Links & Quotes

October 24, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

Jesus wants us to experience all of His blessings, so He has gotten this amazing cycle of power started on our behalf. Don’t try to take this out of His hands, but keeping doing what He has empowered you to do.

I have a lot of new video content on my YouTube channel every week. Please check it out and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

“An indifference of spirit between truth and error, good and evil, may be called charity and meekness, but it is not pleasing to Christ.” —Matthew Henry, commenting on the Nicolaitians in Revelation 2:6 

J. Warner Wallace correctly says, “One non‑negotiable was this: if Jesus is anything less than God, Christianity collapses in all the places that matter most.” He then points to several places in the Bible that unravel if Jesus isn’t God.

“Stand your ground like an anvil under the hammer.” —Ignatius, writing to Polycarp 

“Arguments about Scripture achieve nothing but a stomachache and a headache.” —Tertullian 

T.M. Moore notes, “In this…question regarding taxes, Jesus laid down a fundamental principle concerning the relationship of human institutions—in this case, government—to the divine economy. He made two important points.” Read more about how Christians are to use the things of culture to glorify God.

Ryan Dembeck reminds us that Christians should have an impeccable work ethic. In this post he says, “Over the years, after hundreds of interviews and conversations, I’ve observed three qualities of people who glorify God in their everyday vocation: resolve in the calling, grit because of joy, and dedication to others’ flourishing.”

Melvin Hodges studied religious revivals throughout history. Even looking at the religious fervor at the dawn of the New Testament church. He said, “The New Testament Church gradually lost the purity and power that characterized her apostolic beginnings, and became adulterated by worldliness, greed and paganism as she increased in numbers and influence. … We dare not ignore the lessons of history.” He identified three characteristics of a declining revival movement: 1) a diminishing hunger for God; 2) a lack of concern for holiness; and 3) the loss of the sense of mission and destiny.

Ever since encountering honeybees as a kid on my grandparents’ farm, I have always been fascinated by these amazing creatures. This new finding adds more reasons to stand appreciate the genius of our Creator! For further proof of the genius of honeybees, check out the mathematical and engineering genius God has given them—

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Links & Quotes

August 8, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

Greg and I both have a confession to make. But these confessions also show that all of us should be continually evaluating and growing. Don’t stop short! 

I have a lot of new video content on my YouTube channel every week. Please check it out and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

T.M. Moore wrote, “I’m persuaded that one reason the work of personal evangelism has fallen on hard times in our day is that the people of God are simply fearful of the task. We find no joy in bearing witness to Jesus. Instead, we’re afraid that others won’t receive us kindly, that they’ll lash out or, worse, talk about us to others. We fear we might mess up the Gospel presentation and permanently offend someone. We fear the questions and challenges others might pose, that we might not be able to answer them. We’re afraid of being laughed at, yelled at, or dismissed as foolish or deceived or mad.”

“Do not be satisfied, dear brethren and sisters in Christ, with the grace that you already have. Be thankful for it, but ask for the divine multiplication of it; regard the grace which you have already received as being like the boy’s loaves and fishes, and expect that Christ will continue to multiply it for you and for thousands of others round about you: ‘Grace unto you, and peace, be multiplied.’” —Charles Spurgeon, commenting on 1 Peter 1:2 

“Come to Me with a teachable spirit, eager to be changed. A close walk with Me is a life of continual newness. Do not cling to old ways as you step into a new year. Instead, seek My face with an open mind, knowing that your journey with me involves being transformed by the renewing of your mind.  … Give yourself fully to this adventure of increasing attentiveness to My presence.” —Sarah Young, in Jesus Calling [she formed this quote from Romans 12:2; Jeremiah 29:11]

“Until you value yourself, you won’t value your time. Until you value your time, you will not do anything with it.” —M. Scott Peck 

Clinton Manley gives us two bad excuses that people give for either not reading their Bible or not applying what they did read. He says, “God woos us to His word with unblushing promises of reward; take hold of them.”

“The simple step of a courageous individual is not to take part in the lie.  One word of truth outweighs the world.” —Alexander Solzhenitsyn

Geneticists have found a single-cell pond ciliate that uses its RNA to send unexpected signals to the cell. “Surface-level study may make cells seem like simple chemistry, but deeper study reveals coded instructions, used by molecular tools and monitored by timing controls. Those tools operate as part of a larger biological network. This detailed process reflects sound engineering principles.” Even this tiny creature shows the flawless design of our Creator.

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The Security In Our King

August 3, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

Listen to the podcast of this post by clicking on the player below, and you can also subscribe on Apple, Spotify, or Audible. Check out the video content in this post by clicking here. 

There is a confidence and joy in knowing how things will turn out, in having “the inside scoop” that others don’t have. 

In my book Shepherd Leadership, I tell the story of the time when I was working as the executive director of a camp and conference center. I was breaking down boxes at the recycle dumpster when a guest approached me, not knowing I was the director. I was able to help her because I knew who to talk to, where the supplies were, and how things worked around the facilities. I knew what I knew, but our guest was a little surprised that I knew what I knew. 

We see this in the life of David as he became king of Israel and as his leadership expanded. 

David was first anointed king over merely the tribe of Judah, but his influence began to expand (2 Samuel 3:1). It wasn’t just fear of his military power, but people genuinely liked him and saw that he had the best in mind for them (3:36), until eventually all of the tribes of Israel saw David as their king (5:1-3). His reign as king saw him continuing to grow in his strength, wisdom, and influence (14:18-20). 

(Check out all of the Scriptures I mention in this post by clicking here.) 

David was unquestionably established as the king—the leader God had chosen. Seeing David reigning as king brings us to the next Royal Psalm (Psalm 97). 

The statement that “the LORD reigns” (v. 1) is widely accepted. For instance, the foundational document of the United States of America opens with the words, “The unanimous Declaration of the thirteen united States of America … We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights.” 

The fact that we exist presupposes a starting point. It would appear that the starting point is something or someone with unimaginable power. Even atheists call the beginning of our universe “a singularity” with unimaginable power to bring all of this into being. The fact that our universe is so well ordered makes the case for an Intelligence behind the unimaginable power. This intelligent, awesome power is described in Psalm 97:2-6. 

Jesus is the One the biblical writers identify as this intelligent, awesome power (John 1:1-4; Colossians 1:15-17). Jesus even identifies Himself as being this One (Revelation 1:8, 18). Because Jesus holds the keys, He has the final word on our eternal existence. His desire is that all would come to know Him as their King and Savior (John 3:16-17). 

When our sins are forgiven, we have no fear of God’s punishment (Psalm 97:7-12). 

Those who oppose this worldview can be quite intimidating at times. Peter tells us, “Do not fear their threats; do not be frightened” (1 Peter 3:14). 

For now, in America, we don’t face bodily threats of violence (although that day may come). The threats Christians face today are being mocked for outdated or out-of-touch beliefs, being canceled because our stance is bigoted and hateful, or simply being pressured to compromise just a little bit on what we believe. 

To emphasize his point, Peter quotes words from King David in Psalm 34. David’s words in this psalm sound a lot like the tone of Psalm 97. Notice especially Psalm 34:1-2, 15-22 where David assures us that King Jesus gets the final word, the decisive word, and the best word! 

Someday every knee will bow to Him and every tongue will confess that He is God (Revelation 20:11-15). Knowing this should give Christians an incredible sense of security, especially in the presence of those who doubt, deny, or mock. 

So when atheists, agnostics, and skeptics want to attack your belief in an all-loving, all-powerful God Who says the only way to avoid His final judgment is to place our faith in the work Jesus did on the Cross, let’s be careful in our response. We don’t have to fight them—we should instead respond with love. Peter went on to say that our response to their attacks would be our testimony (1 Peter 3:14-17). 

Like David, let us extol the LORD at all times (even when under attack). Like the Royal Psalm, let us rejoice in the LORD and praise His holy name. Let us never forget Who gets the final word, the decisive word, and the best word! 

If you’ve missed any of the other messages about the Royal Psalms, check out our series All Hail King Jesus by clicking here. 

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Links & Quotes

August 1, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

Obviously blessing someone is not just saying, “God bless you” after they sneeze! So what does it mean to bless?

I have a lot of new video content on my YouTube channel every week. Please check it out and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

The biblical historian Luke mentions the Roman Caesar Tiberius. “Tiberius is only named directly once in the Bible (Luke 3:1), where the fifteenth year of his reign is a chronological marker, signalling the beginning of the ministries of John the Baptist and Jesus.” Although only named once, Tiberius’ influence is seen throughout the historical events recorded in the New Testament. Check out the archeological biography of this interesting Roman leader.

“Oh! what prophets and kings longed for, do not let us despise, and we shall despise these mercies if we do not make the most of them by entering into the fullness of the joy which they are meant to bring to us.” —Charles Spurgeon, commenting on 1 Peter 1:11 

Conventional scientists, looking for a way to explain the origin of life, have proposed nanozymes which served as catalysts to speed up chemical processes. But as ICR notes, “What can be done in a laboratory is not always what happens outside of it. Laboratory tests depend on selected chemicals, planned procedures, and controlled conditions. Such experiments show what skilled researchers can make chemicals do, but they don’t indicate that an unguided environment built the first living cell. … Life displays ordered parts, stored instructions, and linked systems. These observable traits are consistent with the workmanship of a wise creator. As Scripture says, ‘O LORD, how manifold are Your works! In wisdom You have made them all’ (Psalm 104:24).”

“Spiritual warfare against lust is enlistment for a lifetime career. … But do not be afraid because your enemies are mighty and many; your victory will be so much greater. And do not worry, either, when you see Caesars stripped of their insignias and forced to die in chains of lust. Remember, it is only the unbelieving world—without spiritual arms and abandoned by God—that is left to become the prey of satan.” —William Gurnall, The Christian In Complete Armor 

“It is manly to be tender toward your wife. … A Christian husband should be intimately aware of his wife’s needs, her strengths and weaknesses, and her goals and desires. He should know as much about her as possible, in order to respond in the best way to her.” —Dr. Henry Halley 

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Links & Quotes

July 25, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

There should be a heavenly aroma and a winsomeness about us as Christians that attracts others to Jesus the Savior and King.

I have a lot of new video content on my YouTube channel every week. Please check it out and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

“Oh! to be solid gold through and through. If so, you need not mind the trials of today, since they will only prepare you for the glories eternal at the appearing of Jesus Christ.” —Charles Spurgeon, commenting on 1 Peter 1:6-7 

“The clearer and more compelling our vision, the more earnest, specific and devoted we will be in taking up the disciplines necessary to realize our vision.” —T.M. Moore 

Dan Reiland writes that leaders under sustained pressure may “eventually face a breaking point where caving in no longer looks like a weakness and starts looking like the only option to survive.” He then shares some solid leadership practices to help us stand firm during these pressure-packed situations. 

Marshall Segal references a survey that says “only 31 percent of churchgoers read the Bible daily.” Ouch! Marshall then uncovers the reasons why Christians aren’t in the Word more consistently.

“The sign that the Holy Spirit is in us is that we realize, not that we are full, but that we are empty. There is a sense of absolute need. We come across people who try us, circumstances that are difficult, conditions that are perplexing, and all these things awaken a dumb sense of need, which is a sign that the Holy Spirit is there. If we are ever free from the sense of need, it is not because the Holy Spirit has satisfied us, but because we have been satisfied with as much as we have.” —Oswald Chambers, in If You Will Ask 

How cool is this: “Another fascinating clue has been found pointing to Neanderthals belonging to the human population. In a Russian cave, researchers discovered what they believe to be a 60,000-year-old Neanderthal molar tooth with a hole in it. A LiveScience article has dubbed the discovery ‘the oldest evidence of intentional dentistry to date.’” Of course, this human isn’t 60,000 years old, but more like 4000 years old, and shows the intelligence that the Creator endowed in all humans. 

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Links & Quotes

July 18, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

Greg and I both have confessions to make about areas we fell short in our earlier careers. But we have learned that those stumbling points can be launching points for greater growth.

I have a lot of new video content on my YouTube channel every week. Please check it out and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

“Without God, there could be no American form of Government, nor an American way of life. Recognition of the Supreme Being is the first—the most basic—expression of Americanism.” —Dwight D. Eisenhower 

Greg Morse calls out the way pornography addictions are hamstringing the church. “My intention is simply to kindle the abhorrence that every saint should have for this sin. I hate pornography. I hate what it does to young men; I hate what it does to marriages; I hate what it does to older men and even older ministers who trip while crossing the finish line. I hate its accessibility; I hate its covertness; I hate how it is designed by satan to disable the men and women who were made for so much more.”

“But the question is not what we intended ourselves to be, but what [God] intended us to be when He made us. He is the inventor, we are only the machine. He is the painter, we are only the picture. How should we know what He means us to be like? … We may be content to remain what we call ‘ordinary people’: but He is determined to carry out a quite different plan. To shrink back from that plan is not humility: it is laziness and cowardice. To submit to it is not conceit or megalomania; it is obedience.” —C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity 

“Leadership development is synonymous with personal development. As leaders grow personally, they increase their ability to lead. As they increase their capability to lead, they enlarge the capacity of their organization to grow. Therefore, the most crucial objective for any leader is personal growth. … The most important thing spiritual leaders do is cultivate their relationship with God (John 15:5; Jeremiah 7:13).” —Richard and Henry Blackaby, in Spiritual Leadership 

C.M. Ward’s interview of the governor of Florida during a time of political distrust is a great example of integrity for us still today. 

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Links & Quotes

July 4, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

Patience is a leadership builder, just as surely as impatience is a leadership killer. When leaders repeatedly make poor choices because of their impatience, there is only one way to fix this leadership killer—lengthen the fuse.

I have a lot of new video content on my YouTube channel every week. Please check it out and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

“It’s not what you look at that matters, it’s what you see.” —Henry David Thoreau 

“Christian sorrow leads to repentance; repentance leads to forgiveness; and forgiveness leads to true joy over one’s reconciliation with God.” —Henry Halley, commenting on James 4:9-10; c.f. Psalm 32:1 

“People who were not Christians themselves helped me to Christianity. But usually it is those who know Him that bring Him to others. That is why the Church, the whole body of Christians showing Him to one another, is so important. You might say that when two Christians are following Christ together there is not twice as much Christianity as when they are apart, but sixteen times as much.” —C.S. Lewis, in Mere Christianity 

“And so I labored hard to be a man of full integrity in all my dealings, being careful not to fall into temptation, lest the pagan should some pretext have to denigrate my good episcopate and to disparage me.” —Patrick of Ireland 

With all the activity inside even the tiniest of cells, how do the cells keep their proper shape? Scientists have discovered a process called CorMR. “Researchers found that CorM, a protein inside the system, forms thin strands just under the inner cell membrane. CorR, another bacterial protein, helps place those strands in the right area. An additional system, MinC, helps keep them away from the cell ends and the division site.” This is just another example of the precise details our Creator superintends in all He has made!

Thomas S. Kidd writes, “Given the mixed personal record of the American Founders, what accounts for our nation’s impressive history of Christian devotion? The most important factor was the Lord’s providence working through thousands of churches to spread the gospel. A second essential factor in America’s robust religious history was the unusual freedom that churches and Christians enjoyed due to religious liberty.” Check out this thoughtful post about the story of Christianity in America. 

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6 Quotes from “Why Is Greater Than What”

June 30, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

I thoroughly enjoyed Jim Wiegand’s book Why is Greater than What as a guide to helping folks discover God’s purpose for their lives. Check out my full book review here. 

These are a few of the quotes I found highlighter worthy. My Patreon supporters have access to all of the quotes I highlighted. 

“Those who wait for a plan before they pursue their dreams will become little more than the sum of their average deeds. Those who live from their why change the world and those who are in it.” 

“God has hidden many things from us. Some things are for another time. Some things we just could not understand. But God has not hidden your purpose from you. That’s not to say it’s an easy thing to discern at times. Although parts of you are yet unclear, God hasn’t hidden things from you; He’s hidden things for you.” 

“When a person is in pain, he sees life through his pain. He fills in the blanks with his own insecurities and sees things that aren’t really there.” 

“What bothers you? What is it you see in the world that you would change? What breaks your heart? What do you find yourself praying about more than any other thing? What subjects do people no longer want to talk to you about because you’re always talking about those things? Most often (maybe always) this is the first clue to your God-given why.” 

“Sometimes pain is a good thing. Sometimes pain is even a God thing. The ones I truly pity, the ones I call the ‘living dead,’ are the ones who roam the land and live a life that ignores their pain, who never went, never risked, never obeyed what they knew was the right thing for them.” 

“One of the biggest reasons dreams don’t come to pass is that we dream selfish dreams for things that have no eternal value. God is not obligated to move heaven and earth to make you happy. If you believe He is, perhaps you have created a god in your image to serve you. The One True God made you in His image to serve Him.” 

The remaining quotes are available on Patreon.

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Links & Quotes

May 23, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

When hiring a new staff member, leaders need to assess the level of accountability that teammate has had in the past. This is how we can set up people for success beyond their current job.

I have a lot of new video content on my YouTube channel every week. Please check it out and subscribe so you don’t miss anything.

“Once we’ve learned a lesson from a mistake, we need to declare the details ‘useless memories’ and discard them. Store the insight; delete the details.” —Tim Sanders 

“Immature people often have lots of knowledge but little understanding; lots of means but little meaning; lots of know-how but little know-why; lots of sight but little insight.” —John Maxwell

In discussing the fossilized remains of a dinosaur found in Patagonia, ICR notes, “Fossils cannot show how a structure formed—they only show the final shape of an organism. Scientists must build evolutionary models to suggest how fossils might be related. When new fossils are found, these models often change, revealing how uncertain these evolutionary stories can be. From a biblical view, the fossil fits a different explanation. Genesis says God created land animals “according to [their] kind” (Genesis 1:24). Animals within a kind can vary in size and shape. This type of variation is called biological flexibility. We see it in many living animals today. At the same time, core biological systems remain stable, signifying biological inflexibility—meaning that a creature may vary in size or proportions, but the main body plan remains the same.”

Want to see how far you’ve traveled on Earth since you have been living on this planet? Want to see how many times your heart has beat and your lungs have taken in air? Plug your birthdate into this website and be amazed! 

This is a pretty cool mini-biography about KFC founder Colonel Harland Sanders.

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Seeing The Invisible In The Visible

May 19, 2026 — Craig T. Owens

By faith we understand that the entire universe was formed at God’s command, that what we now see did not come from anything that can be seen. (Hebrews 11:3 NLT) 

Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light. (Genesis 1:3) 

The Latin phrase ex nihilo isn’t quite right. God didn’t create something out of nothing, but He created everything out of Himself. 

“God’s command” (Greek: rhema Theos) = “God said” (Hebrew Elohim amar). 

God is not an artist who mixed His paints to apply them to His canvas. He is not a sculptor who chiseled an image out of a block of marble. Nor is He an artisan who fashioned a lump of clay into a beautiful piece of pottery. 

He created the materials by His breath. The sound of His voice created all of the visible universe. His voice still reverberates through His creation, keeping everything from galaxies to electrons in their proper places. 

“We understand”—perceive with our eyes of faith—that “God said” into existence all that we can see. 

We can see our Creator by studying His creation. The more we marvel at the visible universe, the more we will worship the Creator of the universe. 

Check out two related posts:

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