Troy H. Jones

Sit back and relax.  I love writing the New Life ramblings.  These are just random thoughts on life, church, my family, God and faith.

• Happy New Year.  I pray God’s favor on you and your family.
• Jana and I want to spend the next 30 days praying for your family and friends who need Jesus in 2010.  Email us their names.  We will pray!
• I am reading the New Testament the next 30 days. Click here to get the plan.  This only takes 30-35 minutes a day.  Great way to start a new decade.
• New Life—thank you for your giving.  Finish this year strong.  While we are above for the year-currently the month of December is down in our tithes. Today is the last day to give.  You can give online, mail in (postmarked December 31, 2009), or bring to the church office.  Thank you for your commitment to being meticulous with God’s resources all the way to the end of 2009.
• I am so excited about the first two series of 2010. I can barely wait to preach.  In a couple of weeks we start a series called “Simon Peter”.  I love Simon Peter.  He risked. He failed. He got back up.
• Before the “Simon Peter” series we will do a two week series called “Picture This”.  Picture what can happen if the church really engaged in the mission of God.
• Man up rally is coming.  Men you don’t want to miss this. Click here for more information.
• I thank God for every person who got saved, baptized in water and transformed in 2009.
• I thank God for the momentum and growth in 2009.
• We have seen a modern day miracle in 2009 with your generosity. Most churches and businesses are struggling in today’s economy.  God has been faithful to New Life. 
• On Sunday we are going to take a moment and celebrate 2009.  God is faithful. We have so much to be grateful for. I thank God for each of you.
• I just got back from my prayer and planning retreat.  God is stirring my heart.  2010 will be a milestone year for New Life. Yes, we are moving into the new building in 2010.  But this is just the beginning.  I am praying for an awakening of the Spirit of God at New Life.  That God would consume us with the person and work of Jesus Christ, the presence and power of the Holy Spirit and the love and awe of a Father who pursues us.
• Attention all students-New Years Eve party tonight. It will be packed. We have over 100 already signed up online.  Show up at door.
• Jana and I love you.  Buckle up!  2010 will be a milestone for New Life.

I think there is a dark side to Facebook, Twitter, podcasts and conferences.  Information on other pastors and churches is readily available.  This has great benefits.  We can get ideas quicker, network more effectively and expand the Kingdom of God.  I love all these benefits and more.

But here is the dark side.  It is dangerous to only see a Mark Driscoll, Andy Stanley or Mark Batterson from a distance.  All you see is their good side.  There are a few dangerous side effects to this.

You can become discontent with what God is doing in your life and ministry.  In reality it is amazing what is happening in your life.  But “the grass is greener on the other side” mentality sets in.  Listen to me—everything always looks better online, over Facebook or on Twitter.  Always.  If you actually did ministry with these guys you would find out—they don’t always have big crowds, amazing messages and creative ideas. 

Not only can you fall into the trap of comparing these national phenomenas to your ministry, but you can compare them to your pastor.  This is dangerous.  “My pastor doesn’t preach, lead or look like my mistress.”  Dangerous.  It is like spiritual pornography.  It is like you have a ministry mistress.  Every time your pastor leads, you are comparing him to your affair with another minister.  Every time you open your mouth in a staff meeting, it reeks of “this is what my ministry mistress does”.   All you see is the glamorous side of these leaders.  It is actually very sick.  It hinders you from being fresh and hearing God yourself.  If you are not careful, you become a parrot and not a leader.  You are a copy cat, not an original. Your pastor (who signs your paycheck) feels cheated on and can never compare when you are comparing him to your other lover.

The latest idea you have is from the last web site you visited or pod cast you just listened to  As you listen to your ministry mistress all you see is the “sexy” side of that minister.  He doesn’t have to hold you accountable for results, make sure the budget is right, or bring correction because you are being lazy and not producing results.  Of course you like him.  I say “go work for him”.   You will find they are real human beings that God is using. 

This isn’t a blog against Mark Driscoll, Andy Stanley or Mark Batterson. Not at all. I love them. They have helped me dream big and believe God for more.  I learn from them.  But, I don’t cheat on my church by comparing myself to them.  I don’t let the glamour deceive me.  This blog is challenging immature leaders to grow up. Learn from other leaders.  But, don’t fall into the emotional temptation “the grass is greener on the other side”.  It is not.  Some of you may actually have to work for someone else to figure this out.  Don’t let discontentment set in.  Don’t chase after fantasies. Dream big where you are planted.  Honor your pastor who is paying your paycheck and giving you a place to hang your hat.  Fall in love with the wow and mystery of your church, your pastor, your ministry and your life.  Don’t cheat on your church, your pastor and your ministry by always comparing them to your “ministry mistress”

Sit back and relax.  I love writing the New Life ramblings.  These are just random thoughts on life, church, my family, God and faith.  

• Christmas Eve services in 24 hours.  Invite your whole family.  Your friends. Services are at 5pm, 6:30pm and 10:00pm.
• One of my favorite traditions at New Life is our Christmas Eve services.  A family tradition.  Carols.  Candle Lighting.  Christmas Story.  Celebrating Christmas with New Life. 
• Incredible water baptism from last weekend.  Click here to watch one of the greatest moments for 2009 for me personally. 
• Our youth are doing a special end of the year party night at the movies on Sunday.  Click here for more information.
• Thinking about how important dads are to the family and Christmas. Dads-make sure you take a moment and read the Christmas Story to your family on Christmas Eve or morning.  Luke 2:1-20.   Take the lead and create one or two family traditions.  Even go the extra mile and vacuum before guests come over.
• I am very excited for 2010.  New decade.  Significant year for New Life.  Moving into the new building.  Growth.  Anointing.  Pursuit of God! 
• We gave $6100 to benevolence at the Christmas Concert.  If you want to give to benevolence, put it in the offering on Sunday, Christmas Eve, give online or put in Giving Kiosk.
• End the year with generosity! Finish strong in your giving.  New Life, this has been an amazing year of generosity.  Lots of ways to give at New Life.  Online, put in offering/Giving Kiosk or drop by office. 
• We sent a Christmas card with picture of my family. I am so blessed.  Love my two girls and wife. Use this picture as a reminder to pray for us.
• From my family to yours—Merry Christmas.
• Looking forward to some time off the next 10 days.    
• Christ is born!  Celebrate Jesus, forgiveness and redemption.
• I just finished my notes for Christmas Eve services.  I will be reading the Christmas story.  Powerful just to read Scripture and allow the story to speak for itself. 
• See you Christmas Eve!

Sit back and relax.  I love writing the New Life ramblings.  These are just random thoughts on life, church, my family, God and faith.

• Christmas Sunday is this Sunday.  Preaching on Luke 1:26-38.  Water Baptisms.  Praying for broken relationships.  Finishing “Our Father”.
• Christmas Eve services this week.  A family tradition.  Carols.  Candle Lighting.  Christmas Story.  Celebrating Christmas with New Life.  Services are at 5pm, 6:30pm and 10:00pm.
• Our Christmas Concert was amazing last weekend.  2,000 people.
• My Christmas tree died.  I went back to the place I bought it from.  They replaced it for free. I call this favor.
• Dads-make sure you take a moment and read the Christmas story to your family on Christmas Eve or morning.  Luke 2:1-20.   
• We gave three truck loads of toys and $1400 gift cards to Vision House.
• According to a 1995 survey, 7 out of 10 dogs get Christmas gifts from their doting owners.
• New Life Orientation was amazing last weekend.  People excited about the church.  I love seeing new people connect.
• Met with Elders this week.  Amazing wisdom, insight and encouragement.
• I am very excited for 2010.  New decade.  Significant year for New Life.  Moving into new building.  Growth.  Anointing.  Pursuit of God! 
• I spoke in Primetimers this week.  We have an amazing army of senior adults who love Jesus who have laid a great foundation for New Life. Many of them have been here for 40 and 50 years. 
• I showed the “Tribute to Pastor Tappero” video at Primetimers lunch.  Never gets old.  Click here to watch again.
• We gave $6100 to benevolence at the Christmas Concert.  If you want to give to benevolence put it in the offering on Sunday, Christmas Eve, give online or put in the Giving Kiosk.
• End the year with generosity! Finish strong in your giving.  New Life, this has been an amazing year of generosity. 
• We sent a Christmas card with picture of my family. I am so blessed.  I love my two girls and wife. Use this picture as a reminder to pray for us.
• From my family to yours—Merry Christmas.
• Read Luke 1:26-38 to prepare for Sunday.

 Sit back and relax.  I love writing the New Life ramblings.  These are just random thoughts on life, church, my family, God and faith.

• This week I am preaching “deliver us from evil”.  This message is burning in my heart.
• Read James 1:13-21 to prepare for Sunday.
• The Christmas Concert is tonight and Saturday night.  You don’t want to miss it.  You can get more information HERE.
• Chistmas Sunday is Sunday, December 20.  We are going to talk about Mary’s prayer and pray for all broken relationships.  God is going to rock our lives.
• New Life Orientation is Sunday.  Great environment to hear the mission and strategy of New Life.  If you are new or attending for years, I would love to spend an evening with you.  Click HERE for more info.
• Here is a great blog to read called “Top Dozen Do’s and Don’ts for Facebooking Couples”.
• Jana and I had a good conversation this week.  What kind of year end gift can we give for our missionaries around the world?  I want to encourage you to do this.
• We are very excited about our Christmas Eve Services (5, 6:30 and 10PM).  This is one of my favorite traditions at New Life.  Invite your family and friends.
• Antarctica is the only continent that does not have land area below sea level.
• We are 17 Sundays until our move in day for our new building.  They started to paint the outside of the building this week.
• We are just finishing our Financial Peace University.  During the 13 weeks of this class the participants paid $109,000 of personal debt.  Amazing!
• For review.  Lots going on this weekend.  Christmas Concert.  “Deliver us from Evil” on Sunday.  New Life Orientation.  Don’t miss any of these!
• If you missed last Sunday, click here to listen to the message.

Sit back and relax.  I love writing the New Life ramblings.  These are just random thoughts on life, church, my family, God and faith.
 

• This Sunday we will be praying for all police officers and firefighters at the end of our services.  Protection.  Honor. Strength. 
• If you know of any police officers or firefighters invite them to church with you.
• The next two weeks are perhaps the most important messages I will ever preach.  We are dealing with sin, temptation, redemption, forgiveness, and evil in our world. 
• This Sunday—“Forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors”
• We need parking volunteers.  If you can help email Pastor Ricardo.
• Jana turned 40 this week.  I had a Santa come and sing happy birthday to her at our staff and elder Christmas party.  Let’s just say-he was creepy.  Made for a fun laugh.  Jana and I are still laughing.
• Serve this community this Christmas season-watch this video
• Christmas Concert is next Friday and Saturday Night.  You don’t want to miss it. Pick up your tickets this Sunday.
• Here is a great blog to read called “Top Dozen Do’s and Don’ts for Facebooking Couples”
• Jana and had a good conversation this week.  What kind of year end gift can we give for our missionaries around this world?  I want to encourage you to do this.
• We are very excited about our Christmas Eve Services. (5, 6:30 and 10 PM).  This is one of my favorite traditions at New Life.  Invite your family and friends.
• We are 18 Sundays away from move in day for our new building.  They started to paint the outside of the building this week. 
• We are receiving lots of cool reports of small groups serving our community together. 
• Read Matthew 18:21-35 to prepare for Sunday.  Great story.  Read slow.  Reflect. 
• Excited about Sunday.  Praying for police officers and firefighters.  Worship.  Preaching a very significant message.  Honoring God.