encouragement | Craig T. Owens

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Links & Quotes

May 25, 2014 — Craig T. Owens

Some great reading from this weekend…

“Are you a Christian? Then there’s something dreadfully wrong with you. You’re unthinking; you’re unscientific; you can’t see how badly Christianity botches morality. You represent a deeply defective culture that’s been getting all the most important things wrong for a hundred generations.” Read more from Tom Gilson in Skeptics Dehumanizing Christianity.

“No one can know truth except the one who obeys truth. You think you know truth. People memorize the Scriptures by the yard, but that is not a guarantee of knowing the truth. Truth is not a text. Truth is in the text, but it takes the text plus the Holy Spirit to bring truth to a human soul.” —A.W. Tozer

Important news for pregnant women: Take care of your teeth. “The results reinforce data suggesting a link between periodontal disease in the mother and the risk of preterm birth.” Read more in Bacteria Found In Healthy Placentas.

“Many contemporary critics of the faith charge that Christianity is a barrier to progress. … But the overwhelming weight of good is undeniable—and indispensable to civilization.” Read more in The ABCs Of Christian Civilization.

[VIDEO] Rep. Trey Gowdy asks “Did the media ever pursue these big questions on Benghazi?”

“Biblical hope is not wishful thinking or an optimistic outlook; rather, it is a confident expectation based on the certainty of God’s Word that as He has anchored us in the past, so He will in the future.” —David Wilkerson

“You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.” —Jim Stovall

“The Bible was not given to replace the miraculous but to correct abuses.” —Martyn Lloyd-Jones

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: A.W. Tozer, artist, atheist, Benghazi, Bible, Christianity, civilization, composer, David Wilkerson, encouragement, faith, God's provision, hope, Jim Stovall, Martyn Lloyd-Jones, media, medical science, obedience, pregnancy, quotes, scientist, skeptic, success, Trey Gowdy. Leave a Comment »

Links & Quotes

May 9, 2014 — Craig T. Owens

Some interesting reading I found today.

“The Bible is not a book for the faint of heart—it is a book full of all the greed and glory and violence and tenderness and sex and betrayal that benefits mankind. It is not the collection of pretty little anecdotes mouthed by pious little church mice—it does not so much nibble at our shoe leather as it cuts to the heart and splits the marrow from the bone. It does not give us answers fitted to our small-minded questions, but truth that goes beyond what we even know to ask.” —Rich Mullins

As I have said before, tolerance is only afforded to those who say “anything goes.” Anyone who says there is a right/wrong, truth/lie is labeled intolerant, as illustrated in this story of the Benham brothers losing their TV show deal…

…and to further prove the point, Yahoo Joins Google In Banning Pro-Life Ads.

“It’s pretty obvious… that the Judeo-Christian concept of God held the key to the rise of the West, and that is the belief in a rational Creator God, because that had the implication, then, that the creation was itself rational—that is to say, it obeys rules” (Rodney Stark). Read more in How Christianity Created Science (And Why Atheism Wouldn’t Have).

Detroit Tiger fans (like me!) will enjoy this: A Numerical Guide To The History Of The Detroit Tigers.

“Has the enemy tried to tell you that God has bypassed you? Have you been tempted to conclude that the Lord isn’t with you? Have you almost given up your faith? Put your hope in the Lord’s Word to you: ‘I will never leave you, nor forsake you’ (Hebrews 13:5). ‘The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble. And they that know Your name will put their trust in You: for You, Lord, have not forsaken them that seek You’ (Psalm 9:9-10).” —David Wilkerson

“… this inscription from Jerusalem may signal widespread—if elementary—literacy during the time of David and Solomon.” Read more about this archeological discovery in Jerusalem.

“Let us meditate on the Lord’s holy name that we may trust Him the better and rejoice the more readily.” —Charles Spurgeon

Links & Quotes

April 16, 2014 — Craig T. Owens

Some cool reading I came across today.

“We simply can’t change ourselves. Only the Spirit of God can conform us to the glorious image of Christ.” —David Wilkerson

“Oh, that today my clothes may be vestments, my meals sacraments, my house a temple, my table an alter, my speech incense, and myself a priest!” —Charles Spurgeon

I like this: 8 Things Healthy Couples Don’t Do.

“Sound biblical and theological learning is useful for building the church when it is delivered with patience and gentleness by a loving shepherd.” —T.M. Moore

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: Bible, change, Charles Spurgeon, Christian, church, David Wilkerson, emotionally available, encouragement, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, pastors, quotes, relationships, shepherds, T.M. Moore, words. Leave a Comment »

Links & Quotes

February 12, 2014 — Craig T. Owens

These are links to articles and quotes I found interesting today.

Truth! What Gossip Actually Does

“How little people know who think that holiness is dull. When one meets the real thing, it is irresistible.” —C.S. Lewis

“The difference in winning and losing is most often not quitting.” —Walt Disney

A son shows his sick mother some love: A Message Of Love In The Snow

Max Lucado on what angers Jesus: Hucksters And Faith Peddlers

Researchers question the long-term effectiveness of ADHD medicines: The Smart-Pill Oversell

An interview with Alvin Plantinga: Is Atheism Irrational?

[VIDEO] A great TobyMac song with a great message: Speak Life

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: ADHD, Alvin Plantinga, atheism, C.S. Lewis, encouragement, family, gossip, holiness, hypocrites, Jesus Christ, love, Max Lucado, medical science, mother, perseverance, Pharisees, prescription, quotes, TobyMac, video, Walt Disney, words, youth. Leave a Comment »

Links & Quotes

February 3, 2014 — Craig T. Owens

These are links to articles and quotes I found interesting today.

Some thoughts on creativity: 8 Creativity Lessons From A Pixar Animator

Tim Elmore on how to connect with others: Who Do You Connect With When You Teach?

“Thy poor prayer would have no force with Omnipotence if force were needed; but His love, like a spring, rises of itself and overflows for the supply of all thy needs.” —Charles Spurgeon

[VIDEO] Comedy from Ken Davis: Why I Don’t Have A Cat

Insight from Mark Driscoll: 5 Things To Look For In A Good Bible Teacher

“Don’t pray for sermons, let sermons come from your prayers. So, as long as I’m meeting with God, I will always have something to say.” —Chilly Chilton

Michael Hyatt’s excellent advice to leaders: 5 Reasons You Should Smile More As A Leader

Encouragement from Max Lucado: A Passion For The Forgotten

John Stonestreet on the dangers of pornography: The Root Of Sexual Exploitation

Only a little time left to download a free song from U2 and help end AIDS: Fight AIDS With (Red)

“The fundamental issue for any of us is to feel loved. If we feel loved by the significant people in our lives, we are more likely to reach out potential for God and good in the world.” —Dr. Gary Chapman

An interesting study on missionaries and societal success: The Truth About Missionaries

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: AIDS, Bible, Charles Spurgeon, Chilly Chilton, comedy, creativity, democracy, Dr. Tim Elmore, encouragement, Gary Chapman, John Stonestreet, Ken Davis, leadership, love language, Mark Driscoll, Max Lucado, Michael Hyatt, missionaries, music, pastors, Pixar, pornography, prayer, quotes, sermon, students, teaching, U2, video. Leave a Comment »

Smith Wigglesworth On Prayer, Power, And Miracles (book review)

January 14, 2014 — Craig T. Owens

Whenever I need a booster shot of faith, or a challenge to believe God for even greater things, or just a unabashed reminder of the power of the Scriptures, I pick up a book by Smith Wigglesworth. By the time I got done reading Smith Wigglesworth On Prayer, Power, And Miracles compiled by Roberts Liardon I was totally fired up!

This book is a collection of sermons delivered by Wigglesworth and articles he authored for various Pentecostal publications. Every one of the chapters is simply saturated in Scripture and the anointing of the Holy Spirit! Each of the articles made we want to dig into the Bible more, believe God for more, and crave the empowerment of the Spirit more!

If you are tired of humdrum church-as-usual, or if you are ready for your faith to be stretched like it’s never been stretched before, pick up a copy of this book and strap yourself in. I promise that you will not think about the things of God the same after these messages have worked their way into your heart.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: Bible, book review, encouragement, healing, Holy Spirit, Jesus Christ, miracles, prayer, Scripture, sermon, Smith Wigglesworth. 4 Comments »

Thursdays With Oswald—Strength For Others

October 31, 2013 — 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.

Strength For Others

The real reason for prayer is intimacy of relationship with our Father.

We kneel, how weak, we rise full of power.

Why therefore should we do ourselves this wrong

For others that we are not always strong,

That we are ever overcome with care

That we should ever weak or heartless be

Anxious or troubled, when with us is Prayer

And joy and strength and courage are with Thee?

From Christian Disciplines

It’s a pretty simple principle: I cannot give to others what I do not possess.

Jesus rose early in the morning to find a place of private prayer (see Mark 1:35) so that He would be filled with His Father’s presence and able to meet the pressing needs of people that day. Why, oh why, don’t I follow my Lord’s example more?

People all around me need encouragement, light, hope, love. I cannot give what I do not possess. But I can possess these things in abundance if I will make use of prayer to tap into that intimate relationship with my Heavenly Father.

Prayer provides the strength I need for the day, so that I can provide the strength that others need for the day. Without prayer, I not only rob myself of God’s help, I rob others as well.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: anxiety, discouragement, encouragement, God's power, God's strength, help, intimacy, Jesus Christ, Oswald Chambers, poetry, prayer, relationship. 2 Comments »

You Are My Lamp

October 8, 2013 — Craig T. Owens

You are my lamp; my God illuminates my darkness. (Psalm 18:28)

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: encouragement, God's love, light, psalms. Leave a Comment »

Don’t Give Up!

September 20, 2013 — Craig T. Owens

My dear pastor, I know the ministry can seem to be unrewarding at times. Maybe you’re even wondering if all of your labors are even making a difference. Hear this loud and clear: Your ministry is making an eternal difference … Don’t give up!

Let these encouraging words from Charles Spurgeon sink into your heart:

Putting our hand to this plough and looking back will prove that we were unworthy of the kingdom. If there be a hundred reasons for giving up your work of faith, there are fifty thousand for going on with it. Though there are many arguments for fainting, there are far more arguments for persevering. Though we might be weary, and do sometimes feel so, let us wait upon the Lord and renew our strength, and we shall mount up with wings as eagles, forget our weariness, and be strong in the Lord and in the power of His might….

As the rain climbs not up to the skies, and the snow flakes never take to themselves wings to rise to heaven, so neither shall the word of God return unto Him void, but it shall accomplish that which He pleases. We have not spent our strength in vain. Not a verse taught to a little girl, nor a text dropped into the ear of a careless boy, nor an earnest warning given to an obdurate young sinner, nor a loving farewell to one of the senior girls, shall be without some result or other to the glory of God. And, taking it all together as a mass, though this handful of seed may be eaten of the birds, and that other seed may die on the hard rock, yet, as a whole, the seed shall spring up in sufficient abundance to plentifully reward the sower and the giver of the seed. We know that our labor is not in vain in the Lord. (emphasis added)

Keep preaching God’s Word: it IS making a difference.

Posted in Pastoring. Tags: Charles Spurgeon, encouragement, God's Word, ministry, Pastor, perseverance, preaching. Leave a Comment »

The Hour Of Darkness

July 1, 2013 — Craig T. Owens

Sometimes when things look bleak—when it appears evil is winning—even the most upbeat of Christians can experience discouragement. Here are some encouraging thoughts for dark times…

But this is your hour—when darkness reigns (Luke 22:53).

Darkness is limited to an hour—God’s light is unquenchable forever!

When Jesus said, “I am He,” they drew back and fell to the ground (John 18:6).

Even in the hour of darkness, Christ’s power causes the forces of darkness to drop in fear!

Jesus answered, “You would have no power over Me if it were not given you from above” (John 19:11).

The power of darkness is limited; it is kept in check by God’s limitless authority!

Where, O death, is your victory? Where, O death, is your sting? (1 Corinthians 15:55).

Even a supposed “victory” for darkness is ultimately an overwhelming victory for Light!

What have I to fear when I am held in God’s power? I am shielded by the Almighty, and for that I can sing out loud praise even in the hour of darkness!