Mark's Journey

Networks This Sunday

This Sunday you will have an opportunity to check out and sign up to participate in Network events happening within the next month.  Some of you have already participated before and know it is a great way to make a difference, connect more in your community, and take next steps.  But if you have yet to check it out or if you are new to The Journey, Networks are a great way to take a next step.  We'll have several opportunties for you to serve in Networks.  We encourage everyone at The Journey to connect with a Network.  Check it out this Sunday!

Humility

Are you humble?  Like some of you, I have been intrigued by the play of Jeremy Lin in the NBA and his recent explosion to super star like status.  But I have been more intrigued by his humility in interviews.  It isn't about him.  It is about the team.  I also have recently read some things in the Bible about humility.  James 4:7 says that God opposes the proud, but gives grace to the humble.

I want to be humble.  God's words in the Bible say it is a better way to live.  I believe it.  I often am prideful, but I know God desires humility.

Our Responsibility

If you go to church (The Journey or another church), how long have you been going?  How many messages have you heard?  How many cups of coffee have you had?

And if you are a follower of Jesus, how long have you been following?  When did you first begin to take steps with Him?

If you've been attending church gatherings for a while, and especially if you now are following Jesus, you have a responsibility.  And this includes me, as well.  WE have a responsibility.  We have heard some things that have changed our life.  We've learned some new truths that work.  We understand more of who Jesus is and the forgiveness He offers.  We have taken some steps.  But our responsibility is to share that with others.  Part of us maturing and growing with God is to share this with others.  Jesus told people to do this.  He tells us to do it as well.

So it is our responsbility to tell others what we have learned and what we know.  Tell them what we are experiencing with God.  Invite them to The Journey and into your life.  Begin to live out our responsibility. 

Some Numbers

Just in case this interests you, we always assess and evaluate what we do at The Journey.  We want to keep growing, learning, and taking steps as a church.  We want to be a church that is providing opportunities for people to take steps, serve, and grow in a relationship with Jesus.  So as we go, and as we grow as a church, part of what helps us determine if we are growing and if people are taking steps is how many are involved in various things we do.  So here are some recent numbers that encourage me.  Numbers don't show everything, but they do  give us a sense of how things are going over time.  Within the past year...

• Approximately 200 people have participated in a Network event (starting in August)
• Approximately 220 people have participated in a Journey Group
• Approximately 270 people volunteer some time to serve at The Journey.

Be encouraged!  Keep taking steps!

Weekend Review

-Spent all of Saturday watching basketball.  Jordan was in a tournament and then watched some high school ball with him.  In a gym for 7 hours.  Someone asked if it was long.  Actually, watching basketball all day is not a bad thing to do.

-Had some good family time Saturday night.

-Jen was sick most of the weekend.  First the boys, now her.  I feel bad for her. I am trying to step it up at home.  I hope I don't get it.

-Someone came to The Journey this weekend and said this was the friendliest place in West Michigan.  I think that is a tribute to all of our hosts, coffee bar volunteers, and all those who make The Journey happen.

-Hans and Frans at The Journey.  Enough said.

-The Journey Group I am in was so good last night.  Great food.  But even better is a great bunch of people and the conversation.

Stuck in my head

I have been reading some of the same verses in the Bible over and over again this past week.  I keep thinking about them and get challenged every time.  I can't even really get my mind around them.  Here are a few:

But we are not of those who shrink back and are destroyed, but of those who believe and are saved.  Hebrew 10:39

Now faith is being sure of what we hope for ad certain fo what we do not see.  Hebrews 11:1

By faith Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going. Hebrews 11:8

I want to live like this, think like this, and follow God like this.

Weekend Review

Friday night I got to go to a basketball game with Jordan. But sickness has hit our house. Jacob was sick all last week and the weekend.  Then Jordan got sick Saturday and missed 2 of his games.  Jen and I got to hang out with some friends Saturday night.  We grilled out and had good talks and laughs.

The weekend services at The Journey were (in my opinion) one of the best I have ever experienced.  I thought the music, videos, message, and the whole thing flowed.  I think we all related to the need to be forgiven and to forgive others.  We had some new hosts this weekend...it was great to see others jump into serve!

We got to watch the Super Bowl with some good friends, and some good food!  I was kind of hoping the Patriots would win...I'd like to see Brady win one more.  But I thought the game was great being close like that.  I'll take a close game over a blow out any day.  Can't wait until the 2012 season to start in 7 months!

This Weekend

Hey, this weekend is the Super Bowl.  You aleady know that.  But here are a couple things to remember.

#1  We will have our normal service times at The Journey on Sunday morning at 9:30 and 11:00 am.  But the 5:00 pm service will be on SATURDAY NIGHT not on Sunday night.  Come check it out.

#2 If you are planning to watch the Super Bowl (the game or just the commercials) look to invite someone to watch it with.  Have a party.  It can be a great way to get to know your neighbors, co-workers, or others that you may not know very well.  In your conversation, look for a chance to tell them about The Journey and invite them to come sometime with you.

Like your home

If you are someone who regularly attends The Journey or if you are still kind of new, but have come a few times, I got some thing for you to think about today.

#1 Invite someone to come with you.  There are people all around us who would be encouraged and find hope for their life by their experience at The Journey.  God wants more to do with our life than we realize and we can give that opportunity to others.  Look around your workplace, neighborhood, friends, and family.  Who could you invite to join you some Sunday?

#2  If (and when) they come with you to The Journey, or you meet them there, treat them like you would in your home.  Welcome them at the door, walk them in and show them around.  Take them to the coffee bar, and if they have kids, show them the kids rooms.  Sit with them in the auditorium.  This will help give them a sense of belonging and that they kind of know what to do and where to go.  It could make all the difference in their experience to have a relationship with God, not religion.

Monday Mind Dump

• Since January 1, I have been working hard at the exercise thing.  I hope it lasts and I can keep it up, but some days I hate it.  I have been hard core for 4 weeks and my old knees are starting to hurt.  But otherwise I feel pretty good right now.
• Lots of people have signed up for Journey Groups this month.  The winter semester is about to get started.  I am really excited about the steps people are taking.
• I love the Journey Group I am in.  We laugh, eat good food, learn together, and have great conversation.
• I am planning a big date for later this week with Jen.  SHHHHH.  Don't say anything.
• We are trying to get some Network plans for the next month.  We are still knew at this and trying to make some more connections.  We have lots of willing people to serve.
• Yesterday I saw some Journeyers, who had invited and brought friends, give a tour and welcomed them just like they were in their home.  Way to go!