DEVOTIONAL

June 2007 Cup of Joy Devotional

"ARE YOU LONESOME TONIGHT?"
Matthew 1:22
Colossians 1:24-27

As most of you know, Paris Hilton was recently sentenced to jail to serve her sentence from a DUI conviction. Unless you have been on a remote, private island, I am sure you have seen and heard all the ruckus about this on television. Put aside your feelings concerning Paris or the situation as a whole. I heard her mother say that the most difficult thing for Paris was that she had never been alone. While in jail, she was alone for 23 hours out of a 24 hour day. I think that would be difficult for anyone but I cannot imagine how this feels to a celebrity. One moment there are flashing lights surrounding you from photographers at all sides and the next thing you know the only light you have is from the one you turn off yourself before you go to bed.

You may not be Paris Hilton, but if you are living, I bet you have had moments of feeling alone. My question to you - if you are a follower of Christ, are you ever really alone?

Mary received the news of her life when she was told she would have a son and He would be called Immanuel - which means "God with us". (Matthew 1:22). For Jews at that time in history, this news was the fulfillment they had longed for and that they had been told about through the prophet Isaiah. (Isaiah 7:14). God with them! For years they had looked for their Messiah and now He was on earth with them! Wow! Unfortunately, some missed Him - He came and they never believed it.

God was with them and they didn't know it. What a shame. What about Christians today? Here is the truth - Christ is IN YOU and that is your hope of glory. Christ is IN YOU and WITH YOU - however you want to say it. I want you to read what Paul says about this in Colossians 1:24-27. Paul says "the mystery has been revealed. Christ in you, your hope!"

Feeling alone? How would your life look if you really believed that Christ is in you and that He is your hope. I don't know what your circumstances may be - but one thing I do believe and know is the truth - Christ is in you if you are a believer and He is your hope. He is with you forever!

Drink in that truth and let it go down to every cell in your body. Christ is in you and He is your hope. Immanuel - God with us! You are never alone!

Love ya,
Dot