God Is Near

• Matthew 1:23 (TNIV)

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I teach computer class to 1st - 8th grade at a Christian school. Within my class, I have been teaching students about blogging & each week give them some kind of reflection question to respond to. Today's question: What is one way you know that God is with you?

I read Matthew 1:23, which is very appropriate especially for this season. It was interesting to see the different responses I got -- from stories of God's faithfulness in physical intervention to just His assurance of comfort & peace. Others were stumped. This concerned me because I know that at the school I work with, there are students who do not have a true relationship with Jesus. Another question I posed: How can you talk about someone or write about someone that you hardly know? I pray this challenged my students to think about their walk with Christ (or lack of one).

I wrote a post earlier in the month called "God Is Near". I suppose these are just some additional thoughts to that. I feel like this year I'm aware of God's presence in my life & my wife's life more than I've ever known. As I've felt my relationship with Him stretch & grow, it has hurt at times. But I can think of so many ways God has truly been "Immanuel" to me. Thank you Jesus for your faithfulness.

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