Thank God forever that He has given us the Bible, the Word of God. Praise God for the  revelation of Himself as God the Father, Son (Jesus Christ) and Holy Spirit, the trinity.

            Praise God for His trustworthy Word. Hebrews 6:18 tells us that it is “impossible for God to lie.” Psalm 12:6 says “The words of the Lord are pure words: as silver tried in a furnace of the earth, purified seven times.” The Word of God is true and has revealed Jesus Christ to us. He is the Way, the Truth, the Life.” Christ is our anchor and foundation in a time of great delusion in the world. 

 Do you remember the TV program Truth or Consequences? Three people were testifying they were authentic, but two were not telling the truth and trying to deceive. This reminds me of the strong deception and delusion that the Bible promised would come on everyone that does not delight and obey the truth. Consider the Apostle Paul’s words in 2 Thessalonians 2:1-12. He writes in 2:2 that we should, “not be shaken in mind or be troubled, neither by spirit, nor by word, nor by letter as from us, as that the day of Christ is at hand.”  In 2:3 he says “see that no man deceives you.” 2:9 reveals the reason for his warning.  In the last days, the wicked one, Satan, is coming with power and signs and lying wonders. 2:10 reveals that those who do not “love the truth” are deceived, unrighteous and ultimately perish. 

 How easy it is for us to fall into deception if we live apart from God’s Word. Brothers and Sisters, we need to be vigilant, watchful, thankful, and worship Jesus Christ forever who saved us and is purifying us.  Remember today if you hear his voice, don’t harden your heart with unbelief or disobedience. Remember, Jesus said “I am.” He is God and we need to listen to Him.

 Remember, it is all amazing grace that God saved us. Our dear pastor shared on this subject last Sunday. God chose us, to become born again in Christ. It is the wonderful power of the Holy Spirit that teaches us, grows us, leads us to abide in Christ continually so we may produce much fruit.   Since this is true, keep your eyes on the Jesus of the Bible. Be washed in the blood of the lamb daily. Be quick to confess any sins, repent, grow in God’s wonderful grace for us every day. 

 I want to close this devotion with a prayer of praise to Jesus. 

 Our King of Kings, Our Lord of Lords, the One who is always faithful to His own.  Thank you Lord Jesus for keeping us in perfect peace because our minds and hearts are in you and trusting you each new day. Thank you Lord for maturing us, growing our faith to be strong, testing us in the fire so we come forth as gold. Thank you Lord for the wonderful armor of God that clothes us to stand steady against all the tricks of the enemy. Thank you Lord for victory in Jesus Christ. What a sweet victory it is too. Help us humble ourselves under the mighty hand of God that He may establish us and lift us up where we belong.

 Friends, always remember Jesus is coming soon for you and me, persevere with the power of the Holy Spirit. He is coming soon!

In joyful thanksgiving,

 Bob Thurow

I have been thinking about Jesus as our high priest who ever lives to make intercessions for us. In reading from Hebrews this week, I have been asking the Lord, what is on your heart for us?  In this time of so many changes in our world and in our lives, what are you saying Lord? I believe Jesus is telling us to come close to Him today. Consider Matthew 11:28-30;

“Come unto me all ye that are carrying heavy burdens and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you. Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy to bear, and the burden I give is light.”

So how do we come to Jesus . . . especially when we have sinned or avoided Him? In Hebrews 3-4, the Lord makes it clear that “rest” is not possible in the middle of disobedience. The good news is that through the blood of Jesus we can ask for forgiveness and repent! I am so thankful for the forgiveness and repentance God gives me when I listen and obey Him. I am also aware of the hardness of my heart that fights this process. I am asking the Lord to draw me nearer to Him.  James 4:8 says . . .

“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you, wash your hands and purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”

In a time of social distancing, Jesus is the opposite!  We can confidently pray to Him and ask for help. Can you pray this with me? Jesus help us to draw nearer to you today, you have plans for us today and you make a way when there seems to be no way. Jesus calls out come close unto me, because he can be touched with the feelings of our weaknesses. He said to Thomas come “close, touch my pierced side and look at my nailed scarred hands.”   Today, in my weakness, I am crying out for closeness to Jesus who sits at the right hand of the Father in heaven. Jesus is forever interceding for you and me. Isaiah 40: 27-31 says,

“He gives power to the faint. Our way is not hid from him. He said we will run and not be weary through the strength he gives” (My version).

In a time where many in the world are practicing social distancing, God is NOT! There is approximately six feet between the Son of God’s hands nailed to the cross for you and me. Jesus calls for us to come and receive forgiveness, a full pardon and mercy from Him. He bore all our sins and He made intercession for the transgressors, Isaiah 53:12. That invitation went out to all the lepers of that day, who He healed many and also to the Roman soldier that crucified the God man Jesus on the cross, who said surely this was the Son of God. Matthew 27:50-54!

I can never overstate, Jesus lives to make intercession for you and me. That’s an ongoing ministry of the Son of God our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ who never stops praying for his own. Today, God is encouraging us not to rebel, or be fainthearted. Remember what Jesus said to Peter? Satan desires to sift you as wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith will not fail. Believe it dear ones Jesus is praying for you and me continually. Remember He is the author and finisher of our faith. Paul says pray without ceasing. We are practicing daily what our Lord does continually.

So, let us rest and trust in His close abiding presence whether you’re aware of Him or not. He is with you and He is worthy to be worshipped and adored forever, Amen. Draw near to Him brothers and sisters!

In His grace,

Bob Thurow