Category Archives: Caring For One Another Deeply

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Strategy – Day 21 – Relaunch Video Journal

Strategy – “The right strategy = raging success!”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 4:16-18

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There is nothing sweeter than a system of care with an organized plan that works.  Nehemiah was an organizational genius when it came to planning and executing the timing of the plan.  He even made changes that all seemed to be perfectly aligned with where he wanted to go.  There was wisdom and great care given to how the rebuilding was to be executed.  Without the correct strategy the success of your vision will be stifled. The bigger the plan, the longer it will take, the harder it will be, the more it will cost, and the more people it will take to accomplish it.  You need the right #strategy.  As we fight for each other, may we “rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, and be constant in prayer.”  (Romans 12:12)

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 3 of Relaunch:  “Fighting For The Church Family” Here:

When the work on the wall is in full swing the people of Jerusalem are attacked fiercely by the opposition.  They are jeered at, humiliated and their physical well being is even threatened.  Like the people rebuilding the wall, as we rebuild lives one person at a time we must come together and fight for our church family through praying continually, working tirelessly, and motivating constantly.

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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Work – Day 20 – Relaunch Video Journal

Work – “Change your perspective and clarify the trajectory of your day.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 4:15

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I remember my first real job.  I was so excited (mainly to get a paycheck) but I specifically remember loving being a part of the team.  As a bus boy I was helping make sure the whole restaurant was clean and was an optimum environment for hospitality to take place.  Every time I cleaned the table, I was caring for people.  Work is an interesting thing.  Once we lose sight of the big vision, it becomes discouraging.  The church is work and may we stay focused.  Sometimes it takes opposition to create an opportunity to accomplish more than you thought was possible.  Their plan was frustrated…so it’s time to accomplish some work.  As we work together on the mission of the church, let us focus on the clear call to rebuild lives.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 3 of Relaunch:  “Fighting For The Church Family” Here:

When the work on the wall is in full swing the people of Jerusalem are attacked fiercely by the opposition.  They are jeered at, humiliated and their physical well being is even threatened.  Like the people rebuilding the wall, as we rebuild lives one person at a time we must come together and fight for our church family through praying continually, working tirelessly, and motivating constantly.

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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Fight! – Day 19 – Relaunch Video Journal

Fight – “We can fight with great strength because Jesus has already won the battle.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 4:12-14

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Look around!  Who around you is hurting?  What are you waiting for?  Find a problem and solve it.  Find a need and meet it.  Devote your life to the restoration of a family, the completion of a vision, serving, loving and sacrificing for others.  This is who we are as the church and this is what we do.  There is no need for fear.  There is no need to be alone.  We are all together in this.  God has called us together for this short season of life to free the captives and mend the broken hearted.  As we are aware of the despair around us may we take swift action with words and deeds using every available resource to minister.  The time is now. Fight!

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 3 of Relaunch:  “Fighting For The Church Family” Here:

When the work on the wall is in full swing the people of Jerusalem are attacked fiercely by the opposition.  They are jeered at, humiliated and their physical well being is even threatened.  Like the people rebuilding the wall, as we rebuild lives one person at a time we must come together and fight for our church family through praying continually, working tirelessly, and motivating constantly.

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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Discouragement – Day 18 – Relaunch Video Journal

Discouragement – “When someone has a problem your presence is primary”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 4:10-11

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For many of us the burdens are simply too heavy.  I recently prayed with a person at a weekend church service, and when I looked into the eyes I saw complete defeat and despair.  The mountain of debt was too high, the relationship with the spouse was too far gone, and there didn’t seem to be any hope.  There was just too much rubble.  But what should we do when the pain in someone is so deep and there is nothing we can do?  Maybe sometimes just being there is enough.  I prayed my heart out that day.  I couldn’t get the person out of my mind.  I was doing spiritual battle for them in prayer even when they didn’t know about it.  Until you carry the burden of someone else, you won’t fully realize your potential to be a disciple maker.

“Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. 29 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.”  Matthew 11:28-30

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 3 of Relaunch:  “Fighting For The Church Family” Here:

When the work on the wall is in full swing the people of Jerusalem are attacked fiercely by the opposition.  They are jeered at, humiliated and their physical well being is even threatened.  Like the people rebuilding the wall, as we rebuild lives one person at a time we must come together and fight for our church family through praying continually, working tirelessly, and motivating constantly.

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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Fighting For the Church Family – Week 3 Relaunch

Watch Week 3 of 217church Relaunch:  “Fighting For the Church Family” 2-21-16 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 3 – “Fighting For The Church Family” Nehemiah 4:1-14

When the work on the wall is in full swing the people of Jerusalem are attacked fiercely by the opposition.  They are jeered at, humiliated and their physical well being is even threatened.  Like the people rebuilding the wall, as we rebuild lives one person at a time, we must come together and fight for our church family through praying continually, working tirelessly, and motivating constantly.

Follow along with the Relaunch journal starting with week 3 Here

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

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Week #3 “Fighting For the Church Family”

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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Plotting – Day 17 – Relaunch Video Journal

Plotting – “God knows the plans, our role is to pray together in unity”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 4:6-9

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Just like there was a plot by Nehemiah’s enemies, there is a plot the enemy is making against you.  He is busy trying to cause confusion in your life.  He is deceiving you and discouraging you.  He wants to derail you.  One thing I have come to realize is this, there is not a single thing anyone or anything can do to remove the presence of God from my life!  When the plans of the enemy are coming against us, the church needs to rise up for each other and pray together.  Calling out to God together is the primary work of His people.  If we will humble ourselves and pray, he will deliver us.  Ignoring the opposition makes it worse.  We must not pretend He doesn’t exist.  May we come together and accomplish His vision and may we have a mind to work.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 3 of Relaunch:  “Fighting For The Church Family” Here:

When the work on the wall is in full swing the people of Jerusalem are attacked fiercely by the opposition.  They are jeered at, humiliated and their physical well being is even threatened.  Like the people rebuilding the wall, as we rebuild lives one person at a time we must come together and fight for our church family through praying continually, working tirelessly, and motivating constantly.

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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Taunting – Day 16 – Relaunch Video Journal

Taunting- “It’s time to set your mind on things above”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 4:1-5

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Ever had someone say something about your vision that was negative and untruthful?  Ever had someone get angry with you for taking a stand for integrity and what was right?  You will be humiliated, mocked, made fun of and made to look like a fool if you follow Jesus.  Jesus said you are blessed when this happens.  Jesus was one who understood how to fight the kingdoms of the world.  Jesus taught his disciples an alternative way of fighting, it was the fruit of the Spirit (Galatians 5).  When the disciples were together starting the church in the book of Acts, they stood for truth, relied on the Holy Spirit and prayed continually as they were imprisoned and beaten.  The church must stand with each other when trials come.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 3 of Relaunch:  “Fighting For The Church Family” Here:

When the work on the wall is in full swing the people of Jerusalem are attacked fiercely by the opposition.  They are jeered at, humiliated and their physical well being is even threatened.  Like the people rebuilding the wall, as we rebuild lives one person at a time we must come together and fight for our church family through praying continually, working tirelessly, and motivating constantly.

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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Opposition – Day 15 – Relaunch Video Journal

Opposition – “If God is for us who can be against us?”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 2:19-20

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One thing is for sure, the only way big vision is accomplished in the life of a church is through people looking out for one another, fighting for one another.  There no doubt will be people who come against you. Get used to it.  But, let us start to count all the people who are for the vision.  No one ever accomplished a vision with all the people who didn’t believe in it, or had special interest in making sure it didn’t happen.  Let us rise up and build with those who are committed and realize opposition is going to happen.  After all, if God is for us, who can be against us? May we never forget this as we participate with God in the building of His kingdom for His purpose. “May the God of heaven make us prosper.”

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 3 of Relaunch:  “Fighting For The Church Family” Here:

When the work on the wall is in full swing the people of Jerusalem are attacked fiercely by the opposition.  They are jeered at, humiliated and their physical well being is even threatened.  Like the people rebuilding the wall, as we rebuild lives one person at a time we must come together and fight for our church family through praying continually, working tirelessly, and motivating constantly.

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