All Eyes East – Journey Church Worship

All Eyes East - Journey Church Worship

ALL EYES EAST: Journey Church Worship

Emerging from various parts of Metro Atlanta, All Eyes East has risen to being cutting edge and fresh for the modern worship scene, with one goal in mind, connecting people to God through worship. The bands creation occurred in 2007, by founding members Mark Hilliard (Lead Vocals), Josh Mullen (Guitar), Danielle Mullen (Vocals), and Dre Fillmore (Guitar). Along the way they have added 4 members Jeff Kennedy (Keyboard), Jeremy McLendon (Lead Guitar), Abigail McLendon (Bass), and Chris Martin (Drums), to complete All Eyes East. With soulful vocal fills, ambient rock influenced guitars, and power pop orchestrated Keys and drums, the band has found a way to capture a powerful and radio ready sound that can be enjoyed and respected by listeners from all walks of life.

For more info, video, events, and photos visit our Facebook page.

The Wrap-Up.

Ladies and Gentlemen! This is the what’s up.

- Our church wide Daniel Fast was completed on January 24th. I felt such a sense of accomplishment and excitement as I almost danced into Starbucks to enjoy my first cup of coffee in 21 days. At Journey Church, we rejoiced together for what God had done in us and for us, and for all He has in store for us in the upcoming year! God is good and He does good! He rewards those who diligently seek Him!

- I began taking guitar lessons two weeks ago. I’m really enjoying the challenge of stretching myself, as well as the additional daily practice time. A lot of people have asked why I am taking lessons. To me, it’s just a matter of continuing to grow as a musician and worship leader. I never want to stop learning or growing in any area of my life, and I also want to be a good steward of the gifts God has given to me. Oh, and I really like playing too!

- I finished a song recently. I’ll be doing a rough recording soon and maybe we’ll get to work on it for Journey. Cool stuff! If it ends up half as amazing as Danielle’s song, Savior of All, I’ll be a happy lady!

- A new series is beginning this week at Journey. I believe God is going to ignite our passions as we pair them with our gifts and talents. Together we’ll create such a momentum that it will be tangible in our gatherings each week in church and our Journey Groups and other meetings. God is on the move! Let’s position ourselves to receive from Him and be used by Him.

- We still have more of the 1001 Ways to Bring Someone to Church video series coming up. We are having a lot of fun filming these and using them as a reminder for everyone to share with friends, family, and neighbors the best church on the planet! You can view all of these videos on our website under the announcements tab on the home page. THANK YOU to Mark Hilliard for being such a great guinea pig for all our funny endeavors! Love you bro!

- Looking forward to growing to two services around the Easter holiday. It will be just a little more work for a whole lot of results!

Alright, I could go on and on and on and on, but I will refrain for now. I can’t wait to see all God’s promises and blessings unfold this year for me, my family, my community, and my church! He is faithful!

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Set Yourself On Fire.

I’m currently employed as a nanny. Luckily, my voice is not nearly as annoying as the nanny from the TV show. Anyway, I love the job – the kids are amazing and really adorable. Sometimes, as I sit and rock the littlest one to sleep I think of how great it would be to be fed, gently put to bed, and always the cutest one in the room. The real story though is that I have to care for myself…

Have you ever felt sluggish in your walk with God? Have you ever felt like you’re doing all the correct things, but feeling like you’re just not in the right groove? I know I have, and it’s not fun. It’s easy to wish that God would always give us the warm fuzzies or the goose bumps, the crocodile tears or the fits of hysterical laughter, all so we can physically sense His spirit. But that’s not how God works. He doesn’t necessarily try to make friends with our physical selves. He’s interested in our spiritual and eternal well being.

Sometimes you just have to set yourself on fire*. We can’t always wait for external cues as to when to feel spiritual or excited about the things of God.

Sometimes you’ve just got to jump in and let the feelings follow.

So here is the good news: whether you can feel God next to you or not, the Bible promises that He is mighty in your midst. Max Lucado put it this way: “…God is more than near, He is active.” Psalm 121 also says that He doesn’t fall asleep on the job, that He is our strength! So no matter how you may feel, God is mightily working on your behalf.

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*Please do not literally set yourself on fire. This will cause extreme pain and most likely incur hundreds or thousands of dollars in medical expenses. It’s simply a metaphor, so just put the Zippo down and relax.

Twelve Stones.

Joshua 3 & 4: Basically the Israelites come to the Jordan river and God parts the waters as the priest’s feet hit the shores. It’s really cool if you think about it. I mean, not only is this a crazy miracle, but it’s the second time God’s parted the waters for Israel. After the river parts and people are walking across, God speaks to Joshua and tells him to take one man from each tribe of Israel and have each of them take a stone (about as large as they can carry), and build a memorial where the priests stood as the waters parted. It was to be a memorial for the Israelites to be able to show to their children and commemorate not Joshua’s leadership, but God’s provision.

All I could think of as I was reading this was “Have I set stones in my life to mark what God has done for me and how he has been proven faithful?” Time and time again in the Old Testament we see people setting up markers and memorials to remind them of the event or miracle that they had just experienced. The Bible is one of the greatest gifts God has given the world, so don’t misunderstand me when I say that it’s one thing to read on the miracles of the Old and New Testaments, but a completely different ball game when you are in remembrance of God’s hand and provision in your personal life.

I’ve always been a fan of journaling. I have about a half dozen journals full of different things: sermon notes, personal thoughts, pictures, drawings, post-it notes, and other little things. But reading this passage of scripture today, I had to ask myself if I’ve really put an effort into making a memory or record of specific answered prayer or divine interventions in my life. For example, did I keep a record of the time in Colombia that God ministered to me in an incredible way? Or when my father died and God was there holding onto me every day and every night through the hurt? How about the time I was unemployed and and found a job? Or even this recent car accident and His protection surrounding me?

Nope.

Why?

I, like you, am “b-u-s-y”. A four letter word. God told Joshua to gather the stones and take the time to commemorate His favor while they were marching to Jericho. I’d say he wants us to remember. It’s good to build our faith. It’s good to look back and see that hey, God really is for me. It’s good to remember that I didn’t make it through this life, but it was God that’s carried and guided me through this life.

So I encourage you to take some time, especially if you are observing the Daniel Fast, and recollect what God’s done and then write it down – write a song, write a blog, write a psalm, write a novel – but just write it and remember.

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01.01.10

Last night our Journey Church band had the opportunity to partner in worship and ring in the new year with IGO church in Marietta, GA. We came expectantly, and were NOT disappointed. A few hundred folks showed up to shout unto God and usher in 2010 with a heart of worship! It was really one of the most intense and incredible worship services I’ve had the opportunity of leading. The band was definitely wiped out afterward, and we were so happy to pour ourselves out as vessels through which God can touch His people. If you attend Journey Church I’ll tell you this, we’ve only just scratched the mere surface of worship and where God is taking us as a body of believers. I’m looking forward to many more opportunities to lead God’s people into His presence in the years to come, both at Journey Church and elsewhere. And I’ve got to say this also: Leading worship with your best friends is probably one of the coolest things on the planet! Jeremy, Abigail, Josh, Danielle, Mark, Chris, and Jeff – YOU GUYS ARE AMAZING AND ANOINTED! God has great things for us in the future!

Sunday begins our annual Daniel Fast, and last night’s worship service only made me more expectant and excited about what God will do in my life, my church, and my community this year as we set aside this special time to consecrate ourselves going into 2010. Journey also has a blog and cookbook available to help you as you begin this fast. Visit http://www.thedanielfast.org for information. I love reading the comments of others from all over the world (literally) as they partner with us and join in during this time of fasting and prayer. So, be sure to leave a comment or question. Let us know what God is speaking to you, how he is moving, and how the fast is impacting your life.

I pray blessings, peace, and God’s best for you this coming new year.

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(Click on the updated INSPIRE page above for some anointed video and worship!)

It’s A New Year, Baby

So everyone seems to make resolutions or goals for each year. What are yours? What is one that is different from the usual “Work out”, “Save money”, “Get out of debt”, or what not? What is an attainable goal you will make for 2010?

I only have one. It is to become more consistent…with everything. Instead of trying to add more to what I should be or could be doing, I just want to get better at doing what I know to do. That might include working out or saving money or whatever. All I know is slow and steady wins the race in life. So consistency is key. I’m not shooting for perfection, but just trying to learn that as an overachiever, my goal should be just to achieve consistency every day. And if I miss, don’t beat myself up, but get up and start again tomorrow.

So how about you? What do you have planned for yourself, your family, your life, etc?

Practical Preparation.

With the Daniel Fast quickly approaching, I thought I would share a few tips on how to get started and what to expect. Without further ado and in no particular order, here they are:

1. Prepare NOW! Don’t wait until the night before and binge on cookies and soda (or Coke for you Southerners). Start weaning yourself off caffeine and sugars now to avoid intense caffeine withdrawal headaches later.

2. Be ready to eat more often than you are used to. These foods are probably very different than you are used to eating regularly and you’ll need to eat more often throughout the day. When going to work be sure to pack extra snacks for your little cravings.

3. Try to keep variety in your diet. Don’t limit yourself to just eating beans or fruit. Mix things up. Try a smoothie for breakfast, beans and potatoes for lunch, and brown rice and veggie soup for dinner. Whatever you do, the more variety you add, the easier and healthier this fast will be.

4. Keep it spiritual. Without investing more time with the Lord throughout these three weeks, the Daniel Fast is nothing more than a diet…a really weird diet. I recommend planning now when and how you’ll be investing that time so you can stay focused throughout the fast and keep things going. This extra time with God not only keeps your spiritual fires lit, but really provides the fuel you’ll need as you progress further towards the end of the fast. And it’s been said that it only takes 21 days to create or break a habit. Use this time strategically to add that extra “umph” to your spiritual disciplines!

5. Keep a journal. Talk, blog, tweet, write, and share what God is speaking to you. Let’s speak of what God is doing and rejoice together. It will really serve to encourage others and ourselves!

6. Take your vitamins.

7. Get plenty of rest.

8. Try adding something “non-food” to your fasting regimen. How many hours do you spend each day watching TV? Online? Re-organizing your T-Shirt drawer? Find something that usually sucks your time from you and fast that as well. You’ll be amazed at how easily you can hear from God and how much more you can accomplish when you rid your life of one or two little habits.

9. Stick it out! You’re NOT alone. You can do it! Not only is Journey Church participating in the fast, but hundreds and thousands of other churches and believers are in the boat with you! Visit http://www.thedanielfast.org to share your encouragement, struggles, or read up on what God is speaking to others. Whatever you do to stay motivated, DON’T GIVE UP!

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Foodless.

Each year I join my church and countless others on the Daniel Fast at the beginning of each year. If you’re not familiar with the Daniel Fast, here is quick overview: 21 Days (three weeks) without meat, bread, and sweets. Sound difficult? Well that’s because it is. Not impossible, but difficult. Here are my thoughts as I prepare for my fourth year of participating in this time of consecration:

1. The Bible teaches us that the flesh and Spirit will always war against one another. This to me is why the renewing of our minds is so vital. If we have a constant battle within us, then our mind will be the deciding vote in this sort of internal democracy. So going into this fast, I know my flesh will whine, hurt, scream, and cry. All of that is irrelevant if I understand the importance of fasting and set my mind ahead of time to finish this race and put my flesh under as (in the words of the Apostle Paul) I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize.

2. Fasting arrests God’s attention. If I really want God to move as I say I do, and if I really desire a breakthrough in my life, my family, my city, and my nation, I’ve got to be willing to put my money where my mouth is and go the distance. Sacrifice is a part of anything worth having. And going without some of my favorite foods is certainly worth seeking the fullness of my God for a new year.

3. When we deny our flesh something it craves, it does indeed make our spirit more attuned to the things of God. It’s good for your body not to get everything it wants every now and again. Imagine your flesh is a little kid throwing a fit in the store for some candy. You don’t just give in because the kid is crying and screaming do you? Nope. It’s all about discipline. And I want my spirit to be strong, healthy, and sensitive to what God is saying and doing.

4. It’s healthy. Of course, consult a doctor if you’ve never fasted or if you’re pregnant or have health issues. But really, who of us couldn’t stand to cut out sweets after the holidays?

5. Jesus commands us to fast. I never knew this until the first year I fasted. Look at Matthew chapter 6. Jesus teaches the disciples three things: fasting, prayer, and giving. And, in each instance, he specifically says “when you fast/pray/give”, not ”if you fast/pray/give”. Wow. Jesus fasted and He expects us to fast.

6. Is there a better way to start off the new year than with a time of commitment and consecration?

So, there are my first thoughts on the Daniel Fast for the upcoming year. If you are interested in joining us on this fast please visit Journey Church’s Daniel Fast blog. There we have posted a free downloadable cookbook, recommended foods, encouragement, and things to expect during the fast. Or you can email me at dre@jcacworth.org for information. I highly recommend this fast to any believer. Join with me as we seek God’s best for 2010!

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What I Love About Christmas

- Movies -
Who doesn’t have a favorite Christmas movie? Even if we can’t agree on the perfect Christmas film more than likely we all have a favorite. My top three are: Home Alone 1 & 2 and Elf. And a family tradition is the original Grinch. I never go a Christmas without these comedic staples. I am a sucker for the classics too – Miracle on the 34th Street, White Christmas, and It’s a Wonderful Life.

- The Decor -
My dream is to one day behold the beauty of New York City at Christmas. Pictures and film just don’t do the city justice. I cannot imagine the splendor of such an amazing place at Christmas. But despite the glory of the tree at 30Rock, my favorite tree will always be the one of my childhood. Ornaments of no particular beauty except in the hearts of the Fillmores. Mom and Dad always put tons of time and effort into the nicest and most gorgeous tree ever. I have yet to see it’s equal!

- Music -
Christmas music is audible magic. The Carpenters are angelic, and Frank Sinatra is even more heartwarming during the holidays. Add a dash of Andy Williams, a pinch of some Brenda Lee, an shake with some Ella and Dean, and you have an instant holiday hit list!

- Tradition -
I cherish all the childhood traditions of our family Christmases, and
I don’t have the time or the space to share the intricasies of our holidays past. One thing I do enjoy is to hear and learn about the traditions of other families and gain even more fun an great ideas for my own family someday.

- Gifts -
And no, not my own gifts. One of the greatest joys o my holiday is shopping and making or buying for others. Something about it is tremendously fulfilling to me. I can’t always spend much, but I enjoy getting or making gifts for others.

So what is it you love about the holiday season? What is your favorite holiday tradition?

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This One’s For All My Church Planting Homies

Found this today and it brought a smile to my face, so I thought I’d share!

Top Ten Rules of Church Planting

10. Take your vitamins & eat your wheaties.

9. Know that your job description will always include “…and all other assigned duties.”

8. Have a sense of humor.

7. Buy a Mac computer. Seriously. Jesus doesn’t use a PC.

6. Get used to spending a lot of time in your car (eating, sleeping, working, brainstorming, praying, and driving of course).

5. Gaffer’s tape. Lots and lots of gaffer’s tape…lots.

4. Know your wi-fi hotspots.

3. Accept the fact that you’ll  probably gain a few L-B-S.

2. Add more minutes to your cell phone plan.

1. Get ready to work harder and have more fun than you ever imagined!!!

We gave this list to Pastor Doug to use at a minister’s conference. Of course, this is just a fun and partial list (come on, we know you have to pray and prepare too). What would you add to the list?

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