Merry Christmas! I’m so glad you’re here. I don’t know what brought you to my blog today. Maybe you’re searching for hope. Maybe you clicked over after reading my devotion, God Is With Us. Whatever the reason is, know this. You have been prayed for. I thought about you as I wrote this post. I don’t claim to know what you’re experiencing at the moment, but God does. And I have asked Him to meet you here, to love on you, and to encourage you that all is well no matter your situation.
You may know the song, All Is Well, by Wayne Kirkpatrick and Michal W. Smith. If not, it goes like this.
All is well, all is well;
Lift up your voice and sing,
Born is now Emmanuel,
Born is our Lord and Savior,
Sing Alleluia, sing Alleluia, all is well.
To many that song is comforting at Christmas time. Yet, others are unable to absorb the message because “all is not well” in their lives. Perhaps their lives are in turmoil. Or maybe they’ve recently experienced the loss of a loved one, a job, or their health. Depression consumes them and the cry of their heart is… “All is not well for me!”
Perhaps this is the cry of your heart this Christmas Eve.
If so, you are not alone in your pain. God is beside you and He has promised to never leave you (Hebrews 13:50). He is, Immanuel, God is with us.
He promises that His grace is sufficient (2 Cor 12:9).
He promises to meet all your needs (Phil 4:19).
He also promises you the amazing gift of eternal life (John 10:27-28).
And let’s not forget that there is nowhere we can go that God is not already there (Ps 139).
God’s Word is full of His promises to you and me. As believers, we are spiritually wealthy because of the exceedingly great promises we have in Jesus, our Savior. Because we have His guarantee, we can be certain that no matter what, in Christ, all is well. Hold on, friend. Hold on to His precious promises and though it seems dark now, soon you will sing, “All is well because of my God and His promises.”
Because the bible is full of God’s promises to you, I’m giving away a copy of the NIV Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women. Leave a comment to enter to win. The winner will be announced on Friday.
May you experience the love and promises of God this season and all year long.
Thank you for your encouraging loving words this evening! I just got baptized on Sunday. I have so much to learn and grow but the one thing I am sure of….God is always there! God Bless You!
Thank you for the inspiration! God is always with us and sometimes we just need a reminder.
I stumbled upon your blog after reading a Proverbs31 email that caught my attention. Christmas has been increasingly difficult since 2001 when my beloved grandpa died. With each year that passes and changes that occur, I have a hard time finding joy during this season. Thank you for sharing your story, it touched me in a wonderful way.
I am wanting a good women’s devotional bible. Love to win it!!
All is well!
This last year has been extremely difficult for me. This is my first Christmas without family in 47 years. I am trying so hard to stay focused on God and not let all the pain in. It has been very difficult. I know he is with me always, there are just times I don’t feel that he is. I have been in this season of my life for 2 1/2 years now. I really want it to change.
I enjoy reading deviotionals. I feel as though to get through each day I pray from the time I get up to the time I go to bed. I pray all day.. I don’t feel as if it is enough.
Thank you for reading.
Thank you, Micca. This spoke to me. My family also has been through several close losses over the past few years, and now my mom has stage 4 Aggressive lung cancer. The holidays have not been easy, especially this year’s. Thank you very much for the reminders and encouragement just when I needed it, again! May you and your family be blessed with peace and comfort, like only Our Heavenly Father and Dear Lord can provide! In Jesus’ name, amen.
Micca.. Love you beautiful lady! You have been and still are an amazing inspiration in my life. It’s been too long and I hope I can see you face to face again someday soon. Praying you and your family have a blessed Chriatmas season and God blesses you abundantly in 2015!
Thank you for your word s of encouragement I lost my mother around this festive season three years ago and it still hurts, your words have given lots of hope and comfort, thank God for you and your ministry
Thank you for your study. I am experiencing physical pain this Christmas and needed that extra boost. This time of year is joyous but it also reminds me of a Christmas time some years back when I was very alone, depressed, and far from God. Even in that time of resistance and despair, I know it was only by His grace and love that I made it through that difficult time. Thank you for using your gift to truly bless myself and others. May God richly bless you and yours this season and in the coming year.
Dear Micca,
I understand your loneliness. I lost my mother last July and Christmas last year and this isn’t the same without her. I do feel very alone today. The day started well but became a little upsetting when I got upset with my husband for something he was not responsible for but which I had an expectation of that he was not counting on. My reaction to that has spoiled the day as words came flying out that shouldn’t have. I gave into my flesh instead of trusting The Lord to deal with it. Our peace is gone but I’m hoping and praying he would forgive me and I would stop unleashing my tongue in anger.
I pray for you and your son to experience the love and presence of Jesus in everything you see. Thank you for sharing this and uplifting me with your wisdom and experience. May the new year bring God’s best for you and your son in every way.
God bless and Merry Christmas
Micca, thank you for your encouraging word. My family has recently felt the loss of a mother and sister through a brutal murder and your post spoke the truth of God’s love for us. Thank you
I have not lost a husband…but I have an unbelieving husband who hates the holidays. He is Jewish, so to him, Christmas and Easter are just annoyances. He usually tries to pick a fight with me on those days and it seems like in every holiday of our 25 year marriage, I have spent those days in tears. My daughter, now 22 also does not profess Jesus….so the significance of the day can pale and become only about gifts and food.
I try to remember the true meaning of these holidays but so often my heart just mourns and I am awash in loneliness. But you are right Immanuel is here. He sees my tears and he has promised to be my husband….What more could I ask?
Loved your post today on proverbs 31!!
Looking for ways to deepen my relationship with God and help others. I believe this would be an awesome tool to assist in both. Merry Christmas to you and your family.
How comforting! Thank you, Micca, for reminding us that God is always with us. No matter what 🙂 Hope you and your son have a blessed Christmas filled with God’s pure joy! 🙂
Your beautiful and inspiring words touched me at the right time. God must have led me to hear you. Thank you for reminding me that God is beside me through it all. May he bless you always.
Marianne
Many blessings to you this holiday season! Thanks for all your words of encouragement that have helped me to be uplifted. You are an inspiration!
ALL IS WELL …
A dear friend of mine, Fr Johan Strydom, walked the Camino a few years ago. It is customary to take a stone with you representing some burden that you wish to lay down at a particular point on your pilgrimage when you feel ready to let it go. I gave him a stone before he left, with the words written on it: ALL SHALL BE WELL. The particular burden that he wished to lay down, related to the death of one of his friends who had committed suicide and he was deeply grieved about this. He prayed that the stone would in some way be returned to him at the end of the pilgrimage as an assurance that his friend was now at peace and with God.
After the Camino, he visited Ampleforth Abbey in England. He was drawn to a book in the library by his patron saint, St John Vianney. He opened the book and his eyes fell on the words: “Fear nothing: ALL WILL BE WELL”, followed by a story about someone who had committed suicide. Of all the hundreds of books in the library, he was drawn to open a book exactly on the page where the words on his stone came back to him and gave him the assurance he had prayed for. Such is the love of God. He knows the burdens that we carry in our hearts and he hears our prayers, and through his love and grace he tells us: Fear not, ALL SHALL BE WELL.
(This story is told in his book CARRIED IN LOVE)
God is truly with us no matter what the circumstances are. Thanks for the encouraging words. Have a blessed Merry Christmas.
Thank you for this honest, thought provoking message. We had the funeral for my three and a half year old brother on this date and it has always been a very difficult time for me. Today I will face this day with hope and peace in my heart as never before.
I know the feeling of loneliness during the holidays. Not because I have suffered loss like so many women, but because I have always wanted the holidays to be more. More connection, more Christ, more meaning than trying to get through all the “duties” and satisfy everyone’s expectations. I long for my husband to have a better connection with God, to accompany me to our wonderful church, to really see that our Lord is alive and working in our lives and that He truly wanst to lead us!!! I always hope, and mostly am disappointed. I am fairly certain I will attend church alone this evening, while the family is at home. I will try again to bring Christ into the holiday, and somehow I will feel I have done Him a disservice. But I know Jesus lives in my heart. He IS with us! Merry Christmas and thank you for your blog and devotionals.
I found this through the Proverbs 31 email. My favorite part was this:
“The more I learned to acknowledge His presence, the more of His presence I experienced.”
What a beautiful, inspiring message. I can’t wait to share it. Thank you!
Your words are a blessing to my heart this morning. Let Jesus be the reason for the Joy that is there for everyone to hold.
Merry Christmas
Micca, think you for reminding me that we are never, ever alone! Sweet promises from God’s word. I will write some of these on index cards and put it on my bathroom mirror. Hope your Christmas is full of joy and a sense of God’s constant presence.
I am so blessed to have found this blog after reading your devotional this morning. Thank you so much for blessing me in unimaginable ways this Christmas Eve. You’re inspiring and I pray for you and your happiness. Thank you for leading me to the discovery of seeking more of His presence. God bless you and Merry Christmas!
Thank you for the words of encouragement. I’ve very recently lost my mom and feel very lost. She was such a strength and foundation in my life. Thank you for the encouraging words.
Your Encouragement for Today devotion was exactly the message I needed this morning. Thank you. And praise the Lord for bringing your words into my inbox at exactly the right time to comfort me!
Beckey
http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com
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Micca, thank you so much for today’s devotional. I, too. Have suffered a devastating loss and find myself alone this Christmas. Your devotion encouraged me more than I could ever tell you. Thank you.
Thank you for those inspiring words especially at this time in my life. My husband wants a divorce and we have filed the papers. I feel like there was no hope in saving the marriage as he would not go to counseling and had his mind set that he no longer loves me, is unhappy and wanted out. He is not saved so I pray for his salvation and hope he finds peace and comfort in Christ. Thank you for being that inspiration I needed today.
Thank you. What a beautiful message of encouragement, to be reminded that I am not alone. Many blessings to you and your family.
Thank you so much for that reminder of just how faithful our God is through ALL of our situations. Reading the devotion then coming over to your blog has given me new hope(H)old (O)n (P)ain (E)nds. Thank you for sharing your story and I pray that you and your family have a Merry CHRISTmas and a Blessed New Year!
~Be Encouraged, Stay Encouraged~
Danette Hayden
God gave me a beautiful gift this morning in your devotion. I lost my one and only son about six weeks ago. This season has always been his favorite because of his love of giving. God gave me the most precious gift for 13 years. My heart will forever ache with his loss and at the same time rejoice in his love for his Lord and Savior. Thank for for the verses of comfort and hope. God continues to show Himself in new ways. His Love is my comfort. May God continue to give you the words to encourage and challenge others to look towards Him always.
My father-in-law passed away 2 years ago at Christmas.
My husband struggles to enjoy this time of year. Your words are so encouraging!
Thank you!!
I am so sad these days as I just lost my husband of 53 years in October. I know God is with me and I can feel his love, but still I miss my soul mate so much. I would love to win a copy of your book The Real-Life Devotional Bible for Women.
What a wonderful reminder and blessing. I pray for my family to know God’s forgiveness, peace and comfort.
Thank you for sharing the insights and wisdom The Lord has set before you.
The words, and you, are a most appreciated blessing.
What a wonderful reminder of God’s presence in our lives at all times. Thank-you.
I found your site through P31 and I’m glad I did! May God continue to bless you and your family as you move into 2015!
Thank you for reminding me that God is with me. It’s been a hard and fraustrating year. But you reminded me that God is here, with me, in the midst of it all…I just need to look for Him!
Merry Christmas!!
My parents separated over a year ago now and it still at times feels like yesterday. I cannot explain enough how having Christ pulled me thru every awful moment when “all was not well.” It’s so comforting having him because he will NEVER leave you. Thank you for sharing your story!
Headed over this way after reading “God is with Us” – thanks for such a word of encouragement. May God bless you and your family this Christmas season!
Good Morning Micca!
Thank-you for your comforting and encouraging words this morning. I appreciated being reminded that I am NEVER alone.
May God bless you this Christmas and throughout the New Year.
I’ve been awake since 1:00 pondering many things. Your devotion touched my heart in the tender places. Thank you.
Thank you so much for your willingness to not only share your story, but to bare your emotions and neediness. I fight constantly to appear strong and capable. Though I have been through many trials and tribulations, I must say it doesn’t compare with your loss and I do so love hearing how our Lords presence in your life lifted you up. I remember the evening I accepted the Lord as my Savior, reciting the Sinners prayer in an evangelical meeting in Ft Lauderdale. I could barely say the words through my tears, so ashamed of my past actions and failures. I felt the Lords presence then and pray that every person who reads your story will be compelled to trust in the Lord, knowing He is watching us, standing in front of us, looking into our faces, wanting so much to want Him as our Mighty Counselor and Prince of Peace. Praise God for all His blessings upon us!
Thank you for your encouraging words. May God bless you greatly during this Christmas season.
Micca, I found devotion this morning on Christmas eve. Words I certainly needed to hear. Thank you!….Sam
Thank you so much for your devotion and blog post today. Your words and your reminder of God’s presence are such an encouragement to me. Thank you!
Micca, I find when I read hopeful messages it almost breaks my heart and I am reduced to tears or it is all I am able to do- to not cry. It is a physical reaction. I want desperately to hope; but, I also fear greatly to hope. Thanks for sharing your message this morning,
Marianne
Merry Christmas Wendy! If I win this bible it would go to my teenaged granddaughter who asked for a devotional. This would be perfect.
Just found this blog and I instently knew God directed me here. I know all of this but struggle to keep this uppermost in my thoughts. Thank you may you & your family have a Blessed Christmas!
Merry Christmas! I clicked over from your devotion on Proverbs 31. A much needed read for me, thank you.
I loved your encouraging words this morning. I pray for all those out there who are down, depressed or suffering at this time, that they feel God’s presence always. Merry Christmas!
Thank You for sharing your thoughts with us today! Lots of people are lonely on Christmas and sometimes it is nice to hear that God is ALWAYS with us and guiding us.
Have a Merry Christmas!
Thank you for writing this inspirational devotion and blog.
Christmases change throughout our lives. Thanks for reminding me…he is always with me…never left. I pray for you today as you have prayed for all who click to read you. What a comfort!
Thank you for your devotionals. They encourage me in my walk. I appreciate that they are ‘real’.
Merry Christmas!
Blessings! The true joy of Christmas is the love of Christ shared with family and friends. May you find His peace, love and joy in the coming New Year.
Where can I go from His presence where can I flee from His spirit–spoke to my heart my heart that needs some healing from some division .Thank You Micca Merry Christmas and blessing upon blessing to you and your family.
God brought me to this page! I am going through cancer treatment this Christmas as I did three years ago and yes even though I sometimes I feel alone, I need to remember the name Immanuel…God is truly with me no matter how alone I feel. Thank you for reminding me of that. Blessings to all!
Would love to win the devotional Bible. I will be reading Bible through in the new year and it will be an additional help. Merry Christmas
Always looking for new ways to incorporate God’s Word into my life. This sounds like a great devotional!
Thank you for this message. I lost my job earlier this year and while there were many days I often wondered if God was with me, I turned to His word and always found one of His promises that reminded me that He was indeed with me! The closer I drew near to Him, the more I experienced and felt His love for me. The most important lesson I have learned throughout this year is that God is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow AND that He has an amazing plan for my life!
Merry Christmas!
Yes! All is well with my soul!
Immanuel God with us what a beautiful promise. I pray for my dear sister in law that is dying and her precious family that they will see all the promises of God even in these devastating moments and days. Jesus our Savior who came to save us All.
Thank you for reminding me that He is with us, he will never leave us, His grace is sufficient. He is, Immanuel, God is with us.
Thank I need
that !
here at Christmas it is good to be reminded that God is with us. thank you for your devotion it also reminded how truly blessed I am.
Thank you so much for this blog this morning. All is well. I needed to hear this as I have been struggling with my son being away at training for the Marines and will not be home for Christmas. I know he is fine but I just miss him. All is well. Thank you Mica and Merry Christmas.
A FB post on a friends time line has been haunting my thoughts. She wrote, “I love Love LOVE my life ” – and my response was to think, ” she’s so lucky, I wish that I could say that, but that will never be me ” leading to feeling even more sad, lonely, incompetent….and even jealous. This devotion touched that sore spot in my heart – thinking and feeling that way is the devil at work on my life to push doubt & pain where it does not need to be. What a sweet reminder that God IS EVERYWHERE! Turning to His Word for comfort & strength daily, but especially during those times when I struggle the most seems to be the key I’m missing – I suppose that I too can say “I love Love LOVE my life” if I daily battle the weight of the devil and saw the positive instead of the negative in my life. Thank you for this very touching devotion this Christmas Eve – its the reminder I needed today to keep me from wallowing. May God continue to bless this ministry.
JUST what I needed this morning! THANK YOU!!
Thank you for your devotion “God is with us” . I lost my 19yr old daughter 2 weeks ago in a car accident. Everyone says “You’re a strong women , strong in your faith” but to be honest Im not strong at all. I’m not sure how I’m going to get thru the next 2 days but what I do know is God is with me and he’s with Emilee. Im standing on the promise that he has prepared a place for us to spend eternity together. Eternity is a whole lot longer than 19yrs. Is this the hardest thing that I have ever experienced? YES When i feel like I’m sinking in emotion… I have to get alone and cry out to Jesus to help me.. and he does. I always get up feeling better. Thank you Micca for your ministry. Time is short here on earth. We must ALL do what God has called us to do, which is share the gospel of our Saviour Jesus Christ. Praying for you! Lisa
Beautiful comment today! God so spoke to me through what you’ve written — my feelings were totally reflected. You are truly a blessing. Merry Christmas and indeed, GOD IS WITH US!!!
I find it amazing to read of others that share their heart and hurts in order to help strangers grow spiritually. Its hard to bare your heart to others and open up like you have. It is a true testament to the love and obiedence you have for Jesus!
Thanks so much for the devotion this morning. I needed that reminder. God bless.
Thank you for the devotional today. It really spoke to me. I hope to win so that I’ll start reading my Bible more often…I’ve kinda slipped a bit…sure would appreciate prayers.
What can I say? Knowing I’m not alone and yet not”feeling” his presence. I stand on His promises that He is Immanuel despite how I “feel”. I praise and worship Him so the numbness will not overwhelm me; all the while knowing, yearning and believing that Joy comes in the morning! I am thankful to you Miss Micca and to the ladies who have already commented for giving me the peace and blessing in knowing I Am NOT Alone. Thank You Father for Your graciousness.
This morning’s devotional was straight from Him, so thank you for being obedient to allow Him to use you and speak through you. I have two loved ones that recently became widows, so this time of the year has been hard for both of them. I have asked the Lord to just help me minister to both of them and He has given me opportunities to just encourage and point them both back to Him. I would like to give this devotional to the one who doesn’t know where to start, to turn her eyes toward Him. I know God has a plan and one day she will sing “All is well with my soul”, so until then I must be obedient to pray and share the hope I have in Him. Merry Christmas!
Micca, thank you for the great devotional today. What a wonderful reminder of God’s presence with us every day. I would love to win the devotional bible you’re giving away 🙂 God Bless!
Today’s devotional and message on your blog hit me deeply in my heart and soul. I am feeling some of the feelings you described……….but the encouragment from your words and selected Bible verses bring me such hope. Thank you for reminding me the “God is with me” even when I don’t feel it……don’t see it and sometimes don’t even believe it.
Thank you for sharing this powerful reminder that we are never alone. God bless you!
This is the first time I’ve visited your blog. I read your devotional this morning through Proverbs 31. It is a message I desperately neede to hear. I endure physical pain daily and have come to a place of questioning if God loves me and if He is still with me. It seems the battle for my thoughts of what I know to be true and the questioning of is it really true are wearing me down. Thank you for the message of hope in a Savior that really did come for me.
Thank your for your beautiful inspiring words! Merry Christmas to you!
Your devotion came at just the right time-thank you. Your prayer brought tears to my eyes. So needed. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for sharing your grief of your 1st Christmas as a widow. I had my awfulness too, of it 6 yrs ago. I wanted it over and done with and never to do it again. So thankful for god’s faithfulness to the widow and the orphans . . . my five children have seen the faithfulness of God even though sometimes that want to ignore Him. But they do KNOW Him. Praying that God continues to heal you and hold you ever so close, every day of the year. You are a blessing.
Merry Christmas! Thank you so much for your story! As a single mom, I know the feeling of waking up with little kids and going through the motions of yet another day on Chrustmas morning. My kids are teenagers now and although it is easier and we can celebrate together, I am still longing for a soulmate in life. If I win this Bible, I will use it in my single moms ministry.
Thank you for your encouraging words. I’m going through a separation time from my husband. We’ve been married over half our lives and feeling lonely is an everyday occurence. I love the Lord & know He’s with me always though sometimes I allow the devil to slip in and take hold of my hurt heart… And make me feel all alone and hopeless.
I pray for whomever wins the Bible and that it will bring them HOPE. Thank you for your willingness to serve our God!
Dear Micca,
Your message really hit home with me this morning when I read these words. Bless you for your very important reminder! Thank you so much. I will keep Immanuel in my heart forever. Thank you again!
Thank you for the beautiful reminder that God is always with us. My sister in law lost her husband 2 years ago to suicide and I would love to present her with this devotional book. She is loved very much and we are praying she finds her way back to Jesus, our light and life! Thank you for sharing about your own loss and for allowing Him to use your story to help others. Love you and praying you have a blessed Christmas!!
Micca,
Thank you for your obedience in sharing God’s word. My spirit was blessed this morning. Although it was three years this past Sunday, Dec. 21, for my mom’s passing, the reality is really beginning to set in. Monday was one of those days I needed to pick up the phone snd call her to just allow her to listen to me talk about the growing pains of raising her granddaughters, however, after reading your posting this morning, I need to just call on Jesus, Immanuel (God with us). Although we know this, it is great to have a fresh reminder. Gave a Merry We are reminded of the liabilities debt brings upon us. One of burdens of borrowing and falling into debt is posting collateral. Today’s readings remind us that the dangers of putting down collateral does not just apply to us when we are in debt but it also warns of situations when we cosign for a family member, friend, or neighbor. Whether we are posting collateral as a security for ourselves or if we are cosigning, it is still a dangerous aspect of debt, and today’s reading reminds us that all situations will create a sense of slavery to debt. Making debt our master is not in the best interest of our spirit because God is our one true master and it is Him who we should follow and love. Have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Keep on giving the gift of life, sharing God’s word with the many women who need a word of encouragement.
Micca,
Thank you for your obedience in sharing God’s word. My spirit was blessed this morning. Although it was three years this past Sunday, Dec. 21, for my mom’s passing, the reality is really beginning to set in. Monday was one of those days I needed to pick up the phone snd call her to just allow her to listen to me talk about the growing pains of raising her granddaughters, however, after reading your posting this morning, I need to just call on Jesus, Immanuel (God with us). Although we know this, it is great to have a fresh reminder.
So glad I found your encouraging post on a day that threatens to be overwhelming. Be blessed!
Trouble and strife are a part of our fallen world. Knowing The Lord is with me gives me the strength to face struggles head on. Merry Christmas!!
Micca,
Thank you for your prayer for all of us. I’m trying hard to trust that all will be well one day soon.
My desire is that He be enough.
Micca,
I am so glad I read your blog today, Your devotion today was words that I needed to hear.
Miss you guys,
Merry Christmas
Would love to win this for my sister! God bless you today & always. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your lovely devotional today. As a widow too, I have struggled with the feelings of loss and loneliness and the challenge of wearing the Super Girl cape for my daughters. Grief was a real test of my faith. Your reminder that Immanuel, God Is With Us, is a beautiful message for me to hear today. Blessings to you and your family. And to Margaret, the commenter above, I pray for that also. Rely not on your own understanding but trust in Him and have no fear.
Thank you for your testimonial and message for those in need of your words and spirit to find their way through their pain. I have this pain and know this pain but I have his grace and knowledge of his greater plan for us. I may not know why but it has been put forth to be not for me but others to see his grace I live each day without my wife the mother of our two children, who passed away in front of them on our three year anniversary of adopting them. Through her God laid a plan for me and the kids that I still do not have full knowledge of but as I wake up each day I have a choice to seek it out or not. Most days I seek it , but occasionally I let my depression and doubting thoughts of why creep in mind and heart. This weakness only strengthens satans hold on our pain and gives him fuel to pursue us intentionally without end, except of Gods promise of he is always with us and there are these generational warriors of Christ that see and witness of these struggles between Christ’s Angels and Satan’s fallen Angels for our souls daily. This is what my told me the night before she died. She asked if I was one of them and I responded I was not but know that I know I am with my words and actions for it was I can do with this knowledge that gives me strength and courage to live on my days on earth for our children and for myself.
Your message brought me to tears today. Thank you for praying for me.
Micca,
AS I read your words this morning from Proverbs 31 Women, I was once again reminded today that my Savior, my Friend, my husband, my everything is here, never to leave me nor forsake me.
I have been single 16 years. Dated a few, had hope with every turn, only to learn once more that it is HIM who watches over me and strengthens me. I have come to understand what He has me doing with each passing moment. The loneliness at times seems SO over powering and even for a three week period earlier this year I felt the “hopelessness” that His children face. I will never forget that feeling.
It is the witness we bring as we ourselves walk “though” that can heal and loosen others from their bondage. I thank you for pushing through your personal encounter that the enemy meant for your harm….BUT God has turned it around for good.
Blessings to you and your family this holiday season.
Teri Urban
Micca, thank you for your devotional today at Proverbs 31… it’s what brought me to your blog. God is with us and He is enough… always our comforter, always pursuing our hearts, always offering things in life to be thankful for if we open our eyes. He came in the tiny body of a newborn baby to be with us and to leave us with the Holy Spirit! Thank you for your prayers Micca. I will pray for you today. Have a very Merry Christmas!
Beautiful devotion today! Thank you!
thank you for your leading …. n it was truly hopeful for me to read your reminders of Gods word .
I would like to be guided by a daily devotion specifically for a woman like me who is ready to intentionally know and apply GOD’s promises
I loved your article in Guideposts. You wrote “The more I learned to acknowledge His presence, the more of His presence I experienced.” This really hit home with me. I long for that intimate experience in my own life. Sometimes I feel blocked from this relationship because of my own emotions. I say I want a Savior AND a Lord but sometimes, in reality, I just want a Savior. Your article made me think about a lot of things I want to do differently. God is with us….God is with us! Thank you and God Bless You and your ministry.
Thank you for this message today on Crosswalk. This past year has had it’s low points for sure with my husband divorcing me and it finalized the end of February, my sister in law succumbing to her seven year battle with cancer on Easter weekend and then my 93 year old Grandmother passed away in July. I looked at the Christmas Tree last night and cried because Christmas will be very different this year. I decided to call my widower brother to try to cheer him up and he cheered me up instead. Your blog this morning was an oasis of hope. Psalm 139. God is always with me even in the hard times. Thank you!
Merry Christmas! What beautiful, encouraging words!
Thank you for sharing.
Thank u for the timely devotional!! I am lost right now in my life…but deep in my spirit I know God will continue to lead the way. It’s hard to hold on some days and I desperately want the joy back that once consumed me. Seems like it has been gone far too long but devotions such as yours continue to light the way and remind me that God is always in control! Merry Christmas!
Coming across your devotion this morning was a blessing. A simple reassurance. God is with us. Thank you. And Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you so much for your touching devotional today. I have been looking for something that truly explains Christmas — Immanuel — and the pure joy we can find in God’s never-ending presence with us to share with my kids and this is it! Merry Christmas!!!
Merry Christmas Micca!
Thank you for your writings and your honesty. I’m sorry for your pain but you are truly a testament of God’s love and promises.
Hi Micca! Thank you for your fantastic devotion. Thank you for allowing God to use your tragedy to reach fellow lonely Christians at Christmas. They need to know they are never alone. We all need that reminder.
I lost my best friend, my companion of 5 years on 12-13-14. He had a heart attack and never got to say what I wanted to say to him. I tried to push him away because I felt my life was too complicated for the attention he wanted or deserved. He would message me that he loved me several times a day, even a good morning or good night. Now it is just silence and I felt I took all this for granted. He kept telling me we are getting older and kept trying to tell me that we need to start loving each other instead of fighting each other. It has not got easier. I have my ups and downs, remembering good times and bad times. I need help. I want help getting through this.
What a blessing. God surely knows what I needed to “hear” today. Thank you for being a vessel for His Word.
All IS well! Thank you for your encouraging devotional this morning. I really needed to hear that and will also share with others. God bless you more and Merry Christmas!!!
Thank you for the devotional…great timing!
Micca where is your devotional God
Is with us? Did I miss it? Merry Christmas
Hi, I’m not Micca:) but I can tell you the devotion is on the main website, http://www.proverbs31.org
Hope you find it, Merry Christmas!
Thank you for sharing. Although I am full now, I have been in that empty spot. O come, O come Emmanuel! God bless.
Today as we prepare to again celebrate the birth of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ my heart is bursting with joy and excitement for all He has done for us! If we praised Him for the rest of our lives it would never be enough for all He did for us as undeserving as we are! He gave His all for us! I rejoice at the miracle and sacrifice of a life lost to give my friend a kidney transplant at just the right time and through the journey of dialysis as difficult as it was that their faith and relationship with Jesus grew deeper and more steadfast! How 1 cup of hot chocolate given in love drew a family to yearn to know more about the Jesus they saw in us! God is awesome and His wonders cease to amaze us! How I yearn to know Him more as the time of His appearing draws nigh! To be the hands and feet of Jesus to a lost and dying world! Merry Christmas to all!
Dear Micca,
Your Proverb 31 post today was definitely what I needed. My husband and I plan a vacation in Costa Rica for our wedding anniversary and Christmas, because of some unforeseen reason he was denied entry to Costa Rica upon our arrival. I’ve begged and pleaded with God why this had to happen and felt like God was so distant. We spent our wedding anniversary apart from each other and we will be spending Christmas apart. Thank you for reminding me that even though everything didn’t go as plan and even though my husband is back in the US that I am not alone and that God is with me.
Thank you for encouraging me through one of your devotions God Is With Us. I’ve been tremendously blessed by it. I pray that the Lord will continue to pour out His love and sweet presence into your life especially during this holiday season. God bless!
“God is and all is well.” John Greenleaf Whittier – So thankful that God is omniscient and always with us.
Thank you for this devotion. I am not alone but have gone through some really dark days with my teen girls. I know there are more dark days ahead, the promise I have is I am not alone, He is intimately involved. It is so hard and there are days I am not sure I can get through, that’s when He carries me. Merry Christmas!
I have been a widow exactly one year today. And He has met every single need. However, your letter in my inbox is nothing less that God’s perfect timing and a divine appointment. He knew how much I would need the extra encouragement today. I LOVE IT WHEN HE DOES THAT! I don’t know about you but it gives me goosebumps.
May you be richly blessed!
Merry Christmas – I hope your holiday is merry, bright and blessed! Your devotion and post inspired me and touched me. I felt as though God was telling me to share with a mother I know whose daughter committed suicide earlier this year and is having an extremely hard time.. especially with it being Christmas. I’ve never heard of this Bible and would love to have one. God Bless!
Thank you for the beautiful message. I can’t help but be at peace after reading this. Have a very Merry Christmas. Thank you for the opportunity to win.
Micca, I have been struggling with shame, and feeling as if God could not love me. Through God’s word, friends and a trusted counselor, I have been able to begin to see my self the way HE does. Your devotion and blog were both confirmations for me of the truths God has been laying on my heart. Thank-you.
I lost my brother at Christmas time years ago but Christmas has been hard for me ever since. In June of this year I accepted Christ into my life and things have been different ever since. This year I look forward to celebrating the real meaning of Christmas and I Thank God for helping me realize He is there no matter what. finding your blog in my email today just emphasized that he is always here
All is Well is one of my favorite Christmas songs. Thank you for your encouraging words this morning. We can proclaim all is well because of God not because of our emotions or circumstances!
This is a perfect devotion for today. Prior to reading this I was told by a friend how she and her mother were struggling this Christmas, the 6th Christmas without her father. They have struggled every year of course, but this year seems a little different and harder. I have passed this on to them.
You have given a good lesson to everyone, whether they’ve expereinced a loss or not; no matter our circumstances, God is with us. Everywhere. Everyday. We just need to open our hearts to see Him!
Thank You. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
Hi Micca, thank you for this blog and your encouraging words!
Thank you so much for the devotional you wrote for Proverbs 31 on Christmas Eve. The words you spoke were the ones that God wanted me to hear today. Although I am not dealing with the loss of a loved one, I have experienced the most difficult year of my life. Many times in the past year I have felt lonely and distant from God. But time and again, he has reminded me of His presence again and again. He is so faithful and I am so thankful that He is Immanuel, God with us. Thank you for the reminder Micca. May God bless you and your family this Christmas!
Thank you Micca for this giveaway, the Devitional this morning, and the reminder that Christ is with us always and here to stay. I am so so sorry for your loss. I immediately wanted to go downstairs to hug my husband, which is what I will do when I finish writing this, so thank you. Merry Christmas!
Thank you for your words of encouragement! They resonate to so many (myself included 🙂 at so many different stages & phases of life. God bless this ministry,
Micca, I loved your devotional and your blog. One of my best friends lost her husband when her little one was 2. Your words hit home. I am interested in the bible and would love it for my daily walk. Thank you and God Bless.
What led me to your blog was the heart connection I felt when I read your Proverbs 31 post. Loneliness is a heavy weight that I know we are not meant to carry. Yet, so many of us carry it around, all the while wondering where God is. It was a much needed reminder today, that He is with us in every moment. Now I just pray that our hearts would come to BELIEVE and RECEIVE this truth! God bless you and keep you and make His face shine upon you!
I enjoyed you message today also I need to be reminded that God is always with me.I lost my Mom 9 years ago an still miss her during Holidays ,I suffer from depression an need to be reminded often that I am not alone, Thank you for your encouraging words ,Merry Christmas
I really found comfort in your words today. This is the first Christmas without my mom. I know she is with me in my heart and soul just like Jesus. Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you for the words you wrote, God definitely guided you as you wrote. Would love to win a this devotional, something new for 2015!
Thank you for your words today. I was struggling last night as I went to bed to articulate what was wrong. It was that all is not well in my family. I am disappointed in the results of what I have thought was Godly parenting. I am encouraged that I am not alone. He is with me. His children (including me) often disappoint Him.
Thank you for your encouraging words
I needed to hear your message since this is my first Christmas by myself since my husband passed. Thank you again and God Bless.
All is well if you truly believe God is with us! Thanks for your inspiring message this morning! Merry Christmas!
What a beautiful woman you are Micca, inside and out!
I love the words you wrote today so jotted them down for myself:
“Though you may be down and out, you are not without” all because The Name Emmanuel tells us so! That Papa God is truly WITH lil’ old me and IN me whether I realize or ever remember this truth..
Your comment “the more I learned to acknowledge His presence, the more of His Presence I experienced” hit a nerve for me.. guess because I know “what you focus on gets Bigger” so, focusing on His Presence and His many Gifts will override anything else!
I pray you and your family have a peaceful, joyous Christmas and awesome, Blessing Filled 2015!
with admiration, Felice B.
Thank you for the posts, I just found you through proverbs 31 ministries fb page. Thank you for being willing to give away a bible!
Loved your devotion today and am passing it on to a woman who is experiencing her first Christmas without her husband who died last year on 12/21 of a tragic death. I’m sure your words will give her hope and realization that God is always with us even in the depth of our pain. Wishing you all the blessings of this Holy Season.
Great reminders of the promises of God! Thanks for sharing! Merry Christmas to you!
Thank you for your devotional today. Some days it takes another’s words to express what I’m have been feeling in my heart. Knowing Immanuel – my God who is always with me and will always be with me has saved me from despair and helps me celebrate Christmas despite my family’s circumstances. Your comment “the more I learned to acknowledge His presence, the more of His Presence I experienced” said it best for me! Wishing you peace, hope and love forever.
Micca,
Praise GOD for giving you words from Him to not only strengthen your spirit but all you have shared with!!!
What a wonderful reminder that GOD/Emmanuel IS with us!
Thank You for obeyin His Call and opening your heart to us for your & our healing. May GOD continue to minister to you as you minister to others!
Merry Christmas!!!
Your Sister in Christ, Cathy W.
Thank you for your reminder that we are never alone, God is with us. This is such an encouragement to us all…no matter where life has us right now.
Merry Christmas!
Amy
Thank you for your devotion today..What a blessing it was to me. My attitiude for this day has changed ..
Thank you so very much for all your words of encouragement. These words today were much needed as we are dealing with the lost of a close friend and trying to be very supportive to the family during this time of lose. Praying that you and your family have a very Merry Christmas..
thank you for your ministry, I was able to share your devotional with a friend who unexpectedly lost her husband and is grieving…your words are an encouragement and give hope to many
Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year!
Love receiving your devotionals – always real and truthful. Praying the person who most needs the Bible will be the recipient. Thank you for caring and sharing with all of us as we journey through this life. Merry Christmas !!!!
This season is hard this year, as I have recently divorced and I have family members and friends that have passed on this year who I would be with but can’t. I thank you for praying for me and pray for an uplift to my spirits.
Thank you for today’s message. My husband is currently in a health care facility recuperating from pneumonia. He has COPD so it’s severe. He’s doing better, but I feel so alone. I cried out to God yesterday, I can’t take anymore. So much to do. Your message has given me hope. I can survive this, and stay strong. God Bless you!
It’s funny how God puts things in our view. I came across your devotion for today and I took it as God speaking to me. Things are not right for me and my family this holiday and my kids can’t understand, cause usually I come through, but this I must say has been a hard year for me. Seeing “All is Well” was a reminder for me cause I have it written on the board in our kitchen and tell the kids to remember and say it when things are not going right or they are having problems. It’s our new family motto. Thanks for sharing and hope you have a wonderful holiday.
Thank you for this and may God continue to bless you and your family. Reading this post with my eyes filled with tears and my heart filled with hope is just the confirmation I needed today. I know that God truly loves me and will need to remember that He is ALWAYS right with me. Thank you again for this. Merry Christmas and may you have a wonderful New Year!
God’s timing is always perfect. I was feeling sorry for myself as I was secluded from my family trying to concentrate on a devotional. Feeling so lonely not having my ex fiance with me and dwelling on the fact that this year did not go the way I planned. I am reminded of Jeremiah 29:11’For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.’ I need to count on the plans that God has for me as he has something wonderful in store for me. Merry Christmas!
Thank for for sharing the encouragement of God’s love for us, no matter the season of our lives. This has been a difficult year for my husband and I, death of a loved one, health issues, and job loss. God’s love sustains us, and His grace is sufficient. God bless your for sharing His word!
i just returned home from a 2000+ mile trip to take my daughters to see their dad for Christmas. The drive there was fun and silly. The drive home alone was sad. I did spend lots of time in prayer (eyes open of course) and lots of time with worship music. I am blessed to be home with my amazing husband of almost 5 years, but will miss my girls on Christmas morning. All is well!
God is good…all the time. I am thanking God that thru your blog God is reminding me that I am not alone and regardless of how sad my heart is during this season He is there for our family. Praying that He will prick the hearts of my daughters…and trusting that I will leave the concerns for my grandaughters at His feet.
I would love to win this women’s Bible to help with my daily walk. We had to put my mom in a nursing home because that is the only option we had. I am disabled and cannot take care of her. My sister lives in Ga and my one brother just lost his wife this past year and my other brothers wife has MS. And this year I just can’t seem to find the Christmas spirit. I know that God is always with me, but at times I feel so alone and lost even though I know in my heart that He is with me. I am reading the book by Lisa Whittle entitled “I Want God.” and it is stirring a longing in me. So good luck to all those who have entered and I know that God will send it to the one that needs it the most. God bless and have a Merry Christmas.
Your words resounded in my heart, “All is well, all is well. Lift up your heart and sing. Born is now our Emmanuel. Lift up your voice and sing.” The Word of God is my safety net to ensure that as I rest in His promises that keep me from floundering when circumstances overwhelm my heart. Thank you for the encouragement to enter into His rest, to focus on Him, and to cling to His promises. This is a precious gift from God.
I’m deeply grateful to live in a country (the USA) where we have the freedom of speech, along with all the other freedoms! O Lord, may You continue to bless these United States.
This looks like a wonderful study/reading that I have been looking for. I am looking forward to another year of encouragement from you!! Keep up the good work.
I’ve been looking for a new devotional guide for the coming year and this looks like just what I need. Thanks for your words of wisdom. May God richly bless you as you celebrate the birth of His Son.
I have been suffering from horrible chronic pain for a very long time from an accident, the pain medicine does awful things to my body & I can’t think clearly most of the time! I really enjoy reading Proverbs 31 5 days a week, it sure is encouraging & uplifting! Thank you so much! God Bless
Thank you Micca for your words of encouragement. Your devotion today touched my heart. I feel the presence of God and daily need it. Sometimes it is moment by moment. I so love to be reminded by writers like yourself.
Peace be with you this Christmas. Peace be with us all…
Merry Christmas!! God bless you for your words. I look forward to your words every day. The RealLife Bible looks like just what I need.
Thank you for your post today! I am on bedrest in the hospital this Christmas Eve and these are the words I needed to read today!
All is well….even when it isn’t. With God in control we must believe this! Thank you for your words.
Merry Christmas to you and yours.
Your testimony Im sure is very encouraging would like to hear more thank you and God Bless you. I pray for the Lords comfort and peace as well in my life always .
What a sweet encouragement that spoke to me right where I am right now. Thank you.
Dear Micca, Christmas greetings from Sydney, Australia. Miles apart, but sisters in Christ. It is Christmas Day and I am far from my home in New Zealand. (I have been living in Sydney for the past 32 years.) Later today I will celebrate with friends our Saviour’s coming to earth, but right now I am feeling alone, yet not alone. He is with me. I can only guess at the grief and loneliness you must have felt that lone Christmas Day. How precious our Lord must be to you. Thank you for sharing and for touching my heart. Your devotional meant so much to me. God bless you and love, Phillippa
Merry Christmas!
I love the song “All is well”, not only is it beautifully done, it helps signify the joy and peace that only God can give. My husband is fighting cancer for the fourth time this Christmas season. Fighting hard. The post today was just what I needed to read. My husband and I never need to feel we are struggling alone because He is right here with us. Thanks for your words.
Yes, God’s promises are ever present and when we cement that in our minds
we can know for sure that we are never alone. His promise to never leave us is so very comforting. It is a blessing to know we are His children and can run to Him for our every need.
Thank you for your encouraging words.
What a wonderful Christmas message. To know we are never alone….God is always with us. Through good times or bad. He never leaves.
Thanks for this devotional! Would love to win a copy of this Bible!
I have often felt alone. I was adopted and it seemed the older I got the more I felt that I had not been wanted by my real parents. I had a lot of anger about this. Recently I found out some information about my birth father. He wanted nothing to do with me. An agency found him for me. I was not permitted to even know his name. I have no info about my mom. I have come to realize, however, that God loves me. He knew me before I was ever born (Psm. 139) and He died for me! How awesome is that!? Thank You, Jesus!
Thank you for your words of encouragement in your blog.
A great reminder at this time of the year.
Thank you for this word. It is difficult being alone at this time of year. Your devotion was a blessing to me.
Thank you for your encouragement. I really needed to hear this tonight. My son just asked me why I was so sad, and then I saw this post. Thank you!
Thank you for the encouragement. Its good to know we are not alone
Tonight, I was feeling very alone and discouraged. It is my first Christmas Eve alone in my 49 years of life. My husband left four months ago, and while I am still hopeful for reconciliation, tonight I am alone at home with our two dogs. I saw Proverbs 31 Ministries mentioned by a friend on Facebook, read your devotional there, and followed the link to your blog. As I read, it was as if you were speaking directly to me, and the tears fell. Thank you for providing words of encouragement and sharing the Hope we have in Jesus Christ. Merry Christmas!
praying for you Linda.
Thanks for sharing the verses today. I was able to share and hopefully encouraged a friend whose husband tried to commit suicide 2 days ago. Please pray for them as well.
Thanks so much for your Proverbs 31 post today. I have been going through a rough time this year financially and health wise. It really has caused a struggle with my relationship with God. Your post helped me to refocus some. I hope I can continue that in the days to come.
I pulled up disciple after a long day traveling to be with my recently deceased husband’s family for the Christmas holiday. It’s only been 3 months and hard as I’ve tried I just haven’t been in the Christmas spirit. Wrapping presents for my and filling stockings for my daughter and 3 year old granddaughter brought stinging tears to my eyes. Your devotion was a Godsend. It reminded me of what I know to be true, but sorrow had overshadowed. Thank you for reminding me of God’s love and constant presence. I have a feeling Christmas day is going to be a much different day than I expected it to be. Praying God sends you a special blessing for the blessing you were to me. MERRY CHRISTMAS!
Merry Christmas Micca! God IS with us!
Thank you for your willingness to share your story for the benefit of others! It is very appreciated.
I was blessed by your devotional this morning. Thank you so much for sharing these words with me. ♡
Thanks Micca, your post of ‘God is with us’ really comforted my heart and reminded me that I am NEVER alone. Keep doing what God has commanded you to do cause you are a blessing to many women’s lifes. Thank you 🙂 Merry Christmas!
I know how wonderful the birth of Jesus was so long ago and yet at times
the depression gets me down. Your words about GOD is always with us
brings sun to my soul and will make me remember how blessed I am to
live in a country where we can worship and believe. Thank you for reopening
my eyes to his Love. Merry Christmas
Thank you for your uplifting words. I was feeling sad and hopeless
I would love to win this devotional. Merry Christmas to everyone!
This has been a difficult Christmas for me. But God is good. Thank you for the encouragment.
Your “God with us” devotional really spoke to me. Thankyou.
Thank you for the encouragement and the reminder that God is always with us. I am 5000 miles away from my fiance and sometimes feel that we will never be together again. I am always asking God to be my refuge and my rock.
Your devotions are very uplifting and help many people everyday. God bless.
Thank you for the encouraging words. I have also been through several terrible storms of life and by the Grace of God, He has given me the strength to not only survive but to thrive knowing that I am not alone. His presence is with me every second but it is up to me to connect to Him. Thanks.
Thanks for this! – Emmanuel is a beautiful reminder. God Bless all of us.
Thank you Micca….Christmas was hard this year and I am glad I got through it….thanks for your reminder of His promise…I was searching this morning.
Thank you for your encouraging words and reminding all of us that God is always with us. I pray that God will bless you and your ministry in 2015.
Thank you so much for this message. Im reading this 2 days late, however the Lords timing was perfect. Yesterday (Christmas day) was very difficult for me. My husband recently had surgery, and will be laid off when he does return to work. But more importantly on my heart is my eldest son. He is struggling with addiction. My heart is so heavy and full of pain. I like your message struggle with the feeling “where is God “. Thank you for your reminder that I have the peace and Strength through the Lord, Immanuel. What a comfort to know he is with us and never leaves our side! What a blessing!
Thank You
THIS TIME OF THE YEAR IS REALLY HARD ON ME. I GET DEPRESSED AND THE WINTER GETS ME DOWN. I EXPERIENCED THIS NOW. I WOULD LOVE TO HAVE A NEW DEVOTIONAL BIBLE I HAVE GIVEN ALL MINE AWAY. THANK YOU KAY.