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August 7 - Christ is the image of the invisible God

Daily devotional

August 6 - Transferred

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness o...

Daily devotional

August 5 - The purpose of Paul’s prayer

“So as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him.” - Colossians 1:10 Scripture reading: Psalm 1:1-6 & Colossians 1:9-12...

Daily devotional

August 4 - Paul’s petition

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

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Daily devotional

August 3 - The word of truth has come to us

“Of this you have heard before in the word of the truth, the gospel, which has come to you, as indeed in the whole world it is bearing fruit and increasing.” - Colossians 1:5b-6 Scripture reading: Psalm 22:22-31 & Colossians 1:5b-8 Paul reminds us here that Christian hope is based upon the word of truth, the gospel. It is based upon an announcement of something that God has done in the Lord Jesus Christ. In His grace and mercy, God spoke to the Colossians in the gospel of His Son through the ministry of Epaphras, and their lives were never again the same. And this is what God has done in our own lives as well: God has spoken to us in the gospel, and He has changed our lives forever. No word in all the world is as powerful as the gospel word! It’s a word that transcends human cultures, ethnicities and languages. It’s a word that demolishes human pride and arrogance. It’s a word that has the power to save all men because it answers the need that all men have, namely, to be made right in God’s sight. This is why the very same message that bore fruit and increased so long ago continues to bear fruit and increase as the message of salvation goes out into all the world. Indeed, “The ends of all the earth shall hear and turn unto the Lord in fear; all kindreds of the earth shall own and worship Him as God alone.” Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God that the word of truth has come to us. Pray that this word would continue to bear fruit and increase, both in the world and in our own lives as well. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 2 - Thankful to God

"We always thank God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, when we pray for you, since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of the love that you have for all the saints, because of the hope laid up for you in heaven." - Colossians 1:3-5 Scripture reading: 1 Peter 1:3-8 & Colossians 1:3-8 The Colossians’ faith was a sincere faith. And for this, the Apostle Paul was exceedingly thankful to the Lord. Indeed, Paul’s gratitude for them was not directed to them. But Paul’s gratitude for them was directed to the Lord. Paul did not give them the credit for the sincerity of faith that he saw in them. Rather, Paul rightly recognized that God Himself was the author of their faith, love and hope in Christ Jesus. And this is precisely the way it is with us as well. Behind our faith, behind our love and behind our hope in Christ is the Spirit of Christ who worked these things in our hearts when He caused us to be born again. When Paul considers the effect that God’s grace has had on the lives of his readers, he cannot help but burst forth into thanksgiving and praise. Paul never ceases to thank God when he prays for them. Is the same true of us? When we consider the faith, hope and love of our fellow church members, are we likewise able to say with Paul, “We always thank God” when we consider the wonder of His grace at work in the lives of our brothers and sisters in the Lord? Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for the faith, love and hope that you see in the lives of your congregation. And pray for God to give us eyes to see all the ways in which He is at work in the lives of His people. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

August 1 - Introduction to the book of Colossians

The Apostle Paul wrote to the Colossians in order that he might present every one of them mature (or complete) in the Lord Jesus Christ (Colossians 1:28). In Chapter 2:9-10, he writes of Christ in this way: “For in him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have been filled in him (or, you have found your completion in him), who is the head of all rule and authority.” And In Chapter 4:12 he says, “Epaphras also greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature (or complete) and fully assured in all the will of God.” This apostolic aim is the theme that ties all the threads of this cherished epistle together. Paul’s desire for the church way back then is Christ’s desire for the church today: that we also should stand complete in Him. In this month’s set of devotions, we’re going to trace this theme throughout the letter in order that we ourselves might learn to look more and more to Christ as the all-sufficient Saviour and come to see more clearly that everything we truly need can be found in Him and in Him alone. “In Christ, at Colossae” “To the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae: Grace to you and peace from God our Father.” - Colossians 1:2 Scripture reading: Acts 9:1-6 & 1 Timothy 1:12-17 As is customary in all of his letters, Paul begins his letter to the Colossians with an apostolic greeting. Paul identifies himself as an apostle of Christ Jesus by the will of God to remind his readers that what he says, he says with Christ’s authority. What Paul writes in his letter, therefore, cannot be shrugged off to the side. For these words are not just Paul’s words, but the very words of Christ Himself. And what an amazing thing it is to be mindful of this reality when we read the manner in which Paul addresses his readers. He addresses them as “the saints and faithful brothers in Christ at Colossae.” Now, we all recognize that no church is perfect. Every church on this side of heaven is full of sinners. But the wonder of the gospel is that sinners like us, and sinners like the Colossians so long ago, have become a whole new thing – “saints and faithful brothers in the Lord Jesus Christ.” Yes, Paul’s original readers lived in the city of Colossae. That’s where they worked and went about all their daily tasks. Colossae was their physical location. But Paul tells us that their spiritual location was in Christ, in Whom they had come to share in all the benefits of salvation. The same is true for us today; we, too, are in Christ Jesus. Suggestions for prayer Give thanks to God for bringing you into the Lord Jesus Christ. Pray for the grace to live in light of this reality. Rev. Bryce De Zwarte is a native of Pella, Iowa and a graduate of Dordt University and Mid-America Reformed Seminary. Rev. De Zwarte has been serving as the pastor of the Adoration URC in Vineland, Ontario since April of 2020. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 31 - Grace be with you

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

Daily devotional

July 30 - Fulfill your ministry

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

Daily devotional

July 29 - Sharing the treasure

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

Daily devotional

July 28 - The communion of the saints

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

Daily devotional

July 27 - The praying pastor

“Epaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ Jesus, greets you, always struggling on your behalf in his prayers, that you may stand mature and fully assured in all the will of God. For I bear him witness that he has worked hard for you and for those in Laodicea and in Hierapolis.” - Colossians 4:12-13 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:12-13 We do not know too much about Epaphras. It is likely that Paul, while he spent his three years in Ephesus, worked closely with Epaphras to have the gospel preached in Colosse. After first being a faithful preacher, he became a diligent pastor. When he saw the difficulties of Jewish formalism mixed with the oriental mysticism and the false religions and vain philosophies surrounding the young church, he went to see Paul while in prison in Rome. There, he worked with Paul to understand the truth and learn how to apply it and defend it in light of the heresies attacking the church. There are times when pastors go through challenging times. There are times when wise speech or godly rebukes are not always met with the kind of change of thinking or behaviour we hope for in the Church of Jesus Christ. What, then, is the pastor left with? Looking at Paul and us, we see it is prayer. In difficult times, nothing is left but for your pastor to go to the ground before almighty God, begging, pleading and interceding because there are things that only God can do. If it's true that the Lord sends forth reapers for the harvest, he also sends shepherds for the sheep. This is what the church needs. Praise God if you have that kind of shepherd and elders who love and care for you, and are wrestling before the throne of God for the well-being and maturity of the people of God in your congregation. Suggestions for prayer Pray that your congregation and you will make the burdens of the elders and pastor as light as possible and that they will have time for prayer and care of the flock. Pray that your pastor's work for the Lord's Day tomorrow will be blessed. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 26 - Men of the ministry

“These are the only men of the circumcision among my fellow workers for the kingdom of God, and they have been a comfort to me.” - Colossians 4:11 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:8-11 The church sings: "Lord of harvest, send forth reapers!" The devil must have figured he had put a stop to the Great Commission work of Jesus. He had the number one man, humanly speaking, behind bars. The churches in Philippi, Ephesus, and Colosse were rattled because their beloved Paul was in chains and perhaps facing execution. Yet Paul writes, "I want you to know, brothers, that what has happened to me has served to advance the gospel so that it has become known throughout the imperial guard and to all the rest that my imprisonment is for Christ. And most of the brothers, having become confident in the Lord by my imprisonment, are much bolder to speak the word without fear" (Philippians 1:12-14). Look at the list of men, Jews and Gentiles that are mentioned now to the Colossians and us. What great hope! Jesus Christ, the head of the church, firstborn of the creation, and image bearer of the invisible God, cannot be stopped; the Gates of Hades cannot prevail. Even in prison, where Paul looks for an opportunity to speak the truth to the prison guard, we see the hand of God. The work of Jesus continues today with brave men on the mission field, both abroad and at home. Preachers bring the word faithfully from week to week here and worldwide. Please do not miss what God is doing and continue to sing and pray: "Lord of harvest, send forth reapers! Suggestion for prayer Pray the hymn, “Far and near the Fields are Teeming” Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 25 - The pastor’s love

“Tychicus will tell you all about my activities. He is a beloved brother and faithful minister and fellow servant in the Lord. I have sent him to you for this very purpose, that you may know how we are and that he may encourage your hearts,” - Colossians 4:7-8 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:7-8 We turn to Paul's final greetings. These letter endings are interesting. Why are they included? Should we meditate on them? They are part of the holy and infallible Word of God. Paul is like a father, always concerned for his family. His work has led him to prison, and the children in Colosse are far away; Christ knows each sheep there, but Paul is separated from them. With no phones or electronic communication, it took time and effort. Paul, the pastor, needs to know how their flock is faring, so he sends Tychicus. Paul was concerned about the fledgling church founded there, which was attacked by false religions and vain philosophy. He sends Tychicus to encourage the flock. Tychicus goes to preach, teach and offer pastoral care to the saints in Colosse, but he is also a source of encouragement and blessing to Paul. Christ, the Good Shepherd, cares for Paul and the saints by calling Tychicus, who is faithful to the task. Christ continues to care for the flock He died for through the leaders and preachers of the Word. They are to be faithful men who want to know how each flock member is doing, to love them, not just to lead, but to care for and encourage. We need pastors who remember Christ's sacrifice and can teach and speak with the people of God to comfort and encourage them. Pray for elders and deacons who can do that, too. Thank God if you have that kind of leadership and pastor care in your congregation. Suggestions for prayer Ask for a blessing for your congregation's leadership. Pray that the men who lead will have the heart of Christ. Pray that the Lord will raise up such men for the church leadership. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 24 - Speech seasoned with salt

“Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.” - Colossians 4:6 Scripture reading: Colossians 4:6 Today, we consider how our talk ought to match our walk. We are called to walk in wisdom and to have our speech seasoned with salt. So what does that entail? All of you have been called by Christ, the head of the church, to serve Him, the supreme Lord, Who has placed you in the community in which you live. You walk and talk with your neighbours not only at church, but also at work, in your neighbourhood, and in your community. You speak their language and understand how to communicate. You know the jokes and joys, and God uses you with your gifts and talents to talk about the truth of God through the Spirit in love. The Colossians were called, as you and I are, to talk gracefully. From the heart of thanksgiving and the longing for the salvation of all that we meet, we ask for the purging of evil from our lips, so that our speech would be a sacrifice of praise to God for the goodness of the members of our community. How do we speak about our spouses, parents, bosses, leaders, politics and the economy? Have we become angry, irritable or frustrated? Do they hear the salt-seasoned speech of grace or the bitter Christian frustrated with the mess of society? Do we only criticize or offer suggestions, wisdom and hope? We have been called to this by Christ to serve Him and speak on His behalf. Walk in wisdom and speak in grace! Suggestions for prayer Thank God for placing you in your community. Pray that you will be given the speech of grace and courage to comfort, challenge and call to Christ those who need to hear the Words of God's wisdom. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 23 - Walk in wisdom

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

Daily devotional

July 22 - Praying for the preacher

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

Daily devotional

July 21 - Continue in prayer

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

Daily devotional

July 20 - Work for the Lord

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

Daily devotional

July 19 - Fathers and children

“Children, obey your parents in everything, for this pleases the Lord. Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.” - Colossians 3:20-21 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:20-21 The man clothed with Christ not only loves his wife, but his children, too. Children who put on Christ reveal Christ when they obey their parents in everything. Paul turns our attention to family unity because it is also part of the church community, characterized by love, peace and thankfulness. When the church has a family in crisis, it has a crisis of witness and effectiveness. Paul, the Shepherd, also tends to these needs of the flock. It has been an interesting past decade of unrest. It makes sense considering the trajectory of the so-called sixties revolution anti-establishment discord. Parents have become frustrated and the youth, miserable. Raising children as if they were morally sound and needing but minor guidance, we have a rebellious and unhappy generation raising the next. But Christ, through Paul, directs us to the better way of raising our children in love, in the fear of the Lord for the glory of the Lord. Christ, the Great Shepherd, knows the way of happiness and liberty and gives us the path for blessings for the family that will be a blessing for His Kingdom and church. We note that call to the fathers to be in Christ by loving their wives and children. Fathers are warned against bitterness. Here is the way to compelling masculinity, which is vital to the church. As Christ laid down His life in love, so ought the men of the congregation. Suggestions for prayer Pray for a blessing for your own family and the families of the church so that children will see their call to obedience, that the fathers will love, and that parents will guide the children of the covenant. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 18 - Husbands and wives

“Wives, submit to your husbands, as is fitting in the Lord. Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.: - Colossians 3:18-19 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:18-19 And in whatever you do, be thankful! Put on love as the bond of perfection. Sing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. That is what life in a church looks like and it starts at home. Wives and husbands, be thankful and love one another. Strive for peace. Christ shows us the way now. He calls us to our gender roles. There are two in marriage, male and female, each with a specific task. If a woman loves Christ more than her husband, she will submit to Christ's will and love her husband by becoming a helpmate fit for him. She sees herself in a new union with her husband to serve Christ as a forgiven sinner who puts on Christ. Husbands, too, must be patient. Being the head and representing Christ is challenging. For mere human men, it is also impossible. But he must be forgiving as he has been forgiven. When trials and struggles come, as Christ, who never becomes bitter against the church, the husband representing Christ will minister in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs in thankfulness for redemption and for his wife. He will minister to her for her well-being and benefit. He reminds her of the sacrifice of Christ and the peace we have in Him. If the marriage is broken, the church has strife, but we recall the blessings of God upon unity. Husbands and wives should reflect the image of the invisible God through love and submission to Christ and let peace rule in their hearts. Suggestions for prayer If you are married, pray for a loving, unified marriage rooted in Christ and His love. If you are single, pray for these kinds of marriages in the church. If you hope for a partner, pray for one who, with you can live out of these commands and blessings. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 17 - Put on love

“But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection.” - Colossians 3:14 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:14-17 Put on love, which is the bond of perfection. What beautiful language, but what does it mean? Paul is referring to either a clasp that holds all the other articles of clothing together or an overgarment that binds it together. It is the virtue that defines us as the body of Christ. As Christ has loved us, we reflect that love by our virtuous living together, one in the spirit of the Lord and love. I think of Psalm 133: Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity! For there the LORD commanded the blessing—Life forevermore." By love, we can put on the peace of Christ. By that peace, we have peace with God. We have shalom that things have been made right through the blood of Christ. We, by love, seek peace, strive for unity and community, and when we need to, are quick to forgive. As mentioned, these virtues of love and peace were sneered at by the Greeks and scoffed at by the Jews. But when we live by the Word, we sing and minister to one another as a community of joy, worship, and love. There, you will find the body of Christ and see the Good News in action. There, you see Christ in us and through us as we put on the clothing of Christ and bear the image of the invisible God so that He is known! Suggestions for prayer Pray for unity, God's blessing upon it and that your church will be the beacon of light and love of Christ in your community. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 16 - Clothing ourselves with Christ

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” - Colossians 3:12-13 Scripture reading: Colossians 3:12-13 Paul uses the language of clothing. First, he calls us to remove the robes of unrighteousness and stop sinning. Christ, through Paul, calls us to put on the new robes of righteousness and be clothed with Christ's holiness. We have seen He is the image bearer of the invisible God, and we, too, bear His image, which displays itself in true righteousness and holiness, whereby we strive to live holy and pleasing lives. Jesus taught us that by their fruits, men are known and that if we abide in Him as the vine, we will become fruitful branches. We cannot bear fruit without Him, but we are to be engaged in bearing fruit (John 15). Paul teaches us from Galatians five of the fruits of the Spirit and to walk by the Spirit. He lists those fruits as: "Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control" (Galatians 5:22-23). That list of virtues is utterly anticultural for that day. It is for us, too. Ours is a world of self-promotion, self-determination, to be “woke”, filled with pride. Whether regarding gender or morality, life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness, many have decided they are god and will do as they please. But we must be a different community. They will know we are Christians by our love and the fruit that we produce. That is Christ in us, and we live out of that faith, hope, and love, forgiving as we have been forgiven. Suggestions for prayer Pray for the fruits of the Spirit, to be forgiven and forgiving, and to live by grace alone, by faith in Jesus, not by works. Pray for blessings on your daily work, walk, and new opportunities to serve God and your neighbours. Pastor Al Bezuyen is married to Sanya and has been blessed with six children and two grandchildren. He is a Mid-America Reformed Seminary graduate serving at the Zion United Reformed Church of Sheffield, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com....

Daily devotional

July 15 - Conversion

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

Daily devotional

July 14 - Put to death the old man

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

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Search TAG: Nearer to God daily devotional

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July 19 - Fathers and children

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July 18 - Husbands and wives

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July 17 - Put on love

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July 16 - Clothing ourselves with Christ

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July 15 - Conversion

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July 14 - Put to death the old man