J.R. Lee

I don’t believe that we are really unable to do most of the things that we say we are unable to do.  I just think we like to have the excuse available when it is convenient to use.

For example…

I think that when the thought of being “unable” comes to mind – I should substitute “unwilling” the majority of the time.   Am I really unable to lose the weight I want to lose or am I unwilling to take the steps needed to get the job done?  Am I really unable to give what I would like to give or am I unwilling to sacrifice in order to live a life of generosity?  The list could go on and on.

Am I (are you) unable or unwilling?  I am learning that an honest answer to that question – can make all the difference.

Matthew 21:10 says,  When Jesus entered Jerusalem, the whole city was stirred and asked, ‘Who is this?’  

We are praying for a similar response to this…

A lot of you have been emailing me with questions about the mailer we are sending out today. Here’s a brief rundown…

• This is our first mailer – so I have no clue if they work.
• Several churches in our area do mailers (I get one about once every other week); therefore, sending these will not become a habit.
• Ian designs all our graphics but we used a company to send them.  Email Todd to get info.

I had a blast in SC the past couple of days.  Here are a few thoughts…

• I don’t think I stopped laughing for 24 hours.
• Gary and I thought that Chris had been kidnapped at the Marta Station.
• Being on ExposedPastor.com was fun.  Very strange knowing that every conversation was on camera.
• Perry and crew did a fantastic job.  I will be processing through tons of information over the next several days.  I am honored to be in this network and looking forward to the next several months.
• I met Radio at breakfast on Thursday.
• Everyone made fun of my computer (Toshiba).  I am going to duct tape an apple to the front of it and all should be well in the world.
• This has nothing to do with the trip, but something has to be done when it comes to the judging in Olympic gymnastics.
• Next month will be a blast!

We have just finished up our 1st 6 months at Freedom Church.  Over the next several days, I want to walk through some of the things that I have learned along the way…

Lesson 1:  Launch team phase is vitally important but it’s not what it’s cracked up to be. 

Even though we experienced some incredible things during those days – having 5 people in your living room does not exactly leave you feeling like you are about to see a revolutionary movement of God in your city. 

I remember feeling sick, wanting to throw up, and feeling like a total failure at least 50% of the time.  It wasn’t an accurate assessment, but it is how I felt.  As we started gaining a little momentum and moved locations - things got a little better – but that phase of the journey was rough!  

I hated it – but I loved it.  Tomorrow I will fill you in on why. 

One of the phrases that a person will hear quite often around Freedom Church is that “Incredible journey’s start with Irreversible steps.”  That quote has proven to be true over and over again over the course of the past 6 months.

With that in mind, the next phase of the journey has just begun.  I have heard several stories just in the past few days of people taking irreversible steps in order to experience the journey that God has planned for their lives.  Keep them coming!

I can’t wait to see what is in store over the course of the next few weeks!