Starting in 10 days New Life will have seven gatherings every weekend.  One on Saturday + two in the main auditorium + two in the North Auditoruim (Softer Sundays) + two on the Maple Valley/Covington campus.

It takes over 1,000 volunteers to make this happen. This last  Sunday alone we had 134 people sign up to serve.

People ask me all the time, “What makes New Life happen?” Honestly, people are looking for a silver bullet to make their church grow.  There is no silver bullet.  There is a mass army of leaders and volunteers who love Jesus, His mission and serve like crazy behind the scenes.  They don’t grab the mic every weekend, they don’t ask for any “glory”, and they don’t get paid monetarily…they are motived by one thing..the gospel being preached and people’s lives being transformed!

I want to say thank you to all the people who serve and make New Life happen every weekend.

1. Parking lot attendents, thank you for being on time…smiling as people drive in…and making the parking lot a place for people to enjoy.
2. Coffee people, thank you for showing up early and making sure the coffee is ready and hot.
3. Greeters, your heart for Jesus is contagious. Thank you for making the lobby come alive every weekend.
4. Ushers, you make a difference.  When people walk into one of our three auditoriums they feel at home because of you. Thank you.
5. Guest Services, you are the first impression!  It takes a lot of courage for a 1st or 2nd time guest to stop and ask a question at Guest Services.  You make it comfortable! Thank you!!
6. Prayer Partners, the heroes of New Life. Every weekend you are covering me and the church in prayer.  People are getting saved and transformed by the gospel because of your prayers. You are the backbone of New Life.
7. Nursery workers, thank you! thank you! thank you!  Bottom line, young families are coming back to Jesus and experiencing the goodness of God because of your ministry to their children.
8. Kids workers, reach a chid and we will reach the family.  New Life is experiencing God’s favor and growth because of our children’s ministry. Thank you for serving, loving and leading kids into a growing relationship with Jesus Christ.
9. Student leaders, it is amazing to see the fire of God in our Next Generation ministries.  New Life has tons of adults who simply love and serve our students…Amazing!
10. Media Crew, every weekend you are faithful to your task at hand. People are able to experience the presence of God because of your commitment to excellence and ministry.
11. Worship team, love the worship at New Life. We have three auditoriums every weekend! This takes a ton of anointed musicians who love Jesus with all their hearts.
12. Bulletin Team, every week you assemble over 1500 bulletins.  This is critical to help our guests connect at New Life.  Thank you for your faithful service!
13. Guest Follow-up Team, our guests feel welcome and come back because of your great work sending letters and entering each person into our database.  Thank you so much!

There are so many more leaders and volunteers who serve every weekend at New Life…people in the background every Sunday making church a place where people can invite their friends and be transformed by the gospel…..

Jana and I love you!  You are making a difference!  I am blessed by you every weekend. Thank you! Thank you!

Prayer is not about you getting your way…prayer is about you getting to know God.  As you know God–you will know how to pray.  Your request will be God-centered, not self-centered. Your desires will align with God, not your flesh.   Understanding the purpose of prayer is essential to spiritual transformation. Prayer is not some magical trick or genie bottle…you rub the bottle and God does tricks for you…prayer is about you and I getting to know God.

For over 20 years I have used a simple prayer model that helps keeps my prayer life alive and fresh.  I taught this prayer model on Sunday to the church. People loved it. Tonight we will use this prayer model to guide our prayer time together.

Let me warn you–this is only a model to strengthen your prayer time.  Don’t get legalistic about this. Some days I will go through all four dynamics of prayer and some days I will stop and just focus on one or two of these….this is a kindle to get the fire burning.

This prayer acronym is based on the Lord’s prayer…the disciples said to Jesus, “Teach us to pray.”  Jesus taught us the Lord’s prayer….Let me challenge you–stop right now and spend a few moments getting to know your Father in heaven..spend a few moments on each of these four dynamics…watch Jesus transform your life.

Four Dynamics of Prayer (Prayer Acronym)

Praise:  “Our Father in heaven, hallowed be your name”

• Put some worship music on
• Pray Psalm 8
• Journal your praise to God
• Prayer Walk

Repent: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors,”,  “And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from the evil one.”

• Confess your sins by name
• Pray Psalm 51 out loud
• Journal your confession
• Confess your sins to someone

Ask: “Your kingdom come, your will be done on earth as it is heaven.”

• Pray for your family and church
• Pray for 10/40 Missionaries
• Pray for people far from God by name
• Pray through your day

Yield: “For yours is the kingdom, and the power and the glory forever. Amen”

• Shut up and listen to God
• Journal what God is saying
• Listen to God’s gentle whisper
• Pray in the Spirit
• Read Scripture

Untainted Joy….From Chelsey Jones

These past few months of my life have been filled with change, hardships and questionable moments for me on a personal level.  I have discovered no one is promised a perfect life, but a perfect Savior who promises to hear us when we call upon His name (Psalm 86:7)

To think that we will never face adversity is like thinking that the sun will not shine. It is inevitable. Trials come our way and we are faced with a choice on how we are going to handle them.

Often times we find ourselves in a constant state of worry, bitterness, insecurity, addiction and weakness. We cannot seem to find a way out of our own issues. To have doubt and question is not a sin. It is a sin when we allow ourselves to dwell on those issues, therefore, giving the enemy a foothold. (Ephesians 4:27)

In the book of James it talks about how we should consider it “pure joy” to face trials. (James 1:2)

The definition of pure is: free from tainting or polluting.

Here are some things that I believe “taint’ our joy:

• Fear of the unknown
• Negative people
• Bitterness
• Not enough money
• Lack of sleep

What have you allowed to taint your joy? What is it that you can’t seem to overcome?

Untainted joy that comes from God cannot be polluted by the enemy or shattered by a person or circumstance. The kind of joy that no human flesh can take away. The kind of joy comes from the Most High God.

What would happen if we began to live with an “untainted joy” in our lives?

• Untainted joy in our workplace
• Untainted joy despite our situation
• Untainted joy in our families
• Untainted joy even when we don’t feel it

Set aside yourself and fix your eyes on the bigger picture. Allow the Holy Spirit to speak to you and you will experience the kind of joy that was originally intended.

I believe that now is the time for us to understand what it means to experience God! Not just on Sunday during our favorite song or when the preacher says something we agree with.

The days here on earth are numbered and it is time we stop living selfishly and start living sacrificially!

Begin to talk to God. Open your Bible and allow him to speak. Cry out to your God!

Draw near to him, and he will draw near to you! (James 4:8)

 “For he will deliver the needy who cry out, the afflicted who have no one to help.” Psalm 72:12

The greatest challenge for pastors is allowing silly and worthless arguments to waste emotional energy and sidetrack the church from the mission of God.  Silly arguments side track the church more than any gross sin.

Silly arguments over Sunday School, music style, dress code, pet projects, volume of music, preaching style, how the pastor should spend his time, and the list go on and on.

Paul told Timothy, “Don’t have anything to do with foolish and stupid arguments, because you know they produce quarrels.” (2 Timothy 2:23). This may be one of the greatest pieces of wisdom I could give to a pastor or any leader–don’t waste your time on foolish and stupid arguments.

Don’t get me wrong…all these conversations need to happen but don’t let these conversations divide. Discuss but don’t divide over silly and stupid things.

The mission of the church is to partner with God in His mission to the world. Redeem mankind. Make followers of Jesus. Period. Trust me pastor, the temptation is for  ”everyone” (including yourself)  to make the church about their pet project, latest book, or newest fad.

Let me say it again—Silly arguments side track the church more than any gross sin.

Pastor, keep your church on mission.  The church is called to win people and make disciples. No matter how we word this–bottom line—if we are not making disciples of Jesus we are a social club not the thriving church God has called us to be.

How to keep the church on mission:

• Repeat the mission over and over again. (in announcements, daily conversation, and meetings)
• Ground the mission in Biblical theology. In other words, preach the Bible. Show your people how the mission of God is not something we made up.
• Celebrate when your people are on mission.  Don’t celebrate programs, celebrate mission.  Big difference. What you celebrate people will repeat.
• Make financial and facilities decisions based on your mission not the latest fad.
• Staff around your mission, not maintenance. This blog isn’t long enough for me to talk about this..but BIG!

Sunday night I was watching the news as it reported how a West Seattle gay couple was the target of an alleged hate crime.  Here is an article that provides some details.

As I watched, I was disgusted at the treatment of this gay couple by so-called “Christians.”  The news reported how the suspects slashed the tires on both men’s cars and threw two baseball-sized rocks through their windshields.

Then these suspects left a note filled with profanity.  One part of the note said ”Get the f– out of our neighborhood. The Bible says God forbids men committing indecent act [sic] with other men.”

I am SO tired of so-called “religious” people misrepresenting Jesus to this world.  SO tired and disgusted.

Here is my question to these vandals: Is this how Jesus would treat these guys?  Do you really believe Jesus would grab Peter, James and John and sneak around like junior high boys and throw rocks at this gay couple?  Do you think Jesus would slash the tires of these guys?  Do you think Jesus would act like a coward and throw a rock and run?

I want to be very clear to these vandals—if you are reading this blog—you are cowards not Christians.  Christians act like Jesus. Jesus would love these guys, spend time with them, and confront their sin with grace and truth—just like he did with all sinners—just like he does with us.  Please stop acting like you represent God.  You are cowards and criminals!

I want to say to this gay couple—as a pastor and follower of Jesus—I am sorry that cowards like this misrepresent Jesus to you.  There is no doubt you would disagree with Jesus regarding what he had to say about homosexuality, but trust me, you would find Jesus to be real and authentic.  You would feel comfortable talking to Jesus.  Again, you would disagree with some of Jesus’ teachings, but he would never leave you a note like this and run.

On a practical level… I pastor New Life Church in the Renton area.  We are sending you a check toward some of your repairs. Unexpected damage like this can cause undue stress.  I hope this money helps a bit.  Also, know our prayers are with you.

I want to say to Christians, I find it sad how we can point fingers at homosexuality but ignore the sins of adultery, lust, gossip, and backbiting in the doors of the church.  Jesus died for the sins of the world.  My sin.  Your sin.  Seattle’s sin.  Sexual sin.  Even the sin of vandalism!  Jesus is the Savior of the world.  We need to repent and turn to Him!

I have just started a new teaching series called “True Religion.” What does a true follower of Jesus look like? The moment we forget we are sinners saved by grace, we stop loving people who desperately need God’s grace and mercy.

Question: What does a true follower of Jesus look like?

Let me back up for a moment….I remember being a kid and always wishing we could do Christmas slower. Even in the first few years of marriage, I was frustrated because it seemed to all go too fast on Christmas morning.  One Christmas morning I decided to approach Christmas different with my family.  Now it takes all morning to celebrate Christmas together. I love what this has become for the Jones family.

For what it is worth–here is how the Jones family celebrates Christmas…..

Christmas Eve is a busy day for us. My whole family spends time at the church at our Christmas Eve services. Don’t feel bad for us–my girls love it.  It has become a family tradition. The best time is between the 6:30pm and 10pm services. We join with all the core volunteers and eat together. Then somehow, every year, my girls find a way to break into Hebrews cafe and make lattes.  We love it.

We get home late Christmas Eve, but all of us open up one gift. We know what the gift will be–Christmas pajamas.  We open this gift and then “pretend” to  sleep under the tree. (Well we all start there…but usuasally I sneak out to my bed some time during the night…don’t tell my girls, I am not sure if they know : )

Then Christmas morning arrives…

Jana is the first one up. She makes us a great breakfast around the formal dining table. Her speciality on Christmas morning is French toast.

During breakfast, my mom will join us.   This year Jana’s parents will join us for Christmas morning.

The girls finally get up and we all sit around the dining room table with china and enjoy breakfast.  I will pray a prayer of blessing before we eat. This a time I thank God for Jesus and his birth and I pray a blessing over my family.

We eat. Take our time!

Then we all get up and go sit around the tree. I will read the Christmas story. (Luke 2:1-14). Ok this may sound silly. But every year someone pretends to be  a different  character in the Christmas story. As I read the Christmas story they repeat the words or act it out quickly.  Example–Jana may be the angel and say the words out loud,  ”Glory to God in the highest”….I know this sounds cheesy, but really a lot of fun. For the record we started this when the girls were kids. They loved it then…now they find it a fun tradition.  (their grandkids will love it one day

Then we open gifts ONE at a time. I sit around the tree and give out the gifts one at a time. We watch each other open their gifts, make comments and take pictures.  Nothing quick about this at all. I love it!!

After we are done with opening the gifts we all go to the living room where we open up the stockings.  We take turns and each person opens their gifts in the stocking. Most of the gifts are wrapped. So this takes some time to enjoy.

After this–my girls spend time checking out their gifts while mom and dad clean up a bit.

Sometime in the afternoon we have a Christmas lunch. Typically this is at home. This year we are going to Jana’s brother’s for Christmas dinner. I love turkey and pies at Christmas time.

Then late into the evening, we will go and find a Christmas movie . My girls typically try to invite other people with us.

(BTW–one reason New Life has put all our services on Christmas Eve is because I believe my responsibility is be home and pastor my family this day.  This is a BIG statement I make to my two girls. Also we want to honor the 800 + volunteers and say, “Enjoy your day with the family!”)

I pray your Christmas morning will be filled with peace and joy.  For those of you interested, I will post a video Christmas morning on my blog to greet your family.  It will be a moment of prayer together for God to bless and fill your life with his presence and joy.

The best sex in the world happens in the context of a covenant marriage relationship.  Two people. Man and woman. Committed to each other for life.

I woke up today hearing some talk show talking about marriage. He was saying marriage is not popular with people any longer. The talk show was very negative about the topic of marriage!

The reason people are negative about marriage is because so many marriages are pathetic.  The best way to show people that marriage is a beautiful thing is not by screaming from our soap box against divorce but by married people loving each other deeply.

After 22 years of marriage I can honestly say I love my wife, family and marriage!!  If you think marriage is pathetic and full of boring sex—you have it all wrong, my friend. Marriage can be alive, full of energy and fulfilling.  Marriage is the closet thing to heaven or hell here on earth..

Here is the problem:  You need to tune up your marriage. Period. Tune up your marriage often or it will break down.

Here are five quick thoughts on how to tune up your marriage. (and yes, have better and more fulfilling sex!)

#1: Read a marriage book together.

I don’t mean read it in the same room at the same time. If this works for you great. Just agree to both read a book and intentionally talk about it. A book will help you talk about things that otherwise, you would never talk about.

Jana and I have been able to discuss the difference between men and women, money and sex in a productive way because of some good books. I recommend some on my blog. See “book recommendations“.

#2: Hang out with other couples who like marriage.

This is huge. Some ladies hang out with ladies who hate on men. Ladies, find some girlfriends who like marriage and are pro-sex.

Men, don’t hang out with scum who talk trash about sex. Find some godly men who honor ladies and lead their homes as the priest, provider and protector.

Proverbs 13–He who walks with the wise grows wise but a companion of fools suffers harm. Some or your marriages are suffering harm because of the people you are spending time with.

#3:  Date your spouse.

I am a BIG believer in date night. Great sex begins with how we treat each other.

For 22 years I have been dating my bride.  Don’t give me the lame excuse about kids and money. Men, find the babysitter.  You have enough money for your fancy toys and nice cars…date your bride!  Get creative. Trade babysitting with other couples.  Do something.  Here is what I know–babysitting is a lot cheaper than two mortgages.

#4:  Laugh together.

Seriously. Don’t take yourself SO seriously. Laugh about the fact that he wants more sex than you.  Laugh about the fact that sometimes she gets over detailed about the garbage needing to be taken out. I am not suggesting you “ignore” these issues. But don’t get SO serious about stuff.

#5: Simplify what marriage is all about.

Honestly, simplify your thoughts. Quit complicating everything.  Men, your wife needs you to listen–shut up and listen. Ladies, men like sex….yes, this is normal!  If he loves Jesus he will want sex you with you and no one else.

I believe in counseling. But sometimes we over-complicate things.

Jana and I use two words to talk about marriage–love and respect. Simple.  Easy to remember.  Not difficult to return to. Brace yourself—-this will change your marriage—Men, love your lady.  Ladies, respect your man.  Even if they don’t deserve this— show each other unconditional love and respect.

I love how Dr. Emerson Eggerich’s put this in his book  ”Love and Respect“.  (yes, a great book to read if you want to tune up your marriage)

“Often, we focus on our own needs and simply overlook the needs of the other person. The wife needs love; she is not trying to be disrespectful. The husband needs respect; he is not trying to be unloving.”

“Whenever a wife is complaining, criticizing, or crying, she is sending her encoded message: “I want your love!” And whenever a husband is speaking harshly or sometimes not speaking at all, he is sending his encoded message: “I want your respect.”

If you could ONLY ask ONE thing from God…what would that be?

Seriously!  Think about this. ONE thing!  Not two. Only one request of God…what would you ask for?

King Solomon had this chance…God appeared to him and said, “Ask for whatever you want me to give you.” (2 Chronicles 1:7)

Read King Solomon’s ONE request slowly… “Give me wisdom and knowledge, that I may lead this people.” (2 Chronicles 1:10)

God responded and said, ”wisdom and knowledge will be given you.” (2 Chronicles 1:12)

I pray this ONE prayer often–”Give me wisdom.”

• Wisdom to make decisions
• Wisdom  to love my wife
• Wisdom to lead my family
• Wisdom to pastor my church
• Wisdom to live a Godly life
• Wisdom to discern people’s motives
• Wisdom in spending money
• Wisdom in raising my two girls

To be total honest, I would have been tempted to pray something like, “Give me enough wealth that I would never have to worry about money again.”  (don’t hate on me..just being honest).

I know this is counterintuitive to our culture—but wisdom is more valuable than wealth, fame, a job or a long life.  Many people have money but are idiots and their kids hate them…wealth is temporary. Wisdom is eternal.

Mark Batterson said, “Some things cannot be learned. They can only be revealed.” (Primal, Kindle Location 907).

I love reading, studying and learning from mentors and coaches. But at the end of the day—the important things need to be revealved by God not men.  No book can tell me the key to my wife’s heart, discernment into my girls’ futures, or insight into a complex situation. Some things cannot be learned–only revealed.

Back to the story of King Solomon.  God shocks King Solomon and said, “I will also give you wealth, riches and honor.”  (2 Chronicles 1:12).

Talk about irony! King Solomon asked for wisdom—God gives gave him wisdom +  wealth.   God says…I will give you more than you asked for…

As a father, I get this–when my girls ask for wisdom from me, I am willing to open up my checkbook also…(my two girls know this, too…kind of scary).  I am not sure if I am stretching the point here…but a very interesting observation for sure…….When we ask for wisdom–God will give us our daily bread.  Even sometimes wealth.  Bottom line–God the Father will take care of you.

My challenge to you..stop right now…you may be at work, at home by yourself, or in a Starbucks reading this…STOP!  Pray this out loud–BODLY..I want to hear you from my family room where I am writing this….”Father God, give me wisdom.  Amen!”

We run around with our heads choped off, spend money we don’t have, over eat and then somehow pretend this is the month to celebrate the birth of our Savior Jesus.

Noise. Money. Conflict. Debt. Confusion. Don’t let the month of December be defined by these words.

Christmas is a time for remembering Jesus and refreshing your soul!

Here are seven ways to make this happen:

#1:  Worship Jesus 

This may sound obvious but don’t miss it. Spend time reflecting on Jesus. Stop in the middle of the busyness and worship and pray. Read the historical account of the birth of Christ.  Matthew 1-2 and Luke 1-3.  Spend time in the presence of our Savior.

One of my favorite services in the year is the Christmas eve services.  This is a time to reflect on Jesus and Him alone.

If you don’t read another word of this post….don’t miss this first point….spend time with Jesus and His word!

#2: Create a budget and stick to it.

Don’t overspend.  Create a modest budget and stick to it closely.  Don’t use credit cards.  It is stressful and irresponsible to overspend on gifts.

More gifts won’t make better Christmas.   The greatest gift you can give your kids is a healthy home. Dads, love your kid’s mom.  That is a gift worth giving.  Spend time with your kids. Your kids would rather you work less and be home than a bunch of gifts under the tree.

#3: Don’t over eat. 

I am serious about this one. Yes enjoy the turkey and piece of pie. But don’t pig out.  It is dumb to gain 5 pounds during the holidays. I speak from experience on this—enjoy your food but that third piece of pie is not worth it.

Enough said!

#4:  Say “no” to a couple of parties 

We all have some Christmas parties to attend. But my guess is you’re saying “yes” to one too many of these parties.   Say no to a couple. Don’t run yourself crazy during this season going from party to party.  Relax!  Enjoy!

#5:  Create family traditions. 

Create family traditions that make Christmas meaningful.  The Jones family has a whole routine on Christmas morning. We eat breakfast around the formal dining table, read the Christmas story together, open up our gifts one a at time and watch each other open the stockings. This takes around 2 hours..but it is worth it.

Traditions are more important than gifts!  Spend time thinking about meaningful traditions you can repeat year after year.

#6: Do something for the poor! 

People are hurting!  Scripture says, “Speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.”. Christmas is a perfect time to help the poor and needy. Cut back on one gift for your kids and give this to someone hurting. Better yet–have your kids buy someone else a gift.

Teach your kids the heart of giving to the poor and needy. Go serve at a homeless shelter or adopt a family.

#7:  Forgive someone.

I have a theory why spending time with family can be so negative during the Christmas season. So many people have past hurts that they won’t let go of. Christmas magnifies your hurt and bitterness.

Decide right now to forgive someone who has hurt you!  Forgive your dad, mom, brother, sister or uncle or niece.

Decide this year not to fight with “uncle” George (I made up this name).  Accept the quirks of your family members. More than accept them–enjoy the differences.   Avoid conversations that cause conflict…such as politics or even religion

What is more important, being right or the relationship? Get off your soapbox. Decide this Christmas that you will enjoy those people in your life who are different.

Forgive past hurts.  Let go of anger. Stop the complaining. Enjoy your family!!!

Question: What are some of your favorite Christmas traditions?

#1:  I thank God for Jesus

I thank God for my salvation.  Over 30  years ago I gave my life to Jesus at a Bible camp. I thank God Jesus called me, forgave me and transformed my life. I thank God that Jesus drew me to Himself.  Jesus broke every generational curse over my life. I thank God for His power. I thank God He took this sinner and gave me hope and life.

I thank God He filled me with the power of the Holy Spirit and hunger for His word.

 #2:  I thank God for my wife 

I thank God for my wife.   I feel like God handpicked Jana for me. She is perfect!   She is beautiful on the inside and out.  I get to spend my whole life with this lady.  Scripture says, “A wife of noble character who can find”. God gave her to me.  Jana is the godliest and most authentic person on the earth.  She loves Jesus, me and her family.  She gives, serves and doesn’t care who gets the credit.  Jana is the real deal.  What you see is what you get. After 22 years of marriage I have more respect for this lady than any person on the earth.

#3: I thank God for my two girls + my family

I thank God for my two girls. I am so proud of them both.

Kaylee is an anointed worship leader, loves life, loves to cook and is passionate about Jesus.

Chelsey is a woman of God. She is currently at James River Leadership college in Springfield Missouri.  She is full of life, character and hunger for God.  She is a leader of leaders.

I thank God for my mom and my in-laws Larry and Marge Curry.  I am SO blessed!

I thank God for my dad who adopted me at the age of 22.  Warren Hassel.  (btw–my middle name is Hassel this is why I use troyhjones) My dad passed away a few years ago. Great man! I was so blessed to have him in my life.

#4: I thank God for my “spiritual fathers” 

I thank God for Alan Johnson who was there in my early days of following Jesus and taught me how to pray and love scripture. I thank God for Rick Ross who mentored me as a leader and pastor. I thank God for leaders like Les Welk and Mel Ming who God has used to speak leadership into my life. I thank God for Dary Northrop who has spent countless hours on the phone helping me pastor New Life. I thank God for men like Bill Dolleman who has been an inspiration for me to love my wife.

#5: I thank God for New Life

I thank God for my church.  I pastor one of the greatest churches in America. The people are amazing. The people are hungry to love God and people. I thank God every Sunday I get to preach the gospel and see people transformed by His power.

I thank God New Life is NOT a “museum for saints”…New Life is a “hospital for sinners”.  Sinners saved by the grace of God.  I am SO blessed. I look forward to the next 30 years together reaching people for Jesus

I thank God for the team of pastors and elders God has put at New Life. Incredible men and women!  I thank God for all the support people who get the job done at New Life.  I thank God for the countless volunteers at New Life. People who park cars, make coffee, great people at the door, help people find their seats, stand at Guest Services and answer questions, love babies in the name of Jesus, disciple kids and students, pray for people, play their instruments for the gospel, serve in the media world and SO much more.

I thank God for every Growth Group leader who creates environments where people grow spiritually and connect relationally.