Category Archives: Serve Relentlessly

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Moving – Day 32 – Relaunch Video

Moving – “If you have small faith you can move mountains.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 11:1-36

(Please note: If you are viewing video on a Mobile Device you must scroll to bottom and enable “DESKTOP MODE”)

It was time to move into the city and 1 of 10 families would live there.  Ultimate commitment to the vision meant the people were willing to uproot themselves form their comfortable lives and change everything.  It was quite literally time to move.  Maximizing the effectiveness of everyone’s gifts meant there needed to be a diversity of people living in the city from all different walks of life.  The casting of lots was an absolute submission of the will of the people to the purpose of God.  My prayer is that God would move us to this type of covenant relationship with each other and our community.

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

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

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

Our Journal Process:

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

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

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

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Covenant – Day 31 – Relaunch Journal

Covenant – “Those who serve together stay together.”

Scripture:  Nehemiah 10:1-39

(Please note: If you are viewing video on a Mobile Device you must scroll to bottom and enable “DESKTOP MODE”)

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

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

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

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

Our Journal Process:

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

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

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

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Significance – Day 30 – Relaunch Journal

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

Scripture:  Nehemiah 7:1-65

(Please note: If you are viewing video on a Mobile Device you must scroll to bottom and enable “DESKTOP MODE”)

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

 

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

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

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

Our Journal Process:

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

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

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

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Leadership – Day 29 – Relaunch Journal

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

Scripture:  Nehemiah 3:1-32

(Please note: If you are viewing video on a Mobile Device you must scroll to bottom and enable “DESKTOP MODE”)

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

Listen to our Sunday PODCAST on the Go HERE

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

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

Our Journal Process:

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

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

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

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When Life Isn’t Fair…

“She gets paid more than me and I do more work!” “I should have gotten that promotion.” “I contribute more around the house than he does.” “I’m a better player, I should have started that game.” We ALL know that LIFE ISN’T FAIR!  How we deal with lack of FAIRNESS can hinder or propel our character development.  There is a little story in scripture that Jesus told about men who showed up and different times to do work in a vineyard. However, they all got the same pay.  The nerve of the manager.  At the end of the story Jesus gives us clear instruction that it isn’t for us to begrudge the generosity of the Father.  What about you?  What do you do when the outcomes aren’t fair?

fairness 1-24-14

“I choose to give to this last worker as I give to you. 15Am I not allowed to do what I choose with what belongs to me?”  Matthew 20:14-15

When we think we are deserving of more, there is something in us that screams “I want justice!”

What to Do When Life Isn’t Fair…

#1 Cheer – That is right, Cheer for the person who got that undeserved merit.  After all, the whole basis of understanding Jesus and the Gospel is based on the grace of Jesus.  When you realize you don’t get what you deserve because of the cross, Jesus and grace, it clears everything up.  So go ahead, celebrate when others succeed and surpass you.  Trust me it won’t feel FAIR.

#2 Be Thankful – Entitlement will ruin your life and your relationship with Jesus.  When you think God owes you something, you will ruin your life.  When you think someone owes you something, it will ruin your relationship. In marriage, next time you catch yourself thinking you do more work and are contributing more, be thankful for your relationship, that you have someone to love and take care of.

#3 Forgive – Ever been stepped on, manipulated, lied to or misled, only to find out the person was playing you for a fool?  Mistrust is never FAIR.  Sometimes after you are deceived the very person who deceives you will seem to get away with it.  Our job is to forgive.  I know it isn’t FAIR.   I know it hurts.  It isn’t your fight, it’s their integrity.  Never let seeds of bitterness drive your actions. 

#4 Keep Quiet – This may be even harder than forgiveness because when we are wronged, we insist the whole world knows about it.  And please, NEVER and I mean NEVER “out someone” on social media.  Keep it to yourself, go to the gym, go for a run, relax.  Gossip is bringing someone into the situation who is neither part of the problem or the solution.  TELL NO ONE!

#5 Worry About Yourself – Here is what I mean: work that much harder! When someone gets a promotion over you, double down on your commitment to the company.  When someone seems to be getting special treatment, worry about your own work ethic and character.  When brother or sister gets the extra cookie at dessert, well, just get over it. Worry about yourself.

#6 Serve Someone NOW – When you serve someone it isn’t fair.  They usually don’t deserve it.  You are literally beating down your desire for fairness and equity.  You are saying, “give me the short end of the stick, I’m ok with it.”  Then smile, don’t be proud of it or wear it as a badge of honor.  Just quietly serve and love until it feels so unfair it feels just about right.

You will get discriminated against, you will be treated unfairly.  Life isn’t FAIR!

Now go and serve someone and expect nothing in return.  “So (I)the last will be first, and the first last.”  Matthew 20:16

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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You Won’t Believe What I Just Saw!

I was absolutely in awe watching everything that happened over this Thanksgiving season through 217church.  And it even happened yesterday. I was surprised, excited, but most of all proud of a young church that is learning to get out there and Live Differently through serving relentlessly.  Just yesterday we put this Facebook post on our page:  “If anyone in the 217church family needs food for Thanksgiving, please send us a message by noon today.”   Then in just one hour, this happened…

“A young single mom with three children came in to pick up one of the baskets.  She was so happy to receive a basket, they were thrilled that it would cover not only their Thanksgiving meal, but several more meals thereafter.  We didn’t even know them, but they will be eating because of the gifts you provided!”

surprised 11-26

“And whoever gives one of these little ones even a cup of cold water because he is a disciple, truly, I say to you, he will by no means lose his reward.”  Matthew 10:42

7 Things I Saw On Sunday…

1. Compassion  –  We did 2 simultaneous events in two communities!  I wish you could have seen the look on the face of a young boy at McKnight School in East Windsor when we placed a coat on him.  He showed up to the bitter cold event in a sweat shirt and didn’t even own a coat.  We were able to give him a coat and share the love of Jesus.  We told people there is a church in the community launching on January 12 that is all about helping them “rebuild their lives.”  Couldn’t believe it!

2. Cooperation  –  We delivered well over 200 baskets full of food to families with names!  We worked with Johnson & Johnson (yes, they are that BIG drug company 🙂 ), United Way and Bromley Community Center in Hamilton.  We ensured every family, every name on the list received a $25 gift card for a turkey, as a well as a full basket of food.  You can still Give A $25 gift through our Next Generation Fund Here.  In one day alone, you helped feed over 1,000 people!  Couldn’t believe it!

3. Celebration –  When 400 people showed up to the theater and worshiped together celebrating God’s provision for us, It blew me away.  It was so cold on Sunday our 217truck wouldn’t start, but still over 50 people showed up early at the theater to set up two inspiring worship services at the AMC 24.  Our very own Naml Lewis preached about living in the favor of God.  It was Incredible!  Couldn’t believe it!

4. Diligence – Did I forget to mention it was freezing cold Sunday?  But yet over 100 of the 217church family came out to pass out food in the freezing cold!  I love it.  Couldn’t believe it!

5. Empowerment – Our youth totally planned the Hamilton event and our East Windsor Launch team established a presence in the Twin Rivers community.  Couldn’t believe it!

girls serving

 Our youth showed up BIG and orchestrated the event!

6. Action – When we dreamed of a church in the Hamilton community, we wanted to renew the community through serving relentlessly.  This meant we would have to be a “Get it done church!” Your reputation is out there!  People know that Jesus is here and is about restoring their life.  Couldn’t believe it!

7. Love – When we took a pile of coats over to a van with a family of seven kids with NO COATS.  It was… indescribable.  Couldn’t believe it!

Thanksgiving is HERE!  I’m proud of you!  Let’s celebrate God’s provision and invite someone along with us.

Josh

 

217church is a multi-site church in Mercer County NJ with small groups for families in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that meets in the Hamilton AMC24 Theater.  Our new East Windsor Campus is meeting Sunday December 8th 10:15 am at Ethel McKnight School and launches weekly services January 12, 2014.  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 in Hamilton at 9:30 or 11 am! Visit www.217church.com.  If you want to be in on the ground floor of a new exciting church planting environment, contact our East Windsor Campus Pastor Dan Gay at Dan@217church.com.