Not only do the people have to trust in the LORD, they also have to obey Him. They may not travel to the Promised Land finding their own way, but have to follow the LORD wherever He leads them. They have to keep in step with Him. The coming chapters will show that both, trusting and obeying, do not come naturally. As we travel, we too need to know we are not alone. God’s glory is now revealed in Jesus Christ. He has promised that He will never leave us. His Word and Spirit are with us. This gives us confidence as we travel. He knows the way, He is the Way. We have to follow Him, that is, we have to obey Him. Follow the Lamb wherever He leads us. Trust and obey! Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for leading His people. Pray for His grace so that we trust and obey, also when the path may seem difficult or we see no end in sight. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Wednesday January 9 – The first anniversary

Let the people of Israel keep the Passover at its appointed time. – Numbers 9:2 Scripture reading: Numbers 9:1-14 One year has passed since the people left Egypt. It is time to celebrate the first anniversary, to rejoice in the power of God’s redemption. In fact, the LORD wants it to be celebrated every year. The memory of His redemption has to be kept alive. The people need to be reminded of the reason why they are traveling. This applies to us as well. Do we know why we are sojourners? Each time we celebrate the Lord’s Supper, the Lord reminds us of the start of the journey as well as the destination. The call to celebrate the Passover leads to problems. Some Israelites cannot join the celebration because they are unclean. It is important to note that the situation was caused by things beyond their control and not by unwillingness. Moses brings the matter to the LORD. The LORD recognizes the problem and responds to it. He allows for a second celebration a month later. The LORD realizes that we live in a broken world. At the same time, this is not an excuse for an easy way out. If they would not celebrate during the second month, they will be cut off from the people. Excuses may not be used as a cover-up for unwillingness! How do we apply God’s commands in a broken world? We read in Philippians 1:9: “And it is my prayer that your love may abound more and more, with knowledge and all discernment, so that you may approve what is excellent.” Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the gift of redemption and wisdom. Pray that your love may abound more and more with knowledge and discernment. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Tuesday January 8 – Walk in the light of life

When you set up the lamps, the seven lamps shall give light in front of the lampstand. – Numbers 8:2 Scripture reading: Numbers 8:1-4; Exodus 25:...

Daily devotional

Monday January 7 – Regular voluntary contributions

Daily devotional

Sunday January 6 – Threefold blessing

So shall they put my name upon the people of Israel, and I will bless them. – Numbers 6:27 Scripture reading: Numbers 6:22-27 These words are ...

Daily devotional

Saturday January 5 – The vow of the Nazarite

Until the time is completed for which he separates himself to the LORD, he shall be holy. – Numbers 6:5 Scripture reading: Numbers 6:1-21 An Isra...

Daily devotional

Friday January 4 – How to deal with sin?

…that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell. – Numbers 5:3 Scripture reading: Numbers 5 The holy God is pleased to dwell among Israel. However, there can be things that threaten the holiness of the camp. Human beings are sinful by nature. The LORD recognizes this and gives means to make sure the camp is not defiled. Chapter 5 mentions three situations: defilement, transgression and distrust. Not only does the LORD point out the wrong – which is a blessing in itself already – but He also gives a way of dealing with it. The first situation involves bodily uncleanness. The unclean person is to be put outside the camp for a time. The second situation is when a person realizes he has sinned. Then restitution has to be made. The third involves the relationship between a husband and wife. The procedure to deal with this has nothing to do with spells or magic, but if the wife is accused and cannot prove her innocence, then the LORD allows her to prove her innocence by this ceremony and so trust can be restored. With these ceremonies, the LORD teaches His people what sin does: it defiles, breaks faith and undermines mutual trust. What a blessing to know that with Christ is full forgiveness because He died outside the camp. The defilement of our sin was taken away by Christ. Whereas we break faith, Christ kept the commandments of God perfectly and so restored us to God. He allows us to rebuild trust in our relationships because of His sacrifice. Forgiveness is a treasure in the church. Suggestions for prayer Thank the LORD that He points out our sin and provides complete forgiveness. Ask for strength to admit sin and fight against it. Ask for His grace to build trusting relations and for help if this trust is broken. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Thursday January 3 – You are a holy nation

They shall guard all the furnishings of the tent of meeting, and keep guard over the people of Israel as they minister at the tabernacle. - Numbers 3:8 Scripture reading: Numbers 3:1-16 and 4:46-49 Yesterday, we saw the layout of Israel’s camp: God is in their midst. However, God is a holy God and His people are a sinful people. How can a holy God live among a sinful people without the holiness of God being insulted and the people being destroyed by His wrath? We find the answer in chapters 3 and 4: the function of the Levites. The Levites were set apart by the LORD to serve Him in a special way. Looking at the camp again from a bird’s eye view, we see this function of the Levites in the layout of the camp. The Levites were located around the tabernacle, between the tabernacle and the people. God provided a layer of protection between Himself and His people. The Levites had to guard this special relationship so that the covenant fellowship could go on. When they did their duty faithfully, Israel could live from the blessings of the LORD and the LORD would receive the praise of His people. The Levites were a living reminder that Israel is a holy nation (Exodus 19:6). The Levites were also a gift of grace. Israel could enjoy the rich blessings of God’s presence because of their ministry. Today, we no longer need Levites to serve us since we have the perfect High Priest at the right hand of God, our Lord Jesus Christ. In Christ, we are a holy nation so that we now may live for Him. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the gift of the Great High Priest. Ask Him for His grace to live as His holy people and proclaim the wonders of Him Who called us out of darkness into His light. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Wednesday January 2 – Decently and in good order

The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers’ houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side. – Numbers 2:2 Scripture reading: Numbers 2 Would it not be wonderful to have a bird’s eye view of the camp of Israel? Numbers 2 describes the specific directions the LORD gives for the arrangement of the camp of Israel. Each tribe and clan receives its designated place. Yes, there is a place for everyone. Because they are God’s people, the camp has to reflect His character. He is a God of order. For this reason, both the setting up of the camp as well as the breaking up of it is to be done orderly. This is one of the reasons why Reformed churches value order in the church (see Belgic Confession, Article 32). Another element that stands out when overlooking the camp is that all the tribes are located around the Tent of Meeting. This tent represents the presence of the LORD. Israel is set apart from other nations because the LORD God dwells among them. Isn’t this the blessing of God’s covenant? This blessing has become even richer in the New Testament church with the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. The Lord dwells among us with His Word and Spirit. This is the miracle of His grace! The Lord is the center of the church. We live from God, He is the fount of every blessing. Everything we do is because of Him and for Him. Where He dwells, things ought to be done decently and in good order. The church can only remain church when the Lord is in the center. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His willingness to dwell among us. Ask that as churches we remain faithful to the Lord and His Word. Pray that the order of the church may be used to promote harmony and unity. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelphand also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Tuesday January 1 – Introduction, and the LORD counts Israel

The Book of Numbers describes the travels of the People of Israel from Sinai to the Promised Land. The LORD is bringing His people into His land, the land already promised to Abraham. The book does not mention all the events of this time period, but rather offers a selection. These 40 years are formative years for the people. As Israel travels, it learns, grows and develops. This explains the combination of historical material and ceremonial laws. As the LORD is leading them, He is also teaching them, teaching them how to live as His people in His land. The title “Numbers” is derived from that fact that people were counted twice. The first counting is in the first chapter of the book and another one is at the end of the book, chapter 26. These two countings represent two generations. The first involves the generation that left Egypt but was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because of unbelief (see Hebrews 3 & 4). The second represents the new generation who will be allowed to enter Canaan. The Book of Numbers speaks of God’s covenant faithfulness in spite of man’s disobedience. Numbers is very relevant for us today. The New Testament uses the image of traveling or sojourning, to describe the life of the church in this world. We are called sojourners in 1 Peter 2:11. Also in Hebrews 3 and 4, a direct connection is made between Israel in the wilderness and the church in the New Testament. Redeemed by the blood of Christ, we are on the way to the Promised Land, the New Jerusalem. God’s people can only go forward when they trust and obey the LORD. May the devotions of this month encourage us in our travels. The LORD counts His people All the Israelites twenty years old or more who were able to serve in Israel’s army were counted according to their families. – Numbers 1:45 Scripture reading: Numbers 1:1-19; 44-46 The Book of Numbers begins with the LORD instructing Moses to count the men twenty years and older. The total number is 603,550. This may not seem the most exciting way to start a book. Yet, this chapter is important in the context of God’s work. Note the following: The counting: Parents tend to count their children when they go on an outing. It shows their concern that all are included and cared for. The LORD, having redeemed His children by His grace, makes sure they are all accounted for. The number: It describes the wonders of God’s faithfulness. His promises to Abraham are being fulfilled; these are all Abraham’s descendants. The organization: God’s nation is an organized people. The census goes according to fathers’ houses, clans and tribes. God’s covenant continues from generation to generation. The age: The fact that men 20 years and older were counted points to an army. The expression “those able to go to war” shows this too. This nation is the army of the LORD, enlisted in His battle. Our LORD is King. These elements are important for us as well. Our King, the Lord Jesus, is leading us in 2019. He counts us, making sure not one stays behind. He is faithful to His promises and uses our families in His gathering work. He calls us all to put on the whole armor of God. He, Who counts the stars and knows their names, knows us by name and leads us onward. Suggestions for prayer As we look back, we thank the LORD for His unfailing love and care over His people and over our lives. Looking ahead, we pray for strength to serve the mighty King of kings in the New Year. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Douwe G. J. Agema is currently minister of Living Word Canadian Reformed Church in Guelph and also teaches several courses at Covenant Canadian Reformed Teachers’ College....

Daily devotional

Monday December 31 – The joy of living with, and for, God

Daily devotional

Sunday December 30 – The power of the Holy Spirit

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Saturday December 29 – Making disciples of the nations

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Friday December 28 – Conversation full of grace and seasoned with salt

Daily devotional

Thursday December 27 – Following Jesus and shining like stars

...shine as lights in the world, holding fast to the word of life... – Philippians 2:15b, 16a Scripture reading: Philippians 2:12-17 In the first part of Philippians 2, Paul gives a summary of Jesus’ ministry, from His taking on flesh as a child, to His humbling obedience unto death on the cross and to His exultation where all will bend the knee to His glorious name. However, notice that Paul tells us this summary of Jesus' life not just to encourage us in our faith, but as an example of how to live, not for ourselves, but for others. From this context, Paul tells us to work out our salvation; that is, because you are saved, work for your Saviour. How are we to do this? Paul says, "without complaining or arguing." Paul tells us this so that who we are in Jesus Christ would shine out to the world as living testimonies of what God can do. We can only be this light that shines in the dark world once our minds and hearts are truly set on Christ and His Kingdom and glory and not on ourselves. When we shine, we can hold out the Word of life, which is Jesus Christ. That is why we can tell people that Jesus is why we are the way we are. To bring Jesus in a proper way to your co-workers or your neighbors takes time and loving patience, time to spend with them so that they see that you are different and that you truly care for them. Do you use your free time for your own pleasure or your hobbies or are you working at telling those around you about the love of Christ that is in you? Suggestions for prayer That you shine in your community so that you can talk to others about Jesus Christ. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Wednesday December 26 – Keeping the joy of Jesus coming

For my eyes have seen your salvation that you have prepared in the presence of all peoples, a light for revelation to the Gentiles, and for glory to your people Israel. – Luke 2:30-32 Scripture reading: Luke 2:21-35 When Simeon saw baby Jesus, the long wait he had endured had come to an end. He was so overcome by joy that He said he was ready to die now. Nothing could surpass what he experienced in seeing the baby Jesus, the Saviour of the world. He wanted the joy that he was experiencing to never end. God had worked in his heart and mind in such a way that when he saw Jesus, he saw Him for who He really was: God’s salvation. Are your eyes and heart always open to this great reality so that you also rejoice? Simeon mentioned that God had been preparing this for a long time right in the middle of all the nations. Israel was not always a powerful nation, but she was always right in the middle of the other nations. Simeon showed that he also knew that salvation was not only for the Jews, but for people all over the world. To marvel at the Person of Jesus includes marveling at the extent of His salvation work. He came not to save a small number of people, but to be a light of salvation for the world. May we be people who always glory in Christ’s coming, but may we also be active in showing and telling the world around us that they also can find joy and comfort in His coming, through faith in Him as the Saviour of the world. Suggestions for prayer That the joy of Jesus' birth will always be in our minds and hearts and the willingness to share this glorious message with others would always be ready on our lips. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Tuesday December 25 – Remembering why Jesus came into the world

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace among those with whom he is pleased! – Luke 2:14 Scripture reading: Luke 2:1-20 Special concerts are often held to celebrate special events of the present or the past. That is why the Christmas season has so many concerts. During the Christmas season, one can go to a variety of concerts telling the story of the Messiah. This tradition actually started outside Bethlehem over 2000 years ago. Those shepherds had the great privilege of hearing the angels sing, but it did not last long. It was a simple and powerful message, not only for them but also for us. Their words spoke of the two great things the birth of Jesus Christ brought about. Jesus' birth primarily brought glory to God. Jesus mentions in John 17:4 that He brought glory to His Father by completing the work He gave Him to do on earth. This glorified His Father because God the Father had promised He would send someone to save mankind throughout the whole Old Testament. In becoming a baby, the Son of God fulfilled His Father’s words. The second thing that Jesus' birth brought about was true and lasting peace between God and man. He did this by giving His life as a sacrificial offering for all those on whom His favor rests. This is something to sing about and celebrate, but also something to proclaim to others. The only way your neighbors can know if God’s favor rests on them is if they hear about Jesus in a meaningful way. May this Christmas be a great time of celebrating, but may it also be a great time of letting others know of our great Saviour. Suggestions for prayer That as we celebrate Christ's birth, we show in our words and actions that we want others to join us in celebrating His birth and saving work. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Monday December 24 – Remembering how Jesus came into the world

She will bear a son, and you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins. – Matthew 1:21 Scripture reading: Matthew 1:18-25 Even before Jesus was born, His coming to this world caused hardship. Mary was looked at as a sinful woman and Jesus was seen as an unwanted baby. This aptly foreshadowed the life Jesus would live. But God still sent His Son knowing this would be the case. Only through great hardship and suffering would Jesus save His people from their sins. This hardship would not only be for Jesus, but it would also be for His people. Jesus would not only save His people then but use His people in every generation as instruments in His hands so others would be saved. But this ongoing saving work of God would also involve suffering by Christ’s body, the church. Jesus once said, "If they do this to Me, they will also do it to My people." Why is this the case? The devil is still roaming this world seeking whom he may devour. He does not want people to be saved. But the incredible thing is that even through the actions of the devil, God brings forth His plan to save His people. For example, the devil's influence was behind Jesus going to the cross, but His death brought about our salvation! The devil is still roaming the earth. He seeks to influence us in a way that causes us to feel foolish talking about our faith. Remember, Jesus was willing to look bad and be rejected and as one of His people, we should be willing to look foolish in our desire for others to be saved. Suggestions for prayer That we would not fall to the devil’s schemes and threats, but would speak to people around us of Jesus, trusting that He saved us and is still saving people through His Word and Spirit. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Sunday December 23 – Living out of God’s great love for the world

Daily devotional

Saturday December 22 – Setting apart Christ in our hearts and lives

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Friday December 21 – The example of Thessalonians

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Thursday December 20 – Going out with confidence with the Word of God

Daily devotional

Wednesday December 19 – Taking our stand for the battle

Therefore take up the whole armor of God, that you may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand firm. – Ephesians 6:13 Scripture reading: Ephesians 6:10-20; Matthew 16:18 When one is in a battle, two things are necessary, you have to know what you are fighting and you need the proper armour. When Jesus came to this earth as a little baby, He came to do battle, to fight for the souls of sinful humans. He conquered Satan on the cross, but, as this passage points out, the battle still rages on. When Jesus conquers you and me, we are no longer part of the kingdom of darkness, but part of the kingdom of light. As citizens of Christ’s Kingdom, we are now to fight for His Kingdom, which we do by putting on the armour of God. This is the only way in which we can stand while doing everything we are called to do as Christ’s people. We are not only to stand firm with the belt of truth, the breastplate of righteousness, feet fitted with the gospel of peace, holding onto the shield of faith and fitted with the helmet of salvation, we are also to wield the sword of the Spirit. This points out that although we are to defend ourselves from our great enemies, Satan, the world, and our sinful nature, we are also to be on the offensive with the Word of God in hand. We are to go out boldly with the assurance that when we wield the sword of the Spirit, people will continue to be conquered for the Lord Jesus Christ. This is so because the Spirit goes with the Word. When all the members of Christ’s church go forward with this bold assurance, the church will see others conquered and brought into Christ’s church. Suggestions for prayer That we as members of Christ’s church will have the bold assurance to wield the sword of the Spirit. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Tuesday December 18– Seeking more workers for the harvest

The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest. – Matthew 9:37b, 38 Scripture reading: Matthew 9:35-38 When Jesus saw the crowds coming to Him, He had compassion on them. The people then and the people around us today who do not know Jesus as Lord and Saviour are in a similar situation. They are lost and on their way to hell, if they are not drawn to follow the Good Shepherd. Jesus left heaven and came to this earth as a vulnerable baby because God had compassion on the lost people of this world. Jesus looked at the lost and promised He would lay down His life for His sheep. But who are His sheep? Jesus calls them "the harvest". They are those whom Jesus knows will be ripe for the harvest, those who are His lost sheep, people from all places and time who will be brought in. But Jesus says that there is a problem: the workers are few. That is, there are too few workers to bring God’s Word to the people of this world in order for them to be brought into the fold. For this reason, Jesus calls us to ask the Lord to send out workers into His harvest. To ask for this means we also want this deeply and so ought to be willing to sacrifice for this harvest. We cannot say one thing in our prayers and then live another way. All God’s people are to be involved in this harvest and be willing to sacrifice for it. Jesus came and died on the cross for His harvest. Some are full-time workers in His harvest, others are part-time workers in this harvest. Which does God want you to be? Suggestions for prayer That you would pray for workers; also, that with a sacrificial heart, you would see the great need for you to be either a full-time or part-time worker in this harvest. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Monday December 17 – Ambassadors for Christ

Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. – 2 Corinthians 5:20a Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 In the broader context, Paul tells us that Jesus died for all, that those who live should no longer live for themselves, but for Him who died for them and was raised again. As those who have died and risen with Jesus, we are part of a new creation. And as those who are part of this new creation, we have been commissioned as His people to proclaim a message to the world: that anyone can be reconciled to God through faith in Jesus Christ. This is what it means to be Christ’s ambassadors. Paul and the other apostles were the foundation of this message, but it is really the church’s message to the world. And as members of Christ’s church, we all have the responsibility of being ambassadors for Christ. So when you are speaking to your neighbour or co-worker or a fellow student who does not believe, God wants you to see that you are His representative to that person. God wants you to see that He is speaking to people that you interact with, through you. This means that God has given to His church the special privilege and responsibility to speak to the world on His behalf. Jesus was born, crucified and risen again, not only that we would be reconciled to God, but that we would be ambassadors of that reconciliation. Jesus accomplished this reconciliation at the cross, but He continues to accomplish this reconciliation by His Word and Spirit through the ministry of His church. Suggestions for prayer That you see you are no longer your own, but belong to Jesus Christ as His ambassadors, making Christ’s appeal to the world. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Sunday December 16 – Being a salt and light to the world

You are the salt of the earth . . . You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. – Matthew 5:13-14 Scripture reading: Matthew 5:1-16 When Jesus addressed His disciples as salt and light, He was saying this to men who constantly argued about who was the greatest, to men who would run from Him when He was in trouble. How could Jesus call these men the salt and light of the world? If the disciples were honest, they must have thought, "How can we be what Jesus says we are?" We can easily have the same feelings today. How can we be the salt and light in the world we live in? However, Jesus came to this earth so that those who are poor in spirit, those who mourn because of this fallen world, those who are meek and hunger and thirst for righteousness will be blessed; in turn, they can be merciful, pure in heart, peacemakers and willing to be persecuted for righteousness' sake. If you hold to what Jesus says, you are truly blessed. This means you are approved of by Jesus Christ no matter what your background or natural state. Only in this new blessed state could the disciples be salt and light to the world in their time. When we truly believe we are blessed by Jesus, we can go forward as salt and light to bring lasting change to our world. For only when Jesus’ blessed words sink deep into our hearts and minds will we be able to rub shoulders with those around us in such a way that they will be confronted with the gospel from our mouths and touched by the gospel with the actions of our hands. Suggestions for prayer That we would truly believe we are blessed by Jesus and so be a salt and light to our generation. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Saturday December 15 – Declaring God’s glory to the world

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Friday December 14 – Desiring others to join the family of God

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Thursday December 13 – Going forward with the joy of God’s shining face on us

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Wednesday December 12 – Taking the gospel to others with optimism

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Tuesday December 11 – Attracting people to our Lord

In those days ten men from the nations of every tongue shall take hold of the robe of a Jew, saying, “Let us go with you, for we have heard that God is with you.” – Zechariah 8:23b Scripture reading: Zechariah 8; Matthew 5:14-16 Zechariah prophesied in the time when the people of God were called back to the promised land to rebuild Jerusalem and the temple of the Lord. Although the people of God were discouraged, God sent Zechariah to encourage them and to help them see that God had a long-term plan for them, as His people. This plan not only entailed a great future for the Jewish nation back then, but it also talked of a great future for all nations, including us today. This future for other nations has come about and is coming about because of the person and work of Jesus Christ. When God’s people live for the Lord and proclaim Christ crucified, the prophecy that God proclaimed through the mouth of Zechariah is being fulfilled. Through us, His people, the nations are seeing and hearing about the one true God and the one true Saviour of the world. But it is not finished. We are to live in such a way that the nations, even our neighbours, will say, “Let us go with you, because we have heard that God is with you”. Although this passage talks of Jews being asked about their God, Paul in Romans 2:29 points out that people are Jews if they are Jews inwardly, that is, if they are connected to Jesus Christ through faith. Jesus called us to be His people so that we would also follow Him in obedience and so fulfill Zechariah’s prophecy. Are you showing that you have a desire to be part of this? Suggestions for prayer That we would live lives that cause others to wonder about our hope in Christ, and be ready and eager to tell others about our lovely Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Monday December 10 – Being blessed to be a blessing

The Lord your God is with you, He is mighty to save, He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing. – Zephaniah 3:17 Scripture reading: Zephaniah 3; Luke 15:10 When Zephaniah prophesied, Judah was doing fairly well. However, Zephaniah said God was going to punish them and the nations around them because His people were not worshipping the One True God the way they were called to do. Yet at the end of this short book, Zephaniah makes another prediction. God would give them what they needed so that many would be strong in the Lord and so be able to be what God had called them to be: a holy mountain and a salt and light to the world. He would do this by saving them Himself, by conquering their greatest enemies: sin, Satan and death. We know that this was done by Jesus Christ. In saving His people in this way, God showed He greatly delights in His people. He promised that He would quiet them with His love and rejoice over them with singing. The Old Testament people of Zephaniah’s time were called to believe that this would be their future. And in that future, they would be equipped to God's calling for them to be a light to the world and the means by which God would rescue the lame and gather people from all over the world. We live on the other side of Christ’s great victory on the cross. We are called to believe and see that Jesus has saved us, that He delights in us and is quieting us with His love so that we can rejoice in Him and be witnesses to those around us of our great and gracious God. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would believe Jesus has saved you and now God does delight in you and will quiet you in His love. Also, that you would believe that He is rejoicing over you with singing so that you can be what God has called you to be in this fallen world, calling others to repentance and joy. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Sunday December 9 - Refined to be a blessing

I will make a covenant of peace with them; it shall be an everlasting covenant with them. And I will set them in their land and multiply them, and will set my sanctuary in their midst forevermore. - Ezekiel 37:26 Scripture reading: Ezekiel 37:15-28 Sometimes when God punishes us, we wonder if God still cares or if He can still use us. The Bible has wonderful accounts of God showing He cares for His people, even though He punishes them. When God sent His people out of the promised land and exiled them to Babylon, He was punishing them; however, at the same time, He was refining them so that He could bless them and make them a blessing to the world. In the early chapters of Ezekiel, God tells His people that He would allow the temple to be destroyed and, in a way, temporarily abandon them because of their wickedness. Yet, God said He would make an everlasting covenant of peace with them. God was promising that, from their suffering, He would raise them up in order to bless them and fulfill His promises through them. He would do this in order that they would be a blessing to the world and increase in number. In this way, the nation of Israel foreshadowed what Jesus would do in His earthly ministry. God punished His Son with death on the cross and raised Him up so that through Him people from all over the world would be blessed. If you believe that Jesus died and was raised for you, you have peace with God. Ezekiel’s prophecy has also been fulfilled in you. But God is not finished fulfilling this promise; He is still increasing the numbers through His people. Therefore, you are to have an urgency to work for the increase of His Kingdom by being a salt and light in your community. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you would be used to spread the gospel so that the great harvest would continue to be gathered in. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Saturday December 8 - Trusting that there is power in the Word of God

So shall my word be that goes out from my mouth; it shall not return to me empty, but it shall accomplish that which I purpose, and shall succeed in the thing for which I sent it. – Isaiah 55:11 Scripture reading: Isaiah 55; Luke 12:47-48 Have you ever wondered, "Why would I tell this person about Jesus when he doesn't seem interested?" Isaiah must have thought this at times. He must have wondered about the people of Israel and what God’s Word would do to their hardened hearts. God had even said that they would not listen. But God told Isaiah back then and tells us today, "Trust Me. Your job is to spread the Word and I, the Lord, will bring about my purposes with My Word for blessing or for punishment." I remember one man who was always disruptive when he came to Bible studies and Sunday services. I often hoped he would not come. I did not fully trust God the way I should have. But in a little over a year, the Lord changed that man into a loving, godly man who lived in the joy of salvation. For another man to whom I brought the gospel for years, I never saw a change. After reading Isaiah 55, I remember telling him that God would bring glory to His Name either in his salvation or in his condemnation. This caused him to be unsettled, but I do not know if he ever became a Christian. With these two men, I came to see that the words of Isaiah 55:11 gives us reason to bring His Word to the world around us no matter what. When you are wondering if you are to tell others the good news of Jesus Christ, remember you are called to bring it with confidence, trusting that God will not let His Word return to Him empty, but that it will bring about His purposes. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you will have confidence in telling others about Jesus Christ, trusting that God will bring about His purposes with the gospel message. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Friday December 7 - Being an active member of Christ's kingdom

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Thursday December 6 - Being instruments in God's hands shows that God cares

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Wednesday December 5 – Being a kingdom of priests

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Tuesday December 4 - God can change and use anyone to fulfill His promises

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Monday December 3 – Sacrificial service comes from true faith

And the angel of the Lord called to Abraham a second time from heaven and said, “By myself I have sworn, declares the Lord, because you have done this and have not withheld your son, your only son, I will surely bless you, and I will surely multiply your offspring as the stars of heaven and as the sand that is on the seashore. And your offspring shall possess the gate of his enemies, and in your offspring shall all the nations of the earth be blessed, because you have obeyed my voice.” – Genesis 22:15-18 Scripture reading: Genesis 22; Hebrews 11:17-19 Today we will see another lesson from Abraham’s life. God did not call and bless Abraham in order to be a trophy, but to be an instrument in God’s hand to bring blessings to others. In seeing that he was an instrument in God’s hand, Abraham came to understand that only through obedience could he be that instrument and only through faith in the promises could he be obedient. We are told that Abraham was able to offer up his son in obedience because he reasoned that God could raise this promised child from the dead. Although we are not called to leave the country like Abraham left and offer up a son as Abraham did, we are called to sacrificial obedience based on the promises we are called to believe in. By the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus has called us into His family to share in His triumph over sin, death and the devil. But He also called us to share in His ministry to bring the gospel to the rest of humanity, as His church, the pillar and foundation of the truth (Ephesians 3:15). If your eyes have been opened to His gracious and glorious promises, are you not also coming to understand, as Abraham did, that you are not a trophy, but an instrument in God’s hands, serving sacrificially as the body of Christ in His mission to the world so that all may hear the good news of Jesus Christ? Suggestions for prayer Pray that you will more and more see yourself as an instrument in God’s hand that He is transforming and moulding to bring Him glory as you share the gospel. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life. The painting is "The Sacrifice of Isaac" (1603) by Caravaggio....

Daily devotional

Sunday December 2 – God uses sinful people to bring forward his promise

And I will make of you a great nation, and I will bless you and make your name great,so that you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and him who dishonorsyou I will curse, and in you all the families of the earth shall be blessed. – Genesis 12:2-3 Scripture reading: Genesis 12; Joshua 24:1-3 Abram was a sinful human being, yet God called Him into a relationship with Himself. Joshua 24:1-3 tells us that Abram served other gods when God called him. The amazing thing is that when God called him into this relationship, He not only promised to bless him but also said he would be a blessing forall the families of the earth. God promised to make this sinful man, who would also lie about his wife to save his own skin, into a great nation and bring blessing to all people groups around the world, even to us today. God was not only going to send Someone great to conquer the devil, but He was also showing that He would use the line of sinful mankind to do it. This should give us confidence that if God could use Abram to fulfill His amazing promises, He can use us, His children, to fulfill His promises for us to be a salt and light in this fallen world. God has called us to be His ambassadors to the world, showing and telling our neighbours that Jesus is able and willing to transform lives. As sinful people, we can think that we cannot do that. But if God could transform and use Abram for the purposes He had in store for him, He can transform you and me and use us for the purposes He has in store for us. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His willingness to transform sinful people into His children so that He can use them to fulfill His wonderful promises for this fallen world. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Saturday December 1 – Introduction

For the month of December, we will be looking at a number of passages in the Old and NewTestaments that speak of the coming and work of Jesus Christ. In doing this, we will see how God has always communicated that He had a plan to rescue people from all over the world so that they could be part of His redeemed family. We will also see that God not only had a plan to rescue people, but He also desires to use His people as instruments in His hands to bring His saving work to others. In the Old Testament passages, we will see how God gathered His people and preserved them so that they would be a light to the world. We will also see that this light to the world would only truly be fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ. Yet, God not only saved His Old Testament church, but also used its people so that through them the Saviour would come. In the New Testament passages, we will see what fulfilling God’s promises meant for God’s people. Not only was the sacrificial system of the Old Testament not needed anymore, but the nation of Israel no longer was to be seen as the isolated people of God. God’s people would be people from every nation. But we will also see that God not only saves people from all tribes and nations to be his Church, He also uses His church to continue to bring the Saviour Jesus Christ to the world. Lastly, we will see that Jesus is not only the founder and perfecter of the faith, but also challenges us, His people, to be witnesses of this faith in how we live and what we say to the world around us so that others can be brought into the family of God. The mother of all promises 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: Genesis 3 When we get discouraged with this fallen world, we can easily think God does not care or that He is indifferent to our struggles. But the words of Genesis 3:15 should remind us that God does care for sinful people in this fallen world. Right after Adam and Eve rebelled against God and sided with the devil, God showed them and us that God still cares. When Adam and Eve were hiding from each other and from God and were in a hopeless, self-inflicted turmoil, God came and told them and us that He still cares. God promised to separate a people to Himself and promised to deliver these people by sending Someone to conquer the devil and to free people from the clutches of the devil. God made this promise even though Adam and Eve did not have the ability to plead for forgiveness. When God said that He would separate a people to Himself from fallen humanity, He did not say who those people would be. He not only wants us to believe that we could be included in that special group, but He also wants us to have such a love for our neighbours that we would want them to be part of this group. God made that promise to Adam and Eve because He has a mission to bring people who are dead in their sins into a saving relationship with Himself. That is why He promised to send His Son. In order for us to be part of God’s people, we ought to have the heart of God, desiring that other sinners be brought into the family of God. Suggestions for prayer Pray that this passage will give you comfort, but also motivation to tell others that God does care for sinful people in this fallen world. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Rev. Richard Bultjes is pastor at a church plant in Niagara Falls, Ontario, called River of Life....

Daily devotional

Friday November 30 – Conclusion: Blessed to be a blessing

Let the peoples praise you, O God; let all the peoples praise you! – Psalm 67:3 Scripture reading: Psalm 67 We end where we began, with the story of the Bible as summed up by Jesus: "Then he said to them, 'These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.' Then he opened their minds to understand the Scriptures, and said to them, 'Thus it is written, that the Christ should suffer and on the third day rise from the dead, and that repentance for the forgiveness of sins should be proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning from Jerusalem.'"(v. 45-47). The whole Bible is about the mission of God to save the nations: the promise given to Abraham, the calling given to Israel, the identity fulfilled in Jesus and then given to us. And so the song of Psalm 67 is our song: "May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations" (Ps 67:1–2). We pray for God’s blessing, not for our own sake, but so that His ways will be known on earth. Let us believe the good news that Jesus is the light of the world. Let us believe Him that we are now the light of the world. And then let us live faithfully as His witnesses in all of life. Suggestions for prayer That God would make us faithful missional people for His glory and for the sake of the nations. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

Daily devotional

Thursday November 29 –The Church's mission (7): Fighting idolatry

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Wednesday November 28 – The Church's mission (6): Life together, for the sake of the world

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Tuesday November 27 – The Church's mission (5): Life together

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Monday November 26 - The Church's mission (4): In all of life

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Sunday November 25 - The Church's mission (3): The preaching of the Word

So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ. – Romans 10:17 Scripture reading: Romans 10 In what way is the church called to carry out her mission. First of all, we must emphasize the centrality of the preaching of the Word. As we will see tomorrow, we are called to be witnesses in all of everyday life. But the primary means that God uses to create faith in the hearts of His people is always the preached Word. As Paul says in Romans 10: "How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? ... So faith comes from hearing, and hearing through the word of Christ" (Rom. 10:14, 17). It is because we are concerned with the church’s mission that we must emphasize the importance of preaching: the announcement of who Jesus is and what He has done in His death and resurrection together with the call to respond with faith in that good news. The church today is tempted to neglect this means of grace in favour of other methods. But just as the Word is the means by which God spoke and called this creation into existence, so the Word is the means by which God calls forth the new creation of faith in our hearts: “. ..since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God” (1 Peter 1:23). Suggestions for prayer That God would supply us with faithful preaching, that He would encourage our confidence in His use of the preached Word and that the Word would bear fruit in our lives and in the church’s mission. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

Daily devotional

Saturday November 24 - The Church's mission (2): To the end of the earth

But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth. – Acts 1:8 Scripture reading: Acts 1:1-11 The book of Acts describes the mission that the church has been given between the first and second coming of Christ: to be His witnesses as the gospel spreads to cover the whole world. Whatever we are, whoever we are, whatever work God has given us, that is who He has called us to be: His witnesses to Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8 describes this as an ongoing process that lasts until Jesus returns, spreading to cover the world: “in Jerusalem and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the end of the earth.” Indeed, the Heidelberg Catechism speaks of this expansion as part of what we believe about the church in Q&A 54: What do you believe concerning “the holy catholic church”? I believe that the Son of God through his Spirit and Word, out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end, gathers, protects, and preserves for himself a community chosen for eternal life and united in true faith. And of this community I am and always will be a living member. That whole answer is about mission and it is very clear that the mission continues until Jesus returns: “Out of the entire human race, from the beginning of the world to its end.” That is who we are and that is why we are here as the church. That is our mission. Suggestions for prayer That God would give us the eyes of faith to see the expansion of His kingdom around the world and that He would make us faithful witnesses to Jesus Christ in all of our living. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

Daily devotional

Friday November 23 – The Church's mission (1): True children of Abraham

Go... so that you will be a blessing. – Genesis 12:1a, 2b Scripture reading: Genesis 12:1-9 (one more time!) We arrive today at a point of transition in our study. Up until now,we have done three main things: We have seen God’s promise to Abraham that he would be a blessing to the nations. We have seen how Jesus fulfilled the promise and calling of Israel. We have seen how God’s promises for the future include the complete fulfillment of that promise at the return of Christ. What we must do now is locate our lives in the midst of that great story. We live between the first coming of Jesus and His return, and that is the time of mission. All who share the faith of Abraham are children of Abraham and that means we share in his calling and mission. As Michael Goheen points out in his book Light to the Nations, just as God said to Abraham in Genesis 12:1-2 “Go... so that you will be a blessing,” so He says to His church in Matthew “Go... and make disciples.” It is this story that gives us our mission and purpose as a church. We, like Abraham, are called to be a “so that” people. We are blessed, not to keep that blessing to ourselves, but blessed so that we will be a blessing to others. This begins, not with a list of things to do, but with a sense of identity in Christ. Mission is not just something we do, but it is who we are. Suggestions for prayer That God would help us grow in our sense of identity as the true children of Abraham in Christ, blessed so that we will be a blessing. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

Daily devotional

Thursday November 22 – The future of our mission (2): A new creation

By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it. – Revelation 21:24 Scripture reading: Revelation 21 The story of God’s mission to save the nations of the world spans from Genesis to Revelation, from the beginning of the story to its end. The Bible begins, not with sin and the need for a Saviour, but with God’s good creation. Likewise, the Bible ends, not simply with individual souls being saved, but with a new creation, new heavens and a new earth. God will not abandon His good creation, but promises to set it right, eradicating all that is cursed and twisted and broken: "He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away" (Revelation 21:4). When He does this at the return of Jesus, it will be in fulfillment of the promises that He gave to Abraham and Israel, the promises He fulfilled in Jesus as the faithful Israelite and the true Son of Abraham, and so it will be for the benefit of the nations: "By its light will the nations walk, and the kings of the earth will bring their glory into it, and its gates will never be shut by day — and there will be no night there. They will bring into it the glory and the honour of the nations" (Revelation 21:24–26). That is the future God has promised, the future we are living for as we carry out the mission God has given us. Suggestions for prayer That God would fill us with faith in His promised future, especially of the world being set right, of every tear wiped away and perfect fellowship with Him in His new creation. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

Daily devotional

Wednesday November 21 – The future of our mission (1): The Lion of the tribe of Judah has conquered

Daily devotional

Tuesday November 20 - Jesus fulfills Israel's mission (5): Go, make disciples!

Daily devotional

Monday November 19 - Jesus fulfills Israel's mission (4): You are the light of world

Daily devotional

Sunday November 18 – Jesus fulfills Israel's mission (3): " I am the light of the world"

Daily devotional

Saturday November 17 – Jesus fulfills Israel's mission (2): The true son of Abraham

The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham. - Matthew 1:1 Scripture reading: Matthew 1:1-17 We saw yesterday that Matthew summarized Jesus’ message as being about the good news of the kingdom, thereby connecting Jesus’ identity and message with the story of Israel. Jesus came to fulfill everything God had promised to Israel. Matthew also shows this connection by way of his genealogy. It can be tempting to skip over the long lists of names in the Bible, but they are always important. In this case, Matthew is teaching us that to understand Jesus, we need to understand the story that preceded Him. The names mentioned in his genealogy all bring to mind promises made, promises kept, and promises renewed, all yearning for fulfillment in Christ. Most importantly, Matthew begins his genealogy with Abraham and summarizes the identity of Jesus as being “the son of David, the son of Abraham.” When the gospel would later go to the nations, Jewish believers would be tempted to think that this was instead of the gospel being for Israel. But because Jesus is a son of Abraham, we are reminded that the gospel is going to the nations because the gospel is for Israel. Jesus came first for Israel and God’s promise to them, beginning with Abraham in Genesis 12, was that his family would bless the whole world. God blessed the nations through Jesus because that was God's purpose for Israel all along. And in that way, Jesus was and is the true Son of Abraham. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for His faithfulness to His promises and for the glory of Christ as the true Son of Abraham, and pray that God would enable us to carry out that same mission as children of Abraham in Christ. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

Daily devotional

Friday November 16 - Jesus fulfills Israel's mission (1): The Good News of the Kingdom

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, "Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand." – Matthew 4:17 Scripture reading: Matthew 4:12-17 The synoptic gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) all at various times summarize Jesus’ message as being about the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 4, for example, we are given a summary statement of what Jesus preached: “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” One of the most interesting things about this summary is that Matthew never bothers to explain what he means by the word “kingdom.” The kingdom is absolutely essential to the message of Jesus and yet Matthew never defines it. Why would that be? The reason is that Matthew assumes his readers know what he is talking about, that they were already waiting for and expecting the Kingdom of God on the basis of the Old Testament Scriptures. If we want to understand what Jesus is about, then, we must go back to those promises of the Kingdom, promises that we have been tracing throughout this study, promises that were ultimately not just for Israel, but for all nations. God had promised that when the promised kingdom arrived, the nations would stream to Jerusalem and that His kingdom would expand to include the whole world. That is the kingdom Jesus brought, the mission that Jesus came to fulfill: a kingdom that would be for all people, for all the nations of the world. It was through this kingdom that the family of Abraham would be a blessing to all the families of the earth. Suggestions for prayer We love and exalt Jesus for bringing the promised kingdom and we thank God that we have been included in it by His grace. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

Daily devotional

Thursday November 15 - A promised Kingdom

And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. – Daniel 2:44a Scripture reading: Daniel 2:31-45 In Daniel 2, during Israel’s exile, the Babylonian king Nebuchadnezzar dreams about a statue crushed by a rock, which grows into a mountain that fills the earth. Daniel interprets the dream and explains the rock: "And in the days of those kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, nor shall the kingdom be left to another people. It shall break in pieces all these kingdoms and bring them to an end, and it shall stand forever” (v. 44). This is one of the main promises that lived in the hearts of Israel during the exile as they awaited the coming of the Messiah. They waited for the One who would bring the Kingdom of God. And it was this promise that Jesus spoke of at the beginning of His ministry in Israel. For the sake of learning about our mission, the important thing is the answer to this question: What did the stone do after it crushed the statue? Did it disappear? Did it hide? “But the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth” (v. 35b). That verse spoke of the church’s mission today. We live after the coming of the Messiah, after the coming of the Kingdom, in the time in which that Kingdom is growing to fill the whole earth, the kingdom that shall stand forever. That promise - and its fulfillment in Jesus - is what motivates our mission as the church today. Suggestions for prayer That God’s Kingdom would continue to grow, and that we would live faithfully as citizens of that Kingdom. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

Daily devotional

Wednesday November 14 – Singing of mission (4): The Lord says to my Lord

Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power. – Psalm 110:3 Scripture reading: Psalm 110 Psalm 110 is one of the many Psalms that the New Testament explicitly tells us is fulfilled by the resurrection, ascension, and reign of Jesus as King. The first two verses speak clearly of Jesus’ ascension to God’s right hand to reign over all the world: "The Lord says to my Lord: 'Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.' The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty sceptre. Rule in the midst of your enemies!” (v. 1-2). Psalms like this are essential to remember when we think about our mission as the church. When we think about being witnesses in all of our living, about proclaiming the gospel to all nations, we can be tempted to feel overwhelmed and helpless. But the New Testament tells us that these words have already been fulfilled in Jesus, that He is king over all and that therefore His mission will be successful. That is why we need to sing Psalms like this that speak so clearly of evil. But such language of victory has in view not only the defeat of God’s enemies, but also of the success of His mission to be a blessing: “He will execute judgment among the nations” (v. 6). To execute judgment doesn’t just mean to punish evil. It means to set things right, to make things be as they ought to be. That is what Jesus has done, is doing and will one day do fully at His return. And that is good news for all nations! Suggestions for prayer That we would believe and rest in the good news that Jesus is King, and that we would boldly embrace our mission as a result. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

Daily devotional

Tuesday November 13 - Singing of mission (3): Christ shall have dominion

Daily devotional

Monday November 12 - Singing of mission (2): Blessed to be a blessing

Daily devotional

Sunday November 11 - Singing of mission (1): Why do the nations rage?

Daily devotional

Saturday November 10 - Israel's mission (7): It shall come to pass in latter days

Daily devotional

Friday November 9 - Israel's mission (6): The failure of Israel

And the nations will know that I am the Lord, declares the Lord God, when through you I vindicate my holiness before their eyes. – Ezekiel 36:23 Scripture reading: Ezekiel 36:22-36 As Israel entered the promised land, God reminded the people of their calling to live differently from the world to be a blessing to the world. But Israel's time in the land ended with failure. They chased after other gods, rebelled against God's law and ended up in exile as a result. And when God sent Israel into exile, He was clear as to what the reason was: not only because of Israel's idolatry, but because of Israel’s failure to be a faithful witness before the nations: "Therefore say to the house of Israel, Thus says the Lord God: It is not for your sake, O house of Israel, that I am about to act, but for the sake of my holy name, which you have profaned among the nations to which you came" (Ezekiel 36:22). The exile was because Israel profaned God’s name “among the nations.” When God promised that Israel would be restored from exile, He said the reason was to restore Israel’s mission: "Then the nations that are left all around you shall know that I am the Lord; I have rebuilt the ruined places and replanted that which was desolate. I am the Lord; I have spoken, and I will do it" (Ezekiel 36:36). Even when Israel was in exile, God promised to restore Israel for the sake of the nations. That is the heart of God revealed, the heart of the God Who created and loves His world and would one day rescue it through His Son. Suggestions for prayer That the Spirit would enable us in Christ to be faithful where Israel was unfaithful, and that he would do so for the sake of the nations. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

Daily devotional

Thursday November 8 - Israel's mission (5): In the sight of the peoples

Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.” – Deuteronomy 4:6 Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 4:1-14 In the book of Deuteronomy, Moses is preaching to Israel before they enter the promised land, reminding them of the promises of the covenant and the life to which they are called. He also reminds them of the purpose of all of this, that they have been blessed, not to keep the blessing to themselves, but so that they will be a blessing to the nations. Indeed, Moses makes it clear that they are being given the land of Canaan “in the sight of the peoples,” so that their way of life will be seen by others. The expectation of Deuteronomy is not only that Israel’s way of life will be seen, but that it will be clearly good and appealing: Keep them and do them, for that will be your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples, who, when they hear all these statutes, will say, "Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people." This is one of the ways God’s people are called to be a blessing: to live in accordance with God’s Word in a way that is visible and that is clearly “wise and understanding.” Jesus says that it continues to be our mission today: “In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven" (Matthew 5:16). Suggestions for prayer That we would remember our identity as a people on display before the nations and that the lost would be drawn to the goodness of life in Christ. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

Daily devotional

Wednesday November 7 – Israel's mission (4): All the Earth is mine

Now, therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine. – Exodus 19:5 Scripture reading: Exodus 19:1-9 In Genesis 12, God called Abraham to be a blessing to the nations: “I will bless you and make your name great so that you will be a blessing” (v.2). In his book, Light to the Nations, Michael Goheen sums up the identity and mission of Israel with this idea, that Israel was called to be a “so that” people, blessed by God so that they would be a blessing. This is the identity that God emphasizes for Israel in Exodus 19. They are God’s treasured possession, not instead of all the nations, but among all peoples. God chose them in order to put them on display, to show what He would one day do for all nations. He blessed Israel as part of His plan to be a blessing to all the families of the earth. “And you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation” (Exodus 19:6). Israel was to be a kingdom of priests. What priests did for Israel, Israel was to do for the nations. Priests represented God to the people and represented the people before God. That is what Israel was called to do: to represent who God was, the promises He gave, the grace He showed, and the life to which He calls us. Israel thought God's promises were all for them. But God was clear: “All the earth is mine.” And because God so loved the world, He would one day send His Son, born to Israel’s family, for all the nations. Suggestions for prayer That we would remember, like Israel, we are blessed so that we will be a blessing, and that our lives would be fruitful for the good of those around us. This daily devotional is available in a print edition you can buy at Nearer to God Devotional. Nick Smith is pastor of the United Reformed Church of Nampa, Idaho....

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Search CATEGORY: Daily devotional

Daily devotional

May 25 – Life before the night of judgment

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May 24 – Reset your clocks to Exodus time

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May 23 – Not a dog shall growl against you

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May 22 – He will let you go from here

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May 21 – God commands the darkness to swallow Egypt

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May 20 – God commands the heavens to strike and the locusts to destroy

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May 19 – God commands the animals to die and the dust to bring distress

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May 18 – God commands the dust and the flies to afflict Egypt

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May 17 – God commands the frogs of the Nile to invade Egypt

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May 16 – God commands the water to become blood

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May 15 – The Lord warns and Satan still tries to deceive Pharaoh

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