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Daily devotional

January 21 - Children of the Lord

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

Daily devotional

January 20 - Jesus’ sheep

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

Daily devotional

January 19 - Jesus, our priest

“But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we...

Daily devotional

January 18 - The only Saviour

“Formerly, when you did not know God, you were slaves to those who by nature are not gods. But now that you know God—or rather are known by God—...

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Daily devotional

January 17 - A King’s worth

“Of the increase of His government and peace there will be no end, upon the throne of David and over His kingdom, to order it and establish it with judgment and justice from that time forward, even forever.” - Isaiah 9:7 Scripture reading: Isaiah 9:1-7 In 2025, the king business is not what it used to be. The wars and revolutions of the 20th and 21st centuries have greatly depressed the market for kings. Oh there are some left, and it's a well paying job with lots of perks for those who have it, but nowadays, the few kings that are left are mostly just figureheads, symbolic heads of state. There is one king, however, who today rules in might and splendour. One king is powerful and mighty, and He establishes justice and rules with judgment. This is, of course, King Jesus. We Christians celebrate the fact that Jesus is our King, the Son of David, born to reign in us forever. When He establishes His Kingdom in a human heart- in your heart- He removes sin and gives the gift of grace. King Jesus brings His people matchless blessings. Your calling and mine as Christians is to be sure, as the days of this new year go by, that Jesus is ruling our hearts and that by His divine grace we share in His righteousness. Let us exercise our faith, then, to welcome Jesus' rule as King of our hearts and lives. He is the ruler of our lives, and we rejoice to be His subjects, as part of His eternal Kingdom. Those who truly belong to the Lord serve a living King, the Lord Jesus Christ. May He rule in your heart and life, unchallenged and supreme. Suggestions for prayer Seek the powerful working of the Holy Spirit to submit gladly and faithfully to the rule of Christ in your heart and life. Ask the Lord to work in true churches around the world to keep themselves in full submission to Him. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 16 - Nobody is perfect

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

Daily devotional

January 15 - The Lordship of Christ

“Serve the Lord with reverent fear, and rejoice with trembling. Submit to God’s royal son.” - Psalm 2:11-12 Scripture reading: Psalm 2:1-12 Today it is popular to speak of Jesus' love, of His example, of His concern for the suffering and needy. In orthodox, evangelical circles it is popular to speak of Jesus' sacrifice for our salvation. All these aspects of Jesus' ministry are good and we can back them up with Scripture. One aspect, however, is often missing in many hearts and in many churches: the Lordship of Jesus Christ. True Christians know Jesus by faith as Saviour and Lord. We owe Him our allegiance. We accept His rule over us. We confess that Jesus is our King. His Lordship requires our reverence, which is a rare commodity today. We submit to Him not just in outward deeds of service, but also in our hearts as we humble ourselves before Him. Our text for today, like so many other portions of Scripture, emphasizes the Lordship of Christ. That is a fact, but what difference does it make in your heart and life? What difference does it make in your home? What difference does it make in your relationship with God and others around you? If it makes no difference, if there is no heartfelt love for the Lord, no willing obedience, then you are not serving the Lord. Your allegiance must be to this world, and as the Psalm reveals, that is fatal. As 2025 unfolds, the Lord is seeking useful servants, people alive in faith, and disciples who are steady, dependable, and obedient. May that be a description of you, as you live out your faith in service and obedience. Suggestions for prayer Humbly pray that God will provide opportunities for service in His Kingdom, in your home, wherever are, so that you will show your wholehearted acceptance of Christ's lordship in your heart and life. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 14 - Power over fear

“Do not be afraid, little flock, for your Father has been pleased to give you the kingdom.” - Luke 12:32 Scripture reading: Luke 12:22-34 So many in the world today begin this New Year with fear in their hearts. This life and the things of this world are all they care about and all they have. Consequently, they're afraid that their life might be ended by violence or that some criminal might steal their possessions. They worry and complain constantly. It's no way to live. To His little flock, His chosen ones, Jesus says: Do not be afraid. We can be sure that Jesus is not asking us to do the impossible. It can be done; we can live without fear. We can be delivered from the burden of worry. Those who know, by faith, that the Father has given them the kingdom know this deliverance. We can experience it when we turn to Jesus, Who was anointed to be our prophet, priest and king. The prophetic guidance of Jesus, revealed in Scripture, frees us from worry about our purpose and path in life. The priestly sacrifice of Jesus frees us from the fear of judgment and condemnation. The kingly rule of Christ encourages us as we feel His power defending us and His wisdom preserving us. As believers we rejoice to live in confidence, in hope and in trust. It is the good pleasure of the Father to give us these blessings through the blessed work of Christ, His Son. In your hour of struggle, in your moment of temptation, do not be enslaved by worry, for our Saviour says to us: Do not be afraid, little flock. Suggestions for Prayer Seek the Lord's blessing of a confident faith that overcomes the dark clouds of worry. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 13 - Refusing Christ, refusing life

“…yet you refuse to come to me to have life.” - John 5:40 Scripture reading: John 5:30-40 If you have reached this point in our Nearer to God devotional booklet, then you have some good spiritual habits. Others must think of you as a genuinely religious person, and that's commendable. Our text, however, makes it clear that there are some dangers in the path of those who are religious. It warns that you can appear outwardly religious, go to church, live a moral life, read the Bible and this devotional booklet, and yet miss the mark and fail to obtain eternal life by refusing to come to Christ Jesus in faith. To know the Scriptures, but not the Christ of the Scriptures is fatal. To be outwardly religious, but inwardly without faith, is to be walking the path to destruction. If we harden our hearts, give in to doubts, and seek after the pleasures of the world, the light of the Gospel will not shine in our souls. It is not enough to merely search the Scriptures. We must search them with the proper end in view and with a prayer for the Spirit's work to apply the truth to our hearts. As this year unfolds, read and study the Scriptures with a believing heart. Come in faith to a sure knowledge of the truth. To have eternal life we must come to the risen Christ, revealed in the Scriptures. We must make sure that our religion, our spiritual commitment, is more than a habit. Dear reader, search the Scriptures this year. Do so to know the Christ revealed there, and, knowing Him, have eternal life. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Holy Spirit to guide, direct, and enlighten you as you search the Scriptures day by day. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 12 - Jesus saves

“Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by which we must be saved.” - Acts 4:12 Scripture reading: Acts 4:1-12 Today is the Lord's Day, a time for Christians to gather for worship. We do so, motivated by faith in our Saviour, Jesus Christ. If an unbelieving neighbour or coworker notices this and would ask you, “What is the basic belief that you have which makes you a Christian?” How would you answer? If you would answer, my basic belief is: “Jesus saves!” you would have given a right and true answer. The fact that Jesus Saves, and our faith in the truth of that statement, is what separates Christians from unbelievers. The dividing line between the Christian and the unbeliever, between salvation and condemnation, is the one basic belief of which our text speaks. It is vital for our Christian lives that we share spiritual life in a church that proclaims this basic, Biblical teaching. If you are a member of such a church, be thankful, and do all in your power to build up the communion of the saints there. Those who are saved and those who would be saved must turn in humble faith to Jesus, acknowledge Him as their Saviour and Lord, and share in worshipping Him in His church. God in His grace has provided a place, a shelter from life's storms, where our faith can be strengthened by the means of grace. That place is His church. Be sure that this Lord's Day you attend worship, so that your faith in Jesus will be built up. Let all who truly worship this day find in their salvation by trust in Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Ask that God will bless all those who worship this Lord's Day with strengthened faith in Jesus, the only Saviour. Pray for spiritual renewal in the hearts of those who neglect the means of grace. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 11 - Powerful trust

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

Daily devotional

January 10 - Starting with hope

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

Daily devotional

January 9 - The path ahead

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

Daily devotional

January 8 - The Lord’s will

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

Daily devotional

January 7 - A new walk with Jesus

“The hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshippers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him.” - John 4:23 Scripture reading: John 4:7-26 In this Gospel account, we meet the Samaritan woman who was enslaved by a sinful past. The fact is, many of us today are chained to the past: old sins, old arguments, old angers, old resentments. It is not the Lord's will or intention to start the year by proving you right in your old, sinful ways. People who refuse a new walk with Jesus will only receive God's justice. Today, through the words of the Gospel, Jesus speaks to us as He did to the Samaritan woman at the well. He says: woman, man, boy, girl, young person (whoever you might be): Believe Me, the time is coming and is now here when your anger, your strong opinions, your human will shall count as nothing. If you cannot shut the door on past sins, then you will not be able to walk with Me or truly worship Me in the days ahead. The time is coming and now is- today- it's the perfect time to set the past in its place, to repent, to receive pardon for your past sins, and to stop reliving old hatreds and bitterness. The time is coming and now is- to get serious and do what is most important: worship God, not just in church on Sunday, but every day. Serve the Lord with faith and obedience and a life of Christian service. That's the person the Father seeks and it is that person who will have the joy of a new walk with Jesus each step of the year ahead. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord for wisdom to recognize when you are caught in old sins. Pray that the Lord Jesus will forgive those sins, and that the Spirit will guide you to become a person whom the Father seeks. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 6 - Expecting the best

“…therefore you also must be ready, for the Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” - Matthew 24:44 Scripture reading: Matthew 24:36-44 The Christian's heart is guided by faith, and is ready at all times for the blessed return of Jesus with glory on the clouds of heaven. Being well prepared for Jesus' return is essential in our walk with the Lord day by day. Surely, the return of our Lord is the best expectation we can have as a New Year begins. Christ Jesus may return this year, and we, as faithful servants, must be found ready. Our Christian homes, our church participation, our daily living should all be found in order. We know that we fall short, and our struggle against sin is very real, but Jesus is our Saviour and we are justified by faith, and have peace with God. Even if Jesus does not return in 2025, being well prepared by expecting the best will surely result in blessings. We will enjoy the blessing of a well-ordered, godly life in our homes, at church, at work, at school, or wherever life will take us in the New Year. We will appreciate the pardon that only Jesus provides, as we turn to Him in faith. We cannot read the future. We do not know what 2025 will bring. God, however, has given us a mind, heart and will, so that we can plan and look ahead. Let us as Christians expect the best. The best thing of all is that Jesus will come at the time of His choosing, to take us to Himself. Then we shall enjoy the wonderful blessing of perfect fellowship with our Saviour forever! Suggestions for prayer Make it your daily prayer that the Lord Jesus will return to us quickly. Pray that through faith you will be ready for that great day. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 5 - Renewing our strength

“But those who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength. They shall mount up with wings like eagles. They shall run and not be weary. They shall walk and not faint.” - Isaiah 40:31 Scripture reading: Isaiah 40:25-31 It's the Lord's Day, the New Testament Sabbath. All around the world church doors are open and worship services are held. It is the opportunity we need as a new week begins, to renew our spiritual strength through the preaching of the Word, prayer and Christian fellowship. Attending worship services at church is an essential opportunity for spiritual renewal. On this first Sunday of the New Year, let us consecrate and dedicate ourselves to “wait upon the Lord.” Let us not run ahead of God in fits of human passion. Let us not fall behind the Lord by clinging to human traditions and outward customs. Do not follow the wide highway of glorifying self or personal opinion, which is so common today, but rather let us “wait upon the Lord”. Today, wait quietly upon the Lord by carefully listening as God's Word is read and a sermon proclaimed. Listen with faith, confidence and obedience. By doing so, the Lord will surely bless you; He shall renew your strength! Look forward to a year in which God will renew you, body and soul, through faithful participation in the means of grace. Look forward to receiving from Christ the power that you need to overcome temptation and the comfort of His forgiveness. With God's help and strength, we shall surmount every trouble, every trial, as though we had eagle's wings. As we hasten down the path ahead in the days to come, we shall not be weary, we shall not fail, because those who “wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength.” Suggestions for prayer: Pray that the Spirit will use the means of grace, as you worship today, to strengthen and bless you. Seek wisdom to wait quietly upon the Lord. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 4 - New wine

“And no one puts new wine into old wineskins; or else the new wine will burst the wineskins and be spilled, and the wineskins will be ruined. But new wine must be put into new wineskins, and both are preserved.” - Luke 5:37-38 Scripture reading: Luke 5:27-38 Jesus' first listeners were familiar with the process of making wine. It was a process that required much care, so that a new batch of wine would prove good. Remember that the people of the ancient near east did not have glass bottles. They used a specially treated, tanned animal skin to store the wine they made. If the wineskin was old and weak, it could not contain new wine, which was still full of the energy of fermentation. The Lord is teaching us here that you cannot contain the energy of newness of Spirit-filled, faithful life in Christ in the old wineskin of unregenerate human nature, which is fatally weakened by stubbornness, hardness of heart, self-will, anger, and spiritual carelessness. If you try, you are bound for disaster. The old wineskin will not be able to take it, and the wine will be spilt and the wineskin ruined. Jesus said that new wine must be put into new wineskins. If you have newness of life in Christ, then you must use the new wineskin of faith, hope, love, obedience and joy. These virtues must mark your life of discipleship. As tomorrow is the Lord's Day, which comes with a call to gather for worship, you need the new wineskin of participation in the life of your congregation. Those who have new life in Christ will be a blessing to the bride of Christ, His church. Use the energy of new life in Jesus to be a blessing and example to those around you. Be sure to worship tomorrow! Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord to fill you with the new wine of faithful discipleship. Seek the Lord's guidance as you prepare for worship at church tomorrow. Rev. Gregg V. Martin was ordained to the Gospel ministry in 1977. In his years of service, he pastored a total of five congregations in three Canadian provinces. He also served for more than seven years in Latin America as a missionary providing leadership training in Reformed mission churches. He is presently retired and living in Toronto. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

January 3 - New Year’s resolutions

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

Daily devotional

January 2 - A sanctified start

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

Daily devotional

January 1 - Introduction to the new year!

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

Daily devotional

December 31 - The Bride and Spirit in sync

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

Daily devotional

December 30 - His reward is with him

“Behold, I am coming soon, bringing my recompense with me, to repay each one for what he has done.” - Revelation 22:12 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:6-21 Jesus is coming soon! Of course, we have been hearing that for almost 2000 years! But don’t let that make you dozy, for He will come on a day when you least expect. Any who continue to live in disobedience, who do not take holiness seriously, who live out of harmony and fellowship with God, refusing to live by faith, will suddenly find it too late for all the words of this prophecy will have come true. Then there will be no time to change. Today is a day of salvation! Jesus is coming, bringing His recompense (reward) with Him. Romans 2:6-11 says, He will render to each one according to his works, to those who by patience in well-doing seek for glory and honor and immortality, he will give eternal life; but for those who are self-seeking and do not obey the truth, but obey unrighteousness, there will be wrath and fury … God shows no partiality. Those who wash and make themselves clean will enter the city. But those who do not wash, those who love and practice falsehood, will go into the lake of fire. Jesus sent His angel to testify about these things for the churches. The word “you” in v. 16 is plural, meaning this is for all believers to hear and take to heart. Be comforted, He is the Christ, the root and offspring of David, the bright and morning star. Are you comforted in the coming of Jesus to reward each one? Suggestions for prayer Pray for strength to be awake and watching for the day of the Lord. Rejoice together in the certainty of His return to bring us into the fullness of our inheritance! Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 29 - Keeping the vision

“And behold, I am coming soon. Blessed is the one who keeps the words of the prophecy of this book.” - Revelation 22:7 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:6-21 At the beginning of the book of Revelation, we read, “Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear, and who keep what is written in it, for the time is near” (Revelation 1:3). Nearing the end of the book we find the thought repeated. We are reminded that these words are trustworthy and true. God sent His angel to communicate to us what must soon take place. How crucial then that we take note of this book and its message. What does it mean to keep the words of the prophecy? It means first to believe, to take to heart. These words are intended to comfort and strengthen us in the days ahead. And if we believe this vision, it also means that we shall live our lives focused on Christ, Who is shown as the conquering, victorious Lord of lords and King of kings. It means then that we shun evil and all that opposes Christ, that we guard ourselves against the dragon, the beasts and Babylon. It means, as we read in verse 14, that we wash our robes, that we clothe ourselves in righteous living even as we have been clothed in the righteousness of Christ. As He forgives, we forgive; as He loves, we love; as He shows mercy, we show mercy. It means we live focused on already being the new society that we shall be in the new heavens and earth. Let us so live. Suggestions for prayer Ask God for His Spirit to enable you to keep the words of this book, that this vision may shape your vision, and that Christ may be your Lord, and His bride your concern. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

December 28 - His name on our foreheads

“They will see his face, and his name will be on their foreheads.” - Revelation 22:4 Scripture reading: Revelation 22:1-5 The blessedness of the paradise of God is also pictured in the words, “They will see His face, and His name will be on their foreheads.” As finite creatures, we will know Him in glory as fully as we are able. We shall see Him! So we shall be like Him! His name will be on our foreheads, marked as His, as the priests in the Old Testament were, with ‘Holy to the Lord’ written on their foreheads. We will all be priests of God, serving Him. Clearly, we will not be living a life of leisure. We say that our Sundays are a foretaste of eternal rest. This is not because they are idle days, because our Sundays are busy! We spend our Sundays in preparation for worship, worshipping God, enjoying fellowship with God and His people and in doing good deeds. This equips us for living all week long for our God, resting from our sinful ways as we do the work we are called to do. Our life in glory will be filled with constant service and worship. We will have a constant source of nourishment. In glory there will be no night, nothing to hinder our fellowship with God and each other. We shall see clearly, and God will reveal Himself clearly. And we shall reign with God forever! As prophets, priests and kings we will serve and enjoy our God forever! To Him be the glory! Abraham lived looking forward to the city whose builder and maker was God. Do you? Suggestions for prayer Pray for the Spirit’s empowerment to live now in anticipation of the day when sin shall be no more, but we freely live for the praise and full enjoyment of God. Rev. Calvin J. Tuininga was born in Grand Rapids Michigan, but as a PK grew up in different places, mostly in Canada. He served in four churches: Burdett Alberta (CRC), Telkwa, B.C. (CRC), Trinity St. Catharines, Ontario (CRC/URC) and Covenant URC in Pantego, North Carolina. He retired in September 2019, and he and his wife presently reside in Washington, North Carolina. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

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January 21 - Children of the Lord

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January 20 - Jesus’ sheep

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January 19 - Jesus, our priest

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January 18 - The only Saviour

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January 17 - A King’s worth

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January 16 - Nobody is perfect

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January 15 - The Lordship of Christ

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January 14 - Power over fear

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January 13 - Refusing Christ, refusing life

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January 12 - Jesus saves

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January 11 - Powerful trust

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January 10 - Starting with hope

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January 9 - The path ahead

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January 8 - The Lord’s will

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January 7 - A new walk with Jesus

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January 5 - Renewing our strength

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January 4 - New wine

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January 3 - New Year’s resolutions

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January 2 - A sanctified start

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January 1 - Introduction to the new year!

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December 31 - The Bride and Spirit in sync

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December 30 - His reward is with him

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December 29 - Keeping the vision

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December 28 - His name on our foreheads