Category Archives: Activate

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Achieving Clear Vision

Not too long ago I had an eye exam and the goal was clear:  Walk out with contacts that allow me to see with 20/20 vision.  If I walked out of the office and didn’t feel I had achieved that or gotten close, I would have been unsatisfied.  An eye exam is essentially trial and error where they systematically eliminate the options that don’t allow you to see clearly.  It usually takes a while, then all of the sudden, out of the blue the doctor presents you with an option that is crystal clear.  Mission accomplished!

Clarity in vision creates consistency in daily living.

Feel free to use this image, just link to www.SeniorLiving.Org This photo required alot of editing in PS. I like the color and the gausian blur on this one.

“Write the vision, make it plain on tablets, that he may run who reads it.”  Habakkuk 2:2

The journey forward in Central Jersey for 217church is becoming clearer and clearer every day.  We know there are some specific things ahead for us and God is painting a picture of the future. I am getting really pumped because I believe God is about to reveal something HUGE to us.  But how do we get more clarity?  The enemy wants to confuse us, but here are a few tools we can use to get clear.

3 Ways To Achieve Clarity in Vision…  

#1 Intentional Prayer – Here has been my intentional prayer over these past months:  “Lord do something BIG on our behalf.” Have you ever set out on a path with a vision and THEN asked God to bless it?  That is the WRONG way to do it!  Failure to get the message from God first means there will be constant division in your life.  You will be fighting with God in conflict.  Learning to align yourself with God in prayer is a life long discipline.  No matter what you are facing, IF you will pray intentionally for clarity, God will speak.  There is nothing wrong with telling God what you want, just make sure you stop long enough to listen for his guiding directional changes.

  • 217church Action Step:  Corporate Weekly Prayer Times – Every Sunday at 9:20am in Hamilton and 10:00 am in Robbinsville we have a prayer time all are invited to.  These are powerful times of seeking God and healing.

2 Chronicles 7:14 “If my people who are called by my name humble themselves, and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”  

#2 Increasing Faith – Life is about incremental growth.  Some seasons feel extremely intense and other seem a bit more laid back.  One thing is for sure though, the more your faith increases the clearer the vision gets.  Many times we don’t achieve what God wants for us because we choose fear or facts instead of faith.  Fear and facts can sometimes FOOL you into thinking you are making the conscientious decision when in reality you are just making the most comfortable one.  God will increase our faith, all we have to do is ask.  I’m ready!  You ready?

  • 217church Action Step:  Meaningful Sacrifice – It’s time to believe God for a permanent home for 217church!  That means we are going to GIVE BIG!  Yes that means a piece of property and building for 217church!   Just this week we looked at a piece of property. Do You Believe it can Happen?  I do!  (more on this at the Sunday Services, don’t miss it!)  You can already Give here towards the building fund

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

#3 Impacting Action – Make it happen!  We are in the business of rebuilding lives one person at a time.  You have to be willing to take STEP 1!  No procrastination is allowed because today is a day of action!  The distance between your intentions and your implementation is your integrity.  Even if you aren’t crystal clear, do SOMETHING!  For our church we know this means living out our value of authentic relationships.  When you feel like you are fuzzy in the vision, take a step forward in what you know to be true.  Here is a truth:  You are a part of the Family of God.  You belong in deep, transformational relationship with other Christ followers.

  • 217church Action Step:  Join A Transformational Small Group – I can almost guarantee if you are willing to get in a small group, the vision for your life will become clearer.  You need meaningful relationships and Godly counsel in order to push forward.

James 2:14  “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works?.”

This vision is getting clearer, are you ready to seize it?  Let’s Go!

Josh

 

Our Vision:  Make 10,000 disciples, 1,000 small groups, 100 churches, 10 years, 1 life at a time

Our Mission:  A restored family sent on mission to make disciples

 

217church meets at 10 AM at the Hamilton AMC24 Theater  11 AM at the Robbinsville Sharon Elementary School every Sunday morning.  If it is your 1st time, we have a special gift waiting for you!

Josh is the founding pastor of 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

photo credit here

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Total Dependence – From Trials To Triumph

There is a HUGE tree in my back yard that I love because of how tall it stands.  When I look at it I see a beautiful creation of God that has taken decades to build strong.  What makes it so strong?  An extensive root system that is a complex interweaving of the underground part of the tree you never see.  This has always fascinated me about trees.  You can gaze upon how majestic it climbs to the sky, but really what makes it grow is what you never see below the soil.  The same is true for our character and dependence.  Character is NOT about what everyone sees, it is about what is driving you that often no one ever notices.  “He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season...” Psalm 1:3

 

“The essence of religion consists in the feeling of an absolute dependence”

Friedrich Schleiermacher

Gospel Dependency

The harder the trial, the more you find out what and who you are depending on.  Not too long ago my root system was challenged. Because I am intuitively a doer I want things to be, well, done. Before I knew it, all the tasks of leading the church, preaching, doing weddings, performing funerals, visiting the sick, making phone calls became a sick progression self dependence.  After a three year season of planting the church, I realized subtly I had become dependent on my behavior and my routines and not the Gospel.  As the days went on and on I became more dependent on the external factors of performance rather than the internal reality of being.  My trial was one of perfectionism and performance based evaluation through the approval of others.  As we live in the power of the Gospel and suffer, we realize His perfect story.  The miracle of His creation, our rejection of Him, our redemption through Him, and now our approval by Him is His perfect plan for restoration. His resurrection changes everything!

 

Knowing – Being – Doing

One day, while going about my business, the weight of the following verse came crashing down on me. It was like the Word of God opened up and my life and future became clear. This was my dependence manifesto that was to mark me:

9 And so, from the day we heard, we have not ceased to pray for you, asking that you may be filled with the knowledge of his will in all spiritual wisdom and understanding, 10 so as to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing to him, bearing fruit in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God. Colossians 1:9-10

I had to realize my first role was to be his disciple.  There are three clear things that jumped out at me.  These three things were working together to make me a disciple of Jesus fully dependent on Him.  Struggling through trials requires a dependence on a knowledge of His will for my life.  The trial I am traveling through may or may not have been created by me, but it has been determined for me.  This is usually almost impossible to see when you are progressing through a difficult season and many times you will need someone else to point out the “point of it all.” Knowledge of suffering and Jesus on the cross helps us put in proper perspective our own suffering and trial.

Because of this knowledge we can then surrender our agenda and – just – be. I love how Being works in harmony with knowledge to give wisdom and understanding through a situation.  During my season of reflection I realized that I needed to just be and STOP DOING.  For me, this revelation was like a slap in the face.  Being needs to be daily, weekly and routine.  Most of my being time now is not spent trying to gather knowledge, but rather to gain wisdom and understanding through his friendship. I want to feel God.

Only when we learn to know and be, can doing be the pleasing evidence of a life well lived.  I am sure you have heard of the saying,  “too much of a good thing.” Well, I had too much doing and not enough being. In order to walk in a manner worthy of the Lord bearing good fruit I had to pause and make sure my life was in balance.  To this day it’s not something that comes easy, but dependence is a DISCIPLINE.

 

The Triumph – Total Dependence

Most of us would say we want to have deep dependence on God. But sometimes deep character can be illusive through trial because of our blind spots and our bad experiences.  But even so, here are some ways you can develop deep dependence on God in your life no matter what situation you find yourself in.  And keep in mind, we develop strong character in order to stay focused on the mission God has for us.

  • Stay in the Word – We can too easily forget the foundation of dependency starts with our relationship with Jesus.  We must INTENTIONALLY make time to get away with him.  I was just talking to my friend the other day and he told me he is taking a mini 12 hour retreat Sunday.  Another friend is actually quitting his job for four months to be with God, pray, fast and learn to depend on Him more. Get away from all your distractions and be shaped and steadied by your time with Jesus.  Let him root out destructive habits and incorrect thinking.
  • Be Humble – If you have to take credit for everything good that happens in your work, family, etc. you have a problem.  Pass along the credit and promote others.  Do you always have to be right?  Always have to have the last word?  Always interrupting people to get your point across?  Yep, that’s pride.  And by the way, the moment you think you are humble you are most likely not.  It is when you realize your pride when your character is deepened.
  • Serve Continually – Every chance you possibly get you need to serve.  Considering others’ needs will give you a strong root system that can’t be compromised.  You can’t just serve when it feels good, but when it hurts.
  • Select Friends Carefully – You need friends that will build into your character not tear it down.  I’m not at all for isolating yourself from others who don’t believe the same way as you, but we must be careful who we bring close to us that INFLUENCES our thinking.
  • Hold Your Tongue – Nothing will destroy your influence and character faster than a hasty, harsh word.  The words you use define what you believe and who you depend on.  The next time you want to say something brutal, slow down.  Don’t make excuses for yourself either.  NO ONE gets a free pass by saying, “that’s just the way I am.”  If you want to deepen character it’s time to address the problem, your mouth.  Quick to listen, slow to speak.

 

Questions to Consider

  1. What knowledge to you need from God in order to put in perspective your current trial?
  1. What is God saying to you about your being? Are you comfortable being with him and depending on him for friendship, forgiveness and your future?
  1. What about your doing? What do you need to do NOW, TODAY that God has told you to do, in order to prove your dependence on him and live by faith.

From Trials to Triumph

“Turning Deep Wounds Into Great Impact”

Full Book Releasing January 19th 2015 –

 

Josh is the lead pastor 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 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas 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, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown 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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Cultivating Deep Character

There is a HUGE tree in my back yard that I love because of how tall it stands.  When I look at it I see a beautiful creation of God that has taken decades to build strong.  What makes it so strong?  An extensive root system.  A complex interweaving of the underground part of the tree that you never see.  This has always fascinated me about trees.  You can gaze upon how majestic it climbs to the sky, but really what makes it grow is what you never see below the soil.  The same is true for our character.  Character is NOT about what everyone sees, it is about what is driving you that often no one ever notices.

Character not only will defend you but it defines you…

 
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“He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season…” Psalm 1:3

Most of us would say we want to have deep character and we want people to trust us.  But sometimes character can be illusive because of our blind spots and our bad experiences.  But even so, here are some ways you can develop deep character in your life no matter what situation you find yourself in.  And keep in mind, we develop strong character in order to stay focused on the mission God has for us.

5 Ways To Develop Your Character…

#1 Stay in the Word –  We can too easily forget the foundation of character starts with our relationship with Jesus.  We must INTENTIONALLY make time to get away with him.  I was just talking to my friend the other day and he told me he is taking a mini 12 hour retreat Sunday.  Awesome! Get away from all your distractions and be shaped and steadied by your time with Jesus.  Let him root out destructive habits and incorrect thinking.

#2 Be Humble –  If you have to take credit for everything good that happens in your work, family, etc. you have a problem.  Pass along the credit and promote others.  Do you always have to be right?  Always have to have the last word?  Always interrupting people to get your point across?  Yep, that’s pride.  And by the way, the moment you think you are humble your character is probably taking a hit.  It is when you realize your pride when your character is deepened.  

#3 Serve Continually – Every chance you possibly get you need to serve.  Considering others’ needs will give you a strong root system that can’t be compromised.  You can’t just serve when it feels good, but when it hurts.  This is especially true in marriage.  Did you know your marriage has character as well?  Build the character of your identity together as a couple through serving continually.

#4 Select Friends Carefully –   You need friends that will build into your character not tear it down.  I’m not at all for being an exclusionist and isolating yourself from others who don’t believe the same way as you.  But we must be careful who we bring close to us that INFLUENCES our thinking.

#5 Hold Your Tongue –   Nothing will destroy your influence and character faster than a hasty, harsh word.  The words you use define what you believe and how you interact with the world.  The next time you want to say something brutal, slow down.  Don’t make excuses for yourself either.  NO ONE gets a free pass by saying, “that’s just the way I am.”  If you want to deepen character it’s time to address the problem, your mouth.  Quick to listen, slow to speak, blah, blah, blah. you get it right?

Which one do you need to work on the most?  Which do you need to prioritize today?  I would love to interact with you here.

Josh

This Sunday at 217church we conclude our #Activate Series:   “Disciple Making”


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We are the church that meets at two theaters!  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 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas 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, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown 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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Trapped! Overcoming Temptation

Last night I heard a rustling under the cabinet and I knew what it was.  You guessed it, a little rodent.  A rodent that didn’t belong in my house and I had to exterminate it. So I got out the peanut butter, the trap, and the plan was initiated.  It didn’t take long, just an hour or so, then SNAP!  The temptation was too strong, he couldn’t resist and it cost him his life.  We’ve all been there.  The moment when there are two options: a terrible decision or a transforming right choice.  We intuitively know when we are being tempted, but what separates those who stand up under temptation and those who succumb to its luring deception?

Temptation is a trap that lures us and then dominates us.
mouse

“…Then desire when it has conceived gives birth to sin, and sin when it is fully grown brings forth death..” James 1:15

No one wants to fail, I mean, we all want to beat the sin, but we can’t do it alone.  There are some simple things we can do to beat it, but we have to be smart and pay attention.  There is no doubt temptation will come, but they are not a sin, it is what we do with the temptation that determines the outcome. 

4 Ways To Overcome Temptation…

#1 Proactively Protect Yourself –  The worst place for a shopping addict to go?  Obviously, the mall!  This seems like common sense but for many of us, we just aren’t paying attention.  We need to start to think a little more strategically than our enemy.  He sets traps for us EVERYWHERE and we would be wise to be aware of them.  These traps come in all forms, but I usually encounter them in one of three areas, Purity, Possessions and Pride.  Remove the temptation!  This may mean taking drastic measures, a bold step, no internet at home, finding a new job.  Whatever it takes, your integrity is worth it.

#2 Pray Like Crazy – Temptation is a spiritual issue, not just a physical issue.  You need to continually invite the Holy Spirit into your life.  This means your prayer life needs to take the next step in its development.  Pray, pray and then pray some more.  Get on your knees and beg and plead with God to protect you and be strong in you.  This is going to take some work and your life and character is worth it.

#3 Give Someone Authority –  This means you let someone have authority in your life, someone who is a friend and loyal Christ follower whom you trust.  After all, temptation is an authority issue.  When you surrender to the sin you give it authority.  Give the Holy Spirit authority, then submit to someone else and give them authority.  It isn’t just about accountability, but more about submission.  Bringing yourself under the mantle of someone else’s authority protects you and this is the church at its best.

#4 Get Help If Out of Hand – You know what I am talking about.  It’s out of hand when it’s not just occasional but regular.  It’s out of hand when you feel and sense you are living under the oppression of the enemy and not the freedom of what God wants for your life.  It’s out of hand when you start to believe your own lies and then even begin to justify your behavior.  You are probably very sick and you definitely need help.  It’s time to take action and it’s time to make it right.  You don’t need people to pile on you, you need people to pray over you.  You already know what’s wrong.  You need to know there are people who care and love you.  So when are you going to STEP UP?

When we stay together, temptation is weak.  Don’t get TRAPPED!


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Join us Sunday as we continue in our series Activate: Discovering how to make disciples.

October 12 – Serving Jesus
October 19 – Disciple Making

Josh

We are the church that meets at two theaters!  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 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas 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, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown 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 Your Uniqueness Matters

I talk to way too many people who think their contribution doesn’t matter in life.  They have lost hope and purpose and think their uniqueness is irrelevant.  The truth of the matter is that every person and every gift matters.   The church should be shouting and proclaiming this every chance it gets!  Paul explains five types of gifting that we receive as Christ followers:  Apostolic: Blazing new territory, Prophetic: Discerning spiritual realities, Evangelistic: Going and finding the lost sheep, Shepherd: Caring deeply for the needs of people, and Teaching: Inspiring with the truth of scripture.  Every gift set is needed and when we are self aware we can then maximize our contribution.

Everyone is unique, are you using your gifts to their maximum potential?

 
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“…When each part is working properly makes the body grow so that it builds itself up in love.” Ephesians 4:16

Here is the challenge.  Sometimes we feel like a round peg in a square hole and sometimes we don’t know how our gift set fits our church family.  Traditionally, if you have a teaching or shepherding gift, it is usually quite easy to integrate into the body of Christ organized as a church.  But if you are an A.P.E. (Apostle, Prophet or an Evangelist) it can be more difficult to find your spot.  The latter three tend to be more comfortable with change and new initiatives.  But here is one thing we need to make sure we do.  Celebrate each others uniqueness.  In the five fold ministry, no one gift set is better than the other, they all should be given equal weight.  As a church leader my constant question is, “does our church structure and practice provide a place for each gift set?”  You are unique, it matters. 

4 Reasons Why Your Uniqueness Matters…

#1 God Doesn’t Make Junk –  Everyone has value!  Even if you are frustrated by people not seeing your value, take heart that Jesus created you exactly the way he wants you.  Your spiritual gifts, natural abilities and acquired skills will be used of him if you let them.  You were created in the image of God and your gifts reflect the very image of God.  You have his DNA, you resemble Jesus.  His fingerprints are all over you.

#2 Others Need You – Namely the church.  My primary gift set is the Teacher/Apostle.  These two gifts operate with almost equal weight at the front of my contribution to the church.  This means I will always motivate movement and understanding towards the mission of God.  What I need most to complement is the other three gift sets functioning at a high level.  I need you, you need me, we need each other.

#3 Your Gifts Give You Purpose – Clarity brings enjoyment.  There is nothing worse than trying to be something you are not.  No one wants to see a shepherd try and do the work of the prophet.  When you know who you are and what you are about, it narrows your clarity with laser like focus and this is when you will be personally satisfied beyond belief.  Real contentment can’t come from external things like pride, possessions and power.  Only dependence on the Gospel of Jesus perfecting the gifts among the church will advance his mission.

#4 With You The Church Will Expand –  Synergy brings incredible growth.  When we are all operating at the pinnacle of our gift sets, yielding to one another, sharing in the ministry, encouraging for the sake of the growth of His church, the energy is scintillating.  Nothing excites me more than when you can see all the gifts at work discovered and directed.  You matter.  But even without you God’s plan will still happen.  He doesn’t need you, but He will use you.  It’s up to you.  The invitation to a purpose greater than any other in the world is right before you. His Mission, it’s time to Activate it!

This week we will discover, share and grow in the depth of our understanding of our gifts and how this relates to our mission.  You are unique, it’s time to capitalize on it!


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October 5 – Your Unique Mission
October 12 – Serving Jesus
October 19 – Disciple Making

Josh

We are the church that meets at two theaters!  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 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas 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, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown 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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5 Ways To Overcome Your Past

One of the most powerful forces in the world is guilt.  Sadly many of us never get through our guilt to live a more powerful life of GRACE.  We carry our past with us and are deeply wounded by it.  This week I had a conversation with a person I will call Joe.  Joe is in a very bad spot. His wife left him over 10 years ago and he still hasn’t chosen to give his regret and pain over to Jesus.  As I prayed with him, I could feel the tension and pain that came with holding on to his past divorce and the ways his kids are suffering.  He didn’t do the cheating but he still carries the INCREDIBLE WEIGHT and hurt that comes from this broken relationship.  He won’t give it to Jesus.  But as I prayed for him I could feel Him take a baby step in the right direction.  Ultimately, giving the past to God is Joe’s choice.  Jesus won’t make you give him your past, it’s up to you.

It’s time to let your IDENTITY in Jesus define you rather than your past or current circumstances…

 
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“…forgetting what lies behind and straining forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus” Philippians 3:13-14

I don’t think this will be easy for you, nor will it feel comfortable at first, but it is definitely the most courageous decision you will ever make.  The person who wrote that passage above was a murderer, a cold blooded murder.  He had committed the most egregious of sins known to man.  Somehow, someway Paul let Jesus redefine him and mark him as a man who was powerfully called, crafted and created to do one thing: Give his life WHOLLY to the Gospel and it’s transforming power.  If a murderer can do it, you can too.

5 Ways to Overcome Your Past…

#1 Pray –  I know you are reading this thinking, I already have and my heart isn’t changed.  Sometimes it takes time to change our hearts.  Letting go of how people have hurt us can only be first dealt with through knowing how HE as already HEALED us.  That is past, present AND future tense.  We think of our sin as a linear pathway, Jesus sees it all as a wholistic picture of life that is a mist before us.  (James 4:14)  Our first response to any and every guilt, hurt, pain, suffering, abandonment, rebellion or self inflicted torture is to PRAY.  Someone reading this just needs to know that Jesus is listening.  He hears you.  When you pray with the faith of a hearing God, wait for it, progress will come…

QUESTION:  What is keeping you from praying?

#2 Depend –  What are you depending on?  Are you depending on your own strength to get through your pain, or the power and person of the Gospel who has already promised to take your pain?  So many times we try and go through life self sufficient.  The more the enemy can make you think you can get through something alone, the longer you will stay imprisoned to your past.  Sometimes we even ask for help, but we don’t really want to move on.  We merely want someone to pity us in our pain.  100% dependence on Jesus will heal you.

QUESTION:  What are you substituting for dependence on Jesus?

#3 Forgive – In Jesus’ deepest moment of pain he prayed this, “father forgive them for they know not what they are doing.”  (Luke 23:34)  Jesus pleads with His Father to forgive.  Jesus set and example in forgiveness even when He did nothing wrong.  If we expect Jesus to forgive us we must be willing to forgive others.  This isn’t normal behavior, but it is Gospel driven behavior.  This won’t be simple but we must do it out of obedience because it’s what he has commanded us to do.  But once again, the choice is up to you.  No one can make you forgive.  Your future is resting in your hands.

QUESTION:  Who is someone you have not forgiven?

#4 Trust –  Others.  You need the church.  You need to believe in others.  LET OTHERS HELP YOU.  Talk it out and have people pray for you. Get professional counseling.  I’m not suggesting you bring everyone into the process, but you must learn to trust a few selected people who have your back.  This is a lofty proposition if you are deeply wounded because you don’t want the same thing to happen again.  You must let people help you or the bitterness and pain will be greater as the months and even years pass.  Jesus created us for relationships and set and example of loving and encouraging one another.  You need people who will tell you the truth and people who will let you cry, yell, scream, grieve, no holding back.

QUESTION:  Who is one person you can trust?

#5 Rest –  Even saying this word will transform you.  Jesus is sufficient to give us peace to allow us to rest in Him.  Maybe you need a forced time away with God?  Running from your past prevents you from dealing with your future.  Isn’t it time to rest?  Matthew 11:29-30 says, “Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. 30 For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”

God isn’t finished with Joe yet.  God isn’t finished with you either.  I’m not sure where you are at with letting go of your past, but when you choose to, Jesus will set you free.  It’s what he promised…


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September 21 – A New Identity
September 28 – Church As A Family
October 5 – Your Unique Mission
October 12 – Serving Jesus
October 19 – Disciple Making

Josh

We are the church that meets at two theaters!  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 9:30 & 11am and Starplex Cinemas 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, Lawrenceville NJ, Ewing NJ, Robbinsville NJ, Hightstown NJ, Hamilton NJ, Mercer County, Middlesex County or Bucks County, PA, don’t miss our weekend services. Visit www.217church.com for more information.