Category Archives: 2014

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Keeping Your Priorities IN ORDER

I was so pumped last Sunday when 295 people stepped up and said, “I want to own the vision of 217church!”  WOW!  This was a HUGE PRIORITY statement!   In addition to that, 17 people said its time to be baptized.  Owning the vision of a church means getting your priorities in order and surrendering your life FULLY to the Gospel of Jesus.  Does anybody else feel the tug of war?  The one between family and work?  The church and home?  The kids and marriage?  HOW do I prioritize?  Try this quote on: “When it comes down to it, the single most important activity in your whole day may be prioritization.”  This one has saved my bacon countless times with the wife and the boss (Jesus, He is the boss).  Without prioritization you lose focus and end up somewhere you never intended, often times in a knock down drag out with the boss or worse the spouse or kids.  I have compiled a short, simple prioritization process below that has helped me sift through the tug of war. I hope something here helps you.

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The plans of the diligent lead surely to abundance, but everyone who is hasty comes only to poverty.”  Proverbs 21:5

4 Steps to Living Your PRIORITIES

#1 Know what is important to you – This is about values.  Does the Gospel of Jesus own your schedule?  Your relationship with Jesus, the church and those who don’t follow Jesus yet?  Are you going to sacrifice irreplaceable time with loved ones for a newer car, a vacation home, a bigger house?  If you are single, dating, or planning to be married, you better be talking about this with your future spouse.  Please do this, or your marriage will suffer.

#2 Have a tool that works for you – (i.e. calendar, tasks etc.) This is about choices.  Are you willing to be disciplined?  I have coached & discipled many men who don’t and won’t schedule their life.  They end up losing their jobs, losing focus, and sacrificing their marriages and children.  Inevitably, this is the road to disaster. Here is a saying for you… “be sure your schedule will find you out.”

#3 Use the tool like a bad smoking addiction – This is about repetition. Prioritization is a daily, weekly, continual activity. Especially if you are just starting out, you will have to build disciplines into your life. You need to schedule time to schedule yourself.

#4 Over communicate with everyone – This is about consideration.  Who needs to know what you are doing?  You probably need to tell someone.  Are you willing to let your spouse trump your calendar?  With your family it is NOT better to ask forgiveness rather than permission. IT IS FOOLISH.  If I can give my boss 24 hour notice to missing a meeting it helps build credibility.  I am also finding it helps if my wife uses the same or similar tool as I do.

When all is said and done, You can always get another job, but you were created to have one spouse.  Let’s get our PRIORITIES in order!

So what are the NON-Negotiable activities in your week and WHEN will you do them?  Please comment below…

Josh

 

Josh is the lead pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ planted in 2010.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Grace Rogers School in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

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Four HUGE Prayers To Pray

217church has existed for 4 years now and we have baptized 191 people! 4 years isn’t a long time, but we have an unprecedented opportunity and favor to be a church that makes an incredible difference in the lives of those in this community.  We are now as a matter of fact meeting in TWO communities where we are seeing people #livedifferently.  Both Hamilton and East Windsor are being impacted and this has all happened because of a move of God.  He has placed the vision of His church inside of a group of vision owners who are carrying out the call to be a “restored family sent on mission!”

four series_web24 years of ministry in central New Jersey

“Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick. I came not to call the righteous, but sinners.” Mark 2:17

But we aren’t finished yet.  We aren’t even close to being finished yet.  We will need God to move like never before in the life of our church and townships if we are going to accomplish what he has for us.  This means we are going to need to PRAY like never before.  As I was praying this week, I asked God to give me specific direction on how to pray for our region and our church.  I asked Him for his heart for the community and how he wanted me to intercede for the people.  Here is what he revealed to me through his Word.

Four HUGE Prayers for our community…

#1 Faith of the People – Jesus takes convicts and turns them in to converts.  That is right, this is what we are all about, restoring people in their relationship with Jesus.  He came that we would have faith and that He would die and be the ultimate sacrifice so we would have eternal life and know and follow HIM.  RESTORED!  This is our word.  Jesus rose from the DEAD and while pointing to Jesus, we baptized 16 more people last week!  Many of them were youth and teens. Why?  Our church is investing people, time, energy and love in the next generation.  Join me in praying that the faith of the people would INCREASE in Jesus!

#2 Finances of the People – What we invest in we value.  We just concluded our Next Generation offering and you gave $82,000 towards the vision!  I have talked with more people these last two weeks that have lost their jobs and my heart goes out to them.  When you can’t provide for your family there is uncertainty, fear, confusion and even insecurity.  We need to continue to pray for God’s provision for the people of our community.  Especially the elderly, the disabled, the widows and the single moms.  When we begin praying these prayers God will move us to realize that we are to be generous and help one another through difficult times.  I love being a part of a church and community that believes in taking care of those who are going through rough times.  We do this because it is an example of the Gospel of Jesus in action.  Giving is not about a legalistic percentage, but a heart that is transformed as a reflection of the Gospel. A FAMILY takes care of one another and advances the Gospel with its finances.

#3 Focus of the People – Be more afraid of missing an opportunity than failing.  We as a church are to be SENT ON MISSION as carriers of the DNA of the Gospel of Jesus.  It is what matters and what we are to be pursing as our FIRST priority.  We are to renew the community through serving it relentlessly!  This starts with the church.  Who has Jesus sent you to?  The most logical place to start is your own nuclear family, your co-workers and your neighbors.  These are the people we are to be inviting into our lives to share experiences with.  It isn’t about arguing or convincing them, but about loving them, having conversations, and showing them the good news of the Gospel of Jesus.  The church is at it’s best serving the community, loving people, taking care of one another, pursuing the common good, sharing meals together and speaking out as a peaceful voice of reason.  We have to focus on the right things. 

#4 Favor of the People – We are HIS children – Let me say that again.  You have a seat at the table with Jesus and he calls you, “brother, sister and friend.”  I tell my children they bear my last name and they need to act like it!  When you realize whose family you are in and that the Father has lavished the greatest gift of love and favor on your life, It changes how you PRAY.  Through forgiveness of sins, repentance, privilege and honor to be called the church and a life in heaven with HIM, he has given us favor.  This changes our perspective.  We need to pray for the favor of God that he would be merciful and gracious, especially with those who don’t know Him yet.  We are the church for people who aren’t here yet.

Starting March 9th, 2014 our church will begin a 40-day prayer focus as we approach the celebration of Easter.  The primary work of God in my life this year is PRAYER.  My prayer is that as a faith community, He would teach us how to pray and we would be willing to learn.

It’s been 4 years 217church!  I can’t wait to see what the next 4 years will bring!

Josh

 

Josh is the lead pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ planted in 2010.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Grace Rogers School in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

 

 

 

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How To Look Smashing!

I like pictures.  Tell me what you want and I will have more questions, but show me a picture and I will surely understand.  I recently sat down in the barber chair and the young, new stylist looked at me and said, “What are we doing to today?”  I said, “I’m not sure, what do you think?  She proceeded to show me a glut of pictures of what I might look like if I were in a GQ magazine.  I looked at a picture of the well sculpted hair and said, “That one, but I’m going to keep my shirt on.”

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“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”  2 Timothy 3:16-17

In Acts, the apostle Paul was fighting for his life and at the same time contending for the Gospel of Jesus.  He was uniquely a Jew and a Roman citizen.  His whole life screamed that transformation was possible.  He paints a picture through telling his story of how he met Jesus.  The underlying crux of this whole persecution of Paul is that he is just as ordinary as everyone else, but he happens to know what he wants to look like…Jesus. Paul does what Jesus says despite being a cheat, a murderer and a liar.  On a road to Damascus he saw a clear picture of Jesus and said, “That is the picture right there.”  Then, He points to Timothy and says, “Make the Word of God your standard.”

Here is the problem: Okay, you aren’t going to find Jesus walking the earth.  He speaks to us through the Holy Spirit, scripture, prayer and all creation.  But, you can read scripture and you will find people to help you figure out the next steps in your life who also bear the identity of Jesus.  This is where modeling comes in.

How do I find a good model?

#1 Recognize you need more than one model –  It is nearly impossible to find someone who is accomplished at everything.  They just don’t exist.  You need multiple models for different situations.  People to help you who specialize in certain areas.  Our media driven paparazzi culture has turned models into idols.  if you make your model an idol, you will surely be disappointed.

#2 Define what you want help with – If someone sits down with me and doesn’t know what they want, I can’t really help them over the long haul. Know what you want help with and then write down some specific preferred outcomes you have.

#3 Look at lots of pictures – You have to watch people.  I didn’t say envy or make an icon of someone, but be a diligent observer.  If it is in the area of family that you want a model, look for someone you can model your family after.  If it is starting a business, time management, spiritual discovery, or physical health, look for lots of different types of models.  Take every step to ensure they are authentic.  In essence, “Don’t take nutritional advice from an obese man.”

#4 Realize you are a model – This is key because you won’t fully own responsibility for yourself until you realize you are responsible to others.  Almost everyone is influencing someone.  I don’t agree to help someone unless they agree they will model it intentionally for someone else.  I want to plant seeds, not hand out fruit.  There is a difference.

 

Question: Who do you need to model your life after? Write down some people you need to learn from in different areas…

 

One more thing...when you know what you want to look like, and when you accept the grace of Jesus…YOU NOW LOOK SMASHING!

 

Josh

 

This weekend at 217church:  “The Power of God’s Word”

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Josh is the lead pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ planted in 2010.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Grace Rogers School in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

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Our 200th Weekend as 217church!

200 weekends of being together!  I am so pumped to celebrate this weekend because it marks another milestone in our existence as a church.  Almost four years ago when we envisioned the church being a church planting church, we set out to establish a Blueprint for what a life following Jesus would look like in Central New Jersey.  Now, we are a restored family sent on mission of over 500 people learning to be the church with 2 weekend locations and 18 groups meeting weekly in homes in the community.  We are the church for people who aren’t here yet.  What is the most important way we could celebrate on Sunday? We NEED TO PRAY TOGETHER!  I feel like God gave me 3 specific instructions on how to lead my life in 2014.  The first one is:  LEARN TO PRAY.  (Don’t worry about the other two, I’ll tell you about them later.)  So we’re doing that this Sunday!

200th service sport 2-2-14

“As soon as I heard these words I sat down and wept and mourned for days, and I continued fasting and praying before the God of heaven”  Nehemiah 1:4

The book of Nehemiah, where our vision comes for 217church, teaches us so much about prayer and how to pray and align ourselves with God’s heart. Nehemiah left a place of blessing for himself in the service of a king to go back and rebuild the walls of the city of Jerusalem.  The city was defenseless and in a place of desolation.  Their morale was low and their possibilities seemed limited.  THEN ONE MAN STARTED PRAYING.

4 Types of PRAYER That Will Change Your Life…

#1 Discernment – What does God want me to do?  Nehemiah was a master strategist!  He didn’t just do what he saw fit.  He actually was in continual conversation with God about every decision he had to make in His life.  When he faced opposition to his goals of rebuilding the walls, he prayed that his guards would be safe day and night.  (Nehemiah 4:9) God doesn’t want us to do what we want but He wants us to be able to discern His heart for every step of the way.  Ask God for discernment and he will surely give it.  In addition, notice that Nehemiah wasn’t the beneficiary of the rebuild wall.  There was a common goal and a common good for the people.

#2 Desperation – What do I absolutely need?  Only you know if you are here.  Nehemiah was DESPERATE for God to rebuild the walls! (Nehemiah 1:4-5) If you aren’t here then my encouragement would be for you to find a vision to be desperate for.  A prayer of desperation will keep you up and night and occupy your mind so much that you will find it hard to think about anything else.  These prayers are a double edged sword.  When God answers you are on top of the world, but when you have to wait for an answer it can be the most difficult days of your life.

#3 Dedication – Will you bless this?  (Nehemiah 1:6-11) Whenever something happens of accomplishment there should be a dedication prayer.  I happen to do this every day with my children.  On my way to take them to school we pray a dedication prayer.  We dedicate the day, the learning, the teachers, EVERYTHING to God.  My simple dedication prayer for my children is, “Lord give them a strong body, a sharp mind and a bold spirit.”

#4 Direction – Where do I go from here? (Nehemiah 2:9-18) When you pray for vision, you are asking God on behalf of your cause to give you clarity on how, when, where and specifically what to do.  Do not be afraid to pray these prayers.  Pray them boldly because He just might shout from heaven the answers and an actual series of events.  When God reveals the direction, you better be ready.  Then you MUST act in faith!

PRAYER is the primary work of God for the people of God!  Let your relationship with Him be deepened as you listen to His heart.

 

Josh

 

Josh is the lead pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ planted in 2010.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Grace Rogers School in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

 

 

 

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Why I Am A Pastor

I could give you 100 reasons why I am a pastor.  But instead I’ll just tell you one short story.  In one short paragraph it sums it up:  Life Transformation Through the Gospel.

impossible

“With man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible.”  Matthew 19:26

I received this short e-mail this week:

“I just want to tell you all that my daughter and I appreciate so much being included in 217church.  When we started coming to 217 (exactly 1 year ago, today), I never expected we would find this much comfort in a church family.  It truly began by getting involved with a team & showing up to as many events as we could.  God’s grace began the TRANSFORMATION in my life, BUT it is through serving others that cuts through the PRIDE (just like the sermon said yesterday). God has saved me and given me a fresh start in life, and doesn’t give me any reason to boast – I did NOTHING, it is all God’s grace.  I just wanted to thank you so much as God has grown us so much through this past year & through this experience!!  We are both looking forward to what 2014 will bring to all of our lives & to the lives of others through 217 church.”

 

It happens one life at a time!  Let’s rebuild together!

Josh

 

Josh is the lead pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ planted in 2010.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Grace Rogers School in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

 

 

 

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When Life Isn’t Fair…

“She gets paid more than me and I do more work!” “I should have gotten that promotion.” “I contribute more around the house than he does.” “I’m a better player, I should have started that game.” We ALL know that LIFE ISN’T FAIR!  How we deal with lack of FAIRNESS can hinder or propel our character development.  There is a little story in scripture that Jesus told about men who showed up and different times to do work in a vineyard. However, they all got the same pay.  The nerve of the manager.  At the end of the story Jesus gives us clear instruction that it isn’t for us to begrudge the generosity of the Father.  What about you?  What do you do when the outcomes aren’t fair?

fairness 1-24-14

“I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?”  Matthew 20:14-15

When we think we are deserving of more, there is something in us that screams “I want justice!”

What to Do When Life Isn’t Fair…

#1 Cheer – That is right, Cheer for the person who got that undeserved merit.  After all, the whole basis of understanding Jesus and the Gospel is based on the grace of Jesus.  When you realize you don’t get what you deserve because of the cross, Jesus and grace, it clears everything up.  So go ahead, celebrate when others succeed and surpass you.  Trust me it won’t feel FAIR.

#2 Be Thankful – Entitlement will ruin your life and your relationship with Jesus.  When you think God owes you something, you will ruin your life.  When you think someone owes you something, it will ruin your relationship. In marriage, next time you catch yourself thinking you do more work and are contributing more, be thankful for your relationship, that you have someone to love and take care of.

#3 Forgive – Ever been stepped on, manipulated, lied to or misled, only to find out the person was playing you for a fool?  Mistrust is never FAIR.  Sometimes after you are deceived the very person who deceives you will seem to get away with it.  Our job is to forgive.  I know it isn’t FAIR.   I know it hurts.  It isn’t your fight, it’s their integrity.  Never let seeds of bitterness drive your actions. 

#4 Keep Quiet – This may be even harder than forgiveness because when we are wronged, we insist the whole world knows about it.  And please, NEVER and I mean NEVER “out someone” on social media.  Keep it to yourself, go to the gym, go for a run, relax.  Gossip is bringing someone into the situation who is neither part of the problem or the solution.  TELL NO ONE!

#5 Worry About Yourself – Here is what I mean: work that much harder! When someone gets a promotion over you, double down on your commitment to the company.  When someone seems to be getting special treatment, worry about your own work ethic and character.  When brother or sister gets the extra cookie at dessert, well, just get over it. Worry about yourself.

#6 Serve Someone NOW – When you serve someone it isn’t fair.  They usually don’t deserve it.  You are literally beating down your desire for fairness and equity.  You are saying, “give me the short end of the stick, I’m ok with it.”  Then smile, don’t be proud of it or wear it as a badge of honor.  Just quietly serve and love until it feels so unfair it feels just about right.

You will get discriminated against, you will be treated unfairly.  Life isn’t FAIR!

Now go and serve someone and expect nothing in return.  “So (I)the last will be first, and the first last.”  Matthew 20:16

Josh

 

Josh is the lead pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ planted in 2010.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Grace Rogers School in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.

 

 

 

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The Most Important Question…EVER

WILL YOU LOVE?  Last week we launched our new East Windsor site and together 217church has now grown to 500+ in weekly services.  This Sunday in East Windsor, we meet at Grace Rogers School at 10:15am.  We are officially one church in TWO locations!  In four short years, here is what we have become: A FAMILY.  The beauty of the church is that Jesus has given us a “Blueprint” to rebuild our life.  “Love the Lord your God with all your heart…and LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF. (Matthew 22:38-39)  The most important word in this verse…LOVE!  Will you LOVE?

boy gives love

The Most Important Question:  WILL YOU LOVE?  “If I have faith…and have not love, I am nothing.” 1 Corinthians 13:3

Love is hard in some circumstances and easy in others.  But here are some things that reflect a church that will be thriving as a family.

What LOVE Does…

#1 Adopts –  Love says, “you are part of the family, no matter what!”  Our 217groups adopt people every week.  There are 17 groups that meet in homes across the Central Jersey area.  They get it.  You Are Family Now.

#2 Forgives –  C’mon!  This just makes simple sense.  Why is it that we want to be forgiven but have such a hard time forgiving?  LET – IT – GO!  No seriously…Right…….Now.

#3 Believes –  I need more people to believe in me, how about you?  If you believe in me as a person, I know you have my back and you will believe the BEST about me.  So many times the reverse is true, we assume the worst.

#4 Sacrifices – With those I love, There is nothing I won’t do for them.  It’s just that simple.  If you love Jesus you will do what he says.  Want to experience this for real?  Pick someone and get married.

This Sunday we continue our Blueprint series and will have an opportunity for you to join a small group and begin to #livedifferently.  Our 217 groups Serve, Learn, Invite, Care and Eat together.  Isn’t it time you acted like you were part of the family?

“Rebuilding lives one person at a time…”

Josh

 

Josh is the lead pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ planted in 2010.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 9:30 & 11am and Grace Rogers School in East Windsor, NJ at 10:15.  Our new East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more infromation.

 

 

 

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It’s Time for a DOUBLE Blessing

This weekend is the LAUNCH of the first ever 217church weekly services at Mcknight School in East Windsor, NJ.  We are officially one church in TWO locations!  This has all happened in four short years.  217church has received a DOUBLE BLESSING from God.  Since we started in 2010 Nearly EVERYTHING has DOUBLED.  We not only have a mother church, but a sister church in Element Church.  We not only have one campus in Hamilton but now a 2nd Campus in East Windsor!  What if following Jesus means receiving a DOUBLE BLESSING?

Launch Graphic

“But to Hannah he gave a double portion, because he loved her,”  1 Samuel 1:5

There is a story in the bible of a woman named Hannah.  She was barren, unable to have children, jeered at, made fun of and generally out-casted among her “friends.” BUT – HOLD ON!  The DOUBLE BLESSING was coming!  Hannah’s husband Elkanah LOVED her and gave her a double portion of the sacrifice… “Um, yes, double meat please!”  Not only did she get a double portion of the meat but later, God opened her womb and she conceived a boy named Samuel.  He anointed King David who is the very blood line of JESUS!  Maybe you have heard of Him?  Double meat and an open womb, now that is favor from God!

But here is the little detail behind the DOUBLE BLESSING.  The name Samuel means, “I have asked for him from the Lord,” (1 Samuel 1:20) or GOD HAS HEARD!”  You have to ask!  When God hears, WATCH OUT!

What is Holding you BACK?

–  Maybe you have asked before?   Simple, try again, and again, and again.  Don’t give up on God’s plan for your life.

–  Maybe you doubt?  Welcome to following Jesus.  Prayer has a way of subduing doubt.

–  Maybe you don’t know what to ask for?  That is alright, ask Him what to ask for!  This may be the best position to be in.  If you have no agenda, maybe you are more open to God’s?

I’m believing God for a double blessing in every area this year for my family and my church.

Let’s LAUNCH!

Josh

 

P.S.  In case you missed it here is a short video encouragement for 2014

 

New-Years-Video

Click Here to Watch the Video

Josh is the lead pastor of 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ planted in 2010.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater and Ethel Mcknight School in East Windsor, NJ.  Our new East Windsor Campus Launches Sunday January 12th, 2014  10:15 am at Ethel McKnight School.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services in Hamilton at 9:30 or 11 am! Visit www.217church.com.

 

 

 

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Unlock The Secret to 2014

Tonight, many of you will be out acting crazy, having more fun that you can handle as you ring in the new year!  I look back at my New Year’ Eve celebrations and I remember a few of them.  One year Summer and I went to New York City and ran a four mile race that kicked off at midnight, another year I remember going outside and yelling at the top of my lungs “Happy New Year!”  But here is where you can find me this year…

unlock combo

“Teach me your way, O Lord, that I may walk in your truth”  Psalm 86:11

AT – HOME.  There are 4 things I plan on doing at the stroke of midnight that are going to define my year.

My First 4 Actions of 2014…

#1  Kiss My Wife –  That is right, while millions of people will be kissing random idiots with meaningless expressions, I will be smooching the girl I plan to spend the rest of my life with.  I plan to love my wife deeper this year than I ever have.  Today I had the opportunity to take my bride on a lunch date and we talked about all the blessings of God in 2013.  I love this girl more than any other person and will do everything I can to make sure she knows it. Kiss the girl, then love her deeply the other 364 days.

#2 Pray With Her –  After the kiss I am going to sit on the couch, grab her hand and I am going to pray a prayer of blessing over her, our family and our year.  I am going to pray a prayer of provision, purpose, and protection.  God is faithful.  All I am doing is leaning into His promise of blessing.

#3 Do 25 Push Ups  –  Next the pushups…why?  because I still can.  God has given me a body to take care of and I plan on taking care of it.  25 push ups really won’t change much but I am drawing a line in the sand.  He gave it to me, I need to take care of it.

#4 Give a Gift – Finally, I am going online and making a financial gift to the church as a symbol.  I know where EVERYTHING comes from, Jesus!  The Lord gives and takes away.  I’m not sure what 2014 will bring and neither do you but it is His kingdom, His world, His 2014 and I exist to bring glory to Him.

You may think these are small things, but for me, these things will unlock how I define success in 2014.  Depend on God, love my wife, take care of my body, celebrate his provision.

Party on!

Josh

 

P.S.  In case you missed it here is a short video encouragement for 2014

 

New-Years-Video

Click Here to Watch the Video

Josh is the lead pastor of 217church, a multi-site church in Mercer County NJ planted in 2009.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater and Ethel Mcknight School in East Windsor, NJ.  Our new East Windsor Campus Launches Sunday January 12th, 2014  10:15 am at Ethel McKnight School.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services in Hamilton at 9:30 or 11 am! Visit www.217church.com.

 

 

 

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3 Sources of Hope For 2014

2013 was an impacting year full of ups and downs for my family and for 217church.  We saw over 50 baptisms, watched our youth and kids ministries flourish and embarked on our biggest faith step as a church in our 4 year history.  We are launching a 217church campus in East Windsor, NJ beginning January 12, 2014!  Invite your friends to the launch services here. God is faithful and no matter what goals you reached or didn’t reach in 2013, one thing is for sure, 2014 has God’s best written all over it!


New-Years-Video

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“For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future”  Jeremiah 29:11

Now that the year is winding down, It is time to look back on God’s blessings and look forward for hope.  Take some time over this next week and recharge, reflect and rejoice in what God has done, NO MATTER WHAT your circumstance.

3 Sources Hope in 2014…

1. God Has The Plan –  Calm Down, relax!  No matter what you are facing, God has your best interest in mind.  It doesn’t mean this year will be easy, but it does mean that He will hold everyday in His hand.  Your family, your job, your health, everything is in God’s hand and His perfect will.  Maybe you are facing debt or a sickness, Jesus identifies with how you feel and what you are going through.

Action Plan:  Take a 4 hour period of time and ask God for a plan for 2014.

2. It’s By God’s Provision  –  The Lord gives and the Lord takes away.  God owns it ALL!  He is our provider and this next year may provide challenges to your finances and your family.  At the beginning of the year make a faith financial gift to advance His kingdom and start the year by putting God first in your finances. Everything you have is by His hand of grace and provision.   If you are in debt, believe God for a plan and the discipline to get out.  No matter your situation be thankful.

Action Plan:  You’ve almost made it through 2013!  make a list of the different ways God has provided, then pray and thank God for each one.

3. Depend on God’s Protection  –  God looks out for us even when we don’t even realize He is there.  Commit to let God fight every one of your battles in 2014.  Maybe it’s a work conflict, maybe it is a family issue.  Our responsibility is to be a person of peace and depend on God.  God has your back so let Him prove Himself faithful to you in the new year.

Action Plan:  Gather your family for 15 minutes, Discuss the above and pray over your family Psalm 91 for protection in 2014.

Above all else, remember Psalm 89:1 and may it be your blessing in 2014:  “I will sing of the steadfast love of the Lord, forever; with my mouth I will make known your faithfulness to all generations.”

See you in the new year!

Josh

 

217church is a multi-site church in Mercer County NJ with small groups for families in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater.  Our new East Windsor Campus Launches Sunday January 12th, 2014  10:15 am at Ethel McKnight School.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services in Hamilton at 9:30 or 11 am! Visit www.217church.com.  If you want to be in on the ground floor of a new exciting church planting environment, contact our East Windsor Campus Pastor Dan Gay at Dan@217church.com.