Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel (which means, God with us).

- Matthew 1:23

My friend claimed that he could bowl a 300 game. As a matter of fact, he said that every time he went bowling, he bowled a perfect game, 300.

I didn't believe it. So, we went bowling. I was shocked when he grabbed his ball, walked the length of the lane, and, standing three feet from the pins, threw the ball into the pins knocking them all down. Then, he confidently walked back up the lane.

I looked at the man and said, “you can't do that. That's a foul; you have to bowl from back here, behind this line...”

My friend looked at me and said, “that's silly. Why would I bowl from back here? Error increases with distance.” “Error increases with distance.”

I'll never forget that.

In Matthew 1:23, the bible says that in Christ, God came to “be with us.”

• Our God understood that error increases with distance.
• Our God knew the power of proximity.
• The Creator God became the Incarnate God because He understood the importance of proximity.

The longer I live, the more I see the importance of proximity. Life transformation does not happen from afar, life transformation happens from a distance of three feet.

One thing to remember today; “error increase with distance.” Who in your life should you draw near to? Your spouse? Your children? Your neighbor? Proximity is the key to healthy, thriving relationships.

God drew near to you because God knew life transformation happens three feet at a time.

Your prayer today, “God, I've been distant. Draw near to me and help me draw near to those that I love.”

Press on,
Pastor Harp

As you reflect on Matthew 1:23, use your Personalized Scripture Journal to personally respond to the truth that God is with you.

“Emmanuel” means God with us — not distant, not detached, but present.

Write through these prompts:

Do I truly believe God is with me in my daily life?

Where do I feel alone right now?

How would my anxiety shift if I trusted His presence?

When have I sensed Him near during difficulty?

What would it look like to walk through today aware of Him beside me?

After reflecting, write a direct and personal prayer.

Thank Him for being present.
Tell Him where you need to feel His nearness.
Invite Him into your ordinary moments.

Your journal becomes a record of learning to recognize His presence. Over time, awareness grows, and relationship deepens. God with you is not just theology — it becomes lived experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Matthew 1:23 mean?
It declares that Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.”

Why is “God with us” important?
Because it shows that God chooses closeness, not distance, with His people.

How can I experience God’s presence daily?
Through prayer, Scripture, gratitude, and intentional awareness throughout the day.

What if I don’t feel God near?
Feelings fluctuate. His presence is rooted in promise, not emotion.

How does journaling strengthen awareness of God’s presence?
Writing helps you notice moments of guidance, comfort, and answered prayer.

How does this build a personal relationship with God?
Recognizing His nearness turns faith from abstract belief into daily companionship.