If I am being completely honest, this is a very difficult devotional to write. With lots of prayer, many discussions with my wife, and wise counsel from trusted friends and family, this devotional will be my last. Over the last 6 months, God has been stirring our hearts towards a direction that I never expected to happen. Hannah and I have had the desire to be at church within our community, where we live, where our families are, for a long time, and have spent so much time in prayer over…..and then behind the scene’s God was working it all out, by bringing Pastor Matt to a church, that is less than 3 minutes from my driveway. It is funny how God answers prayers in so many unexpected ways! Our time at Emmanuel has been one of growth, challenge, and a deeper reliance on God that I have never had before. In some ways 5 years feels like a short and long time all at once, but it truly was great. Emmanuel will always hold a special place in our hearts, but it is not a goodbye, it’s a see you down the road! I firmly believe that when you leave a church, it doesn’t have to be an end to relationships, so we will be praying for you, and hopefully we will stay connected! We love Emmanuel, God has great things planned, and I will be faithfully cheering you all on! We are excited to attend Westside Church, cheering on Pastor Matt, but also getting involved, developing new relationships, and growing with them in Christ! These are all great things—GOD IS GOOD!
Ironically, the passage of scripture assigned to me for this week, makes me reflect on my time at Emmanuel, and most especially with my relationship with Pastor John.
“I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.” 1 Corinthians 4:14-17
Emmanuel and Pastor John came into my life in a difficult season, and with the Christ centered, biblical teaching, God used them in my life to grow me, to change me, to rediscover my passion for serving the Lord. I came to Emmanuel wounded, needing healing in all sorts of ways, but I received so much more than I ever expected. Pastor John’s challenges to live boldly, to make the Bible the foundation of my life, and many many more lessons he taught me privately on being a man of God and leading my family have profoundly impacted my life, my wife, and my children. God uses everything he can, to open our eyes, to draw nearer to him, and Emmanuel and Pastor John have truly been part of his plan. Pastor John has been a spiritual mentor, a friend, and a close co-worker, he is a man used by God to proclaim truth in my life, and countless others. PJ, if you are reading this, thank you for all your love, your shepherding, your wise counsel! God has great things in store for Emmanuel!
Now as my family takes the next step at Westside Church, under the leadership of a man who has not only been faithfully trained by Pastor John, but also who I call a close friend, and a fellow co-worker in the cause for Christ, Pastor Matt, I ask for all your prayers. Prayers that God will use this new season to encourage, grow, and challenge my family— That God would give us opportunities for new friendships, and new ways to serve him! I also ask that you pray for Pastor Matt and his family, in this new role and season of their lives too. Lastly, I ask you would pray for Pastor John and Emmanuel, for growth, for a new children’s pastor, and guidance in all of the transitions. Let’s celebrate what God is doing, because he is so good and so faithful! You will all be in my heart and prayers! See you down the road!
Ironically, the passage of scripture assigned to me for this week, makes me reflect on my time at Emmanuel, and most especially with my relationship with Pastor John.
“I am writing this not to shame you but to warn you as my dear children. Even if you had ten thousand guardians in Christ, you do not have many fathers, for in Christ Jesus I became your father through the gospel. Therefore, I urge you to imitate me. For this reason I have sent to you Timothy, my son whom I love, who is faithful in the Lord. He will remind you of my way of life in Christ Jesus, which agrees with what I teach everywhere in every church.” 1 Corinthians 4:14-17
Emmanuel and Pastor John came into my life in a difficult season, and with the Christ centered, biblical teaching, God used them in my life to grow me, to change me, to rediscover my passion for serving the Lord. I came to Emmanuel wounded, needing healing in all sorts of ways, but I received so much more than I ever expected. Pastor John’s challenges to live boldly, to make the Bible the foundation of my life, and many many more lessons he taught me privately on being a man of God and leading my family have profoundly impacted my life, my wife, and my children. God uses everything he can, to open our eyes, to draw nearer to him, and Emmanuel and Pastor John have truly been part of his plan. Pastor John has been a spiritual mentor, a friend, and a close co-worker, he is a man used by God to proclaim truth in my life, and countless others. PJ, if you are reading this, thank you for all your love, your shepherding, your wise counsel! God has great things in store for Emmanuel!
Now as my family takes the next step at Westside Church, under the leadership of a man who has not only been faithfully trained by Pastor John, but also who I call a close friend, and a fellow co-worker in the cause for Christ, Pastor Matt, I ask for all your prayers. Prayers that God will use this new season to encourage, grow, and challenge my family— That God would give us opportunities for new friendships, and new ways to serve him! I also ask that you pray for Pastor Matt and his family, in this new role and season of their lives too. Lastly, I ask you would pray for Pastor John and Emmanuel, for growth, for a new children’s pastor, and guidance in all of the transitions. Let’s celebrate what God is doing, because he is so good and so faithful! You will all be in my heart and prayers! See you down the road!