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Innovation – Stop and Think – Day 25

Today’s reading – Mark 2:1-12

If you want to see the unexpected, you have to be willing to do something drastic.

When was the last time you were facing a problem and stopped to say the two simple words, ‘what if?’ Seems simple enough right?  But not so fast.  Most of us have a default setting in our mind that has a hard time thinking outside of the box.  We all desire change but we intuitively know the cost and the process to get to the desired outcome will be too high to pay.  So we revert to the old habit, the dependable sure thing.  Many times we miss the voice of God and the possibility of a new innovation and a far better end because of a lack of transformation in our thinking.  So how do we get there?

“Be willing to think differently and your life will change trajectory.”

“We never saw anything like this.” Mark 2:12

 

There is a story in the Bible about a paralytic who had 4 friends that desired to see something different in his life.  They wanted this so much that they carried their friend who couldn’t even walk to the place where Jesus was staying. They did this because they thought Jesus could perform a miracle and heal him.  The problem was, when they came to the door they couldn’t get him through because the entryway and house was jammed packed with people.  So what did they do?  They asked, ‘what if?’  They INNOVATED.  They then hoisted the man onto the roof and began to cut a hole in the roof and lowered the man into the room where Jesus was teaching.  One of those men had to think it would be impossible for Jesus to ignore him if they were willing to do this outlandish, unconventional, unexpected thing.  As Jesus saw this, he forgave the man’s sins and healed him.  The man walked out because four men were willing to think differently about how to get the man to Jesus.

 

I want a different outcome.  I don’t want to keep going with my perspective.  I want to be so immersed in the presence of God that he transforms my thinking and ultimately people are healed because of my willingness to think in ways that are unconventional.

 

Innovation Motivation…

 

1.  Compassion – The driving force –  I want to be the type of person that thinks and acts towards justice for the disadvantaged.  There are so many problems to be solved and people who need a simple word and touch from Jesus.  ALL of us can do something, but it will probably mean we will need to deviate from our course.  Be willing to let compassion drive the day. Find the hurting and bring them hope.

 

2. Determination – Let nothing stand in the way –  The men in the above story could have just quit and reasoned it was too difficult to get the paralytic man to Jesus, but they didn’t.  A dream without disciplined thinking leads to despair.  We are to discipline our thinking by pushing forward at all cost because we believe in the cause of what we are doing.  Go cut a hole in a roof.

 

3. Get Comfortable – With the unconventional – Something happened in that interaction Jesus had with the man on that day.  It was never heard of that a man could forgive sins.  However, Jesus forgave the sins of the man, then he healed him.  He saw the faith of the man and because of it, he walked out of the room totally healed.  Maybe if our faith increased we would see miracles. Do something courageous.

 

I want to be a part of a movement where people say, “we never saw anything like this.”  I believe God is willing.  What miracles are worth believing God for?  I would love to interact below.

Josh

 

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

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Fulfilling Dreams – Day 19

You don’t go as far as your DREAM, but as far as your TEAM

Today’s reading – Acts 6:1-7

I am writing tonight from the Dominican Republic.  We as a church and family have the privilege of supporting an incredible mission organization called Mission 25/35.  They are working tirelessly to do four things in the Santiago area of the D.R. to promote sustainable communities.  Clean water, food, healthcare and job training.  These four pillars are the foundation of the dream of this mission outpost.  I am here with the leadership dreaming and visioning a way forward for the incredible work they are doing.  And let me tell you, the dream is big and the team is capable and incredible.

“Don’t just tell me what you are going to do, show me, invite me, and let’s do it together.”

“And the word of God continued to increase, and the number of disciples multiplied greatly Jerusalem.”  Acts 6:7

 

Have you ever had a BIG dream that never came to pass?  Most of us have experienced the disappointment of something we felt called to but never saw come to fruition.  Maybe the most important question you will ask is, “who is with me?” The disciples had the courage to recognize they couldn’t do it all, and that allowed them to lead the early church forward.  They needed to stay in their strength zone.  They were to be devoted to the prayer and the ministry of the word. (Acts 4:4)

 

Unfortunately, sometimes we try to go it alone and we really don’t know how to empower others so we do it all ourselves.  But it isn’t like that here.  This dream here is happening.  As we sat around Rick and Tammie’s table tonight, visioning, talking, praying and sharing a meal together, something became evident to me.  This team with all its connections, strengths, humility and teamwork could actually pull this off!  The reason is because the strength of the team.  If you have a BIG dream you are going to need the help of others who will walk alongside you.

 

Some Thought on Accomplishing a Dream With a Team…

 

1. Assemble The Right Team – “A team that knows its strengths will always outperform.”  Sometimes we have to do things we aren’t that great at, but a great team will put people in places where they fit seamlessly and are able to run fast.  It’s evident here this team knows their strengths and weaknesses.  We all have blind spots, but we aren’t going to lead well out of them.  We lead well in what we see clearly.

 

2. A Culture of Empowerment – “Pride and insecurity lead to control and deceit.” People want to help, or they probably wouldn’t be in the room.  Letting others lead and make decisions is a sign of a true leader and collaboration helps us to defer to the opinions of others.  The problem is, most of the time we think we are right.  This doesn’t mean when we establish a leader in a role we abandon them in their post, or let them make colossal mistakes, but we trust and coach them up to be the best player they can be for the team.

 

3. Engage in Healthy Conflict – “A team that is unified knows how to disagree.” If everyone agrees all the time you may have a dysfunctional team.  Providing a safe place for healthy discussion and disagreement actually FOSTERS UNITY.  Allowing input from everyone with respect and inclusion shows honor for the role they play and how God has gifted them.  Remember unity does not mean uniformity.

4. If You Play together You’ll Stay Together – “If you always are serious, people will stop taking you seriously.” I wonder how many times Jesus just goofed off with the disciples.  We can tell by the writing of the New Testament that Jesus was a pretty witty and free spirited man.  I imagined he told some jokes and had some great full on laughter and celebration with his disciples.  If it’s all business all the time the time will come when the team will loathe the business.

 

What about you?  Who do you need to invite to become a part of the team to accomplish the dream he has for your life.  I promise you, His plan is NOT for you to accomplish it alone.

Josh

The 40 Day Fasting Explanation

A season of fasting and prayer – Over the next 40 days leading up to our 9th anniversary, our church family will be in a season of fasting and prayer.  I invite you to come along with us and ask God for a transformation by the renewal of our minds.

A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

1. An Everyday Habit in the Word – Each day I will be sending out a short devotional based on some selected readings.  This begins through a simple prayer of asking God to renew us.

2. Continual Fasting  – A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

God has blessed us through incredibly unique circumstances over the last nine years as 217church.  We have baptized over 275 people and been given the unique calling to have a church planting and multiplication vision.  The past 18 months of ministry have led the pastors and elders to call us as a congregation to a season of prayer and fasting.  We want to use this time to understand the depth of God’s heart for us and the next steps he is calling us to.  I trust your heart will be open and God will bring us to a deeper understanding of what it means to “rebuild lives one person at a time.”

We believe God wants us to fast over a period of 40 days.  As a reminder, what you choose to fast is between you and Jesus. But you may want to include some natural encouragement and accountability over this 40 day period.  This may mean you are doing one of the following as an example:

  • Skipping a meal or a whole day of meals.
  • Eliminating something like sugar, coffee, or meat to remind you of your total dependence on God.
  • Encouraging one another in the church family as you pray together and sacrifice your physical sustenance for spiritual direction and focus.

What will God do? I am looking forward to see his direction.

Renewal is on the way – Join me along this process

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

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How Long Will I Have To Wait? – Day 16

Not now does not mean not ever

Today’s reading – Exodus 15:22-27, Isaiah 40:28-31

When will this pass?  Have you ever asked that question?  Of course you have.  We have all been in situations where our current reality was not our ideal situation.  The house wasn’t right, the body was sick, the marriage was struggling, the job wasn’t right, the ministry was just a bit off, we knew a change was coming but we couldn’t make the ideal happen.  God had to do it and let’s face it, He has to come through on his timeline.   What a challenge it is to fully live the Christian life.  But throughout the process of waiting, God’s goal is never to punish us, but always to draw us closer to Him through our circumstances.

“God withholds because something better is on the horizon.”

“But those who wait for the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.”  Isaiah 40:31

 

So I have three dogs and they DO NOT like waiting for their treats.  One dog in particular though is very well trained and will sit for quite a long time waiting for the appropriate command.  I often wonder sometimes if my dog has more patience than I have.  Patience is a challenging thing though.  Only by walking lock step with God do we learn the voice of God over time.  No small detail is left out.  Start to believe that God has your best future in mind and let the anxiety and complaining subside.

 

Two Principles to help us while waiting…

 

1. Timing Principle – “God’s timing is rarely if not ever our timing.”  But here is the real issue…authority.  How you answer the authority question either restricts you or releases you towards the ideal vision God has for you.  When Moses and the Israelites came into the wilderness in Exodus 15, they encountered bitter water.  Instead of leaning on God’s timing, knowing God did not bring them to the wilderness to have them die, they complained.  So God heard their prayer and God made bitter water sweet.  He would have done it even without their whining.  I am convinced the timing of God is always a test from God.  (For more see Matthew 8:5-13)

 

2. Trust Principle –  “You are being pruned for your progress.” God is always in the process of drawing us close to him and let’s face it, if you received whatever you wanted from God whenever you wanted it, you would start to believe you are a god.  The patience you develop by waiting on a God given vision brings humility.  Remember, God is after intimacy and relationship, not the finished product of what you can do for him.  Remember, God doesn’t need us, He chooses to love us and pursue us because it is in his nature to love.  God – Is – Love.  Don’t mistake the level of your perceived success and the ease of your life for God being more in love with you.  God will prune you so you can grow more.  (for more see John 15:1-5)

 

As we are renewed let’s remember closeness with God brings healing and true contentment.  It’s worth the wait.

Josh

The 40 Day Fasting Explanation

A season of fasting and prayer – Over the next 40 days leading up to our 9th anniversary, our church family will be in a season of fasting and prayer.  I invite you to come along with us and ask God for a transformation by the renewal of our minds.

A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

1. An Everyday Habit in the Word – Each day I will be sending out a short devotional based on some selected readings.  This begins through a simple prayer of asking God to renew us.

2. Continual Fasting  – A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

God has blessed us through incredibly unique circumstances over the last nine years as 217church.  We have baptized over 275 people and been given the unique calling to have a church planting and multiplication vision.  The past 18 months of ministry have led the pastors and elders to call us as a congregation to a season of prayer and fasting.  We want to use this time to understand the depth of God’s heart for us and the next steps he is calling us to.  I trust your heart will be open and God will bring us to a deeper understanding of what it means to “rebuild lives one person at a time.”

We believe God wants us to fast over a period of 40 days.  As a reminder, what you choose to fast is between you and Jesus. But you may want to include some natural encouragement and accountability over this 40 day period.  This may mean you are doing one of the following as an example:

  • Skipping a meal or a whole day of meals.
  • Eliminating something like sugar, coffee, or meat to remind you of your total dependence on God.
  • Encouraging one another in the church family as you pray together and sacrifice your physical sustenance for spiritual direction and focus.

What will God do? I am looking forward to see his direction.

Renewal is on the way – Join me along this process

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

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True Worship – Day 10

Who and what we point at becomes primary

Today’s reading – Psalm 29, John 4:21-24

I have played my fair share of basketball over the years.  One particular time one of my teammates threw me a perfect pass that led to a layup for me.  I scored the points but without the perfect pass no basket would have happened. That is recorded as an assist.  I remember after that pass pointing and nodding to him as if to say, “that was all you.”   God loves it when we succeed and then point at Him as the one who made it happen.  Who is getting the credit in your life?  True worship is living all out for all the glory to go to our Father in heaven.

“We don’t live to get the credit, we live to give the glory.”

“But the hour is coming, and is now here, when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for the Father is seeking such people to worship him. God is spirit, and those who worship him must worship in spirit and truth.”  John 4:23-24

 

The only way we are going to be able to point in the right direction is if our life is guided by the Spirit of God.  This is an everyday continual alignment process.  When we think of worship in our culture most of our thinking goes towards a Sunday worship service, someone giving a sermon, or the music at an organized worship gathering.  But everything in our life everyday is to point to God and his work in our lives.  If we are to fully follow Jesus there will be pain, because there are probably activities in our lives that are not bringing glory and credit to God.  Is there anywhere in your life you are trying to get more credit?  Is there anything that doesn’t give him glory?  Is there clear evidence in your life you follow Christ.

 

Here are some transparent questions to meditate on today as you gauge who is getting the credit and the glory…

 

1. What is your source of strength? – Are you one who relies on yourself and do you consider yourself self-sufficient?  Do you pride yourself in being the underdog and rising up from nothing?    Has your own personal ambition worn you out?   

 

2. Who do you seek approval from? –  Does personal accomplishment and achievement drive you because of money, accolades or other people’s opinions.  Do you desire people to like you more than others so much that you would do anything, including hurting others, to gain their approval? Is there anyone you are jealous of?

 

3. Who or what are you afraid of? – Is there anyone you are trying to push down and keep from succeeding because you fear they may take your place?  Do you worry excessively about what someone might do and do you have a layer of mistrust for almost everyone.  Do you talk about others way too much.

 

If you missed the explanation of our 40 Day fasting and prayer, here is the Sunday message from 217church

Josh

The 40 Day Fasting Explanation

A season of fasting and prayer – Over the next 40 days leading up to our 9th anniversary, our church family will be in a season of fasting and prayer.  I invite you to come along with us and ask God for a transformation by the renewal of our minds.

A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

1. An Everyday Habit in the Word – Each day I will be sending out a short devotional based on some selected readings.  This begins through a simple prayer of asking God to renew us.

2. Continual Fasting  – A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

God has blessed us through incredibly unique circumstances over the last nine years as 217church.  We have baptized over 275 people and been given the unique calling to have a church planting and multiplication vision.  The past 18 months of ministry have led the pastors and elders to call us as a congregation to a season of prayer and fasting.  We want to use this time to understand the depth of God’s heart for us and the next steps he is calling us to.  I trust your heart will be open and God will bring us to a deeper understanding of what it means to “rebuild lives one person at a time.”

We believe God wants us to fast over a period of 40 days.  As a reminder, what you choose to fast is between you and Jesus. But you may want to include some natural encouragement and accountability over this 40 day period.  This may mean you are doing one of the following as an example:

  • Skipping a meal or a whole day of meals.
  • Eliminating something like sugar, coffee, or meat to remind you of your total dependence on God.
  • Encouraging one another in the church family as you pray together and sacrifice your physical sustenance for spiritual direction and focus.

What will God do? I am looking forward to see his direction.

Renewal is on the way – Join me along this process

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

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Consistency – Day 9

Today’s reading – James 1:1-18, 1 Corinthians 15:56-58

I was running on Quakerbridge road today during rush hour and it was bumper to bumper traffic.  Over the course of about a mile I slowly but surely would pass cars plodding along at my 8:00 per mile pace. I started playing a game with this one particular BMW, he would pass me, then I would pass him.  This happened several times but eventually he got stuck and I smoked him.  Over the course of about a mile I won.  I ran a mile with my little shoes faster than he drove with his BMW 7 series.  I ran faster than a car today.  Why?  Consistency…

“Consistency is the catalyst for change.”

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain...”  1 Corinthians 15:58

 

What you are doing matters.  How is your race going?  There is a word that I love reading in the Bible – Steadfast.  219 times in the Bible we see a form of this word.  Most of the time the word is used to explain the nature of God.  Sixteen times in the New Testament we come across this verse and it mainly, in letters to the church, encourages us to mirror and model the steadfastness of Jesus in our faith and deeds.  In short, be consistent.  But consistency is hard.  It requires discipline.  Tonight at the dinner table the kids were going around saying what they were thankful for and Godfrey said,  “I am thankful for discipline because it teaches us how to learn and if you don’t have it you won’t learn.”  

 

Whoa!! Little man, where did you get such wisdom? I have no idea where it came from but he nailed it.  Steadfastness comes from the Spirit of God that enables us to have discipline.  This exceedingly pleases God.  May you be steadfast in your example to each other as the church as he renews us together during this time of prayer and fasting.

 

If you missed the explanation of our 40 Day fasting and prayer, here is the Sunday message from 217church

Josh

The 40 Day Fasting Explanation

A season of fasting and prayer – Over the next 40 days leading up to our 9th anniversary, our church family will be in a season of fasting and prayer.  I invite you to come along with us and ask God for a transformation by the renewal of our minds.

A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

1. An Everyday Habit in the Word – Each day I will be sending out a short devotional based on some selected readings.  This begins through a simple prayer of asking God to renew us.

2. Continual Fasting  – A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

God has blessed us through incredibly unique circumstances over the last nine years as 217church.  We have baptized over 275 people and been given the unique calling to have a church planting and multiplication vision.  The past 18 months of ministry have led the pastors and elders to call us as a congregation to a season of prayer and fasting.  We want to use this time to understand the depth of God’s heart for us and the next steps he is calling us to.  I trust your heart will be open and God will bring us to a deeper understanding of what it means to “rebuild lives one person at a time.”

We believe God wants us to fast over a period of 40 days.  As a reminder, what you choose to fast is between you and Jesus. But you may want to include some natural encouragement and accountability over this 40 day period.  This may mean you are doing one of the following as an example:

  • Skipping a meal or a whole day of meals.
  • Eliminating something like sugar, coffee, or meat to remind you of your total dependence on God.
  • Encouraging one another in the church family as you pray together and sacrifice your physical sustenance for spiritual direction and focus.

What will God do? I am looking forward to see his direction.

Renewal is on the way – Join me along this process

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

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You Didn’t See This Coming – Day 8

Today’s reading – Acts 16:16-24

It’s late and you are tired.  You had a hard day and you would rather forget about it.  You feel like you have been beaten and the world has you bound in shackles in prison.  You just lost your job. You are a prisoner to your own pain.  You have a physical disease, a mountain of debt, an addiction and one step forward feels impossible.  You just need some sleep, everything is blurry. You are a prisoner of your own sin, your own doing.  Worse, you are a prisoner because of what someone else has gruesomely done to you.  It’s not fair and you wonder inside if anyone cares. It is all finally coming to a head, something has to give.

“and suddenly there was a great earthquake, so that the foundations of the prison were shaken. And immediately all the doors were opened, and everyone’s bonds were unfastened…”  Acts 16:26

 

Then out of nowhere comes this urge.   It’s unlike any impulse you have ever had.  It resonates deep within you.  It is a song from long ago your mother and father used to sing.  A song that you had once forgotten and you somehow recall all the words as if you have sung this song every day since the pain first began.  It is a song with a reminder that someone loves you. A song that speaks of something you haven’t lived in a lifetime.

It is not normal to sing at midnight.  It is quiet where you are.  People are sleeping, but you have to let this song out of you and activate your vocal chords. Your faith is too fragile to remain silent.  At first it is a slight hum, then a little louder and louder…then out of nowhere you break forth into song.

It heals, it refreshes, it soothes, it stirs, it wells up from deep within and emotions pour out.  You recall, you repent, and then somehow you regain trust in your Jesus.  It is your greatest moment of worship and you realize an earthquake just happened.  You are in rubble but no stronghold is left, no worldly monuments left standing.  The prison door is wide open. Your heart is open.  No addiction has you.  No words from the past bind you, your bond has been unfastened, the church is free.

Isn’t it time this happens to you…us?

Sing at midnight…You never know when God is about to pull off a miracle, our job is to keep singing.

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

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Nowhere To Go But Up – Day 5

Today’s reading – Luke 10:17-20, 2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Transformation Circumstance  – I am at rock bottom

Today we look at the fourth circumstance of transformation almost all of us experience.  Have you been there?  That moment when you realize it has all fallen apart?  You feel like there is absolutely no hope at all and there is nowhere to go but up.   One of my mentors used to tell me, “you are either about ready to go into a difficult time, in a difficult time, or just coming out of one.”  Where are you?  This post today is for all of you who find yourselves sitting on the floor isolated, alone, head in your hands feeling like there is no way out and no way forward.

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken, struck down but not destroyed.”  2 Corinthians 4:8-9

 

Take heart!  The hardest part about being at rock bottom is not knowing when it is going to end.  When we face the bottom we ask ourselves, does anyone care and when will this end?  I have the answer to the first question, but the answer to the second question is one that is a mystery and therein lies the challenge of life.  The answer to the first question is an identity question.  Often when we hit rock bottom, we forget our identity and can’t recall who we are.

 

Identity is a powerful thing.  At it’s core it defines our character and marks our soul like no other.  One time when Jesus was speaking with his disciples he gave them a powerful reminder about their identity.  He told them they had authority.  So many times when we lose the job, run out of money, our relationship ends in shambles, or our addiction gets the best of us, we lose ourselves.  What we lost was our identity.  Maybe you are reading this and you have forgotten who you are.  Remember no matter what you go through you are a child of the living God, He didn’t make a mistake with you and deliverance is on the way.  But first you have to get into your head that you aren’t abandoned, alone, and outcasted… You – Belong.

 

So let me give you these 4 reminders of who you are, even if you are at rock bottom, struck down but not destroyed.

 

1. You Are More Than a Conqueror – It mat not feel like it, but you are, scripture says it and it’s true. (Romans 8:38-39)

 

2. You Are Chosen –  God isn’t into randomness. He deliberately put you on this earth for a purpose and he has one for you.  No one said it would be easy to walk this life but he has chosen you. (Ephesians 1:5a)

 

3. You Are His Son / Daughter – This means you are a part of the family of God, and this means you need a church family.  If you don’t have one, you need to make it a priority.  Find a church that reminds you of who you are in Christ by allowing you to serve it with your whole life. (Ephesians 1:5b)

 

4. Nothing Can Stop Us – Even though the world may come against you, you have a heavenly father who loves you and is for you.  When Jesus hit rock bottom, he knew his father would raise him up to a greater mission of ministry.  You have the same heavenly father as Jesus does. Depend on his strong hands.  (Romans 8:31)

“Behold I have given you authority to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy, and nothing shall hurt you.”  
Luke 10:19

One more thing, if you have recently come through a rock bottom experience, now is the time to throw a big party and celebrate the faithfulness of God!

 (Tomorrow I am taking the day off from writing and will be back with you Sunday for day 7)

Josh

The 40 Day Fasting Explanation

A season of fasting and prayer – Over the next 40 days leading up to our 9th anniversary, our church family will be in a season of fasting and prayer.  I invite you to come along with us and ask God for a transformation by the renewal of our minds.

A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

1. An Everyday Habit in the Word – Each day I will be sending out a short devotional based on some selected readings.  This begins through a simple prayer of asking God to renew us.

2. Continual Fasting  – A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

God has blessed us through incredibly unique circumstances over the last nine years as 217church.  We have baptized over 275 people and been given the unique calling to have a church planting and multiplication vision.  The past 18 months of ministry have led the pastors and elders to call us as a congregation to a season of prayer and fasting.  We want to use this time to understand the depth of God’s heart for us and the next steps he is calling us to.  I trust your heart will be open and God will bring us to a deeper understanding of what it means to “rebuild lives one person at a time.”

We believe God wants us to fast over a period of 40 days.  As a reminder, what you choose to fast is between you and Jesus. But you may want to include some natural encouragement and accountability over this 40 day period.  This may mean you are doing one of the following as an example:

  • Skipping a meal or a whole day of meals.
  • Eliminating something like sugar, coffee, or meat to remind you of your total dependence on God.
  • Encouraging one another in the church family as you pray together and sacrifice your physical sustenance for spiritual direction and focus.

What will God do? I am looking forward to see his direction.

Renewal is on the way – Join me along this process

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

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This Isn’t Fair – Day 4

Today’s reading – Matthew 5:10-11, 2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Transformation Circumstance  – I didn’t do anything wrong

Today we look at the third circumstance of transformation almost all of us experience.  Probably the most confused I have ever been about my relationship with Jesus is when I feel like something isn’t fair. You keep the rules, you are following him with great passion and then BAM, something hard happens.  Maybe you feel like you deserve more, maybe you feel forgotten and passed over, it’s the worst.  Sometimes we are taken through experiences when it feels like God isn’t there, or even that He cares.  When things aren’t fair it causes us to ask, “where are you God?”

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair, persecuted but not forsaken.”  2 Corinthians 4:8-9

 

When the hardest times come in life we can feel forgotten by God.  The word for forsaken in the passage literally means deserted and abandoned.  But here is the truth,  just because our circumstances leave us feeling a certain way it doesn’t mean God isn’t there.  The enemy may have you believing an illusion of isolation.  Our perception can lead to paralysis, but it just isn’t true.

 

When Jesus went to the cross and was enduring the most excruciating experience known to man at the time, he uttered the words, “My God, my God why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew 27:46) Could it be the reason that Jesus was willing to be absolutely forsaken by God, humiliated, left alone, left for dead with certain death, lonely, enduring one hundred percent despair, was so we would know he would NEVER, EVER do that to us?  Jesus paid the ultimate sacrifice for sin, and He was separated from God so we wouldn’t have to be!  Maybe you have always only thought of God as one who forgives sin through Jesus.  This is true, but have you ever truly contemplated and meditated on the nature of separation that Jesus endured so we never would have to?

 

Son or daughter of the living God, I know you are facing the most excruciating situation you ever have, but the truth above means HE WILL NEVER ABANDON YOU.  Believe this…

 

1. Your Isolation is an Illusion – The enemy will do anything and everything he can to get you to believe the lie that the Spirit isn’t with you. Jesus will never leave you and nothing can separate you from Him.  (Hebrews 13:5, Romans 8:38-39)

 

2. Your Loneliness is overshadowed by Love – Whenever you sense being isolated and alone remember the love poured out on the cross that overshadows your perceived loneliness.  (Psalm 91:1, Titus 3:5-6)

 

3. Your Struggle is for a Season –  Whatever you are facing, it will pass.  I’m not trying to minimize your struggle, but give it time, dive into his refining process.  He is protecting you, pruning you, and proving you…the morning is coming.  (Psalm 30:1-5)

 

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.”  
Matthew 5:10

Josh

The 40 Day Fasting Explanation

A season of fasting and prayer – Over the next 40 days leading up to our 9th anniversary, our church family will be in a season of fasting and prayer.  I invite you to come along with us and ask God for a transformation by the renewal of our minds.

A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

1. An Everyday Habit in the Word – Each day I will be sending out a short devotional based on some selected readings.  This begins through a simple prayer of asking God to renew us.

2. Continual Fasting  – A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

God has blessed us through incredibly unique circumstances over the last nine years as 217church.  We have baptized over 275 people and been given the unique calling to have a church planting and multiplication vision.  The past 18 months of ministry have led the pastors and elders to call us as a congregation to a season of prayer and fasting.  We want to use this time to understand the depth of God’s heart for us and the next steps he is calling us to.  I trust your heart will be open and God will bring us to a deeper understanding of what it means to “rebuild lives one person at a time.”

We believe God wants us to fast over a period of 40 days.  As a reminder, what you choose to fast is between you and Jesus. But you may want to include some natural encouragement and accountability over this 40 day period.  This may mean you are doing one of the following as an example:

  • Skipping a meal or a whole day of meals.
  • Eliminating something like sugar, coffee, or meat to remind you of your total dependence on God.
  • Encouraging one another in the church family as you pray together and sacrifice your physical sustenance for spiritual direction and focus.

What will God do? I am looking forward to see his direction.

Renewal is on the way – Join me along this process

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

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Help! I Don’t Know What To Do – Day 3

Today’s reading – 2 Corinthians 4:7-11, Psalm 90:12

Transformation Circumstance  – I don’t know what to do

Today we look at the second circumstance of transformation almost all of us experience.  Sometimes I just don’t know what to do.  It may be a job, marriage, or parenting decision.  Maybe you have prayed, consulted friends and wise people, but you just don’t know what to do. Depending on our different personalities and experiences some of us may be predisposed to indecision, but there is a way to deal with being perplexed.

 

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed, perplexed but not driven to despair.”  2 Corinthians 4:8b

 

A wise mentor once told me, “It’s less about the decision you make and more about how you make the decision.”  When I heard that phrase about twenty-five years ago as a young man, it stopped me dead in my tracks.  It doesn’t diminish the importance of the decision but emphasizes how we get to our answers.  I had never stopped to think God may be trying to teach me how to make the decision not just testing me to see if I made the right decision.  As a matter of fact in certain cases there may not be a wrong answer.  I believe if we are willing to take our time and be more deliberate in our decision making, it keeps us from being despaired.  So what is a good decision making filter?

-Did you ask God? – I don’t mean to be captain obvious, but sometimes we say all the right things, make some plans and then ask God to bless our plans.  If you haven’t asked God, you might want to start there.

-Did you seek Godly counsel? – The bigger the decision the longer it will take and the more trusted voices you need to help you.  We tend to get ourselves into trouble when our impulses deceive us.  Remember we all have blind spots and you have to be humble enough to invite people in to see what you don’t see.  One perspective is never enough.  One person usually isn’t that good.

-Did you get a CLEAR answer/confirmation?  What is the rush? If you don’t know you don’t know – It’s ok…Sometimes no decision is the best decision.  Remember not now doesn’t necessarily mean not ever, it just means wait.  Therein lies the tension.  Not having the answer means we must wait on the Lord.  Could it be in your perplexed state you are being transformed because God is drawing you in to deeper dependence on him?  Maybe not having the answer and not making a decision is protecting you from an irresponsible action that could ruin you and those under your influence.

-Let Him do it – Maybe during this fast you need to ask God for confirmation, or maybe you need a supernatural intervention.  Last September I was growing frustrated by some circumstances and while I was on a run I heard God whisper in my ear, “let me do it.”  At first I didn’t like it, but as every day passes I am growing more trusting in the timing and sovereignty of God  #thinkdifferently

 

“So teach us to number our days that we may get a heart of wisdom…”  
Psalm 90:12

Josh

The 40 Day Fasting Explanation

A season of fasting and prayer – Over the next 40 days leading up to our 9th anniversary, our church family will be in a season of fasting and prayer.  I invite you to come along with us and ask God for a transformation by the renewal of our minds.

A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

1. An Everyday Habit in the Word – Each day I will be sending out a short devotional based on some selected readings.  This begins through a simple prayer of asking God to renew us.

2. Continual Fasting  – A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

God has blessed us through incredibly unique circumstances over the last nine years as 217church.  We have baptized over 275 people and been given the unique calling to have a church planting and multiplication vision.  The past 18 months of ministry have led the pastors and elders to call us as a congregation to a season of prayer and fasting.  We want to use this time to understand the depth of God’s heart for us and the next steps he is calling us to.  I trust your heart will be open and God will bring us to a deeper understanding of what it means to “rebuild lives one person at a time.”

We believe God wants us to fast over a period of 40 days.  As a reminder, what you choose to fast is between you and Jesus. But you may want to include some natural encouragement and accountability over this 40 day period.  This may mean you are doing one of the following as an example:

  • Skipping a meal or a whole day of meals.
  • Eliminating something like sugar, coffee, or meat to remind you of your total dependence on God.
  • Encouraging one another in the church family as you pray together and sacrifice your physical sustenance for spiritual direction and focus.

What will God do? I am looking forward to see his direction.

Renewal is on the way – Join me along this process

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

Posted on

Transformation Is Painful – Day 2

Today’s reading – 2 Corinthians 4:7-11

Transformation Circumstance  – I am in pain

Over the next four days of the fast we will look at four circumstances of transformation almost all of us experience.  I don’t know about you, but sometimes I don’t want to know how hard transformation will be because I naturally will avoid the situation.  But sometimes it’s good to know what could happen because it helps us to be realistic about circumstances in life.

 

“But we have this treasure in jars of clay, to show that the surpassing power belongs to God and not to us.  We are afflicted in every way, but not crushed.”  2 Corinthians 4:8

 

How are you being afflicted right now?  What is happening in your life that is causing you your deepest pain?  Be assured this pain you are facing is not because God is angry at you, and sometimes the pain is not even your fault.  The pain comes from being a part of a broken system and a fallen world full of sin.  Even if the physical pain is your fault, things can change and you and ask God for forgiveness. Maybe it is physical pain, maybe it is emotional but remember who has the victory.  Remember that just as God is in the process of redeeming the world, he wants to use you to bring restoration to those around you.  As you walk forward and carry your pain with you, your deepest pain is the source of your greatest impact.  Find people in your life today you can bless and encourage because of your situation.  God must do something deep in you before he does something great through you.  It takes a disciplined person to think differently about their situation.  Adjust your perspective and give God the glory in every way through your situation.  #thinkdifferently

 

“Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind…”      
Romans 12:2

Josh

The 40 Day Fasting Explanation

A season of fasting and prayer – Over the next 40 days leading up to our 9th anniversary, our church family will be in a season of fasting and prayer.  I invite you to come along with us and ask God for a transformation by the renewal of our minds.

A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

1. An Everyday Habit in the Word – Each day I will be sending out a short devotional based on some selected readings.  This begins through a simple prayer of asking God to renew us.

2. Continual Fasting  – A 40 Day Prayer and Fasting Guide for 217church

God has blessed us through incredibly unique circumstances over the last nine years as 217church.  We have baptized over 275 people and been given the unique calling to have a church planting and multiplication vision.  The past 18 months of ministry have led the pastors and elders to call us as a congregation to a season of prayer and fasting.  We want to use this time to understand the depth of God’s heart for us and the next steps he is calling us to.  I trust your heart will be open and God will bring us to a deeper understanding of what it means to “rebuild lives one person at a time.”

We believe God wants us to fast over a period of 40 days.  As a reminder, what you choose to fast is between you and Jesus. But you may want to include some natural encouragement and accountability over this 40 day period.  This may mean you are doing one of the following as an example:

  • Skipping a meal or a whole day of meals.
  • Eliminating something like sugar, coffee, or meat to remind you of your total dependence on God.
  • Encouraging one another in the church family as you pray together and sacrifice your physical sustenance for spiritual direction and focus.

What will God do? I am looking forward to see his direction.

Renewal is on the way – Join me along this process

 

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.