Category Archives: Serve Relentlessly

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Who Are You Fighting For?

Who is fighting for you?  No really?  I just sent all 6 of my kids back to school and they have no doubt about one thing… I want to make them better!  I am on their team!  It just so happens Thursday is the day many have been waiting for – the kickoff of the NFL season.  The preparation, the anticipation and the signal of a NEW SEASON. I can guarantee you one thing, the overarching quality that makes for an incredible team that will be in the next Superbowl is…CHEMISTRY.  Incredible teams don’t have perfect people, but everyone understands their role and what the goal is… make each other better in order to WIN!  #makeembetter

It’s not personal ego or accomplishment that matters, but in the end it’s what is on the SCOREBOARD.   


My Dream Team

“Iron sharpens iron and one man sharpens another.”  Proverbs 27:17

If you are on a team your responsibility is to #makeembetter.  Teams rally together and in the case of a church, a family, or a business, our job is to make each other better.  Our 217church scoreboard is lives rebuilt, small groups living sent on mission, and disciples made.  All of these things happen through teams.  From the beginning, everything we have done has been around the idea of teams.  It exciting to be a part of an INCREDIBLE team.  

5 Things That Make Our 217church Team Better

#1 Unselfishness –  When one person gets all the credit, the team is dysfunctional.  Unselfishness seeks to advance others for the betterment of the team and the advancement of the cause.  When one person makes decisions based on what is best for them rather than the team, it all falls apart.  Unselfish people are constantly early for the meeting.

QUESTION:  Do you look out more for yourself or others?

#2 Reliability –  Not just when things are good but even more so when things aren’t looking good.  If you disappear when things get rough, your hurting the team, you make yourself a loser!  It’s easy to be a part of a team when things are great, but your true commitment is tested when you don’t see a solution. Reliable people are present through ALL circumstances and they KEEP their word.

QUESTION:  Do you support or subvert the vision when things get tough?

#3 Clarity – The greatest teams I have been apart of are clear and concise about what the common goal is.  This happens when people understand how what they do fits with the vision.  Where there is clarity there has already been great conviction.  WE MUST do this, WE WILL do this, NO MATTER WHAT, THIS IS HAPPENING!  The vision must be razor sharp, easy for people to see and experience.

QUESTION:  Is your team clear about what your team is about?

#4 Urgency –  Look, there’s limited time to complete the vision.  Working diligently to accomplish something with a noble purpose should not be intentionally delayed.  For our church, the urgency is critical.  If we don’t work quickly, people go hungry, kids don’t find Jesus, parents lose direction, people lose hope, the enemy temporarily wins.  Now is the time!

QUESTION:  Are you complacent or compelled when it comes to your team’s vision?

#5 Honor – This may be the most important of all the qualities.  When honor is present there is a deep respect of the people you are working with and for.  People matter to God and their gifts are to be encouraged.  Believe the best, no gossiping, no side conversations, no critical attitudes.  Don’t like it?  GET OFF THE TEAM!  Disagree, but with dignity and respect.  Encouragement, respectful communication, and love for one another are a must.

QUESTION:  Are you a complainer or a champion of unity?

I want you on the 217church team!

This Sunday Wear your favorite team jersey and get ready to be a part of an incredible TEAM!  Go 217church!  Who are you pouring your life into?  Tell me how below – #makeembetter

Josh

P.S My favorite team Jersey looks like this…

WilsonJersey

September 10 – Vision Sunday!  Wear your Favorite Team Jersey

September 17 – “His Story” Series Week #1 through the Gospels (Small Groups Launch)

October 8 – New Service times  -9:30am & 11:00am

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.  On Sunday September 17th 2017 we will have our Fall Launch celebration service.

217church is affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and we are helping in the Hurricane devastated area. Here is a link on how you can VOLUNTEER or GIVE FINANCIALLY to support Hurricane victims.

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I Need Help! I Need Hope!

We have seen complete devastation this week from the Hurricane along the Gulf Coast.  Not only did it make land fall and destroy a whole city with it’s fury once, but it actually went back out to sea and made a second land fall!  After watching over 50 inches of rain fall in some areas, people were rescued and there has been an incredible loss of life, property, and hope.  It’s too much pain and suffering to even fathom.  In the midst of this, it’s hard to believe anything good could emerge. But it has…

Victims of the flood in a Houston shelter belted out – “We want to see your kingdom here.”

Jesus brings hope in the midst of well, ANYTHING.  I don’t understand always why, but “Blessed be the name of the Lord.”  No easy answers, just truth.  There is a great story in the book of Daniel that amplifies this truth.  It is the story of three young men who refuse to bow in worship to a golden statue and they end up in a literal fire.  Then God brings them through.  We don’t here much about the rest of their life,  but we do know of their faithfulness.  Here’s one thing to remember – God’s timing is not our timing.

Three Things God Wants to do For You

1 – Protection – When will God deliver us from the pain?  I don’t have the timing, but I do know God wants to deliver you.  When you look closely at any situation that seems hopeless, you can see Jesus walking with you, protecting you.  Even if it seems like He isn’t, He is protecting you.  Where you find the presence of God, this is where you’ll find power.

“But I see four men unbound, walking in the midst of the fire, and they are not hurt”  Daniel 3:25

2 – Perfection – Really, perfection? C’mon!  Yes God has us all in process.  Watch closely and you’ll see out of this tragedy, the situation will be redeemed.  The world is a very hard place to live in, but God promises not to keep us in this temporary place forever.  He is using everything for his good purpose, even your situation.

“My grace is sufficient for you, for power is perfected in weakness.”  2 Corinthians 12:9

3 – Promotion –  I love how the story ends.  The king declares that God’s name shall not be spoken of negatively, and anyone who does will be torn limb from limb.  He also Promotes these three young men.  To what?  I am not sure, but when you come out on the other side of the fire, promotion just seems natural with the wisdom and experience you have gained.

“Then the king promoted Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the province of Babylon.”  Daniel 3:30

 

My prayer for you today is you will hope again in the dream God has for your life.  How is God protecting, perfecting and promoting you?  I would love to hear below…

 

Josh

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ.  217church meets Sundays at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ.  Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.  On Sunday September 17th 2017 we will have our Fall Launch celebration service.

 

217church is affiliated with the Christian and Missionary Alliance and we are helping in the Hurricane devastated area. Here is a link on how you can VOLUNTEER or GIVE FINANCIALLY to support Hurricane victims.

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Dedication – Day 40 – Relaunch Journal

Dedication – “Determine your direction and dedicate your destiny.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 12:27-47

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What victories has God given you over these last 40 days?  Whatever victories he has given you, we want to celebrate them together.  Next Sunday, March 20th, is Palm Sunday.  It is also the official relaunch of 217church.  Seal the dedication of your heart to God by sharing your story, making a sacrificial gift, and sharing with your small group the victory God has given you.  Be thankful!  Achieving victory is not easy and I know the Holy Spirit has given you the advantage in all things!  Thank you so much church for making this #Relaunch such a success!

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 6 of Relaunch:  “Sacrificing with No Reservation” Here:

Nehemiah records his great sacrifice for the people and the vision to rebuild the wall.  His eyes were not on the present gain but on the future well being of the people.  Our sacrifice now means significance in eternity.  In Luke 12 Jesus tells the story of someone who thinks he is well prepared for his future and his secure in his finances, but he neglects the most important thing, the health of his own soul.  To have a healthy soul we must be intentional givers.  We all find ourselves at one of five stages:  We have never made a gift, are an occasional giver, a proportionate giver, a tither, or an extravagant giver.

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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Completion – Day 39 – Relaunch Journal

Completion – “Assess where you are, align with God’s word, and activate God’s plan.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 6:15-19

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Amazing, absolutely incredible!  Have you ever witnessed the completion of a vision after years and even decades of hard work, sacrifice and pain?  There is nothing quite like it.  I’ll never forget the first worship service in our new worship center at New Hope Church in Bend, Oregon where I served for 8 years.  I’ll never forget when I stood 7 years ago at our mother church, Princeton Alliance Church, and we successfully paid off our mortgage.  What will the future hold for 217church?  I’m praying for surprise.  I’m praying for an absolutely exhilarating act of God to show his favor to us in our community!  He will complete this work.  He will return for His bride the church! I can’t wait!

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 6 of Relaunch:  “Sacrificing with No Reservation” Here:

Nehemiah records his great sacrifice for the people and the vision to rebuild the wall.  His eyes were not on the present gain but on the future well being of the people.  Our sacrifice now means significance in eternity.  In Luke 12 Jesus tells the story of someone who thinks he is well prepared for his future and his secure in his finances, but he neglects the most important thing, the health of his own soul.  To have a healthy soul we must be intentional givers.  We all find ourselves at one of five stages:  We have never made a gift, are an occasional giver, a proportionate giver, a tither, or an extravagant giver.

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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Accounting – Day 38 – Relaunch Journal

Accounting – “Everything you do matters.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 7:66-73

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Our church recently just sent out over three hundred giving statements to people totaling over $545,000 for the end of the 2015 year.  Some people get uncomfortable talking about giving, but Nehemiah just lists in his book his account of what he gave.  Why was he so comfortable doing this?  He had nothing to hide, obviously.  Recounting the giving and celebrating milestones are an integral part of celebrating and giving an account to God of how we handled the money he entrusted to us.  My prayer is we will continue to celebrate His provision and excel in the grace of giving.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 6 of Relaunch:  “Sacrificing with No Reservation” Here:

Nehemiah records his great sacrifice for the people and the vision to rebuild the wall.  His eyes were not on the present gain but on the future well being of the people.  Our sacrifice now means significance in eternity.  In Luke 12 Jesus tells the story of someone who thinks he is well prepared for his future and his secure in his finances, but he neglects the most important thing, the health of his own soul.  To have a healthy soul we must be intentional givers.  We all find ourselves at one of five stages:  We have never made a gift, are an occasional giver, a proportionate giver, a tither, or an extravagant giver.

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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Perseverance – Day 37 – Relaunch Journal

Perseverance – “When the trial comes, press on.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 5:16-19

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After a long period of perseverance, the time comes where we reflect and remember the past.  Nehemiah reflects on his long arduous task.  He doesn’t reflect in a complaining and reluctant way, but gives a written account and asks God to bless his sacrifice for the vision.  Integrity and passion are marks of a life well spent on a vision worth pursuing.  Many of us have been a part of the church since the beginning.  You have sacrificed much and you have served well.  Our time is not over, and your reward and financial sacrifice is building up a treasure in heaven!  Keep on rebuilding.  May you reap the reward of the sacrifice in your life.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

Watch Week 6 of Relaunch:  “Sacrificing with No Reservation” Here:

Nehemiah records his great sacrifice for the people and the vision to rebuild the wall.  His eyes were not on the present gain but on the future well being of the people.  Our sacrifice now means significance in eternity.  In Luke 12 Jesus tells the story of someone who thinks he is well prepared for his future and his secure in his finances, but he neglects the most important thing, the health of his own soul.  To have a healthy soul we must be intentional givers.  We all find ourselves at one of five stages:  We have never made a gift, are an occasional giver, a proportionate giver, a tither, or an extravagant giver.

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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Sacrifice – Day 36 – Relaunch Journal

Sacrifice – “Work, give, save, live.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 5:14-15

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Nehemiah models for us what it means to be all in to the vision, financially.  This makes me ask the question where am I at in my giving and sacrifice?  We are all at one of five places:  not a giver, occasional giver, percentage giver, tither, or extravagant giver.  God wants us to take the next step in our giving in order that we will not be dependent on our things but prove our dependence on God.  He is the one who gave it all at the cross.  Leaders model giving, period.  Lord, in all things give our church family obedience equal to our level of knowledge about the scripture.

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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Submission – Day 35 – Relaunch Journal

Submission – “Submission releases the power of humility in your life.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 13:23-31

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Is there any doubt who the leader was in the book of Nehemiah?  Nehemiah by today’s terms would probably be considered a dictator.   He came back on the scene and closes the book with swift reforms.  One thing he understood, along with the rest of Jerusalem, was the need for Godly spiritual authority.  Nehemiah by no means was perfect, but he was in full submission to his pagan king and his holy God!  That just blows my mind.  How is that even possible?  Nehemiah did it.  What would happen if we each submitted ourselves to the spiritual authority of God and His church?  My prayer is that we would as a church, learn to submit to the Godly authority He has placed over us, and leverage humility in our lives.

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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Correction – Day 34 – Relaunch Journal

Correction – “Evaluate, motivate then activate your faith and make right what is wrong.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 13:1-22

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Sometimes people are in the right spot and sometimes people are in the wrong spot.  Sometimes people change over time and need to be moved to a different role in the church.  It isn’t easy to make changes, especially in the church, but a course correction every now and then is necessary to ensure vision alignment.  Leaders must do the tough work of evaluating the ministry roles and responsibilities at every level of the church.  Finding your role isn’t about where you serve but more about the attitude with which you serve.  Lord, help us to be flexible as we do your ministry.  Give us servants hearts that are willing to use our spiritual gifts however you see fit.

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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Teamwork – Day 33 – Relaunch Journal

Teamwork – “Teamwork makes the dreamwork.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 12:1-26

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After the first leadership vision meeting of 217church in August of 2009, progress began to happen very quickly.  We prayed, planned and personally invited people to be on the team.  We set out on a mission to be “a restored family sent on mission to make disciples.”  We realized almost instantly that everything depended on God and we needed Him to supply us with a strong team that works together.  If God is going to use us to extend this ministry farther and faster than we could ever imagine we MUST have an incredibly strong team that has character, competence and chemistry.  We must be hungry for the vision and take initiative together.  How can you use your gifts to align with the vision?

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