Pastor's Thoughts

How to live supernaturally

2012-01-24T08:31:00.000-08:00

John chapter 2 records for us the first miracle Jesus ever did - turning water into wine at a wedding banquet. At the end of this narrative about this first miracle, John 2:11 says, “He thus revealed his glory, and his disciples put their faith in him.” How did Jesus reveal His glory? By doing the supernatural among the natural. He took what was natural (water) and made it into something supernatural (wine) and thus His glory was revealed!

Just as Jesus took something natural (water) and turned it into something supernatural (wine), He desires to do the same with us. He desires to take our natural lives and turn them into supernatural lives and thus reveal His glory through us!

In Matthew 5:14-16 Jesus said it this way, “You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and praise your Father in Heaven.”

Our natural lives become supernatural lives anytime we allow His Spirit to shine through our thoughts, words, and actions. The result? God gets praised!

So what is the key to allowing God to reveal His glory through us? It is found back in the water to wine story in John 2. Jesus' mother gives us the key. John 2:5 says, “His mother said to the servants, ‘Do whatever he tells you.’” That my friends is the key - do whatever Jesus tells you to do and your natural self will be turned into supernatural living revealing the glory of God! May each of us shine brightly for Jesus by doing exactly what He tells us to do!

Blessings,

Jeff Powell

Are You Greedy?

2012-01-17T10:24:00.000-08:00

Most would not see themselves as greedy. Most would see themselves as generous. Most view themselves this way because they compare themselves to others. Is this the best way to determine weather or not we are greedy? Andy Stanley on page 153 of Enemies of the Heart says:

Greed is conquered with generosity.

Generous giving will break the grip of greed on your life. So whether or not you think you have extra, give and give generously. You’ve got to give to the point that it forces you to adjust your lifestyle. If you’re not willing to give to the point that it impacts your lifestyle, then according to Jesus you’re greedy. If you’re consuming to the point of having little or nothing left to give, you’re greedy. If you’re consuming and saving to the point that there’s little or nothing to give, you’re greedy.

I know, that’s strong. Actually, it’s harsh.

But it’s true.

Maybe this is a bit hard for you to swallow because you’ve never had a greedy thought in your life. Maybe you feel compassion every time you see someone in need. And in your heart you really do want to help. You want to give, but you can’t. Or you won’t. Why? Because you’re afraid you won’t have enough. But your heart genuinely goes out to those in need. So is it fair to say you’re greedy? Yes. Because greed is not a feeling; it’s a refusal to act.
Fellowship Church, may WE refuse to be greedy, not by our feelings, but rather by our actions of generosity!

Seeking to be more generous,

Jeff Powell

How does Tim Tebow WIN?

2012-01-11T08:25:00.000-08:00

Last Sunday, I watched with joy and amazement as Tim Tebow led the Denver Broncos to a playoff victory. Much has been written about his 316 passing yards and his 31.6 average yards per completed throw. And the parallel has been drawn between these stats and the verse, John 3:16.

Aside from these conversations, there is another reality concerning Tebow mania. And that reality is that Tebow is a winner! He loves to win, not just in football, but in life. What does it take to WIN?

W orship - Worship is adoring God, thanking Him, it is being in awe of Him. My day began really bad today, but as I drove to the office, I conversed with God and declared to Him that even though there was heaviness in my heart, I knew that His Son was still there and wanted to shine through the darkness of my life at that moment. Worship - it is all about God!

I ntegrity - you know if you have it and you know if you don’t. If you do, your actions remain consistent the MAJORITY of the time even when no one is watching you. Integrity paves the road for blessings from God!

N ever give up. Another word for this is persistence. The mark of any winner, is they persist until they WIN. They never give up, even when faced with defeat. After WWII, U.K. Prime Minister Winston Churchill visited Harrow School. He stood before the students and said, “Never give in — never, never, never, never, in nothing great or small, large or petty, never give in except to convictions of honour and good sense.” May we never give up on God!

If you decide to Worship God, live a life of Integrity, and Never give up; you will WIN in life, just as Tebow does!

Winning,

Jeff Powell

God and Magnets

2012-01-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

In my office I have a neat toy. It is a simple toy that I purchased a few years ago coming back from a mission trip. It is a collection of small magnets that one can make into a train, a necklace, a bracelet - you name it.

And they are really fun to play with. And quite addictive I might add! It is amazing how long two magnets can keep my attention.

Today as I was thinking about these little mysteries of life called magnets, I was reminded that God in many ways is like a magnet. There are certain things that cause God to be really attracted to us...and then there are other things that cause Him to be really repulsed from us...

“God opposes the proud but gives grace to the humble.” James 4:6

“Come near to God and He will come near to you.” James 4:7

“Be holy because I am holy.” 1 Peter 1:16

“Humble yourselves therefore under God’s mighty hand, that He may lift you up in due time.” 1 Peter 5:6“

Cast all your anxiety on Him because he cares for you.” 1 Peter 5:7

From these few verses we see that humility, faith, holiness, and prayer are things that cause us to be attracted to God and Him to us. Try it out this week. Exercise humility, faith, holiness, and prayer and see how connected to God you find yourself being!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

What Are You Dreaming About?

2011-12-28T11:00:00.000-08:00

When the clock strikes midnight on December 31 of each year, a new year begins. And with a new year comes the hope of a better year than the one before. Dreams left unfulfilled in the previous year have a new opportunity to be realized. Every year presents for us the opportunity to reflect, evaluate, and prayerfully dream again about what could be in the coming months ahead.

I have recently been reflecting on Ezekiel 11:19. This verse came to me in a time of prayer when I was greatly distressed over the condition of my heart before the Lord’s presence. In prayer, I began asking God to change my heart and as He does many times in answer to my prayer, He led me to His Word in Ezekiel 11:19. This verse says, “I will give them an undivided heart and put a new spirit in them; I will remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh.”

Throughout the end of 2011 and into 2012, my prayer has been that the Lord would do such a thing in me. I confess, all too often my heart is divided over some things good and some things not so good. At times I feel as though my spirit has grown empty and cold. And sadly, there are moments when I feel as though my heart is as hard as stone.

The closer I walk with Jesus the more deficient I find I am and the more dependent I see I am upon His grace. As one year is closed and another begins, I find myself crying out to God with greater passion, sadness, and humility than ever before. However, in the midst of my brokenness over my imperfections, He infuses me with the hope that He has indeed given me a new spirit and that my divided heart is made whole in His hands. That is hope worth dreaming about for 2012!

Dreaming Again,

Jeff Powell

Thinking About Christmas

2011-12-20T10:56:00.000-08:00

As we think about the real meaning of Christmas, Jesus, I thought it would be very appropriate and fitting for us to review some of the prophecies made about Jesus many years before His birth and life. May we today, many years after His birth and life, not forget the meaning of Christmas!

Isaiah 7:14 says: Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign: The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and will call him Immanuel.

Isaiah 9:6-7 says: For to us a child is born, to us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. Of the increase of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David's throne and over his kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever. The zeal of the LORD Almighty will accomplish this.

Micah 5:2 says: But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.

Jeremiah 23:5 says: “The days are coming,” declares the Lord, “when I will raise up to David a righteous branch, a King who will reign wisely and do what is just and right in the land.”

Jesus has been born! Thank you Lord for the life He lived, the death He died, and the power of His resurrection. Thank you that He lives today. May He be alive in us I pray!

Merry Christmas,

Jeff Powell

A Different Kind of Thank You

2011-12-14T08:37:00.001-08:00

As I thought about how I could say “thank you” to all of you who made One Story Live From Bethlehem the success that is was, I realized that I could do no better than a wise man who thanked the people of God years ago for their labor of love.

This wise man said:

“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now, being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus. It is right for me to feel this way about all of you, since I have you in my heart; for whether I am in chains or defending and confirming the gospel, all of you share in God's grace with me. God can testify how I long for all of you with the affection of Christ Jesus. And this is my prayer: that your love may abound more and more in knowledge and depth of insight, so that you may be able to discern what is best and may be pure and blameless until the day of Christ, filled with the fruit of righteousness that comes through Jesus Christ--to the glory and praise of God.”

Fellowship Church, that is exactly how I feel and think about you!

Thank you Apostle Paul for penning these words years ago to the church at Philippi in Philippians 1:3-11.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

How to Change...

2011-12-07T12:29:00.000-08:00

Last week I wrote on the subject of CHANGE and some of the indicators that exist to let us know that we must make some changes. So what do you do when you know a change needs to be made in your life? Great question. One of the steps I have regularly taken in my life when I know a change is needing to be made is to pray. I know it sounds simple, but it is harder than you think.

Here is a window into my prayer life recently when I knew a change needed to be made. I prayed in my journal:

“Oh Lord, I come before you heavy in heart and mind. My spirit seems so willing, but my flesh so weak. I ask you forgive me of the sins of my flesh and the sins of the my life - both conscious and non-conscious. It appears to me that the conscious being more heavy than the non. Commitment has been relegated to convenience - forgive us I pray. Purge my inmost being I pray with the convicting and comforting presence of the Holy Spirit. Please forgive me for the pride of my life - haughtiness rather than humbleness. I want an immediate fix, but your grace oh Lord HAS to be sufficient for my great weakness. I find it hard right now to delight in my weaknesses so that your power might rest upon me. Help me oh God to be surrendered and humbled to Your will. Please allow Your power to purge my inmost being of everything that is repulsive to You oh Lord. Please guide my desires and my steps oh Lord. It is You that I love and that I long for in Jesus name. Please lead me to the quiet waters and restore my soul oh Lord I pray. My trust is in Your grace in Jesus name. Amen.”

Here is the real deal: Many times we know what changes we need to make, but simply lack the desire and discipline to change. So take the challenge, pour out your heart to the Lord through prayer. Like me, you will find that He will fill you with the desire and the discipline to change!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

CHANGE: You make it happen or it forced upon you

2011-11-30T08:03:00.000-08:00

Change either happens to us by force or we create the needed changes in our lives. Creating changes in our lives is MUCH EASIER than having changes forced upon us. Here are some indicators that it is time to change your life...

1. Pain - when there is physical, emotional, or spiritual pain in your life or in your relationships, it is time to change something. Pain leads us to change.

2. Boredom - when a lack of motivation and overall sense of boredom is in your life, it is time to change something. Boredom comes many times from a lack of challenge concerning what you are doing. When that happens, there is no “faith room” anymore. Change is a must.

3. “I never have enough time” - when your plate is so full that you are feeling like you can’t get all done that you want to get done, change is a must! Something must be removed so that you have time to do what is needed.

4. Spiritual Dryness - when the passion for Jesus COMBINED with the daily disciplines (prayer and Bible reading) of seeking Jesus are gone, something has got to change. Everyday is a new day to live for Jesus. Without passion AND discipline, we won’t truly live for Jesus!

5. It is easy to sin - when the convicting power of the Holy Spirit is absent, change is a must, before it is too late! Without sensitivity to sin in our lives, we potentially head to a major “life crash.” If sinning is getting easier, rather than harder, please make a change by allowing another believer of the same sex into your life to help hold you accountable to what is pure and right. As you make a change to move away from sin and towards righteousness, the convicting and comforting presence of the Holy Spirit will return to you!

How do I know these are indicators that it is time to change your life? Because I have personally experienced them all! If I can help you, please don’t hesitate to let me know.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Thankful Everyday

2011-11-22T13:43:00.000-08:00

I am convinced that the words from scripture are so true: “Finally brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable - if anything is excellent or praiseworthy - think about such things.” (Philippians 4:8)

Our lives are the sum of our daily thoughts. You want a negative life, think about the negative. You want a positive life, think about the positive. You want a Christ-centered life, think about Jesus. You want a grateful life, think about what you are thankful for! Allow me to suggest a few things that we can be thankful for EVERYDAY...

1. Life. You are here to live another day. Each day is a precious gift. Don’t minimize it and don’t regret it. Life may not be all you want it to be, but you still have breath to breathe and for that you can be thankful!

2. Purpose. Because you are here to live another day, that means God is not finished with you and Satan has not succeeded in taking you out. Even if you don’t fully know what your purpose for living is, you can still thank God that He has a plan for your life!

3. Relationships. Yeah, I know some are good and some are bad. And I also know that some create much hurt and pain. But without relationships, we simply could not exist in life. Take some time today to be thankful for the relationships you have that allow your life to be what it is today!

4. Jesus. Okay, you knew this one was coming. Jesus is our rock. He is our foundation. He is our life. No matter how bleak things may get, He is constantly there and forever King. That my friends is worth being thankful for!

Happy Thanksgiving,

Jeff Powell

What are you believing God for?

2011-11-16T10:41:00.000-08:00

In the Bible, Hebrews 11:1 says, “Now faith is being sure what we hope for and certain of what we do not see.” Here are a few observations I see about this verse:

1. For faith to truly be faith, it involves things we have not yet seen. Thus the term, “take a leap of faith.”

2. For faith to truly be faith, hope is a key emotion. We don’t place faith in faith, but rather in what we are hoping for.

3. For faith to truly be faith, there must be a target, a goal. And this goal must be solid and specific. Note the words, “sure” and “certain” in Hebrews 11:1.

4. Faith is now (“Now faith is...”). Let go of yesterday and embrace what lies ahead. Today, you can have faith!

Here are some questions to challenge you:
- What are you presently hoping for?
- What certain things would you like to see in your life?
- What negative emotions are robbing you of hope right now?
- Are you looking backward or forward to what is to come in your life?
- What are you trusting God for in 2012?

I want to agree with you for the things you are believing God for. Turn in the insert in your share. Remember, WE > ME!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

When Faith & Reality Collide, part 2

2011-11-08T07:38:00.000-08:00

FAITH and REALITY collide all the time. Concerning our own finances, making the commitment to be Biblical tithers with 10% of our income probably did not initially make sense on paper! And yet, God supplies. I know in my own life, even though Jane and I's expenses have increased and our pay has decreased, God has led us to increase our giving to 13% all during 2011 - did it match reality on paper? No way, but God has met all of our needs as we have obeyed Him by faith. And what about you? What percentage has God led you to give? Is it just 10% or is it more? And regardless of the number, did it make sense naturally to you? Probably not.

So what is the key to all of this? To ensure as best we can that we are being led by God and not just by what we see with our natural sight. Hard to do? YES! It would be much easier to simply look at life and draw conclusions based purely on what we see naturally. But God wants us to walk by faith. If we pray, God will speak and we will have an opportunity to walk by faith in what He is saying and not simply by what we see with our natural sight.

The Lord is wanting us to look for His voice and leading - that my friends is a much harder task than just looking at reality. But history proves that is the best path to take!

Here is the challenge: Take time to pray and hear from God. And when God speaks, act in faith. Remember the 10 lepers in Luke 17:14 - it was "as they went" that they were healed. It will be the same for us: as we go in obedience to what God has spoken, we will see His blessings in our lives!

So the next time FAITH and REALITY collide, which is probably sooner than we would like, let us choose FAITH!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

What to do when FAITH and REALITY colide!

2011-11-01T14:52:00.000-07:00

At times, I struggle balancing what I see in the realm of reality and what I hear in the realm of the spirit - they don't always match up! And to be honest sometimes I either doubt God or doubt my hearing from God! However, I know three things: 1) Without faith it is impossible to please God. 2) In order for faith to be truly faith, it will require a challenge and stretch. And 3) the Bible is filled with examples of God calling His children to trust in His leading, even though His leading went contrary to what reality was.

For instance, just take Gideon and his 300 men or Joshua and the wall of Jericho or Moses and the Red Sea - each instruction from God to be quite honest was ridiculous in the realm of the natural, but each was right on and each required a large dose of faith. Or take Jesus’ instruction to the lepers to simply go to the priest. Or His instruction to Peter to simply catch a fish in order to pay his and Jesus’ tax - all of these instructions did not match up with the realm of reality that each faced. Going a bit further, take the instruction to Ananias to go to the house Saul was staying at - how ridiculous considering that the last Ananias knew, Saul was coming to arrest all the followers of Jesus!

On and on I could go. I mean come on, Joshua just marching and shouting to defeat Jericho? Moses and a rod to cross the Red Sea? Gideon and only 300 men to defeat an entire army? In each case if we were totally honest, the leading from God did not match up to what they were facing in reality, but that is where the truest expression of walking by faith and not by sight is truly seen.

Here is the challenge: Take time to pray and hear from God. And when God speaks, act in faith. Remember the 10 lepers in Luke 17:14 - it was "as they went" that they were healed. It will be the same for us: as we go in obedience to what God has spoken, we will see His blessings in our lives!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

The Bible As A Textbook...

2011-10-25T09:29:00.001-07:00

I hope you have enjoyed the past several weeks being reminded of the principles our nation was founded upon!

In 1782, the United States Congress voted this resolution: "The congress of the United States recommends and approves the Holy Bible for use in all schools."

William Holmes McGuffey is the author of the McGuffey Reader, which was used for over 100 years in our public schools with over 125 million copies sold until it was stopped in 1963. President Lincoln called him the "Schoolmaster of the Nation."

Listen to these words of Mr. McGuffey: "The Christian religion is the religion of our country. From it are derived our notions on character of God, on the great moral Governor of the universe. On its doctrines are founded the peculiarities of our free institutions. From no source has the author drawn more conspicuously than from the Sacred Scriptures. From all these extracts from the Bible I make no apology."

Of the first 108 universities founded in America, 106 were distinctly Christian, including the first.

Harvard University, chartered in 1636. In the original Harvard Student Handbook rule number 1 was that students seeking entrance must know Latin and Greek so that they could study the Scriptures:

"Let every student be plainly instructed and earnestly pressed to consider well, the main end of his life and studies is, to know God and Jesus Christ, which is eternal life, John 17:3; and therefore to lay Jesus Christ as the only foundation of all sound knowledge and learning. And seeing the Lord only giveth wisdom, let everyone seriously set himself by prayer in secret to seek it of Him (Proverbs 2:3)."
For over 100 years, more than 50% of all Harvard graduates were pastors!

May we get back to the foundation of our nation!

Jeff Powell

America's Foundation

2011-10-18T06:45:00.000-07:00

I believe it is imperative for us to know where our nation has come from! Consider these words by John Adams, our second president, who also served as chairman of the American Bible Society.

In an address to military leaders he said, "We have no government armed with the power capable of contending with human passions, unbridled by morality and true religion. Our constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

How about our first Court Justice, John Jay?

He stated that when we select our national leaders, if we are to preserve our Nation, we must select Christians. "Providence has given to our people the choice of their rulers and it is the duty as well as the privilege and interest of our Christian Nation to select and prefer Christians for their rulers."

John Quincy Adams, son of John Adams, was the sixth U.S. President.

On July 4, 1821, President Adams said, "The highest glory of the American Revolution was this: it connected in one indissoluble bond the principles of civil government with the principles of Christianity."

Calvin Coolidge, our 30th President of the United States, reaffirmed this truth when he wrote, "The foundations of our society and our government rest so much on the teachings of the Bible that it would be difficult to support them if faith in these teachings would cease to be practically universal in our country."

May we not forget the foundation of our nation!

Jeff Powell

Was George Washington a Christian?

2011-10-11T22:03:00.000-07:00

Picking up from last week about the founding of our nation...

Consider these words that Thomas Jefferson wrote on the front of his well-worn Bible: "I am a Christian, that is to say a disciple of the doctrines of Jesus. I have little doubt that our whole country will soon be rallied to the unity of our Creator and, I hope, to the pure doctrine of Jesus also."

Consider these words from George Washington, the Father of our Nation, in his farewell speech on September 19, 1796:

"It is impossible to govern the world without God and the Bible. Of all the dispositions and habits that lead to political prosperity, our religion and morality are the indispensable supporters. Let us with caution indulge the supposition that morality can be maintained without religion. Reason and experience both forbid us to expect that our national morality can prevail in exclusion of religious principle."

Was George Washington a Christian? Consider these words from his personal prayerbook: "Oh, eternal and everlasting God, direct my thoughts, words and work. Washaway my sins in the immaculate blood of the lamb and purge my heart by the Holy Spirit. Daily, frame me more and more in the likeness of Thy son, Jesus Christ, that living in Thy fear, and dying in Thy favor, I may in Thy appointed time obtain the resurrection of the justified unto eternal life. Bless, O Lord, the whole race of mankind and let the world be filled with the knowledge of Thy son, Jesus Christ."

May we not forget the foundation of our nation!

Jeff Powell

"Give Me Liberty or Give Me Death"

2011-10-04T08:27:00.000-07:00

For the next several weeks, I thought it would be wise to “re-educate” us about the founding of our nation. Marcus Perry recently sent me this e-mail...

“The founders of this nation handed us a treasure that was bought and paid for with humility, persecution, and prayer. They gave us a running start. They gave America the opportunity to be the greatest and most benevolent nation this world has ever known. We have been a beacon for hope throughout the world. God forgive us for our complacency and compromise. I pray we're not too late to turn back the tide.”

Did you know that 52 of the 55 signers of The Declaration of Independence were deeply committed Christians? The other three all believed in the Bible as the divine truth, the God of scripture, and His personal intervention.

Patrick Henry, who is called the firebrand of the American Revolution, is still remembered for his words, "Give me liberty or give me death." But in current textbooks the context of these words is deleted. Here is what he said: "An appeal to arms and the God of hosts is all that is left us. But we shall not fight our battle alone. There is a just God that presides over the destinies of nations. The battle sir, is not of the strong alone. Is life so dear or peace so sweet as to be purchased at the price of chains and slavery? Forbid it, Almighty God. I know not what course others may take, but as for me, give me liberty, or give me death."

These sentences have been erased from our textbooks.

Was Patrick Henry a Christian? The following year, 1776, he wrote this: "It cannot be emphasized too strongly or too often that this great nation was founded not by religionists, but by Christians; not on religion, but on the Gospel of Jesus Christ. For that reason alone, people of other faiths have been afforded freedom of worship here."

May we not forget the foundation of our nation!

Jeff Powell

Less Boring Sermons Guaranteed!

2011-09-28T09:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wanted to hear from God? Recently Windy shared a blog with me by Steven Furtick (www.stevenfurtick.com). Here are parts of it...

There's a secret to listening to sermons that dramatically affects what you will get from them. I call it the perception principle.

The perception principle goes like this: I can only receive someone on the level that I perceive them.

This is true for God, and for every human relationship you have. The way you choose to see someone determines how you will treat them and how you will receive whatever they have to give you.

Negatively, this means that if you perceive your wife to be a nag, that's the way she's always going to sound to you. Even when she really isn't being one. If you perceive your husband to be a loser, that's how you're going to receive him. No matter what he does.

Positively, it means that if you perceive someone to be wise, what they say will sound wise. If you perceive someone to be 'cool,' everything they do will look cool.

Here's how this matters when you're listening to a sermon. How you perceive the person preaching will determine what you're able to receive from them. And ultimately from God.

If all you see is a guy with good ideas and not a guy with a message from God, that's all you'll ever get. If you go in skeptical of every word, you're probably going to find fault.

On the other hand, if you perceive your pastor to have a message for you from God, you're probably going to be a lot more attentive and engaged. If you go into a sermon expecting to hear a word from God, you're probably going to get one.

I don't care who your pastor is...the principle is the same. Perceive them to have a message from God for you, and that's what you'll get.

Show up ready to hear from God, and don't be surprised when you do.

Expecting to hear from God,

Jeff Powell

Better Than Chicken Nuggets...

2011-09-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Although I like chicken nuggets, there are other nuggets that I like even more. I love nuggets of truth that I can “chew” on throughout the day. This is one of the reasons why having a devotional time is so important. Recently we began providing you a devotional guide called “The Word For You Today.” Each one is short, simple, and will spiritually feed you. If you haven’t yet picked up your copy for the months of September, October, and November, please do so today!

Just a few weeks ago, we received a letter from a person that had just gotten out of jail. I think you will be blessed by reading it...

“While being incarcerated in jail there was a book that this girl had - the name is The Word For You Today daily devotional. I would like to have it again. Can you send the next edition for Sept, Oct, Nov? That book is read good. It helps me spiritually. I enjoy reading it. It helps me get through some hard times. It is refreshing to my day especially when I wake up in the morning. It helps me start the day off with God in my heart, mind, and soul. Thank you very much. Please send one.”

It was our joy to send a devotional book to this person!

Fellowship Church, don’t forget to get your daily devotional booklet....and more importantly, don’t forget to read it daily:)

NOW, please welcome with open hearts, Harrell and Lolita Hemingway on Sunday, September 25. They are missionaries in the Philippines that we support each month. You will be blessed by them today!

I am looking forward to being back with you Sunday, October 2. Please continue to pray for Tyler and me as we are in India.

See you next Sunday,

Jeff Powell

What would we do without our church family?

2011-09-13T09:32:00.001-07:00

I do not know what a person would do without their church family. Here is a testimony of one of our members....

“I work for the Federal Government and returned last week from an eventful business trip to Washington, DC. I hate to fly and prefer to take Amtrak when I have to travel for work. My train trip up was uneventful and I had planned to return to Florida “right after my meeting” on Thursday taking the Thursday evening Amtrak back to Florida! I really did not want to be in Washington, DC on 9/11!

It rained the whole three days I was there, causing major flooding to occur. When I got to the Amtrak station on Thursday evening, Sept 8th after my all day meeting, we sat on the train for three and a half hours before they decided the train tracks were under water. They would have to put us up in a hotel till the next day, “maybe” getting out then (maybe not). Sept 11th was drawing nearer!! When we got to the train station the next day, Sept 9th the tracks were still under water. We “might” get out Friday or Saturday, Sept 10th!?!? Wow, Sept 11th was drawing nearer, and the thought of me sitting in Union Station on 9/11 really was causing me “major” stress! Add to that the news saying that there were credible terrorist threats now for NY AND Washington, DC.

I was emailing my friends (many of whom are part of my church family) and received the bible verse Proverbs 3:5-6! It made me feel better. Then I thought about Paul and how he … “Focused on Christ and NOT his circumstances”. I was “at peace” the rest of the trip, prayed a LOT and got the “LAST” seat on the train out late Friday evening. The tracks were still under water, so they had to bus us to Richmond, Virginia to catch it. I got home Saturday, September 10th!!!!! God is Great!!!!!”

Thank you Ruth Franklin for sharing this with your church family! And hey, if you don’t yet have a church family, Fellowship Church would love to be that family for you. We are place where REAL relationships begin!

Thankful for each of you,

Jeff Powell

Our Sad September Snow

2011-09-06T13:38:00.000-07:00

Our Sad September Snow

Morning broke once more, with pure and simple trust
We believed the door was closed, and the lock free of rust
But sadly, we were wrong. We were out there in the gale
Our ship did toss in a sea of tears, with torn and tattered sail

The planes, they came in low, streaking fast across the sky
They whistled past the structures, caught in the public's eye
First one, and then the next, but a few minutes apart
and in those tragic moments, they broke our country's heart

The explosion seemed like fiction. The fire and the smoke
We all drew in the toxins, and gave a sickly choke
The buildings soon fell down. That scene we all remember
when ashes hit the air, and it snowed in our September

Steel dropped like meteors. Glass like hot rain
We heard our brother's screams, and felt our sister's pain
Dear God, why did it happen? Dear God, what made it so?
Dear God, what brought our September this cruel and vicious snow?

Lord help us in our task. Lord help us in our prayer
Lord guide us to our friends who need our gentle care
Lord take us by the hand, and tell us where to go
Lord lead us through the blizzard of our sad September snow

Our family members are gone. With grief we hang our head
We place our hand to our heart, and mourn our country's dead
But we owe them our pledge. They must see that we still thrive
We must show them and this world that justice is alive

This country is not lost. Our flag is still up high
Those things we love so dearly in truth can never die
Let wisdom be our compass, and someday we will know
how and why we suffered this gray and dismal snow

Time will not diminish it. The memory long will last
The image will still be there in years yet to be passed
And children in the future will read about this day
when it snowed in our September, and the world lost its way

9/11/01: We will never forget

Written 9/12/01, by Vincent Spada

Everybody, Somebody, Anybody, Nobody, or Someone Else?

2011-08-30T13:50:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday, one of our members gave me some inspirational words. I could not resist sharing them...

“Four People”
Everybody
Somebody
Anybody
Nobody

There was an important job to be done, and Everybody was sure Somebody would do it. Anybody could have done it, but Nobody did it. Somebody got angry about that, because it was Everybody’s job. Everybody thought Anybody could do it, but Nobody realized that Everybody wouldn’t do it. It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody, when Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Somebody Else -
There’s a clever young fellow named Somebody Else. There is nothing this fellow can’t do. He’s busy from morning till way late, just substituting for you. You’re asked to do this, or asked to do that. And what is your ready reply, Get Somebody Else. He’ll do it much better than I. So much to do in this weary old world; so much and the workers are few. And Somebody Else is weary and worn just substituting for you.

Next time you’re asked to do something worthwhile, just give this ready reply; If Somebody Else can give time and support, my goodness then so can I!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

I have found God's will for all of us!

2011-08-25T05:18:00.000-07:00

Have you ever wondered what God’s will is? I have searched. I have read and prayed. And I have finally found the answer!

What I am about to share with you is 100% God’s will for your life. It is completely true. Here it is: “give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” (1 Thessalonians 5:18). Is this easy? Sometimes. But what about when the circumstances are tough?

Will we thank God when we are tired and exhausted?

Will we thank God when we have failed at something we worked hard to accomplish?

Will we thank God when others criticize us?

Will we thank God when finances are tight?

Will we thank God when we don’t have the answers we need to life’s pressing questions?

Will we thank God when our physical body is inflicted with sickness?

Will we thank God when all hope seems lost?

This my friend is God’s will for you and me: That we would give Him thanks in everything we face in life. When we do this, we will discover His peace and presence in spite of our tough circumstances!

Giving Thanks,

Jeff Powell

No Excuses!

2011-08-16T12:10:00.001-07:00

I declare today the day of NO EXCUSES! Now, I know our minds are the masters at making excuses, but when you read this, you will see that today is really a day of NO EXCUSES. This past week I received this encouragement from one our members. Keep on reading and you will agree that today is a day of NO EXCUSES...

“Jacob was a cheater, Peter had a temper, David had an affair, Noah got drunk, Jonah ran from God, Paul was a murderer, Gideon was insecure, Miriam was a gossiper, Martha was a worrier, Thomas was a doubter, Sara was impatient, Elijah was moody, Moses stuttered, Zaccheus was short, Abraham was old, and Lazarus was dead.... Now, what's YOUR excuse? Can God use you or not?

God doesn't call the qualified, He qualifies the CALLED!”

We have no excuse - God has called each of us. 1 Peter 2:9 tells us “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”

May we declare God’s praises today because today is a day of NO EXCUSES!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Seeing In The Storms

2011-08-10T10:41:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday, I was blessed to be with the youth of our church. We had planned to go scalloping in the Gulf, but due to a weather system, we opted for the lake. The first several hours were filled with sunshine and smiles from the kids having fun doing water sports behind three boats.

Then it happened. The sunshine disappeared and the sky became dark with clouds. Finally, the clouds gave way to pelting rain drops. Wisely, we decided to call it a day.

As we made our way from one side of the lake to the other, it was not only difficult to see, but also a challenge to keep our eyes open as the rain drops stung our faces.

This got me to thinking about life. At times we enjoy the pleasure of sunshine filled days. But then there are times when life seems dark and difficult. And it seems that the pace of life stings us with every inch of advancement. Allow me to share with you two “life rain drops” that can hinder our sight and tempt us to stop moving forward:

1. Failure - yes it stings, but we must get back up and keep moving forward. Yesterday is over. Today is a new day in Jesus!

2. Unforgiveness - we think that we are punishing the one who wronged us by not forgiving. However, the only person being punished is the one that does not forgive. Make a choice to forgive today, it is the only way forward.

By the way, none of the boat drivers closed their eyes and we all made it back safe and sound (smile).

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

A Time To Weep & A Time To Laugh

2011-08-03T11:18:00.000-07:00

I could not resist sharing this humorous story with you that I recently received from one our members...

“Two little boys, ages 8 and 6, are excessively mischievous. They are always getting into trouble and their parents know if any mischief occurs in their town, the two boys are probably involved.

The boys' mother heard that a preacher in town had been successful in disciplining children, so she asked if he would speak with her boys. The preacher agreed, but he asked to see them individually.

The mother sent the 6 year old in the morning, with the older boy to see the preacher in the afternoon. The preacher, a huge man with a deep booming voice, sat the younger boy down and asked him sternly, "Do you know where God is, son?"

The boy's mouth dropped open, but he made no response, sitting there wide-eyed with his mouth hanging open. So the preacher repeated the question in an even sterner tone, "Where is God?! Again, the boy made no attempt to answer. The preacher raised his voice even more and shook his finger in the boy's face and bellowed, "WHERE IS GOD?!"

The boy screamed & bolted from the room, ran directly home & dove into his closet, slamming the door behind him. When his older brother found him in the closet, he asked, "What happened?"

The younger brother, gasping for breath, replied, "We are in BIG trouble this time!" "GOD is missing, and they think WE did it!"

Ecclesiastes 3:4 tells us there is “a time to weep and a time to laugh...” I hope you can laugh a little today!

Jeff Powell

An Explanation of Life...

2011-07-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

I have always believed that laughter is good for the soul. Recently, I received a funny fictitious explanation of life...

On the first day, God created the dog and said, "Sit all day by the door of your house and bark at anyone who comes in or walks past. For this, I will give you a life span of twenty years."

The dog said, "That's a long time to be barking.. How about only ten years and I'll give you back the other ten?" So God agreed....

On the second day, God created the monkey and said, "Entertain people, do tricks, and make them laugh. For this, I'll give you a twenty-year life span."

The monkey said, "Monkey tricks for twenty years? That's a pretty long time to perform. How about I give you back ten like the dog did?" And God agreed....

On the third day, God created the cow and said, "You must go into the field with the farmer all day long and suffer under the sun, have calves and give milk to support the farmer's family. For this, I will give you a life span of sixty years."

The cow said, "That's kind of a tough life you want me to live for sixty years. How about twenty and I'll give back the other forty?" And God agreed again....

On the fourth day, God created humans and said, "Eat, sleep, play, marry and enjoy your life. For this, I'll give you twenty years."

But the human said, "Only twenty years? Could you possibly give me my twenty, the forty the cow gave back, the ten the monkey gave back, and the ten the dog gave back; that makes eighty, okay?" "Okay," said God. "You asked for it."

So that is why for our first twenty years, we eat, sleep, play and enjoy ourselves. For the next forty years, we slave in the sun to support our family. For the next ten years, we do monkey tricks to entertain the grandchildren. And for the last ten years, we sit on the front porch and bark at everyone.

Smiling...and hoping you are too,

Jeff Powell

Do It Anyways

2011-07-20T07:52:00.000-07:00

Recently I received some inspiring words from one of our church members. The words are credited to Mother Teresa. I think you will be inspired as I was when I read them...

“People are often unreasonable, irrational and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.

If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.

If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.

What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.

If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.

The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.

Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.

In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Be Motivated!

2011-07-13T08:25:00.000-07:00

Here are some words that have motivated me...

Attitude determines my altitude in life.

I can see the glass as either half empty or half full.

You will never change your life until you change your
life.

You make your choices and your choices make you.

Success is a journey, not a destination.

FEAR can be False Events Appearing Real.

I must feed my faith and starve my doubts.

If I don’t set boundaries for my life, others will.

What I truly believe is reflected by what I do.

My children are not mine, I am their temporary
caretaker.

Goals must be written down and viewed regularly.

Focus can work for me or against me.

I can lead people to life giving water, but I can’t force
them to drink it!

I cannot fix people, I can only serve them.

Be motivated today!

Jeff Powell

This Just Might Shock You

2011-07-05T10:38:00.000-07:00

On June 9, 2011 James Macdonald wrote a thought provoking blog about church government. I want to share some from his blog since we are currently in transition from a Congregational form to an Elder form of government....

1) Congregational Meetings Are Forums for Division: When church life is going well, the leaders of a church struggle to get a quorum for decision making. When things are going wrong, every carnal member lines up at a microphone to spew their venom and destroy the work of Christ in the church. Satan does want to rip church unity to shreds like a devouring lion (1 Peter 5:8).

2) Voting Is Not Biblical It may be a tradition of some wonderful streams of church history, e.g. Baptist, but it is not biblical. There is not a shred of biblical evidence for a congregation voting on what its direction should be, but many church members believe it is their ‘God-given right’ to stand in judgement over the Pastors and Elders that are seeking to lead them.

3) Eldership Is Sometimes Unpopular Elders are responsible to “shepherd the flock” (1 Peter 5:2), which is often a very dirty job. Calling out sin, dealing with those who have fallen and seeking their restoration (Galatians 6:1-4), these responsibilities put Elders in positions where doing the right often means doing the unpopular.

4) Congregationalism Crushes Pastors Statistics tell us that a pastor typically leaves a church because of 8 people. I could retire now if I had banked a hundred dollars for every time a Pastor wept to me on the phone or in person about the crushing weight of a local ‘church boss’ who would not listen to Scripture or reason or God’s Holy Spirit.

5) Priesthood, Not Eldership of All Believers Sadly, this has led in many congregations to the Eldership of all believers—where each person, regardless of training, giftedness, fruitfulness, experience, etc., considers their thoughts about the future of a given congregation to be of equivalent value. Satan uses this expectation to create in people a demand to be heard, an insistence that their thoughts on the future of a church—no matter how quickly formed, or singularly held—receive validation equal that of a Pastor/Elder.

Thanks James for sharing! May God continue to lead us as a church body in this transition to Elders!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

A Backyard Mission With Two 7 Year Olds!

2011-06-29T08:21:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I took the bold step to camp out with Austin and Joshua Hosey in the backyard. Even though it was hot, I was ready to brave it for these two young men. Okay, so I did run an extension chord and set up a fan for myself in the tent:) As light turned into night, it became time for us to go to sleep so I said our prayers and told them good night. Not even 15 seconds had gone by and the two were still talking. After another 10 minutes I quieted them down again. Again not even 15 seconds and they were passionately discussing all the wild animals that could be roaming outside. I let another 10 minutes go by and repeated our previous routine for the third time. And again, they repeated their routine. By this time I knew if any of us were to get any sleep we would have to move indoors, so I made the bold call to head inside and my brave campers joyfully followed!

Inside the fun continued until finally these two adventuresome kids went to sleep. As I thought about this “camping” experience, I began to think about our “missions” experiences. You see for Austin and Joshua, camping was never the goal, just a means of accomplishing the goal. Their goal was have tons of fun together and imagine many adventures together - all of this they did from the comfort of my home...and the tent, during the day:)

In the same way, the goal of missions as a church is not to just take trips or to just send money. No, our goal is to see these areas touched and changed by the love of Jesus. Going and sending are just two ways we accomplish this goal. We go to and we send monies to these lands, but let us not forget the goal - to see people touched by the love of Jesus! In September of this year, I plan on going again to India to further accomplish this goal. Some of you may physically join me. Others of you may help by giving. All of us will take part in furthering our goal to see lives touched by the love of Jesus in this foreign land!

Going and Sending,
Jeff Powell

People Watching At An Airport...

2011-06-20T10:57:00.001-07:00

Recently I was in the Tampa Airport waiting for Tyler and Allie. As I was waiting, I made an intentional effort to “watch people.” Some were sad, some were glad. I noticed a father telling his daughter goodbye. Moments later a wife gave a passionate kiss to her departing husband. Later in my wait I observed a few college aged people excited to go through the gate to their plane. I also observed several traveling families with young children. I took pity on them....and those that would be near them :)

In the midst of all these relationships, I also noticed many who were alone. All were serious looking and focused. Could it be that they were focusing on their destination ahead? Or could it be that they were just tired? Or could it be that they had just left their last hug or kiss or goodbye before their journey began? I will never know. What I do know however, is that even in a busy airport, it is obvious that we humans are created for relational connections.

A life lived alone is a very alone life. A life lived with the mask of “everything is okay all the time,” is a life that is robbed of true community. A life lived only for oneself is a life void of true meaning and value.

Here at Fellowship Church we are seeking to become a place where REAL relationships begin. This will only happen as we intentionally connect with each other. And this cannot happen only on Sundays in corporate worship. The solution? Link up with a small group! You will find a place where REAL relationships begin!

Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell

Blindness, A Brick Wall, And Sight

2011-06-14T09:06:00.000-07:00

“Two men, both seriously ill, occupied the same hospital room. One man was allowed to sit up in his bed for an hour each afternoon to help drain the fluid from his lungs. His bed was next to the room's only window. The other man had to spend all his time flat on his back.

The men talked for hours on end. And every afternoon when the man in the bed by the window could sit up, he would pass the time by describing to his roommate all the things he could see outside the window. The man in the other bed began to live for those one-hour periods.

As the man by the window described a park with a lovely lake, ducks and swans playing on the water, young lovers walking arm in arm, grand old trees gracing the landscape, and a fine view of the city skyline, the man on the other side of the room would close his eyes and imagine the scene.

One morning, the nurse arrived to find the lifeless body of the man by the window, who had died peacefully in his sleep. As soon as it seemed appropriate, the other man asked if he could be moved next to the window. The nurse made the switch and left him alone. Slowly he propped himself up to take his first look outside.

He strained to turn to look out the window beside the bed. It faced a blank wall. The man asked the nurse what could have compelled his roommate to describe such wonderful things. The nurse responded that the man was blind and could not even see the wall!” - Author Unknown

When troubles hide your sight, what do you see? When confusion hides your sight, what do you see? Prayerfully during these and all other times, we will always see God’s great and glorious ways for us by faith!

Jeff Powell

Helping Our Sight

2011-06-08T08:01:00.001-07:00

I am getting older and with age, my eyesight is not what it used to be. I now wear glasses when I drive and when I watch TV. Having my physical sight diminish has reminded me that over time every organization naturally loses sight of what is most important. Just like my glasses restore my physical sight, being reminded of the purpose behind an organization can restore lost “sight” to that organization.

Fellowship Church is a living organism and a functioning organization. So that our organizational sight remains focused, I want to remind us why we exist. Prayerfully everything that we do involves at least one of the following:

1. Leading others to become followers of Jesus (evangelism).
2. Helping those that are followers of Jesus to know Him better (discipleship).

We seek to accomplish this through praying together, worshipping together, serving together, studying the Bible together, reaching out to others together and giving together. This all leads me to a final component:

3. Togetherness in all that we do (fellowship).

Through everything that we do we are becoming a place where REAL relationships begin! We want this to happen through Vacation Bible School July 18-22, One Story Live from Bethlehem on December 10 & 11, Small Groups, Ministries, and Worship Services that occur every week, and Missions in India!

Evangelism, Discipleship, and Fellowship - that is the vision! I hope you see clearer now than you did a few minutes ago :)

Jeff Powell

Preaching in Pakistan

2011-06-01T08:16:00.000-07:00

Technology is amazing. The advances that have been made are nothing less than marvelous. Our ability to communicate has exponentially increased (facebook, e-mail, blogs, twitter, etc...). Technology in and of itself is neutral - neither positive nor negative. It is what we do with technology that determines whether it has a positive or negative affect on us.

One such technology that I am excited about is Skype. Through this free service two people can video conference with each other through the internet. Over the last few weeks I have utilized this technology to communicate with Imran Sadiq in Pakistan. It has been a great blessing to share the word of God with Imran and to pray with him all while being able to see him in real time!

Fellowship Church, we are taking our missions to another level through technology. On June 10, I will preach a live message to Imran’s church. I will be in my office here in Florida, they will be in their church building in Pakistan. The message that I will preach will be in celebration of their church’s 1 year anniversary.

At a time when persecution is increasing all over Pakistan, we as a church family have the opportunity to stand with our brothers and sisters in that part of the world. On Friday, June 10 at 11:30AM, I will preach a message that will prayerfully encourage and equip them to stand strong in the face of opposition. Please join me in praying for this special event. And please pray for our brothers and sisters in Pakistan, pray that the boldness of Jesus would overcome all fear!

Thank you in advance for praying!

Jeff Powell

Who Gets the First Pancake?

2011-05-24T10:58:00.000-07:00

Laughter is good medicine for the heart. I thought I would share with you some funny things children have said...

A little boy was overheard praying: "Lord, if you can't make me a better boy, don't worry about it, I'm having a real good time like I am."

A Sunday school class was studying the Ten Commandments. They were ready to discuss the last one. The teacher asked if anyone could tell her what it was. Susie raised her hand, stood tall, and quoted, "Thou shall not take the covers off the neighbor's wife."

A Sunday school teacher asked her children, as they were on the way to church service, "And why is it necessary to be quiet in church?" One bright little girl replied, "Because people are sleeping."

A mother was preparing pancakes for her sons, Kevin, 5 and Ryan 3. The boys began to argue over who would get the first pancake. Their mother saw the opportunity for a moral lesson. "If Jesus were sitting here, He would say, 'Let my brother have the first pancake, I can wait.'" Kevin turned to his younger brother and said, "Ryan, you be Jesus!"

A wife invited some people to dinner. At the table, she turned to their six-year-old daughter and said, "Would you like to say the blessing?" "I wouldn't know what to say," the girl replied. "Just say what you hear Mommy say," the wife answered. The daughter bowed her head and said, "Lord, why on earth did I invite all these people to dinner?"

Laugh a little today, it is good for you!

Jeff Powell

small things, LARGE IMPACT

2011-05-17T13:04:00.000-07:00

Small things add up to large things. Think about it: 100 small pennies add up to $1. 100 small dollars add up to $100. Ten $100 bills add up to $1,000. On and on we could go, but I think you get the point!

It is the same way in churches: Small things add up to large impact. Paul said it this way in 1 Corinthians 12:12, “The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ.” In the Kingdom of God, when small things are joined together, big impact occurs! When you meet together in your small group, big things are happening. When you meet together in your small team of ministry, big things are happening.

This week I was reminded of the big impact small things make. At my request, Joseph Matcha sent me a detailed list of some of the needs the 92 India Oprhans have: Soap for a month ($125). Oil for a month ($14). Tooth Paste for a month ($82). Tooth Brushes ($42). Underwear for 92 children ($45). Shampoo for a month ($82).

For $390 all the basic needs of the 92 children could be met! And for $303 per month the needs of the 92 children could CONTINUE being met (soap, oil, tooth paste, shampoo)! Talk about small things making a large impact!!!

It has been said that as the church grows larger (in number), she must also grow smaller (in group organization). Remember, small things do indeed add up to large impact! Together, we make a difference through our giving and our serving!

Thank you for making a BIG impact,

Jeff Powell

What Did He Say?

2011-05-11T08:30:00.000-07:00

Quotes challenge us and inspire us. Remember, JFK saying “Ask not what your country can do for you, but....” Remember Dr. King saying “I have a dream....” Here are some quotes from the most influential man who ever lived:

“If anyone would come after me he must deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.”

“But if you do not forgive men their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.”

"Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You are like whitewashed tombs, which look beautiful on the outside but on the inside are full of dead men's bones and everything unclean.”

“I tell you the truth, if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, you can say to this mountain, 'Move from here to there' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you. "

"For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”

“I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you.”

“I have given you authority to trample on snakes and scorpions and to overcome all the power of the enemy; nothing will harm you.”

Thank you Jesus for daring to speak words that would challenge, words that would inspire, and words that would give life!

Jeff Powell

What Do You See?

2011-05-04T08:11:00.000-07:00

Vision is the ability to see. Have you ever thought about how a child sees things in relation to God? Recently I received some questions & thoughts from children to God...

“Dear God, I went to this wedding and they kissed right in church. Is that ok?”

“Dear God, Instead of letting people die and having to make new ones why don’t you just keep the ones you got now?”

“Dear God, I bet it is very hard for you to love all of everybody in the whole world. There are only 4 people in our family and I can never do it.”

“Dear God, Maybe Cain and Abel would not kill each other so much if they had their own rooms. It works with my brother.”

Vision can be funny and it can be wrong. I want to help our vision concerning Fellowship Church. Prayerfully everything that we do involves at least one of the following:

1. Leading others to become followers of Jesus (evangelism).
2. Helping those that are followers of Jesus to know Him better (discipleship).

We seek to accomplish this in a variety of ways: We pray together. We worship together. We serve together. We study the Bible together. We reach out to others together. We give together. This all leads me to a final component:

3. Togetherness in all that we do (fellowship).

Through everything that we do we are becoming a place where REAL relationships begin! We want this to happen through our Women’s Conference May 13 & 14, our New 3-week Bible Study Class on May 15, 22, & 29, VBS on July 18-22, One Story Live from Bethlehem on December 10 & 11, Small Groups that are meeting every week in homes, and Missions in India!

Evangelism, Discipleship, and Fellowship - that is the vision!

Jeff Powell

The National Debt and The Kingdom of Heaven

2011-04-27T10:15:00.001-07:00

As much as I can stomach it, I keep up with politics and governmental affairs. Recently, the big debate in our national politics has been over the growing deficit and debt ceiling. Now before you stop reading, please understand I am not about to bore you on all intricacies and implications of this debate. However I will say, I was shocked to be reminded again that for every dollar the U.S. government spends, we borrow 40 cents! Try running your business or personal budget like that - you would not last long!

Now all of this has gotten me thinking about the value of a single dollar as it relates to the Kingdom of God. I am happy to tell you that every dollar that is spent on the Kingdom of God ends up being multiplied by God! Rather than a debt and deficit growing for every dollar we invest in the Kingdom of God, the exact opposite happens: Every dollar that is spent on the Kingdom of God results in a surplus - praise God (see 2 Corinthians 9:6-15)!

The reality is that at times we see this surplus and at other times we don’t. I am happy to share with you that recently I was able to see this surplus from your investment into God’s Kingdom. While I was in India with Joseph Matcha, he shared with me some of what our monthly church support means to his ministry. Did you know that $50 a month supports one pastor and his family? For little more than a dollar a day, one pastor has his housing, food, and medical needs met! Did you know that for one dollar a day, one orphan child receives housing, teaching, food, clothes, and medical care? Talk about surplus from giving one dollar!!!

The debate is over concerning investing in the Kingdom of God - every dollar invested/spent for God’s purposes results in a surplus! May we as a church and as a people continue adding to Heaven’s surplus.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Praying for One Another

2011-04-20T10:53:00.000-07:00

Prayer is misunderstood, misused, or not used at all. God has provided prayer as a great avenue for us to connect with Him. Through prayer we can release burdens to the Lord and through prayer we can receive blessings from God. Where is prayer best practiced in the church context?

“When we talk about the gifts of the Spirit, we tend to limit them to speaking in tongues and prophecy. But we must not forget that healings and miracles are also gifts of the Spirit.

In a congregation...it is increasingly difficult for the pastor to pray for all the sick. This is not because of the lack of willingness, but because it is increasingly difficult to devote adequate time to pray for a growing number of needs.

Yes, the pastor can pray for as many sick people as he wishes, but the Bible also says that we need to pray for one another (James 5:16). This is a duty that all believers should practice as part of their priestly role.

The best place to pray for each other is in the cell (small group). It is the place where people know each other intimately, can fully share what’s happening in their lives, and where emotional ties are established. Personal healing also takes place in this atmosphere as believers pray for one another.

In the larger celebration services, the pastor can make a general prayer for all the sick, even for those who are not present. But in the cell, each believer can confess faults to one another, place hands on the sick, and then pray for the gifts of healing. The cell is the ideal place for believers to serve each other through their spiritual gifts.”
Thanks Mario Vega for sharing this with us! I hope that each of us are connected to one of our small groups (cells) so that all of our prayer needs can be met!

Praying,

Jeff Powell

If you....

2011-04-12T08:40:00.001-07:00

Recently I received an e-mail from one of our members that I want to share. These are questions from Jesus to us.

“If you never felt pain, then how would you know that I am a Healer?

If you never had to pray, how would you know that I am a Deliverer?

If you never had a trial, how could you call yourself an overcomer?

If you never felt sadness, how would you know that I am a Comforter?

If you never made a mistake, how would you know that I am a Forgiver?

If you never were in trouble, how would you know that I will come to your rescue?

If you never were broken, then how would you know that I can make you whole?

If you never had any suffering, then how would you know what I went through?

If you never went through the fire, then how would you become pure?

If I never corrected you, how would you know that I love you?

If you had all power, then how would you learn to depend on me?

If your life was perfect, then what would you need me for?

Love,
Jesus”
Thanks Adela for sharing!

Jeff Powell

Giving Your All

2011-04-06T08:51:00.000-07:00

Vision is what allows us to get from one place to the next. Have you ever thought about God’s vision? Normally we don’t think of God in terms of movement. We think of God as certain, fixed, and final. However He is also filled with movement (vision) that has yet to be completed.

God’s vision is for humans to know Him through Jesus Christ and then for those humans that know Him to make Him known to others!

This vision can only be completed by GIVING. Jesus said that “God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son that whoever believes in him will not perish but have everlasting life.” John 3:16. God gave first. We then follow Him by giving of ourselves. It is that simple.

Are you giving of your time by reaching out and inviting others to a relationship with Jesus? Are you giving of your treasures so that others will continue hearing the saving message of Jesus? Are you giving of your abilities so that others will see God through your servanthood?

I believe that you can do all three through Fellowship Church: Easter Sunday, April 24 is a natural opportunity for you to give your time by inviting others to attend with you. Saturday, April 16 is the BIG SERVE and your participation will allow God to be seen by our community through your servanthood. April 24 is our Bring Your Best offering where we will give of our treasures to God’s work!

Giving,

Jeff Powell

Bring Your Best

2011-03-23T12:56:00.000-07:00

People are unique. People can drive us crazy. People can amaze us. People inspire us. People can bring the very best and very worst out of us. And people are God’s greatest creation!

All over the world, there is a common thread of humanity. We look very different from each other depending on which part of the world we come from. However basic human needs remain the same. We all enjoy comfort and despise pain. We all require food and water to live. And we all are in need of the saving grace of God expressed through Jesus Christ!

Through Fellowship Church people all over the world are being touched by the love of Jesus through our missions support. Through your giving, we are able to directly support missionaries in the Philippines, India, Pakistan, and all over Central America.

Every year during this time, we collect a monetary offering on Easter Sunday called Bring Your Best. Easter Sunday is a day that we celebrate God giving His best to us in Jesus. In like manner, we too want to give God our best in the form of a love offering. Part of this years Bring Your Best offering will support building the second floor (four additional rooms) of Pastor Joseph Matcha’s home to enable his ministry in India to have adequate office and storage space as well as lodging space for missionaries and widows.

People have needs all over the world. And you can make a direct difference in the lives of people on the other side of the world through your generous giving to the Bring Your Best offering on Easter Sunday, April 24. Thank you for having a direct impact in people all over the world. Through you, people are being touched by the love of Jesus!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Bring Your Best VIDEO!

2011-03-23T11:55:00.000-07:00

Bring Your Best Final from Jeff Powell on Vimeo.

BIGGER & smaller

2011-03-22T10:59:00.000-07:00

As our world has grown BIGGER, it has also gotten smaller. We can now get places faster than ever before. And communication is nearly instant across the world.

As a church, I believe that as we grow BIGGER, we too must become smaller. Now on the surface this sounds like a great contradiction: How can we become both BIGGER and smaller at the same time?

As Fellowship Church grows BIGGER numerically, we must make an intentional effort to develop a network of real relationships. This can most successfully be done through Small Groups. A person cannot know everyone in Fellowship Church, but they can know those in a Small Group! So if you aren’t yet connected to a Small Group, get connected to one today.

In like manner, as Fellowship Church grows BIGGER in the number and scope of ministries that we engage in, the only way to successfully organize for diverse ministries is through a network of Small Groups. For instance, we are gearing up as a church family to engage in the BIG SERVE on April 16. As of right now we have approximately 8 projects lined up spanning many miles across our community. The only way we can successfully engage our community through an event such as the BIG SERVE is through the organizational structure of Small Groups. Small Groups allow us to quickly mobilize people in an area of need in our community.

If you are not already connected to a Small Group, I hope that you will get connected to one soon. And I hope that you are planning on being a part of the BIG SERVE on April 16. Your church and your community need you on that day!

Growing BIGGER and smaller,

Jeff Powell

Inspired By You!

2011-03-15T08:04:00.001-07:00

People inspire me. And people no doubt inspire you. What types of people bring us inspiration?

Bold people inspire us. We are all passionate about something. Life is too short to be lived quietly. Followers of Jesus, “live out loud” for their King!

Loving people inspire us. It is easy to tell someone you love them. It is much harder to show someone that you love them. Love requires action. Human actions either confirm or deny words of love.

Honest people inspire us. In the moment, it is much easier to tell a lie, than tell the truth. Followers of Jesus tell the truth, even when it is difficult to do so. Honesty is the best route to take all the time. For instance...

An elderly woman walked into a local church. An usher greeted her at the door. “Where would you like to sit?” he asked. “The front row please,” she answered. “You really don’t want to do that,” the usher said. “The preacher is really boring.” “Do you know who I am?” asked the woman. “No,” said the usher. “I’m the preachers mother,” she replied. “Do you know who I am?” asked the usher. “No,” she said. “Good,” he said as he disappeared into the crowd! Yes, honesty is the best policy!

Jesus lived His life boldly and now calls us to do the same. Jesus loved others with actions of sacrifice and service and now calls us to do the same. And Jesus was honest to all that He encountered and now He calls us do the same. The remaining question is will we be people who inspire others through our boldness, love, and honesty?

Inspired by You,

Jeff Powell

What Is Our Vision As A Church?

2011-03-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

I have been asked why I go to foreign countries to engage in ministry. My response has been Psalm 96:3, which says, “Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” This is the vision that I seek to live by.

In the same way, we as a church have a vision. This vision is Matthew 28:19, 20. Jesus said, “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always to the very end of the age.”

As a church we seek to exist according to this vision by...

1) Focusing on those that have not yet accepted Jesus as their personal Lord and Savior.

2) Publicly baptizing people in a celebratory manner.

3) Offering age-appropriate environments where the Word of God can be learned and applied to everyday life.

What role do you play in helping our church fulfill the vision?

First, you can invite people to attend with you. Easter is a great opportunity to do this. Start praying now about who God would have you to invite to attend with you on April 24.

Second, if you have not been baptized, consider following Jesus’ command to be baptized as His follower. Baptism expresses outwardly what has happened on the inside of you - that Jesus is in you! It is also a picture of our past sins being buried and us receiving new life in Jesus.

Finally, if you aren’t connected to a Sunday Morning Bible study or a Weekly Small Group, make that a priority!

Thank you for helping us fulfill the vision,

Jeff Powell

Mission Possible

2011-03-01T10:46:00.001-08:00

If you have ever watched any of the Mission Impossible movies or TV shows, you are probably familiar with the lead in to the teams next mission. It went something like this..."Good morning. Your mission, should you decide to accept it is to...As always, should you or any of your team be caught or killed, the Secretary will disavow any knowledge of your actions. This tape will self-destruct in five seconds. Good luck."

The reality is we all have a mission. It goes something like this... “Your mission, should your decide to accept, is to be the salt and light wherever your day may take you. You are to be a living example of my love for you and the world. It won’t always be easy, but as always, should you be caught as one of my followers, rest assured that I will personally be identified with you - you will not be alone! This mission is to be shared with everyone who follows me. I will give you the strength you need to complete the mission, God.”

Our mission needs to be lived out in our home, on our job, at our leisure, and in all of our relationships wherever we go. In a week, I will be traveling to the countries of Pakistan and India to continue being on mission for Jesus. This particular journey will not be easy and does have a higher than usual risk factor.

Thank you in advance for going with me through your prayer support. I plan on posting a few audio updates and real time pictures during the journey so that you can pray with real time information.

Don’t ever forget, you too have a mission to live out in your everyday life. The question is will you accept the mission?

On Mission,

Jeff Powell

Assembly Required

2011-02-23T07:17:00.000-08:00

I recently came across a blog that reminded me again of the need for us to be connected relationally to each other. Here is a portion of that blog by Steve Cordle...

There are many today who would say “My spirituality is private, I have my own beliefs, and I don’t need to be part of a church to believe in God, and I can pray anywhere I am.”

And that is partially true: we can indeed (and should) pray in all sorts of places, and church membership is not required in order to believe in God.

However, God’s intent for us is much more than to believe he exists or to pray from time to time. God’s intent for us is to become spiritually mature, and in order to do that we need to be connected to other people.

Ephesians 4:13 describes God’s goal for us: “…we all reach unity in the faith and in the knowledge of the Son of God and become mature, attaining to the whole measure of the fullness of Christ.”

The passage mentions many other people who are involved in our maturing process. In verses 4 and 12 Jesus followers are called “the body of Christ”. That tells us we are not isolated spiritual free-agents, but connected parts of a whole.

If our only connection with other believers is in a corporate worship service, we will not have as much opportunity as we need in order to mature spiritually. The connection we require is both ”shoulder to shoulder” and “face to face”.
I want to encourage you to get some “face to face” time this week with other believers. A great way to do this is in one of our five small groups!

Blessings,

Jeff Powell

Rejoicing...

2011-02-16T07:01:00.000-08:00

Here sits a man who is tired and worn down. Physically he is drained. He has been to what we call “hell and back.” Those he once trusted have abandoned him. He is alone. On the one hand he is ready to give up. On the other, he is ready to press on. You could say, he is at times conflicted.

His accommodations offer him little relief. He has no climate controlled environment. He can’t choose his diet. His freedoms are severely limited. His resting place offers no reprieve. He is in jail.

And yet, rather than complaining, he is actually rejoicing! On the outside as we look in we may be tempted to conclude that this poor soul has entered a disillusioned and delirious state mentally due to what he has experienced. Surprisingly however, that is not what is going on. No, this man has tapped into a source of joy that physical discomfort cannot drain.

The man I am talking about is Paul. And while Paul faced these difficult circumstances, he wrote a beautiful book in the Bible called Philippians. It is four chapters long and has been nicknamed the book of joy - written while Paul was himself in a dark, deadly prison.

No matter what you face today and tomorrow and the next, I want to encourage you to read the little book of Philippians this week. You too can discover the source of joy that no amount of discomfort or uncertainty can drain!

Rejoicing,

Jeff Powell

Believing That It Should Be!

2011-02-08T10:23:00.000-08:00

Vision is direction concerning what could be fueled by the belief that it should be! Here is what could be at Fellowship Church fueled by the belief that it should be...

April 16: Big Serve - we will gather to pray together and then serve our community together in tangible ways to express the love of Jesus to others. If you are aware of local needs that we could possibly help meet, please let us know.

April 24: Easter Sunday and Bring Your Best Offering - we will give God our best in the form of a financial offering. We hope to collect in either cash or pledges $25,000. This will support facilities, children’s ministries, Big Serve, orphans in India, and One Story Live from Bethlehem dramatic presentation in December.

Weekly: Small Groups - currently we have 5 small groups that are meeting. If you are not yet connected to one of these groups, I encourage you to visit one soon. Our goal this year is to see these 5 groups grow into 8 groups.

Please pray that God will lead us to Big Serve projects that would glorify Him on April 16. Pray that God will provide $25,000 through the Bring Your Best offering on April 24. And pray that our 5 small groups will grow into 8 small groups during 2011.

This is what could be at Fellowship Church fueled by the belief that it should be! Together, let’s pray it through!

Praying,

Jeff Powell

Missions Update from Pakistan

2011-02-01T10:09:00.001-08:00

We are blessed as a church to be connected to God’s work all over the world. I recently received an update from Pastor Imran Sadiq in Pakistan.

“We are thankful for you and Pastor Charles. With funds we purchased the Laptop for our Bible School & God's works. And on 7 to 8 December we held Evangelistic service & Church leadership seminar in our Church. More than 200 people attended. People received blessings, salvation, healing, restoration, the Holy Spirit touched lives and the Lord brought breakthrough.

My brother I am also thankful to you, family and Fellowship Church for your best wishes & love for 2011 and monthly financial support for spreading the gospel through Cable TV channel. My Church is growing day by day. Souls are coming to Christ, the Spirit of God is moving and the Lord is adding to the brothers & sisters in our Church. Sunday school is growing and we are praying for more teachers.
In 2011 we will start Youth group and Bible Study and Women cell group meeting and more evangelistic services and leadership seminars to reach the unreached areas.
Say our greetings & love to your family, church and all brothers & sisters. God richly bless you. Imran Sadiq”Thank you for supporting God’s work through

Fellowship Church - your giving makes a difference!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Laughter Is Good For You

2011-01-26T07:39:00.000-08:00

Email is a wonderful way to communicate quickly. However if you are like me your inbox can get pretty full with “junk mail.” And sometimes if we are not careful we can send an e-mail to the wrong person. I recently read a funny story that illustrates what I mean...

“An Illinois man left the snow-filled streets of Chicago for a vacation in Florida. His wife was on a business trip and was planning to meet him there the next day. When he reached his hotel, he decided to send his wife a quick email.

Unfortunately, when typing her address, he missed one letter, and his note was directed instead to an elderly preacher's wife whose husband had passed away only the day before. When the grieving widow checked her email, she took one look at the monitor, let out a piercing scream, and fell to the floor in a dead faint.

At the sound, her family rushed into the room and saw this note on the screen:

Dearest Wife, Just got checked in. Everything is prepared for your arrival tomorrow.”

Life is too short to take yourself too seriously. When was the last time you did something foolish that you can now laugh at? Here is the challenge, share that with someone else, it just might brighten their day...and it will keep you humble!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Investing Wisely

2011-01-19T13:07:00.000-08:00

In life we invest in our health, our families, our homes, our education, and our pleasures. We also need to invest in God’s Kingdom through giving. Although giving is not the only way we can invest in God’s Kingdom, it certainly is an important one. Jesus told us that we could determine the condition of our heart based on our giving! He said, “where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Luke 12:34)

Through our ONE Story theme for 2011, we have plans in place to reach our community and world with the love of Jesus like never before. We are expanding our international outreach in India. We are expanding our Bible Study opportunities. We are expanding our leadership training. We are expanding our facility improvements. We are expanding our staff. And we are expanding our local community outreach. I look forward to sharing these plans and much more with you at our church wide dinner on January 30. As you remain faithful in your giving, people will be touched by Jesus!

I want to encourage you set a percentage of your income that you will give to God’s work during 2011. If you already are a percentage giver, I encourage you to challenge yourself by increasing the percentage that you give. Whatever you decide to give, remember that God promises to bless those who give generously (see 2 Corinthians 9:6)!

Thankful for you,

Jeff Powell

India Ministry

2011-01-12T08:35:00.000-08:00

Together, we are making a positive difference in the world. Here is a recent update from Pastor Joseph Matcha in India:

“After your visit in November, wherever I went God used me powerfully. I had a tremendous leading of the Holy Spirit in me as you prayed for me. After your visit I myself experiencing great revival in my ministry.

In every Christmas meeting there were 500-600 people in attendance. On December 31 and January 1 we had a huge attendance of 2,500 people. Thanks to your visit and prayers, my ministry is fruitful.

In the New Year service we presented a tricycle to a handicapped girl. She was born handicapped and 2 months ago she received Jesus Christ. She used to come church with great difficulty and used to cry in the presence of God. On January 1 she was baptized and when we presented the tricylce to her, her happiness knew no bounds. She was praying to God to ease her difficulty as every time she came to church, she needed to be carried by men. This Sunday she came on her tricycle to the Church.

I am praying for your second trip to India along with your family. I pray that day will come soon as we are expecting more blessings from your teaching and by your visit to my ministry. Give my wishes to your church and sister Jane and my love to your children.”

Thank you for praying and thank you for giving. Together we are making a positive difference in the world!

Thankful for you,

Jeff Powell

What Can You Do?

2011-01-05T12:49:00.001-08:00

Years ago a man was walking along the beach one morning. He noticed that thousands of starfish had been washed up on the beach. Ahead of him was a gigantic rainbow. At the base of the rainbow stooped a little boy, gazing at an object in the sand. Eventually, he flung the object far beyond the breaking surf.

The man went up to the boy and asked, "Son, what are you doing?" The little boy answered, "I'm throwing starfish back into the sea because if I don't they're going to die." "But there are thousands of starfish. In the larger scheme of things you're not going to make much of a difference to all these starfish." The boy looked up at him, stooped down to pick up another starfish and flung it back into the ocean. "It's going to make a big difference to that one" he replied.

Life is short. Life is full. And life needs you to do your part!

Life is made up of billions of people - all who need the refreshing and saving love of Jesus. Is it a tall task? YES! Will we give up in despair or will we do our part? None of us can “rescue” every human being that needs help, but each of us can do our part.

We can pray. We can encourage. We can share. We can open our lives to others. We can invite. We CAN make a difference!

Will you do it? I trust you will!

Seeking to do my part,

Jeff Powell

Dreaming in 2011

2010-12-29T11:04:00.000-08:00

Another year has come and gone. With a new year comes hope of newness. Hope of change. Hope of achieving things that were unachievable in 2010.

Years ago in 1963, a famous champion of equality and freedom declared loudly and clearly a dream that he had for humanity. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. declared:

I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.

I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.

I have a dream that one day right there in Alabama little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers.

I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, and every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; "and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together."

Dr. King’s dream has been fulfilled in part, but more remains to be done. Such is the nature of a dream. Parts are fulfilled, others not. We are left to keep pressing forward in what is yet to be done.

2011 is here. Let us dream again as a people and as a church family. Let us imagine what could be fueled by the passion that it should be!

What is your dream for 2011?

Dreaming Again,

Jeff Powell

Idols

2010-12-21T11:03:00.000-08:00

When you hear the word “idol” what comes to mind? Singer’s on a reality show? Statues in a temple? A lazy person? Or desires that consume another person?

Regardless of what comes to your mind, the reality is that idols abound in our society and sadly even in our churches. I recently read an article that shed some light on this. I have included a portion of it below. The full article can be found at http://www.crosswalk.com/11641936/

“There are outside-the-church idols and there are inside-the-church idols. It's the idols inside the church that ought to concern Christians most. It's easier for Christians to identify worldly idols such as money, power, selfish ambition, sex, and so on. It's the idols inside the church that we have a harder time identifying.

For instance, we know it's wrong to bow to the god of power—but it's also wrong to bow to the god of preferences. We know it's wrong to worship immorality—but it's also wrong to worship morality. We know it's wrong to seek freedom by breaking the rules—but it's also wrong to seek freedom by keeping them. We know God hates unrighteousness—but he also hates self-righteousness. We know crime is a sin—but so is control. If people outside the church try to save themselves by being bad; people inside the church try to save themselves by being good.

The good news of the gospel is that both inside and outside the church, there is only One Savior and Lord, namely Jesus. And he came, not to angrily strip away our freedom, but to affectionately strip away our slavery....so that we might become truly free!”

May we people that keep Jesus as our focus and desire. Anything less, is a cheap substitute!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Courage

2010-12-15T09:02:00.001-08:00

It takes courage to follow your dreams. It takes courage to fulfill the potential of your life. It takes courage to make changes. It takes courage to say no. And it takes courage to say yes.

Franklin D. Roosevelt said, “The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.” I believe he was talking about the emotion of fear that causes us anxiety and stress and robs us of courage.

Just imagine for a moment what you would dare to dream or be or do if you weren’t afraid of anything and were filled with over-flowing courage?

Fear can be overcome and courage can be learned. We can overcome our fears and build courage that will enable us to deal with the ups and downs of life in a positive, rather than negative way.

For instance, if you have the fear of failure, the repetitive words you probably hear in your mind are “I can’t, I can’t, I can’t.” This normally originates from unhealthy criticism. What does God say? He says, you can do all things through Jesus (see Philippians 4:13)!

If you have the fear of rejection, the repetitive words you most likely hear in your mind are “I have to, I have to, I have to.” This normally originates from an unhealthy desire to please others. What does God say? He says, you are accepted as His child through Jesus (see Ephesians 1:5)!

You can say no to your fears and yes to a life of courage! This is exactly what Mary and Joseph did. And the result? Jesus, the Savior of the world was born, lived, died, rose from the dead, and lives today to connect humans to God!

What courageous act do you need to take today?

Seeking to live courageously,

Jeff Powell

The Most Persecuted Religion

2010-12-08T08:25:00.000-08:00

I recently read a very disturbing report. What follows is part of the report. For the full report, go to http://www.ministrytodaymag.com/index.php/ministry-news/65-news-main/19001-christian-persecution-tops-world-list-who-knew-

Is Christianity the most persecuted religion in the world? Nearly all human-rights groups and Western government agencies that monitor the plight of Christians worldwide agree: Between 200 million and 230 million believers face daily threats of murder, beating, imprisonment and torture, and a further 350 million to 400 million encounter discrimination in areas such as jobs and housing. A conservative estimate of the number of Christians killed for their faith each year is around 150,000.

The Pew Forum on Religion and Public Life reported last month that Christians were “harassed” by government factors in 102 countries and by social factors, such as mob rule, in 101 countries. The report, stated: “Altogether, Christians faced some form of harassment in two-thirds of all countries,” or 133 nations. In yet clearer terms, “at least” 75 percent of all religious persecution in the world is directed against Christians.

While the plight of Christians in communist and formerly communist countries is “slowly easing,” it is getting worse in India and across the Muslim and Arab world, where even owning a Bible is flirting with danger.

Why aren't Western Christians marching in the streets and demanding action? “Because most of the persecution of Christians is not happening in our own backyard and the issue is not generally reported in the mainstream media,” Corey Odden, CEO of The Voice of the Martyrs Canada.

May we stand with our bothers and sisters throughout the world through prayer, support, and direct action! By the way we are collecting a special Christmas offering to support missionaries and pastors in these persecuted places.

Burdened,

Jeff Powell

Overwhelmed?

2010-12-01T11:48:00.001-08:00

The dryer won’t dry the clothes. The dishes didn’t get done the previous night. The trash bag tears as you are pulling it out of the trash can. One of the kids stops up the toilet by flushing an entire roll of toilet paper. The dog gets sick. A miscalculation in the check book causes an overdraft. Someone forgot to put the milk back in the fridge and now it’s spoiled. And someone ate the last debbie cake and put the empty box back in the pantry!

Overwhelming? I think so. All too common? Yep! Add the Christmas season to the already full life and you could become overwhelmed really fast.

I’ve often wondered why God chose the time period He did to allow Jesus to be born into this world. But when I think about the hectic and busy lives we live, I think I understand. Can you imagine Jesus being born in our day and time? Poor Mary would probably be in the hospital for less than 48 hours and of course the visitation times would be limited (sorry shepherds). And would anyone in the governmental circles really care? Probably not because they are gearing up for the next election cycle. Add to this the busyness of buying Christmas gifts and decorating the home, I wonder if anyone would even notice.

But hey, isn’t that why we do what we do at Christmas time? I mean, wasn’t it because of Jesus’ birth that we have a reason to celebrate and give gifts? I hope we don’t get too busy to remember!

Regardless of the time period Jesus was born, life WAS indeed hectic for Mary and Joseph. Can you imagine giving birth in a barn? Mary and Joseph had plenty of moments that could be classified as overwhelming. And yet, they kept their calm and experienced the event of a lifetime. May we learn from them the next time life gets a little overwhelming!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Spiritual Teleportation?

2010-11-23T09:09:00.000-08:00

Paul made a very brash and amazing statement years ago to a church. In Colossians 2:5 he said, “For though I am absent from you in body, I am present with you in spirit and delight to see how orderly you are and how firm your faith in Christ is.” Even though Paul was not physically present with this church, he was with them in spirit.

Paul of course was right on. Now this does not mean that we can run around practicing some type of spiritual teleportation. But it does mean that there are times when we are separated by physical distance, yet joined spiritually. This was the case a few weeks ago.

Michael and myself were literally on the other side of the world, and yet we felt as though you, Fellowship Church were with us in India. It was amazing. I now can understand how Paul could write such a thing.

You were with us through your prayers and support. We could feel the power and presence of your prayers and support. Thank you for being with us in spirit in India!

It is so good to have a church family that stands with their pastors in God’s call. I am pleased to share with you that last week, God moved upon someone’s heart to invest $1,000 in India. Praise God! Through this investment, orphans will have proper underwear and essential needs of this ministry will be met.

We have so much to be thankful for during this season.

Let us be thankful for Jesus and thankful for each other.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

An Out-Of-The-Ordinary Thankfulness

2010-11-17T07:22:00.000-08:00

Everyday we ought to be thankful, but during this season of thankfulness, I believe we should focus on being grateful for things that otherwise we might not notice. For instance...

Several weeks ago on a Saturday night, Jane and I noticed that our puppy boxer named Daisey was not in the garage. We found her in a corner of the yard lying down. She looked weak and very sick. Jane called the vet and strongly encouraged me to take her in. I did not want to, but I did.

The next day she had surgery and it was discovered that she had swallowed one of Ashlynn’s pacifiers. The pacifier had perferated the intestine wall, making it a very serious matter. On Sunday afternoon, Jane suggested that we pray for Daisey. I had never prayed for an animal before, but I did this time more so for the children, than for Daisey.

Thankfully Daisey has made a full recovery and is back to her energetic, playful self. So what did I learn from this?

Number one, all of God’s creation is important. Animals don’t have equal status as humans, however, we must care for all of God’s creation.

Number two, when my wife thinks something is important, it is.

Number three, vets are expensive, especially on the weekends.

Number four, pacifiers are great for babies, bad for dogs!

Number five, God desires to be involved in every area of our lives. Even the areas we think He is not concerned with, like saving a dying pet.

So what are you thankful for today that you otherwise might overlook?

Thankful,

Jeff Powell

An Out-Of-The-Ordinary Thankfulness

2010-11-16T07:19:00.000-08:00

Modern Technology & The Bible

2010-11-10T07:19:00.000-08:00

Today I am in the country of India. India is a large country with a very fast growing economy. As a country they have made incredible progress technologically and educationally. However, they still stand with one of the largest populations in the world who have never heard about Jesus. Only 2.4% are Christians! Please pray for Michael and me as we share the love of Jesus. You are with us in prayer, spirit, and support!

Speaking of India and technological advancements, I received a great comparison between cell phones and our Bible recently from Windy. I think you will like it.

“Ever wonder what would happen if we treated our Bible like we treat our cell phone?

What if we carried it around in our purses or pockets? What if we flipped through it several times a day? What if we turned back to go get it if we forgot it? What if we used it to receive messages from the text? What if we treated it like we couldn't live without it? What if we gave it to kids as gifts? What if we used it when we traveled? What if we used it in case of emergency?

This is something to make you go....hmm...where is my Bible?

Oh, and one more thing. Unlike our cell phone, we don't have to worry about our Bible being disconnected because Jesus already paid the bill. Makes you stop and think 'where are my priorities?' And no dropped calls! When Jesus died on the cross, he was thinking of you!”

Looking forward to seeing you soon! (We return November 16.)

With Love,

Jeff Powell

One Man's Great Passion

2010-11-03T07:16:00.000-07:00

Sunday, November 7, Michael and I leave for a mission trip to India. We are going to be ministering with Pastor Joseph Matcha. Please pray for Michael and me as we share the love of Jesus. You are with us in prayer, spirit, and support! To help you know a little more about where we are going, I have included a few excerpts from my correspondence with Pastor Joseph Matcha...

“I love God’s people like you, because the people here are so hungry for the word of God. Indian people must be saved and Indian people must be reached and I cannot be calm while India is going to perish. In India there are 70,000 villages and most of the villages are not reached with the gospel so far. I have a vision to reach them with His Gospel. To reach the people I need such a people like you. My only thing is reaching the people at any cost. For that I will do any thing, I will work for that and I long for that.

Today a brother from my local church shared a dream he had. In his dream, he saw that you were holding huge meetings here at our church. Actually he doesn’t know about you but God Himself told all these things to him. Not only the brother, I too have had many dreams that God gave concerning your visit. I know and believe God is great and His name will be exalted this year with your visit to India.

You know my desire and longing. My dream, desire, vision and everything is for the perishing souls. All our Indian people must be reached for Jesus at any cost. God promised me that He is going to give me more harvest this year. So I am looking forward to reaping it and I hope it would start from the day of your visit to Christ Fellowship Ministry.”

Thank you for sending Michael and me to India!

Jeff Powell

The Big Serve Reflections

2010-10-26T10:16:00.001-07:00

What did 70 people investing over 350 man hours accomplish through The Big Serve last Saturday?

The love of Jesus was shared in tangible ways. Thank you for giving and going to share this love with others. Those who served and those who received were touched and blessed. Here is a testimony from one family who was on the receiving end...

“God Bless Fellowship Church,

The “Big Serve” group headed by David and Nancy Meyer came to our home Saturday morning. They got right to work, and needless to say they did a great job.

All our lives we have been givers to the glory of God, and the blessings were ours. Now that time and health have put us on the receiving end, we continue to be blessed.

It was so great seeing all those people doing all the things we used to be able to do and wish we still could. We love you all, our Fellowship family, and pray for blessings and health to everyone.

Thanks again for a job well done.

Sincerely,
Ruth and Howard Zablo”

Jesus said whatever we have done for the least, we have done it for Him. Thank you for ultimately serving Jesus!

Blessings,

Jeff Powell

Worship

2010-10-19T09:02:00.001-07:00

Nelson Plasencia recently gave our Prototype Elders (myself, Matt Walters, Mike Hosey, and Nelson) a chapter from the book The NEW GUIDEBOOK for PASTORS. The chapter is titled, The Pastor and Worship. I have included some excerpts from this chapter that really spoke to me...

“Over the past thirty years or so the church has experienced what has been termed ‘worship wars.’ Churches have fought, split, ranted, and ruined their witness in the community over the issue of music style.

From the gates of Eden, with the killing of animals so their skins could clothe Adam and Eve, sacrifice became a part of worship...our lives are to be presented as a living sacrifice to God (Rom. 12:1).

Man was not only created for worship, but he was also redeemed to worship...the truth is we do not forget about ourselves, we rarely magnify the Lord, and we are not worshipping Him because we are more interested in what we are getting out of the worship experience. In that context, true worship cannot take place.

Listen to the wisdom of Warren Wiersbe: ‘If we look upon worship only as a means of getting something from God, rather than giving something to God, then we make God our servant instead of our Lord, and the elements of worship become a cheap formula for selfish gratification.’

With all that goes on in churches today in the name of worship, is it possible that we have come to the place where we worship worship rather than worship God? The mechanics of worship have become the goal, and the means has become the end. Worship must keep one thing in focus-God Almighty!”

Desiring True Worship,

Jeff Powell

Community

2010-10-13T07:19:00.001-07:00

From the outset of Christianity, the concept of community has been vital to being true followers of Jesus. Community AMONG the followers of Jesus and community IN general society. Early followers of Jesus lived life together, but their togetherness did not keep them from reaching out to the larger community of society. Their togetherness allowed them to penetrate all levels of society with the love of Jesus.

Fellowship Church is not a building or even a geographic location. Fellowship Church is people. You are Fellowship Church. We together are Fellowship Church.

On October 31 we have a wonderful opportunity to allow our togetherness to impact the larger community of our society with the love of Jesus. Hundreds from our community will gather on our property to receive candy and love from you. On October 31 I am asking you to consider using your vehicle in this event we call Trunk R Treat.

The concept is that you decorate your vehicle in some way and possibly even have a fun game or activity for the kids to do when they get to your vehicle. Please consider utilizing your vehicle for this great community event. You can let us know on your communication card so that we can plan accordingly and ensure that we have enough vehicles. An added bonus to this year’s event will be the participation of the High Springs Police Department, The Alachua Fire Department, and the Shands Cair Helicopter.

Fellowship Church (meaning you) let’s come together on October 31st to serve the larger community in which we exist. Let’s strive to be more like the first followers of Jesus. Let’s be together in all that we say and do.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Making a Difference!

2010-10-06T10:52:00.000-07:00

Can one act of kindness toward another person really make a difference? At times we see an initial impact, either positive or negative. But what happens long-term from the good things that we do for others?

I have learned that our actions towards others are like seeds sown into the ground. Sometimes the ground is hard and rocky, other times the ground is soft and fertile. Regardless, our actions are seeds sown into the ground of the human hearts.

Jesus refers to our actions as having eternal significance by saying, “I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.” (Matthew 25:40). Years later, Paul wrote to us a similar thing by saying, “Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows.” (Galatians 6:7). Yes, what we do for others has present and future impact!

On October 23 we are seeking to mobilize as a church family into teams that will go out and do acts of kindness for others. Projects have been lined up and we need you to sign up on Sunday for one of those projects (see the table at the back of the Worship Center). Now don’t worry, the Gators don’t play on October 23, so nearly all of us should be able to sign up to help others.

We are calling October 23 THE BIG SERVE because I believe that together we can and will do big things for others. And together we will be making a difference in the present and in the future from the acts of kindness done on that day. I really hope and pray that you will make it a priority to be a part of helping others through THE BIG SERVE on October 23!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Five Reasons to Vote

2010-09-29T10:09:00.000-07:00

FIVE REASONS TO VOTE

November 2, 2010 will be here in less than one month. If you are not yet registered to vote, now is the time. Let us not complain about what we have the opportunity to change. Here are 5 reasons YOU should vote on November 2...

1. Be part of making history. The 2010 election will have impact for years/decades to come, every vote is even more important. As Floridians, we know how close elections can be!

2. Pollsters do not determine who wins elections; YOU do. Predicting the outcome of elections, especially close ones, is at best an inexact science. Pollsters and political pundits have their roles, but like each of us, they only have one vote.

3. Voting is now more convenient than ever. Early voting forms and the wide availability for alternative and absentee ballot voting makes it all the easier for us to participate.

4. To honor those in our military who courageously fight for us and our law enforcement officers, firefighters and emergency workers who respond to our needs and defend the peace at home. Those who sacrifice their personal well-being in the name of our safety and security deserve our respect. Voting is a way of giving them and their families our vote of honor for their heroism.

5. To honor people who struggled for civil rights; women’s suffrage; the Americans with Disabilities Act; and the ideals of justice for all who’s diverse voices are essential for our nation’s moral health and community vitality. Freedom needs affirmation. Voting is a way to assure that our rights are protected by strengthening the voices of those for whom rights are sacred and need to be defended.

Planning on Voting November 2,

Jeff Powell

Celebrating Differences

2010-09-21T12:46:00.001-07:00

On October 3rd, I begin a new message series called Family Feud. We’ll learn some great truths and hopefully have fun in the process. Men and Women are obviously and thankfully different. Some of those differences are quite funny. For fun today, see if you can add to this list...

Women have a dedicated part of their brain for remembering every piece of clothing that they have ever worn, where they wore it and who they wore it with. Men can't remember what they wore yesterday.

A man will sleep through any sound. A woman will hear any sound and be worried about burglars.

Men will identify the need to find something and say that they have lost it before they have even looked, hoping that their wife happens to know where it is. A woman will spend 15 minutes looking for something that she doesn't really need to find.

Men forget almost every birthday, anniversary or appointment. Women have a built in diary that triggers a 'card alert'.

A man can find a pair of shoes that they like on the internet and buy them within 5 minutes. A woman will take 1 hour deciding which out of two pairs of shoes she likes the most before buying a shoes that don't fit her properly.

Women take 20 minutes to choose food from a take out menu, Men will take 1 minute. When the food arrives, women always decide that they want to eat the man's food..... and subsequently do!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

What Can A Bird Teach Us About Food?

2010-09-14T08:56:00.000-07:00

Once there was a widow who lived alone. She was terribly lonely. She went to a big pet shop and after looking at the various pets available, she bought a prize talking parrot.
“This will cheer me up,” she thought as she excitedly brought it home.

Several days went by and the parrot hadn’t uttered a sound. She went back to the pet shop owner and complained.
“What it needs is a ladder for the cage,” the man said. “When it goes up and down, it’ll start talking.”
But the parrot didn’t utter a word. So the widow returned and complained.

“Ah, what it needs is a swing,” the owner said. But a week went by, and still the bird didn’t talk.
Another week passed and the woman went back to the pet store, this time mournful. She reported inconsolably that the expensive parrot had died. The owner was embarrassed. “Didn’t it say anything at all?”

“Yes,” said the widow. “As it drew its last breaths, it said feebly: “Don’t they have bird food in the pet store?” The owner was so preoccupied with the bird’s various needs that she forgot the one most basic need — food!

We also need food - physically and spiritually. The Word of God contained on the pages of the Bible, is food for our entire being. Heed these words from God...

“...man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of the Lord.” Deuteronomy 8:11

“How sweet are your words to my taste, sweeter than honey to my mouth!” Psalm 119:103

“I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” Psalm 119:11

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Fire And Love

2010-09-08T13:47:00.001-07:00

A media firestorm has erupted in our area over Pastor Terry Jones’ plans to burn Korans on Saturday. It is amazing how much attention this has generated. Even a friend of mine who works for a paper in South Florida covering Gator Sports here in Gainesville has been reassigned to cover the planned burning on Saturday rather than the football game!

From General Petraus to Secretary of State Clinton, from here locally to the other side of the world in Afghanistan, the world is watching and wondering what to make of this planned event. So what should our response be as followers of Jesus? Should we condemn it? Should we embrace it? Should we ignore it?

Although burning the Koran is a great offense to Muslims, it is a book that can and no doubt will be reprinted time and time again. Even though the Bible is a book containing God’s words on its pages, one could also burn it - and many have. Thankfully it can and has been reprinted time and time again. The real power of the Koran and the real power of the Bible is not in the physical presence of each contained in the form of a book, but rather in the message of each lived out among its adherents.

Before we do anything else, let us be sure that we ourselves are living expressions of the message of the book we adhere to, the Bible. Its message has the power to counter hate, murder, violence, lust, greed, shame, poverty, confusion, and all other results of sin. Its message has the power to bring peace to troubled hearts. Its message of love embodied in Jesus and expressed through us as followers of Jesus, is a message that the world is in desperate need of seeing.

Muslims and Christians will ultimately be judged by others based on how their followers live. Has the message found in the physical pages of the Bible, God’s Word, found its way onto the living pages of your life? I sincerely pray so!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Are We Making A Difference?

2010-09-01T09:08:00.000-07:00

There are times when I wonder if I am really making a difference in this world. And there are times when I wonder if we as a church family are really making a difference in this world. As followers of Jesus we are called to be light in dark places. Are we really shining His light in those dark places?

Last week I received an e-mail from Bishop Patrick Baligasima in Uganda, Africa. He informed me that he was battling with malaria. I inquired further and discovered that he did not have the funds for the needed treatment. We were able to send funds to Africa to meet this need. Over 300 churches and 1,500 children will prayerfully continue to receive ministry. Yes, you and I are making a difference!

A few weeks ago I received an update from Joseph Matcha in India. Fellowship Church financially supports his ministry each month. Pastor Joseph informed me that because we have supported him, he has been able to expand his ministry into areas that have never heard about Jesus. At the end of July, he had baptized over 180 people in the Indian Ocean! Yes, you and I are making a difference.

This past week I received a report from Imran Sadiq in Pakistan. Fellowship also supports him each month. Imran recently hired a doctor, purchased medicines, and traveled to an area affected by the recent flooding in Pakistan. Over 270 Muslims and Christians received medical care all in the name of Jesus. Yes, you and I are making a difference!

And the difference we are making is not just on the other side of the world. Lives here have been touched by Jesus through the ministry of Fellowship Church (and, remember you are the church!). Our efforts are not in vain. Thank you for making a difference! Your giving and your living for Jesus makes a present and eternal difference in the world.

Loving and Leading,

Bill Clinton, George W Bush, & Jesus

2010-08-25T11:08:00.000-07:00

Years ago I had the opportunity to meet Bill Clinton a few weeks before he was elected President of the United States. Before meeting him, I had to endure much security. And even while meeting him the Secret Service’s watchful eye was ever present. In the brief time that I had with him I found him to be nice, energetic, and simply human.

Years ago before George W. Bush was elected President of the United States of America, my mother-in-law had the opportunity to meet him and even have her picture taken with him. While meeting him she too was under the watchful eye of the Secret Service. She found him to be nice, energetic, and simply human.

So what does all this have to do with Jesus? No matter how popular or powerful a famous person may be, none can compare to Jesus. At the end of the day, all celebrities, all presidents, all people are simply humans who are limited in their abilities and who will one day die.

Jesus lives forever. And His abilities are not limited. No sin and no separation is too great for him to forgive and heal. I have met Jesus and found Him to be nice, energetic, fully human, AND fully God. He was God made flesh among us. He lived as the perfect human. He died as the perfect sacrifice for the worlds sins. And He lives as the perfect savior for every human.

Have you met Him yet? If you haven’t I pray you will today. Unlike many famous people, Jesus is as accessible to you as your very next breath. Simply call out to Him. You’ll be glad you did!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

One Minute Before Midnight

2010-08-18T11:36:00.000-07:00

In 1 Samuel 13 Saul faced a crucial moment that every believer must eventually confront. It is a time of crisis when we're forced to decide whether we'll wait on God by faith, or get impatient and take matters into our own hands.

Saul's pivotal moment came when ominous clouds of war were gathering over Israel. A week earlier Samuel had warned Saul to wait for him before going into battle.
When the day came and Samuel hadn't arrived, Saul's soldiers began to scatter. Worse, the king didn't have God's direction for battle.

What approach did Saul take? Did he stand firm? No, Saul panicked. He allowed himself to be overwhelmed by his circumstances. And he ended up manipulating his way around God's Word (see 1 Samuel 13:11,12).

God is never late. The Lord had set the prophet on a heavenly navigation system, pinpointing his arrival to the very second. Samuel would be there, even if it was one minute before midnight.

God has not changed. He is still concerned with whether his people obey this command: "Obey the voice of the Lord, and [do not] rebel against the commandment of the Lord" (1 Samuel 12:15, paraphrased). It doesn't matter if our lives are spinning out of control, we are to walk in total confidence in the Lord. Even if things look hopeless, we are not to act in fear. Rather, we are to wait patiently on him to deliver us, as his Word promises.

Our God sees all the life-problems pressing in on you. Those who pray and wait on him with calm faith are never in any real danger.”

Taken in part from: http://www.worldchallenge.org/en/devotions/2010/one-minute-before-midnight

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Who Runs the Church? Part 2

2010-08-11T07:23:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago, I gave a brief overview in answer to this question. Jesus runs His church and He does so through a group of qualified, called, and appointed men called Elders. So who are these qualified, called, and appointed men? And what specifically do these men do?

First of all, these men are those that meet the Biblical qualifications for such service as described in 1 Timothy 3:1-7 and Titus 1:6-9. Second, these men are those that are willing to serve the church in this capacity. There is an internal desire to serve the church in this manner, a calling. Thirdly, these men are appointed to serve. They are not democratically elected through a voting process, but rather are appointed to serve as an Elder. This in short is who Elder’s are.

Now, what specifically do Elder’s do? No matter how you try to define what they do, the simple answer is they oversee or rule the local church (see 1 Peter 5:2-3, 1 Timothy 5:17). They shepherd a local church following in the footsteps of Jesus, the Chief Shepherd. They do this through decision making, preaching and teaching God’s word, and guiding the local church to fulfill God’s purpose for her.

The clearest, and most Biblical manner in which the church is to be organized is to have a group of qualified men who are called and appointed to serve as Elder’s of a local church body. These men are to meet biblical qualifications, desire to serve in this capacity, and be appointed to serve. They are to oversee (rule or shepherd) a local church through making decisions, preaching God’s word, and keeping the church focused on God’s purpose for her. May we become such a church in the near future!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Thoughts that Motivate!

2010-08-04T11:01:00.000-07:00

I get inspiration and encouragement from God’s people - you. Last week provided large doses of encouragement and inspiration from you! Every evening I lavished in the joy seeing you serve God and His children through VBS. Each evening I completely enjoyed the opportunities I had with many of you just to talk and share a laugh together. Needless to say, my cup was filled to overflowing with inspiration and encouragement by you. Jane and I are blessed to serve as your leaders!

I also get encouragement and inspiration from those who have lived for Jesus in much more difficult circumstances than I probably will ever face. One such person is Watchman Nee. He served Jesus faithfully in his home country of China during a time of persecution. In 1956 he was judged, condemned, and sentenced to fifteen years of prison. In prison, only his wife was allowed to visit him.

He died in confinement on May 30, 1972. After his death, a scrap of paper was found near his bed. What was written on that paper serves as a great encouragement and inspiration to us all today: "Christ is the Son of God Who died for the redemption of sinners and was resurrected after three days. This is the greatest truth in the universe. I die because of my belief in Christ. Watchman Nee."

Today (Sunday) I am in Costa Rica with 19 others serving Jesus. Please pray for us as we engage in international missions today and all during this week. Jane and I look forward to seeing you next Sunday!

Inspired and Encouraged by YOU,

Jeff Powell

Laugh a Little!

2010-07-27T14:10:00.000-07:00

Joy and laughter are gifts from God to make life more enjoyable. I don’t always think about Jesus smiling or laughing. The reality however is that he did! He knew the pain and pleasure of life.

This past week, we have laughed and been filled with joy over the children who attended VBS. And speaking of children, just listening to what they have to say can fill you with joy and laughter. Kids (not here at VBS), aged 5 to 10, were asked questions about what they thought of love and marriage. Here's what they said:

"If falling in love is anything like learning how to spell, I don't want to do it. It takes too long." -- Glenn, age 7

"I think you're supposed to get shot with an arrow or something, but the rest of it isn't supposed to be so painful." -- Manuel, age 8

"No one is sure why it happens, but I heard it has something to do with how you smell. That's why perfume and deodorant are so popular." -- Mae, age 9

"It gives me a headache to think about that stuff. I'm just a kid. I don't need that kind of trouble." -- Kenny, age 7

"One of you should know how to write a check. Because, even if you have tons of love, there is still going to be a lot of bills." -- Ava, age 8

Loving, Leading and trying to Laugh more,

Jeff Powell

Urgent Pakistan Update

2010-07-20T13:07:00.001-07:00

On Monday afternoon I received a text message from Pakistani Evangelist Imran Sadiq, whom Fellowship Church supports financially each month. In the text message Imran informed me that two Christian brothers were martyred by Muslim extremists.

On Tuesday I was able to talk with Imran. The two brothers were friends of his and lived near him. They were both falsely charged with blasphemy and on Monday were outside of the courthouse that was going to acquit them. Unfortunately they were gunned down.

A clash between Muslims and Christians in the surrounding Faisalabad area ensued. Imran told me of rocks being thrown, businesses being burned, and lives being threatened. Even the President of Pakistan, Asif Ali Zardari, made public comments condemning the murder of these two brothers.

Your financial support of Fellowship Church reaches to the far ends of the earth. Because you give, we are able to support Imran and other missionaries around the world. You are making a difference in the world. Thank you!

Please pray for Pakistan. I am praying for love, boldness, and wisdom to be displayed. Imran wanted me to convey to you his appreciation for your support and prayers.

This incident reminds me of how fragile life is. We are not promised tomorrow. Let us remember that and live like it!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Who Runs the Church?

2010-07-13T11:36:00.001-07:00

Who Runs the Church?

Every organization is run by some sort of system to ensure effectiveness in its goals and mission. The more complex the system, the more confusing, and the less likely for effectiveness to occur.

Regardless of your political affiliation, just think about government for a moment. Many times, the larger the government, the less effective it will be. Do you and I really know where all of our hard earned tax dollars go? Hardly!

Organizations that function with clear structures are most effective. So back to the main question: “Who runs the church?” In short answer, Jesus does (Ephesians 5:23). The next logical question then becomes “how does Jesus run His church?” The Bible refers to a group of men called Elders (1 Timothy 5:17, Titus 1:5, Acts 15:6, 1 Peter 5:1,2). The word elder means shepherd and overseer. In fact you may be surprised to discover that the word pastor only occurs one time in the New Testament, yet the word elder occurs numerous times throughout.

Elders ruled, oversaw, and shepherded the local church in the New Testament. Does this mean there was not a point man or lead pastor? No, but it does mean that the New Testament church was not organized to be run, led, overseen, and shepherded by just one pastor.

The clearest, and most Biblical manner in which the church is to be run or organized is to have a group of qualified men who are called and appointed to serve as Elders of a local church body. As we prepare to make the transition in the future to become an Elder led church, I believe we will see the Chief Shepherd, Jesus leading us and guiding us more clearly than ever before.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Relationships Matter...

2010-07-07T10:44:00.001-07:00

My family and I recently wrapped up our vacation in South Carolina. Recently I’ve thought much about relationships. Some are deep, some are shallow, some are trustworthy, others not so much. However, life can’t be lived without relationships. And really the only lasting thing in life is the network of relationships that we build.

Before coming to South Carolina for vacation we were given a piece of property right on Lake Murray. The property had never been developed, so months ago I began the process of seeking to have it cleared and developed so that we could use it for vacation and other trips.

After many phone calls I felt really good about a guy named Steven. I had never met him in person. He made no outlandish promises to get my business. He made no hard sells to convince me. He simply appeared to be honest from the phone conversations we had. So I took the risk and hired him.

Throughout the weeks and months that followed Steven did everything that he said he would do and even more. He was fair in his prices and he helped connect me to others even when it did not necessarily benefit him. Throughout the process I got the feeling that he really cared not only about the job, but about me and my family.

Relationships are vital to life. And no relationship can last without honesty and genuine care. Do a check up on your relationships: Are you honest? Do you genuinely care?

I am so thankful for the many honest and caring relationships Jane and I have with you. We love you and appreciate you.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

The History of our Freedom

2010-06-28T12:19:00.000-07:00

May we never forget the price that was paid for the freedoms we enjoy today! Here is a little history to help us remember (from open source internet)...

On September 3, 1814, Francis Scott Key and John Stuart Skinner, set sail from Baltimore aboard the ship HMS Minden flying a flag of truce on a mission approved by President James Madison. Their objective was to secure the exchange of prisoners. Key and Skinner boarded the British flagship HMS Tonnant on September 7 and spoke with Major General Robert Ross over dinner.

Because Key and Skinner had heard details of the plans for the attack on Baltimore, they were held captive until after the battle. After the bombardment, certain British gunboats attempted to slip past the fort and effect a landing in a cove to the west of it, but they were turned away by fire from nearby Fort Covington, the city's last line of defense.
During the rainy night, Key had witnessed the bombardment and observed that the fort’s smaller "storm flag" continued to fly, but once the shell barrage had stopped, he would not know how the battle had turned out until dawn. By then, the storm flag had been lowered, and the larger flag raised.

Key was inspired by the American victory and the sight of the large American flag flying triumphantly above the fort. This flag, with fifteen stars and fifteen stripes, came to be known as the Star Spangled Banner.

Aboard the ship the next day, Key wrote a poem on the back of a letter he had kept in his pocket. At twilight on September 16, he and Skinner were released in Baltimore. He called the poem "Defence of Fort McHenry". It later became and still is our National Anthem.

“O! say can you see by the dawn's early light,
What so proudly we hailed at the twilight's last gleaming,
Whose broad stripes and bright stars through the perilous fight,
O'er the ramparts we watched, were so gallantly streaming?
And the rockets' red glare, the bombs bursting in air,
Gave proof through the night that our flag was still there;
O! say does that star-spangled banner yet wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave?

On the shore, dimly seen through the mists of the deep,
Where the foe's haughty host in dread silence reposes,
What is that which the breeze, o'er the towering steep,
As it fitfully blows, half conceals, half discloses?
Now it catches the gleam of the morning's first beam,
In full glory reflected now shines in the stream:
'Tis the star-spangled banner, O! long may it wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.

And where is that band who so vauntingly swore
That the havoc of war and the battle's confusion,
A home and a country should leave us no more!
Their blood has washed out their foul footsteps' pollution.
No refuge could save the hireling and slave
From the terror of flight, or the gloom of the grave:
And the star-spangled banner in triumph doth wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave.
O! thus be it ever, when freemen shall stand
Between their loved home and the war's desolation!
Blest with victory and peace, may the heav'n rescued land
Praise the Power that hath made and preserved us a nation.
Then conquer we must, when our cause it is just,
And this be our motto: "In God is our trust."
And the star-spangled banner in triumph shall wave
O'er the land of the free and the home of the brave!”

Thank you Jesus for the freedoms we enjoy today!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Be Still

2010-06-22T08:39:00.000-07:00

My family and I are currently on vacation in South Carolina. Psalm 46:10 declares in part, “Be still and know that I am God.” This has been a challenge for me. I am a doer by nature. I don’t do well waiting. I like movement. I have had to learn this truth over the years that through all of life (in all my doing) I must be sure that in it I am “being still” and knowing that He is God. This expresses trust and reliance.

The challenge and goal of life is not to see how much we can accomplish, but is really to see how well we can abide in Jesus. As we abide in Him will there be accomplishment? Absolutely (see John 15). But it is His accomplishment through us. Our role is to be yielded vessels in His hand.

So why do we strive so much in life? I think it is in part due to a lack of trust in and reliance upon Jesus. We erroneously think that we have to make something happen. The only thing we have to make happen is our surrender to the will of Jesus daily. I don’t know about you, but this is enough work for a lifetime for me:)

Take the challenge: Allow yourself to be un-hurried, not busy, not striving, just abiding in Jesus. Through all your doing, be sure that it is Him living through you. Easy? Not always. But so worth it.

Jane and I love you and appreciate your support and prayers as we spend time with family. See you soon!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

The Heart of a Champion

2010-06-14T11:09:00.000-07:00

Men are great. Men are strong. Men are needed! The heart of a champion resides not only in every man, but in every human.

James 1:22 says, “Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says.”

Just do it! When you don’t feel like it - Just Do It! When it is hard - Just Do It! I believe that when we step out by faith into obeying His word, God will not only meet us, but will empower us and walk with us! Recently Pastor Ed Young from Fellowship Church in Texas had this to say about obeying God’s word....

“If someone is reading Scripture to seek only comfort, they may be drawn exclusively to verses of love and hope, missing the significance of verses that call for change and sacrifice. The Bible then becomes a temporary fix to relieve a heavy conscious, if only for a moment.

When you read, be sure to engage Scripture with an active and intentional mindset. Treat the words of God as powerful and promising—seek to apply what you learn. Even if it means making difficult decisions and taking chances. And through this process, you will be transformed into the person Christ created you to be, experiencing life like never before.”

You have the heart of a champion! Will you allow it to shine forth? Will you obey God’s word, not just when it is easy, but also when it is hard? Will you be the champion He has made you to be? I pray so!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Avoiding Life's Stings

2010-06-08T08:42:00.000-07:00

Several years ago Jane and I were visiting family in South Carolina. While on that trip, we enjoyed Jane’s cousins four wheeler. One day Tyler and Allie were riding it while Jane and I watched them. As they came near to us I noticed a wasp on the seat. I immediately told both of them to remain still. Thankfully they obeyed and I was able to remove the wasp from their presence. I then explained to them why I had told them to remain still and I praised them for obeying my instruction.

Life is a lot like that experience. There are times when God gives us an immediate command and we have a choice to make. Do we obey or disobey? If we obey we receive protection from our Heavenly Father. If we disobey, we remove ourselves from His protective hand. The reality is that none of us want our lives to be removed from God’s protective hand. Let us all remember that when God gives us an instruction - no matter what we may logically think - it is ultimately always for our good.

So how does God give us instructions? Here are a few of the ways He speaks to us: 1) Always through His word, the Bible. 2) Through His still small voice as we pray. 3) Through other people that share with us a word from God (preachers, teachers, mentors, parents, etc...). 4) Through circumstances in life. 5) And always through inner peace.

If Tyler and Allie had not obeyed me, one of them more than likely would have been stung by the wasp. In the same way, if we refuse to obey God’s voice, we will be stung by the consequences of our disobedience. If you find yourself being stung today, simply repent (turn back to God) and allow God to remove the sting from your life.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Stuck in the Mud

2010-06-01T09:37:00.000-07:00

Several years ago we were in South Carolina while Jane’s Granny was in the hospital. During the day Jane would head up to the hospital to spend time with her Granny and I would stay out at the lake / farm with the kids. Jane’s cousin had a four wheeler that he let us use on that trip.

One day we were in a field riding it through a mud patch and we got stuck. I had all the kids get off, but I still was unable to get it out of the mud. Finally Tyler offered to try. Reluctantly I let him give it a try. He was able to get it out. And the fun was then on as we went through the mud again and again that day!

Life is a lot like that experience. Many times we get stuck in life and try as we might, we can’t break free. In fact, many times the harder we try, the more stuck we become. We need the help of another person to get unstuck. We need the help of the Holy Spirit. Pride keeps many from asking another person for help. Pride keeps multitudes from receiving help from the Holy Spirit. The next time you find yourself stuck in life, don’t hesitate to ask for help from God and others. We need each other.

At Fellowship Church one of the best ways to make relational connections with other people and with God is in our network of Small Groups. In these groups you will discover relationships that will aid you through the sticky seasons of life. Don’t miss out on the joy of letting others help you. Check out the Small Group connection board in the Main Welcome Center near the Women’s Restroom to get connected to a group.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Recognizing God's Provision

2010-05-25T09:19:00.000-07:00

This past Sunday night Jane was finishing up an online class and I was taking care of Ashlynn. She was well fed and had plenty of play time. It was 10:30PM and way past her bed time. I rocked her outside on our front porch and she began to drift off to sleep. Then she awoke suddenly and was not content. I brought her inside and laid her down in the bed next to me thinking she would head off to sleep.

She obviously was not thinking what I was thinking! She began to try to pull the pillow she was laying on out from under her. I watched in amusement as she struggled with all her strength to pull the pillow out from under her head.

Too often we are just like Ashlynn concerning life. We try to pull out from under us the very thing that God has placed there for our provision. We fret, we agonize, we complain, we struggle and all the while God is waiting for us to relax into Him. He is waiting for us to receive the blessings He has provided. He is longing for us to trust in His goodness.

The choice is ours: Will we seek to fight against what God has provided for us or will we embrace in full trust His provision?

If you were really honest with yourself, God has taken good care of you as His child. Have you fought Him? Have you been unsatisfied with your life? Or have you embraced His goodness? Have you thanked God for your life?

Ashlynn finally went to sleep. May we too finally embrace the goodness of God no matter what our circumstances say!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

God and Squirrels?

2010-05-18T11:53:00.000-07:00

On Monday of this past week I made my normal journey through the Worship Center straightening things up from Sunday. As I began to walk back to my office, I noticed a squirrel sitting on the outside window ledge at the back of the Worship Center.

I watched in fascination as this little creature meticulously ate the nut in its hands. Each movement was precise and intentional. Its paws firmly handled the nut while its teeth quickly took bite upon bite until the nut was gone. It then quickly made its way off the window ledge and across the sidewalk into a bush. My fun was over so I headed back to my office.

So what does this have to do with God you might ask? Everything. As I watched that little squirrel, I was reminded of God’s creation. He designed that little squirrel. He made it to move with quick and agile speed. He made its paws to be able to handle nuts of all sizes. He made its bushy tail. He made its beady little eyes. He made its sharp little teeth. He is the creator God.

The simplicity and innocence of nature is filled with the wonder and purity of God’s creativity. God made life with all its uniqueness and variety. He designed squirrels and He designed you and me. Now that is not to say that squirrels are equal to humans - not at all. Humanity was and still is God’s crowning work of creation. Psalm 8:6-8 speaks of humanities dominance in creation by saying, “You made him ruler over the works of your hands; you put everything under his feet: all flocks and herds, and the beasts of the field, the birds of the air, and the fish of the sea, all the swim the paths of the seas.”

So the next time you see a bird, an animal, a fish, or any of God’s wonderful creation, take some time to thank Him for His creativity - take some time to thank Him for making you uniquely you!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Inside the Boundaries

2010-05-11T10:20:00.000-07:00

In the beginning, life was incredible and dramatic. The first book of the Bible, Genesis tells us the account of our origin. Recently Pastor Ed Young, Jr. from Fellowship Church in Texas had this to say about the first humans...

“Adam and Eve had it all: a beautiful home, endless food and a great relationship with God. They had all of this with just one rule. For their protection, God commanded them to stay away from a certain tree. Paradise was theirs and they had God’s protection as long as they submitted to God’s authority.

But then Satan entered the picture in the form of a snake. Eve knew it was wrong to eat the fruit. But as the serpent talked, she started to look at things differently. She bought into the serpent’s lies and she began to desire the power he promised her.

The results were devastating. The life she had with Adam was destroyed. And when they stepped out from under God’s umbrella of authority, they also lost God’s protection.

Eve’s deception and rebellion started with her conversation with the serpent. And the same thing is true of us. We know what God desires for us, but we start listening to the subtle voice of the world or the wrong "friends." And as we begin to justify our desires, we’re led further away from God’s truth.

We all struggle with temptation. And there are many things that at first seem enticing to our eyes. But instead, make sure God is the one who you choose to delight in. Because when you’re under His truthful guidance, you’re also under His authority and protection. And when you’re properly placed in God’s chain of command, no one will be able to lead you astray.”

Life lived under God’s control is beautiful and abundant. Life lived outside of God’s boundaries for us is anything but beautiful and abundant. The next time you face temptation, remember that you belong to God and are covered by Him!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

To Praise or Not to Praise?

2010-05-04T07:38:00.001-07:00

To praise or not to praise? That is the question of the hour. Read the following ancient and yet timely words to discover the answer...

A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life.

She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple.

Her husband is respected...She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness.

Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her: "Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise...(taken from parts of Proverbs 31).

Happy Mother’s Day to all Moms - your life, dedication to the Lord, and faithful work bring you much deserved praise!

Thankful,

Jeff Powell

Salt Light

2010-04-28T10:35:00.000-07:00

I am excited about the Salt Light Women’s Conference (May 21 & 22). Now if you are a guy, don’t tune me out yet - there is something for you as well. Her is some information about Stephanie, who will be leading this conference...

Stephanie resides in Colorado and attends New Life Church. She has over 20 years of ministry experience and is well seasoned in biblical instruction, personal counseling, and the gift of bringing encouragement and hope into life's most difficult situations. Her transparency and warmth provide a conference atmosphere where true ministry and personal connection are experienced.

Through many difficult circumstances in her own life, Stephanie has selected to share a message of victory, not victimization, and speak life into the hearts of women. Through grieving over the sudden death of her former husband and pastor, John Guerra, overcoming adolescent eating disorders and breaking free from the bonds of sexual abuse, she has been gifted with grace to speak boldness and faith into many of life's darkest circumstances.

Stephanie says, “When facing hardship, it can become difficult to believe that there is a better day ahead. So many times, I needed someone to walk through the circumstance with me and give assurance that I was going to make it. God did. His love sustained, healed and delivered me time and again. I am forever grateful".

"Christian women should be the most vibrant, confident, purposeful women in society! My personal passion is to encourage women to believe in themselves and develop a healthy, beautiful self confidence that will radiate in every area of their lives".

So what’s in it for guys? Renewed and refreshed women. And an opportunity to serve the women of Fellowship by preparing a wonderful lunch for them on Saturday, May 22. Guys, it will be well worth it!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Life In The South

2010-04-20T13:23:00.001-07:00

Knowing where you are is very important. This past week, a member of our church sent me a humorous e-mail about how to know if you are in the South. I thought I would share some of it with you...

You Know You Are In The South Because:

If it grows, it’ll stick ya. If it crawls, it’ll bite cha.

It is not a shopping cart, it is a buggy!

‘Fix-in-to’ is one word. It means ‘I’m fixing to do that’.

Sweet Iced tea is appropriate for all meals and you start drinking it when you’re two.

You switch from heat to A/C in the same day.

All festivals across the state are named after a fruit, vegetable, grain, insect, or animal.

You only own five spices: salt, pepper, Tony’s, Tobasco and ketchup.

The local papers cover national and international news on one page, but require 6 pages for local sports and gossip.

You think that the first day of deer season is a national holiday.

Going to Wal-Mart is known as ‘off to Wally World’.

You describe the first cool snap as below 70 degrees.

You know all four seasons: Almost summer, summer, still summer, and Christmas.

Laugh a little today, it is good for you!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Authority Issues

2010-04-14T13:01:00.001-07:00

Recently I read an inspiring article by Ed Young from Fellowship Church in Texas (www.fellowshipchurch.com)...

Then Jesus came to them and said, "All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Matthew 28:18

"You can’t tell me what to do!" It’s the cry of our culture that is so bent on flying solo. The last thing we want is to be held accountable to someone else or have to report to someone in a position above us. Submission and subordination are two things we avoid rather than accept. To put it simply, we all have issues with authority.

But in our quest to call the shots, we forget that God is the one who created authority. And it is His authority that ultimately gives us the freedom we so desperately seek.
Despite our issues, God has designed authority for our good. It provides protection, maturity and uniqueness in every area of our lives. But without a true understanding of the authority structures in our lives, we fail to realize all that God has in store for us.

As we come to a basic understanding of God’s authority, we will learn what it means to get under what God has put over us. And we will discover the great things that happen when we get over what God has put under us.

A Prayer for Today
Dear God, I understand that You have the ultimate authority over my life, but I need help in understanding exactly what that means. I also need help with identifying the other positions of authority that You have placed in my life. Please open my heart to be receptive to the instruction and direction of others, and help me identify and correct my authority issues. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Funny...

2010-04-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

“The joy of the Lord is your strength” says Nehemiah 8:10. When life gets tough, the joy of Jesus will see you through. When all is well with you, the joy of Jesus will be a pleasant anchor to your soul.

This past week I received a very humorous e-mail from one of our church members. I thought I would share a portion of it with you. My hope is that you will find a little joy from “Ways to Maintain A Healthy Level Of Insanity.”

1. At lunch time, sit in your parked car with sunglasses on and point a hair dryer at passing cars. See if they slow down.

2. Put decaf in the coffee maker for 3 weeks. Once everyone has gotten over their caffeine addictions, switch to espresso.

3. In the memo field of all your checks, write “For smuggling diamonds.”

4. Finish all your sentences with “In accordance with prophecy.”

5. Order a diet water whenever you go out to eat, with a serious face.

6. Specify that your drive-through order is “to go.”

7. Tell your children over dinner, “Due to the economy, we are going to have to let one of you go.”

Smile and let the joy of Jesus fill your day!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Reality Check

2010-03-30T12:44:00.001-07:00

Happy Resurrection Day! This time of the year presents for us an opportunity to reflect on reality. You could call it a time for a “Reality Check.”

Reality Checks are not always fun and they are not always easy, but they can be very beneficial. When I was a teenager I wanted to be a professional “body builder.” One day I had a reality check and realized that would not be my profession! Years later I sensed God’s call on my life into full-time ministry - time for another reality check! Reality told me that God indeed was calling me. Reality also told me that I was woefully unprepared. And reality informed me that through God’s power, I could do all that He had called me to do!

So what does all this have to do with this season of the year? The resurrection of Jesus is a reality that continues to have positive, life-altering effects today. Reality Check: Jesus did in fact rise from the dead over 2000 years ago. Reality Check: Jesus’ resurrection continues to have powerful effects today on those who believe in Him. Reality Check: Has Jesus’ resurrection made a difference in you? Have you embraced the reality that Jesus can make a positive difference in you today?

Happy Easter - Happy Resurrection Day - Happy Reality Check!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Sharing Jesus in India

2010-03-24T09:28:00.000-07:00

You ARE making a difference! Fellowship Church supports Joesph Matcha’s ministry in India. Be blessed as you read about how you are making a difference...

“Dear Brother Jeff Powell,
I am so happy to meet you through this mail. How are you brother and family? I and Sony are keeping faith in the Lord for His vision He gave to us, and the vision is " PARTNERING WITH YOU FOR GOD'S KINGDOM ON THIS EARTH". I would feel privilege to work with you, in extending His Kingdom on this Earth and in reaping the harvest.

Last Week we had 24 hour fasting prayers in the church. God has been doing miracles and wonders in the church. People are testifying about the Good things God is doing in their lives. Many people got deliverance from the power of darkness, and many got healed and so on... I personally shared your testimony with the church in these prayers. All of them together prayed for your health, family and ministry.

This month 30th I am conducting a Gospel Rally in Krishna District. There is a village called Kankatava which consists of 5000 population which is 450 k.m away from us. There is only 1% Christianity in that village. In this village itself there are 12 temples of Hindus God's and Goddesses. My desire is to touch all of the people in the village through the Gospel. Please pray for these Gospel rally.

This month support has been very helpful to me. I was praying in the presence of God as I was planning to conduct Gospel rally, to meet the ministry needs. God is very faithful, through your support I have been able to meet my ministry needs. Thank you very much brother for funds.

Thanking you,
Pastor Joseph Matcha
India.”

We are missionaries to our community as we express the love of Jesus to others through THE BIG SERVE and other ministry opportunities! Thank you for making a difference around the world and here at home!

Blessed to be your Pastor,

Jeff Powell

You Make a Difference in Pakistan!

2010-03-17T14:31:00.000-07:00

As a church we support missionaries in hostile places, such as Pakistan. In spite of persecution, Imran Sadiq has continued to expand his ministry in Pakistan. Recently, we helped him expand. Below is his response to your help...

“We are really so much thankful to you, Church, staff and all brothers & sisters for your precious funds for TV Video Camera & TV mission support, we received these blessed funds with bundle of thanks. This is a great contribution for proclamation the gospel through Media in Pakistan. Through this we will be able to reach thousands of thousands saved and unsaved souls for Christ Jesus.
Our father God is so good and going to fulfill our dream what we have for salvation of all nations of Pakistan and God poured this passion, love burden into your blessed hearts and you became the special once to accomplish this project. Amen

We pray that Lord bless richly to you, family and all brothers & sisters all of you in every area of your life and he open the blessed heaven for you. We are praying for other funds that Lord supplies us soon so we could buy this TV Camera soon.

My brother say our special thanks and greetings to all brothers & sisters. Please keep us in your prayers. Thank you very much.

Your Brother,
Imran Sadiq”
We are blessed to have partners all over the world such as Imran. As we serve others Saturday, March 27 (8AM) through THE BIG SERVE, we will be missionaries to our community as we express the love of Jesus to others!

Thank you for serving,

Jeff Powell