Tag Archives: Faith in God

Christian Living, Devotion to God

The Prophecy of Immanuel: God With Us

“Therefore the Lord Himself will give you a sign: Listen carefully, the virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and she will call his name Immanuel (God with us).” (Isaiah 7:14, AMP)

This verse from Isaiah is a cornerstone of hope for every believer. It is a divine promise—a miraculous sign given by God Himself, proclaiming that He would send a Savior into the world. This was no ordinary sign. It foretold the supernatural, the impossible by human standards: a virgin conceiving a child.

This prophecy reveals the very nature of God. He is not distant or detached; He is Immanuel, “God with us.” From the very beginning, God desired to dwell with His creation, to walk with us in intimacy and fellowship. The birth of Jesus fulfilled this longing in the most profound way. Through Christ, God took on human form, not only to redeem us but to be present in our daily lives, our struggles, and our joys.

When we reflect on this prophecy, we see the heart of God’s plan: a love so deep and so relentless that He would step into time and humanity to rescue us. The virgin birth is a testament to His power and His faithfulness. It reminds us that nothing is impossible for Him. What He promises, He fulfills.

This truth demands our response. The name “Immanuel” is not just a title; it is an invitation. God is with us. Are we with Him? He desires to be present in every part of our lives—not as a distant figure but as our closest companion. As you meditate on this verse, ask yourself: are you living in the reality of His presence? Do you seek Him daily, trusting that He is near and intimately involved in your life?

Let this prophecy stir your faith. No matter what you face, remember that you are not alone.God is with you. Just as He fulfilled this miraculous sign through the birth of Jesus, He will be faithful to fulfill His promises in your life.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Immanuel, “God with us.” You did not leave us in our sin and brokenness but stepped into our world to redeem and restore us. Lord, help us to live in the fullness of Your presence, trusting that You are always near. Increase our faith and draw us closer to You each day. May we never take for granted the miracle of Your love. We seek more of You, Lord—more of Your presence, Your truth, and Your peace. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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Faith

Jesus Brings Life to Dead Hopes

When Jesus arrived in Bethany, He was met with sorrow and despair. Lazarus, His dear friend, had been in the tomb for four days. To Martha and Mary, it seemed too late. Their hope had faded, and they believed death had the final word. Yet in the midst of their grief, Jesus declared a truth that transcends time and circumstance: “I am the Resurrection and the Life. Whoever believes in Me will live even if he dies” (John 11:25 AMP).

Jesus calls us to believe, even when our hopes seem dead. This is a common thread throughout Scripture. When Sarah laughed at the thought of bearing a child in her old age, God asked, “Is anything too difficult for the Lord?” (Genesis 18:14 AMP). When Ezekiel stood in the valley of dry bones, God commanded him to prophesy life into what was lifeless, and the bones came alive by the power of God (Ezekiel 37:1-14). Over and over, the Bible reminds us that God specializes in reviving what seems beyond hope.

Martha, like many of us, struggled to reconcile her faith with her circumstances. She believed Jesus could have healed her brother before his death, but she doubted what He could do now. Yet Jesus gently reminded her, “Did I not say to you that if you believe [in Me], you will see the glory of God?” (John 11:40 AMP). In Isaiah 55:8-9, God declares, “For My thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways My ways… For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are My ways higher than your ways and My thoughts higher than your thoughts” (AMP). God’s timing is not our timing, but His timing is perfect.

When Jesus called Lazarus out of the tomb, He demonstrated that He is not bound by time, death, or human limitations. Just as He brought life to Lazarus, He can breathe life into your circumstances. Paul reminds us in Ephesians 3:20 that God “is able to [carry out His purpose and] do superabundantly more than all that we dare ask or think [infinitely beyond our greatest prayers, hopes, or dreams], according to His power that is at work within us”(AMP).

Jesus is asking you to trust Him. He is saying to you what He said to Jairus when his daughter was on the brink of death: “Do not be afraid; only believe [in Me and My power]”(Mark 5:36 AMP). Even when all seems lost, when time has passed, and when the situation appears final, God can still do anything.

Roll away the stone of fear, doubt, and unbelief. Trust that the same God who brought life to dry bones, raised Lazarus, and fulfilled His promises to Sarah can bring new life to the areas of your life that feel dead. His glory will shine when you place your hope in Him.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, I thank You that nothing is too difficult for You. When my hopes feel dead and Your timing feels delayed, help me to believe that You are still working. Breathe life into my circumstances as You did with Lazarus, Sarah, and the dry bones in Ezekiel’s vision. Teach me to trust that Your ways are higher than mine and Your timing is always perfect. May I hold fast to Your truth and see Your glory revealed in my life. In Jesus’ name, amen.

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Visions

Vision of the Great Shepherd

In a vision, I see the valley consumed by shadows, a place where darkness and despair reign. The air thickens with the scent of hopelessness, and the cries of the lost echo through the cold, barren ground. However, the heavens suddenly open, and there appears One like the Son of Man, His face radiant as the sun at its peak, His eyes blazing like flames of fire (Revelation 1:13-16). His voice, mighty and unstoppable, roars like the sound of many waters (Revelation 1:15).

As He descends, the earth trembles beneath His feet, and the atmosphere fills with the sweet fragrance of holiness, a scent like myrrh and frankincense. The darkness flees before Him, for He carries a rod of iron in His right hand and a staff glowing with the light of life in His left (Psalm 23:4; Revelation 2:27). He walks among the scattered sheep, His robe brushing against the ground, leaving trails of light that illuminate the path before Him. The air resonates with the sound of angelic choruses, and the entire atmosphere shimmers with His glory (Revelation 5:11-12).

The Great Shepherd calls out to the wounded and weary, His voice tender yet strong, “Come to Me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28). His words are sweet as honey, soothing the soul. As He speaks, the chains that bind the lost shatter, falling away like dust in the wind. The once-lost sheep lift their heads, recognizing their Shepherd with tears of joy streaming down their faces (John 10:14). The barren ground beneath them begins to bloom, vibrant flowers springing forth, filling the air with a fresh, fragrant scent.

The Great Shepherd reaches out His hand, and as He touches them, their wounds heal, their pain lifts, and their souls find restoration (Psalm 23:3; Isaiah 53:5). Still waters appear before them, clear and pure, reflecting the glory of the heavens. He leads them beside these waters, where they find a peace that surpasses all understanding (Philippians 4:7). The light of His presence banishes all fear, and under His watchful care, they know they are safe, forever held in the embrace of their Shepherd.

Finally, I hear a voice from the throne proclaiming, “Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be His people, and God Himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore, for the former things have passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4).

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Providence

God’s Care for His Church: An Everlasting Promise

God’s care for His church is a theme that resonates throughout the entire Bible, from Genesis to Revelation. The church, His beloved bride, is under the constant, vigilant care of the Almighty. This divine care is not just a part of history but extends to the present, reminding us that God’s commitment to His church is unchanging and eternal.

God’s Providence: Providing for His Church

From the very beginning, God’s providence has been evident. In Genesis 1:30, He provides every green plant as food for all living creatures, establishing a pattern of divine provision. Later, in Genesis 7:16, God Himself shuts the door of the ark, ensuring Noah and his family are safely inside. This act symbolizes how God’s care for His church includes protection in the midst of judgment.

In Exodus 16:35, God’s provision continues as He provides manna for the Israelites for forty years in the wilderness. This is a tangible reminder that God’s care for His church includes sustaining His people even in desolate places. David echoes this in Psalm 23:1, where he declares, “The Lord is my Shepherd, I shall not want,” acknowledging God’s role as the ultimate provider.

In the New Testament, Jesus reassures His followers of this ongoing provision. In Matthew 6:26, He reminds us that God feeds the birds of the air, so surely He will care for His children. Paul also emphasizes this in Acts 14:17, speaking of God filling hearts with food and gladness—underscoring the physical and spiritual care that God extends to His church.

God’s Guidance: Leading His Church

God’s guidance is another aspect of God’s care for His church. In Deuteronomy 32:10, God describes finding Israel in a barren, howling waste, encircling and caring for them, guarding them as the apple of His eye. This protective guidance is a clear indication of God’s care for His church.

In Psalm 121:4, we learn that the Lord, who watches over Israel, neither slumbers nor sleeps. This continuous vigilance is a crucial aspect of how God’s care for His church manifests. Solomon, in 1 Kings 8:29, prays for God’s eyes to be open toward His house day and night, reflecting the constant guidance God provides His church.

Jesus’ role as the Good Shepherd is a New Testament continuation of this theme. In John 10:14, Jesus says, “I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me.” This intimate knowledge of His church is a powerful demonstration of God’s care for His church.

God’s Compassion: Loving His Church

God’s care for His church is deeply rooted in His compassion. Psalm 40:17 speaks to this, saying, “But as for me, I am poor and needy; may the Lord think of me. You are my help and my deliverer.” God’s compassion drives Him to act on behalf of His church, caring for His people in their time of need.

In the New Testament, Jesus embodies this compassion. In Matthew 14:16, when the disciples suggest sending the crowd away to find food, Jesus replies, “They do not need to go away. You give them something to eat.” This act of compassion reflects God’s care for His church, not just spiritually but physically as well.

Believers are further encouraged in 1 Peter 5:7 to “Cast all your anxiety on Him because He cares for you.” This verse encapsulates the heart of God’s compassion, which is central to God’s care for His church. He invites His people to bring their burdens to Him, offering rest and relief.

A Call to Return to God’s Care

Beloved, we are His children, and He has called us by name. Do not delay, but turn your hearts back to Him who is our refuge and strength. As the Good Shepherd seeks out His lost sheep, so does the Lord call each of us back into His fold. His arms are open wide, ready to embrace all who come to Him with humble and contrite hearts. Remember, God’s care for His church is steadfast and His mercy is new every morning.

A Prayer for the Church

Let us pray.

O Lord our God, who has watched over us with unfailing love, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude and repentance. We acknowledge Your steadfast care, which has guided us through every trial and sustained us in every need. Forgive us, Father, for the times we have strayed from Your path. Draw us back to You, O Shepherd of our souls, and restore us to the joy of Your salvation.

We thank You for Your boundless mercy and grace, which You have poured out upon us through Your Son, Jesus Christ. May Your Spirit lead us in the way of righteousness, that we may walk in Your light and live according to Your will. Strengthen Your church, O Lord, and keep us united in Your love, that we may bear witness to Your glory.

In the name of Jesus, our Savior and King, we pray. Amen.

Faith, Truth, Unchanging

God’s Unwavering Nature

8 minutes, mostly scriptures

Introduction

In a world filled with uncertainty and change, God’s unwavering nature stands as a beacon of hope and assurance. The Scriptures reveal a God who is profoundly faithful, infinitely loving, perfectly righteous, and eternally true. From the steadfast promises in the Old Testament to the fulfilled truths in the New, we see a consistent narrative of God’s unwavering nature. His word is a solid foundation upon which we can build our lives. His character offers us a deep well of peace and confidence. As we delve into the richness of these verses, let us open our hearts to the transformative power of God’s eternal attributes. Allow His truth, love, and righteousness to guide and uplift us in every season of life.

God’s Unwavering Nature in Scripture

Faithfulness and Truth

God’s unwavering nature is consistently highlighted throughout Scripture. “God is not a man, that He should lie, nor a son of man, that He should repent. Has He said, and will He not do it? Or has He spoken, and will He not make it good?” (Numbers 23:19). “The Rock! His work is perfect, for all His ways are just; a God of faithfulness and without injustice, righteous and upright is He” (Deuteronomy 32:4). “Not one of the good promises which the Lord had made to the house of Israel failed; all came to pass” (Joshua 21:45). “Also the Glory of Israel will not lie or change His mind; for He is not a man that He should change His mind” (1 Samuel 15:29).

Consistency and Righteousness

“Now, O Lord God, You are God, and Your words are truth, and You have promised this good thing to Your servant” (2 Samuel 7:28). “For the word of the Lord is right and true; He is faithful in all He does” (Psalm 33:4). “For the Lord is good; His mercy and lovingkindness are everlasting, His faithfulness [endures] to all generations” (Psalm 100:5). “The sum of Your word is truth, and every one of Your righteous ordinances is everlasting” (Psalm 119:160). “He who has received His testimony has set his seal to this, that God is true” (John 3:33). “Then Jesus cried out in the temple, teaching and saying, ‘You both know Me and know where I am from; and I have not come of Myself, but He who sent Me is true, whom you do not know’” (John 7:28).

Unchanging Promises

“I have many things to speak and to judge concerning you, but He who sent Me is true; and the things which I heard from Him, these I speak to the world” (John 8:26). “May it never be! Rather, let God be found true, though every man be found a liar, as it is written, ‘That You may be justified in Your words, And prevail when You are judged’” (Romans 3:4). “In the hope of eternal life, which God, who cannot lie, promised long ages ago” (Titus 1:2). “So that by two unchangeable things in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have taken refuge would have strong encouragement to take hold of the hope set before us” (Hebrews 6:18). “And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). “And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, ‘Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!’” (Revelation 15:3).

Lovingkindness and Mercy

The lovingkindness and mercy of God’s unwavering nature are profound and enduring. “Then the Lord passed by in front of him and proclaimed, ‘The Lord, the Lord God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in lovingkindness and truth’” (Exodus 34:6). “You, O Lord, will not withhold Your compassion from me; Your lovingkindness and Your truth will continually preserve me” (Psalm 40:11). “For Your lovingkindness is great to the heavens and Your truth to the clouds” (Psalm 57:10). “But You, O Lord, are a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger and abundant in lovingkindness and truth” (Psalm 86:15).

“For Your lovingkindness is great above the heavens, and Your truth reaches to the skies” (Psalm 108:4). “Not to us, O Lord, not to us, but to Your name give glory because of Your lovingkindness, because of Your truth” (Psalm 115:1). “For His lovingkindness is great toward us, and the truth of the Lord is everlasting. Praise the Lord!” (Psalm 117:2). “I will bow down toward Your holy temple and give thanks to Your name for Your lovingkindness and Your truth; for You have magnified Your word according to all Your name” (Psalm 138:2). “You will give truth to Jacob and unchanging love to Abraham, which You swore to our forefathers from the days of old” (Micah 7:20).

Righteousness and Justice

God’s unwavering nature includes His righteousness and justice, which are foundational to His character. “The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the judgments of the Lord are true; they are righteous altogether” (Psalm 19:9). “Righteousness and justice are the foundation of Your throne; lovingkindness and truth go before You” (Psalm 89:14). “Before the Lord, for He is coming, for He is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in His faithfulness” (Psalm 96:13).

“Because he who is blessed in the earth will be blessed by the God of truth; and he who swears in the earth will swear by the God of truth; because the former troubles are forgotten, and because they are hidden from My sight!” (Isaiah 65:16). “But the Lord is the true God; He is the living God and the everlasting King. At His wrath the earth quakes, and the nations cannot endure His indignation” (Jeremiah 10:10). “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride” (Daniel 4:37). “And we know that the judgment of God rightly falls upon those who practice such things” (Romans 2:2). “And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, ‘Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!’” (Revelation 15:3).

Fulfillment of God’s Word

Testament to Truth

The fulfillment of God’s word is a testament to His unwavering nature, truthfulness, and faithfulness. “Into Your hand I commit my spirit; You have ransomed me, O Lord, God of truth” (Psalm 31:5). “Once I have sworn by My holiness; I will not lie to David” (Psalm 89:35). “He will cover you with His pinions, and under His wings you may seek refuge; His faithfulness is a shield and bulwark” (Psalm 91:4).

Accomplished Promises

“The Lord has done what He purposed; He has accomplished His word which He commanded from days of old. He has thrown down without sparing, and He has caused the enemy to rejoice over you; He has exalted the might of your adversaries” (Lamentations 2:17). “Now I, Nebuchadnezzar, praise, exalt, and honor the King of heaven, for all His works are true and His ways just, and He is able to humble those who walk in pride” (Daniel 4:37). “But if through my lie the truth of God abounded to His glory, why am I also still being judged as a sinner?” (Romans 3:7).

Eternal Life

“And we know that the Son of God has come, and has given us understanding so that we may know Him who is true; and we are in Him who is true, in His Son Jesus Christ. This is the true God and eternal life” (1 John 5:20). “And they sang the song of Moses, the bond-servant of God, and the song of the Lamb, saying, ‘Great and marvelous are Your works, O Lord God, the Almighty; Righteous and true are Your ways, King of the nations!’” (Revelation 15:3).

Call to Action

Let us embrace the faithfulness, lovingkindness, righteousness, and fulfillment of God’s word in our lives. Recognize that God’s promises are true, His love is everlasting, His justice is perfect, and His word never fails. Trust in the God whose unwavering nature is always faithful and true, and let His character transform and guide us.

Prayer

Heavenly Father, we come before You in awe of Your unwavering nature, faithfulness, lovingkindness, righteousness, and truth. Thank You for Your steadfast love and the fulfillment of Your promises. Help us to trust in Your word and to walk in Your ways. May Your truth be our shield and Your righteousness our guide. We praise You for Your justice and the assurance that Your word endures forever. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

See Also

Devotion to God, Father, Jesus

Confidence in God

Beloved, let us hold unwavering confidence in God, who has been our help and shield throughout the ages. From the patriarchs to the apostles, we see God’s faithfulness, giving us every reason to trust Him fully.

In the promises to the patriarchs, God assured His presence and provision. To Abraham, He vowed, “The Lord, the God of heaven, will send His angel before you” (Genesis 24:7). Isaac found comfort in God’s guidance, declaring, “Behold, I am dying, but God will be with you” (Genesis 48:21). Joseph, too, expressed this assurance: “God will surely visit you” (Genesis 50:24).

In the midst of battles and trials, God’s faithful warriors proclaimed His strength. Joshua, standing firm in faith, claimed, “If the Lord delights in us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us” (Numbers 14:8). David, confronting Goliath, declared, “The Lord, who delivered me from the paw of the lion and from the paw of the bear, will deliver me from the hand of this Philistine” (1 Samuel 17:37). The psalmists echoed this confidence: “Though an army may encamp against me, my heart shall not fear” (Psalm 27:3).

In times of leadership and decision-making, God’s guidance was sought and trusted. Nehemiah, facing opposition, boldly proclaimed, “The God of heaven Himself will prosper us” (Nehemiah 2:20). The chroniclers of Judah declared, “God Himself is with us as our head” (2 Chronicles 13:12). And Jehoshaphat, seeking divine intervention, prayed, “O Lord, there is no one besides You to help” (2 Chronicles 14:11).

Paul, in his letter to the Romans, affirms, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). He reassures the Philippians, “He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6). To the Corinthians, Paul declares, “We have such trust through Christ toward God” (2 Corinthians 3:4) and further encourages, “Knowing that He who raised the Lord Jesus will raise us also with Jesus” (2 Corinthians 4:14). The writer of Hebrews strengthens us with the words, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). In the Acts of the Apostles, we see Paul urging confidence amidst trials, saying, “Not a hair from the head of any of you will perish” (Acts 27:34). Peter reflects on the hope and faith of holy women of old, who placed their trust in God and adorned themselves with inner beauty through their confident hope in His promises (1 Peter 3:5). Let us hold fast to this blessed assurance, for in every trial and triumph, our God is faithful and His grace abounds.

Beloved, let us take heart and place our confidence in the Lord. His promises are sure, His power is unmatched, and His love is everlasting. In every circumstance, whether in abundance or need, in peace or in conflict, let our trust be firmly rooted in Him who is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think. Amen.

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Heavenly Father, we come before You with hearts full of gratitude for Your unwavering faithfulness and abundant provision. We acknowledge that You are the source of our confidence, our strength, and our hope. As Your word reminds us, “If God is for us, who can be against us?” (Romans 8:31). We trust in Your promise that You who began a good work in us will bring it to completion (Philippians 1:6).

Lord, we place our trust in You, knowing that You raised Jesus from the dead and will raise us also with Him (2 Corinthians 4:14). In every trial, we declare, “The Lord is my helper; I will not be afraid. What will man do to me?” (Hebrews 13:6). We hold fast to Your assurance that not a hair from our heads will perish, as You watch over us with tender care (Acts 27:34).

We look to the example of the holy women of old who adorned themselves with inner beauty through their confident hope in You (1 Peter 3:5). Let their faith inspire us to trust in Your promises, to rely on Your strength, and to rest in Your unending love.

Father, in every circumstance, whether in abundance or in need, in peace or in conflict, we trust in Your boundless love and immeasurable grace. Fill our hearts with the assurance of Your presence, and help us to live in the confidence that comes from knowing You. May Your grace abound in us, empowering us to walk in faith and to share Your love with the world.

We pray this in the mighty name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen.

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