Years ago when I was a kid we were on vacation out west. It was a Sunday and my dad kept trying to get us back on the interstate. There was a problem though - major road construction made it next to impossible to find the “on ramp.” After many attempts to find the “on ramp” and after many attempts to find someone to help direct us, my dad made a risky decision: He went up the “off ramp” to get back onto the interstate! Thankfully because it was a Sunday, there were no on coming cars coming down the “off ramp”!
Now I would not necessarily advise you to do the same, however life can be a lot like “on ramps” and “off ramps.” Sometimes we find our way clearly and others times...well we don’t. Possibly life is “under construction” all around us and the direction signs aren’t as easily recognizable. Worship can sometimes be like this.
Let’s face it, there are times when we face incredible barriers to worshipping God. Sure He made us and sure we are eternally indebted to Him, but there are times when we just can find the “on ramp” to get into worship. Possibly we woke up on the wrong side of the bed. Or we face a really difficult day. Whatever the situation, there are times when it seems like every where we turn there are barriers keeping us from finding the “on ramp” into true worship of God.
Abraham was a person just like us except he lived a really, really, really long time ago. The Bible speaks of Abraham as a man of faith, yet this man of faith faced HUGE barriers to finding the “on ramp” to worship. He did not always get it right - remember Ishmael?
But he did eventually find the “on ramp” into true worship of God. How did he do it? Simple and yet hard: He ignored his flesh and obeyed what God had told him. He trusted what God had told him and he went with it. We can do the same today - we may see barriers all around, but if we will trust and obey God, no matter how we feel, we will discover the “on ramp” to true worship! Just let go and let God - now that is an “on ramp” for life period!
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Worship Wars Thoughts
WORSHIP WARS - I have heard positive feedback about this current series. A church member suggested that I do a series about worship several months ago - how right on was that suggestion! After the first message, “What is Worship?” the Holy Spirit inspired another of our members to write the following called “Worship to God.” Enjoy...
“Praise You, O Lord
I will worship You with all my heart in spirit and in truth
I will worship You
Through Your word, which brings wisdom and provides a path for me to follow
Through Your love, which has compassion on me
Through Your spirit within me, which is my guide and teacher in all matters
Through my joyful times, which bring me peace
Through my hard times, which builds strength in me for I know You are with me and will care for me
Through nature, which shows Your glory and splendor
Through my gifts to others, which reaps more abundance upon me
Through my prayers, which are answered according to Your will
Through my obedience, which demonstrates my unwavering loyalty
Through my fellowship with others, which builds fruitful relationships
Through my talents, which were bestowed to me to use for Your purpose
Through maintenance of my body, which is Your temple
Through my way of living, which demonstrates my following of You
Through my inner being, which then will shine outwardly so others may see my happiness and contentment
Through my surrender to You, which brings my salvation
Through my testimony, which allows me to share Christ with others
Through any and all other means allowing me to show my love and affection
I will worship You at any time, any place and anywhere for I know You are there and are listening to me
I thank you O Lord for providing me the means to give back to You
For all Your wonders and love You have bestowed on me!”
To sum it up: How do we worship? With our entire being!
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell
“Praise You, O Lord
I will worship You with all my heart in spirit and in truth
I will worship You
Through Your word, which brings wisdom and provides a path for me to follow
Through Your love, which has compassion on me
Through Your spirit within me, which is my guide and teacher in all matters
Through my joyful times, which bring me peace
Through my hard times, which builds strength in me for I know You are with me and will care for me
Through nature, which shows Your glory and splendor
Through my gifts to others, which reaps more abundance upon me
Through my prayers, which are answered according to Your will
Through my obedience, which demonstrates my unwavering loyalty
Through my fellowship with others, which builds fruitful relationships
Through my talents, which were bestowed to me to use for Your purpose
Through maintenance of my body, which is Your temple
Through my way of living, which demonstrates my following of You
Through my inner being, which then will shine outwardly so others may see my happiness and contentment
Through my surrender to You, which brings my salvation
Through my testimony, which allows me to share Christ with others
Through any and all other means allowing me to show my love and affection
I will worship You at any time, any place and anywhere for I know You are there and are listening to me
I thank you O Lord for providing me the means to give back to You
For all Your wonders and love You have bestowed on me!”
To sum it up: How do we worship? With our entire being!
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Expressions of Love
Love is in the air. Our marketing driven society never ceases to amaze me. Recently I was in a local pharmacy getting a few things with my oldest daughter Allie. Both of us were drawn in to the vibrant displays of Valentine’s marketing. We had fun listening to all the musical cards!
Love certainly is in the air, but it is not just during the month of February. Every day is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our love to others. Sure we probably won’t do it with heart shaped boxes filled with chocolate, but sometimes it is the simple and small things that express our love the greatest. Let me explain...
Over six weeks ago I had arthroscopic surgery on my right knee to repair a torn meniscus and remove cartilage behind my knee cap. Everything went great and the recovery has been going well. The day of the surgery, people helped Jane and me with the kids and others came just to be with Jane during the procedure. After the surgery and during the last six weeks, I have been limited in what I can do. This has been both frustrating and humbling. I have had to rely on others to do simple and small things for me, and I am so grateful. Yes, simple and small expressions sometimes make a huge display of love!
What are the simple and small things that you can do to express love to others? Could it be a kind word? Saying thank you? Asking, can I help? Seeing a need and simply meeting the need without being asked? I want to encourage you to let love fill the air of your life everyday, not just on February 14.
And speaking of love filling the air, our church is in need of some folks to volunteer to be a part of our Usher Team. This team serves a vital role in the life of our church. If you have compassion for people and a desire to serve others, this ministry opportunity may be for you. FMI, contact the church office at 386-454-1700 or e-mail Michael Kelley at michael@fellowshiponline.org .
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell
Love certainly is in the air, but it is not just during the month of February. Every day is an opportunity for us to demonstrate our love to others. Sure we probably won’t do it with heart shaped boxes filled with chocolate, but sometimes it is the simple and small things that express our love the greatest. Let me explain...
Over six weeks ago I had arthroscopic surgery on my right knee to repair a torn meniscus and remove cartilage behind my knee cap. Everything went great and the recovery has been going well. The day of the surgery, people helped Jane and me with the kids and others came just to be with Jane during the procedure. After the surgery and during the last six weeks, I have been limited in what I can do. This has been both frustrating and humbling. I have had to rely on others to do simple and small things for me, and I am so grateful. Yes, simple and small expressions sometimes make a huge display of love!
What are the simple and small things that you can do to express love to others? Could it be a kind word? Saying thank you? Asking, can I help? Seeing a need and simply meeting the need without being asked? I want to encourage you to let love fill the air of your life everyday, not just on February 14.
And speaking of love filling the air, our church is in need of some folks to volunteer to be a part of our Usher Team. This team serves a vital role in the life of our church. If you have compassion for people and a desire to serve others, this ministry opportunity may be for you. FMI, contact the church office at 386-454-1700 or e-mail Michael Kelley at michael@fellowshiponline.org .
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Terrorism in Church
I received a very funny and yet very real e-mail this past week from one of our church members. I thought you would enjoy reading it...
“WARNING - BEWARE OF TERRORISM IN CHURCH
Latest news reports are that five terrorist groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.
Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.
However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny group known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.
Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.”
I have been able to identify ALL of these groups in the church a time or two (or more) in my life time. As we continue our recommitment time as a church family, I am glad that we are a part of the Bin Prayin counter terrorism force! If you have not yet recommitted or committed for the first time to be a member of Fellowship Church, you will have the opportunity again this Sunday after either worship service.
Bin Prayin,
Jeff Powell
“WARNING - BEWARE OF TERRORISM IN CHURCH
Latest news reports are that five terrorist groups have been operating in many of our churches. They have been identified as: Bin Sleepin, Bin Arguin, Bin Fightin, Bin Complainin, and Bin Missin.
Their leader, Lucifer Bin Workin, trained these groups to destroy the Body of Christ. The plan is to come into the church disguised as Christians and to work within the church to discourage, disrupt, and destroy.
However, there have been reports of a sixth group. A tiny group known by the name Bin Prayin is actually the only effective counter terrorism force in the church. Unlike other terrorist cells, the Bin Prayin team does not blend in with whoever and whatever comes along.
Bin Prayin does whatever is needed to uplift and encourage the Body of Christ. We have noticed that the Bin Prayin cell group has different characteristics than the others. They have Bin Watchin, Bin Waitin, Bin Fastin, and Bin Longin for their Master, Jesus Christ to return.”
I have been able to identify ALL of these groups in the church a time or two (or more) in my life time. As we continue our recommitment time as a church family, I am glad that we are a part of the Bin Prayin counter terrorism force! If you have not yet recommitted or committed for the first time to be a member of Fellowship Church, you will have the opportunity again this Sunday after either worship service.
Bin Prayin,
Jeff Powell
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