This week we will be looking at attending to Gods presence in the middle of our journeys. It is all too easy to forget that God is ALWAYS with us. Good times, bad times, in between times, God is faithful and will never leave our side. Scripture has proven this over and over, God does not abandon His children. He will never leave you nor forsake you. We as human beings have a tendency to withdraw or pull away from God when times are hard or painful. Fortunately for us God does not do the same. He is always there ready to comfort, lead, guide, and care for His children. We are always looking for the why. Why did this happen? If God loves me why did He allow this? Why isn't my life going according to the plan I believe God has for me? Sometimes it is best to simply be in His presence. God’s plans are far reaching, and often will not make since until after the fact. Sometimes loooong after the fact. The best thing we can do in these times is draw as close as we can to Him. Can we trust that God has our best interests at heart? Can we rely on the knowledge that He has plans for us? Plans for good and not for harm? Can we trust in His wisdom? His power? His love and care? Can we allow Him just to hold and comfort us in our darkest hours? Can we share our joy in our brightest? Can we attend to His presence in the in between times? If our goal is to “do life with God” can we do life with Him in all circumstances? I truly believe that this is one of the things that separates those of great faith from the rest. They have learned to do life with God no matter the circumstances. This is what it means to do life in the kingdom of God. To be ever aware of His presence with you. To share every moment, good, bad, and in between. We are the most blessed of all peoples. Our God is with us. Our God is Emmanuel. As we reflect on Casey's sermon this week let's focus on the presence of God with us in the moment. Whether your life is currently wonderful, boring, average, normal, or falling apart at the seams, do life with God this week. You won't regret it!

● How do you imagine Mary and Joseph doing life with God here?

● Do you think they were uncomfortable or afraid?

● Do you think they had envisioned anything like this to be part of Gods plan for them?

● Did God ever leave them to their own devices?

● How well did it work out in the end? (Merry Christmas)!!!!! :)

● How does this speak to the presence of God in our lives?

● How has God been working in you lately?

● Are you aware of His presence in your life?

● According to this scripture, how long will God be with us?

● Spend some time today being aware of God present with you.

● What does it mean to “acknowledge” God here?

● How much trust are we asked to give?

● Why should we not lean on our own understanding?

● Have your paths been made straight before when you wholly relied upon God?

● Ask God to make you more aware of His presence in your prayer time today.

● What promise does God make Joshua here?

● Could Joshua have done what he did on his own?

● Why do you think God commanded him to be courageous?

● Did all of the things God commanded Joshua to do make sense?

● Does this passage give you hope?

● Do you believe it to be true?

● What kind of future do you desire from God?

● Do you think His plans might be better?

● Emmanuel literally means God with us.

● God’s whole plan culminates in Him being with you.

● How often do you take advantage of this fact?

● Remember, God takes pleasure in spending time with His children.

● How does this passage make you feel?

● Why do you think money is mentioned here?

● What kind of confidence is displayed in these passages?

● What kind of relationship with God do you need to achieve this kind of confidence?

The Lord bless you this week, and I pray that we all become ever more aware of His presence in our day to day lives. Good times, bad times, in between times, rest in the knowledge of His presence with you! God bless you!