Category Archives: 40 Days of Prayer

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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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4 Simple Ways To Increase Your Faith

Today is a guest blog from Pastor Dan Gay, our 217church East Windsor Campus Pastor.

This week we kicked off our 40 days of Prayer. The first 10 are about praying for God to increase our Faith.  I have a confession, it may not surprise those who know me, but my nature is to be in control.  Yes I know you are all nodding at your screens now.  I try to control events, situations, plans and unfortunately sometimes even people… but I used to be MUCH worse.  I don’t like the unknown, so I figure if I can control it, then I can always be prepared. My controlling things would be the way that I would minimize the pain of not knowing what is next or the fear of getting in over my head and then possible failing.  The problem is over time, I began to eliminate my need and eventually my desire to walk by faith and to let God control not just the destination but the path as well.  I had reduced God to an emergency switch to be pulled when I didn’t know what else to do.

So can you guess what started to happen?  Yup, things in every area of my life started to fall apart. It was like God was saying to me, “I want a relationship with you and if you only come to me when there’s chaos and you are out of answers, then okay lets try it this way.”  Family, finances, relationships, harmful addiction behaviors, work… it all went into disarray with the very real risk of losing it all.  I tell people that in my “pit” experience, when I was at my lowest, I cried out to God, not to deliver or heal me (and I wasn’t even sure he was still listening), but rather because I had no one else to cry out to.

That day was the beginning of my life transformation, where I realized, I couldn’t, He could and I needed Him in every area of my life.


cliff

“The Lord answered, “If you had faith even as small as a mustard seed, you could say to this mulberry tree, ‘May you be uprooted and thrown into the sea,’ and it would obey you” Luke 17:9

4 Simple Ways to Increase Your Faith

#1 Let Go – Control and Faith are in direct opposition to each other, they can’t coexist. To walk in faith is to step out when you don’t know where, how and sometimes even why, but you know you are supposed to.

#2 Pray Often / Listen Constantly – Be open with God on how you’re feeling especially if your feeling down or angry.  He already knows but wants to hear it from you.  Learn to tap into the Holy Spirit within you, that voice will get stronger as you learn to listen.

#3 Simple Obedience – This means you need to instantly obey God.  Excuses come and go, just obey.  My wife, Bonnie has been an amazing example of this. She has the gift of faith, so when God ask her she does it.  She doesn’t rationalize it away or water it down…Just DO it.

#4 Take A Risk  Be Willing to push outside your comfort zone. God will probably not call you in the direction or the way that you want to go. I tell people that if you are willing, His spirit will make you ready.

Increasing your faith is a journey not a destination; one that will draw you closer to Jesus and will change you forever. Hard at times, but worth every ounce of sweat, blood and tears.

Pastor Dan

 

In case you missed it, here is our 40 Day prayer focus. Its not too late to start praying!

The Prayer Guide

Increase Our Faith Readings:  March 9 – 18

Day 1:  Luke 17:1-10  It starts small
Day 2:  Hebrews 11:1-40  Our faith legacy
Day 3:  Genesis 12:1-20  Just go
Day 4:  Joshua 1:1-9  Faith & courage
Day 5:  1 Samuel 2:1-11 Faith and barren land
Day 6:  Nehemiah 1  Desperate faith prayers
Day 7:  Psalm 31:1-24 Faithfulness of God
Day 8:  1 John 1:1-9  Gospel & faithfulness
Day 9:  Proverbs 3:1-12 A lifestyle of faithfulness
Day 10:  John 17:1-26 Jesus Prays boldly (Prayer Night)

Release The Finances Readings:  March 19 – 28

Day 11:  Exodus 16:1-36  God provides
Day 12:  Matthew 6:1-14  The Lord’s prayer & provision
Day 13:  1 Timothy 6:1-10  Finances & contentment
Day 14:  Luke 6:27-42  It all comes back to you
Day 15:  Malachi 3:6-15  The Tithe and God’s blessing
Day 16:  Luke 21:1-4  The all-in lifestyle
Day 17:  Psalm 132:1-18  Provision & worship
Day 18:  Romans 13:13-14  Jesus as your provision
Day 19:  Mark 10:13-31  Provision & perspective
Day 20:  Acts 4:32-27  The church and possessions

Give Us Focus Readings:  March 29 – April 7

Day 1:  Acts 4:23-31  Boldness in prayer
Day 2:  Matthew 6:19-34  Priority of the Gospel
Day 3:  James 1:1-17  Perseverance
Day 4:  2 Chronicles 7:11-22 Do one thing (Prayer Night)
Day 5:  2 Peter 3:8-13  Holy living
Day 6:  Romans 8:1-17  Freedom from guilt
Day 7:  Romans 8:18-39  God’s promise
Day 8:  Colossians 3:1-25  Family focus
Day 9:  Colossians 1:1-29  Jesus & disciple making
Day 10:  Mark 2:13-17  Priority of sharing our faith

Grant Us Favor Readings:  April 8-17

Day 11:  Luke 2:22-40  Jesus and the favor of God
Day 12:  Genesis 18:1-21  The favor of God for Abram
Day 13:  Luke 1:1-25  Mary receives favor
Day 14:  Jeremiah 29:1-23  Plans for good
Day 15:  Philippians 1:3-18  Completion of God’s plan
Day 16:  John 1:1-34  Jesus defined
Day 17:  Galatians 2:15-21  Participation in the favor
Day 18:  Matthew 27:1-31  Jesus and stress
Day 19:  Matthew 27:32-66  Jesus crucified
Day 20:  Matthew 28:1-20  Jesus resurrected

This is going to change us…

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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40 Days of Prayer

We just baptized 4 more people today! That makes 195!   There are only seven short weeks until Easter (April 20) and we are preparing for another incredible celebration.  In this time when we are welcoming Spring and new beginnings, we are praying in four specific directions for the next 40 Days.  Below is our prayer focus and at the bottom is the prayer guide. Before I share the plan let me share this:  God is doing something deep inside of my own heart as it relates to prayer and seeking His direction for our church.  It’s changing me, I want to invite you on this encounter with me.

40days

“The apostles said to the Lord, “Increase our faith!”.” Luke 17:5

How Will the 40 Days Work?

#1 The Prayer Guide – Every day read the text from the prayer guide below and pray in whatever direction God leads you.  This means you will need to set aside some time away from everything everyday!  Imagine if 500+ people called out to heaven at the same time about the same thing!  God is about to move.  The Guide goes from March 9 – April 17.

#2 Two Prayer Nights – These will be two special prayer nights on March 18th and April 1st from 6:30-8:30 PM at the youth center (200 Whitehead rd in Hamilton)  These are not worship services, but open prayer times when you will have the opportunity to come and pray and be prayed for.  I am anticipating people being healed in miraculous ways.

#3 Weekend Prayer focus – We will continue preaching on Sundays through the book of 1 John.  Every week you will have the opportunity in the services to pray for other and be prayed for.  Every Sunday God is moving, It is time for us to make worshiping with the church family our HIGHEST priority.

 

Our Four Prayer Focuses…

#1 Increase our FAITH – 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 have baptized in the last month!  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 Release the FINANCES – What we invest in we value.  We just concluded our Next Generation offering and you gave $84,000 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 Give us FOCUS – 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 Grant us FAVOR – 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.

The Prayer Guide

Increase Our Faith Readings:  March 9 – 18

Day 1:  Luke 17:1-10  It starts small
Day 2:  Hebrews 11:1-40  Our faith legacy
Day 3:  Genesis 12:1-20  Just go
Day 4:  Joshua 1:1-9  Faith & courage
Day 5:  1 Samuel 2:1-11 Faith and barren land
Day 6:  Nehemiah 1  Desperate faith prayers
Day 7:  Psalm 31:1-24 Faithfulness of God
Day 8:  1 John 1:1-9  Gospel & faithfulness
Day 9:  Proverbs 3:1-12 A lifestyle of faithfulness
Day 10:  John 17:1-26 Jesus Prays boldly (Prayer Night)

Release The Finances Readings:  March 19 – 28

Day 11:  Exodus 16:1-36  God provides
Day 12:  Matthew 6:1-14  The Lord’s prayer & provision
Day 13:  1 Timothy 6:1-10  Finances & contentment
Day 14:  Luke 6:27-42  It all comes back to you
Day 15:  Malachi 3:6-15  The Tithe and God’s blessing
Day 16:  Luke 21:1-4  The all-in lifestyle
Day 17:  Psalm 132:1-18  Provision & worship
Day 18:  Romans 13:13-14  Jesus as your provision
Day 19:  Mark 10:13-31  Provision & perspective
Day 20:  Acts 4:32-27  The church and possessions

Give Us Focus Readings:  March 29 – April 7

Day 1:  Acts 4:23-31  Boldness in prayer
Day 2:  Matthew 6:19-34  Priority of the Gospel
Day 3:  James 1:1-17  Perseverance
Day 4:  2 Chronicles 7:11-22 Do one thing (Prayer Night)
Day 5:  2 Peter 3:8-13  Holy living
Day 6:  Romans 8:1-17  Freedom from guilt
Day 7:  Romans 8:18-39  God’s promise
Day 8:  Colossians 3:1-25  Family focus
Day 9:  Colossians 1:1-29  Jesus & disciple making
Day 10:  Mark 2:13-17  Priority of sharing our faith

Grant Us Favor Readings:  April 8-17

Day 11:  Luke 2:22-40  Jesus and the favor of God
Day 12:  Genesis 18:1-21  The favor of God for Abram
Day 13:  Luke 1:1-25  Mary receives favor
Day 14:  Jeremiah 29:1-23  Plans for good
Day 15:  Philippians 1:3-18  Completion of God’s plan
Day 16:  John 1:1-34  Jesus defined
Day 17:  Galatians 2:15-21  Participation in the favor
Day 18:  Matthew 27:1-31  Jesus and stress
Day 19:  Matthew 27:32-66  Jesus crucified
Day 20:  Matthew 28:1-20  Jesus resurrected

This is going to change us…

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.