December 2006: Emmanuel

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Emmanuel - God with Us 

“Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Emmanuel, which is translated 'God with us'"  Matthew 1:23

In thinking about how to celebrate Christmas and all that it represents, we have been led to reflect on the incredible work of God that we have witnessed this year.  His presence covers every reflection.  For every believing client who has known suffering, pain, confusion, despair – there is a powerful testimony to God’s faithful presence with them as they have grown to know Him more deeply through the struggle.  Truly, the Lord is true to His promise that He will never leave us or forsake us. 

It’s our prayer that the following resources help you to focus on Immanuel this Christmas and each day of your life.  Take some time to explore the resources through the year and grow in your knowledge of the amazing love of God.

 

 

Resources 

 

BOOKS

Henry Blackaby has written several books, but an excellent aid to recognizing and focusing in on God’s presence and work in your life is his classic study guide Experiencing God.  It’s well worth the time and effort to see God’s might work in your life.


Timothy R. Botts is a gifted Christian calligrapher who has artistically rendered scripture and sacred music in beautiful works of art displayed in several books available through his website:  www.timbotts.com.  Bask in God’s presence by spending time reflecting on scripture in art form.
 

Michael Card’s book A Sacred Sorrow: Reaching Out to God in the Lost Language of Lament is particularly relevant to the reflection of how God uses suffering in our lives to remind us of who He is and our desperate need and longing for Him.  Chapter 21 “God’s Presence With Us” is absolutely a concise summary of the thoughts that we had in preparation for this month’s newsletter.  Excellent resource.


Chip Ingram’s I Am With You Always “will give you comfort by reminding you that the Lord is faithful and a constant place of refuge for those in need.”

 

Brother Lawrence’s classic The Practice of the Presence of God is a challenging must-read on the topic of fixing our eyes on Jesus.


 

We highly recommend C.S. Lewis’ Reflections on the Psalms as you focus on God’s power and presence this year.

 

 

Max Lucado’s writings are plentiful and often bring us straight into the reality of God’s ever-present work in our lives as we seek to know Him.

 

 

 

RELEVANT SCRIPTURE

Isaiah 41:10 – So do not fear, for I am with you; do not be dismayed, for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand.

Deuteronomy 1:30-31 – The Lord your God, who is going before you, will fight for you, as He did for you in Egypt, before your very eyes, and in the desert.  There you saw how the Lord your God carried you, as a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.

Deuteronomy 31:6 – Be strong and courageous.  Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your Go``d goes with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you.

Psalm 9:10 – Those who know your name will trust in you, for you, Lord, have never forsaken those who seek you.

Psalm 16:7-8 – I will praise the Lord, who counsels me; even at night my heart instructs me.  I have set the Lord always before me.  Because He is at my right hand, I will not be shaken.

Psalm 54:4 – Surely God is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me.

Psalm 55:22 – Cast your cares on the Lord and He will sustain you; He will never let the righteous fall.

Jeremiah 17:7-8 – But blessed is the man who trusts in the Lord, whose confidence is in Him.  He will be like a tree planted by the water that sends out its roots by the stream.  It does not fear when heat comes; its leaves are always green.   It has no worries in a year of drought and never fails to bear fruit.

 

 

 

Help for the Journey

It is our hope and prayer that your hearts are joyful in Christ this holiday season regardless of the circumstances you are experiencing in life right now.  As always, we are happy to be of service in providing Christian, professional counseling to those of you who are struggling.  Please call us at 575-6500 or visit our website at www.indyhope.com if we can be of service to you or someone you know. 

May God richly bless you as you focus on His presence in your life this Christmas!

 

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