Troy H. Jones

Sit back relax.  Every Sunday night I am going to share thoughts about the day.  

• In the last 16 weeks we have seen 115 people give their lives to Jesus, 241 first time guests and 211 second time guests.
• This fall I am going to be sharing three major goals for the next three years at New Life.  I can’t wait.
• Our attitudes towards others reflect our relationship with God.
• I Cor. 6:7 Why not rather be wronged? Why not rather be cheated?
• Jesus was clear—if you have fought with a person…leave your gift at the altar and first go and be reconciled with your brother.
• Trusting Jesus to restore broken relationships.
• Came up with title for Christmas series—“Fruit Cake and Other Oxymorons”.  A study of the fruit the Spirit.
• This fall we are doing a series called “Guardrails”…VERY excited!   I love preaching the Scripture.
• A shout out to Corey Sublett…he is an integral part of the New Life Worship. He is looking for a full time worship leadership position. If you know of a church looking for someone have them contact csublett@hotmail.com
• 150 students going to camp the next two weeks.  Pray for Jesus to change lives.
• We had 28 first or second time guests.  Unbelievable!!!!!!!
• Jesus transforms our hearts, He doesn’t simply inform our heads.
• The red letter edition was invented by Louis Klopsch, (1899). Klopsch worked at a printer shop.  He came across the words of Jesus in Luke 22:20 which says: This cup is the new testament in my blood, which I shed for you. This inspired Louis to ask his mentor what he thought of printing the words spoken by Jesus in red, to which he replied, “It could do no harm and it most certainly could do much good.”
• Got the privileged of renewing 25 year wedding vows of a couple at New Life. I love these kinds of honors.
• I want to challenge EVERYONE to read Matthew 5-7 as many times as possible this summer.  We will spend six weeks here. If you read it once a week—this would be six times reading the Sermon on the Mount.  Read, reflect and repent as you digest the Word of God.
• We need more shuttle drivers and senior bus drivers for New Life.  If interested contact Ricardo.Quintana@newliferenton.com
• We are doing Puget Sound blood drive today!  Click here to sign up.
• Registration for fall Growth Groups opens Monday August 30^th.  They will fill up quickly.  You can register online or in the catalog on Sundays.  Again, they won’t open until August 30^th. 
• Read Matthew 5:22-48.  Some of the most controversial Scriptures in the Bible.  I will be preaching on them next Sunday. Pray!!!!
• You gave another $3000 for camp scholorships on Sunday.  Amazing!  Thank you for your generous response!!

Sit back relax.  Every Sunday night I am going to share thoughts about the day.  

• Wow!  I love what God is doing at New Life.  People are hungry for His word.  SO excited for Red Letters. If you missed today-watch online.
• Nine people gave their hearts to Jesus yesterday. This never gets old.
• We had 28 first or second time guests.  Unbelievable!!!!!!!
• Jesus transforms our hearts, He doesn’t simply inform our heads.
• Lots of people asking about the sign I used for the 8 attitudes of Jesus. Click here.  
• For those of you who attend the 11:00 service…I got a little crazy today. : )
• Homemade Ice Cream-my new favorite.  Jana is making some Monday night. 
• We have way too many store bought, mass produced Christians in the church.  We need some old fashion, God-made disciples of Jesus.
• The red letter edition was invented by Louis Klopsch, (1899). Klopsch worked at a printer shop.  He came across the words of Jesus in Luke 22:20 which says: This cup is the new testament in my blood, which I shed for you. This inspired Louis to ask his mentor what he thought of printing the words spoken by Jesus in red, to which he replied, “It could do no harm and it most certainly could do much good.
• Challenge:  Read Matthew 5-7 this week. Read it as many times as possible.
• Challenge:  Bring  your Bibles to church and shut off your cell phone.
• Lots of kids at Vacation Bible Camp this week.  The church is full of kids.  Follow me on Twitter and Facebook.  I will post pictures.
• I did a slide show for my girls.  View on my Facebook.  Get ready, you will cry.
• I want to challenge EVERYONE to read Matthew 5-7 as many times as possible this summer.  We will spend six weeks here. If you read it once a week—this would be six times reading the Sermon on the Mount.  Read, reflect and repent as you digest the Word of God.
• We need more shuttle drivers and senior bus drivers for New Life.  If interested contact Ricardo.Quintana@newliferenton.com
• My text for new Sunday is Matthew 5:21-26. Click here to read.  Get ready.  I am believing God to restore broken relationships next Sunday. Can’t wait!!!!!!
• We are doing Puget Sound blood drive Tuesday, July 20th.  Click here to sign up.
• I had 4 people ask me about Growth Groups this Sunday.  Registration for fall Growth Groups opens Monday August 30th.  They will fill up quickly.  You can register online or in the catalog on Sundays.  Again, they won’t open until August 30th. 
• Growth Groups are a 10-12 weeks commitment and happen on campus and at home during the week. We have an incredible line up this fall.  (Again, sign up begins Monday, August 30th)
• Did you know we do two services in main auditorium and two in north auditorium every Sunday (Softer Sundays and the Well)?  I want to encourage everyone to check out Softer Sundays and the Well sometime.  You will love them.  Softer Sundays @ 9am and The Well @ 12:30pm. 
• My youngest daughter turns 17 on Tuesday.  Happy Birthday Chelsey…I am SO proud of you!!

Sit back relax.  Every Sunday night I am going to share thoughts about the day.  

• Freedom isn’t a license to sin—it is a platform to serve. 
• Galations 5:1-15.  I loved our text on Sunday.  Read it again.  Reflect on it.
• The church was full on July 4^th. Amazing to see God fill His house.
• I have been sick for the last few days.  God’s hand touched me during the message. I thank God for His favor and healing.  
• Tuesday Night it was unbelievable at New Life.  Renton Salvation Army had their annual fundraiser.  We had The Mayor, The EriAm Sisters and Marcie Maxwell in the house. Loved hearing the heart of Salvation Army. 
• The greatest thing about Tuesday night was watching our volunteers serve the community.  A shout out to all the host teams and media crew who made Tuesday night happen.
• Red Letters begins next week. SO excited for this series.  Digging into the words of Jesus.  Doesn’t get better than this.
• I want to challenge EVERYONE to read Matthew 5-7 as many times as possible this summer.  We will spend six weeks here. If you read it once a week—this would be six times reading the Sermon on the Mount.  Read, reflect and repent as you digest the Word of God.
• I am working on my notes for next Sunday—Read Matthew 5:1-16.  Incredible text.  Jesus is more concerned about your inside than your outside.  Jesus is more concerned about your relationships than religion.  Read and get yourself ready for next Sunday. 
• I am sick of people talking on their cell phones in public (ie. church, restaurant, on a date with their spouse, etc).  Respect people around you.  When I talk in public I will walk away and find a private place to talk.   Ok, I am preaching now….
• Getting away for a couple of days with the family this week. Love my girls.  Love my wife. Love my life. 
• Many pastors don’t like the summer—I actually enjoy the summer. Lots of guests checking us out.  People are a bit more relaxed.  Sunshine (at least some).  We will dig deep into Matthew 5-7. 
• Plan now to join a Fall Growth Group.  Registration is the month of September.  Just a few weeks.
• Jana and I are SO blessed to serve you and this community.  We love and pray God’s favor on all Newlifers!!!!

• On Tuesday, New Life will be hosting a community fund raising event for Renton Salvation Army.  State Representative Marcie Maxwell will be speaking & the Eriam sisters from the Renton Highlands (the three sisters from America’s got talent) will be in concert.  Excited to see the community use our church campus.
• This weekend I started to organize all my family pictures. I have 10,835 on my computer.  Wow.  That is a lot of work to organize.
• Loved receiving communion as a church family today.  It never gets old to remember the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
• Trying to pick up my Iphone 4 this week.  Crossing my fingers.
• We are all samples for Jesus.  We are the aroma of Christ.  Jeffery Portmann did an incredible job today helping us get this.  I can’t believe he cooked bacon in church. 
• Next week is 4th of July.  Start off your day at New Life.  Services at 9am, 11am and 12:30pm.  We will talk about our freedom in Christ.
• Buy your fireworks from our youth ministry this week. Click here for info on three stands. 
• Can’t wait to preach this summer.  We begin “Red Letters” in two weeks.  14 days.  Looking at the words of Jesus.
• On Sunday nights I try to hangout with our youth ministry.  Love watching students worship Jesus.
• Please silence your cell phones during worship. 
• Open up your Bibles this summer.  Read all the Red Letters. Great summer challenge.
• We had 21 1st and 2nd time families this weekend. God is good.  1 gave their heart to Jesus. 
• In the lobby yesterday we had a couple upset that I didn’t follow up on a sensitive email. I spent a couple of hours looking for this email. Couldn’t find it. I hate when this happens. My bad. If you’re reading this…please make contact with me.
• Many pastors don’t like the summer-I actually enjoy the summer. Lots of guests checking us out.  People are a bit more relaxed.  Sunshine (at least some).  We will dig deep into Matthew 5-7.  
• If you want to give a camp scholarship click here. Your scholarship makes a difference for students who can’t afford camp.
• Trying to decide if I want to get an Ipad.  What do you think?
• We are about to go on our 3rd mission trip to Haiti.  Love hearing the reports of people who come back.  Today I saw some great pictures of churches we are rebuilding.  This simply never gets old.
• On Friday Jana and I ran into SO many people in the community from New Life.  We love what God is doing in this community through YOU!!

I totally understand that sentiment. I hate change. Some change is good. I get it. We will become irrelevant without change. I get it.

I just read some quotes that made me laugh.
In 1442, “I will never get used to a book. It doesn’t feel right. I just love the experience of unrolling a scroll and the beauty of hand-written words.” Johannes Gutenberg invented movable type and the mechanical printing press in 1439.
In 1881, “I will never convert to electric lights. It just isn’t natural. I love the smell of candles and the flickering of the light.” Thomas Edison invented the electric light bulb in 1879.
In 1916, “I will never buy an automobile. It’s too dangerous. I just love of the feel of a buggy and the sound of the horse’s hoofs against the road.” Henry Ford began mass producing cars in 1914.

Change can be good or evil. We need wisdom to leverage change in Godly ways.

I am shocked how sloppy so many leaders are when it comes to time management. I don’t think leaders are lazy—I think they are sloppy.  Big difference.

We complain how busy we are.  Leaders, grow up!  If you are too busy—you need to repent.  This is your fault.  Not your church, spouse or job. 

Way too many families are being destroyed because people don’t know how to manage their time.  We blame it on the job, society, and anything else we can blame it on. You have to learn how to manage you—not time.  I know I am calling this time management—but it would be better stated “you” management. Stop being sloppy. Stop blaming your boss.   Get control of your time.  Get control of you. 

Sometimes in ministry world I hear wives complain the “church” keeps my husband too busy. Listen to me ladies—read this closely. If your husband is too busy—it has NOTHING TO DO WITH THE MINISTRY.  Either he doesn’t want to be home with you or he is being sloppy with his time management in his life. Either way—change has to happen!

Here are 10 basic tips for time management. (or “you’ management)

1. Get the facts.  Track your hours for three weeks. I have met many leaders who THINK they work 50 hours a week.  But in reality they only work 38 hours a week.  You have to face reality.  Track it.  Prove it. Some of you think you are too busy—the truth is you’re not. 
2. Create a “to do” list.  Master the basics.  Everyday, write a “to do” list. I don’t care if you do this on your computer, Iphone or pad of paper.  Do it. 
3. Work your calendar.  Your calendar is your life.  Don’t just put this in the hands of your assistant. Work it. Say yes. Say no.  Look ahead 3 months, 6 months and even a year.  If there is too much going on—SAY NO.
4. Develop a rhythm in your week.  Get a good work schedule.  Identity the core things that make you successful.  Schedule blocks of time every week when you do these things.  Example: speaking is essential to my job.  So I have blocks of time on my calendar every week when I prepare.
5. Start a “Stop Doing List”.  Seriously. From time to time, I will make a stop doing list. I make this list once a quarter. What can I stop doing?  Now.  Just stop it.  You may have to delegate this or simply have no one do it. It is amazing how much time we waste.
6. Develop sacred times you don’t work.  I do everything I can to NOT work Monday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings.  (at least 3 of 4).  My day off is Friday.  As a pastor my biggest work day is Sunday. I protect these days. 
7. Remember Parkinson law: Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion. I totally agree.  Example: it can take me 1 hour or 5 hours to clean my office. Say—I will work on this project for one hour. And be done.  We waste so much time on projects that should only take us half the time. (I set my appointments for 30 minutes not 45.  I get more done in 30 minutes than I do 45 minutes.  Easy)
8. Remember Pareto Principle: roughly 80% of the effects come from 20% of the causes.  Here is what this means practically—20% of my time gets 80% of my results.  20% of the things on my “to do” list get 80% of my results.  Remember this.  I am always trying to figure out—what to stop doing.  Don’t waist my time. Be careful here—if you say no to the wrong thing you could get fired.
9. Watch distractions like emails, meetings, blogs, facebook and twitter. Lots of wasted time. Come on leaders, be honest—much of your day is wasted time.  You are robbing yourself, your company and your family.  Your spouse would love to spend that hour with you that you wasted on facebook.
10. Improve your skills.  Seriously. Maybe you can take a computer class and save yourself tons of time each week because you know the computer better.  Maybe you can read a book on delegation and harness this skill better.  Why does it take some people one hour to do something and others 3 hours to do the same task?  Sometimes it is skill and experience.  Improve on that particular skill.

Sit back relax.  Every Sunday night I am going to share thoughts about the day.  

• Sunday was AMAZING!  Wow.  God is doing some incredible things.  Jana and I love New Life!  We love you.
• “Integrity is the glue that holds our way of life together. We must constantly strive to keep our integrity intact.” (Bill Graham) 
• I love Genesis 39:8-But he refused….!  If you missed the message today, watch it online.
• My family really honored me on Father’s day.  Saturday night dinner, Sunday afternoon dinner, Monday morning breakfast, cards, new shirts and a Sunday night late family movie-Toy Story 3. I am spoiled and blessed. I love my wife and two girls.
• At Toy Story 3 we ran into so many people from New Life.  I am consistently reminded of the influence of the local church
• Yes-I confess-I had a tear in my eye at the end of Toy Story 3. 
• Powerful to see men worshiping and praying together!  Man Up was awesome. My brother in law, Roger Archer did an incredible job.
• We moved the 12:30 service (The Well) into the North Auditorium.  What a great environment.  I love what God is doing in the Well.
• On Thursday, I flew to San Jose, California to work with some business leaders and meet with a pastor. It is great to see how Biblical principles connect to cooperation in the business world.
• Our missions giving is up 18% to the year. I love it!!!
• Our attendance is up 21%.
•  Unstoppable Character.  What is defining your life?  Character or Charisma?
• On Sunday we brought in $5000 for camp scholarships.  If you would  like to give click here or mark your giving “camp scholarships”
• I love summer. Gives us a chance to breath.  I believe all of us need to take vacation.  But let me challenge you—don’t let summer stop you from your Sabbath. Yes-if you are out of town, enjoy.  Maybe even find another church to worship in. But-don’t lose the rhythm of church life. 
•  I AM SO EXCITED FOR GROWTH GROUPS THIIS FALL!!!!
• During the OnePrayer 3 week series I encourage you to dial into your quiet time with Jesus. Read a Proverb a day.  Go to www.oneprayer.com and follow the prayer calendar.
• Summer series-over the Sermon on the Mount. Can’t wait to preach during the summer.
• We had 11 1st and 2nd time families this weekend. God is good.  5 gave their hearts to Jesus. 
• Our youth are selling fireworks.  If you are going to “burn” your money-at least buy from them!
• Many pastors don’t like the summer-I actually enjoy the summer. Lots of guests checking us out.  People are a bit more relaxed.  Sunshine (at least some).  We will dig deep into Matthew 5-7 this Sunday.   

Fathers day is actually a bit painful for me. I am not sure if painful is the right word. But there is a loneliness and ache that is real.   It makes me understand I miss having a dad growing up.  Only time I ever saw my biological father is when I was 21. He slammed the door on my face.

This day also reminds me some core men in my life that shaped my life. I want to say Happy Fathers day to them. God has been faithful to me to bring many Godly men who in my heart I call “dad”

• Rick Ross—thank you for being my spiritual father in the faith.  I will forever honor the role and influence you had and are having on me. You taught me how to be a man and leader.  Happy Father’s day
• Warren Hassel —in my early 20’s my mom married an incredible man named Warren Hassel.  He had never been married and had no kids.  We become close.  He adopted me at the age 22.  I love this man.  Warren passed away a couple of years ago.  I am looking at a picture of Warren in my den.  My true dad. (many of you don’t know—my true name is Troy Hassel Jones. 
• Larry Curry.  Over the last 20 years Jana’s dad has become a Father to me. I love and respect him.  Happy Father’s day dad.  You have been a real man to me.
• Bill Dolleman.  Many men in the church have invested in my life. I often think of Bill Dolleman.  He took me under his wings and showed me what true marriage and fatherhood  is all about.  Today Bill is our vice chair of the board of New Life. I love this man.
• There are so many other men who have played influenced my life.  I thank God for the body of Christ. Men who taught me how to live for Jesus and love my wife.

 Yes, Father’s Day is painful for me.  But—really I am one of the most blessed men alive.  I have core men in my life that have really showed me what a man is.  I thank God for these men.

Because of God’s grace and the influence of these men—I have broken the generation curse over my life.  I am thankful to God and these men!

Sit back relax.  Every Sunday night I am going to share thoughts about the day.  

• INCREDIBLE day at New Life. God is moving. Doing some powerful things.
• We begin a new series next week called “ONEPRAYER: Unstoppable!”  We are partnering with over 1,000 churches. THE CHURCH STANDING TOGETHER.
• For the next three weeks we are going to focus on one word:  UNSTOPPABLE!  The church is unstoppable. 
• We baptized 4 people today.  I love stories of life change. 
• Last Wednesday we had the largest Simply Worship ever.  500 people showing up to worship and pray is a good day.
• We all need to create a rhythm in our lives that allows us to stop and hear the voice of God. 
• “Man Up” is coming in 14 days.  Men you don’t want to miss this. Roger Archer is speaking. Roger is my brother in law.  You will love him!!!  You can sign up here.
• “If your life is rushing in many directions at once, you are incapable of the kind of deep, unhurried, prayer vital to the Christian walk.” Bill Hybels
• I heard the traffic was shut down on Maple Valley Hwy today.  What happened?
• The Gentle Whisper should never replace the Written Word.
• My three rules: Divert Daily, Withdrawal Weekly, Abandon Annually
• This next Sunday we are trying something new—not opening up the doors until 10 minutes before service.  This would give people lots of time to hang in the lobby and have coffee.
• Discipleship is fostered within the context of providential relationships, personal disciplines and practical Bible teaching.
• Are you addicted to noise?  Noise will leave a void.  Find a place with God this week.
• I love our volunteers.  We honored all of them on Friday. You have to watch THIS.
•  “Grow a Row”.  At our 9:00 AM service there is a family that has made it their goal to—Grow a row.  Invite enough people to church to fill up one row. They have been working on this for a couple of months.  It is great to see their heart for the gospel.
• A church who doesn’t celebrate the right things—will eventually complain about the wrong things.  (this is why so many  Christ followers complain about stupid stuff)
• Our ushers rock!  Just sayin.
• Watching people drink coffee and hangout before and after church are some of my favorite moments
• Summer series—over the sermon on the mount. Jesus just nails it in this sermon.
• We had 18 1^st  and 2^nd time families on Memorial Day weekend. God is good.  4 gave their hearts to Jesus. 
• Read Acts 3:1-10 to prepare for next Sunday! Unstoppable Power.

Sit back relax.  Every Sunday night I am going to share thoughts about the day. 

• I decided to get rid of New Life Ramblings and replace with Sunday night ramblings.  This is one step I am taking to protect my Friday Sabbath.  I preached myself into conviction!
• Wow!  What a Sunday at New Life!  When Sam was singing “How Great Thou Art” at the end of the service I feel like I was in heaven.  Amazing. I love our worship at New Life.
• I met so many first time and second time guests today.  I love that people are inviting their friends and family to church. I had one long-time church member say-”everyone should grow a row”…in other words—everyone fill one row at church. I like it.
• I spent some time in Softer Sundays.  I love this video venue.  I am SO excited for what God is doing in this service.
• 4 students gave their lives to Jesus at Axis tonight. I love seeing students hunger after God.
• 55 people showed up to New Life Orientation.  Wow!  This blew us away. We had people who were first time guests on Sunday come back to New Life Orientation.  People are down right excited about what God is doing at New Life.
• Worship—anything we do with the intent of bring honor, glory and worth to God.
• Worship is about God-not you!
• Just because we have hands raised doesn’t mean we have hearts surrendered. 
• Click here to listen to Sunday’s message on worship.  
• We had 19 first and second time families fill out the connection card. Amazing.
• We had 9 people give their lives to Jesus today.  Church, all heaven celebrates this.  Let’s celebrate the goodness of God together.  
• Water baptisms always stir faith and vision in me.   We baptized 6 today. THIS NEVER GETS OLD.   
• Quote of the day-”Best message I have ever heard on tithing last weekend”.  Incredible. Rarely will you hear someone excited about you preaching on tithing.  I love this church. 
• Someone told me today they started to attend New Life because they met Jana in a laundry mat. My first thought-”how cool is that!”  My second thought-”Jana never goes to a laundry mat”.  (either way-I am glad my wife invites people to church)
• Our staff did a fun video-you have to see this.  Click here to watch
• Jana and I park our car off campus at Ron Regis every week.. I so appreciate the shuttle drivers.  Ralph Shaw (and others) are phenomenal. 
• I love seeing people arrive early to church.  Arrive early-stay late-hangout.  Drink coffee.  One of my favorite moments of the day-watching people drink coffee in lobby. 
• I am SO excited for NEXT Sunday-preaching on communion.  We will receive communion together.  Can’t wait!  Seven days!  Come-let’s do it now.
• I posted a “question and answer” sheet on my blog. Click here to read.
• I love New Life.  I love what God is doing!  I don’t take the favor of the Lord for granted.
• During New Life Orientation someone asked-”What is your view of marriage and divorce?” I love the fact that people feel comfortable to ask these tough questions.  (btw-God forgives and restores)
• On Friday I watched my daughter play powder puff football. Being a dad is way more important than being a pastor.
• At New Life Orientation I framed our church strategy a little different-We organize our ministries into three major  buckets-Weekend Gathering, Growth Groups and Serving Opportunities.  We gather, we grow and we serve.  That is New Life!  This is how we make disciples.  This is HOW we fulfill our mission of leading people into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.   
• Talk about serving-I love talking to the crew who went to Haiti.  Life changing experience for them. I love serving our world.
• I am exhausted.  Preached 3 times. Taught for 2 hours at New Life Orientation.  Monday will be a Holy Hangover. Lots of coffee to keep me awake.