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Search TAG: Nearer to God daily devotional

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Daily devotional

October 31 - Heavenly citizenship

“Since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.” - Hebrews 11:40 Scripture reading: Philip...
Daily devotional

October 30 - Commended for their faith

“And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised,” - Hebrews 11:39  Scripture reading: I Corinthians 10...
Daily devotional

October 29 - The faith of the martyrs

“…of whom the world was not worthy (NKJV).” - Hebrews 11:38a  Scripture reading: II Kings 2:1-18 All men are conceived and born in sin an...
Daily devotional

October 28 - The faith of the martyrs

“They were stoned, they were sawn in two, they were killed with the sword.” - Hebrews 11:37a  Scripture Reading: Acts 7:1-60 (shorter reading ...
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Daily devotional

October 27 - Resurrection hope

“Women received back their dead by resurrection. Some were tortured, refusing to accept release, so that they might rise again to a better life.” - Hebrews 11:35 Scripture reading: Mark 5:21-43 There are not many things more difficult than losing a child. In the Scriptures we see it happen a number of times. In Mark 5, it is the leader of the synagogue whose daughter is said to have died, though Jesus said that she slept. He went into where she lay and took her hand and told her to get up. Jesus restored her life. I said there are not many things more difficult than losing a child, but there is something far weightier. It is having a loved one turn his back on the Lord. Even if Jesus would raise a child from the dead, the child will die again. However, when Jesus spiritually resurrects believers, by the work of the Holy Spirit in their hearts, then even though they may die, yet they will live forevermore. This is the better resurrection Hebrews 11:35 is speaking about. This is the resurrection made available because of Jesus’ resurrection. We can gain many things in this life, but it all pales in comparison to what will be received in the life to come. The old will be destroyed and all things will be made new. This is the result of the resurrection that the faithful wait for now. There is a living hope given to the child of God. How can we know this? By faith. In Mark 5:36, Jesus told the synagogue ruler at the news of his daughter’s death, “Don’t be afraid, just believe.” Let us also heed those words. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the “better resurrection.” Ask for the grace to patiently wait. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 26 - By faith the weak become strong

“…were made strong out of weakness, became mighty in war, put foreign armies to flight.” - Hebrews 11:34b Scripture reading: Judges 16:23-31; Hebrews 11:32-34 In Hebrews 11:32-34, we could tie in many narratives of God’s powerful dealings with His people through the faith of His servants. The one we read about from Judges 16 is yet another sinner saved by grace. Samson, the powerful destroyer of the Philistines, was tricked by his crafty wife, Delilah. His hair was cut, he was captured, blinded and bound in chains for life. His supernatural strength was removed. He was just an ordinary man. At a party with all the big-wigs of the city, they brought the disgraced Samson out to mock him. Samson found the two load-bearing pillars of the house and pushed them and he killed more in his death than he did in his life. How was he able to do this? Because, by faith he prayed to God, it says in Judges 16, and the Lord granted his prayer for strength. Why did God grant that request? The request for strength from the weak Samson was not unto Samson’s glory or honour. After all, if the Lord answered his prayer, which he did, Samson would be dead. It was unto the glory of God and the destruction of the enemies of the church that the Lord granted this strength. This is how the Lord works. He did so with Samson and, as Hebrews 11:32 says, “Gideon, Barak, Samson, Jephthah, David, Samuel and the prophets." When we recognize how weak we are, then we can also recognize how strong the Lord is. Glory to God alone. Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord for strength when you are weak. Pray for humility to receive whatever the Lord may give. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 25 - Rahab’s faith

“By faith Rahab the prostitute did not perish with those who were disobedient, because she had given a friendly welcome to the spies.” - Hebrews 11:31  Scripture reading: Joshua 2:1-24 Rahab is mentioned seven times in the Bible. Five of those times, her sinful occupation of prostitute is connected with her name. We do not know when she turned from her sinful lifestyle, but in Joshua 2:9-11 we read something of a profession of faith. Nevertheless, this woman hid the two Israelite spies who were checking out the city of Jericho. She lied to the soldiers searching for them. Rahab knew that God was on the side of Israel and she chose the Lord to be her God. When the walls of Jericho fell down and the city was routed, Rahab and her family were saved. In fact, they were welcomed into the covenant life of God’s people. In Matthew 1:5, we find Rahab in Jesus’ genealogy. She had a son named Boaz. This Gentile woman was not merely spared her life when the wicked people of Jericho were destroyed, but she is forever remembered, for by God’s mysterious and wonderful plan, she is part of the line of promise leading to the Messiah. Rahab went from following false gods to following the only true God. She became the great-great grandmother of King David. The Lord uses the small, weak and sinful in themselves and he changes them. He uses them. Behind that term, “by faith” is the understanding that as Ephesians 2 explains, faith is a gift from God. Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ and you will be saved. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for faith. Ask for strength to trust in God and not in the “things” of this world (e.g. money, work, popularity, etc.) Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 24 - Jericho’s destruction

“By faith the walls of Jericho fell down after they had been encircled for seven days.” - Hebrews 11:30  Scripture Reading: Joshua 6:1-27 How can an army penetrate a fortified city? Will its walls fall after marching and shouting? Yes, if the Lord says so. This narrative of Jericho is loved and remembered by children. Israel crossed the Jordan miraculously, made an altar to the Lord and now they are ready to possess the land. The first city they come to is the powerful Jericho. After two spies from Israel are helped by Rahab, Joshua receives orders to march around the city for seven days. The conclusion of the narrative is that the walls fall, the city is routed and burned and all of its wealth goes into the Lord’s treasury (except that which Achan stole). What were the Israelites thinking as day after day passed and they marched around the city? Hebrews 11 attributes it to faith. God had done the seemingly impossible before and he could do it again. For, with God, all things are possible. Sometimes, it is easier for children than for adults to confess that God is almighty and there is nothing that God cannot do. As we come to God in prayer, do we believe God is able to accomplish all that we ask? God might not grant what we ask in faith in the way that we want Him to, but the Lord can in His way. These “heroes of faith” are remembered in Hebrews 11, but we could just as well remember that this is not merely the “by faith” chapter, it is the “by grace” chapter. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for His powerful attributes. Ask for faith to pray that the Lord would do mighty things in your life. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 23 - Walk by faith

“By faith the people crossed the Red Sea as on dry land…” - Hebrews 11:29a  Scripture reading: Exodus 13:17-14:31 Pharaoh changed his mind. After letting the people go, he realized his labor force was headed East. He decided to force them back. However, the Lord protected the people. The pillar of cloud and fire that led the people moved. Now, it separated the Israelites from the Egyptians, making it dark on one side of the cloud and light for Israel. They crossed the Red Sea which the Lord had miraculously parted. When the Egyptians tried to cross, the Lord let the waters return and the Egyptians were drowned. By faith, God’s people crossed the Red Sea. This becomes a picture of salvation, as mentioned in our baptism form. The same path which gave life to some, was the occasion of death for the others. Through water, Israel received life; by water, Egypt received death. The same waters of baptism which picture Christ’s blood washing away all of our sins, will be the same waters that picture death, if the salvation pictured is rejected. By faith, God’s people crossed the Red Sea because they trusted the promises of God. We also are called to walk by faith and not by sight. What do you think an Israelite child thought as he looked at the wall of water around him? His parents surely would have told him that the Lord is our protector. Grab hold of your baptism and say, “Yes, I believe those promises are mine.” Then walk the route the Lord has opened to you in His Word. Suggestions for Prayer Ask God for mercy to walk the path He calls us to walk. Praise God for His grace amidst judgment. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 22 - The faith of Moses

“By faith he kept the Passover and sprinkled the blood, so that the Destroyer of the firstborn might not touch them.” - Hebrews 11:28 Scripture reading: Exodus 12:1-30 After nine plagues were unleashed upon the Egyptians, the tenth plague would be the worst. The angel of death would pass through each house and snuff out the life of the firstborn son. There would be a very real and serious consequence to oppressing those whom the Lord called His firstborn in Exodus 4:22. There was only one way to escape the great punishment. The faithful were to slaughter the Passover lamb and paint the door frame of their homes with the blood of the lamb. When the angel saw the blood, it would pass by that house. Here we have a picture of what Jesus Christ, that last and ultimate Lamb of God, would perform. God’s judgment against sin is also very real and serious. The consequence is to spend eternity in hell. There is only one way of escape, there is only one way for the angel of death to pass by and that is to have the blood of the Lamb of God sprinkled upon your hearts. Jesus' blood was shed upon the cross in order to forgive our sins. The paintbrush of the Holy Spirit applies that to our hearts by faith. We are called to receive with the hand of a beggar, not merely a passing by of death, but of a glorious inheritance as we reign forever with the Lord Jesus Christ. This is our Passover. Suggestions for Prayer Thank God for a glorious salvation. Ask for grace to find in Jesus all that you need to be made right before God. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 21 - The faith of Moses

“By faith…he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” - Hebrews 11:27  Scripture reading: Exodus 4:1-17 In Exodus 4, Moses makes three more protests to God. He is concerned the people won’t believe him (v.1); he next says he is not eloquent in speech (v.10); thirdly, he simply says “please send someone else” (v.13). Why would the Lord call Moses to such a task? From a human perspective he seems so unfit for the work. He is already 80 years old, he might have a speech impediment, he lacks confidence, he doesn’t take rejection very well (Exodus 6) and he doesn’t want to do it. In a way, this makes Moses the perfect candidate. There will certainly be no room for pride in Moses when he realizes that God can shoot straight with a crooked arrow. God has chosen the foolish things of this world to accomplish His purposes. It is not by might or power, but by the Word of the Lord that the kingdom expands and permeates the world around us. The “foolishness” of preaching is able to soften the heart of the hard-hearted. It is by the Word that the sorrowful are comforted, the wayward are called back, the searcher is shown the path. How many men have been elected to church office and thought, “Certainly Lord, there are far more qualified men.” But, the Lord calls us, sometimes to great and sometimes to difficult positions and places in this life. Will He also give us the grace for that? Yes, because He has promised to do so (II Corinthians 12:9). Suggestions for prayer Ask the Lord for strength to fulfill your calling(s) in life. Thank Him for His patience with you. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 20 - The faith of Moses

“By faith he left Egypt, not being afraid of the anger of the king, for he endured as seeing him who is invisible.” - Hebrews 11:27  Scripture Reading: Exodus 3:1-22 After Moses killed the Egyptian, he fled to Midian and there he settled down. He found a wife, had two sons and became a shepherd for his father-in-law. How would Moses lead the people out of Egypt if he was a shepherd, far away? Just like God did with Abraham, He miraculously came to Moses. In Exodus 3, we see the theophany of the burning bush. Here Moses saw Him Who is invisible. The Lord had a great plan for Moses and for the people. He was going to bring them out of slavery in Egypt. However, it would be a difficult process. More than once, the Lord prepares Moses for Pharaoh to say, “No.” (Exodus 3:19; 4:21). Pharaoh’s heart will be hardened to the requests of Moses and Aaron to let the people go. Moses’ faith will be tested. He will cry out to God in Exodus 5:22-23 after Pharaoh makes things even more difficult for the Israelites. It would be a redemption that took time, just as it would be 1500 years later. Our Lord Jesus Christ had to endure many hardships to save His people. He had to be tested and tempted by the Evil One. He had to endure the shame, the cross and the grave, in order to be raised victorious on Easter morning. Moses is going to deliver the people from slavery to Pharaoh. Jesus is the ultimate Deliverer from sin, death, and hell. “Hallelujah, what a Saviour.” Suggestions for prayer Pray with thanksgiving through the steps of Christ’s humiliation and exaltation as found in the Apostle’s Creed. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 19 - The faith of Moses

“choosing…the people of God…” - Hebrews 11:25 Scripture reading: Exodus 2:11-15; Hebrews 11:24-28 Over the next few days we will talk about the Lord’s servant Moses. He would become the great leader and liberator of the Israelites. Yesterday, we saw that Moses’ parents hid him. He was found by Pharaoh’s daughter and grew up learning all of the wisdom of the Egyptians. He would have had the best of nearly everything. However, in Exodus 2, he looked upon his people and, Hebrews 11:25 says, he chose them. He saw an Egyptian attacking a Hebrew slave and he killed the Egyptian. Moses was wrong to kill the Egyptian. Moses would be the great defender of the people, but what he had to learn is to do this in the Lord’s timing. He needed to learn patience. Jesus spoke that the time was at hand for Him to be glorified. For us, we work and pray for things, but it is the Lord who controls the timing. We pray for the church to grow in number, but sometimes we see the opposite happen. It is all in the Lord’s timing. We might pray to be delivered from a difficult situation, or for a stronger faith, or to find a spouse, etc. All of these things happen in the Lord’s timing. As a result of Moses’ hasty action, he had to flee Egypt and go to Midian for 40 years. However, by then, Moses had chosen to be on the side of the people of God, because he was one of them. Look to the one greater than Moses, who chose the people of God. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His control of all things. Ask the Lord for patience to wait on His plan and timing. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 18 - Disobeying pharaoh by faith

“By faith Moses, when he was born, was hidden for three months by his parents, because they saw that the child was beautiful, and they were not afraid of the king's edict.” - Hebrews 11:23  Scripture reading: Exodus 2:1-10 Pharaoh saw that the Israelites were growing numerous in the land. He was afraid that if foreign invaders came, the Israelites would side with them. So, Pharaoh, much like Herod 1500 years later, made an edict to kill the baby boys. When Moses was born, his mother saw that he was a “fine child” (Exodus 2:2) and hid him. Is this what Hebrews 11:23 means by, “no ordinary child”? It could mean that, or God could have revealed Himself to Moses’ parents. Nevertheless, they decided to disobey Pharaoh. Moses’ parents (Amram and Jochebed) risked their lives to save their son. It is good that they did, because it is that son, who 80 years later would stand before a new Pharaoh and say on behalf of God, “Let my people go.” The days may be coming and have been here in the past, that to obey God might mean to disobey a wicked leader. There are questions about the fifth commandment here, but God’s Word is clear that we must obey God rather than man. Jesus was pressured by the religious elite to be quiet. He was preaching the gospel of the kingdom. He was attesting to Himself as the God-Man. They killed Him for it, but like the situation with Moses before, it is not the wisdom of man, but the power of God that delivers His people. Suggestions for prayer Thank God for the Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ. Ask God for strength to stand upon His Word even if the world/government pressures you to do otherwise. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 17 - Joseph’s bones

“By faith Joseph, at the end of his life, made mention of the exodus of the Israelites and gave directions concerning his bones.” - Hebrews 11:22  Scripture Reading: Genesis 50:22-26 Does it matter what happens to your body when you die? Yes, it does. To Joseph, it was his dying wish. Certainly in the history of the church there have been many saints who have died the death of martyrs and their bones were burned or ground to dust or ash and then scattered in an attempt to add further humiliation to the believer. For Joseph, why would it have been important to have his bones carried out of Egypt when the people left? After all, that would be a long trip to carry someone’s bones. We know that in Genesis 17, God had told Abraham that his descendants would be enslaved for 400 years. Then, they would inherit the land promised to him. So, why is this verse in Hebrews 11? Because Joseph believed the promise of God. Joseph trusted that God would do exactly what He said He would do, namely, bring the Israelites out of Egypt and into the land of promise. Bones might not seem like a big deal, but when we think of them in light of the promise of God, the resurrection comes to mind. The weak and fragile corrupted bones of today, upon the return of the Lord Jesus Christ, will be raised incorruptible. We are not awaiting a spiritual resurrection (that happens when we believe); we are awaiting a physical resurrection where our bodies and souls will be reunited and transformed like Christ’s glorified body. That promise keeps the Christian on his knees in prayer. Suggestions for Prayer Thank God for the promise of the great “land of promise” with the Lord. Ask God for the spirit that you may stand steadfast unto the day of Christ’s appearing. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 16 - Jacob’s blessing

“By faith Jacob, when dying, blessed each of the sons of Joseph, bowing in worship over the head of his staff.” - Hebrews 11:21  Scripture reading: Genesis 48:1-21 Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, were Jacob’s grandsons. Nevertheless, Jacob blessed them as his own, thereby adopting them so that they would be as “Reuben and Simeon”. Jacob gave the greater blessing to Ephraim even though he was younger. This was because he would be greater than his brother. This is just another example of the sovereign God carrying out the glorious plan of redemption. In Genesis 48, Jacob tells Joseph that he thought he would never see him again and now, lo and behold, he sees Joseph’s sons. By faith, Jacob spoke of things to come and this is the theme we see repeated in Hebrews 11. It is a looking back in order to look ahead. The Christian concept of hope is foreign to the world around us. But to the child of God, it makes him able to live and die in the comfort of belonging to Jesus Christ. In Jesus Christ, that great enemy of death has been defeated. By faith, Jacob could lean on the top of his staff at the very end of his life, as he was about to breathe his last and speak about what was to come. By faith, we can do the same when we look to the promises of the Lord Jesus Christ. There is a beautiful joy and peace when a believer dies. Though the pain is real and the tears may flow, Jesus has risen from the dead and so will we. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the privilege to live and die with peace and comfort. Ask God to give you strength to look back in order to hope for what is to come. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 15 - Isaac’s blessing

“By faith Isaac invoked future blessings on Jacob and Esau.” - Hebrews 11:20 Scripture reading: Genesis 27:1-40 This is an interesting verse, because it deals with a situation where Isaac was deceived. Jacob pretended and lied saying that he was the older son, Esau. Yet, when Isaac found out, he did not take the blessing back, but kept it, for he knew it was the will of the Lord. The promise of the covenant would flow through Isaac to Jacob. The fact that Jacob, who was younger, is mentioned first, is likely either in that order because he was blessed first, or probably because of the covenant prominence as being elect. Jacob and Esau are used later in Scripture in Romans 9 as an example of God’s electing grace. It is not by the will of man, but by the power of God. Isaac believed the Lord, but it was the Lord who used Isaac in his old age, unable to see, to give the promise first given to Abraham; and the church on earth, through God’s redemption, continues to grow. The battle belongs to the Lord. Moses had to learn this, Gideon had to learn this and we have to continue to remember this. We are called to work and pray, but it is God who ultimately accomplishes His good purposes. Hebrews 11:20 mentions Jacob and Esau’s future. This is what it comes down to…what will the future hold? Flee to Christ and receive the assurance of an everlasting inheritance from the Lord. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for His mighty hand in saving sinners. Ask the Lord to give you a future-oriented heart as you live in the present. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 14 - Isaac resurrected

“He considered that God was able even to raise him from the dead, from which, figuratively speaking, he did receive him back.” - Hebrews 11:19 Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-19 (notice anything new the second time?) When Abraham loaded up his donkey and headed to sacrifice, Isaac was as good as dead. Isaac was going to be sacrificed to God, because God told Abraham to do exactly that. Once they got to the mountain, Isaac asked Abraham a very telling question in Genesis 22:7, “’The fire and wood are here,’ Isaac said, ‘but where is the lamb for the burnt offering?’” We know the answer to the question; the offering was going to be Isaac. Abraham responded honestly, but in a unique way, “God will provide the lamb,” he said. They get to the spot of sacrifice and right when Abraham is going to kill Isaac, the angel stops him. Just then (vs. 13), Abraham looked up and saw a ram caught by its horns. Abraham took it instead and sacrificed it. In a precursor to Jesus Christ, God provides the sacrifice. It wasn’t a coincidence that the ram happened to be there, caught in the thicket. God directed this. By faith, Abraham followed directions just as God had told him to do. By grace, God provided a ram in the bushes as the sacrifice, just as he would eventually provide the Lord Jesus Christ, of Whom it was said by John the Baptist, “Behold, the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world.” (John 1:29). Suggestions for prayer Thank God that He provides a Saviour from sin. Ask God to give us the Spirit, that we might live by faith and take God at His Word. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 13 - Abraham and Isaac

“By faith Abraham, when he was tested, offered up Isaac,” - Hebrews 11:17  Scripture reading: Genesis 22:1-19 Year after year, Abraham and Sarah waited for a child to be born. After all, didn’t God tell Abraham that his descendants would be as numerous as the sand on the seashore and the stars in the sky? Sarah had given up. But one day, that all changed. Finally they had a son of their own, named Isaac. It was with that son that God was going to test Abraham. What would Abraham have thought as he headed toward the mountain? If Isaac dies, how is the promise going to be fulfilled? The rest of Hebrews 11:17 shows the spiritual struggle. God had said one thing, but now it seems that God is saying something very different. There is no such thing as an untested faith. Now, when it seemed that to carry through with what God said would undermine God’s own plan, will Abraham listen to God, or to his own logic? Abraham was tested and he was shown to be obedient. The Lord Jesus Christ was brought up on the temple and he was tempted by the Devil. He was obedient to the Lord. He obeyed God’s Word, even though Satan was twisting it. There are times in our lives when we will have to recognize that God is wise and we are not. We must continue to deny self and follow Christ. Let us pray, not my will, but Your will be done. Suggestions for Prayer: Thank the Lord that trials strengthen our faith. Ask God to protect you from temptation and to fight against sin, for His glory. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 12 - God’s city

“Therefore God is not ashamed to be called their God, for he has prepared for them a city.” - Hebrews 11:16b  Scripture reading: Genesis 19:1-29 (graphic) alternate reading: Gen. 19:12-29 Most of this week so far, we have been developing the theme of a non-earthly city of God. We have seen that this city is heaven, or technically, the new heavens and earth. But, it is not here yet; therefore we must wait. In John 14, Jesus tells the disciples and us that He is going to heaven to prepare a place for us. It is His city. In our Scripture reading, we see a very different city, the cities of Sodom and Gomorrah. Lot and his family are the only ones rescued before fire and brimstone came down from heaven and destroyed that city. Though Lot’s family made it out, one member didn’t make it very far. Lot’s wife looked back, contrary to what the angel had instructed, and she became a pillar of salt. Every child can picture this in his mind, a tall salt pile. For us today, we are not in danger of turning into a pillar of salt. However, there is a danger of looking at the wrong thing. Paul, in Philippians 3, speaks of straining ahead, running a race, seeking a prize of the heavenward call. When we take our eyes off Jesus Christ and put them on ourselves, the things of this world, etc. we become easily lost. As pilgrims on a journey, let us stay the course. God has promised to bring us safely there. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that God is not ashamed of us: He calls us His children. Ask the Lord to strengthen us so that we may keep our eyes on Jesus. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

 October 11 - Pilgrims on earth

“These all died in faith, not having received the things promised, but having seen them and greeted them from afar, and having acknowledged that they were strangers and exiles on the earth.” - Hebrews 11:13  Scripture Reading: I Peter 1:1-12 In 1620, a group of travellers, known as the Pilgrims, landed on what is now called Plymouth Rock in Massachusetts. They then lived a difficult first winter in a place which had not been their home. A pilgrim is a traveller. Hebrews 11 speaks of pilgrims, “aliens and strangers on earth.” On the one hand, when Abraham laid his head down to rest in his tent in Shechem, he was home. However, that land was possessed by the Canaanites. On the other hand, that land of promise was but a picture of a greater land flowing with milk and honey, as we saw yesterday. So many today are focused on Israel as a nation and the conversion of the Jews. However, that land that they possess is not the promised land. The promised land now is in the presence of the Lord and there we will join the church of all ages and places. By faith, many have gone before only seeing the land from a distance as we do, but we know this land is sure because it is secured by Jesus Christ. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the promise of a future inheritance. Pray that the Lord will call in the church and that Jesus will come quickly. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 10 - Stars and sand

“…descendants as many as the stars of heaven and as many as the innumerable grains of sand by the seashore.” - Hebrews 11:12b Scripture reading: Genesis 18:1-15 and Gen. 21:1-7 In our Scripture reading from Genesis 18, we see Sarah, Abraham’s wife, laugh at the news that she would have a child. She was already an old woman. But, as the Lord says to Abraham in Genesis 18:13, “Is anything too hard for the Lord?” The answer is "No." Isaac was born in Genesis 21, when Abraham was 100 years old. Many more will come. In fact, millions upon millions will come from him. An impactful way to say or explain this, is to go to the beach and grab a handful of sand. Begin to count how many grains of sand there are in your hand. Then look at the beach and think of all the beaches in the world. Once again, when we see Hebrews 11 use the phrase, “by faith”, we must recognize this as a faith that is tested by the Lord. Will Abraham really be the father of a great nation? Will Jesus really be able to purchase a people for Himself with His own precious blood? Will we, though sinful, be able to persevere unto the last day? The answer to all kinds of questions like this is, "No, but for the grace of God." God will always accomplish His will and if that will is to give Abraham descendants as numerous as stars and sand, then it will be so. With man this is impossible, but not with God. We are weak and He is strong. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord that you are a spiritual descendent of Abraham. Ask the Lord to strengthen your faith, especially in times when you are weak. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 9 - The land of promise

“For he was looking forward to the city that has foundations, whose designer and builder is God.” - Hebrews 11:10 Scripture reading: Genesis 13:1-18 and Hebrews 11:8-10 In Genesis 12, Abraham arrives at Shechem, in the Eastern part of Canaan. It was there that Joshua, in Joshua 24 would renew the covenant with the Lord. It became an important place because of its redemptive history. That land would be the land of Abraham’s descendants. As the Hebrews endured slavery in Egypt, it was the promise to Abraham that was reiterated to Moses. However, even a land that they could call their own was not the ultimate goal. Even possession of the land of promise in this life was still a shakable reality. After all, Babylon and Assyria are remembered in the Scriptures for exiling God’s people from that land. But, Hebrews 11:10, speaks of a different city -not Shechem, not Jerusalem, but rather, Jerusalem the Golden. It is not a city built by the Canaanites or even the Israelites, but rather by God. Our Scripture passage says that God is the Architect and Builder. This Architect drew the blueprint for that city long before Abraham was called by God. From before the foundations of the world this city was planned. Abraham looked and waited for it and we do as well. We are called to be stewards in the world, but, as Philippians 3:20 reminds us, our citizenship is in heaven. Jerusalem will be our dwelling place, by grace through faith, and Hebrews is not talking about Jerusalem in war-torn Palestine. Can you see that city, by the sea of crystal? So did Abraham. Suggestions for prayer Thank the Lord for the promise of a city not of this world. Ask the Lord for patience and diligence as we await its appearing. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 8 - Abraham believed

“By faith Abraham obeyed when he was called to go out to a place that he was to receive as an inheritance. And he went out, not knowing where he was going.” - Hebrews 11:8  Scripture reading: Genesis 12:1-9 Abraham obeyed and went where God told him. As we read Genesis 12:1, the natural human response would be, “No.” In the ancient world, it was most desirable to be settled. Even today, moving is not easy. It takes much planning, work and emotional energy, along with the fact that you often have to say good-bye to loved ones. In Abraham’s day, to move anywhere was a tremendous task. But even more, he didn’t know where he was going. He went where God told him to go. Abraham, the father of all believers, is held out as an example of a man who walked by faith. As we continue to see in Hebrews 11, the saints described all received a promise which was not realized or accomplished for a time. In the meantime, whether it was Noah waiting for a flood, or Abraham camping and moving, their faith would have been tested. Then, when Abraham arrived in Shechem, the land of promise was filled with Canaanites. There is no such thing as an untested faith. Think of Noah, Abraham, Moses (see Exodus 5:21-22), the Lord Jesus Christ, and us. The comforting truth is that the testing of our faith is for the strengthening of our faith (read I Peter 1:6, 7; James 1:2-4). Jesus calls us to follow Him. The path will not be easy, but we do not have to walk alone. Suggestions for prayer Confess your doubts to the Lord and ask Him for a greater assurance of faith. Ask for strength to go wherever the Lord may call. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

October 7 - Noah the righteous (part 2)

“By faith Noah, being warned by God concerning events as yet unseen, in reverent fear constructed an ark for the saving of his household. By this he condemned the world and became an heir of the righteousness that comes by faith.” - Hebrews 11:7  Scripture reading: Genesis 7-9 or Genesis 8:18-9:17 As with many Old Testament narratives, we see grace amidst judgment. Noah found favour in the eyes of the Lord. As a righteous man, when Noah got out of the ark, he sacrificed to the Lord and like Abel before Him, Noah’s sacrifice was pleasing to the Lord. The flood narrative can be compared to the covenant established with believers and their seed. The rainbow becomes a visible proclamation of an invisible reality, just like the waters of baptism. However, the object of the sign must be trusted. We must not put our trust in our baptism or in a rainbow, but in the God who supplies both. The rainbow, like witnessing a baptism, is a continual call to conversion (faith and repentance). In Hebrews 11:7, both condemnation and an inheritance of righteousness are mentioned. If you have been baptized, then you are still outside the ark and in great peril. If you have been baptized, then you must grab hold of that baptism and say in your heart, “Yes, I believe Jesus has washed away all of my sins and He gives me His righteousness.” When you do that, then you may offer a pleasing sacrifice to the Lord. We do not do this with the killing of an animal, but with a living sacrifice of thanks (Romans 12:1-2). Suggestions for prayer Thank God for baptism as a visible reminder of what He has done. Ask God to strengthen you so that your life is a pleasing sacrifice to Him. Rev. Steve Swets was born and raised in NW Indiana. He graduated from Mid America Reformed Seminary in 2007, and he is currently the minister at Redeemer United Reformed Church in St. John, Indiana. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. It is also available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

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