favor | Craig T. Owens

December 2025
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Ephesians 4:29 Don’ts And Dos

August 19, 2025 — Craig T. Owens

Let no foul or polluting language, nor evil word nor unwholesome or worthless talk ever come out of your mouth, but only such speech as is good and beneficial to the spiritual progress of others, as is fitting to the need and the occasion, that it may be a blessing and give grace to those who hear it. (Ephesians 4:29 AMPC)

Don’t use…
❌ foul words
❌ polluted words
❌ evil words
❌ unwholesome words
❌ worthless words

Do use…
✅ good words
✅ beneficial words
✅ encouraging words
✅ helpful words
✅ graceful words

Let’s put Ephesians 4:29 in practice with every conversation—both in-person and online.

Check out this related post: Choice four-letter words.

And this related video: Good words are a blessing.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: building, discouragement, encouragement, Ephesians, favor, vocabulary, words. Leave a Comment »

Jesus The Gentleman

May 15, 2024 — 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.

Have you every thought of Jesus as a gentleman?

Consider this question He asked of a Samaritan woman, “Will you give Me a drink?” (John 4:7).

As a Man, Jesus could have demanded to be served, but instead He asked her if she was willing to serve Him. He gave her dignity.

Jesus was tired and thirsty (v. 6), so He gave her an opportunity to be a blessing to Him. When Samaritans were so often overlooked or avoided or even derided by Jews, Jesus gave her a chance to help someone truly in need.

Jesus offered her living water. She was used to an angry look or a striking hand, not an offer of a blessing. He said, “I would like to bless you with living water, if you will just ask Me for it” (v. 10).

Once again, Jesus affirmed her dignity by giving her the option to take His blessing—it was right there for the asking. He didn’t force anything upon her, but allowed her to choose.

Jesus didn’t talk down to her. He didn’t demean her as a woman, a Samaritan, or a divorcée. He didn’t scold her for her religious beliefs. He treated her with love as a person of value and great worth.

Jesus is love.

Jesus is gentle.

Jesus wants to show us His favor.

And Jesus wants us to show His favor to others.

Are you treating others in this gentle, Christ-honoring way?

It’s an important question for you to ask and honestly listen to the answer from the Holy Spirit. Let’s be the kind of gentlemen and gentlewomen that represent Jesus well.

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Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: affirmation, dignity, favor, gentleman, gentlewoman, Gospel of John, Jesus Christ, Samaritan. Leave a Comment »

Compromised Leadership

January 24, 2024 — 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.

If we are wise, we can learn invaluable leadership lessons even from those who fell short in their attempts. For example, consider Lot, the nephew of Abraham.

Lot was found “sitting at the gate” in Sodom. This was a place of leadership, the place where legal and business matters were discussed. That means Lot appeared to be accepted by the townsfolk (see Genesis 19:1-14).

But that also means Lot had compromised his values.

Lot didn’t walk right into this leadership role. The Bible tells us how Lot first lived in the vicinity of Sodom and Gomorrah, but then steadily moved closer and closer to the city, until eventually he compromised his values enough to be accepted into a civic leadership position.

Lot obviously did not live or speak according to God’s righteous standards because when he attempted to appeal to a depraved mob of Sodomites, they ridiculed him, reminding him that he was not one of them. And then when Lot tried to warn his future sons-in-law (men who were also Sodomites) about God’s impending judgment on the city, they only laughed at him.

Jesus warned us, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for so did their fathers to the false prophets” (Luke 6:26).

The Sodomites spoke well of Lot when he was in the city gate, going along with them, not standing up for righteousness.

So too for us: People of the world will appear to be your friend as long as you don’t make them uncomfortable by standing up and speaking up for the truth. As soon as Lot tried to stand for God, the Sodomites showed him their true colors.

On the other hand, look at the examples of Joseph, Mordecai, Esther, Daniel, and Nehemiah to see righteous people who didn’t compromise their commitment to God’s ways in order to achieve a leadership position in earthly governments. Instead, their righteousness was blessed by God, and He gave them favor.

Ironically, Lot compromised God-honoring values to try to earn favor with men, and in the end, lost favor with them. Those other godly leaders resolutely stood for God regardless of what anyone may have said about them and God gave those leaders favor with men.

A mark of an ungodly leader is one who compromises godly values to gain a leadership status in the world’s eyes.

This is part 76 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series by clicking here.

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Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: compromise, Daniel, Esther, favor, Genesis, Gospel of Luke, integrity, Joseph, leadership, Lot, Mordecai, Nehemiah, righteousness, Sodom. 1 Comment »

Praying For Our Governments

October 17, 2023 — 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.

You may have heard it said that Christians are supposed to pray for those who are in governmental leadership positions over them. Is that really true? And if it is, what exactly are we supposed to pray for them?

Check out this episode of The Podcast.

Resources mentioned in this video:

The biblical passages I referenced in this episode—1 Timothy 2:1-4; Jeremiah 29:7; Psalm 122:6-9; Ezra 7:27-28; Nehemiah 1:11
Check out my blog post Prince of Peace.
I shared a whole series of messages from 1 Peter on how Christians are to live as citizens of Heaven while we are here visiting Earth.

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Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: 1 Peter, 1 Timothy, example, Ezra, favor, government, Jeremiah, Nehemiah, prayer, Psalm, video. 2 Comments »

Highly Esteemed

April 27, 2022 — 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.

“Highly esteemed” is how two different angels addressed Daniel (Daniel 9:23, 10:11). This was a title they obviously heard from God Himself. At both instances, Daniel was in a time of intense and sustained prayer and fasting.

While I was speaking and praying, confessing my sin and the sin of my people Israel and making request to the Lord my God for His holy hill … Gabriel, the man I had seen in the earlier vision, came to me…. (Daniel 9:20-21)

At that time I, Daniel, mourned for three weeks. I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all. (Daniel 10:2-3)

Prayer was a regular habit for Daniel and prayer was also what Daniel turned to immediately in times of trouble (Daniel 2:18, 6:10).

We see the same thing in the lives of two notable women in the New Testament. Elizabeth is described as an upright woman who observed all of God’s commandments blamelessly. She continuously prayed that she might get pregnant, and then Gabriel came to bring the good news of her upcoming pregnancy. Elizabeth responded by saying, “The Lord has done this for me.… He has shown me His favor” (see Luke 1:5-25).

Mary was also a righteous woman who was steeped in Scripture (as we can see in her song of praise). When Gabriel appeared to her, he called her “highly favored” (see Luke 1:26-55).

A righteous, prayer-filled lifestyle also brings favor and esteem with earthly kings. Daniel and his friends fasted and prayed, which led to King Nebuchadnezzar’s favor directed to them (Daniel 1:11-20, 2:48-49). After three days of prayer and fasting, Queen Esther found favor in the eyes of King Xerxes, which led to the salvation of all the Jewish people (Esther 4:15—5:3). And Nehemiah’s sustained prayer over four months won the favorable reply from King Artaxerxes (see Nehemiah 1:1—2:8).

If you want to hear deep things from God, if you want to be called “highly esteemed” by the Most High, if you want to gain favor with earthly kings, you must be committed to the sustained work of prayer and righteous living. If you would like to dig into this deeper, check out 4 Thoughts To Help Prayer Become A Daily Habit.

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Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: angels, Artaxerxes, Daniel, Elizabeth, Esther, fasting, favor, God's favor, Gospel of Luke, importunity, Mary, Nebuchadnezzar, Nehemiah, prayer, righteousness, Xerxes. Leave a Comment »

Which Hand Is On You?

December 29, 2020 — Craig T. Owens

…the hand of God … the hand of foreign kings… (Ezra 7-9 and Nehemiah 1-2).

The picturesque language of someone’s hand being on another person signifies who is in control and to whom one is giving their allegiance. Ezra and Nehemiah boil it down to God’s hand or the hand of foreign leaders.

God’s hand brings:

favor with foreign kings
safety
courage
coworkers
protection from bandits

A foreign king’s hand brings:

a sword
captivity
pillage
humiliation

Ezra explains, “The gracious hand of our God is on everyone who looks to Him, but His great anger is against all who forsake Him” (8:22). So God’s hand prevents the hand of a foreign king from doing anything outside of God’s will.

Here are two irrefutable and unchangeable principles: (1) I can only have one hand on my life at a time, and (2) I get to choose which hand it will be: God’s or a foreign leader.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: courage, Ezra, favor, God's favor, God's protection, Nehemiah, submission. Leave a Comment »

God’s Blessing On A Good Attitude

January 22, 2020 — Craig T. Owens

The Lord was with Joseph so that he prospered… (Genesis 39:2).

This idea is repeated throughout Joseph’s life:

the Lord gave him success in everything he did (v. 3)
the Lord blessed the household of the Egyptian because of Joseph (v. 5)
the Lord was with him; He showed him kindness and granted him favor in the eyes of the warden (v. 21)
the Lord was with Joseph and gave him success in whatever he did (v. 23)

For 11 years as a slave in Potiphar’s house and 2 years as a prisoner in jail, God not only blessed Joseph but He also blessed those around Joseph because of Joseph.

This wouldn’t have happened if Joseph had been bitter over his situation.

He didn’t demonstrate a bad attitude, but an outstanding work ethic.

He didn’t look for opportunities to subvert and scheme, but he submitted and served.

These principles are echoed in the New Testament as well:

Let your light shine before men so that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven (Matthew 5:16)
Slaves, obey your masters with respect (Ephesians 6:5)
Work well whether your boss is watching you or not (Colossians 3:22-23)
Whatever you do, do it for God’s glory (1 Corinthians 10:31)
Live such good lives that others may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us (1 Peter 2:12-20)

[check out all of these verses by clicking here]

This attitude is one that receives both God’s blessing and man’s favor. When we steward this blessing and favor well, we bring even more glory to God!

Whether as a slave, a prisoner, or a prime minister, God blessed Joseph and He blessed those around Joseph because of Joseph’s attitude. Can the same be said of our lives?

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: 1 Corinthians, 1 Peter, attitude, Colossians, Ephesians, favor, Genesis, God's blessing, God's glory, Gospel of Matthew, Joseph, servant-leadership, stewardship, submission, success, video, work ethic. 2 Comments »

Favorable Influence

September 2, 2019 — 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.

Twice the 80th psalm declares—Restore us, O Lord God Almighty; make Your face shine upon us, that we may be saved (Psalm 80:19).

But if we are already a Christian that has been saved from the penalty of our sin and saved to an eternal reward, then that also means that God’s face IS already shining on us, He HAS already restored us, and He HAS already given us His favor.

I like how the Amplified Bible renders this verse: Restore us, O Lord God of hosts; cause Your face to shine in pleasure, approval, and favor on us, and we shall be saved!

What we have received is too wonderful for us to keep to ourselves, so we must let His pleasure, approval, and favor now shine out of us!

“If the result of our experience of God does not compel and propel us into global mission, it is doubtful whether we have really encountered the God of the Bible.” —Dick Brogden

Jesus stated His mission simply and then sent us out on the exact same mission (Luke 4:18-19; John 20:21). We do this best by living closely among people so they can also see us shine with God’s favor.

Paul called us to shine as well: Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people (Philippians 2:15). I believe this is a perfect definition of the word influence. The origin of the word meant the supposed flowing of ethereal fluid from the stars thought to affect the actions of men. Christians that let their good deeds shine in the darkness can influence the entire culture around them!

“Radical Christianity is not going on a missions trip or a big conference. Radical Christianity is staying steady for decades.” —Mike Bickle

Being a person that shines with favorable influence requires staying involved for the long haul so that you can build trustworthiness. It’s being in visible places not to get glory, but to let people see God’s glory. When they see His glory shine on you and out of you, they will want what you have too!

Solomon said, By the blessing of the influence of the upright and God’s favor—because of them the city is exalted (Proverbs 11:11). So, my fellow Christian, let me ask you:

Has God shined on you?
Are you letting Him shine out of you?
Are you living a noteworthy, trustworthy, visible life in your dark community?

“It’s your choice: You can be a part of your city’s elevation or its deterioration.”

—Craig T. Owens

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Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: Bible study, Book of Acts, Calvary Assembly of God, choice, Christianity, Dick Brogden, favor, Gospel of John, Gospel of Luke, influence, Jesus Christ, missional, missionary, Philippians, proverbs, Psalm, quotes, sermon, video. Leave a Comment »

Saturday In The Proverbs—Sowing & Reaping (Proverbs 17)

July 28, 2018 — Craig T. Owens

[Each chapter in the Book of Proverbs contains thoughts that fit into a theme; they are not just random thoughts gathered together. In this “Saturday In The Proverbs” series, I will share a theme that I see in each chapter. But the cool thing about God’s Word is that you may see an entirely different theme. That’s great! If you do, I would love for you to share it in the comments below.]

A wise servant will rule over a son who causes shame… (Proverbs 17:2).

There are inevitable outcomes for our attitudes and (in)actions. Or said another way: We always reap what we sow.

Not dealing with confrontation correctly → → Strife (v. 1)

Wise work ethic → → Leadership rewards (v. 2)

Allowing God to refine you → → A pure heart (v. 3)

Listening to lies and slander → → Punished by God (v. 4)

Mocking the less fortunate → → Punished by God (v. 5)

Living well → → Leaving a legacy for my children (v. 6)

Truthful, uplifting speech → → Being treated like a prince (v. 7)

Lies and loose lips → → Being treated like a fool (v. 7)

Giving gifts to others → → Favor with others (v. 8)

Forgiving and forgetting an offense → → Cementing a friendship (v. 9)

Telling others about an offense → → Losing a friendship (v. 9)

Rebuking a wise man → → Gaining wisdom (v. 10)

Rebuking a fool → → Getting rebuked myself (v. 10)

Rebellion → → Repaid with cruelty (v. 11)

Trade folly with a fool → → Get mauled (v. 12)

Repay good with evil → → Get stuck with evil (v. 13)

Keep picking a fight → → Open a world of hurt (v. 14)

Justify the wicked or condemn the just → → Displace God (vv. 15, 26)

Give wisdom to a fool → → Get burned (v. 16)

Love your friends → → Have help in difficult times (v. 17)

Make a bad deal → → Get stuck with it for a long time (v. 18)

Love sin and promoting yourself → → Watch it all crash down (v. 19)

Look for deceit → → Fall into evil (v. 20)

Don’t discipline your children → → No joy (vv. 21, 25)

Be happy → → Make others happy (v. 22)

Be sad → → Cause rotten feelings in others (v. 22)

Accept a bribe → → Pervert justice (v. 23) and displease God (v. 15)

Keep focused on the here-and-now → → Get wisdom for there-and-then (v. 24)

Use words sparingly → → Bring calm (v. 27)

Stay silent when you have nothing good to say → → Be thought of as wise (v. 28)

If you don’t like what you’re reaping in your life, check what you’re sowing.

Posted in Uncategorized. Tags: Bible study, confrontation, emotional intelligence, favor, forgiveness, friendship, gossip, leadership, legacy, parenting, proverbs, punishment, truth, wisdom, words, work ethic. Leave a Comment »

Saturday In The Proverbs—Nourishing (Proverbs 13)

June 30, 2018 — Craig T. Owens

A man shall eat well by the fruit of his mouth … The righteous eats to the satisfying of his soul… (Proverbs 13:2, 25).

God’s wisdom never leaves us flat. Never leaves us with a bad taste in our mouth. Never leaves us unsatisfied. Never leaves us without all that we need.