Posted on Wednesday, November 22, 2017

Give Thanks – Keep On

I woke up Tuesday morning to a new note on my computer. The night before, my adorable daughter Lydia had been doing spelling practice on a web site. As I opened up the computer I saw this below – She didn’t tell me about it or even mention anything before she closed the computer for the night. She knew that in due time, I would see it. I call this the 7:11 Principle

“So you sinful people know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your heavenly father give good gifts those who ask Him.” Matthew 7:11

Now, I am not going to say I am going to get all of that stuff for my incredibly convincing girl. She does have me wrapped around her little finger, but I will tell you this, something(s) on that list will probably end up in her stocking or under the tree. You see I am a TOTAL SUCKER for my kids. Ask them. Mom says, “no” and dad is just more likely to say “yes”. I LOVE GIVING GIFTS TO MY KIDS. Even this morning, I spontaneously stopped off at DD with Lilly and Titus, Why? Because I am their amazing dad. I don’t know exactly what it is, but it’s hard to say no! Sometime though, we feel like ‘Dad upstairs’ isn’t listening to our requests and we have – to – wait.

What Should I Do While I Wait?

1. Keep on Asking – The more I practice this, the more I realize the ‘keeping on’ is not about God needing to hear it, but more about me needing to persevere in asking. But I’m not going to lie, it stinks to wait. There are a couple of problems though. Sometimes we don’t have because we have pride and don’t want to ask, and sometimes we ask but need to develop patience. If you never have to wait for anything you will become a conceited, spoiled, entitled and difficult person. I don’t think Jesus gets tired of us asking, but check your motivations. Jesus said to #keepon, so I will.

The Key: Right Motivations

“Delight yourselves in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart.” Psalm 37:4

2. Keep on Seeking – When you lose something, how hard do you look for it? I can’t stop looking until I find it. Sometimes I get so obsessed with finding the ‘thing’ that NOTHING ELSE MATTERS. This may be a character flaw but the positive side for me is focus. I don’t know what it is you are seeking God for, but his will is found by those who toil and struggle to pursue His plan. Jesus said to #keepon, so will you?

The Key: Steadfast Persistence

“Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you. You will seek me and find me, when you seek me with all your heart.” Jeremiah 29:12-13

3. Keep on Knocking – Now it doesn’t say “kick down the door.” but it also doesn’t say, to “do nothing.” Knocking involves action. As a matter of fact, if I want to come to your house and come in, I have to get in the car, plan the drive to your house, drive to your house and then knock on the door. What I am saying, You MUST DO SOMETHING. This is where preparation comes in. Many times we don’t take purposeful action because we lack the courage and consistency to plan by faith for the result we are believing God for. Sitting around isn’t going to prepare you for when God is ready. What do you believe enough that you are willing to do something about? #keepon

The Key: Purposeful Action

“For as the body apart from the spirit is dead, faith apart from works is dead.” James 2:26

So #keepon! As we contemplate and anticipate what God will do, let us remember in this season of thanksgiving to appreciate what he has already done. What are you waiting for? It’s time to check your motivation, persistence and actions as you pursue God. Don’t give up!

“Keep on asking, and you will receive what you ask for. Keep on seeking, and you will find. Keep on knocking, and the door will be opened to you.” Matthew 7:7 (NLT)

Josh Conn is the founding pastor of 217church, a contemporary church in Mercer County NJ. 217church meets Sundays at 9:30am & 11:00am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ. Visit www.217church.com for more information, or watch a weekend message here.

Posted on Wednesday, November 23, 2016

Thanksgiving – Your Father is Filthy Rich

10 Things that Accelerate Vision: Principle #5 – Acceptance

Many of you know last Friday was a landmark day for our family. We finalized the adoption of our three new sons, Eddy, Godfrey, and William. I wish you could have been in the courtroom as the judge made the final ruling that the Conn family was officially EIGHT! Eight New Jersey Conn’s! This experience has profoundly changed my heart. Each one of my children holds a place of love in my heart and these three new children are no different. The longer I live, the more I understand the power of love and acceptance. We are God’s children and we are to love as He first has loved us.

Principle #5 – Acceptance exemplifies love which communicates the Gospel louder than anything.

“He predestined us for adoption to himself as sons through Jesus Christ, according to the purpose of his will… In him we have obtained an inheritance” Ephesians 1:5,11

So here we are at another Thanksgiving season. This simple verse above has so much to say about the human condition and the need for us to know we are acceptable to God and therefore are to accept others. Acceptance is at the core of human decency. Every day we have the opportunity to communicate love in its simplest form through kindness, giving, sharing and perhaps most difficult sometimes, forgiveness, even when someone doesn’t deserve it. Because Jesus accepts us, we get an inheritance. I have a VERY RICH FATHER and so do you.

Your Inheritance From Your Filthy Rich Father…

#1 You Were Planned – “He predestined us…” You are not an accident, period. Everything else is a lie. No matter who has rejected you, humiliated, or demeaned you, your life was planned. This inherently means you have value. No matter if your biological family provides for you and loves you, You have been accepted by Jesus. The whole idea of being predestined blows my mind. It simply means Jesus knew us and knows us. #acceptance

#2 You Are Protected and Provided for – “…for adoption to himself…” You are a part of the family of God. Now, for many of us the idea of family is painful, but the way Jesus does family is breathtaking. He protects us as our Father. At the adoption hearing, the judge proclaimed that my new children had “rights to my inheritance.” Beautiful! This means as a child of God, you have an inheritance. Here is what you need to remember: An inheritance is a gift of grace not earned. Your inheritance includes eternal life starting NOW. The inheritance includes the privilege to be the church now and then walk in heaven in your new spiritual body. #acceptance

#3 You Have Power – “…as sons through Jesus Christ…” It is through Jesus and his resurrection power that your eternal life has been sealed. The strength that dwells within you is of monumental significance. Because of Jesus in us, we have the power of spoken word, authority over demonic forces, love that is greater, and the power in us to live in a way that is other worldly. At Thanksgiving, we even see the image of God revealing himself through people who were created in His image who haven’t acknowledged it yet. Show His power through #acceptance this Thanksgiving.

#4 You Have Purpose – “…according to the purpose of his will.” Once you start living for the will of God, everything changes. It transforms how you treat your spouse, how you talk to your kids, how you treat those you work with, even how you choose to spend your money and how much you give away. Open hands are to define our revelation of God to the world through #acceptance. Many times we search for a BIG PURPOSE. However, you will only find the BIG PURPOSE if you start with the small things. Your purpose is to show love and forgiveness in the small things. And here is the hard part…It starts with those who live under your roof and also share your last name. Forgive, accept and thrive with your family this Thanksgiving.

Thank you so much for the countless people who have prayed and journeyed with us during this season.

May you sense the love of God and extend acceptance to people this day.

Join us at 217church for our SERIES #Unstoppable – This Sunday at 10:30am is a special Thanksgiving service.

November 27 – Unstoppable Miracles – Romans 4:17-25, Matthew 6:9-12

For more on our NEW SEASON and Why we moved out of the Theater Click HERE

Josh Conn 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 at 10:30am at Sharon Elementary school in Robbinsville, NJ. 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, Burlington 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

Posted on Wednesday, November 25, 2015

Thanksgiving: Remember These 4 Things

God has been faithful. It’s that time of year. It’s time to say thank you. Not out of obligation, but out of pure gratitude. So many people and so little time. This past week I made the time to sit and walk through this past year remembering all the things that have happened since the last time we carved the turkey, and the list of God’s blessings are immeasurable. No, really, I’m not just saying that. 2015 was a year of incredible provision and realization of God’s presence in my life.

“God is faithful, and by Him you were called to fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our lord.” 1 Corinthians 1:9 ESV

The Gospel gives clarity and calling to an otherwise purposeless life. Jesus called us to live a certain way in 2015 so we look back and recount his blessings. My family said goodbye to our father and hello to three new children adopted into our family from Uganda. Our family changed drastically this year. One word could be used to describe this past year for me: Culmination – As we recount this year, here are four things to remember:

4 Things To Remember This Thanksgiving…

#1 Reflect – “Taste and see that the Lord is good.” (Psalm 34:8) This time will fly by. Life is short, don’t miss the moment. I know you know that the Holidays are a great time to take time and reflect. Breath it all in. Enjoy the tastes, smells, hugs, smiles, feelings, everything. Never let too much time pass by without reflecting and recounting what God has done. One strategy that you can use is the half day reflection. pray, read, plan and make a list of what God has provided.

#2 Respect – “Honor your father and mother.” (Exodus 20:12) There will no doubt be those you come in contact with who deserve your respect and honor. Respect is a form of Thanksgiving. A basic character formation requirement for being a disciple of Jesus is learning to respect and honor your family. It’s why Thanksgiving can be so hard. Show restraint and humility. Arguing with a family member over a silly thing will create tension, not peace

#3 Repair – “Forgiving one another.” (Colossians 3:13) There is probably someone you will come in contact with over this weekend that deserves your forgiveness. I know its hard, but it is worth it. Don’t go to the grave with grievances, go with grace. Bitterness only destroys your own heart.

#4 Repeat – “As for me and my house.” (Joshua 24:15) Remember the goodness of God through the traditions in your home. As you do them, you proclaim who is the Lord of the house. Traditions and repetition create familiarity and safety. They connect the generations to each other. Whatever you do, do it with all your heart. Share the stories, dream the dreams and lean into all God has for you.

Finally, I just want to thank you church for being the church. My church family. You are amazing and incredible. Here is a short video message I recorded for you. I love you all and am so thankful God placed you in my life. From the 8 of us in the Conn house to you, HAPPY THANKSGIVING.

Josh

It’s hard to believe, but we enter into year seven of 217church this Spring! We are calling this the “RELAUNCH” of 217church. This means developing a relaunch team. I want you to be on our relaunch team. Here are some ways to be involved in this historic moment: Join one of these Relaunch teams:

Small group team – making disciples that make disciples
Weekend team – making our church the most hospitable place in Central New Jersey
Worship team – leading the church into the presence of God
Prayer team – interceding for the church
Administrative team – ensuring excellence in communication
Ministry fair team – helping people find their place and ultimate contribution
Youth & Kids team – investing in the next generation

E-MAIL DOUG@217church.com to join one of these teams

We are officially #Relaunching @217church after 6 full years of ministry. Our first Sunday services will be Sunday February 7, 2016 Don’t worry, we have regular weekend services leading up to this historic day for us as we prepare and build our teams! 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

Posted on Wednesday, November 27, 2013

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!”

“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!

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.

Posted on Friday, November 22, 2013

Before You Kill The Turkey – 3 Questions…

Before you kill another turkey, you need to answer three questions. The Thanksgiving and Christmas season is an incredible opportunity for us to reflect on God’s faithfulness and become more aware of the needs of the people around us. In every community there are real and tangible needs.

This next week may be the best opportunity to let God speak to you about how much He loves the world. So how do we align our heart with God’s? We must answer these three questions…

“Thus Joseph, who was also called by the apostles Barnabas, a Levite, a native of Cyprus, sold a field that belonged to him and brought the money and laid it at the apostles’ feet.” Acts 4:36-37

3 Questions For Thanksgiving

1. Am I Paying Attention? – “Awareness creates opportunity for response.”

I guarantee you, if you open your eyes you will see needs all around you. It is impossible not to see the lonely and hurting people around you. At the train station, in the mall. Just look into people’s eyes. When you feel like you need to do something, this is the Holy Spirit speaking to you. Listen and sense the need. Jesus always gave people a look, a touch and a word.

2. How Much Will I Give? – “Our heart demands our attention.”

Tithing 10%, and giving in general is a faith and heart question. We are instructed to set aside the first 10% of our income for the advancement of God’s kingdom. It is the FIRST thing God wants us to do out of joy and empowerment as opposed to guilt and restriction. He sees your heart to give and he is pleased. He loves when our motivation is to please Him. The verse below conveys His instruction regarding tithing:

“Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. 11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. 12 Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.” Malachi 3:10-12

3. Will I Forgive My Family? – “Family hurts but Jesus heals.”

One thing I can guarantee, we all at one time or another have had a family member offend us. Life is short, Thanksgiving is here, so get over your pride. Seek forgiveness and forgive and this will be the most powerful thing you do.

“Or how can you say to your brother, ‘Let me take the speck out of your eye,’ when there is the log in your own eye?” Matthew 7:4

OK, sharpen the knife, time to eat!

Josh