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

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!

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!

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

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

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