Serve Him Where You Are

December 9, 2011 — Craig T. Owens

“You have been wishing for another position where you could do something for Jesus: do not wish anything of the kind, but serve Him where you are.”

—Charles H. Spurgeon

I’ve been talking about God’s Gifts at Calvary Assembly of God. One of His most amazing gifts is closer than many think. Hint: look in the mirror!

I hope you can join me this Sunday morning at 10:30am to learn more.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , . 1 Comment »

Thursdays With Oswald—No Substitution

December 8, 2011 — Craig T. Owens

This 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.

No Substitution

     If in preaching the gospel you substitute your knowledge of the way of salvation for confidence in the power of the gospel, you hinder people from getting to reality. Take care to see while you proclaim your knowledge of the way of salvation, that you yourself are rooted and grounded by faith in God. Never rely on the clearness of your presentation, but as you give your explanation make sure that you are relying on the Holy Spirit. Rely on the certainty of God’s redemptive power, and He will create His own life in people.

From My Utmost For His Highest

The apostle Paul said,

When I came to you, brothers, I did not come with eloquence or superior wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. …My message and my preaching were not with wise and persuasive words, but with a demonstration of the Spirit’s power, so that your faith might not rest on men’s wisdom, but on God’s power. (1 Corinthians 2:1, 4, 5)

As a pastor I have be so careful that I am steeped in the Word of God. It’s not my persuasive words that will win people to Christ, or draw them into a deeper relationship with God. My words will only be effective to the extent that they are God’s words. Yes, I still must study to be a workman who has no cause to be ashamed, correctly analyzing and accurately dividing [rightly handling and skillfully teaching] the Word of Truth (1 Timothy 2:15), but I must not allow my “knowledge” to ever be a substitute for the purity of the Word of God.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Practical Is Spiritual

December 7, 2011 — Craig T. Owens

In Matthew 25, Jesus shows how very practical acts of service are also very spiritual acts of service. Quite simply Jesus says,

  • If someone’s hungry, give them food.
  • If they’re thirsty, given them water.
  • If they need a visit, go visit them.

What makes these practical acts spiritual is this word from our Heavenly Father: “Whatever you did for those in need, you did for Me.”

So here’s a very practical—and spiritual—thing Calvary Assembly of God is doing this Christmas: A Bottom Blessing. We’re accepting donations of diapers, pull-ups, and wipes to take to the Alpha Family Center. This crisis pregnancy resource center in Cedar Springs helps so many young families, so we want to help them in a very practical way. Anytime between now and Christmas Day, bring your diapers or wipes to the church, and we’ll deliver them to Alpha.

If you don’t live around Cedar Springs, find a practical way to help others in need in your community. As you do, you’ll be doing something very spiritual as well… something to which God says, “Well done!”

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Men, Not Boys

December 6, 2011 — Craig T. Owens

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…

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Living Nativity

December 5, 2011 — Craig T. Owens

20111205-160541.jpgI 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.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , . Leave a Comment »

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!

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , . 1 Comment »

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.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Thursdays With Oswald—Instantly Detecting Compromise

December 1, 2011 — Craig T. Owens

This 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)

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , , , , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

God’s Gifts

November 30, 2011 — Craig T. Owens

This is the time of year for gift giving. Everyone is out looking for the perfect gift to give to a loved one, co-worker, or friend.

Can you imagine going through all of the work of finding the right gift, paying your hard-earned money for it, wrapping it up, delivering it to the recipient, and then watching them set it aside unopened?!

Or how about the one who opens the gift, but doesn’t show any gratitude at all?!

Or the one who says a sincere “Thank you!” but then puts the gift on the shelf and never touches it again?!

Christmas is the time we think about the greatest gift of all—God’s gift of His only Son. But this isn’t the only gift God gives. In fact, He is a lavish Gift Giver. So the key questions are:

  • Are you opening His gifts to you?
  • Are you showing Him how grateful you are for His gifts?
  • Are you using His gifts?

I’m starting a brand new series this Sunday, and going all the way until Christmas morning, looking at God’s Gifts. We’ll see what the Bible says about these gifts, including how to show our gratitude, and how to use them in a way that honors the Gift Giver.

I hope you can join us!

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , , , , . Leave a Comment »

Ready? Or Not?

November 30, 2011 — Craig T. Owens

A few weeks ago I shared some thoughts about the donkey Jesus rode into Jerusalem. Or I should say: some thoughts about the donkey’s owners. I was struck by the ease with which those owners gave up their donkey when they heard the simple phrase, “The Lord needs it.”

There’s another small story in the midst of the activity just prior to Christ’s crucifixion, when He shared the Last Supper with His disciples. The disciples ask Jesus where He would like to have this meal, and He gives them unusual instructions: When you go into town, you’ll see a man carrying a jar of water; follow him. Go to the owner of the house this man enters and say, “Where is My guest room?” (Mark 14:14)

Just like the owners of the donkey, this homeowner was waiting for Jesus to call on him. The room was ready and waiting.

So I’m asking myself:

  • Is my life reserved for my Master’s use?
  • Am I saying “Yes” to other offers that would keep me from saying “Yes” when Jesus calls on me?
  • Is my life kept in readiness for my Master?
  • Or do I have to ask Him to wait while I prepare myself?

My heart is His. My mind is His. My talent is His.

I must keep all of these available only for His use. So when the call comes, “Where is My guest room” I can quickly answer, “Everything is furnished and ready for Your use.”

Are you ready? Or not?

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: , , . 1 Comment »
« Older posts
Newer posts »