Our Incomparable God

Today marks the first year anniversary of Pastor Bill Raws going home to be with Jesus. I am so thankful to the Lord for the 12 years that God allowed me to have him as a integral part of my life. Besides all of the normal activities we were together, I had the joy each Tuesday to meet with him one-on-one. We prayed, laughed, cried, shared vision, and discussed God's Word. I still find myself waiting for him to walk down the hall, lay down his brief case, and walk into my office and say, "Is this a good time to meet."

Please pray for Mrs. Raws, and my sisters, Jan, Judee, Karen and Cherri, as I know today will be a difficult day for them as well. Today's devotional was written by Pastor Bill

Our Incomparable God

“There is no one like the God of Jeshurun, who rides the heavens to help you, and in His excellency on the clouds. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy before you, and will say, ‘Destroy!’.” (Deuteronomy 33:26, 27)

In Moses’ valedictory address to the children of Israel, he focuses attention on their God – His incomparable person, His exalted position, and His effective promise. He describes God as the no-one-like God. No comparative description can be made – words fail. However, He is identified with His people, referring to them as Jeshurun. This is a name of endearment – “the child of the upright.” As His child, we can claim this title, since He is the Upright One, not we.

His exalted position is strategic for our care – “He rides the heavens to help” us. He is above us and can observe our need. No earthly circumstance can block His access to us. Not only is He above us but He surrounds us, giving us a secure refuge or dwelling place. The ultimate security is to be found in His being beneath us – “underneath are the everlasting arms.”

His effective promise includes His part and ours. His role is based on His being the incomparable person and in an exalted position. “He will thrust out the enemy from before you.” Israel was aware of the giants who occupied the land to which they were headed, but God’s promise was not based on what they could do for themselves but what He would do. Their job was to trust; His job was to thrust. It is dangerous when we attempt to exchange job descriptions with God.

Our role is seen in God’s word to Israel – “Destroy!” This is a form of mopping up operation which is to follow immediately upon His thrusting out the enemy. No compromise with the enemy is to be tolerated, nor any permissiveness allowed. God’s plan is for unconditional surrender and unlimited victory. William A. Raws

Thanks, Lord, for this remarkable man who loved You and Your Word! Pastor Bill -- we miss you. -- Bill Welte is President and CEO of America's KESWICK

God's WORD for YOU: Proverbs 20; Psalms 40-42; Acts 27:1-26

Great Quote: Jesus wills of His own accord to come into us and, in His own power, to deal with our needs. It is not necessary for us to constrain Him by our prayers to take an interest in us. Ole Kristian O. Hallesby

Check out this week's Stewardship Insight from George: http://keswickgeorge.blogspot.com/