God With Us (3 Sep)

Matthew 1:21-23 And she will bring forth a Son, and you shall call His name Jesus, for He will save His people from their sins.” So all this was done that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the Lord through the prophet, saying: “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated “God with us”.

Quick Word: “God With Us” In the last several days, we have witnessed the end of a 20 year war in Afghanistan where thousands of military persons lives were lost, thousands of Afghans nationals were killed and many who desired to leave have not been yet evacuated. Billions of dollars have been spent to execute the war and it seems as if the efforts to improve the lives of Afghan citizens have been defeated. We saw Hurricane Ida ripped through the Gulf Coast with remnants of the storm leading to tornadoes and other adverse weather rather rarely seen in the Northeast United States. In addition, in Texas concentrated voter suppression efforts and assault on women’s right by the state legislature is incomprehensible. On a personal level many of us are dealing with our own storms; a cancer diagnosis, the passing of a love one, financial insecurities and unstable relationships. It’s enough even as a believer for our faith to falter. The quick word today is simply a reminder that “ God is With Us”!

- God is with us always - God is with us to save us - God is available no matter what, we can call on Him in the name of Jesus!

In the midst of it all, God is with us; my beloved brothers and Sisters I encourage you to Hold to God’s unchanging hand!