In this reading plan, we are learning more about God by studying the names given to Him in Scripture. Each day, you’ll come here to read the description of the name we’re studying today and a brief explanation of how God’s character is seen through His name. (Remember that because the Bible was originally written in Hebrew and Greek, some of God’s names are written in the English form of His name from their original language.) You can then head to today’s passages to see how this name functions in Scripture.
IMMANUEL: God’s nearness to and presence with His people
The name Immanuel, or “God is with us,” appears in the book of Isaiah in key prophecies predicting the coming of the Messiah. The name carries a sense of nearness, including intimate knowledge of the needs, struggles, and hopes of humanity. When Isaiah prophesied about the virgin birth, he said that her child would be called Immanuel. This is not a proper name as much as it is a description of what the Messiah would be like.
In Matthew, an angel told Joseph to name the child “Jesus,” because “He will save His people from their sins” (Matthew 1:21). This name describes what Immanuel would do. Together, the names Immanuel and Jesus remind us that God saves His people and is close to them.
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81 thoughts on "Immanuel"
Amen
amen. God is with us
Amen
He is the Lord of my life and I love him ❤️
Amen
Immanuel – God with us. God desires to be in relationship with us, to commune with us. For us to be in His presence. Thankful because of Jesus sacrifice I’m seen as spotless, white as snow. I can draw near to God.
God sees us, hears us, feels what we feel.
Matthew 1:23 reminds me that God didn’t wait for us to reach Him. He came to be with us. Immanuel means I’m never alone. Jesus is God with me in every season, and that brings real comfort and hope ❤️
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My first thought goes to the Christmas song “Immanuel, God with Us” by Point of Grace. It brings me peace, joy, comfort and usually a few tears every time I hear the song. What a beautiful reminder that He is always near. In the good or bad; happy or sad; easy or difficult times. Praise be to God for everything He is, always has been and always will be.
I love that song too!❤️
Here’s a fun thing I thought about while listening to the podcast when Joel says names are important. My name is Katie Ann—which means pure grace. And boy oh boy how grateful I am for His pure grace, and that constant reminder!!!
I like that. Nice to meet you,pure grace.
What beautiful name and deep meaning.
Hello shes. This Name of GOD Immanuel is such a comforting truth. There are many times in my life, even recently, it seems as if God is so far, too far to reach amidst pain and hurt. But feelings are misleading, His Truth is true. He is with us, as sure as the sun will rise. Yesterday was an emotional day for me. It was the last day of school for our kids. I spent time at their playground as they lingered to play with their friends, some kids cried hugging their teachers. I met a mother and got to hear her story. She was a recent widow with three young kids (age 6,9, 12). Her youngest is in the same grade 1 class with my daughter. She lost her husband suddenly a few years ago to a stroke at 43, just before the family moved to Canada. She moved with three kids after the funeral during Covid, and isolation. They are suffering from grief, transitions, culture shock, lack, etc. and now her oldest daughter is cutting her arm and facing deep depression, suicde thoughts. I came home feeling so devastated. I need much courage to step into their pain, to lift their pain to GOD without breaking down and cry, and trust GOD to lead. The day before, God told me to walk up to her to talk to her after school, and ask for her phone, so I did… who knew that it would unleash this crazy situation, that even now I am shaky. Please join me in praying for this sweet mother (her name is Tracy) and her family, and especially her oldest daughter Jenny, that they can overcome this attacks in the mind. I am planning to invite them over for hanging out and to arrange kids playground meetups this summer. Thank you shes for your prayers. Be blessed dear sisters.
I will pray for Tracy
Praying for Tracy and Jenny!
Mercy! What a blessing you are and will be to this broken family. I am praying. ❤️
Yes, amen. God is using you to be a sweet friend to her and more importantly prayer! You have such a big heart. That is so heartbreaking even to hear.
I will be praying for Tracy and her children.. for sure, and her eldest daughter to know His peace and absolute love and the hope it brings.
Mercy, I will also be praying for you, for strength and guidance as you ‘go into this lions den’ of sadness and brokeness, I will be praying the Lord be with you all as you meet..
Bless you dearest for your obiedience..
Immanuel- God be with you..❤️
Thank you for sharing. I will be praying for Tracy and Jenny and the other two children. I will also lift you in prayer, Mercy as you navigate this new friendship.
Praying that God will use you and your kids to be a blessing to Tracy and Jenny and that God will equip you to know just what to do and say and not be afraid.
John 1:14–“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us…” To me, this is the heart of the gospel message. It is God’s ultimate expression of humility and longing for a relationship with us. He didn’t have to do this.❤️
Amen!
I LOVE that Emmanuel means “God with us” Again, the promise that He will never leave is or forsake us!! I have always felt His presence even when it was HARD! I can do “hard things” because Emmanuel goes before me and with me and YOU sweet She’s!!! Having a good time although mornings here are COLD, waiting for the sun to come out!! Heading out to the beach sometime today when it warms up! Thank you for praying, we’re having a good time so far, but this old lady is going to need a nap later
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God is with us. It was very evident that God was with my husbands family through the two services for his dad and brother. It’s refreshing to see his young nieces so devoted to God and raising godly children.To his little Italian mother who is stronger than I realized. To see this huge family that started because to fell in love and loved God.
Sending you hugs Traci, to share.❤️
Jesus is Immanuel. He stepped into our broken world—not from a distance, but right in the middle of our mess. God didn’t send a representative; He came Himself. He ate with sinners, wept at graves, touched the untouchable, and bore the weight of our sin on the cross.
We don’t serve a distant God. We serve a present One. No matter where we are—in joy, grief, doubt, chaos, or peace—God is with us.
Amen
For years now, whenever I hear or read the word Immanuel, “God with us” is my next thought. The two words/phrases just go together for me. Today, I think I rested more on the actual truth of what that actually means and what a great sense of peace that brings. He is not far away rather right here beside me. Unseen, not visible but without question, present. We can take such great comfort and strength in this. Thank you Lord, that you are Immanuel. ❤️
The song from days gone by, Immanuel, by Michael Card immediately comes to mind. This is the chorus.
Immanuel
Our God is with us
And if God is with us
Who could stand against us
Our God is with us
Immanuel
Wendy B I remember that song.
I am so grateful that God goes with us and before.
Good morning She’s! I just learned of a new-er podcast by the Gospel Coalition called “The Deep Dish.” I am not a podcast junkie, but I have really enjoyed it. There is an episode on contentment that was particularly good and I thought of all our single friends here. I think you would find it encouraging. It was not just about contentment in singleness, so I recommend it to anyone who finds their eyes straying to the other side of the fence, so to speak. ;)
That would be me!
Oh my goodness. I just signed up for the Gospel Coalition’s women’s newsletter 5 minutes ago! That was the first I had heard of the podcast. I’m so glad you popped on to give the recommendation to listen to the podcast. I will definitely check it out.
Thank you for sharing this! I just went and followed the podcast and plan to listen to the episode recommended later today.
I AM a self-proclaimed “podcast junkie”. I just subscribed. Thank you.
In Matt 1:18-25…I think it’s neat that the angel who appeared to Joseph was a theophany,and Joseph was talking with his foster son. God was already with Joseph and Mary (almah) which means virgin.
Immanuel- God with us. He sent Jesus his son to walk with them and to make disciples. To know him and to imitate him so others might know. And then, when he ascended he said although he must go to be with the Father, there will be someone better than him that would live inside us and set us a fire, enabling us, and guiding us, convicting us.
Matthew 28:19 Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations,baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe everything I have commanded you.
Yet, as amazing as this—we don’t. We live our lives and think we will, we might, we just don’t quite have time right now. It might make me look like a zealot, a Jesus freak, a “out there” kinda Christian. After all, I go to church every week and volunteer even. I can’t imagine how our mentality saddens the Lord, Immanuel, sent to be right with us. Over two thousand years later we have become flat. But the command and authority is still there- Go. Teach. Give grace. Tell the truth. Be vigilant. Serve. Wash Feet.
Lord equip us, and give us enthusiasm and dedication to your command. It’s not an option, although we see it as that. It is as big of a blessing to me, as it is to those I bless. It builds my own faith. We are to be the hands and feet for you. A light to shine! Thank you that you don’t need us, but want us!
And the great commission IA a command
Amen, Rhonda J.
“Lord equip us, and give us enthusiasm and dedication to your command”- amen! I just love your heart and your courage, generosity to volunteer.
Amen!
Amen
God has intimate knowledge of our needs, hopes and struggles.
Amen
In the Old testament God’s presence was in the tabernacle. Whenever the Israelites moved and set up the tabernacle – God’s presence followed. (Exodus 40:34)
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In the New Testament Jesus was born and lived among the people until He ascended into heaven. Then God sent His Holy Spirit to dwell in us. (Matthew 1:23; John 14:16-17)
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The best part – the part that is yet to come – one day we will forever be with the LORD. God’s dwelling place will be among His people – He will live with us, forever and ever! (Revelation 21:3)
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One has to wonder why God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth – God of the angel armies would want to live with us. But He does. Praise God that He wants to be present with His people!
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Gotta run as my grand-baby is arriving soon!
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Blessings to you all on this Thursday.❤️
One has to wonder why God Almighty, maker of heaven and earth – God of the angel armies would want to live with us. But He does. Praise God that He wants to be present with His people! Amazing Love, Sharon Jersey Girl
I know, right!
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But God…❤️
I am never alone in the mission that God has given me. When He asks me to do something (i.e. “go make disciples of all nations…”), not only will He enable me, but He will also be near me with an intimate knowledge of my needs, struggles, and hopes.
This is our God, dear Sisters!
Pondering reconciling the reverence due Him amidst His eternal closeness …
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Re: our comments yesterday about young people straying. What I’ve primarily seen has been elevating professors, academics, friends, false teachers, etc. above God and His word, and buying into the world’s ‘logic’ over God’s truth. The saying, Trust but Verify, comes to mind – in sermons, books, tv, I have my Bible handy to double check for truth when Scripture is represented. Of course, it took a lot of maturity and being misled to realize I needed to do that. Praying for these young minds.
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AZ WALKER – praying as your dad adjusts to the rehab regimen, that he will work at it like it’s his job (recovery is the paycheck )
KELLY (NEO) ❤️ praying for your young mama as things move forward, that the system continues working
SHARON JERSEY GIRL – praying for Jonathan on Saturday. Loved the example of your granddaughter clinging, as we should to the Lord.
MARIA B – thank you for sharing that study
MARI V – enjoy!
MARGARET W – so true!
ASHLEY MOREHART – those questions! Thank you ❤️
BRENDA P – I replied to your question yesterday
RHONDA J – Shout to the Lord – great song!
TANYA – that song takes me back, one of the first ‘contemporary’ songs I heard, by Sandi Patty in the 80’s I think
KAREN ELIZABETH – true!
TINA ❤️
CEE GEE ❤️
Thank you for your prayers Searching! ❤️
Thank you Searching for keeping my Dad in your prayers. Praying for others in pain and suffering.
Oh, you are so right. I have seen what you described, as well. So ironic…”claiming to be wise, they became fools” (Rom 1:22). Lord, give me a humble heart that is wise because of your wisdom in me. Help these deceived and stubborn hearts turn back to the only source of truth and wisdom.
Praying for all! Thanks for the list!
Searching, praying blessing you, dear faithful prayer warrior..❤️.❤️
Thank you Lord for always being with Your children.
It’s just great that we don’t have to live in the days when a high priest had to carry our prayers to God. Immanuel. He is with us. Here. Closer than our own breath. May we be so weaved into Him that His heartbeat becomes our heartbeat. Amen
I like that,being weaved into God
Thank You Immanuel! Amen
Immanuel is not just a name. It’s a promise, a mission, a reality, and a future. It’s a reminder that we are never alone—God is with us, always.
Yes!
” Where can I go from your Spirit? Or where can I flee from your presence? If I ascend to heaven, you are there; If I make my bed in hell in hell, behold you are there.” Psalms 139:7-8
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Amen.❤️
“To pray as a Christian means immediately of access to Jesus who is right here, right now.”
“We aren’t sending our prayers “”up there somewhere. We are speaking directly and immediately to the risen Son of God. Though unseen with the naked eye, he is right here, right now. Jesus is not with us in the sense that someone who can’t come to our birthday party says they will be with us “in spirit.” Jesus is not with us in spirit,but in person- in the power of the Holy Spirit.
The Great Commission Jesus gave his disciples ends with the words,”And surely I am with you always,to the very end of the age” ((Matthew 28:20). By this he did mean,”I will be pulling for you in heaven.” No, he meant with you. In fact ,it is the very meaning of his name: Emmanuel- G-d with us.”
“The ascension of Jesus mysteriously means two completely different things at the same time: he is high and lifted up. He is nearer than our breath.”
“LordJesus you are right here,right now.Even as I pray these words,I am aware,I believe it more than I know it.I am ready to confess that I don’t know what I don’t know. Open the eyes of my heart that I might know you high and exhausted yet nearer than my breath . Right here Jesus,Right now,Jesus. Amen.
All this is J.D Walt. I am in a study of prayer at my church
Amen!
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Amen.❤️
Thanks be to God for His willingness to be near us!
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My mama’s childcare voucher is working through the “system,” so progress is being made. She has the keys to tiny apt! Praising God for providing shelter.
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AZ WALKER – continuing to pray for your dad.
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TRACI GENDRON – praying for your family as you grieve.
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LISA H – praying your visit with your English family is going well.
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SUSAN BURLEY – praying for Seth’s continued improvement.
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SHARON, JERSEY GIRL – praying for you and your family as Saturday approaches. May Jonathan’s turn his broken heart to Jesus.
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MICHELLE P – continued prayers for your work situation
Thank you for your prayers Kelly. Continued prayers for your mama. So excited for her!!❤️
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What great news! :)
Praising God for young Mama’s progress and so inspired by you guiding her. So wonderful for her. Thank you for praying for my Dad.
Hurray!! So happy for the mama!
Thank you Kelly.
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Praying! Thank you for the list! Praying and praising for your young mama!
Praising God for the shelter for your mama. Hopefulthe little fella is doing well…
Thank you Kelly for your fsithful prsyer list that encourages me to prayas needed. God bless you my dear, exceedingly .❤️
God himself will be with them (Immanuel) and He will be there God – Rev:21:3
What is mankind that you are mindful of them, human beings that you care for them? – Psalm 8:4