Daily devotional

December 6 - When Caesar says “jump”

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria. And all went to be registered, each to his own town.” - Luke 2:1-3  Scripture reading: Isaiah 45:1-13 When Caesar says, “Jump!” you say, “How high?” When Caesar says, “Go get registered!” you go get registered. This is not a suggestion. It’s a command. In worship, we talk about how God is the sovereign, all-powerful Ruler over creation and history. We say things like, “God is in control” and “God is on the throne.” When we leave church, however, it seems like Caesar is calling the shots in our lives. The government prints trillions of dollars and you get stuck with inflation – higher prices for everything. Tariffs drive up prices too. The government passes new regulations that complicate your business and your life. Maybe you feel trapped under the power of a controlling or manipulative person in your life. Maybe it’s your boss, but you need that job. I know a man who sat in jail for four years, only to be acquitted by a jury in the end. Caesar’s decrees impact our daily lives in the trenches, for good or for ill. God’s people would not have seen the hand of God, sovereignly directing the powerful Persian king Cyrus, if Isaiah had not prophesied it years earlier (Isaiah 45:1-13). Remember, we walk by faith, not by sight. Most likely, King Herod had some freedom to implement Caesar’s decree as he chose. He probably implemented Caesar’s decree in a uniquely Jewish way. Jewish people strongly identified with their ancestors and the towns they came from. Perhaps that’s why King Herod ordered them to register in their towns of origin Suggestions for prayer Thank God that kings, rulers and our lives are all in His sovereign hands. Pray for grace to trust God and be Christlike when the decisions of others complicate your life. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 5 - Quirinius 

“In those days, a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This was the first registration when Quirinius was governor of Syria.” - Luke 2:1-2  Scripture reading: Luke 1:1-4 When we read Luke 2 each Christmas, we treat verse 2 as an afterthought. When we read this passage out loud, we hope we won’t trip over Quirinius. We breathe a sigh of relief when we get through verse 2. It may surprise you, then, that Luke 2:2 is hotly debated. Much ink has been spilled over it. Many don’t just trip over the name Quirinius. They trip over the presence of Quirinius in Luke’s account. They point to historical evidence that Quirinius wasn’t governor of Syria until much later. Others have defended Luke 2:2 in response. We won’t wade into the Quirinius debate here. But consider this: when Luke penned these details, he knew the enemies of Christ would fact check everything he wrote and pounce if they could prove him wrong. Luke was a careful historian. In Luke 1:1-4, Luke assured Theophilus his account was carefully researched “that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught” (Luke 1:4). Luke included Quirinius to assure Theophilus and us that the birth of Jesus was a real event that happened in real time when real politicians were making headlines. Satan has tried to undermine God’s word since the beginning. However, you don’t need to trip over Quirinius, because God’s word is true. We can be confident the Scriptures are true “because the Holy Spirit witnesses in our hearts that they are from God, and also because they carry the evidence thereof in themselves” (Belgic Confession, Article 5). Suggestions for prayer Thank God that Luke, guided by the Holy Spirit, left us with a trustworthy Gospel. Pray that the Holy Spirit will deepen your confidence in God’s Word and convince others as well. Rev. Richard Zekveld is the pastor of Covenant Fellowship Church (PCA) in South Holland, Illinois, a Chicagoland suburb. Rev. Zekveld, his wife Nancy, and their five children have lived in the community of South Holland for seventeen years. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 4 - The decree

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

Daily devotional

December 3 - Caesar Augustus (II)

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

Daily devotional

December 2 - Caesar Augustus (I)

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

Daily devotional

December 1 - Introduction to Luke 2

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

Daily devotional

November 30 - Anticipation and celebration

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

Daily devotional

November 29 - Tempted to praiseless prayer

“Pray then like this: Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name.” - Matthew 6:9 Scripture reading: Psalm 81:1-16 Yesterday, a friend sent me a link to a snippet of a comedian’s shtick who was making fun of folks in the gym with massive water jugs. The comedian exaggerated about someone’s water backpack having a hose which led directly to the man’s mouth. He kept opening his mouth to suck on it. Pertinent to what the Psalmist is talking about, though. The Psalmist’s teaching asks “For what do you open wide your mouth?” The first five verses are instructions for the people of God to open their mouths wide to praise God. The opening two phrases are parallels of intensification; sing aloud and then shout for joy to God. Energy and all kinds of musical instruments are to be used to bring glory to God. The people had been neglecting to sing and shout to God. Their voices went out to strange gods. Their knees were calloused from bending to idols. It is a distressing picture. The faithless people who were made for praise, had been opening wide their mouths to that which is worthless. The Lord’s prayer teaches believers the place of adoration. Like Psalm 81, the prayer begins and ends with praise to God. When believers take up the words of Jesus, they realize God the Father alone is the source of satisfaction in life. As water is vital to the person weary from a work-out, so is praise vital to the believer. Adoration revives the heart and inspires the mind to know God as He is. Praising God is as satisfying as the sweetness of honey. Suggestions for prayer Think of some of your most cherished names, or titles for God (like: Good Shepherd, or Father, or The LORD who provides) and pray such back to Him in adoration. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 28 - Tempted to forget the measure of your days

“When you discipline a man with rebukes for sin, you consume like a moth what is dear to him; surely all mankind is a mere breath!” - Psalm 39:11  Scripture reading: Psalm 39:4-6 Three images used to depict what is called the fleeting length of a man’s life. The first is a handbreadth. Look at how long your palm is. Now, compare the breadth of your palm to the length of your arm. Your arm is much longer than your palm. It is a simple visual of how your spiritual life is much longer than your physical life. The measure of your earthly days is short compared to the eternity that stretches before you. The second image is a mere breath, or the word vanity (verse 5). The second time this image is used, it is connected to the destructive work of a moth (verse 11). The Lord consumes what is dear to a man like a moth destroys wool. As the end of life nears, a man’s possessions leave him. Think of senior citizens who move from a house to an apartment and downsize. Then they downsize again to move to a senior’s home. Finally, they are alone, on a bed, as life ebbs away. All of life is vanity. The third image is a shadow. As the morning sun gains strength and rises, shadows flee. At the fullness of day there are no more shadows. Think of how you are longing for Christmas, and the celebrations to come. It will be here sooner than you think. Just like Christmas will be here before you know it, so will the return of Jesus Christ come sooner than you expect. Knowing how fleeting are your days, put all your hope in Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Praise God for the nearness of Jesus’ return; ask the Spirit to renew in you a deeper awareness of what it means that earthly life is short, and eternity will stretch on with no end so that your heart’s hope will be firmly anchored on Jesus. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 27 - Tempted to Christmas gluttony

“...and put a knife to your throat if you are given to appetite. ” - Proverbs 23:2 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:12-17 What is your favourite memory related to Christmas meals? I clearly remember one aunt who always had potato salad that was a bright yellow. She added mustard to the dish. This was in the 1970’s. That item was added to a table that was already groaning with all kinds of food. Christmas is closely linked to eating. A simple on-line search will reveal that the average Canadian male will gain about 3 pounds (1.2kg) at Christmas time. One local gym promotes their survey results, which reports that it is common for adults to gain 5 to 8 pounds during the extended week that includes the Christmas and New Year celebrations. Is it strange, that at the time of the year when Christians celebrate the Incarnation, they also indulge in gluttony? Think of it, when Jesus left the splendour of heaven, and became human, He endured deprivation and hardship. He had nowhere to lay His head. He was not provided with gluttonous feasts. Yet Christians celebrate with excess. They eat too much food, sweets and candy. I would even suggest attendance at church worship declines because people choose feasts above intentional gathering. When planning your celebratory feasts this Christmas, will you consider what is an appropriate amount of food and what is too much? Maybe, with your family now, plan for meals that are celebratory, but not indulgent. The point is not the food, the point is gathering in celebration of God’s grace. Involve your family so that even in your eating and drinking you honour God. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for the abundance of His provision to you and your family; seek the wisdom of the Spirit in preparing meals. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 26 - Tempted to greed

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

Daily devotional

November 25 - Tempted in charitable giving

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

Daily devotional

November 24 - Tempted to wasting time

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

Daily devotional

November 23 - Welcome to the Sunday celebration

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

Daily devotional

November 22 - Tempted to avoid suffering

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

Daily devotional

November 21 - Tempted to drift

“Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it.” - Hebrews 2:1  Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 30:11-20 One of the board games our family likes to play still has the rule book in the box. We laughed when we finally got around to reading the rules. The rules tell players they can make up rules, if they are consistent with them, and they apply to all the players. That is, sometimes, how believers treat the Word of God. It is a wonderful instruction book for life; however, those who follow Jesus tweak the rules and decide which ones are important and which are not. Paul warned the Hebrews not to drift. Drifting from the faith begins when believers play fast and loose with the commandments of God. What He has instituted are designed for the good of His sons and daughters. Some believers neglect to meet every Sunday, and soon they find going to church difficult. Other believers neglect to read the Bible as a family. The Word loses its power and authority. With that parental authority erodes as well. The whole family drifts. The LORD spoke through Moses, offering His people tremendous clarity. The commandment of God is to keep the Word near to you. The Word of God directs you into life and keeps you in the way that is right. The duo references to life and good certainly foreshadows Jesus’ own words: “I AM the Way, the Truth and the Life”. In Him alone is all the adventure believers ever need. Anchor your mind and heart to Jesus through the reading of the Word, so that you never will drift away from Him. Suggestions for prayer Pray that you and your family members will be securely anchored to Jesus through Scripture reading, prayer and times of worship. Think about church members, or people you know who are drifting, and ask God to bring them back to Himself in love. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 20 - Tempted to all kinds of idle talk

“As He was getting into the boat, the man who had been possessed with demons begged him that he might be with him. And He did not permit him but said to him, “Go home to your friends and tell them how much the Lord has done for you, and how He has had mercy on you.”” - Mark 5:18-19  Scripture reading: Acts 2:40-47 A friend and I have this routine of going to the Moncton Market every Saturday morning. It is a bustling place with a variety of international foods. A few weeks ago, he startled me with an observation. He said, “We used to get our food, pray, and while we were eating, discuss our walk with God. Why don’t we anymore?” Too true. We’d discuss devotional patterns, lessons the Spirit was teaching through our Scripture readings, or the sermons we’d heard. We sought to discern the hand of God made evident through the events of our otherwise ordinary days. It’s tempting to lose our focus on God in our daily routines. I believe it is too easy to neglect our conversation about God, and neglect sharing our testimony with others, especially with those close to us. There are so many topics that fill our minds: politics, war, and many mundane things. What grabs my attention in these readings from Acts and Mark is the willingness of new converts to share the gospel. When Jesus returned to the region of the Decapolis, crowds came to Jesus, instead of sending Him away. Surely, the former demoniac had tremendous influence among his countrymen. New believers are contagious. They can’t help it. In view of their knowledge of Jesus and their joy in Him, they are compelled to share their faith. How are your conversations? Are you talking about Jesus here, there and everywhere? I was glad for my friend’s prompting to return to the practice of Saturdays as a prayer and share time. Suggestions for prayer Seek the Spirit’s leading to open doors for conversations about Jesus, and your faith in Him, and that such conversations would happen at home and then among peers, classmates, friends and neighbours. Pray to be bold as were those depicted in today’s passages. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 19 - Tempted to stinginess

“And with great power the apostles were giving their testimony to the resurrection of the Lord Jesus, and great grace was upon them all. There was not a needy person among them, for as many as were owners of lands or houses sold them and brought the proceeds of what was sold and laid it at the apostles’ feet, and it was distributed as each had need.” - Acts 4:33-35  Scripture reading: Acts 2:40-47 When we were married, all my possessions became “our possessions”. The little group in Acts 2 was learning the same lesson. When people join the family of God, their possessions are no longer “my things”. All that believers have, are entrusted to them for their service to God. New believers were daily being added to the number of Christians. Just weeks before, while Jesus was still about His earthly ministry, to be added to the body of believers meant that family members might disown you (cf John 9, parents of the man born blind, whose eyes were opened). As Jesus had promised, persecution would increase. No doubt, there were still believers in Jerusalem left over from the Day of Pentecost who were being discipled and trained in the faith. So, there were many needs among the new believers. In view of God’s great gift of Jesus Christ, believers were very open-handed and prepared to share with anyone who was in need. Such past generosity has become complicated for many Christians—Who do we give to? What if they are not worthy? What if I’m taken advantage of in my giving? Legitimate questions. Start by giving to those within the household of faith, those believers who are genuinely in need. It is obvious that believers knew each other so well, that they were aware of those who had financial need. Beyond this, seek the great grace that is necessary, so that with Spirit-filled discernment you will know how to care for those whom the Father brings into your life. Suggestions for prayer As you consider Christmas present purchases, ask the Spirit of God to teach you where you are too self-focused; ask to be led to opportunities to give and be generous close to home as well as toward those far away. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 18 - Opening up for hospitality 

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

Daily devotional

November 17 - Breaking up the Sunday cliques

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

Daily devotional

November 16 - Hold tight those citizenship papers

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

Daily devotional

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

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

Daily devotional

November 14 - Children, who is your teacher?

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

Daily devotional

November 13 - Do not disregard the role of women

“For this child I prayed, and the LORD has granted me my petition that I made to him. Therefore I have lent him to the LORD. As long as he lives, he is lent to the LORD.”” - 1 Samuel 1:27-28  Scripture reading: 2 Timothy 1:3-7 The breakdown of our society includes the tearing down of and the disrespecting of the role of women. The very same society that says women are important is the one that allows abortion to kill daughters in favour of a future son. It is an abomination. In the Bible, God created Adam and Eve, male and female, in His image. Both male and female image bearers are precious in His sight. Consider the women in Timothy’s life: Grandma Lois and Mom Eunice. These women taught Timothy to know the Lord Jesus. Or, Hannah, who longingly prayed for a son, and with great compassion, the LORD answered her prayer, giving her Samuel. As you continue reading you learn God gave her three more sons and two daughters. It is obvious that she is a faithful mother in Israel, while Eli the priest, was an unfaithful father. Hannah’s children were a blessing from the LORD. To honour God, she lent Samuel to the LORD. While Eli’s lack of discipline, and his lack of contact with the LORD (as I Samuel 3:1 implies) meant his sons were wild. The role of women is critical in the household of faith. Women train up children in the way of the LORD. Women are a godly influence, whose work is critically important when, as in the case with Timothy, his dad was not a believer. A godly wife is a great influence on her husband. Women, single or married, can also disciple other women, so that the whole household of faith is built up. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for women in your life and in your congregation who shine the light of Jesus Christ. Pray for these women, married or single, that they too will be blessed and enriched in our precious faith. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 12 - Are you faithful leaders, Fathers?

“Hear my son, your father’s instruction, and forsake not your mother’s teaching.” - Proverbs 1:8  Scripture reading: Deuteronomy 6:1-25 Yesterday, the topic was nations; today, it is on the building block of nations: the family. Look at the focus of Deuteronomy 6 where it is commanded that the family spends its time and energy teaching the children of the household to know the LORD. When you walk, you point out the beauty of creation and the power of God. When you return home, you point out the security of your home, and your heart is entrusted to God the Father. When you celebrate, you remind your children that God rescued His people from slavery in Egypt and set them free. As New Testament Christians this lesson is vital. With the same attention to constancy and persistence, take every opportunity to teach your children about the manifold love of God demonstrated in Jesus. The sublime act of salvation in the Old Testament was the Exodus, Moses leading the people out of Egypt foreshadowed Jesus, who leads His people out of the Egypt of sin, into the Promised Land. As we follow Him, we are blessed, being adopted as sons and daughters of God. As we travel, Jesus the Prince of peace, protects and guards His people by the Spirit. Dads, are you feeding your own soul, so that you can teach your children? Dads, are you so focused on knowing Jesus that from the overflow of your heart you can’t help but speak of Him, your Deliverer? It doesn’t matter if your children are ten years old or forty, married or single; you need to be a godly leader. Suggestions for prayer Confess the times and ways in which you, dads, have neglected your duty of being a spiritual leader in your household; pray to be reinvigorated in the joy of the Lord, and share this gift of salvation starting at home and going out from there. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 11 - The temptation of nations

“And, when he had taken counsel with the people, he appointed those who were to sing to the LORD and praise him in holy attire, as they went before the army, and say, “Give thanks to the LORD, for his steadfast love endures forever.”” - 2 Chronicles 20:21 Scripture reading: Daniel 4:28-37 This devotion was written November 12, 2024. On November 11, 2024, I had several short flights in the United States. Before each flight took off, the cabin crew took a moment to thank the active military men and women for their commitment to their country. There were flags all over the airport. I thought of Nebuchadnezzar and his pride in his country, his achievements and power. As Christians, we know God sets up kings and thrones, prime ministers and leaders, and He also can depose them. Nebuchadnezzar’s pride became his downfall. As soon as he boasted of his prowess and his power, he was humbled. Juxtaposed to that is King Jehoshaphat, whose small army was confronted with a vast enemy army. In humility he turned to the LORD of Hosts who assured Jehoshaphat that he would not even have to fight. The LORD would fight for him. So, with the counsel of Levites and the people, he appointed singers to praise God, going out before the army. It is a beautiful picture. It is stunningly clear that it is not by might, nor by any earthly power, but by the Spirit of the LORD that kings rise and fall, and nations flourish or disappear. What are the lessons for us on this Remembrance Day? God guards the borders of lands and nations. He uses means, like soldiers and weapons, but ultimately the victory belongs to Him alone. The people of God are wise to acclaim Jesus as Head over all, the King Supreme. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for the freedoms you enjoy; pray for all the branches of the military, that they will know (or be taught by Christian chaplains) their defeat or success is solely because of the LORD of Hosts. Pray also for the leaders of your country, that in every rank, at every level, they will acknowledge the Lord God. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 10 - Pride and humility

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

Daily devotional

November 9 - Praying scripture

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

Daily devotional

November 8 - Tempted to lazy-praying

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

Daily devotional

November 7 - Vision and prayer

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

Daily devotional

November 6 - Tempted to prayerlessness

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

Daily devotional

November 5 - Banality* and prayer

“The LORD sets the prisoners free; the LORD opens the eyes of the blind. The LORD lifts up those who are bowed down; the LORD loves the righteous. The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.” - Psalm 146:7b-9  Scripture reading: Colossians 4:2-6 The Psalms are the prayer-book of God’s people. They teach believers to pray. The 150 Psalms give topics about which believers can pray. Even the short quotation from Psalm 146 gives a wide variety of prayer topics. Such prayers will help young believers overcome the banalities often spoken in prayer. Believers use cliches, like, “Bless the hands of those who prepared this meal.” A favorite of mine is “we lift him before the LORD (I won’t reveal my weight, but I can assure you most people praying for me can’t lift me!) You might hear the phrase “be near to” and then the name of the person in prayer is mentioned. God is always near to His people. So, then what is this request? Paul taught believers to pray for doors to be open to the Gospel. He urged people to petition God that he (and all those who testify to Jesus) would be clear as they testify to Jesus. Believers who follow Jesus need His power to walk in wisdom. There are many things which fill our time; a former prayer partner often prayed, “Lord, help me to make the best use of my time for Your kingdom”. It is tempting to pray sloppy, aimless prayers. Examine yourself relative to how you pray. Those who belong to God and know Him, will grow in their prayer life. Prayer is the lifeblood of our relationship with the King. The more believers know Him, the more intimate and fuller the scope of the matters they bring to Him will be. Suggestions for prayer For the Spirit of God to stir up in you, as believers, a holy awareness of various matters that can be brought to God in prayer; for a deeper intimacy with God. *Banality means flavorlessness, or staleness For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 4 - Tempted by prayer shortcuts

“You know it was because of a bodily ailment that I preached the gospel to you at first, and though my condition was a trial to you, you did not scorn or despise me, but received me as an angel of God, as Christ Jesus.” - Galatians 4:13  Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 A visitor to a local Reformed or Presbyterian home might be forgiven if he thought the most important matter for prayer is the physical health of the members in the family. It is not unusual to hear family prayers which focus almost exclusively on health matters. Scriptures teach believers something quite different. Paul had the opportunity to preach to the Galatians precisely because his eyes afflicted him, and he was temporarily stopped from traveling further. In Corinthians, Paul noted he’d asked the Lord to be freed from the thorn in his flesh. Many commentators believe that his thorn was a physical ailment. Paul learned that the grace of God is sufficient even in the hardest times of his life. The goal of prayer is not that everyone be healed, but that God will be glorified. Christians will, by whatever means God chooses to use, train up men and women who are faithful and obedient to Him. Often the instrument God uses for training is suffering and hardship. Perhaps local church pastors, inspired by the Word, will intentionally transform congregational prayers, so they are clearer models of Biblical prayers. Pray for believers to find the grace of God because of their suffering. Ask the LORD to lead the afflicted to doctors and specialists who through the testimony of the suffering believer may hear the gospel for the first time. And, yes, do in proper proportion, pray for the well-being of those who are ill. Suggestions for prayer May the Spirit of the LORD convict preachers and elders, fathers and prayer warriors to be more intentional in their prayers for those who are ill; petition God for those who are ill among us that God’s grace will be sufficient for their needs. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 3 - Desire and knowledge

“Desire without knowledge is not good, and whoever makes haste with his feet misses his way.” - Proverbs 19:2  Scripture reading: Psalm 37:1-7 A good friend, a marathon runner, will tell you a runner must have both a goal and a finish line. Can you imagine a marathon runner who will set himself up for a run of 42.195 km, and does not know where the finish line is? It would be crazy. A marathon runner will not start a race without knowing his own pace, one he can sustain for the whole run. The rigorous training he’s undergone in the past will guide him. Psalm 37 teaches the believer to ignore the rising tide of evil which surrounds him. Instead of getting tempted to compromise, or figuring out how closely one can align himself with the world and cross the finish line as a Christian, one must with the Psalmist ask : “Am I delighting myself in the LORD?” Such a devoted believer, having crossed the finish line, longs to hear our Father say, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” So, there is no aimless running, or running in circles, instead, there is a direct line of sight to the finish line, eternal delight in the presence of God. How fast or slow do you run? Proverbs teaches the Christian not to let his feet run faster than his ability to find his footing. Instead, a believer must know the world calls good evil and evil good. Finding your footing in faith requires you to grow in the knowledge of the LORD, which comes by knowing His Word so well that you can make your way in a world filled with troubles. Suggestions for prayer Confess your wrongful desires, repent of areas in your life where you have been compromising with sin; ask the Spirit of God to renew your faith so that you can clearly see the finish line—running this life for the glory of God. For over six years already, Rev. Vander Vaart has served as the Atlantic Region Representative of Redemption Prison Ministry. He does so as a Minister of the Word and Sacrament in the Associate Reformed Presbyterian Church. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

November 2 - Beholding Jesus

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

Daily devotional

November 1 - Introduction to temptations

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

Daily devotional

October 31 - Grace be with you all!

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

Daily devotional

October 30 - Cases of urgent need

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

Daily devotional

October 29 - Partners in the gospel

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

Daily devotional

October 28 - Heretics

“As for a person who stirs up division, after warning him once and then twice, have nothing more to do with him, knowing that such a person is warped and sinful; he is self-condemned.” - Titus 3:10-11 Scripture reading: Jude 1:1–25; Titus 3:9-11 Heretic is not a word you read often. There were plenty of heretics in church history, but we tend to think we are beyond that now—maybe because we think we are more enlightened, or maybe because we think that all our creeds and confessions have answered everything. True, many of our creeds and confessions were written directly or indirectly in response to various heresies, but this does not mean that heresies have altogether ceased. Church discipline is one of the marks of the true church and a necessary function of a true church. Church discipline almost exclusively happens because of an unrepentant life. Yet, church discipline exists to correct, rebuke, admonish and deliver God’s people from false doctrine, as well as from false living. Whatever the false teaching, heretics are very seldom quiet. That is, they rarely keep their false doctrine to themselves. Heretics like to gather followers and create fractures. Such people can leech a consistory’s attention and time. There is a temptation to try to appease such a person to keep the peace in the church. Elders and ministers are exhorted here to give stern warnings (“once and then twice”) and then to excommunicate such a person. The condemnation is actually a self-condemnation because by the false teaching itself, and the refusal to repent, the person shows himself or herself not to be a believer in Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your elders and pastor to have the wisdom and courage to warn false teachers and thereby protect the purity and peace of the church. Pray for wisdom to discern false teaching from the sound doctrine of the Bible. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 27 - Unprofitable and foolish thing

“But avoid foolish controversies, genealogies, dissension, and quarrels about the law, for they are unprofitable and worthless.” - Titus 3:9 Scripture reading: Galatians 2:15-21; Titus 3:9-11 Like most pastors, I have been asked some very insightful questions. I have also been asked some obscure questions that are speculative and unhelpful. There is so much sound doctrine in Scripture to meditate upon that it seems utterly unnecessary to follow after unprofitable and worthless ideas. Furthermore, what is called “profitable” in the book of Titus is good work. Rather than spending time and effort on foolish controversies, questions, and quarrels, the time and effort would be better spent doing good works! It seems clear from this verse and Titus 1:10 that what is primarily in view are certain debates within Judaism. What benefit would you gain if you could trace your family lineage to a famous theologian or church leader from hundreds of years ago? Some people like to argue theological points for the sake of arguing. These might be interesting topics, but are they as profitable as doing good works? Such debates have done more harm than good for the gospel witness and for the building up of unity in the church. Some Christians today define Christianity in very narrow terms: a certain Bible translation only, a certain set of songs only, a certain song book only, a certain way to educate children only, certain ways of disciplining children only etc. It’s not that people can’t have preferences for certain things, but it is a problem when those peculiarities are imposed on other Christians as if it were God’s law. We ought to be careful about our scruples. Suggestions for prayer Pray for peace within the church. Pray for insight into your own scruples—whether they are biblically based. Pray for a renewed focus on profitable and excellent things of God. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 26 - Devoted to good works

“The saying is trustworthy, and I want you to insist on these things, so that those who have believed in God may be careful to devote themselves to good works. These things are excellent and profitable for people.” -  Titus 3:8 Scripture reading:  Psalm 119:33-40; Titus 3:1-8 Today you rest from your daily labors so that on this festive day of rest you can attend public worship. You are to rest from your sinful ways, as well. Meditate upon good works as the result of the gospel. The gospel leads to good works. The Holy Spirit produces good works in us as He renews us. You might say, “But I’m so sinful, and so selfish, and so weak; I don’t do the good works I should do.” Remind yourself of the words in Titus 2:11-12. Ephesians 2:10 says, “For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand that we should walk in them.” The grace of Jesus Christ not only makes good works possible, but also necessary. The gospel will always produce good works in believers. Keep God’s Word. Keep the Lord’s Day today. Worship. Do good works of mercy. Visit a widow or shut-in or show hospitality to a stranger. Spend time in prayer and teaching God’s Word with your family. Give generously in worship today. Think about doing good works. Think about the people to whom you can do good and the situations in which you can do good. And remember the basis for it: the saving grace of God. Unbelievers might do nice things as well. But Christians are called to be zealous for good works because they have been saved to do them. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the zeal to do good works. Pray for wisdom and strength from God to do good works. Pray for a heartfelt devotion to doing good works. And make this Lord’s Day a day of worship and good works. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 25 - Justified and glorified!

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

Daily devotional

October 24 - Why did Jesus save us?

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

Daily devotional

October 23 - What we once were

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

Daily devotional

October 22 - Submission to rulers and authorities

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

Daily devotional

October 21 - The perfect pastor

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

Daily devotional

October 20 - The toughest verse

“Declare these things; exhort and rebuke with all authority. Let no one disregard you.” - Titus 2:15 Scripture reading: 1 Timothy 4:6-16; Titus 2:11-15 This is the toughest verse in Titus. This verse is tough because the very thing that Christians need—the gospel ministry—can also be the thing they disregard. This verse is tough because ministers are disregarded. Ministers are disregarded when people complain. People complain about preaching—sermons are too long; too deep; not practical enough; sermons are not addressing all the issues people think should be addressed. People complain about the minister’s visiting—he doesn’t visit enough; he is not approachable; he doesn’t mingle enough. People complain about the minister’s time—criticizing how he uses his time. Ministers are also disregarded when they give biblical, sound advice and wisdom, and are subsequently ignored. They are disregarded when they are compared with “celebrity pastors” and conference speakers. Ministers are disregarded when they are expected to have the knowledge, power, and presence of Jesus. Do you prepare to listen attentively to sermons? Do you pray for the minister’s preparations for preaching? When was the last time you encouraged your pastor? Do you respect his day off? Do you respect his family time? If you need a pastoral visit, have you communicated that to your pastor? Do you appreciate the high calling your pastor has from the Lord Jesus Christ to preach and teach sound doctrine, in season and out of season, to proclaim the treasure of the gospel even though he himself is only a vessel of clay? Maybe you need to change your expectations and love your pastor despite his weaknesses. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your pastor’s calling and work—as a husband and father; for his preaching, teaching, visiting, counseling, and meetings. If you have a complaint or grudge against a pastor, pray for a soft heart toward him and opportunity to reconcile. Give thanks for the gospel ministry. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 19 - Jesus gave himself to redeem us

“… waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession who are zealous for good works.” -  Titus 2:13-14:  Scripture reading: Ephesians 2:1-10; Titus 2:11-15 This is the second of Jesus’ “appearings” mentioned in this section. Christ is coming again, having been “crowned with glory and honor” (Heb. 2:9). Jesus is our blessed hope! We have lots of questions about Christ’s second coming and resurrection, and the new heavens and the new earth. The Bible does not give us too many definite answers. But to quote the author of Hebrews once again, it will be “better.” All things will be better. Certainly, the Cretans could look forward to something better than their present lives. Certainly, we can too. May this Lord’s Day be something better in miniature for you: blessed in God’s holy presence, covered in the blood and righteousness of Christ, praising Him, praying to Him, presenting yourself a living sacrifice to Him, gathered together with His people, united in faith, hope and love. Christ redeemed us from all lawlessness. He did that through His substitutionary death, and He did that by imputing His perfect righteousness to us. He sent His Holy Spirit to purify us. He made us His own people, a treasured possession for Himself (see Isa. 43). He makes us zealous for good works. Do you have a zeal for good works? Are you zealous for God’s laws and commandments, statutes and rules (see Ps. 119)? Are you zealous to worship God on this Lord’s Day? Are you zealous to love your neighbor as yourself? Suggestions for prayer That you may be eager and hopeful for Christ’s coming in glory. That you and your family might be ready for Christ’s coming in glory. That you would grow in your zeal for God and good works. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 18 - The appearance of God’s grace

“For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age…” - Titus 2:11-12 Scripture reading: 2 Peter 1:3-11; Titus 2:11-15 In life we often get instructions about what to do before we get the reasons why we are to do it. Paul writes that way here, telling us why we must live as Christians. The biblical and theological foundation for Christian living is found in two “appearings.” The first appearing is Christ’s first coming. When Christ came, the grace of God appeared to us more clearly than it had before. The whole Bible proclaims God’s grace. Jesus embodied and lived and demonstrated God’s grace in all His life, ministry, suffering, death, resurrection and ascension. All His teachings and miracles, all  His encounters with the people and the Jewish leaders, revealed the truth of the Kingdom of God. We are saved by grace. Christ came because of God’s grace, His undeserved favor upon us. When you hear God’s greeting in worship tomorrow, you will be reminded of that grace of God, given to you in Jesus Christ, which you must receive by faith. God’s grace will be preached. Because we are saved by grace, and because Christ appeared for us, we are now called to and enabled to live for Christ. Christ has “trained” us, taught us as one does as a little child, to do two kinds of things: first, negatively, to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions; second, positively, to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives. We must renounce the old way and live in the new way. We can and we must do this because of God’s grace in Christ. Suggestions for prayer That you might be assured of God’s grace in Christ. That you would be prepared for worship tomorrow to receive God’s grace, to rejoice in God’s grace, and to live by God’s grace. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 17 - Adorning the doctrine of God our Saviour

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

Daily devotional

October 16 - A model of good works

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

Daily devotional

October 15 - Self-control

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

Daily devotional

October 14 - The gift of older christian women

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

Daily devotional

October 13 - The gift of older christian men

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

Daily devotional

October 12 - Sound doctrine and sound living

“But as for you, teach what accords with sound doctrine.” - Titus 2:1 Scripture reading: Nehemiah 8:1-12; Titus 2:1-10 The Cretans sound like hard people. Do you know someone who is stubborn and is set in his or her ways? We may find such people in our neighborhoods, work places, families and churches. Can such people ever change? Can sinners in general ever change? For people once captivated by a license to live however they please, legalism looks attractive. Titus must be different from the false teachers and the Greek philosophers in every way. Titus must preach and teach sound doctrine. The whole counsel of God is neither license to sin, nor an unbearable legalistic yoke. Biblical doctrine is sound, “healthy,” and “wholesome.” Sound doctrine results in sound living. Teach “what accords with” the sound doctrine,” Paul writes. Titus must teach the words and ways of the Christian life, the measure and manner of it, the commandments and wisdom that agrees with the doctrine itself. Sound biblical doctrine, when properly applied, will starkly contrast false teaching; it is also the God-given method of growing in godliness in the Holy Spirit. Sound doctrine must be taught in the church, in seminaries, in our homes, and in our schools. Sound doctrine, then, will be two things: that which glorifies the grace of God in Jesus Christ, in whom alone we have salvation, and the teaching of a God-fearing and obedient life. The Cretans were being deceived by idle questions and nonsense. There are lots of things in life to be curious about. Christians have many more important things for which to be striving. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the Holy Spirit to illuminate you to understand sound doctrine from the Bible. Pray that God’s people and all of God’s children would be instructed by sound doctrine to be applied properly for godly living. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 11 - Everyone is a hypocrite

“They profess to know God, but they deny Him by their works. They are detestable, disobedient, unfit for any good work.” - Titus 1:16 Scripture reading: Isaiah 29:13-24; Titus 1:10-16 Hypocrisy looks ugly on everyone. An ugly dress on a beautiful bride is still an ugly dress. An ugly piece of artwork in a beautiful gallery is still an ugly piece of artwork. Social media is saturated with people who say (or have said) one thing, and then do another. Everyone is a hypocrite; no one lives life perfectly in line with what they believe. False teachers can be identified by their hypocrisy. They claim a special knowledge about God—by some other kind of “special” revelation. Yet, in their personal lives, these false teachers show anything but good works. They are detestable, or abominable, and the sense is that they pervert justice (see Prov. 17:15; probably by way of bribes; remember, they are greedy for shameful gain); they are disobedient (in private, breaking God’s Law and not repenting of it); they are unfit (unqualified; morally reprehensible). In other words, the lives of the false teachers show a disgusting and repulsive lifestyle that does not at all agree with God’s Word. Contrast all that description to what the Bible requires of elders (1:6-9). Men who are biblically qualified to lead God’s church and teach must have a quality of character that produces a godly lifestyle. Doctrine matters; true doctrine leads to true living. Here are three simple questions to help identify false teaching: 1) Does the teaching agree with Scripture? 2) Is the teaching spiritual and heart-changing?  3) Does the teaching lead to godly living or hypocrisy Suggestions for prayer Pray for the church to be protected from false teaching. Pray for the church to be purified by the gospel of truth and for God’s people to stand firm in sound doctrine. Pray for your elders and minister. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 10 - Give thanks in all things

“To the pure, all things are pure, but to the defiled and unbelieving, nothing is pure; but both their minds and their consciences are defiled.” - Titus 1:15 Scripture reading: Romans 3:19-26; Titus 1:10-16 If the specific Jewish myths were to do with marriage and what kinds of food they were permitted to eat, then what Paul has in mind is for Christians to be Christians in their marriages, and to give thanks to God for the food they have been given through His goodness and providence. Those who are in Christ can give thanks to God for His good gifts and live for Him in all their relationships. Jesus said, “Everything will be clean to you” (Lk. 11:41). We live in a very legalistic world. There are all kinds of new rules for what you may say and when you may say it, or for what and when you may not say something. Certain kinds of people have social privileges of speech and action that most of us are not granted by the social justice mob. It’s amazing how western society so gradually moved away from God’s Law only to replace God’s morality and purity with a distorted human version. Purity cannot be merely external; if it were, then even the minds and consciences of unbelievers could be changed by mere behavioral adjustments. True purity is internal and moral (see Mark 7:15). Only Jesus can make us pure through His blood and righteousness. As people purified in Christ, let us act in purity in the church, in our marriages, in school, and at work, and with all of God’s good gifts, in moral uprightness. Suggestions for prayer Pray for purity in your church, marriage, and family. Pray for thankful hearts in receiving and using God’s good gifts, trusting that He will give us all we need. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 9 - Rebuke them sharply

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

Daily devotional

October 8 - Preach the gospel to these people?

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

Daily devotional

October 7 - Silencing false teachers

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

Daily devotional

October 6 - God’s stewards

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

Daily devotional

October 5 - Elder essentials (II)

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

Daily devotional

October 4 - Elders essentials (I)

“This is why I left you in Crete, so that you might put what remained into order, and appoint elders in every town as I directed you…” - Titus 1:5 Scripture reading: Ezra 3: 1-13; Titus 1:1-9 If you manage a busy household, you know a little about what Paul is writing here. Likewise, if you serve on a committee or have management responsibilities at work, you know about this too. There are always details that need attention. There are tasks with targets and goals that need to be finished. Your calendar says you have three kids who need to be in four different places, and there are perhaps only two adults to drive them all there— on an average day. The church needs management, too. There are things “that are lacking,” areas that need to be strengthened or addressed. There are always things that need to be put into order—and not just calendar items, and certainly not production schedules or department projections. God’s people need to be cared for and shepherded. God’s people are sinful and need to be exhorted,  encouraged and corrected. God’s people are weak and afflicted and need to be comforted, visited and prayed for. God’s people need to worship God faithfully and in an orderly manner; they need to be taught biblical doctrine. All this would require elders in the church, even in a perfect world. The reality is that the world is not perfect and neither is the church. Sinful and imperfect church members need to be cared for and taught, and they will be led by sinful and imperfect men who will serve in Christ’s Name as elders. How can you encourage and faithfully follow the elders of your church? Suggestions for prayer Pray for the elders in your church. Pray that the Lord will raise up men as elders with the biblical character. Pray that the Lord will use the elders to shepherd and protect the flock. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 3 - Grace and peace and the common faith

“To Titus, my true child in a common faith: grace and peace from God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” - Titus 1:4 Scripture reading: Romans 10:5-21; Titus 1:1-4 Who is the gospel for? Some say Jews only (see 1:10). Some say only the super-enlightened (see 1 Cor. 3-4). Does it belong to those only who already possess it? Romans 1:16 says, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God for salvation to everyone who believes, to the Jew first and also to the Greek.” Jesus said, “Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners” (Mark 2:17). The faith is common to all of God’s chosen ones: Jews, Gentiles, male and female ,old and young, poor and rich, small and great, people who grew up in the church and people who did not; people with relatively clean backgrounds and people with messy ones. Titus was a Greek (see Galatians 2:3); yet he holds the faith in common with Paul. Both are saved by grace (see Acts 15:9-11). Paul extends “grace and peace” to Titus from “God the Father and Christ Jesus our Savior.” This is a typical greeting. Just because it is typical does not mean it is without significance. Titus will need grace and peace; and so do we. We need grace to remain steadfast in Christian faith, knowledge and hope, to worship and fellowship with difficult people, to walk in godly ways and do good works. We need peace in Christ for our assurance (see 3:4-8), and to continue to live among ungodly people (see 1:10-16). Suggestions for prayer Pray for grace and peace from God for your day. Pray for your assurance of God’s grace, and for the Holy Spirit to help you live for God among ungodly people. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 2 - Entrusted with preaching

“…in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began and at the proper time manifested in His Word through the preaching with which I have been entrusted by the command of God our Savior…” - Titus 1:2-3 Scripture reading: Hebrews 11:1-3; Titus 1:1-4 The further intent of the gospel ministry is to produce hope. We don’t think about hope as much as faith or love. Hope means “confident expectation” as opposed to “sight” or “possession.” You hope for health when you’re sick, or a better financial situation, or a resolution to a tough conflict. When you have good health, or financial stability, or peace, you don’t hope for it any longer. Paul serves God in Jesus Christ for the sake of their hope. To raise eyes and hearts and minds away from the things of this world, we must live with that same hope and confident expectation. This gospel hope is based in God, “who never lies”; that is, Christ promises eternal life in His Word, which is certainly true. Secondly, our hope was “promised before the ages began,” which means eternal life was always God’s plan and purpose for His people. Thirdly, our hope has been “manifested in His Word through the preaching…”; through faithful preaching we hear and believe and come to anticipate this eternal life. Christ promises this hope; Christ died to secure this hope; Christ is at God's right hand to maintain this hope; and He is coming again to fulfill this hope. Stay hopeful. So now already from the beginning of this letter we are called to three things: faith in Christ, knowledge of the truth and the hope of eternal life. Christians live for things very different from the world. Suggestions for prayer Pray for your minister’s preparation to preach the gospel. Pray for your brothers and sisters in the Lord—for their faith in Christ, knowledge of the truth, and hope of eternal life. Pray for the wisdom to live for the Lord today. Rev. Todd De Rooy currently serves in Redeemer URC, in Orange City, Iowa. He has served there since being ordained in 2008. It is their earnest prayer that by the grace of God, they would renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright and godly lives in the present age. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 1 - Introduction to Titus

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

Daily devotional

September 30 - To God be the glory

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

Daily devotional

September 29 - The love of Christ

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

Daily devotional

September 28 - Do not lose heart

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

Daily devotional

September 27 - The power of God’s grace

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

Daily devotional

September 26 - The mystery of Christ

“When you read this, you can perceive my insight into the mystery of Christ…” - Ephesians 3:4  Scripture reading: Acts 2:1-13 In the verses that follow Ephesians 3:4, the mystery is described with great clarity. The mystery is that Gentiles (non-Jews) are included in the people of God. This was revealed by the Holy Spirit, and we can see this clearly at Pentecost. Thereafter, the gospel begins to spread from Jerusalem to the ends of the Earth. The Apostle Paul is known as the missionary to the Gentiles. What is clear is that the unconditional election of God from before the foundation of the world reached far beyond the borders of Israel. With the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem in 70 A.D., we have further testimony that the church will not be centered in Jerusalem or anywhere else. Already at the time of Pentecost, we can see from Acts 2 that there were people living in Jerusalem “devout men from every nation under heaven” (Acts 2:5). We can see in Israel’s history many Gentiles who were included in the commonwealth of Israel. Even in the family tree of our Lord Jesus Christ, we see Gentiles (e.g. Ruth the Moabitess). The mystery is revealed in Christ and is therefore no longer a mystery. God’s plan of redemption continues to unfold, and it involves all peoples on the face of the earth. This is the picture we receive in Revelation of all nations worshipping the Lord. Praise God! Let us pray for the lost in all the nations of the world. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for the calling in both unbelieving Jews and Gentiles. Thank God for all that we have in Christ. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 25 - God’s dwelling place

“In him you also are being built together into a dwelling place for God by the Spirit.” - Ephesians 2:22  Scripture reading: 1 Peter 2:1-3 The language at the end of Ephesians 2 describes a building. It is God who is doing the work of building the structure, but it is Christians who are the objects being built. In the days after Israel left Egypt and wandered in the desert, one great comfort they could have was that God was with them. They could physically see the pillar of cloud and fire. When the cloud moved, they moved. Therefore, they knew, in that way, that God was always with them. By faith, we are united to Jesus Christ. We have been given the Holy Spirit. The comfort  Christians have knowing that they are never alone is inexpressible. We each carry our own struggles with fear and anxiety, sin and shame, balancing the busyness of life and taking time in quiet time with the Lord. In all places and in all circumstances, God is with us. God dwells with us in an even greater way than the cloud of the Old Testament, or the Ark of the Covenant in the Temple which reminded the people of God’s presence. Let us thank God for this special union. See it as an opportunity to depend wholly upon Him, to pray without ceasing, and to know that nothing happens outside of His will. It can be difficult to understand why some things happen in life. In Jesus Christ, we never need to wonder if God is on our side. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that you are never alone. Ask God to remove any fear, stress, or anxiety you might be struggling with in your life. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 24 - A solid foundation

“…built on the foundation of the apostles and prophets, Christ Jesus himself being the cornerstone.” - Ephesians 2:20 Scripture reading: 1 Corinthians 3: 1-23 As I write this devotional, 133 Roman Catholic Cardinals are meeting in the Sistine Chapel to choose a new pope. The Pope is the spiritual successor of the first Bishop of Rome, the Apostle Peter. Since Christ gave Peter authority as the rock of the church, the Pope continues to possess that authority, including the authority of infallibility. This false teaching is contrary to Ephesians 2:20. We confess to an “apostolic church.” What that means is that the church’s teaching is to be derived from the inspired writings of the apostles. That is the New Testament. We have in the scriptures, all that we need to know for doctrine and life regarding our salvation before God. The Bible is about the Cornerstone, the Lord Jesus Christ. It is one grand story of one Triune God revealing the one way of salvation by the grace of God. Salvation comes by faith and through grace. We can relate to the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11, because we are looking unto the same covenant promises in Jesus Christ. Let us examine our hearts and lives to make sure that we are content with what God has told us. We do not need the false wisdom of the world around us. We are given the foundation of our life in the Holy Scriptures. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for his completed revelation in the Bible. Ask God to strengthen your faith in him. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 23 - Citizenship

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

Daily devotional

September 22 - Access to the Father

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

Daily devotional

September 21 - Preaching peace

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

Daily devotional

September 20 - One new man

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

Daily devotional

September 19 - Our peace

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

Daily devotional

September 18 - Brought near

“But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ.” - Ephesians 2:13  Scripture reading: Acts 8:26-40 There is a legend in Ethiopia that after the conversion of the Ethiopian eunuch in Acts 8,  the Ethiopian eunuch then took the gospel down to Ethiopia, and established the Christian church in that place. That legend might be true; I am not sure. However, I do know that Ethiopia is not very close to Jerusalem. As the Ethiopian eunuch took the gospel South to Ethiopia the new converts there would have been brought near. But where were they brought near? Was it to Israel? Jerusalem? In a sense, yes. They were brought near to spiritual Israel. They were brought near to the covenant, the inheritance, etc. Being “far off” isn’t so much a geographical indicator as it is a spiritual indicator. The contrast is extreme. Far off and near are two opposites when it comes to grace. It is the Lord Jesus Christ who bridges that gap. Now, in Christ, all believers are one (Gal. 3:29). The dividing wall has been broken down. Pentecost made it clear that the gospel is for all nations. That is good news for us. The comfort we can have in Christ’s work, is that when we are brought near by the blood of Jesus, we will never again be far off. We belong to him, in life and in death. Be comforted in the gospel of being near unto God. Suggestions for prayer Thank God that you have been brought near to him and his people through the blood of Jesus. Pray that God might bring many more unto him. (Pray that prayer with specific people in mind) Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 17 - For a purpose 

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” - Ephesians 2:10  Scripture reading: James 2:14-26 God’s salvation is not only about our eternal destiny, it is also about our present reality. It is easy in the midst of the trials of this life and the burden of growing older, to merely be thinking and dwelling on the life that is to come. We should, after all, have a heavenly mindedness. However, God calls us in this life, to live a life of godliness and good works. The Christian life is to be one characterized by a desire to grow more and more Christ-like. But we must not forget that this isn’t something we work on our own. We are “his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus…” In Jesus Christ, all things are new. Parents seek to teach their children good habits. The power of habit is powerful. The picture given in Ephesians 2:10 deals with our manner of walking. By faith we walk. Hebrews 11 gives us the example of saints that have gone before us. To live by faith is to live in reliance upon God. After all, we are his workmanship. He has redeemed us for a purpose. On the one hand God’s purpose in us can be simply understood as a whole life redeemed in Christ. On the other hand, God has special and particular purposes for us unto godliness. Seek that out through prayer and wisdom. Suggestions for prayer Ask God to help you balance a heavenly and an earthly mindedness. Thank God for granting your life purpose in Christ. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 16 - All of grace

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God.” - Ephesians 2:8  Scripture reading: Titus 3:1-11 Who can be proud of what he receives? This adage is sometimes asked to teach children about gratitude. It is one thing to be born with natural talent, it is another thing to perfect a craft, skill or ability. Natural talent is a gift. As Paul writes to the Ephesians, it seems as if he can anticipate potential arrogance or superiority for those who are believers. However, this is stripped away when the focus is put upon grace. This is a gift from God. God was not obligated to give it to us as though we deserved it. We deserved the very opposite. It isn’t a question about “fairness”….otherwise no one would be saved. It is all of grace. The former slave trader, turned Christian knew this. John Newton wrote, “Amazing grace! How sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me!...Twas grace that taught my heart to fear and grace my fears relieved; how precious did that grace appear the hour I first believed.” Let that grace of God be precious to you not only upon the hour you first believe. Let it be precious all the days of your life. Meditate upon it, tell others about it, and live through it. You don’t have to be a former slave trader like John Newton to be a witness of God’s grace. You simply have to recognize what you deserve and what you receive. Amazing grace! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the ways you can see his grace in your life. Ask God for opportunities to speak of the grace you have received. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 15 - Resurrection

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

Daily devotional

September 14 - But God…

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

Daily devotional

September 13 - Our natural condition (II)

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

Daily devotional

September 12 - Our natural condition (I)

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

Daily devotional

September 11 - Head of the church

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

Daily devotional

September 10 - Christ’s exaltation

“…that he worked in Christ when he raised him from the dead and seated him at his right hand in the heavenly places, far above all rule and authority and power and dominion, and above every name that is named, not only in this age but also in the one to come.” - Ephesians 1:20-21 Scripture reading: Philippians 2:5-11 Philippians 2:5-11 might have possibly been an early Christian hymn now contained in the scriptures. The Apostle’s Creed follows the same flow of Christ’s humiliation which leads into His exaltation. The exaltation of Jesus Christ is important for many reasons. We not only have our own flesh in heaven, but He sits at God’s right hand as our Mediator. Hebrews calls him our Great High Priest. He also is the king of the church. He has “authority and power and dominion” given to him by the Father. Jesus’ exaltation also coincides with the pouring out of the Holy Spirit at Pentecost, and the fulfillment of Jesus’ promise of a comforter (John 14 and 16). Praise the Lord. From Ephesians 1, we see this exaltation of Christ was orchestrated by God who raised Jesus from the dead and seated Him in the heavenly places. Matthew 28:16 says that “All authority in heaven and on Earth” has been given to Christ. He is the ruler and head of the church. He is also the ruler of the nations, and in fulfillment of Gen. 12:3, all the nations of the Earth are being blessed through Him. This rule of Christ, Ephesians 1:21 says, does not end in this life, but extends beyond the grave and into the new age to come after His return. Through faith, we are secured in an eternal relationship with the Lamb of God. It is comforting that there is nothing that can sever that beautiful covenant relationship with our Savior (Rom. 8). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the mediator at his right hand. Ask God to increase your trust in Jesus. We are exalted in Christ…thank the Lord! Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 9 - Praying for the saints

“I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him.” - Ephesians 1:16-17 Scripture reading: Psalm 30:1-12 If you are a student of the New Testament, it is not a surprise that the Apostle Paul was in constant prayer for the people of God. The form of prayer mentioned in the text today is a prayer of thanksgiving. When praying for others, we might be quickest to think of supplicating prayers. In that, we bring the needs of others before God. In a prayer of thanksgiving, the apostle is thanking God for his church in Ephesus. God puts people in our lives to be a blessing to us. We can be encouraged and strengthened from others. How often is it the case that our prayers are focused only upon ourselves. Believers have different patterns and habits of prayer, and God gives us that freedom. We do not have to pray 5 Muslim-type prayers a day. But it might be helpful to write down prayer joys, thanksgivings, and concerns and work through them. It can be a true encouragement to know that someone is praying for you. If you are praying for someone, you might want to tell them. Not only will this encourage them in the communion of the saints, but it avails much (James 5:16). We can pray for all people, but the example here is a special prayer for the saints. May God make us people of prayer. Suggestions for prayer Think about who or what your churches can pray for. Thank God for bringing fellow praying believers into your life. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 8 - Sealed by the Holy Spirit

“…were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance until we acquire possession of it, to the praise of his glory.” - Ephesians 1:13b-14  Scripture reading: 2 Corinthians 1:12-24 When a sinner believes in Jesus Christ, they are given the promised Holy Spirit. Throughout the ministry of our Lord, Jesus continued to promise the Holy Spirit (e.g. John 14, 16). The language used in Ephesians speaks of being sealed with the Holy Spirit and being guaranteed an inheritance. The inheritance is promised and secured, but it is not possessed yet at this time. This is a reference to the completion of our total salvation in Jesus Christ. In the Christian life it can be easy to get discouraged from time to time. This world is one of constant toil and struggles. However, the child of God knows the best is yet to come. It is secured. It is guaranteed by the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit is the infallible down payment on our eternal life. God will never renege on his promise to us in grace. What this affords us is trust and assurance. No matter what takes place in this life, we have the Holy Spirit. We never need to fear if God will remove his love from us. His truth is sure. He is faithful and good. As the Lord was about to leave his disciples, He told them in John 16:13a “When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth…” Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the work of the Holy Spirit. In particular, thank him for the Spirit’s work of convicting you from sin, assuring you of love, guiding you in truth, and sealing you. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 7 - The word of truth

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

Daily devotional

September 6 - Inheritance obtained

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

Daily devotional

September 5 - All things in him

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

Daily devotional

September 4 - Adopted as sons

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

Daily devotional

September 3 - Chosen unto godliness 

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

Daily devotional

September 2 - Chosen in him

“…even as he chose us in Him before the foundation of the world….” - Ephesians 1:4  Scripture reading: Romans 8:29-39 Ephesians 1:3-14 is the longest sentence in the Bible. In our English translations it adds some punctuation to break it up, but in the original, it is one sentence. Try diagramming that sentence. In that long sentence, we see the preposition “in” used often. In verse 4, we see that we are chosen “in Him.” To be chosen in Christ puts us in a unique relationship. We are then “in Christ.” Before the foundation of the world, in God’s electing love, we were given to Christ. We can understand this in two ways. We can understand that in election. God ordained Christ’s work on behalf of his people. This is the primary way we should understand this. Another way to understand this is in terms of a relationship, which we will see explained in the following verses. Since it is a relationship established in eternal election, it is an eternal relationship. Romans 8 makes this clear in such a beautiful way as it describes the unbreakable chain of salvation in Rom. 8:29. This truth is never simply theoretical. It is practical. This is why Romans 8 ends by saying that there is nothing that will, “…be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord. (Rom. 8:39b)” Our election “in Him” ensures that our eternal life will be in the presence of the Lord. Though we might face many trials and temptations, we are held fast by God’s eternal decree of salvation. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for his electing love in Jesus Christ. Ask God to give you a heartfelt fervor to walk in fellowship with Him. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

September 1 - Introduction to Ephesians

Our devotions this month will be taken from Ephesians 1-3. The book of Ephesians can easily be separated into two parts. The first half, which we will be studying together this month, deals with the comfort and peace we receive from being found in Christ. This deals with the teaching of salvation. The second half of the book is an application of that salvation to different areas of life. In the letter to the Ephesians, we see the Apostle Paul writing, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to the believers in Ephesus. An interesting aspect of the Ephesian church is that we know more about it than most of the other local churches in the New Testament. We know that the Apostle Paul had been there on his second missionary journey with his friends Priscilla and Aquilla (Acts 18-20). The year was 52 A.D. We also know that the pastor in Ephesus was a young man named Timothy. Paul wrote two letters to this young pastor of Ephesus, which are also found in the New Testament. Paul would return to Ephesus to live for three and a half years. Ephesus was the second largest city in the known world behind Rome. It contained one of the 7 wonders of the ancient world which was the Temple to Diana. It was an important city, and it housed an important church. In this letter to the Ephesians, Paul is laying out the glorious mystery of God’s salvation. He begins with election and carries his teaching all the way to glory, ending this section (3:20-21) with a doxology to the Lord. Join me, as we seek comfort in the glorious works of God this month. A peaceful greeting "Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ." - Ephesians 1:2 Scripture Reading: Ephesians 1:1-23 You greet your grandmother differently than you greet your elder at church. Though you love both, you likely would not give the elder a kiss on the cheek when you see him. Greetings are important. As we begin our look at the letter to the Ephesians, we see a greeting of grace and peace. That is a comforting thought. Many cultures greet each other with the term “shalom” or “salaam” which means peace. But the peace of Eph. 1:2 is altogether different. The source of the greeting is from where the comfort is taken. The grace and peace are from the first two members of the Trinity, the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. The reason the believers in Ephesus can be greeted with grace and peace is because of the work of the Father and the Son. That work will be fleshed out as we make our way through this important letter. Really, this verse contains a summary of the entire letter to the Ephesians. It is this: we have peace with God through the Lord Jesus Christ. This is all by grace. On this Labour Day, as you thank God for work and your daily bread, pause and thank him for the greatest work. You can call God your Father in heaven because of Jesus Christ His Son. Ask God to help you understand more clearly during this month the true peace which surpasses understanding. Suggestions for prayer Praise God that we can have peace with Him through Christ. Ask that God would grow you in your love for him as you reflect upon his glorious work on your behalf. Rev. Steve Swets graduated from Mid-America Reformed Seminary in 2007. He is presently serving at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, IN. He previously served United Reformed Churches in Abbotsford, B.C. and Hamilton, ON. In this third charge, Rev. Swets returned to his hometown of St. John, IN. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 31 - The “so-that” mission continues

“And it came to pass, after the death of Abraham, that God blessed his son Isaac. And Isaac dwelt at Beer Lahai Roi.” - Genesis 25:11 Scripture reading: Genesis 25:1-11 Our reading today may not seem exciting. Abraham dies, and he’s buried. That’s it. What are we to take from this? One thing we must remember is that the story is not ultimately about Abraham. He was a sinner like us, with challenges and failings. The story is about God - His grace, and His faithfulness to His promise and purpose. That’s a comfort to us. The words of Moravian missionary Nikolaus von Zinzendorf are helpful: “Preach the gospel, die, and be forgotten!” It’s encouraging to read that Abraham died full. He lived a full 175 years, but literally verse 8 simply says that he was full. He was full because he walked with the promise-keeping God. He died in full confidence in God’s promises. Blessed are those who die in the Lord! By grace we can say, “I am full,” in Christ (Philippians 4:11). Abraham gave gifts to his other children, but gave everything to Issac (v.5). The focus was on Issac. The work of God would continue as promised. “In Issac your seed shall be called” (Genesis 21:12). It had to be from Issac that Jesus would be born. God’s blessing continues from generation to generation. The work goes on. The promise will be fulfilled. The nations will be blessed. And one day, there will be a multitude no one can number from every tribe and tongue. We are part of the great work. May God bless us to be such “so-that” people from generation to generation. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the fullness we have in Christ. Praise Him for the confidence we may have in death. Pray for faithfulness from generation to generation in God’s “so-that” mission and preach, die, and be forgotten. Soli Deo gloria. Pastor John A. Bouwers is pastor of the Hope Reformed Church (URCNA) in Brampton, ON, where he has served since December 2017. He is married to Julie, and they praise God together for His abounding grace and covenant faithfulness. And it is their prayer that together with all of God’s people they and their descendants may be thankful “so-that” people, being taught the ways of the Lord, embracing the promises of the Lord, keeping covenant with the Lord, and then getting out of our comfort zones, “so-that” many more from all the nations may be glad to know God and worship Him. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 30 - I will go

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

Daily devotional

August 29 - Pilgrim hope in death

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