Jesus welcomed the people, taught them about the Kingdom of God and healed those in need. Luke 9:11

Seeds of the Kingdom

God with us

by Margaret Silvester

23 December 2009

Next Day »

The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call Him Immanuel which means “God with us.”
Isaiah 7:14, NIV

I recently read these words in Tel Aviv airport, “The State of Israel is living proof that God is alive today. He is the Alpha and Omega.” Those who know and love the One who is called Immanuel can never doubt that God is with us. He is alive today, living in and through us who belong to Him.

However, looking back over 2009 it would seem that atheism has had a good year in Great Britain at least. Firstly, there were the secularists adverts on many British buses stating that (probably) there is no God. The Bible clearly states that it is the fool who says in his heart there is no God. (Psalm14:1) Secondly, there have been all the celebrations of Darwin’s birth along with the ongoing articles and debates that continue to argue that there is no God.

Sadly when God is denied there is a devastating effect on a nation. Corruption of social values in individual and collective lives and in high places leads to evil and oppression. It is good to remind ourselves as we move forward into a New Year, that despite what we see around us, God is with us.

Immanuel is a wonderful name. This one word contains the Christmas message and a New Year message. “Those who believe in His name have the right to be called children of God.” We are never alone and will never be left alone because through Immanuel we have been brought into the family of God. His presence is within us as we move into another year. Whether or not we are aware of it, His presence is for ever with us.

The forecast for 2010 doesn’t sound too bright. The nations are being shaken. Fear is predominantly ruling the world. However, as we, who believe, live in the knowledge that Immanuel came and He is “God with us,” forever, we need not fear. He has promised, “Never will I leave you, never will I forsake you.” (Hebrews 13:5)

Prayer: Thank You, Father, that You sent Jesus, Immanuel, into our world to be one of us and to die for us. Thank You that Your presence is with us today in the person of the Holy Spirit. Whatever the future may hold, help us to trust in You, remaining secure that You know and hold the future. Amen.

Margaret Silvester had a career as a teacher prior to being called into full time Christian Ministry with her husband, David, in 1986. They were involved in establishing a Healing Ministry in the local church and Margaret has a passion to see lost and wounded people found and restored. She and her husband joined the Ellel Ministries teaching and ministry team in 2000 after a clear call from God. Margaret`s book "Stepping Stones to the Father Heart of God" has recently been published.

 

Sign Up Now

Please feel free to use this devotional to send on to your friends or share with your church fellowship. Provided full acknowledgement is made to Seeds of the Kingdom as the source, you are also welcome to use it in a non-commercial way and reproduce it in magazines or other Christian websites. The copyright for any commercial use of the material remains with Ellel Ministries International.