Celebrating Heaven Because of Christmas

Recently I knelt at Allie’s grave (even writing that brings a fresh deluge of tears).  As I knelt, I could almost hear her voice saying “be happy for me daddy.”  I responded by saying “I am trying darling, I am really trying.” 

The reality is she is fine.  She is in perfection.  She is not in loss, pain, and agony.  She is in Heaven.  In one sense to wish her back is the height of selfishness, but that is what we want.  We want her back.  But in wanting her back we don’t think of the consequence that would be to her. 

What torment - to have been in perfection in Heaven and then to be thrust back down to this imperfect and painful earth!  I can’t imagine what loss that would be for her.  And yet, that is what our hearts yearn for.  At the root it is selfish.

To be fully led by love, would be to be able to celebrate that she is in Heaven.  And surely there is a part of us that does, albeit a very small part right now, but nonetheless it is there! 

This then leads me to thinking about what Jesus did for us:  He left Heaven to enter into earth.  And He did it so that we too could enter into the perfection of Heaven through Him. 

What love.  What sacrifice.  What a price.  Let us not lose sight of this as we celebrate His birth this Christmas. 

Because of what He did, Allie is in Heaven.  And because of what He did, each of us can have the promise of Heaven if we will trust in Him.  Truly Amazing Grace! 

“Thank you Jesus for what you did.  Forgive me for my selfish heart.  Please grant me the grace to be happy for Allie, especially during this Christmas season.  Grant us the peace of Heaven I pray in Jesus’ name, Amen.”

Jeff Powell

An Honest Prayer

Sharing a prayer from my journal with you...

“Lord, I find it hard to trust in You right now.  I am so thankful that You deal with us in Your mercy and grace.  I know that I deserve Your judgment.  Honestly, I have not accurately represented You.  But of course You know that full well.  Nothing surprises You. 

Time.  What an invention by us.  Time is not the same with You.  You see the beginning the middle and the end SIMULTANEOUSLY.  My mind has a hard time grasping this, but I know it to be so.  In one sense, I am already in Heaven with You, joined again with Allie in perfect peace.  Could this be what You meant when You taught us the model prayer to pray ‘Your Kingdom come, Your will be done one earth as it is in Heaven’?  Could it be that the real challenge of this life is to live in such a way as we are already in Heaven?  Could it be possible for the realities of Heaven themselves to overtake the realities of the here and now?  Oh how I hope so. 

I am tired of pain.  I am tired of loss.  I am tired of mourning.  I am tired of being tired.  And yet somehow in between now and then in Heaven, there is a work that is to be done by You through us.  At times I see glimpses of that work.  Other times, I am like a blind man seeing nothing. 

Lord thank You for being the all knowing, all seeing God that You are.  Help me to have the eyes that You have.  Help me to be the son that sees like his dad, acts like his dad, talks like his dad, and even feels like his dad.  Honestly though, I just want what I see as the good in this.  The reality is that Your heart must be touched by the evil, hurt, pain, suffering, and loss that exists in Your world.  Such a weight is far too heavy for me to bear.  So thank You that Your timing is perfect and that I can trust in what You have revealed to me now.  Thank You that You don’t require me to trust in what has yet to be, but only in what is.  Help me to see it day by day and be content to trust in the now.  In Jesus name I pray, Amen.”

Jeff Powell

The Process

There has to be an order to life.  A plan.  A purpose.  A goal.  I don’t always see it.  But I do see the process leading to it.

I do not always like the process.  But the process is what produces the end result.  Even still I do not like it.  I want it to be over - done - finished - complete.  But alas, it is not.  There is more work to be done.  More changes that need to be made.  More development.  More maturity.  More of Jesus and less of Jeff. 

And God uses the thing called process to do this.  He refines.  He does what He does best.  He builds, He remodels, He makes, He destroys.  But through it all, He has a plan for the process.  And His plan is good, even if it is not by my standards of goodness. 

I can rest in the process, knowing that there is One who is behind it all making sense out of it all.  I may not know this side of Heaven all of the “why’s” for what He has done.  But I trust that there is a “why” and I must be okay with that. 

Process.  Honestly, it is painful most of the time.  But what does it produce?  Purpose.  I may not yet see it, but I trust that it is there. 

“Keep me on the process Lord.  Allow me to be submitted to your loving hands that know best and do what You see is needed to be done.  Even when I don’t like it.  When it hurts.  When I complain.  When I want out and off of it, please deal with me in Your mercy, love, and grace.  Please allow me to see what I need to see and when I need to see it.  And please allow me to rest confident that You are in control and give me what I need day by day and moment by moment to stay on the process you have laid out for me.  Thank you Lord, In Jesus name I pray.  Amen.”

Jeff Powell

Yeast Infections in Bread Dough

Last week I wrote how misunderstandings about love permeate all our relationships.

That got me pondering about yeast infections.  Don't get scared!

You see, a proverb that was used a lot among the ancient Jews went like this: "a little yeast works its way through the whole lump of dough."  The proverb was so effective that it found its way into the Bible in several places.  In most places it is generally used as a metaphor for sin or evil influences. Here's a couple of references if you're interested: 1 Cor 5:6, Mark 8:15.

The reason the saying was so powerful is because of how yeast works. Yeast is a fungus microorganism. When it's placed in bread dough it multiplies very rapidly and spreads itself evenly throughout the whole volume of dough. As it infects the dough, it produces gas as a byproduct of this process. That gas is what makes the dough rise to something larger than it would ordinarily be. In effect, it puffs the dough up.  When you cut into a loaf of bread, or some other baked item, you'll notice lots of tiny "holes" or pockets.  These pockets, or holes, are where the yeast has made tiny gas bubbles throughout the entire loaf. In a very short time, the yeast makes its presence felt everywhere.

Sin, like yeast, reproduces rapidly, and infects whatever body it's in.

And so that got me thinking again. What else infects our culture like yeast? Idol worship does.  Those who are NOT Christians worship everything but God. Too often, we Christians worship many things before God - in violation of the very first commandment!  When idol worship permeates our lives, it also impacts all of our relationships - just like our misunderstandings about love. And I'll talk about that in this week's sermon.

And those are my thoughts this week.


Mike Hosey
Elder, Fellowship Church

A Little About Love...

The idea of love is something that permeates everything in our society. Almost every song you hear on the radio is about the feeling of love, or the joy of love, or the love that's been spurned, or the pain of separation from love.  Almost every T.V. show, or every book, or every movie, regardless of whether it's an action/adventure, a soap opera, an historical saga, or a science fiction fantasy touches on love, or some related theme of love. 

This idea of love is so powerful that one of my favorite ancient philosophers, Plato, even commented on it.  He noticed that, "at the touch of love everyone becomes a poet."  (And yes you have my permission to read Plato's serious thought with the drippy, goopy voice of a love smitten sap driven by hormones and the latest romance movie.)

So, from our literature and entertainment alone, one can discern that love is very important to the human race.

But unfortunately, our society confuses love with sex, and with feelings, and with many behaviors that are often related to love, but are not actually love themselves.

Fortunately for us, God has written us a really good love story. And in that story he has given us some specific definitions for love.  Join us this Sunday as we explore God's definitions in the greatest love story of all.  

Mike Hosey

Elder @ Fellowship Church

Accepting The Now

More reflections from my journal...

“Lord, I feel as though I have gotten nowhere, but yet somewhere is where I have gotten.  You have been training me.  I have not always cooperated, nor liked it.  Please forgive me for my unwillingness.  

In many ways I have become lazy and yet in others I am more fit than ever.  Such is the contradiction.  One moment I can be fine and the next, fighting a torrent of tears - like last night.  The images I still fight.  Even now my eyes are filled with tears ready to burst at the thought of her on that day.  

Thank you Lord that we are not left to our own vices and ways.  Thank you for giving us a map - a path - your word.  Forgive me for not taking it as my daily delight.  Many fears run rampant in my heart.  Mostly, I am afraid to trust you.  I am fearful that I am being set up for yet another painful torrent and trial.  And the reality is that I may.  For surely trials will come, so in one sense we are always being set up for the next “event” in our lives.  

But then on the other, surely there are seasons of rest.  Seasons of fruitfulness.  Seasons on the mountaintop.  Could this be one that He is leading us to?  I would like to hope so, but in that is pain and futility because in reality no one, but He knows.  And possibly that is the point.  To rest in the now - in what is before us today - in what we know, not in what we don’t know.  Sure we can speculate, but where does that get us?  More worry.  Help me to see the now and to accept the now as it is, not as what I want it to be and not even as it will be tomorrow, but as it is today.  

I love you Lord and want to trust You.  Lead me day by day to trust in you, not for tomorrow and the next and the next that has yet to happen, but simply for today - for what is now.  Amen.”

I hope my vulnerability has in some way helped you.

Jeff Powell

Being Honest Before God & You

For the next two weeks, I feel led to share some reflections with you from my journal...

“I feel so lost.  I feel like I am in silent torture.  I miss Allie so much that it actually hurts.  I try to not think, but the feeling is ever present.  I want to trust God, I really do, but I am afraid.  Afraid of trusting in a God who allows His children to suffer.  I do understand, but then I don’t.  

Why does faith have to be tested and tried in the fiery trials of life?  The silence is deafening. I wish I could escape.  But escape to where?  There is no where to go.  I feel like the writer who said if I go up to the mountains you are there.  If I go to the depths you are there.  Even in death you are there. 

I know that God is here, but I am afraid. I don’t want to yet face Him.  I know He loves...or at least that is what we are taught and I do believe it.  But I fear what He wants.  My heart aches because of the pain He has allowed.  But do I now come to Him for the healing?  I know this is the drawing of my heart or is it the drawing of the Spirit?  I fear that my vision of God has been greatly wrong.  It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.  I know, but I don’t know.  I understand, but I don’t.  I believe, but I don’t.  What a wretched man that I am.  Or is it that I am simply an honest man? 

Vile images.  Painful images.  Torturous images of that day.  I hate it.  I want to change it.  But I can’t. I am nothing and in charge of nothing.  I control nothing.  I am a servant, not a master.  Forgive me Lord for my wrong view and thinking.  Help me to be as you want me to be.  Help me to look to you again...even though I fear what I may see, give me the courage and strength to look upon you again... to be changed by you.  Into your hands that I do not yet see nor feel do I entrust myself this day, amen.”

Jeff Powell

Confronting My Thoughts

The mind is amazing.  It can be good and bad.  The thoughts that it can think are incredible.  They are endless.  And they can control us.  Paul in 2 Corinthians 10:5 addresses this very thing by saying: “....and we take captive every thought to make it obedient to Christ.”  In my experience, that is much easier said than done. 

I recently wrote in my journal:  “The memory of that day, is like a stab in the heart.  The pain is fresh and sharp and takes my breath away.  I want to cry.  I want to run.  I want to scream.  I want to hit something.  Life is hard and I know could always be worse.  But this reality brings no consolation to me.  In fact I say it probably more so out of fear knowing that worse could happen and I don’t want to have to experience the worse there is.  Lord, help me today I pray.”

Thoughts.  They are always there.  Memories of the past.  Projections of the future.  Seeking to process the present.

So what do we do with them?  We can’t run away from them.  We have to confront them.  Head on.  A straight forward offensive against the thoughts that plague us. 

By confronting them, truth is able to be revealed.  Sometimes they are memories of the past that can’t be changed, but just are.  Other times they are worries of the future that has not yet been, and therefore need to have no power over us.  By confronting them, they are brought into the light for inspection.  I believe this in part is what Paul was talking about.  Confront your thoughts and Jesus will show you the truth, error, or deceptiveness of them.

Jeff Powell

Life Is Short

Life is short!  If this saying is true, then it must make a difference in how we see the world, act toward the world, and speak about the world.  Rather than falsely believing that we have all the time we need, a fire would be lit beneath us to get us moving proactively in the direction we’ve always wanted to go.  None of us are promised second chances.  We only get today.  And today is short. 

The question then becomes, “what are you going to do about it?”  For me I get both comfort and uneasiness from this reality.  To be honest I feel like I never do enough.  There is always more to be done.  I waste time.  I spend time on things that are useless.  In reality, at times, I live like today lasts and lasts and lasts....but it doesn’t.

Today will end.  Tomorrow may or may not come.  Regardless, if it does come, it too will end.  On and on we go until one day we wake up and realize that our life has swept by and we are now nearing the last stretch of the race.  Paul said it this way, “Therefore I do not run like a man running aimlessly; I do not fight like a man beating the air.  No, I beat my body and make it my slave so that after I have preached to others, I myself will not be disqualified for the prize” (1 Cor. 9:26,27).  Do you see the focus in Paul?

Elsewhere, James says it this way, “Why, you do not even know what will happen tomorrow.  What is your life?  You are a mist that appears for a little while and then vanishes” (James 4:14).  Translation?  Life is short.

Here is the good news:  If you are reading this, then your life can still make a positive difference.  Look up to God and then look out to see what you can do.  Life’s short, AMP Up!

Jeff Powell

Silence Screams

There are things that cannot be put into words.  And I love words!  I am what I call an “extroverted thinker.”  This translates into “I speak BEFORE I think!”

But even still, there are those times that words are just inadequate to describe the feelings inside.  Through the death of Allie, we (Jane, Tyler, Austin, Ashlynn, and myself) have been FORCED to feel such opposing feelings...at the same time:  Doubt and Belief.  Pain and Peace.  Love and Hate.  Calm and Anger.  Laughter and Tears.  Confusion and Understanding.  Hope and Despair....

At times like these, words don’t cut it.  Not the words we speak and not the words others speak to us.  At times like these, Silence Screams!  Only one that has experienced the feelings I have described understands what I mean by Silence Screams.  Because things are so....so...FORCED and so....so....OPPOSITE, words fail.  Silence Screams.

This is Biblical.  Romans 8:26 says, “...the Spirit helps us in our weakness.  We do not know what we ought to pray for, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groans that words cannot express.”  Okay, I know this does not address the opposing feelings at the same time, but it does address “weakness” “not knowing” and “words that cannot be expressed” - all of these are components of the opposing feelings I’ve described.

Silence DOES Scream!  Thankfully in the midst of the silence, I can find rest knowing that God’s Spirit is praying for me with such force that words cannot even express.  I can rest in this.  The Silence can Scream.  It will never be louder than the groans of the Spirit praying for you and me!

Jeff Powell

Eyesight Problem

I have an eyesight problem.  I really do.  I require glasses to see things far off.  Countless times I have looked at something from a distance and made wrong conclusions due to my faulty sight.  Thankfully, my eye glasses help me to overcome this problem.

Spiritually speaking, I am no different.  I have a sight problem.  But this sight problem is mostly concerning things that I see up close.  I tend to see the distant future pretty well, it is the things up close that I see as not so clear.

I find myself being very much like Elisha’s servant in 2 Kings 6.  An enemy King had sent his army by night to surround the city Elisha was in so that he could capture and presumably kill Elisha.  Elisha’s servant sees this in the morning and panicks.  What does Elisha do?  He says, “Don’t be afraid, those who are with us are more than those who are with them.”  (vs. 16).  Are you kidding me Elisha?  Look around, we are surrounded by the enemy...or are we?

Verse 17 then tells us, “And Elisha prayed, ‘O Lord, open his eyes so he may see.‘  Then the Lord opened the servant’s eyes, and he looked and saw the hills full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.”  I want glasses like that!  Too many times I see what is before me and cry out “I’m surrounded by my pain, my lack, my problems, my circumstances!” 

Lord, help me to see what is true reality - that you are always with me and that your provision and presence is far greater than any problem and pain I face.  In your mercy, would you open my eyes so that I may truly see.  In Jesus name, Amen.

Hoping you are seeing better today than yesterday,

Jeff Powell

Overcoming Unbelief

A story is told of a man asking Jesus to heal his son.  Jesus says to him, “Everything is possible for him who believes.”  The father then says, “I do believe; help me overcome my unbelief!”  (Mark 9:23, 24). 

I can REALLY relate to the father in this story!  I believe, but there are many parts of me that doubt.  In my low times of sorrow and sadness; when the pain and pressures of reality surround me; when exhaustion and experience are not what I want them to be - it is then that I am most apt to doubt.

Feelings of unbelief flood my mind.  Questions that, out of pride I would never verbalize to anyone other than Jane, easily come to the surface.  Like the muddy bottom of a lake being stirred up to cloud the clear water, so is doubt to my belief...or is it?

I am convinced that it is easy to believe when the waters of life are calm.  Send the waves and one sees what they truly believe.  Honestly, if everything is possible for him who believes as Jesus stated to the father, then I am tempted to conclude that nothing is possible for me!  The possibilities of life cannot rest on my belief...they cannot.  And maybe that is the point - to rest not on what we believe, but on the belief that God grants us to have or not to have. 

I am convinced (and scripture backs up my assertion) that even the belief we have, originates not within us, but from God (see Romans 12:3).  The question then becomes what do we do with the belief that we have?  For me, the most honest thing I can do is what the father did:  I declare, “Lord I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief!”  In that, everything then becomes possible not because of the great faith I have, but because of the great God my faith is directed toward.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Love Wins!

Isaiah 61:3 says, “and provide for those who grieve in Zion-- to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the LORD for the display of his splendor.”  I have thought much about this scripture.  To be honest, I have had a love/hate relationship with it.  Here is what this verse has taught me...

1)  God provides what we need when we need and how we need it.  Many times I don’t even know what I need, but thankfully my Master does...especially when I grieve!

2)  God takes the devastating ashes of my hurt and pain and transforms them into a crown that sits beautifully on my head.  Only God can redeem the hurt, pain, sorrow, and agony of loss.  Only God...and thankfully He does!

3)  God reminds me of happy memories with Allie.  And those happy memories with her are thick like oil and just like oil, can’t be easily removed!

4)  God clothes us with hope.  In the lowest valley, He is still there wrapping us in hope.  Hope for the present and hope for the future.  The result?  We praise Him, even in pain and grief!

5)  God likes to show off His children...and He does it best when His children go through tough stuff and still trust Him.  Honestly, Jane and I don’t always feel like He is shining through us, but we know He is, even in our dark times.  And honestly, we don’t always feel like we are solid as an oak, but we know that we are in Him!

I guess it is true that love wins out over hate - every time:)!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Mad At God

James 5:10-11 says, “Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord.  As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered.  You have heard of Job’s perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about.  The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.”

I don’t want to be that person.  I don’t want to be known as blessed because I have persevered.  Sure I want to be known as blessed, but not because I have persevered.  A few weeks ago I wrote the following in my journal...

“Who am I mad at?  I am mad at God.  I am mad that this happened.  I don’t want to drink this cup.  I want to resist and rebel. I want to shake my fist at God and cry out to Him.  I want to pick a fight...a fight with God.  How arrogant is that?  Very but that is the vile and venom that is in my heart right now.  I am angry.  Someone is to blame.  He is the creator and able to do anything that pleases Him.  Why does this have to please Him?  Why?  Why?  Why?  This is not the cup I want to drink.  This is not the path I want to walk.  I can’t faith it and I can’t fake it.  I either rebel and go my own way, which is futile OR I surrender to His way.  I don’t like it.  I despise it.  I hate it.  It hurts.”

I went on... “I want to get to the bottom of this pit and find Him there.  I need you God!!!!!!!!!!!!  I need you like never before!!!!!  Take the hurt and pain I do not understand OR do I understand and just don’t want to accept it?  I don’t care.  I am a raging man - make me raging for you.  Let me see you in this depth.  Let me feel you I pray.”

I share this with you because we think perseverance is “pretty” and “nice,” when the reality is it is “raw” and “hard.”  Walk the road God has placed before you and walk it honestly, for that is where you will find the power to persevere and when you persevere, it will be said of you that you are blessed!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

More Thoughts About Suffering

Lamentations 3:32-33 says, “Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love.  For he does not willingly bring affliction or grief to the children of men.”  Did you read that?  God does not WILLINGLY bring affliction or grief to any of us!  So that begs the question, then why does He if He does not do it willingly?

Lately, I have pondered much upon that.  Here is what I have concluded.  There is simply no other way for true, authentic faith to be seen.  It is easy to believe and trust when you know everything will turn out like you want it to turn out.  But the moment life throws us a curve ball, we are tempted to doubt, to complain, to be angry all because things have not gone the way we wanted them to go!

Scripture backs up my conclusion.  1 Peter 1:7 speaking of grief in all kinds of trials says, “These have come so that your faith - of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire - may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.”  

So here is the deal:  God does not bring affliction, nor grief on us willingly, but He allows it because it is the only way to show true faith in Him resulting in glory being given to Jesus.  So the next time you are wondering “why me????” just remember, it is because you have true, authentic faith.  The question then becomes “will you let it shine through so that Jesus is glorified through you?”  I pray so.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Why Do We Have To Suffer?

Suffering is a part of following Jesus.  I have experienced times that I would describe as “suffering.”  Why do we have to suffer?  What does it produce?  Here is what I know...

1.  Suffering Perfects - we are refined by it and humbled by it.  It reveals the areas of true belief and true doubt in us.  It shows us pride.  It uncovers anger.  It gives incredible opportunity to grow. (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

2.  Suffering gives Power - when we are at our weakest, it is then that Jesus can be at His strongest through us!  When we suffer, we realize how powerless we are apart from Jesus.  When we suffer, we can surrender like never before to His living power! (2 Corinthians 12:7-10)

3.  Suffering allows Perseverance - life is a marathon, not a sprint.  It is a long journey in the direction of following Jesus.  It is not always easy.  Suffering separates the true followers of Jesus from the false. (1 Peter 1:7)

4.  Suffering reminds us of Promise - this life is not all that exists.  Eternity is real.  We have hope for tomorrow in what we cannot see today.  He never promised to keep us from the valley of the shadow of death, but He did promise to walk with us through it! This life will pass away.  Better and lasting things await us.  (James 5:7-11)

None of this makes suffering easy, but it does give fresh eyes to it.  May we see as Jesus sees and live as He lived...that is what the world is waiting to see!  Will it begin in you and me?  I pray so!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Complaining...

What is the Bible’s perspective on complaining? You read and then decide...

“Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.” James 1:2-4

“...for a little while you may have had to suffer grief in all kinds of trials. These have come so that your faith--of greater worth than gold, which perishes even though refined by fire--may be proved genuine and may result in praise, glory and honor when Jesus Christ is revealed.” 1 Peter 1:6-7

“Do everything without complaining or arguing”  Philippians 2:14

“Remember those earlier days after you had received the light, when you stood your ground in a great contest in the face of suffering. Sometimes you were publicly exposed to insult and persecution; at other times you stood side by side with those who were so treated. You sympathized with those in prison and joyfully accepted the confiscation of your property, because you knew that you yourselves had better and lasting possessions. So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.” Hebrews 10:32-36

“Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints.”  Psalm 116:15

Lord, help my perspective on life to be changed into your perspective I pray in Jesus name, Amen.

Jeff Powell

What Does God Really Owe Me?

Last week I shared with you two common and popular ways of seeing God - both of which I believe are wrong.

First, one can see God as owing them everything good. Second, one can see God as owing them nothing. 

Third, one can see God as owing them punishment.  This I believe is the Biblical way to see God.  Is He good?  Absolutely.  And it is precisely because He is good that He owes us punishment for the sins we have engaged in.

For God to be truly good, He must be just.  And for Him to be just, He must address our utter sinfulness.  Every human being has missed the mark and fallen into sin.  Just one sin of mine carries with it the full wrath and judgement of God...just one, not to mention the multitude of sins I have committed against a Holy and perfect God!

But here is the amazing thing about God.  Although He owes us punishment due to our sin, He chose instead to pour that punishment out on His Son Jesus.  Make no mistake about it, Biblically, God owes us His wrath and punishment due to our sin, but instead of us receiving the wrath and punishment, Jesus took it for us by dying on the cross, satisfying the wrath and justice of God forever.

How do I see God?  I see Him as owing me a whole lot of punishment and wrath because of my sin.  Thankfully in His grace and mercy He has chosen to allow Jesus to take my place in receiving that punishment and wrath for my sins!

How do you see God differently today than you did yesterday?

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

What Does God Owe You?

Recently I have been thinking about how I view God.  Assuming that a person believes in God, I really believe there is only a few ways to see God...

First, one can see God as owing them everything good.  After all, we didn’t ask to be created.  If God made us, then certainly He owes us the provision to live life right?  I believe WRONG!

Seeing God as owing us everything good or even for that matter some things good, makes life centered around us as the creation, rather than around God as the Creator.  To use natural logic:  If I build something with my own hands am I then obligated to sustain what I have built and improve what I have built?  Of course not.  In the same way, God as our Creator does not owe us anything good.  He is Creator, we are the creation.

Second, one can see God as owing them nothing.  Because God does not owe us anything good, the obvious conclusion must be that God doesn’t owe us anything?  Again, I believe WRONG!

Seeing God as not owing us anything places us on equal standing with God.  If God doesn’t owe us anything, then we are even with God - He doesn’t owe us and we don’t owe Him.  The hard and true reality however is that God does owe us and we owe Him, but that will have to wait until next week.

How do you see God today?

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

What else is Allie doing in Heaven?

Last week I wrote about some of the things I believe my 13 year old daughter Allie is experiencing in Heaven.  Here is what else I know she is experiencing...

-  No night.  Radiant light from Jesus shines constantly.  There is no sun nor moon.  There is only pure, wonderful light from Jesus (Revelation 21:23 & 22:5).

-  No separation.  She is perfectly united with God.  She sees God.  There is no longer any hindrance to her comprehension and understanding of God.  She is in His presence and is fully aware of His purpose and plans (2 Corinthians 5:8; Revelation 22:4).

-  No pain or sickness or sorrow.  Allie does not hurt.  Her body does not tire.  Her emotions feel no sorrow.  The result of sin has been removed.  She is experiencing perfection at its fullest all because of Jesus (Revelation 21:4)!

Don’t you long for Heaven?  Do you know for sure that you will go to Heaven?  The reality is that not everyone will arrive at the place called Heaven.  Many will spend eternity in the place the Bible calls Hell. 

The truthful reality is that there is only ONE WAY to the place called Heaven.  All paths DO NOT lead to Heaven.  There is no such thing as “finding your own way” to Heaven.  The Bible is very clear on this (see John 14:6). 

I hope that you will take the ONE WAY to Heaven.  Please visit www.alliepowellmissions.com and click AMP UP.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

What Is Allie Doing In Heaven?

Eternity has always amazed me.  “Forever” with no ending in sight, is hard to get my mind around.

Now that my 13 year old daughter Allie is in Heaven, I am more intrigued with eternity than ever before.  I wonder, “what is Allie doing today in Heaven?” 

I cannot answer that question specifically, but I can share some of what I do know she is experiencing in Heaven...

-  A new body.  She has an actual form with features that resemble her features here on this earth, except with no flaw whatsoever and in the original way God created her (1 Corinthians 15:40).

-  The ability to still see what is happening on earth.  The Bible speaks about people that have gone to Heaven as a “great cloud of witnesses” (Hebrews 12:1).  And there are instances of those that have died, re-appearing and being aware of the present day reality (see Matthew 17:1-3).  In some way, Allie is still aware of what is happening here.

-  Being with past family members and friends, some of whom she never met on earth.  Heaven is a great “reunion” of sorts with joy, happiness, excitement, and perfection.  I believe that Allie is with her little brother that was never born, her great-grandfather she never met, and many others.

Are you ready for Heaven?  If you are unsure, please visit www.alliepowellmissions.com and read the AMP up section.

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

What Time Is It?

The Bible says “there is a time for everything, and a season for every activity under heaven...” (Ecclesiastes 3:1-8).  Lately, I have been asking myself: “what time is it?”

For me, it is a time to grieve over the physical death of my 13 year old daughter, Allie.  And, it is a time to AMP up what I do with my life.  The grieving needs no explanation and continues.  Let me explain what I mean by AMP up.

Allie’s full name is Allie Marie Powell.  Her initials are AMP.  AMP is short for “amplify” which means to make something louder and larger.  In this case, our lives.  Life is short, so we must AMP up our lives.  What we do today matters.

Some would say Allie’s departure to Heaven was “untimely” or “unfair” because she had not yet had a chance to fully live life.  I differ.  My 13 year old daughter lived more life in her 13 years on this earth than some who live to be 80.  Her values were fixed, she had a Biblical worldview, her priorities were solid, and she loved others deeply in the U.S. and around the world.  Yes, her 13 years on this earth were, “short” and I would do almost anything to have her back, but short as they were, they certainly were “amplified!”

No one is promised tomorrow.  Not me.  Not you.  No one.  Life’s short, AMP up!  That is what time it is in my life.  To learn more about this, go to www.alliepowellmissions.com.

May I be so bold as to ask, “what time is it in your life?”

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

How My Heart Yearns!

The heart can be filled with life and joy and pain and torment.  It can be a source of hope and healing and depression and death.  The heart is many things.  It “yearns” and “longs.”  I know mine does, especially now.

A scripture that relates to what I’m saying is Job 19:25-27...

“I know that my Redeemer lives, and that in the end he will stand upon the earth.  And after my skin has been destroyed, yet in my flesh I will see God; I myself will see him with my own eyes - I, and not another.  How my heart yearns within me!”

In the midst of a painful and unrelenting time, Job looks into his heart.  What does he find in there?  The knowledge that he has a Redeemer that he will see when he dies.  And this knowledge causes his heart to “yearn” with longing.

I can relate to Job.  My heart yearns for Heaven.  And to be honest, it is not just to see God and be Redeemed from this fallen world, it is also to see my 13 year old daughter Allie again.  That may sound fleshly and selfish, but it is the truth.

What is in MY heart?  A lot of things...some good and some not so good, but above all else in my heart is the reality of Jesus as my Savior and Lord and as a result, the promise of Heaven when I die where I will be freed from all pain and sorrow and where I will see my 13 year old daughter Allie again!  My heart yearns for this!

What is in your heart today?

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

You have an Advocate!

Life can be hard. In my deep physical loss over Allie going home to Heaven, I am so thankful that I do not have to make this journey alone. I have our church family, friends, and most importantly God and His word, the Bible. I can’t imagine making this journey alone...without an advocate to walk beside me...and at times to carry me!

Recently, Jane and I have been reading through the book of Job. Today I came to a passage that amazed me and greatly encouraged me. In Job 16:19-21, Job says,

“Even now my witness is in heaven; my advocate is on high. My intercessor is my friend as my eyes pour out tears to God; on behalf of man he pleads with God as a man pleads for his friend.”

Wow! How incredible this really is. Here in the Old Testament, Job somehow knew that he had an advocate in Heaven pleading his case before God. This speaks of none other than the work of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our advocate!

Here is what I took away after reading this passage:
1. God knows what we are going through.
2. Our advocate Jesus is a friend and so much more.
3. It is okay to cry our eyes out over what we face.
4. Our advocate intercedes (actually prays) for us.

No matter what you face, as a follower of Jesus, you do not face it alone. Jesus is there with you, beside you, and even pleading for you in God’s presence...even when, and especially when, you don’t feel Him!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

The ABC's of Leaderhsip

I was recently thinking about leadership and God led me to create this list of leadership principles to share with you...

The ABC’s of leadership:

Accept your limitations
Believe that God can work through you
Confess daily your belief that God can and will work through you
Do what God has put on your heart to do
Expect God to do mighty things
Forget the past, you can’t change it
Give generously
Help those in need
Invest in family
Joyfully accept trials and tribulations
Keep the word of God before you and a part of you
Learn all that you can about your assignment
Move those disloyal and negative to you out of influence over you
Never give in to moral compromise
Open up to others, be vulnerable and transparent
Pray daily
Quit comparing yourself to others
Release hurt and bitterness
Stay the course God has set for you, don’t waiver
Trust in what can’t yet be seen, remember God sees all
Unite with those of similar vision
Verify what others say
Worship Jesus
Xclaim Jesus through the platform He has given you
Yearly evaluate God’s call and plan for your life
Zip your lips when tempted to talk negatively

Thank You

To our dearest church family,

Thank you for being the body of Christ. You’ve walked with us, prayed with us, fed us, sat with us, cried with us, and held our hands. We are beyond grateful for each of you and your amazing support. Psalm 147:3 says “He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” God is using you to heal and bind up our wounds.

The best way you can continue to help us is by making sure that you continue to nurture your relationship with Jesus, staying committed to the body of believers (church) and sharing your faith with those in our community that desperately need to know Jesus!

Again, we couldn’t do this without you. We love you!

The Powell Family

Comparing Men & Women

Continuing from last week’s endeavor into the humor of men, here are a few comparisons between men and women. Thanks again Marcus for making me laugh....

“EATING OUT
When the bill arrives, Mike, Dave and John will each throw in $20, even though it's only for $32.50. None of them will have anything smaller and none will actually admit they want change back. When the girls get their bill, out come the pocket calculators.

MONEY
A man will pay $2 for a $1 item he needs. A woman will pay $1 for a $2 item that she doesn't need but it's on sale.

ARGUMENTS
A woman has the last word in any argument. Anything a man says after that is the beginning of a new argument.

FUTURE
A woman worries about the future until she gets a husband. A man never worries about the future until he gets a wife.

MARRIAGE
A woman marries a man expecting he will change, but he doesn't. A man marries a woman expecting that she won't change, but she does.

OFFSPRING
A woman knows all about her children. She knows about dentist appointments and romances, best friends, favorite foods, secret fears and hopes and dreams. A man is vaguely aware of some short people living in the house.”

No, men are not perfect, but be sure to make that special man in your life know how special he is to you!

Loving and Leading,

Jeff Powell

Are Men Happier Than Women?

We recently celebrated Mother’s Day. Right around the corner is Father’s Day (June 17). I thought I would share something funny with you about men. Thanks Marcus for passing this onto me...


“Men Are Just Happier People -- What do you expect from such simple creatures?

Your last name stays put. The garage is all yours. Wedding plans take care of themselves. Chocolate is just another snack. You can never be pregnant. You can wear a white T-shirt to a water park. You can wear NO shirt to a water park. You never have to drive to another gas station restroom because this one is just too icky. Wrinkles add character. Wedding dress $5000. Tux rental-$100. New shoes don't cut, blister, or mangle your feet. Phone conversations are over in 30 seconds flat. You know stuff about tanks. A five-day vacation requires only one suitcase. You can open all your own jars. You get extra credit for the slightest act of thoughtfulness. If someone forgets to invite you, he or she can still be your friend. Three pairs of shoes are more than enough. You are unable to see wrinkles in your clothes. The same hairstyle lasts for years, even decades. You only have to shave your face and neck. You can play with toys all your life. One wallet and one pair of shoes -- one color for all seasons. You can wear shorts no matter how your legs look.”


Laugh a little today and thank God for the men in your life!


Loving and Leading,


Jeff Powell

Small Things Can Lead To Large Things

I recently read a book about the Butterfly Effect. The idea is that theoretically the flap of a butterfly’s wings has the potential to create such movement in the air that a hurricane could be formed from the effect of the butterfly’s wings. The idea is about cause and effect. The slightest move that we as humans make, has the potential to make a difference in our lives. It ultimately is all about decisions. A decision to drive down a particular road could determine the difference between safety and death. A decision to engage in a simple conversation or not to engage with a person of the opposite sex could determine your marital status. A decision to eat a certain kind of food could potentially determine a life of health or sickness. A decision to accept Jesus or not to accept Him determines eternity in Heaven or Hell. So what can we do to make better decisions? 1) Be Mindful - God has given you a mind and the ability to think. He has also given each one of us this thing we call a conscience. If we are honest, most of the time we KNOW deep down the decisions we need to make. 2) Pray - Ask God’s perspective. The life He envisioned for us was one of constant communion with Him - that is why the Bible says, “pray without ceasing.” It is more of an attitude and mindset that remains connected to God. 3) Live and Learn - No one gets is right all the time. Some decisions will be good, others not so good. No one can change the past. All we can do is live AND learn from our living so that we make better decisions in the future!
Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell

Real Encounter Lessons

Two weeks after the Real Encounter BMX team was here, I am still amazed at the stunts and tricks that were done. As I watched these professionals do their stunts, I was in awe of their gravity defying abilities and balance.

Here are some of my take-aways from that event two weeks ago... 1) FOCUS - Those guys were incredibly focused on what to do and what not to do. You think life would be a little better if we focused more on the essentials and less on the non-essentials? I think so. 2) BALANCE - Regardless of if it was a bike (with brakes or without) or a motorcycle, those guys had incredible balance of their body and the bike or motorcycle they were on. How about your life? Is it balanced? What do you need to let go of or what do you need to embrace to be more balanced in life? 3) MOTIVATION - Each person on that team really enjoyed what they were doing and it was this enjoyment that in part motivated them to do what they did. It is no different with us. What are the ways that God has uniquely made you? What are your interests? What moves you to action? 4) PURPOSE - They do not do what they do just for fun. They don’t do it for money. They don’t do it for the applause of the crowd. They do what they do so that they will have the opportunity to share the love of Jesus with others. The stunts, speed, and tricks serve a much greater purpose - to let Jesus shine! Guess what? It is no different with us. God wants to use everything in our lives as a platform to share the love of Jesus with others.

How has God been using your platform lately?

Loving and Leading,
Jeff Powell