J.R. Lee

Sunday is going to be another incredible day at Freedom Church.

Come celebrate all that God has done and all that He will do as we get ready to open the McClure Campus NEXT Sunday (April 17th!  I can’t wait to preach the message that God has given to me and give you a sneak peak of the new setup for both campuses.

It will all happen on Sunday at 9:45 and 11:15 at Barber Middle School!

Don’t Forget!

• Our final launch team meeting for McClure is Sunday at 6PM.
• Beginning April 17th – our brand new Worship Experience schedule:  Barber at 9:45 and 11:30AM and     McClure at 10:45 AM.

Seth Godin had a great post a while back that is so true.  Enjoy.

The thing that makes it popular…Emight be precisely the thing that keeps it from working.

Chatroulette was popular because you might randomly see some horrible naked guy. It was like a train wreck attracting rubberneckers. But the very attraction that drew a crowd also ensured it would never be seen as a serious tool.

That kid in school that everyone cheers on as he works to become a class clown might appear popular, but it’s certainly getting in the way of his being taken seriously enough to get into college.

I’d argue that the same thinking applies to the way you first encounter someone. You can certainly be over the top enough to get a handshake or even a meeting, but the thing that got you that meeting might be exactly what costs you the deal.

There are a hundred ways you and your organization can become more popular, earn more clicks, generate more comments… but is popular what you’re after?

I don’t normally do Freedom specific blog posts. Today is an exception.  Whether Freedom is your home or not – would you pray with us about the following things?

This is such an exciting season at Freedom Church!

#1 – We have seen 15 people accept Christ the past couple weeks!  I love watching those that you invest in and invite come into a relationship with Jesus Christ!  God is using you in a powerful way!  Don’t ever take that for granted!

#2 – I told you this Sunday but I will say it again. I am so proud of you Freedom Church!  God is growing each of us in the area of generosity and after the special offering a couple weeks ago we are $120,000 over budget for the 1st quarter of 2011.  What God originates – he orchestrates and He continues to provide!

#3 – We are working behind the scenes on our first hands-on international partnership!  Can’t wait to unveil some of what God is doing!  I will say this.  Go ahead and obtain your passports if you don’t have one already!

#4 – This Sunday is going to be a powerful day!  It’s our last week before opening our McClure campus. I can’t wait to share some of the things God has been speaking into my life.

#5 –  On April 17th – Freedom Church becomes ONE Church in TWO locations! Our staff and partners have been praying diligently and working hard as we get ready for this new opportunity that God has given us.  We are going all out in order to impact the lives of the people in Acworth/Kennesaw with the message of Jesus Christ!  Start inviting your friends now to whichever campus it is that you will call home!

#6 – Easter Weekend is approaching quickly!  Easter is the BEST time to invite the people in your life who do not know Jesus.  People will come with you on Easter…so make the ask!  It is going to be an incredible, life-changing weekend and God can use you to make an eternal difference in the lives of people!   Do whatever it takes to get people here!  I can’t wait!

Easter Schedule ::  Barber – Sunday, April 24th at 9:45 and 11:30

McClure – Saturday, April 23rd at 6PM and Sunday, April 24th at 10:45

I have never been more excited about who God is and what He is doing in and through the life of my family and our church!  We are never finished – and the best is yet to come!

We are changing things up just a bit at Freedom Church on Sunday.

We’re extending the music by a couple of songs, I’ll be preaching even though it’s Spring Break, and we are going to have a little celebration as well.

It all happens at 9:45 and 11:15 at Barber Middle School!

Don’t Forget! Beginning April 17th – our brand new Worship Experience schedule:  Barber at 9:45 and 11:30AM and  McClure at 10:45 AM.

Life is busy.  We all need to recalibrate at times.  The best way for us to recalibrate is to connect with God (Prayer) and disconnect from the world (fasting).  Fasting is probably the most neglected spiritual opportunity on the planet… Check out these verses.

Matthew 6:16 “When you fast (Going w/o food for a spiritual purpose) do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full. 17 But when you fast (Jesus didn’t say you must but he did say you would), put oil on your head and wash your face, 18 so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.

How is fasting rewarded?

1.     It gets unbelief out and awakens faith by demonstrating urgency to hear from God.

2.    Unleashes supernatural power to…

Break Addictions (Disciples), solve Problems (Ezra/Paul), reach people far from God (Samuel), conquer mental and emotional issues (Elijah), meet physical needs (Widow), help with health/healing (Daniel), increase reputation/influence (John Baptist), battle spiritual warfare (Esther).

Fasting prepares you for what is coming!  Dream big, pray audacious prayers, set lofty goals, ask God to do what only God can do! But if you don’t involve God in what you are doing – there is no guarantee that He will intrude on the project.

Fasting isn’t easy but it is worth it.  Take God at His Word.  The reward is great.