Author: Joel Vande Werken

Joel Vande Werken has been a pastor since 2007, serving churches in Sussex, New Jersey, and in Whitinsville, Massachusetts. He and his wife, Brandie, have five young children.

Blog Posts by Joel Vande Werken

Devotions by Joel Vande Werken

Date Title Scripture Reference Topics
September 30, 2023 At Home with God Revelation 21:1-5 Christianity, Discipleship, Grace, God, Jesus
September 29, 2023 Making His Home with Us John 1:1-14 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Life, Emotions, Hope
September 28, 2023 The Promised Homecoming Jeremiah 29:1-14 God, Jesus, Life, Emotions, Hope
September 27, 2023 Solid Homes, not Tents 2 Corinthians 5:1-10 God, Holy Spirit, Life, Emotions, Hope
September 26, 2023 A Place for You John 14:1-6 Christianity, Discipleship, Grace, Life, Christian Life, Promises
September 25, 2023 Brought Back by God’s Mercy Psalm 107:1-16 Bible, Books of the Bible, Psalms, Life, Personal Growth, Redemption
September 24, 2023 Unexpected Support Ezra 6:1-7, 13-18 Christianity, Discipleship, Grace, Life, Family & Relationships
September 23, 2023 Unwelcome Ezra 4:1-8 Bible, Books of the Bible, Hebrews, God, Jesus
September 22, 2023 Bittersweet Homecoming Ezra 3:8-13 Christianity, Salvation, Life, Emotions, Joy
September 21, 2023 Knowing Where You Belong Ezra 2:1-2, 64-70 Christianity, Salvation, Life, Family & Relationships
September 20, 2023 Let’s Go Back! Ezra 1:1-6 Christianity, Discipleship, Worship, God, Holy Spirit
September 19, 2023 God Provides a Home Ruth 4:13-22 Bible, Bible Characters, David, Life, Christian Life, Trust
September 18, 2023 From Bitterness to Hope Ruth 1:8-22 Bible, God's Word, Life, Christian Life, Promises
September 17, 2023 The Beginning of the Road Back Ruth 1:1-7 God, God's Plan, Life, Trials & Challenges
September 16, 2023 He Came to His Senses Luke 15:11-32 Christianity, Discipleship, Repentance, God, Jesus
September 15, 2023 Lost Birds Proverbs 27:8 Bible, God's Word, Christianity, Discipleship, Prayer, Confession
September 14, 2023 Just Plain Tired 1 Kings 19:1-10 Rest, Life, Trials & Challenges, Fear
September 13, 2023 Who Are You Following? Jeremiah 2:1-8, 13 Christianity, Sin, Life, Christian Life, Following Jesus
September 12, 2023 Leaving the Straight Way 2 Peter 2:12-22 Bible, Bible Characters, Peter, Life, Christian Life, Following Jesus
September 11, 2023 Wandering From the Truth 2 Timothy 2:14-19 Bible, Bible Characters, Paul, Life, Trials & Challenges, False Prophets
September 10, 2023 What Makes Us Forget Our Home? Deuteronomy 8:6-20 Christianity, Discipleship, Grace, God, Jesus
September 9, 2023 The Grass is Always Greener? Psalm 106:1-25 Bible, Books of the Bible, Psalms, Christianity, Sin
September 8, 2023 Looking for a Better Country Hebrews 11:8-22 Bible, Books of the Bible, Gospel of John, Hebrews
September 7, 2023 Never Forget Where Home Is Genesis 50:22-26 Adoption, Bible, Bible Characters, Joseph
September 6, 2023 Seeking God’s Will for the Journey Genesis 46:1-7 Bible, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Christian Life, Following Jesus
September 5, 2023 Running from Home Genesis 28:10-19 Assurance, Bible, Bible Characters, Jacob
September 4, 2023 A Future Home Genesis 12:1-8 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Christianity, Discipleship, Grace
September 3, 2023 Paradise Lost Genesis 3:1-11, 22-24 Christianity, Sin, Discipleship, Grace
September 2, 2023 Our First Home Genesis 2:8-23 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Life, Contentment
September 1, 2023 Home Psalm 23:1-6 Bible, Books of the Bible, Psalms, God
October 31, 2020 Legacy Hebrews 11:21; Genesis 50:15-21 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Joseph, Life, Personal Growth, Redemption
October 30, 2020 Jacob’s Funeral Genesis 50:1-14 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Emotions, Hope, Grief, Trials & Challenges, Death
October 29, 2020 Last Words Genesis 49:1-2, 28-33 Faithfulness, Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Trials & Challenges, Death
October 28, 2020 Seeing with Eyes of Faith Genesis 48:1-20 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Christianity, Discipleship, Faith
October 27, 2020 Longing for Home Genesis 47:28-31 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Christian Life, Following Jesus
October 26, 2020 Reflections of a Pilgrim Genesis 47:5-12 Faithfulness, Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Christian Life, Following Jesus
October 25, 2020 One More Journey Genesis 46:1-7, 28-30 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Christian Life, Following Jesus
October 24, 2020 Unexpected Joy Genesis 43:15-16; 45:1-7, 16-28 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Emotions, Joy
October 23, 2020 Resignation Genesis 43:1-14 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Trials & Challenges, Weakness, Christian Life, Trust
October 22, 2020 Holding Even Tighter Genesis 42:18-38 Self-Control, Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Emotions, Hope
October 21, 2020 God’s Teaching Process Genesis 42:1-20 Wisdom, Faithfulness, Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob
October 20, 2020 Confusion and Grief Genesis 37:12-36 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Joseph, Life, Emotions, Grief
October 19, 2020 Favoritism Genesis 37:1-11 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Joseph, Christianity, Sin, Life, Family & Relationships
October 18, 2020 Separate Ways Genesis 36:1-8 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Family & Relationships
October 17, 2020 Death and Mourning Genesis 35:16-20, 27-29 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Emotions, Grief, Trials & Challenges, Death
October 16, 2020 Never Left Alone Genesis 35:1-15 Faithfulness, Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob
October 15, 2020 Brothers Again Genesis 33:1-17 Reconciliation, Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Family & Relationships
October 14, 2020 A New Name Genesis 32:22-32 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Christianity, Doctrine, New Life, Life, Personal Growth, Redemption
October 13, 2020 Fear Genesis 32:3-21 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Trials & Challenges, Fear
October 12, 2020 Parting Ways Genesis 31:22-44 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Trials & Challenges, Family & Relationships
October 11, 2020 On the Road Again Genesis 31:1-21 Faithfulness, Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Trials & Challenges
October 10, 2020 Business Matters Genesis 30:25-43 Patience, Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Personal Growth
October 9, 2020 Family Matters Genesis 29:31-30:2 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Family & Relationships
October 8, 2020 The Deceiver Is Deceived Genesis 29:15-30 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Christianity, Sin
October 7, 2020 Home Away from Home Genesis 29:1-14 Rest, Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Christianity, Discipleship, Grace
October 6, 2020 A Stairway to Heaven Genesis 28:10-22 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Christianity, Salvation, Discipleship, Grace
October 5, 2020 Running Away Genesis 27:41-28:5 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Christianity, Sin, Life, Personal Growth, Redemption
October 4, 2020 Deceiver Genesis 27:14-29 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Christianity, Sin, Life, Trials & Challenges, Temptation
October 3, 2020 Plotting a Deception Genesis 27:1-13 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Christianity, Sin
October 2, 2020 A Pot of Soup Genesis 25:27-34 Wisdom, Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob
October 1, 2020 Start of a Struggle Genesis 25:19-26 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Bible Characters, Jacob, Life, Trials & Challenges
May 31, 2019 What's Next? Acts 1:1-11 Evangelism, Faithfulness, Christianity, Doctrine, Ascension, God, God's Plan
May 30, 2019 He Left Them Luke 24:50-53 Christianity, Doctrine, Ascension, Jesus' Return, Discipleship, Worship
May 29, 2019 Before I Leave... John 17:6-19 Obedience, Life, Emotions, Joy, Christian Life
May 28, 2019 Finished! -- And Finishing Well Hebrews 12:1-3 Christianity, Doctrine, Ascension, God, God's Plan, Life, Personal Growth, Perseverance
May 27, 2019 Hold Firmly to the Ascended Lord Hebrews 4:14-16 Bible, Life of Jesus, Life, Trials & Challenges, Weakness, Seasons, Advent
May 26, 2019 Honor the Ascended One Psalm 2 Authority, Bible, Books of the Bible, Psalms, Christianity, Doctrine, Judgment, God, God's Kingdom
May 25, 2019 Ascension Power Ephesians 1:15-23 Christianity, Doctrine, Ascension, God, Holy Spirit, Life, Personal Growth, Purpose, Christian Life
May 24, 2019 Continuing the Work Acts 1:1-8 Bible, Books of the Bible, Acts, Christianity, Doctrine, Ascension, The Church, God, God's Kingdom
May 23, 2019 Making Disciples As We Go Matthew 28:16-20 Evangelism, Christianity, Discipleship, Great Commission
May 22, 2019 Prepared to Die John 21:15-25 Christianity, Discipleship, Faith, Life, Trials & Challenges, Death, Persecution
May 21, 2019 The Challenge of Doubt John 20:24-31 Christianity, Discipleship, Faith, Life, Trials & Challenges, Doubt, Christian Life, Trust
May 20, 2019 As the Father Sent Jesus John 20:19-23 Evangelism, Bible, Good News, Christianity, Great Commission
May 19, 2019 Power from on High Luke 24:36-49 Christianity, Great Commission, God, Holy Spirit, Life, Christian Life, Trust
May 18, 2019 Then They Understood Luke 24:13-35 Resurrection, Bible, Good News, Life, Christian Life, Following Jesus
May 17, 2019 For Our Good John 16:1-15 Christianity, Doctrine, Ascension, God, Holy Spirit, Life, Trials & Challenges, Persecution
May 16, 2019 A Joyful Goodbye John 14:25-31 Future, Life, Trials & Challenges, Comfort, Death
May 15, 2019 Greater Things John 14:1-14 Christianity, Doctrine, Ascension, God, God's Plan, Life, Trials & Challenges, Christian Life
May 14, 2019 Not Yet John 13:31-38 Evangelism, Patience, Obedience
May 13, 2019 On His Way to the Father John 13:1-17 Humility, Christianity, Discipleship, Love, Life, Christian Life, Following Jesus
May 12, 2019 Remembering Jesus' Words Luke 24:1-8 Bible, Life of Jesus, God, God's Kingdom
May 11, 2019 Coming on the Clouds Luke 21:25-28 Christianity, Doctrine, Jesus' Return, Judgment, Life, Trials & Challenges, Comfort
May 10, 2019 When Jesus Comes in Glory Luke 9:18-27 Christianity, Doctrine, Glory, Life, Trials & Challenges, Opposition, Christian Life, Following Jesus
May 9, 2019 A Vision of the Ascended Savior John 6:45-51, 60-65 Obedience, Christianity, Salvation, Life, Christian Life, Following Jesus
May 8, 2019 The Same Mission as Always Luke 2:41-52 God, God's Will, God's Plan, Life, Christian Life, Focus
May 7, 2019 The God Who Walked With Us Genesis 3:1-10 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Life, Christian Life, Seeking God
May 6, 2019 Expect Even More John 20:11-18 Resurrection, Chosen, Seasons, Easter
May 5, 2019 God's Way of Speaking Hebrews 1:1-4 Bible, The Bible, God's Word, God, Jesus
May 4, 2019 Going Up Psalm 24 Obedience, Purity, Christianity, Sin
May 3, 2019 Finding the Right Direction Luke 9:51-56 Christianity, Doctrine, Heaven, Life, Trials & Challenges, Christian Life
May 2, 2019 Living the Story 1 Timothy 3:14-16 Christianity, Doctrine, Ascension, New Life, Life, Christian Life
May 1, 2019 He Ascended into Heaven Mark 16:19-20 Bible, Life of Jesus, Christianity, Doctrine, Ascension, God, God's Kingdom
October 31, 2016 God’s Harvest Faithfulness Genesis 8:13-22
October 30, 2016 Fruit in Every Season Revelation 22:1-6
October 29, 2016 Patience for the Harvest James 5:7-11
October 28, 2016 A Refreshing Conclusion Proverbs 25:11-14
October 27, 2016 The Harvest of the Earth Revelation 14:14-20
October 26, 2016 A Harvest Accounting Luke 20:9-19
October 25, 2016 Crops and Weeds Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43
October 24, 2016 A Harvest Warning Hebrews 5:11-6:12
October 23, 2016 Harvest From a Stump Isaiah 11:1-9
October 22, 2016 A Harvest Promise Psalm 85
October 21, 2016 The Fruit of Repentance Matthew 3:1-12
October 20, 2016 A Disciplined Harvest Hebrews 12:1-13
October 19, 2016 The Reward of Harvest Labor 2 Timothy 2:1-7
October 18, 2016 Harvest Workers Matthew 9:35-38
October 17, 2016 Ripe for Harvest John 4:34-41
October 16, 2016 Good Fruit Galatians 5:16-26
October 15, 2016 Good Soil Luke 8:4-15
October 14, 2016 God Multiplies the Harvest Ruth 4:13-22
October 13, 2016 A Rich Reward Ruth 2:1-12
October 12, 2016 Just in Time for Harvest Ruth 1
October 11, 2016 Leftover Sheaves Deuteronomy 24:17-22
October 10, 2016 Don’t Give Up! Galatians 6:7-10
October 9, 2016 Resting During Harvest Exodus 20:8-11
October 8, 2016 Bigger Barns? Luke 12:13-21
October 7, 2016 Firstfruits Proverbs 3:5-10
October 6, 2016 God’s Harvest Testimony Acts 14:8-18
October 5, 2016 A Harvest of Righteousness 2 Corinthians 9:6-15
October 4, 2016 Taking God’s Care for Granted Jeremiah 5:20-24
October 3, 2016 All by Itself Mark 4:26-29
October 2, 2016 So Is My Word Isaiah 55:6-13
October 1, 2016 Celebrating Harvest Psalm 67
January 31, 2015 All Things Made New Revelation 21:1-14, 22-27 God, God's Plan, Life, Christian Life, The Future
January 30, 2015 New Heavens and a New Earth Isaiah 65:17-25 Christianity, Doctrine, Heaven, God, God's Plan
January 29, 2015 They Sang a New Song Revelation 5 Christianity, Doctrine, New Life, God, God's Plan
January 28, 2015 No More Groaning Romans 8:18-27 God, God's Plan, Life, Personal Growth, Redemption
January 27, 2015 A New Name Isaiah 62 Christianity, Doctrine, New Life, Life, Personal Growth, Purpose
January 26, 2015 Jesus: First and Enough Colossians 1:15-23 Christianity, Doctrine, New Life, Life, Christian Life, Following Jesus
January 25, 2015 A New Competence 2 Corinthians 3:1-6 Christianity, Doctrine, New Life, Life, Personal Growth, Perseverance
January 24, 2015 A New Self Ephesians 4:17-32 Christianity, Doctrine, New Life, Discipleship, Transformation
January 23, 2015 Newly Created 2 Corinthians 5:11-21 Christianity, Doctrine, New Life, Discipleship, Transformation
January 22, 2015 Living a New Life Romans 6:1-14 Christianity, Salvation, Doctrine, New Life
January 21, 2015 God Gives a New Song Psalm 40 Christianity, Salvation, Doctrine, New Life
January 20, 2015 The Joy of Forgetting Isaiah 43:16-21 Christianity, Doctrine, Forgiveness, New Life
January 19, 2015 Something New: Power in Weakness 2 Corinthians 12:1-10 Christianity, Sin, Discipleship, Grace
January 18, 2015 Something New: Hope 1 Peter 1:3-12 Christianity, Sin, Doctrine, New Life
January 17, 2015 Something New: Resurrection 1 Corinthians 15:12-20 Christianity, Sin, Doctrine, New Life
January 16, 2015 Something New: Memory 1 Corinthians 11:23-26 Christianity, Sin, Discipleship, Communion
January 15, 2015 Something New: Love John 13:1-17, 34-35 Christianity, Sin, Discipleship, Love
January 14, 2015 Something New: Joy John 2:1-11 Christianity, Sin, Life, Christian Life, Following Jesus
January 13, 2015 Something New: Authority Mark 1:21-28 Christianity, Sin, Life, Trials & Challenges, Temptation
January 12, 2015 Something New: Hope Jeremiah 31:31-34 Christianity, Sin, God, God's Plan
January 11, 2015 Something Old, Something New Isaiah 40:21-31 Christianity, Sin, God, God's Plan
January 10, 2015 Nothing New? Ecclesiastes 1:1-11 Christianity, Sin, Life, Personal Growth, Redemption
January 9, 2015 Overburdened Matthew 9:35-38 Compassion, Christianity, Sin
January 8, 2015 A New Struggle With Need Matthew 26:6-13 Christianity, Sin, Discipleship, Stewardship
January 7, 2015 Are You Alone? Ecclesiastes 4:1-12 Christianity, Sin, Life, Family & Relationships
January 6, 2015 New Is Not Always Better Jeremiah 2:4-13 Bible, Books of the Bible, Major Prophets, Christianity, Sin
January 5, 2015 A Different, DANGEROUS VOICE Genesis 3:1-15 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Christianity, Sin
January 4, 2015 When All Things Were New, God Spoke John 1:1-14 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Christianity, Doctrine, Creation
January 3, 2015 More to Say Psalm 19 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Christianity, Doctrine, Creation
January 2, 2015 The Joy of New Beginnings Psalm 33:1-11 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Christianity, Doctrine, Creation
January 1, 2015 When Everything Was New Genesis 1:1-5; 2:2-3 Bible, Books of the Bible, Genesis, Christianity, Doctrine, Creation