He Is With You! A Reminder this Christmas! (Free Devotional)
We have a world looking for the Joy to the World and the Peace on Earth that our carols and holiday parties highlight but many never quite seems to be able to find that rest the soul truly needs. Why? Well, there may be a few things that contribute to this but the primary thing is that we've forgotten (or never been told) that incredible name that God revealed himself as in Jesus. That name is IMMANUEL.It may just sound like a word or name you've heard in a Christmas Carole or something on a church reader board, but until you get your own personal revelation of this name, you'll never have joy on earth. This is truly one of my favorite aspects of the God we follow! And something I love talking about, writing and is often the focus in my preaching!
Matthew 1:21-23 (NIV)21She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus,1:21 Jesus is the Greek form of Joshua, which means the Lord saves. because he will save his people from their sins.” 22All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet: 23“The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel” (which means “God with us”).
His desire when he came was to reveal himself as "WITH US"!! He's not a distant savior or uninterested creator that set us in motion and left us alone, rather he got personally involved and investing in coming to be with us and invites us to walk with him! When my daughters feel afraid of the dark they want to come close to me and know that I'm with them. As soon as they know that I'm with them, they can enter into the "scary" situation. In the same way, many in the world are living with fear and loneliness because they don't know or have forgotten that God is with us! When we invite Jesus into our lives He commits to walk with us! And the Bible reminds us that He will never leave us!
Deuteronomy 31:6 (NIV) Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.”
I created a 7 day devotional on this topic that I'd encourage you to go through on the YouVersion Bible app. I know this will bring the peace to your world this Christmas season and new year! You can click here to read the IMMANUEL devotional on the youversion Bible App,
Merry Christmas to you all! Praying for fresh joy, peace and hope to meet you this year! Also, I'm launching a new podcast in the new year and I'd love for you to check it out! (Listen to the Following Jesus Podcast) Each of the 7 days begins with a short encouraging devotional and a few key verses to help you connect with our creator, father and savior!
