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Search TAG: Nearer to God daily devotional

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Daily devotional

August 26 - The enemies of Christ: the enemies of the church
Daily devotional

August 25 - The place of victory

“They overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony…” - Revelation 12:11 Scripture reading: Revelation 12:7-17; R...
Daily devotional

August 24 - The great war

“And war broke out in heaven…” - Revelation 12:7 Scripture reading: Revelation 12:1-6; Ephesians 6:10-20 After the assassination of the Ar...
Daily devotional

August 23 - Faithful until death, rewarded in resurrection
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Daily devotional

August 22 - The two witnesses

“I will give power to My two witnesses…” - Revelation 11:3  Scripture reading: Revelation 11:1-6; Zechariah 4:1-7; Acts 1:6-8 Super heroes again? The book of Revelation is filled with them. Here they are- two witnesses. No enemy can harm them, nor stand before them. It is a wonder the modern superhero movie craze hasn’t made a show about this! Verse 4 tells us these witnesses are the olive trees and the lampstands standing before the Lord. It’s a challenging description because, in the book of Revelation, lampstands are repeated symbols of the church (see Rev. 1:20ff). The olive trees are the source of oil that keeps the lamp's flame from running dry; Zechariah 4:1-7 shows a similar picture to remind Israel that it is, “Not by might, nor by power, but by My Spirit says the Lord.” Once again we see a remarkable truth; the super hero witnesses are a picture of the church. The church, standing by God’s Word and Spirit, will carry out the role of witness as Jesus Himself declared in Acts 1. They will do so with power, authority, and the unfailing protection of God. In a day of increasing evil, it is all the more necessary to make the Gospel light shine. We may feel intimidated, but God empowers His witnesses with unfailing power. This is carried out in the official ministry of the church, but also through the daily lives and witnesses of God’s people in the world. In the end there are very few great evangelists, but there is a great God who empowers His redeemed bride. Suggestions for prayer Lord help me to stand as a witness for Jesus. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 21 - Eating the word

“Take and eat it…” - Revelation 10:9  Scripture reading: Revelation 10:8-11; Ezekiel 2:1-3:15 I once stood waiting for an elevator, with my Bible in my hand. The man standing next to me, noticing it, broke the silence to say, "Have you ever cut yourself on that thing?” When my mind caught up to his clever wit I smiled and said, “More times than I can count!” In Revelation 10, John is being called to again prophesy about peoples, nations, tongues and kings (v. 11). But before this call is renewed, he is commanded to take the book from the hand of the angel and eat it. It would be sweet to his mouth but bitter to his stomach. The prophets were called to eat God’s word before they brought it to others, and we must do the same. We will soon see God’s witnesses, and see that this is nothing less than the confessing church in the world. How do we maintain that distinctive edge which allows us to see the lies of the enemy and proclaim the truth of God? We must learn what it is to eat the Word. This practice is not always easy. God’s Word is sweet to the mouth, assuring us of God’s love and mercy in Christ, but it can be bitter; we can cut ourselves as God’s Word brings conviction.  Whatever the result, our task doesn’t change. As God’s people living in the last times, we must know where the source of strength lies, and we must eat the Word. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to love Your Word and study it daily. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 20 - The importance of repentance

“But they did not repent…” - Rev. 9:21 Scripture reading: Revelation 9; Psalm 51 Albert Einstein is attributed with the quote: “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again, but expecting different results.” Revelation 9:20-21 is one of the saddest passages in the book of Revelation. At the sound of the seven trumpets the Lord poured out His wrath on the human race. The price of sin is death. Earthly devastation, demonic torment, and widespread death all fall upon the earth. But the human race does not change. They see the fruit of their actions yet, in the terrifying words of Revelation 9:20-21, they do not repent. This hardness of heart is by nature present in each and every one of us. Have you ever seen a little child, caught in a lie, refusing to acknowledge the truth? The heirloom is broken on the floor, the rogue ball lies at their feet, no one else is home but they adamantly maintain it was the neighbour’s cat? The tragedy is not merely that we sin; the tragedy is that we sin and do not repent. We think things will improve without the need to humble ourselves and turn to God. This is insanity, and yet it lives in each of us apart from the redemptive work of Jesus. Where are we refusing to repent? Right now, God in His grace may be seeking you out. Don’t follow the pattern of this world. Return to the God who does not despise a broken and contrite heart! Suggestions for prayer See if there is any wicked way in me and lead me in the way everlasting. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 19 - Let all the earth keep silent

“There was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” - Revelation 8:1  Scripture reading: Revelation 8:1-12 Revelation repeatedly shows us the same world history – the period from the first coming of Christ to His second. The periods of judgment and redemption in those cycles culminate in the return of our Lord. Generally, the conclusion of one cycle (here the seals) marks the beginning of the next (the trumpets). Before the seven trumpets comes silence. To this point, every time our eyes have been directed to heaven it has been to witness the worship of the redeemed in the presence of God. In 8:1, the heavens are quiet for a full 30 minutes. There is a sobriety and weight in the plan of God which, at times, calls us to silence. What we are about to see is humbling. God will pour out His wrath upon the wicked. The judgment of the wicked gives the Lord no pleasure (Ez. 33:11), and the silence of heaven reflects the heart of God as He prepares to release another cycle of condemnation upon the world. As God’s people we must learn the discipline of silence. We must remember we deal with ultimate matters of heaven and hell, the King of kings, and the eternal damnation of men’s souls outside of Christ. Silence reminds us we are dust and He is the Lord. Such things should lead us to silence even as they lead us to praise. Suggestions for prayer Lord as I consider You today, help me to take time in quiet reverence before the greatness of Your name. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 18 - The good shepherd

“The Lamb who is in the midst of the throne will shepherd them…” - Revelation 7:17  Scripture reading: Revelation 7:13-17; Psalm 23:1-6 Every year loved ones, either in our church, family, or friend circle, finish their earthly race. In Revelation 7 God gives us a special picture of heaven. He lets us know what we can expect when we are called home and the comfort we can have when this happens to Christians we love. Those who go to Christ in glory are forever in the presence of God. From the day of death to eternity, the Lamb, who is in the midst of the throne, will shepherd them (v17). When Jesus is surrounded by angelic hosts and vast multitudes praise Him in glory, He continues to shepherd and personally care for each of His children. He leads them to fountains of living water. God wipes away every tear from their eyes. Will we weep from godly sorrow over our past sins, or grief in being parted from loved ones? The Bible doesn’t tell us, but the Bible does tell us one thing. The tears won’t last long. God Himself will brush them away. We will be close enough to our Saviour that He will be able to reach out and wipe tears from our cheeks. God is good, and those who go to Him in glory experience a depth of His love and care we can never experience on earth. Don’t fear the final foe of death; just over the hill stands a glory that God guarantees for all who stand by faith in Him. Suggestions for prayer Lord, thank you for the comfort of Yourself in glory. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 17 - The centrality of worship

“Be to our God, forever and ever, Amen.” - Revelation 7:12  Scripture reading: Revelation 7:9-17 I had a Christian friend who often reminded us to be ‘re-centered.’ They were referring to the tendency that we forget what life is all about; the tendency to get a little too caught up in the things of this world, a little too distracted by the toys or the cares that present themselves on a daily basis. Amid distraction we need re-centering, and that comes through one practice - fixing our eyes on glory, fixing our eyes on Christ. In today’s vision of glory, several things come to the fore. First, all nations in great multitudes, will one day come before the throne of God in Spirit-filled devotion and praise. The greatest worship service you have ever experienced is waiting just around the corner, and it will not be stopped. It will have the most joyful songs, the most devoted focus, and the most glorious message. It will be a service with people from all nations who have one simple thing in common. All have washed their robes white in the blood of Christ, and now they come to praise Him. The book of Revelation repeatedly ‘re-centers’ us on worship. Is it still central in your life? In your day? Is Sunday worship the highlight of your week? In a life with many distractions, we all need re-centering. May our times of praise with the people of God anchor us on the beauty of Christ, and the blessings of serving Him! Suggestions for prayer Father, please help me not to lose a focus on Your glory in my daily living. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 16 - The 144,000

“Do not harm the earth…till we have sealed the servants of God…” - Revelation 7:3  Scripture reading: Revelation 7:1-8; Luke 21:10-19 The 144,000: Super Christians or ordinary Joes? As a child they were super Christians. Courageous, bold, and having the power of God they would go through a world filled with judgments and disasters, but not a raindrop would fall upon their heads, and not an ankle would twist as the earth heaved. The 144,000 were the superheroes of the Christian world. My early imaginings weren’t entirely wrong. The 144,000 are the special forces, and they do have God’s divine power. But they are not ‘super’ Christians, they are ‘simply’ Christians. The 144 is a picture of 12 times 12, reflecting the 12 tribes and the 12 apostles and the fullness that comes through God’s work among them. They’re simply Christians, either from before or after Christ. To these simple believers, God gives extraordinary care. It is not protection from every hardship, but it is a reminder that no matter what the world brings, “Not a hair of your head shall be lost.” Sometimes when Christians see the increase of evil they can become fearful and live out of fear instead of faith. But if we have eyes to see it, there is a seal upon the foreheads of those who believe. That seal in Christ guarantees God’s special care. God’s power and love rests upon you, His protection encircles you. Who are the 144,000? They are ordinary Christians living under extraordinary grace who live for God in remarkable but simple ways. Suggestions for prayer Thank you Lord for the protection and calling you give to each ‘simple’ believer. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 15 - Refuge in the blood

“Hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb!” - Revelation 6:16  Scripture reading: Revelation 6:9-17; Psalm 46:1-11 A young child hears the thunder roll and sees the lightning in the sky. Fearfully, he takes refuge under that time-tested defence – the blankets on his bed! In the sixth seal, the day of God’s wrath has come, and along with it worldwide calamity. The earth quakes, stars fall, and thunder and lightning sound. When it comes, the people of this world revert to their childhood. They pull the sheets over their head in the best refuge they can find, but the ‘sheets’ have changed. They ask the mountains to fall on them, and the rocks to cover them in hope of hiding from the wrath of God. There is a great gospel reality revealed in this passage. All of us need a covering, a refuge from the righteous anger of a holy God. A Biblical word for covering is atonement. As God gives atonement through the blood of Jesus, what He is providing for His people is a refuge, a protection and covering from His own holy anger. This blood has special power. It is the blood of the “Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the word” (John 1:29). It is the blood that shows our debt is paid; we are redeemed. Under this blood we find protection from God’s wrath and assurance of His love. We often seek refuge in the wrong places. Every refuge, except one, will fail. Suggestions for prayer Lord, let me find refuge in the blood of Jesus, that I may never fear your holy wrath. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 14 - The voice of the martyrs

"How long, O Lord?" - Revelation 5:10 Scripture reading: Revelation 6:9-11; Isaiah 49:14-23 “Can a woman forget her nursing child, and not have compassion on the son of her womb?” Of all the relationships on earth, that of a mother and child is among the strongest. God looks at that relationship and questions whether a mother could ever forget her child, and then says, “Surely they may forget, yet I will not forget you.” The love of God for us is so great that there is no comparison. He will never forget His people. Revelation 6 shows us a people who may feel forgotten. Having lived for Christ upon the earth, they served with such courage and single-heartedness, that when they faced the ultimate test they laid down their lives rather than deny their Lord. They now cry out, “How long O Lord?” They are looking for justice; they are looking for God’s righteous vengeance against sin, and they are weary of waiting. There will be a day when God will judge the wicked and vindicate all those who put their hope in Him, whether they die as martyrs or not. It is not here yet. For today, the redemptive purposes of the Lamb continue. The “Lord is not slow to fulfill His promise…but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance” (2 Pet. 3:9). As we wait for His return, let us labour to bring others to repentance, knowing we are not forgotten by the King of kings. Suggestions for prayer Father, help us to be patient in tribulation, and faithful in bearing witness. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 13 - The four horsemen and the sovereign God

“Now I saw when the lamb opened one of the seals…” - Revelation 6:1 Scripture reading: Revelation 6; 1 Peter 1:3-9 A.W. Tozer once wrote that, “although it may look like things are out of control, behind the scenes there is a God who has not surrendered His authority.” When Revelation 6 speaks of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, things certainly seem out of control! Conquest, war, famine and death are graphically pictured as some of the judgments God will send upon the earth, and the overall picture is terrifying. When such struggles come, what is to be the response of believers? Revelation 6 teaches us that even things that appear chaotic are not outside of the will and plan of a sovereign God. The child of God can be at rest knowing the King is on His throne and nothing can remove Him; that in fact God works even through difficult circumstances to punish evil and show His just rule. Between Christ’s first and second coming the church will experience times of extreme difficulty with varying degrees of intensity. When we do, we must remember who it is opening the seals. All remains in the hands of the Lamb; all is in the hands of the One who redeemed us by His blood. When God’s judgments come upon the earth, and even when this affects God’s people as they live on this side of heaven, we cannot forget the loving Saviour who uses even these trials for His redemptive purposes and the glory of His name. When things seem out of control, God has surrendered neither His authority nor His goodness. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to trust You when the circumstances of life may challenge my faith. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 12 - Worthy is the lamb

“For you were slain and have redeemed us to God…” - Revelation 5:9 Scripture reading: Revelation 5 What is necessary to carry out God’s work in the world? Surely qualities like zeal, holiness, or perseverance may come to mind. We may think of the need for better political leaders who can stem the tide of sin through righteous laws and just enforcement. We may yearn for a greater Christian influence in the media. But while all these answers can be God glorifying, the key in enacting God’s will is redemption, accomplished through Jesus, the One who is worthy to open the scrolls. God’s will cannot be accomplished through military power, or even righteous laws. It cannot be done in this way because God’s will is not merely to create an outward show of holiness. God’s will is to create a new people in Christ who will love Him and serve Him not from compulsion, but from the heart. And for this to happen the Lion of Judah must become the Lamb who was slain. For this to happen, we must be redeemed. Sometimes we can forget this all-important quality as we live in a world increasingly polarized between those on the supposed ‘right’ or ‘left’. Sin can anger us, causing us to forget both what God saved us from and the redemptive plan of God for those from every tribe, tongue, people and nation. To paraphrase the old song, “For not with swords loud clashing, or roll of stirring drums, with deeds of God’s salvation, the heavenly kingdom comes.” Suggestions for prayer Lord help us to see Your glory through the power of the Gospel. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 11 - The lion of Judah

 “The Lion of the tribe of Judah…has prevailed…” - Rev. 5:5  Scripture reading: Revelation 5:1-8; Daniel 12; Matthew 6:9-10 While interpreting visions takes care, understanding the scroll in the hand of God is essential. It contains God’s purpose and plans for the future of His creation. This can be known with confidence because of what we read as the seals are opened (see Rev. 6:1-8:1), as well as the comparison to a similar vision in Daniel 12. When the angel asks who is worthy to open the scroll, he is asking if anyone is worthy to bring about God’s purpose on the earth. When no one is found, it teaches us that no mere human can bring God’s purposes to pass. We need to learn the sorrow of John in recognizing that in the billions of people on earth, not one could carry out or accomplish God’s will. We need to recognize that if God’s purposes depended on us, all would be lost! But here, we also need to learn the joy of Christ. Because of Jesus, John is commanded not to weep. Because of Jesus, God’s purposes won’t fail. Because of Jesus, it doesn’t matter how much opposition Christians face. God will secure His sheep. Because of Jesus, we should not lose hope even in the face of our own sin. God’s purposes depend not on us, but on His Son. Revelation 5 teaches us to lift up our heads. The Lion of Judah has overcome, and God’s purposes will triumph in Him both for this world and for you and me. Suggestions for prayer Lord, teach me the unfailing hope of knowing the victory found in Christ. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 10 - O worship the King

Revelation 4:8 Holy, holy, holy, Lord God Almighty... Scripture reading: Revelation 4; Isaiah 6:1-8 How important is worship? On a scale of 1-10, how important, how life giving, is the worship of God to you? It is a humbling thing to realize how frequently the book of Revelation shows us the glory of God. Revelation will reveal to us the future. There will be visions of dragons and beasts, wars and martyrdom. But above it all, undergirding it all, is the glory of God and His worthiness to be praised. This is the emphasis of Revelation 4. Before we see the tempest of the following chapters, God shows us Himself. God is holy. He is separate from sin, most assuredly, but He is also separate from creation. He is above all things and even the sinless angels cannot stop praising Him in holy fear. The elders, who symbolize the victorious people of God, cast their crowns before Him and proclaim God alone as worthy. The reward of their perseverance, they cast before His feet: to God alone be glory! Worship is foundational to what life is about. It is something God calls us to participate in and consider repeatedly. It is never an option; we cannot do without it. It redirects our hearts away from the shaking sands of this world to the One who is immovable. It reminds us of who we are saved for. We have been made and redeemed for God’s glory; whatever this life may bring may we give Him the praise! Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to know Your glory, and give You praise. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 9 - Knowing need and fulfilling need

“But you do not know that you are wretched…buy from Me gold…” - Rev. 3:17-18  Scripture reading: Revelation 3:14-22; Judges 16:16-22; Isaiah 55:1-3 There is a particular verse in the Bible that always stops me dead in my tracks. The Philistines come upon Samson after his fall, and he says, “I will go out as before…and shake myself free!” But the verse continues, “But he did not know that the Lord had departed from him.” Laodicea was a church that did not realize how far they had fallen. They thought they had it all. Like Samson, Laodicea was self-deceived, believing their strength came from themselves. Perhaps they thought that wealth and good standing was proof of God’s favour. But they did not know that the Lord had departed. Jesus warns them of their danger: He tells them He would vomit them from His mouth! Such words would be gut-wrenching to hear, but it is followed up immediately by encouragement. The encouragement is simple: Come to Jesus. You are more impoverished than you realized, but come buy gold, come buy clothes and buy because these things, from the hand of Christ, are free. Jesus shows that His harsh words to Laodicea are a proof, not of condemnation, but of love. He is driving them to Himself. At the end of his life, John Newton wrote: “Although my memory’s fading, I remember two things very clearly: I am a great sinner and Christ is a great Saviour.” Whatever material blessings God may send, may we not forget the great poverty we have in ourselves, and the great supply that is found in Christ. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to know my need and its satisfaction in Christ. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 8 - Hard pressed, but not destroyed 

“For you have a little strength…” - Rev. 3:8  Scripture reading: Revelation 3:7-13; Luke 17:1-10 Have you ever admired those men and women who seem exceptional? Every generation has them. They win gold medals or achieve seemingly impossible feats. They make us realize that some people in this world are just…gifted. Sometimes we take the idea of giftedness from the world and apply it to strength in the church. Think of what we consider to be a strong church: growing numbers, a dynamic preacher, a visible and respected ministry. It is the kind of church you look at and can’t help but feel impressed by it. The church of Philadelphia is the second of the two churches in Revelation that receives no critique from Jesus. It is praised by Jesus for something quite remarkable; it is praised for having a “little” strength. They aren’t the strongest or the smartest, they aren’t ‘exceptional,’ but with their “little” strength they keep God’s word and hold fast to Christ’s name. As a result, God sets before them an open door. God provides fruit on their labours and uses them for exceptional things. Exceptional churches don’t need a lot of strength, they just need a little. The same is true for Christians. Sometimes we spend time looking for ‘great’ faith when God is pleased to use the little we have. God uses our little strength, directed the right way, for great things. Praise God for what many people may overlook – a little strength in the hands of an Almighty God. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to be faithful with whatever strength you have given me. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 7 - A good name

“Hold fast, and repent.” - Revelation 3:3 Scripture reading: Revelation 3:1-6; Isaiah 42:1-9 A lot can be said about a good reputation, but while a good name is better than riches (Pr. 22:1), reputations aren’t always accurate. As a city, Sardis was surrounded by 1500 foot cliffs and thought to be nearly impregnable. But twice in the history of the city, its reputation proved false, and both times it was the presumption of the defenders that led to their destruction. The church of Sardis was experiencing the same reality. Thinking themselves strong, they were actually distant from God. While their singing may have made visitors think the church was on fire, behind the beautiful voices were cold hearts. The same can be true for all of us; the profession of faith made years (or even days) ago can speak of a reality that is no longer there. Jesus calls us to be watchful and to strengthen the spiritual zeal we may still have. Where do we still feel the conviction or encouragement of His Word and Spirit? Where it exists, fan the flame. What you know to be good, do it. What you know to be evil, stop it. For all who do His will, God promises, He will not quench the smoking wick or break the bruised reed. The Christian life can be restored so that, like a repentant Sardis, Jesus would even boast of us before the Father. May God help us not to live on reputation, but by a living, daily walk with Him. Suggestions for prayer Lord, please renew me to abide daily in Jesus Christ. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 6 - A mark of the true church

“I know your works…nevertheless you allow that woman Jezebel…” - Revelation 2:19-20 Scripture reading: Revelation 2:18-29; Acts 20:17-36 Thyatira was a church growing in Christ. Her last works were greater than her first, and she was known for her love, service, faith and endurance. Could a church of such lively growth and faith falter? Jesus says that despite her zeal she is in danger. She ‘tolerates’ or ‘allows’ a so-called prophetess to teach false doctrine, and thus lead members of the church into error. To put this in our current context, the church of Thyatira, for all its growth, failed to practice church discipline. It is not simply that she has false teaching or compromising Christians in her midst. It is that she has this, knows this, and permits it. No one likes to hear a letter of discipline read from the pulpit on a Sunday morning, but did you know that the health of a church depends upon such actions, rightfully carried out? Paul called the Ephesian elders to watch because savage wolves, even from their very midst, would arise and not spare the flock. False teaching in the church is like a bitter root which destroys it, if it is not pulled out. While repentant and struggling sinners must be approached with love and grace, false teachers who lead others into sin cannot be tolerated in Christ’s church. Let us keep our church leaders in prayer that God might enable them to wisely and faithfully shepherd the church, nurturing the sheep and keeping out the wolves. Suggestions for prayer Lord, help us to have a holy intolerance for sin. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 5 - Pure devotion

“You have there those who hold the doctrine of Balaam…” - Revelation 2:14 Scripture reading: Revelation 2:12-17; Numbers 24:15-25:3 The city of Pergamos was known for idolatry. A large altar to Zeus is believed by many to be “Satan’s throne,” and idolatry was so pervasive that to even work a trade you were required to offer sacrifices to a patron god. A member of the church even gave his life for Christ! The Pergamos believers were willing to face martyrdom to hold onto Christ. Despite this, Jesus will rebuke this church. While they held fast to Christ, they allowed members to teach the ‘doctrine of Balaam.’ Balaam was a prophet, hired by God’s enemies to curse Israel. God turned the curses into blessings, but faced with his failure, Balaam served his Moabite master by suggesting another path. Balaam tempted Israel to compromise holiness (Num. 25:1-3 & 31:15-16) and thus God would punish His people Himself. For all their courage, the Pergamos church had allowed the doctrine of Balaam to creep into the church. They permitted compromise. People taught that faithfulness and holiness were not the same. Loyalty to Christ, they taught, did not necessarily require devotion to His holy will. Believers might verbally profess faithfulness but secretly excuse and participate in sins from which Christ died to save them. Have we held fast to the testimony of Christ, while compromising with sin in secret? God is not fooled. He lovingly calls us to repentance and single-hearted devotion to Him. Only then can we know the joy of the Lord and the reward of following Christ! Suggestions for prayer Lord, help me to be steadfast in my devotion to You. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 4 - Poverty and riches

“…but you are rich.” - Revelation 2:9  Scripture reading: Revelation 2:8-22; 2 Corinthians 8:9 The church of Smyrna struggled to make its yearly budget. The pastor worked for peanuts and the people had little more. Church potlucks were well attended and joyful occasions, but not because of an abundance of food. The church lived for Christ, but because of this they learned what it was to suffer and go without. Of the seven churches Jesus writes to in Revelation only two are not rebuked. The first of those two is Smyrna. Living in physical poverty, spiritually they were millionaires. More hardship would come; Jesus reveals they would face prison and even death for His cause. This letter (like them all) is for us. There are times in these last days when to follow Christ will mean letting go of all this world has to offer, both financially and physically. Even today, following Christ can mean being willing to suffer for Him. It may be ridicule at school or work, losing a family business, or simply less earthly comfort as we support kingdom causes. It often means a life we did not anticipate. But Christ is worth it. There is greater glory ahead than what lays behind. Faithfulness unto death gains the crown of life. We are all called to count the cost of following Jesus. Let us join Smyrna, embrace the cross, and be truly rich. Suggestions for prayer Lord help me to follow You whatever the cost, and teach me the joy of gaining Christ. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 3 - A loveless church?

“You have left your first love.” - Rev. 2:4  Scripture reading: Revelation 2:1-7; 1 Corinthians 13 The church of Ephesus was known for diligent service and doctrinal faithfulness. They worked hard in God’s kingdom; if we knew them today we might see them supporting Christian schools, the pro-life movement, or care for the homeless. They were both discerning and diligent, two necessary traits! But because they lacked one thing, this church was warned by Jesus that unless they repented, they would cease to be a church. It’s hard to imagine that discernment and hard work for God’s glory can have a fatal flaw, but it can. It can lead to pride and a failure to love grace, or the sinners we are called to serve, or even the very God in whose name we serve. If someone described you as a Christian, would they say first and foremost that you loved Jesus, and secondly that you loved others? Sometimes we think the greatest danger in our world today is compromising on what is right, but the first thing Jesus warns His church about is losing love. When we recognize that we have ceased to live by love we need not despair. Jesus provides a way of escape. We need to remember the love that filled our hearts when we first learned of Christ, to ask God for forgiveness for having lost it, and recommit to pressing nearer to God and others in Christian love. God can rekindle this love and keep the lampstand burning, and He promises this grace for all who turn to Him. Suggestions for prayer Lord, rekindle my love for Christ. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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

August 2 - Safe in the storm

“I am the Alpha and Omega…” - Rev. 1:8  Scripture reading: Revelation 1:4-8 Anchors may not be considered great treasures, but they can be invaluable tools. Not only do they steady a boat to enjoy fishing on a beautiful day, but in storms they keep boats from rocky shores. The future revealed in this book is at times stormy. There will be fearful visions of beasts and dragons, evil empires and earthly calamities. But before these things appear, God points us first to Himself: the Anchor who holds. Who is this God? He is the sovereign, all-powerful, resurrected Lord who loves us, washes us, and makes us glorious in Christ (even when we do not feel glorious). He is the victor, the One who is to come in glory, and who will be worshipped by all. He is the Almighty. Whatever the future may reveal, this God is the anchor for He is the One who holds the future in His sovereign hands. This God promises us grace and peace in Christ. The implication is that we will still struggle with sin and fear in these last days. But it also implies that when we do, all we need to overcome these things will also freely be supplied by Him. As we experience life in the end times, may God keep our eyes on the One who holds all in His hand and who provides from His loving abundance all we need to be safe in the storm. Suggestions for prayer Help us to keep our eyes on Christ, the Anchor of our souls. Pastor Greg Bylsma is a graduate of Mid-America Reformed Seminary, and he is currently serving at the Living Water Reformed Church in Brantford, Ontario. 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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