It’s Tuesday of Holy Week, and if you thought Monday was eventful, buckle up — Tuesday is full of action. Jesus was in the temple teaching, being questioned by the Pharisees and Sadducees, challenging the religious leaders, and sharing deep truth through parables. In other words, He was turning up the heat 🔥 — and every word He spoke still speaks to us today. It was TENSE!
Let’s center on one powerful truth from His teaching: Mark 12:30
“And you shall love the Lord your God with all your
heart, with all your soul, with all your mind, and with all your strength.”
— Mark 12:30 (NKJV)
When one of the scribes asked Jesus what the greatest commandment was, this was His answer. He didn’t give a long list. He didn’t complicate it. He made it clear: It’s all about love. Not halfway love. Not Sunday-morning-only love. Jesus is calling us to a full-hearted, whole-life, every-day kind of love for God.
Heart – Your passion, your affections, what drives you.
Mind – Your thoughts, your priorities, your beliefs.
Strength – Your time, your energy, your actions.
Soul – The deepest part of who you are — your identity and purpose.
When we love God with every part of us, we begin to experience the kind of life Jesus died to give us. And let me tell you — I see this happening at Emmanuel Nazarene! Whether it’s in worship on Sundays, in small groups, or in the love shared at the door — this is a church that loves God and loves people for real. If you’ve been searching for a place to grow, connect, and be encouraged, this is your place.
Here is two questions for you today:
-Where is your love for God strongest?
-And where do you need to invite Him in a little deeper?
Maybe your heart is on fire, but your mind is distracted. Maybe your soul loves Him, but your schedule doesn’t reflect that love yet. No guilt here — just an invitation from Jesus to go deeper!
Prayer for Today:
“Lord, thank You for reminding me of what matters most. Help me love You more — not just in words, but with my whole life. Shape my heart, renew my mind, strengthen my soul, and guide my steps. Thank You for Emmanuel Nazarene — a church where Your love is real, and Your Spirit is moving. Teach me to love like You love.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.”
Let’s walk this Tuesday out with passion, purpose, and love. Holy Week isn’t just something we observe — it’s something we live. And I’m so grateful to live it alongside a church family like Emmanuel. You are loved, you are seen, and God’s not finished with you yet!
Blessings!
Pastor Jonathan W. Pannell III
Rev. Jonathan W. Pannell III 