Immanu El – “God is With Us”

… an angel of Adonai appeared to him in a dream and said, “Yosef, son of David, do not be afraid to take Miryam home with you as your wife; for what has been conceived in her is from the Ruach HaKodesh. She will give birth to a son, and you are to name him Yeshua, [which means ‘Adonai saves,’] because he will save his people from their sins.” All this happened in order to fulfill what Adonai had said through the prophet,
“The virgin will conceive and bear a son,
and they will call him ‘Immanu El.”
(The name means, “God is with us.”)
~ Matthew 1:20-23, Complete Jewish Study Bible ~

A mindful and crucified Christian life is one where we seek to follow in the footsteps of Jesus Christ. Committing ourselves over to live according to His teachings. It is a life of righteousness where we live faithfully in obedience to our Heavenly Father’s commandments. This develops genuine and authentic Christian character of one who strives to become faithful, honest, generous, disciplined, loving, kind, humble, and grateful. These establish one’s true spiritual integrity as prescribed in the scriptures. And how we commit ourselves to living a mindful and crucified Christian life of righteousness is based on the best of our abilities to apply those spiritual truths and Gospel principles we glean from the scriptures. Because of this, we become powerful examples of how God is with us each and every day. Blessing’s flow from us toward others. Our spiritual character and integrity, as faithful disciples and followers of Jesus Christ, become the example that calls others unto Christ and to follow Him.

This process of spiritual conversion means we are being transformed into a real person who is enlightened spiritually over time. And it is something done in small steps. We fear not because God is with us every moment of our day. It is not an easy path – for even the savior taught that such a path is narrow and constricted (Matthew 7:14) and there are few who find such a path.

The Savior’s invitation for us to follow Him by denying self and taking up our own personal cross means we are willing to surrender the care of our lives and will over to Him. By doing so avails us of His power whereby He works through us to do miraculous things. It is not something forced because our Heavenly Father wants us to use our moral agency to choose to be fully invested in our discipleship with Christ. And it is something we make willingly.

Thus, placing absolute faith in Christ we are empowered to minister in a manner that He has already ministered in his mortal life.

A mindful and crucified Christian life is one where we look to this day as we take those small steps. Understanding there is no easy solutions to our challenges and problems we face in life. Knowing that only true freedom and liberty is surrendering our life and will over to God’s care are we given the gift of knowing God is with us. Through this gift we are able to love others deeply, enjoy meaningful relationships and fellowships with others, minister with kindness and compassion, and be the much-needed miracle in the lives of those struggling.

How does knowing that God is with us help you grow in faith? What does it mean for you to understand how He is with you in any giving circumstance and challenges?

Today’s Thought and Reminder

Are you grateful to commit yourself over to our Heavenly Father’s care? Willing to walk in faithful obedience to His teachings and commandments? Striving to follow Christ and His example? Knowing that spiritual disciplines and growth is a process that begins when you deny yourself and take up your cross to follow in His footsteps?

Through the power of Christ, each one of us develop His attributes of love, compassion, courage, and strong faith. Such power is used to bring honor and glory to our Heavenly Father as we live out our faith. An example of how we are examples to others where – God is with us.

Please Support Mindful Christian Living

Mindful Christian Living is solely a volunteer website with a singular mission. To inspire all people to come unto Christ and develop a deeper and more meaningful relationship with the Savior. To develop ways to live a more authentic and mindful Christian lifestyle. Because of this – please consider giving a financial donation to help support the administrative costs, writing and publishing of content, devotionals, scripture studies and commentaries.