This is an in-your-face, no-punches-pulled, right-on-target message. Watch it, think about it, and share your thoughts in the comment below…
Living Nativity
December 5, 2011 — Craig T. Owens
I am so proud of our team that portrayed the birth of Christ at our second annual Living Nativity! And I’m grateful that we were asked to be a part of the annual Mingle With Kris Kringle event in downtown Cedar Springs.
Pictures don’t really do it full justice, but it’s a start, so click here to see the pictures and a couple of videos too.
My Newest Assignment
December 5, 2011 — Craig T. Owens
I truly believe that God directs our steps. I like Jeremiah’s prayer:
I know, O Lord, that a man’s life is not his own; it is not for man to direct his steps. (Jeremiah 10:23)
I also believe that God gives us talents and strengths, and then puts us in settings where we can use those strengths to glorify Him. Moving to Cedar Springs was truly a God-directed step for my family, and doing so has put us in so many settings where we can all use our talents.
My latest opportunity to use my God-given strengths is as the interim director of the En Gedi Youth Center. This is an outstanding program that provides a safe and constructive environment for students after school. In just a couple of weeks in this new assignment, I’ve already met so many new people and I’ve seen so much more potential. I cannot wait to see what will happen next!
The Cedar Springs Post has an article in this week’s edition about my new temporary assignment (read the full article here). I love this forward-looking quote from the En Gedi Board chair Sue Wolfe:
“Craig is a wonderful gift to En Gedi, our students, and community. He is already involved with many local organizations. The transition from Tom [the first director and current Board member] to Craig has gone well and the board is enthusiastically moving forward in securing a permanent Executive Director,” said Wolfe. “En Gedi is ready to take a leap of faith into the next phase of organization’s goal to open a youth center room in the high school and middle school. We see the need and believe we should now move forward in expanding programs, services, and special events to our community’s youth and families.”
I’m thrilled to be a part of this leap of faith that En Gedi is about to take!
UPDATE: My assignment as “interim” director of this ministry turned into a 10-year-long ministry position!
Am I A Doer?
December 1, 2011 — Craig T. Owens
This quote from J.C. Ryle has really been working on me…
“Men and women who hear the Gospel regularly, I often fear much for you. I fear lest you become so familiar with the sounds of its doctrines, that insensibly you become dead to its power. I fear lest your religion should sink down into a little vague talk about your own weakness and corruption, and a few sentimental expressions about Christ, while real practical fighting on Christ’s side is altogether neglected. Oh, beware of this state of mind! Be doers of the Word, and not hearers only.”
Holy Spirit, bring Your conviction if my amazement at the Gospel ever slackens. May I always hear the Word gladly, and do the Word quickly.
Thursdays With Oswald—Instantly Detecting Compromise
December 1, 2011 — Craig T. OwensThis is a weekly series with things I’m reading and pondering from Oswald Chambers. You can read the original seed thought here, or type “Thursdays With Oswald” in the search box to read more entries.
Instantly Detecting Compromise
We must be continually renewed in the spirit of our mind so that the slightest beginning of compromise with the spirit of the world is detected. “Well, what’s the harm; there’s nothing wrong in it,” when you hear that you know you have the spirit of the world, because the Spirit that comes from Jesus says, “Does this glorify God?”
From Biblical Ethics
There’s a HUGE difference between a Christian being in the world and of the world. A Christian who is compromising, is slowly becoming of the world. They say, “This isn’t wrong.”
A Christian who is uncompromising, is slowly becoming in the world but of Heaven. They judge everything by whether or not it brings glory to God.
Compromise is the slow erosion. Seldom does one go from a passionate follower of God to a worldly person suddenly. It is the small compromises day after day that are the most dangerous.
So one of my frequent prayers must be—
Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. Point out ANYTHING in me that offends You. (Psalm 139:23-24, NLT)
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