Poetry Saturday—A Good Confession

June 29, 2019 — Craig T. Owens
It seemed as if nothing less likely could be
Than that light should break in on a dungeon so deep;
To create a new world were less hard than to free
The slave from his bondage, the soul from its sleep.


But the Word had gone forth, and said, Let there be light,


And it flashed through my soul like a sharp passing smart;


One look to my Savior, and all that dark night,


Like a dream scarce remembered, was gone from my heart.




I cried out for mercy, and fell on my knees,


And confessed, while my heart with keen sorrow was wrung;


’Twas the labor of minutes, and years of disease


Fell as fast from my soul as the words from my tongue. —Frederick William Faber






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Am I The Genuine Article?

June 27, 2019 — Craig T. Owens 




Examine and test and evaluate your own selves to see whether you are holding to your faith and showing the proper fruits of it. Test and prove yourselves… (2 Corinthians 13:5). 


The root word for discern in the New Testament Greek is dokimazō. This word means to examine something—scrutinize it closely—to see if it is genuine. We’re instructed to take a close, scrutinizing look at…


    

  • …our beliefs about God (Romans 1:28)
    • 

  • …our understanding of God’s will for our lives (Romans 12:2)
    • 

  • …our relationship with God and others (1 Corinthians 11:28) 
    • 

  • …our faith (2 Corinthians 13:5)
    • 

  • …our motives (2 Thessalonians 2:4)
    • 

  • …the teaching we are listening to (1 John 4:1) 
    • 



In his book Romans: God’s Glory, Donald Grey Barnhouse discussed the root word for discern (the Greek word dokimos). He said, 




“In the ancient world there was no banking system as we know it today, and no paper money. All money was made from metal, heated until liquid, poured into moulds and allowed to cool. When the coins were cooled, it was necessary to smooth off the uneven edges. The coins were comparatively soft, and of course many people shaved them closely. In one century, more than eighty laws were passed in Athens to stop the practice of whittling down the coins then in circulation. But some money-changers were men of integrity, who would accept no counterfeit money; they were men of honour who put only genuine, full-weight money into circulation. Such men were called dokimos, and this word is used here for the Christian as he is to be seen by the world.” (emphasis mine)




This should be said of every Christian: “They are dokimos—men and women who are honorable and are the real deal. They don’t shave anything off; they don’t water anything down. They can be scrutinized closely and found to be the genuine article.” 


The Bible makes it clear that before the world can call us dokimos, the Holy Spirit first has to stamp that word on us. It’s only after we have allowed Him to scrutinize (and correct) our beliefs, relationships, faith, and motives that we can be labeled dokimos. When we are the real deal in His presence, the world cannot help but see the genuine article when they examine us. 


Let’s live this way! May both God and the watching world be able to call us dokimos! 






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Thursdays With Spurgeon—Honorable Disagreement

June 27, 2019 — Craig T. Owens 




This is a weekly series with things I’m reading and pondering from Charles Spurgeon. You can read the original seed thought here, or type “Thursdays With Spurgeon” in the search box to read more entries.


Honorable Disagreement


     If you ask me, do I hold the doctrinal views that were held by John Calvin, I reply, I do in the main hold them, and rejoice to avow it. … 


     Most atrocious things have been spoken about the character and spiritual condition of John Wesley, the modern prince of Arminians. I can only say concerning him that, while I detest many of the doctrines that he preached, yet for the man himself I have a reverence second to no Wesleyan; and if there were wanted two apostles to be added to the number of the Twelve, I do not believe that there could be found to men more fit to be so added than George Whitefield and John Wesley. The character of John Wesley stands beyond all imputation for self-sacrifice, zeal, holiness, and communion with God; he lived far above the ordinary level of common Christians and was one of whom the world was not worthy.


From The Autobiography Of Charles Spurgeon


Calvinists and Arminians have appeared at odds with each other for centuries. Spurgeon teaches us a valuable truth—


Men can disagree on doctrines without vilifying the men who believe and teach those doctrines. 


Spurgeon (an avowed Calvinist) and Wesley (an outspoken Arminian) strongly believed and forcefully and persuasively taught what they saw to be true in Scripture. Yet they did so without attacking or demonizing each other. They practiced what the Apostle Paul taught—


If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. (Romans 12:18) 


Oh, that today we would again follow the counsel of Paul and the example of Spurgeon and Wesley!






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9 Quotes From “40 Days With Jesus”

June 26, 2019 — Craig T. Owens 




Sarah Young does a masterful job in helping us hear Jesus speak to us in the first-person, as she weaves Scripture together so beautifully. Check out my full book review by clicking here. 


“Taste and see that I am good. The more intimately you experience Me, the more convinced you become of My goodness.” 


“Follow Me one step at a time. … Keep your mind on the present journey, enjoying My Presence. Walk by faith, not by sight, trusting Me to open up the way before you. … I set the pace in keeping with your needs and My purposes.” 


“Walking in the light of My presence blesses you in many ways. Good things are better and bad things are more bearable when you share them with Me. As you bask in My Love-Light, you are better able to love others and enjoy fellowship with them. You are less likely to stumble or fall because sins are garishly obvious in My holy Light. As you walk in this Light with Me, I encourage you to exult in My righteousness.” 


“Although your new self is being conformed to My image, this process does not erase the essence of who you are. On the contrary, the more you become like Me, the more you develop into the unique person I designed you to be.” 


“Holiness is letting Me live through you. Since I dwell in you, you are fully equipped to be holy. Pause before responding to people or situations, giving My Spirit space to act through you. Hasty words and actions leave no room for Me; this is atheistic living. I want to inhabit all your moments—gracing your thoughts, words, and behavior.” 


“Talk with Me about every aspect of your day, including your feelings. Remember that your ultimate goal is not to control or fix everything around you; it is to keep communing with Me. A successful day is one in which you have stayed in touch with Me, even if many things remain undone at the end of the day.” 


“Do not let your to-do list (written or mental) become an idol directing your life. Instead, ask My Spirit to guide you moment by moment.” 


“Exceeding Joy is for both you and Me. I delight in you now, but this Joy will be astronomically magnified when you join Me in Glory. The Joy you will experience in heaven is so far beyond anything you have known on earth that it is indescribable. Nothing can rob you of this glorious inheritance which is imperishable and will not fade away.” 


“Thankfulness is not some sort of magic formula; it is the language of Love, which enables you to communicate intimately with Me.” 






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40 Days With Jesus (book review)

June 25, 2019 — Craig T. Owens 




Martin Luther said, “The Bible is alive, it speaks to me.” Truly, the Bible is God’s Word speaking to us every time we peer into its pages, so I love how Sarah Young strings passages of Scripture together to allow us to hear Jesus speaking to us in a first-person voice. 


40 Days With Jesus was designed as a series of readings during the Lenten season, as we walk with Jesus to the Cross and His resurrection from the dead. But any time is a good time when we can walk with Jesus and hear His unmistakable voice reassuring our hearts. 


Are you walking through a dark time in your life? Know that Jesus is walking with you. 


Do you want to live a life of purpose and lasting value? Listen to Jesus counsel you. 


Are you standing at a crossroads trying to make the right decision? Let Jesus point the way. 


Each time I read a Sarah Young book, it reignites my heart to read the Bible as though Jesus is personally speaking to me. Because He is! 


40 Days With Jesus is a great starting point for you to learn to hear Jesus speaking to you every time you open your Bible. The Holy Spirit will then use those words read in your quiet time to continue to bring you direction and reassurance all throughout your day (John 14:26). 


I highly recommend this book (or any other book by Sarah Young)!






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Does Self-Help Get God’s Help?

June 24, 2019 — Craig T. Owens 




This is part 1 in our series looking at phrases that sound biblical and then asking, “Is that in the Bible?” 


Statement #1—God helps those who help themselves. Is that in the Bible? No, it is not! 


The reason why I think people have accepted this as biblical is an incorrect view of God. 


    

  1. Humanism says God is us, which makes us believe, “If it’s going to be, it’s up to me.” 
    2. 

  2. Fatalism says there is no God and therefore no meaning to life, which makes us believe, “The outcome is what it is and no one has any say in the matter.” 
    3. 

  3. Deism says there is a God, but it’s hard to get His attention, which makes us believe “He is either disinterested in me or unapproachable. He’s only available for the ‘big’ things.” 
    4. 



The Bible flat-out rejects all three of these isms. 


Instead, we see a loving, approachable God. One who is both all-powerful and all-loving. He says things like…


    

  • I made you and know everything about you, and I remain infinitely interested and intimately involved in your life 
    • 

  • Come to Me and I will give you rest
    • 

  • I want you to cast all your anxieties on Me
    • 

  • Don’t be anxious about anything, but tell Me about everything that troubles you (Psalm 139:1-18; Matthew 11:28-29; 1 Peter 5:7; Philippians 4:6)
    • 



Not only is “God helps those who help themselves” untrue, but the exact opposite is also true—God helps those who cannot help themselves! 


In Isaiah 40:28-29, we read that God gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. 




“Yes, it is our strength, not our weakness, that is our hindrance and stumbling block.” —Horatius Bonar 




God gives power to the weak. He gives strength to those with no might of their own. God does NOT help those who think they can help themselves! God helps those who cannot help themselves! This is what Jesus came to do, and why we should rejoice in the fact that He does indeed help those who could never rescue themselves (Isaiah 53:4-5; 2 Corinthians 12:9)!


It is our can’ts that God uses as His opportunities to show how limitless He is. Our limitations magnify His love and His power. 


One of the best prayers you could ever pray is simply, “God, help!” This simple prayer acknowledges in just two words that you can’t but He most assuredly can! 




But those who wait for the Lord—who expect, look for, and hope in Him—shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up close to God as eagles mount up to the sun; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired. (Isaiah 40:31 AMP) 






Join me next week as we continue to explore various statements and ask, “Is that in the Bible?” 






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Poetry Saturday—Let It Be On Earth

June 22, 2019 — Craig T. Owens 




Psalm 93


The Lord sits upright on His throne, 


draped in a mountain, rising through 


the clouds, forever changeless, new, 


eternally impervious to 


all storms or time, a growing stone 


of splendor and unmeasured girth:


As there, Lord, let it be on earth!




Psalm 45:6-8


What sweetness bathes our every sense!


What radiating gladness swells 


around us! What delightful smells 


engulf, what happy music tells


Your glory! Joys beyond expense 


from You and from Your throne pour forth:


As there, Lord, let it be on earth!




Psalm 47


They gather in Elysian Fields, 


a vast and varied, joyful host, 


with one objective uttermost—


their King to celebrate and toast!


There, casting down their crowns and shields, 


they tell His holy, matchless worth:


As there, Lord, let it be on earth!




Revelation 4, 5


Throughout the vast, far-flung expanse 


a chorus rises, joyous, strong:


Unnumbered hosts, an endless throng, 


their voices joined in glorious song, 


extol their King’s eminence, 


rejoicing in His matchless worth:


As there, Lord, let it be on earth!




Hebrews 12:1


Now let us focus on one saint, 


one from that boisterous crowd of those 


who prays together, dressed in clothes 


of linen white. See how he glows 


in mien and body! No restraint 


impedes his holy, joyful mirth:


As there, Lord, let it be on earth!




Hebrews 1:7 


Christ speaks, and angels all obey, 


and hurry off to implement


His Word. They are as servants sent, 


a holy, unseen regiment, 


to guard and guide us on our way.


Of faithfulness they know no dearth:


As there, Lord, let it be on earth!




Psalm 97:1-6


Fire flows to mark His path, and burns 


away His foes by righteousness 


and justice, oozing forth to bless 


the world and overpave the mess 


we men have made of things. He turns 


this way and that in all His worth:


As there, Lord, let it be on earth! —T.M. Moore






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Toot! Toot!

June 20, 2019 — Craig T. Owens 




Do we begin again to commend ourselves?… (2 Corinthians 3:1)


Paul didn’t bring letters of reference to Corinth, nor did he ask the Corinthians to write any testimonials on his behalf.


A mark of a godly leader is one who doesn’t feel the need to toot his own horn.


 Paul’s focus was not on what he could get now, but on what would be his in eternity—


    

  • any “letters of recommendation” would be written on peoples hearts (v. 3)
    • 

  • any skills he had came through Jesus (vv. 4-6)
    • 

  • he had hope that God was keeping accurate records (vv. 7-11)
    • 

  • he had the freedom to speak boldly in love because he wasn’t trying to win man’s approval (vv. 12-13, 18)
    • 

  • he saw transformed lives as his real trophy (v. 18)
    • 

  • his ministry was through God’s mercy so he remained humbled and encouraged (4:1)
    • 

  • he didn’t feel the need to concoct a “marketing plan” nor leverage his pulpit for personal gain (v. 2)
    • 

  • he focused on glorifying God alone (vv. 3, 4, 6)
    • 

  • his sermons weren’t me-focused, but always others-focused as he became a bondservant to those to whom he ministered (v. 5)
    • 

  • he worked only for eternal rewards (vv. 7-12, 16-18)
    • 

  • he spoke only what he had already appropriated and faithfully applied to his own life (vv. 13-15)
    • 



Our prayer could be very similar to what Paul taught and probably prayed for himself—“May I lead by serving. May I not look for human praise—nor even be tempted to toot my own horn—but lead and minister only to hear applause from the nail-scarred hands of Jesus.” 


As R.T. Kendall reminds us—


“Every day we breathe in and out—in and out—thousands of times a day. There is a day fixed, that unless Jesus comes first, you and I will only breathe out. No amount of money, power, or prestige can alter the date that we each have with death. And at that moment the only thing that will matter is whether we have known Christ and served Him well—that our lives have made a difference. In short: that we are popular in heaven—and famous in hell.”


This is part 37 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series by clicking here.






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Thursdays With Spurgeon—The Blessing Of A Promise-Keeping God

June 20, 2019 — Craig T. Owens 




This is a weekly series with things I’m reading and pondering from Charles Spurgeon. You can read the original seed thought here, or type “Thursdays With Spurgeon” in the search box to read more entries.


The Blessing Of A Promise-Keeping God


     I do not believe we can preach the gospel if we do not preach justification by faith without works; or unless we preach the sovereignty of God in His dispensation of grace; or unless we exalt the electing, unchangeable, eternal, immutable, conquering love of Jehovah. … 


     All the purposes of man have been defeated, but not the purposes of God. The promises of man may be broken. Many of them are made to be broken. But the promises of God shall all be fulfilled. He is a promise-maker, but He never was a promise-breaker; He is a promise-keeping God, and every one of His people shall prove it to be so.  


From The Autobiography Of Charles Spurgeon


God is not a man, so He does not lie. He is not human, so He does not change His mind. Has He ever spoken and failed to act? Has He ever promised and not carried it through? (Number 23:19)


For the word of God will never fail. (Luke 1:37)


Now I am about to go the way of all the earth. You know with all your heart and soul that not one of all the good promises the Lord your God gave you has failed. Every promise has been fulfilled; not one has failed. (Joshua 23:14)


But joyful are those who have the God of Israel as their helper, whose hope is in the Lord their God. He made heaven and earth, the sea, and everything in them. He keeps every promise forever. (Psalm 146:5-6) 


For all of God’s promises have been fulfilled in Christ with a resounding “Yes!” And through Christ, our “Amen” (which means “Yes”) ascends to God for His glory. (2 Corinthians 1:20)


Our God is a promise-making, promise-keeping God!






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Is That In The Bible?

June 19, 2019 — Craig T. Owens 




A meme that makes me chuckle every time I see it is a “quote” attributed to Abraham Lincoln in which he says, “The problem with quotes found on the internet is that they are often not true.” 


(Not to spoil the joke for you, but unless Lincoln knew how to time travel to the future, I don’t think he knew about the modern internet! 😂) 


I love this meme because it captures something that so many people fall into: a quick acceptance of a statement without verifying its source or thinking through the implications of the statement’s truthfulness. 


Some insightful comments sound Shakespearean, but William never wrote them. 


Some pieces of wisdom sound Socratic, but Socrates never taught them. 


Some religious maxims sound godly, but the Bible never recorded them. 


I would like to invite you to join me in a new series we are beginning this Sunday called Is That In The Bible? I think you may be surprised to discover just how many phrases we call biblical aren’t, and how many phrases there are that we never realized are actually in the Bible. 




By the way, if you have a phrase that you would like to have us explore in this series, please leave it in a comment below. 


In this installment of this series, we asked: Is this in the Bible…







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