Category Archives: 2016

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Covenant – Day 31 – Relaunch Journal

Covenant – “Those who serve together stay together.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 10:1-39

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Another list of all the people?  Nehemiah doesn’t miss much does he.  Then in verse 35 are these powerful words, “We obligate ourselves.”  With teamwork comes a covenant.  At our church we call it an ownership covenant. (See Appendix V page 119) We work together to do four things.  This covenant is so essential to how we work together to carry out the vision.  I promise you will never regret committing to this covenant.  What an incredible team of people planted this church just 6 short years ago.  Soon we celebrate the covenant fresh and new at our Relaunch celebration.  My prayer is that we lean into all God has for us through this season.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Significance – Day 30 – Relaunch Journal

Significance – “The most significant thing you can do is serve someone.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 7:1-65

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Every person matters.  There is no insignificant role and no irrelevant person in our church or community.  The incredible list of returned exiles must have been an incredible satisfaction to Nehemiah and those working on the wall.  What we do is not just for our own benefit but for the enjoyment and encouragement of others.  When you serve, what is the significance?  Do you do it for a feeling you get or for the joy others receive?  Maturity and significance happen in our life when we realize what we do is for others.  This is the way of Jesus.  He did not come to be served but to serve.  Lord, help our church to be a church of co-workers together achieving our maximum potential.

 

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Leadership – Day 29 – Relaunch Journal

Leadership – “Don’t tell me what to do, show me how to live.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 3:1-32

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What an incredible testimony to the commitment of the vision.  When Eliashib the High Priest set the example and started building his part of the city, it’s almost like a tidal wave of gifts and effort ensued.  Everyone was busy, and the priests were leading by example.  “Don’t tell me what to do, show me how to live!”  The priests could have easily sat back and let everyone else work while they did the “spiritual work.”  But they didn’t.  Leadership is about putting forth an incredible effort and influencing those around us with all our energy and impact to achieve a common goal.  Lord, may you give our church the great pleasure of accomplishing your vision together.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Integrity – Day 28 – Relaunch Video Journal

Integrity – “Integrity is being the same person in public as in private.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 6:10-14

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Nehemiah faced the problems in his community head on.  In John 14:23 Jesus says, “If anyone loves me, he will keep my word and my father will love him, and we will come to him and make our home with him.” Nehemiah knew how to keep his word.  In Psalm 101 David greatly desires this relationship with God, he’s cleaning house. Declaring his intention to live with integrity in his home and community, he sets the mark for his own behavior – nothing but steadfast love and justice. He draws a line in the sand regarding those he hangs out with, his employees and those he will do business with.  Is there room for steadfast love and justice in my life? Can I weigh all my relationships in light of God’s desires and when they don’t measure up and can I clean house with the confidence of David?  May we live lives of integrity today.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Gossip – Day 27 – Relaunch Journal

Gossip – “Repeating something when you are not part of the problem or the solution.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 6:1-9

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My wife Summer, likes to say, “Don’t gossip. If people gossip to you, they’ll gossip about you.  Remember there are two sides to every story.  If you must listen to gossip, give people the same benefit of the doubt you would want them to give you.”  Wow!  I shudder to think how the words of people have destroyed vision, relationships, and unity.  I know, we all think we get a free pass with our words.  We use excuses.  The excuses are invalid.  If you are not a part of the problem or solution, it’s gossip.  If you haven’t told the person your problem, don’t tell someone else.  Let our words be seasoned with love and encouragement for each other bringing unity.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Agreement – Day 26 – Relaunch Journal

Agreement – “Compromise means admitting your fault and advancing towards a common goal.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 5:12-13

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Once the grievance is on the table and out in the open, the problem seems to go away.  The community in Nehemiah gets agreement about the problem.  They admit their faults and make a covenant to discontinue the behaviors that are damaging community and unity.  Agreement is core to unity.  If we can’t agree on what the problem is, the conversation becomes pointless.  Have you ever had a problem with the way a situation was handled?  In your life, who do you need to achieve unity with?  Pray and ask God who you need to forgive and walk forward in unity together.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Action – Day 25 – Relaunch Video Journal

Action – “Don’t just say you will do something, DO IT!”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 5:6-11

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Someone has to do something in order to correct things that just don’t seem right, but it takes an incredible amount of courage to take action.  Sometimes, it’s because we don’t prioritize and other times because we are just not paying attention.  Nehemiah knows full well the complication of dealing with problems “in house.”  Who in my life do I need to take action and fight for so my testimony can go forward?  Scripture says they will know us by our love for one another.  Who do I need to reach out to with love in order to ensure that we keep unity in our faith, in our church, and in our group?  Is there anyone you feel has wronged you?  Confront the grievance with gentleness.  The distance between your intentions and your implementation is the measure of your integrity.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Outcry – Day 24 – Relaunch Video Journal

Outcry – “Fight for those who can’t fight for themselves.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 5:1-5

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It seems that nothing really progresses forward until there is an outcry for justice and an absolute intolerance for usury.  I don’t think this means life will be “fair”.  Nothing will destroy unity more than someone who takes advantage of someone else.  How can we be change agents in our culture?  How can we look for injustice in our communities and be the ones who choose to bring love and care to the situation?  We must not allow the opportunity for personal gain outweigh the benefits of community advantage.  As a church we must always look to take care of one another in every aspect.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Striving For Unity – Week 4 – Relaunch

Watch Week 4 of 217church Relaunch:  “Striving For Unity” 2-28-16 Here:

Download the Notes Here (pdf)

I am so excited about what God is doing through Relaunch, our 40 day spiritual growth emphasis.  This is week 4 – “Striving For Unity” Nehemiah 4:15-23

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Follow along with the Relaunch journal starting with week 4 Here

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE

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Week #4 “Striving For Unity”

Our official #Relaunch Sunday celebration is Sunday March 20, 2016 

We are officially #Relaunching @217church after 6 full years of ministry on March 20th, 2016.  Join us at 217church, a multi-site, contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church is a family with small groups in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets Sundays in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater 10:00am and Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ at 11:00.  Our new Robbinsville/East Windsor Campus meets every Sunday.  If you are looking for a church in East Windsor NJ, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, we would love to have you join us.  Don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information. or watch a weekend message here

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Commitment – Day 23 – Relaunch Video Journal

Commitment – “There is nothing like knowing someone has your back.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 4:21-23

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Not on my watch.  That is a phrase I have heard used before when it comes to unity.  Nothing is going to harm my brother or sister while I am keeping watch!  There is a contagiousness around unity that is electrifying and magnetic.  When I know the person on my left and right is looking out for me, I forget about myself and I am able to fully commit.  I am not holding back because I trust that the person next to me has my best interest in mind and I choose to believe the best about them.  I was on a cross country team once that achieved this.  We pushed each other, trained together and in the end, achieved more that we could have on our own.  We weren’t competing with each other but cooperating.  This is the picture of rebuilt lives in our community.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 4 of Relaunch:  “Striving  For Unity” Here:

The more you love others, the more you leave your pride.  There is no place for pride when working on a high performance team.  The people are pulling together to rebuild the wall amidst the opposition, and they are learning how to be absolutely unified.  In order to strive for unity we must rely on the power of God, remain alert, and rally to the needs of others.

Our Journal Process:

  • S – Scripture – Follow Through the book of Nehemiah with our Relaunch Field Guide.  You can Download it here  Choose a specific scripture passage then write a phrase or verse that jumps out at you.    Youversion.com has incredible resources and reading plans.
  • O – Observation –  Write your thoughts.  What do you think God is saying to you in this Scripture? What do you think it means?
  • A – Application – This is where you make personalized action steps to what you have read, by asking yourself how it applies to your life right now.  Perhaps it is instruction, encouragement, a new promise, or corrections for a particular area of your life.
  • P – Prayer – This can be as simple as asking God to help you use this Scripture, or it may be a greater insight on what He may be revealing to you. Who comes to mind that you need to pray for?  Remember, prayer is a two-way conversation, so be sure to listen to what God has to say first.

For more on the Relaunch 40 Day spiritual growth emphasis:  READ THIS

To Download the Relaunch Field Guide with Journal and Small Group Curriculum:  CLICK HERE