All right then, the Lord himself will give you the sign. Look! The virgin will conceive a child! She will give birth to a son and will call him Immanuel (which means ‘God is with us’). Isaiah 7:14 (NLT)
Isaiah’s prophecies came to life just at the right time.
God is with us. Yes, indeed He is! Isaiah knew steadfast faith. God revealed Himself to him. He has before and still does today. However, how many people have the same faith as Isaiah did? Why the uncertainty? The only explanation I have is that we don’t really listen. Sure, we go to church, listen to the sermon, maybe read a few Bible verses throughout the week, and try to live in a way God approves of. At least this is what we think. Am I right? Maybe we imagine what God might say if we were truly present to hear Him. Is the lack of being truly present because we might not like what He has to say?
We’re instructed to fear the Lord: with love and respect. It’s not fearing He will harm us, rather it’s having such love and respect that we long to please Him and be in His presence. God loves us and wants the best for us. Usually better than we can imagine. In His time!
I listened to Joel Osteen the other day, and he said something that really got me thinking. Years ago, Joel went through something that was unfair, unjust, and left him wondering, ‘Why me?’ I’m sure you can relate: “Why me?” right?! Well, 16 years later he encountered another situation; yes, 16 years. This time Joel went to battle prepared, not anxious for anything, and succeeded. This was the time Lakewood purchased the Compaq Center. He knows now that the incident he went through 16 years ago was to prepare him for when it mattered.
Are you prepared for when the Lord gives you a sign?
This Christmas season I encourage you – invite you – to spend some time with God.
THANK HIM. Thank God for His love, His guidance, protecting you, comforting you, the people He has placed in your life. Everything God has blessed you with. Just thank Him. Many people may endure life as one catastrophe after another. Stop that negative thinking right now! Be excited for what God has planned for you. Look for opportunities to help others with the gifts bestowed upon you. Your cup overfloweth.
Remember the following:
“For I know the plans I have for you,” says the Lord. “They are plans for good and not for disaster, to give you a future and hope.” Jeremiah 29:11
Don’t fret or you’ll regret! Adore the time you have this Christmas with your family and friends and the opportunity to be with God. Tell Him how much you love Him and that you want to know Him better.
Capture your thoughts in a journal, read a devotional, read the Bible!
And have a Merry Christmas!
Enjoy this insightful perspective on the blessings of Christmas and what really matters most in the Christmas season with this new devotional, Tidings of Comfort & Joy.
This beautiful 30-day devotional is designed to remind you of the beautiful memories in your life, the reason for the season, and the biblical account of the birth of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Dive into this devotional yourself or gift it to a loved one.
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As you get started in the new year, consider delving into the Becoming Anchored 52-week devotional to anchor yourself in Christ and grow your faith and hope throughout the year.
Designed for people in all walks of life, this devotional is easy to consume, reflect, and implement.
I also encourage a regular journaling practice to grow in your relationship with the Lord, which is why I also created the Becoming Anchored Companion Journal.
Get your own copy or get one for a loved one: https://a.co/d/2yIS2rT.
