John 12:1-8 As a parent, it's interesting to me to sit back and watch Paisley do things by herself. I often wonder why in the world she is doing that, but the same is true for anyone. Have you ever wondered that not just from your kids, but from strangers out in public or even family members?  I always love reading today's Bible story, here you have Jesus and his disciples eating dinner with Lazar...  Read More

Nehemiah 12:44-47Praise the Lord for our leadership at Emmanuel! Until I was on staff, I did not fully grasp how much our pastors take on. Sitting in staff meetings, I am able to hear some of the day to day things that are on their plates. I’ll tell you it’s far more than just preparing and delivering a sermon on Sunday mornings. The pastor, as the shepherd of his flock, tends to the needs of his ...  Read More

Nehemiah 12:31-43 How do you tend to respond to God providing in your life? Do you take time to stop and recognize how God got you through the possible trial or hardship in your life? Do you just jump to the next thing and quickly forget about everything because you're caught up in the busyness? When God works in our lives, we must stop and praise Him. He is worthy of our praise!   Here in Nehemia...  Read More

Nehemiah 12:27-30The wall has been built! Praise the Lord! After building the wall, the Levites came back to sing praise to the Lord and worship the Lord. They are having a time with intentional praise. God is good, He helps us with our needs, and has done so much for us. We are coming into a month where we focus specifically on Thanks. Thanksgiving is just around the corner. We take time to gathe...  Read More

Main Point and Overview:   After a major spiritual victory in your life, do you take the time to praise the Lord? Nehemiah did. In fact, he led the entire nation of Israel in a very intentional and inordinate “program of praise” to God for his power, protection, and provisions in rebuilding the broken-down walls of Jerusalem. Often, in our lives, it is easy to take God’s goodness for granted. We m...  Read More

Matthew 5:6This title! I’d love to hear from any one of you about how happy or blessed you feel when you’re hungry. Is anyone happy when they are hungry? And maybe there is a reason that you’ve been told that you get “hangry” when your food cravings aren’t fulfilled.  The title of today’s devotion comes straight out of the book of Matthew: “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness...  Read More