Immanuel – God Is With Us in 2019

psalm23,4                                

                                                                

Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak the word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.  Isaiah 8:10

RECOMMENDED READING: Isaiah 46:3-13 

COMMENTS:  It is not uncommon for families to have a “life motto” or for individuals to have a “life motto” or “life verse”.   Our family has carried over the understood and practice motto not so much spoken but practiced by our parents and grandparents.  That life motto and life verse is Joshua 24:15 “…as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord.  When Arlene and I were first married, 40 years ago, the pastor and close friend who sang at our wedding, gave us a card with a verse that impacted me greatly and have held close since:  Jeremiah 33:3 “Call upon Me and I will answer thee, and show thee great and mighty things, which thou knowest not.”  Christ has certainly done that and so much more for me personally and the family He has gifted to Arlene and I over the years.  His faithfulness has been continuous without fail as has His abiding presence and sustaining council and help.

God with us defines Immanuel, one of the many names given to Christ, our Messiah.  God is “Three in One” so the abiding presence of His Holy Spirit also includes the abiding presence of The Father and of The Son Jesus Christ.  One is not a substitute or fill-in for the other like a baby-sitter or a substitute teacher.   Rather, the Holy Spirit not only satisfies God’s Name of Immanuel but provides the entire nature and presence and focus of God in and to us. 

Below is a list of 50 names or Titles for Jesus from scripture, revealing mission and purpose for Christ’s coming:

  1.  Almighty One – “…who is and who was and who is to come, the Almighty.” Rev. 1:8
  2.  Alpha and Omega– “I am the Alpha and the Omega, the First and the Last, the Beginning and the End.” Rev. 22:13
  3.  Advocate– “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father–Jesus Christ, the Righteous One.” 1 John 2:1
  4. Author and Perfecter of Our Faith – “Fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Heb. 12:2
  5.  Authority–“Jesus said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me.” Matt. 28:18
  6.  Bread of Life–“Then Jesus declared, ‘I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty.’” John 6:35
  7.  Beloved Son of God– “And behold, a voice from heaven said, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased.” Matt. 3:17
  8.  Bridegroom–“And Jesus said to them, “Can the wedding guests mourn as long as the bridegroom is with them? The days will come when the bridegroom is taken away from them, and then they will fast.” Matt. 9:15
  9.  Chief Cornerstone–“The stone which the builders rejected has become the chief corner stone.” Ps. 118:22
  10. Deliverer – “And to wait for his Son from heaven, whom he raised from the dead, Jesus who delivers us from the wrath to come.” 1 Thess.1:10
  11. Faithful and True– “I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.” Rev.19:11
  12. Good Shepherd –“I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep.” John 10:11
  13. Great High Priest– “Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” Heb. 4:14
  14. Head of the Church– “And he put all things under his feet and gave him as head over all things to the church.” Eph. 1:22
  15. Holy Servant – “…and grant that Your bond-servants may speak Your word with all confidence, while You extend Your hand to heal, and signs and wonders take place through the name of Your holy servant Jesus.” Acts 4:29-30
  16. I Am– “Jesus said to them, “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.” John 8:58
  17. Immanuel–“…She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel, which means ‘God with us.’” Is. 7:14
  18. Indescribable Gift– “Thanks be to God for His indescribable gift.” 2 Cor. 9:15
  19. Judge– “…he is the one whom God appointed as judge of the living and the dead.” Acts 10:42
  20. King of Kings– “These will wage war against the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, because He is Lord of lords and King of kings, and those who are with Him are the called and chosen and faithful.” Rev. 17:14
  21. Lamb of God– “The next day John saw Jesus coming toward him and said, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29
  22. Light of the World– “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12
  23. Lion of the Tribe of Judah– “Weep no more; behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has conquered, so that he can open the scroll and its seven seals.” Rev. 5:5
  24. Lord of All– “For this reason also, God highly exalted Him, and bestowed on Him the name which is above every name, so that at the name of Jesus every knee will bow, of those who are in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and that every tongue will confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” Phil. 2:9-11
  25. Mediator – “For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus.” 1 Tim. 2:5
  26. Messiah – “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ).” John 1:41
  27. Mighty One –“Then you will know that I, the Lord, am your Savior, your Redeemer, the Mighty One of Jacob.” Is. 60:16
  28. One Who Sets Free– “So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.”  John 8:36
  29. Our Hope–“…Christ Jesus our hope.” 1 Tim. 1:1
  30. Peace– “For he himself is our peace, who has made the two groups one and has destroyed the barrier, the dividing wall of hostility,” Eph. 2:14
  31. Prophet – “And Jesus said to them, “A prophet is not without honor, except in his hometown and among his relatives and in his own household.” Mark 6:4
  32. Redeemer– “And as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and at the last He will take His stand on the earth.” Job 19:25
  33. Risen Lord – “…that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures.” 1 Cor. 15:3-4
  34. Rock– “For they drank from the spiritual Rock that followed them, and the Rock was Christ.” 1 Cor. 10:4
  35. Sacrifice for Our Sins –“This is love: not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as an atoning sacrifice for our sins.” 1 John 4:10
  36. Savior – “For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.” Luke 2:11
  37. Son of Man–“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” Luke 19:10
  38. Son of the Most High– “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David.” Luke 1:32
  39. Supreme Creator Over All – “By Him all things were created, both in the heavens and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities– all things have been created through Him and for Him. He is before all things, and in Him all things hold together.…” 1 Cor. 1:16-17
  40. Resurrection and the Life–“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me will live, even though they die.” John 11:25
  41. The Door– “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved and will go in and out and find pasture.” John 10:9
  42. The Way–“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” John 14:6
  43. The Word–“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
  44. True Vine– “I am the true vine, and My Father is the vinedresser.” John 15:1
  45. Truth–“And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” John 8:32
  46. Victorious One– “To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to sit with me on my throne, just as I was victorious and sat down with my Father on his throne.” Rev. 3:21
  47. – 50.Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace– “For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.” Is. 9:6

We can endure difficulties in life because God is with us. Each of the 50 names noted above reflect unique ways God’s abiding presence provides for any and all our needs while sustaining life giving fellowship with Him and with each other.

So how should we prepare for 2019 and what should be our focus even now as we prepare for 2019?  What should we spend some time doing ? 

How we pray  naturally is different during crisis than during prosperious and peaceful times.  When in crisis, our prayers are specific and passionate.  Our focus is on seeking relief and resolution.   But in God’s economy and perspective, what we consider urgent may be unneeded from God’s perspective.  And what God considers urgent may not be important to us. 

So should we focus on trying to convince God to follow our priorities and requests or seek His help to open our minds to accept His?  Should we, like the Psalmist, see God’s help by searching our hearts and revealing to us our failings and remaining sinfulness and lead us to repentance and victory (Psalm 139:23-24)?  Should we spend more time asking His help or more time seeking His Will be done?  Oh, Yes!

Here are some suggestions I am planning on implementing:

  1. Praying in God’s Will invites a positive response from God.  Focus on those needs I am certain my desires and prayers are in line with God’s Will and desires.  Such requests as salvation for family and friends.
  2. Seeking to know God’s Will from His Word and from confirmation both from other believers and from seeking Holy Spirit’s confirmation in my own soul.   Doing so opens our minds and soul to discover His Will.
  3. When making specific requests, determine to be persistent daily on matters I feel urgent or important while submitting to His Will and timing .
  4. Seek support in prayer from other believers on matters seeking His council and help. Doing so opens ourselves and others to receive God’s response and answers.
  5. Make praise and worship thanksgiving at least ½ of the time and focus of daily prayers.  Doing so reminds us what God has already done.
  6. Increase time and focus of prayer each day over time spent in 2018.     
  7. Praying for and seeking more opportunities to make a positive difference in other’s lives and less time seeking and praying for God’s blessings for myself.  
  8. Studying more closely Jesus’ prayers and use His examples to guide my prayers and conduct more.

I’m sure your list will be different or maybe longer.  It is not intended to be complete but simply a starting point.  I invite you to reflect and create your own list.   

In contrast the example of “Prince” noted above, Emily Elliott lived 62 years in mid 1800’s never achieving fame or fortune but wrote a number of hymns which are still used in congregations today’s.  One hymn shares the words of encouragement below:

“Every day He sends us  He Himself prepares; He Himself attends us  Through its joys and cares; His true love beseeching, Let us, then, draw near; Seeking guidance, teaching, For the opening year.”

Emily continues to remind us that it is Christ who gives us permanent – eternal worth and security. Christ guides and teaching and provides all we need more than the wants that come and go and decay – fade away over time.   A few years from now what we work so hard to acquire or gain will be lost while what God gives us will be ours for eternity.  Even the wealthiest and most powerful people leave all their possessions and influence behind when they die.  The only things they or we can take with us is the relationships and fruits of the work and time we give In service to Christ, time and work      we do for the least of His creation but to honor and serve Him.   As you and I reflect on accomplishments and experiences of 2018 and then ponder on what 2019 holds, lets also seek His council to reveal what in 2018 were our best accomplishments for Him and what work He still has for us to do.  His work involves building and strengthening relationships with each other, with Him, and relationships He wants to have with our loved ones and friends and even our enemies and people unknown to us but all dearly loved by Him.

You and I don’t know who will live to see 2020 and who will not.  Will you and I?  Reflect on those we know who passed in 2018.  Some were healthy and strong but died suddenly and unexpectedly.  Others were enduring chronic disease and illness.  Some died by accident and others by violence.  Some died at their home while some in a hospital.  Some died alone while some died in a public place.   Some died with loved ones around them.  Some died knowing Christ would greet and welcome them while some died without that confidence going out into eternity without accepting Christ’s redemptive gift of salvation and eternal life with Him.

Our most important calling – work is sharing His good news of salvation and forgiveness by word and conduct and example.  Our lives are our strongest and most effective witness but at times God will also give us a time and play to share by word His Good News too if we are faithful.  The Great Commission (Matthew 28:18-30 “18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth.19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost:20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.) Is a daunting expectation and command from our Lord, but one we are only expected to work at daily one step at a t time but always to be on our mind and heart?  When we focus on our goals and ambitions and desires above His, this Commandment gets forgotten,  but if we begin keeping it visible pasted on our bathroom mirror or refrigerator, or office computer screen,  then our minds will be open and ready for opportunities Christ wants  to put in our path to fulfill this Commandment.  Not by preaching but by showing and loving and listening and praying.  By being a caring friend ready to give hope and encouragement and point others to Christ to do the rest.  WE ARE NEITHER EXPECTED NOR CALLED TO WIN OTHERS TO CHRIST ALONE OR ONLY WITH OUR OWN RESOURCES AND ABILITIES.  To do so will fail.  We are only to put our hand in His, look to Him, and follow His lead and direction.  Too often we talk when we should listen and act when we should wait, Make part of your reflection on 2018 looking at instances when you acted too soon and talked without listening.  Then on those times when you did wait and listen.  Notice the difference in results and use these experiences to help guide you in 2019 to fulfill His Great Commission.  That is what I am beginning 2019 doing.  Would you join me in that effort and  quest and goal?  AMEN?  AMEN!

“Now the year is over, let us braver stand, / Seeking to discover His—our Father’s–hand.”  Emily Elliott

Arlene & I pray you all have a blessed and healthy and safe 2019 but even more a 2019 lived in close fellowship with the One who loves and cares for you like none other.            In His Service,                                                                                                                                                 Don & Arlene McDaniel

 

Published by donsdevotions

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Don McDaniel - Who am I? Hello everyone and welcome to my devotional journal blog. In order to get acquainted and help you get to know me a bit better before considering following my blog, let me give you some background. I am a 74-year-old male and a retired engineer. I worked for a major supplier of underground mining equipment for nearly 40 years before retiring in 2012. Arlene and I have been happily married since April 1978 and have two grown – married children, one granddaughter and 2 step grandsons. I joined the local United Methodist church at age 12 after accepting Christ as my Savior at age 10 during revival services in that same church in 1961, so I have been a “Born Again” Christian all my teen years and adult life. Christ has helped and guided me all that time. He guided me in choosing my wife and life’s career. My life journey has included regrets and failures, but God has picked me up and protected and spared me from life threatening consequences and dangers more times than I can recall or count. But many I do recall and encourage and motivate me to trust and follow Christ with more passion than ever. Christmas 2011 our daughter gave Arlene and I each a devotional journal. Journals were books with devotion for each day and space to give personal impressions and thoughts related to each devotion. Her desire was to have a lasting legacy she could refer back to and share with her children and grandchildren especially after we are gone. I was touched by that gesture. My parents and Arlene’s were devout Christians, so we would have greatly treasured having that from them, so we felt a sense of urgency to honor her request. I finished my journal first and returned it to our daughter the following Christmas. I’m glad I did it then because Parkinson’s has caused my hand writing to deteriorate since then. The exercise was such a blessing for me. Discipline of keeping journal helped me gain a deeper walk with Christ and greater discipline in honoring my time of prayer and devotion with Him each day. So, I decided to continue the practice but since I could not find a paper journal I liked, I decided to create my own. I had already been receiving electronic devotions by email every day from several sources, my favorite being “Turning Point” from Dr. David Jeremiah. What I decided to do was to include devotional scripture but add my own thoughts and comments only so there would be no issue of copyright infringement. Creating and maintaining journal by computer also addressed my deteriorating handwriting ability. I started an electronic devotion journal January 1, 2013 and have been faithful to that practice every day since. I prayed about method and level of distribution. My initial intent was to only share it with my two children by email, but quickly discovered others in my family, my church, and friends from work (both retired and still working) who knew me and wanted to be included in distribution when they learned what I was doing. I now distribute by email my daily journal at the beginning of each month to over 150 friends and relatives. God has richly blessed and encouraged me. I am concerned with the state of our church and nation, and world for that matter, believing we are living in the end times the prophets of old and Christ have talked about in scripture, so time is short. I desire to be true to my Savior and a witness to help others come to a saving knowledge of Him and equipped to share His Good News too. If my journal can encourage and help others, I believe God wants me to share it. I struggled, for a time at first, because I know many others keep similar journals but only for their own edification and do not want to share them because they are private. However, Christ has stirred my heart to share it as a witness tool. Our son and daughter have a long-time friend who grew up with them who we also befriended nearly 25 years ago. He had a lot of family problems, so would gravitate to our family as a refuge and eventually thought of us as his adopted parents and he as our adopted son. We lost contact with him for some time when he grew up and left home. He traveled around the U.S. and eventually ended up in Ukraine where he resided for next 10 years. He had to return to the US to renew his visa and took opportunity to recommend I begin a blog of my devotions and helped me set it up. He is also an active blogger and has been an email subscriber to my journal for several months, so he has been suggesting I expand my distribution by starting a blog to get broader exposure. After reflection and prayer, I concluded God was in this, so he is helping me set up my blog site. This brief autobiography is my first entry. He returned to Ukraine, then resided there until circumstanced made him decide to move back to US with his young son. This biography was my first post February 29, 2016 . I have published 600 posts from 2016-2023 automatically sent to all my Facebook friends, published on WordPress to be accessible to anyone curious or seeking a deeper walk with God. I decided to take a sebatical to prepare for a new chapter. In 2014 I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease which affects patient ability to walk, drive, do physical work, and eventually talk. By mid 2023 it became evident our home for last 42 years (previously owned by my parents for previous 44 years and by my mother's grandparents for 39 years before that) would eventually not meet my needs so we decided to sell it and move into 1st floor of a duplex we also owned that was the town school from 1855-1913. Likewise, the property was requiring more maintenance that I was no longer able to keep up with. 2023 involved selling our home and moving into apartment next door and then in early 2025 an opportunity to move closer to our daughter and granddaughter in Kentucky which was completed in May 2025. For a number of months I have been seeking direction seeking God's direction and timing to return to blogging as my journey with Parkinson's continues to unfold with God's guiding hand in mine. I hope and pray my devotions will continue to be a blessing for you. God certainly has become closer and more real to me since started this blog in 2016. I have spent time with Him studying scripture and praying and listening and writing this journal. I will continue seeking God’s help and will welcome your input to make this site as meaningful as I can and true to God, who is motivating me to create and maintain it. I will also welcome input in order to make format more meaningful going forward. Don & Arlene McDaniel In His Service, Email: mcdanieldonald769@gmail.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Don1951 If you wish, you can access my blog at “https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com“. There you will find 600+ blog posts I have made plus a link to my devotional journal material archives from 2013 to present (https://donsdevotions.wordpress.com/2016/03/02/link-to-dons-devotional-journal-entries-2013/ ) You may also access my Facebook page and request to be my friend and automatically receive my daily journal publications daily. My Facebook page is: https://www.facebook.com/Dondevotionals/ Many thanks to a pastor and dear brother in Christ in Nepal who set up the above Facebook page to help and encourage and give opportunity for more to explore and use my devotional blog materials.

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