BREAKING NEWS: A kind, loving man with a heart to serve others, brutally murdered. Read “BREAKING NEWS: Man Brutally Murdered,” somber message from Samantha In Depth.
Author Archives: vatg4him
What They Cannot Kill
“So have no fear of them, for nothing is covered that will not be revealed, or hidden that will not be known. What I tell you in the dark, say in the light, and what you hear whispered, proclaim on the housetops. And do not fear those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather fear him who can destroy both soul and body in hell.” – Matthew 10:26-28 (English Standard Version)
Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.” –Matthew 5:4 May the eternal grace, peace, and love of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ be with the families of the 147 victims killed in a terrorist attack at Kenya’s Garissa University. Most of the victims, if not all, identified with being a Christian. God bless the souls of those university students who courageously made a conscious choice in the face of danger not to deny believing in the name of Jesus Christ.
They did not fear the terrorists with guns who could kill the body because their assurance rested in the One who already saved their souls. Maybe the words of their Savior flashed through their minds in the face of persecution and danger. For the Bible says, “So everyone who acknowledges me before men, I also will acknowledge before my Father who is in heaven, but whoever denies me before men, I also will deny before my Father who is in heaven.” –Matthew 10:32-33
I pray that we ready our hearts for the persecution that will inevitably come to Christians in the United States. In some cases, it is already here! Will we be bold in the face of danger, ridicule, and rejection, standing our ground in our belief in Jesus Christ? Or will we give in for the sake of our lives here on this fallen, dying and decaying earth? “For whoever would save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for my sake will find it.” –Matthew 16:25
Christians be encouraged! I know it seems grim when we look around and see the spiritual and moral decay rapidly increasing. The more sin becomes acceptable and overlooked, the more Christians will be hated.
Oh they could kill the body but never the soul! Be encouraged! For Christ said, “If the world hates you, know that it has hated me before it hated you. If you were of the world, the world would love you as its own; but because you are not of the world, but I chose you out of the world, therefore the world hates you. Remember the word that I said to you: ‘A servant is not greater than his master. If they persecuted me, they will also persecute you. If they kept my word, they will also keep yours. But all these things they will do to you on account of my name, because they do not know him who sent me. If I had not come and spoken to them, they would not have been guilty of sin, but now they have no excuse for their sin. Whoever hates me hates my Father also. If I had not done among them the works that no one else did, they would not be guilty of sin, but now they have seen and hated both me and my Father. But the word that is written in their Law must be fulfilled: ‘They hated me without a cause.’ –John 15:18-25 Amen
About Jason M. Alexandre
Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.
Wise Insight from a Seven-Year-Old
Ana Martinez, Chef and Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
While driving my 7-year-old son to his little league baseball game we were talking about Palm Sunday. He began telling me that on that day as the people were greeting Jesus riding on the donkey entering Jerusalem and shouting, “Hosanna!,” many in the crowd that were shouting “Hosanna” did not believe Jesus was the Son of God. They were pretending. How profound was my son’s statement.
It got me thinking about how many of us at times in our lives have declared the name of Jesus Christ—yet we doubt how powerful He truly is? How many of us have proclaimed the name of Jesus but behind closed doors it was a different story? My son commented that in their hearts, they did not believe. What resides in our hearts matters the most. This little 7-year-old came to the conclusion that it is a matter of the heart! So I ask you today: Where does your heart stand? If you are struggling in your faith, I encourage you to reflect on who Jesus is as Easter Sunday approaches.
John 12:13 New International Version
They took palm branches and went out to meet him, shouting, “Hosanna!” “Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” “Blessed is the king of Israel!”
Matthew 18:3 New International Version
And he said: “Truly I tell you, unless you change and become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of
heaven.”
-Ana
About Ana Martinez
Ana Martinez was born in Michigan. When she was age 4, her parents Pastor Juan and Deborah Martinez founded the Potter’s House Christian Fellowship in Almont, Mich. Ana grew up in the church and in a humble, loving Christian home. Her parent’s faithfulness and commitment to ministry for over 27 years has been a testimony to her. In her youth she was like the prodigal son. She knows what it means to walk away from your call and to stray from the Word of God. Her life experiences have taught her that God’s way and His principles are worth upholding. She is a God-fearing Christian woman determined to do the will of The Lord. Her heart’s desire is to reach the lost and win souls for the kingdom of heaven by sharing the Good News, according to Matthew 28:19. Ana truly believes people are hurting and need to know that there is forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Matthew 11:28, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give ye rest.”
Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!
Colossians 1:11-12- We pray that you will be strengthened with his glorious power so you will have the endurance and patience you need. May you be filled with joy, always thanking the Father. He has enabled you to share in the inheritance that belongs to his people, who live in the light. (New Living Translation)
Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
Take a look at the snapshot presented before us. A concise and precise view into the attributes and actions that will align us with our Lord. First up: endurance, which is the ability to continue or last, despite fatigue, or adverse conditions. Second: patience, which is the steady perseverance to continue when confronted with delay. Two words, one outcome provided by the God Who is, Who gives us strength to stay the course. Thus, when we remain within these principles we locate a well of joy previously untapped. This well becomes our life source as it contains the Living Water needed to carry out our day. This well has provided us many blessings, which we must be prepared to share with others.
(#Godsway)
About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.
Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C. Moreover, Herbert serves on the pureHOPE advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture. Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management.
Should Christian Business Owners Serve the Homosexual Community?
You’ve likely seen or heard the news of Indiana governor Mike Pence signing legislation to “protect” religious freedom and to give Christian business owners the right to refuse service to those who are homosexual. A contentious topic for sure.
In fulfilling the Great Commission as Jesus directed in Matthew 28:18-20, as God’s Elect, we are to serve believers and unbelievers. Though we are not OF the world, God has kept us IN the world to reach others through us. Listen to ENTIRE 10-min message from Amos Johnson, Jr., founder of the Church for Entrepreneurs, on the topic: “Is There a Biblical Prohibition Against Christians in Business Serving the Homosexual Community?”
Who Needs a Little Peace and Quiet?
Romans 8:6- So letting your sinful nature control your mind leads to death. But letting the Spirit control your mind leads to life and peace. (New Living Translation)
Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
There is something serene about the word “peace.” Synonyms, such as halcyon, amity, and accord, seem to follow the same suit. Thus, there is something exquisite that can be found within the word “peace.” It could be crystal clear waters glistening in the afternoon sun, or smoke lightly dissipating after both opposing sides agree to a cease fire, or perhaps, the most coveted example, peace within a relationship. Where both sides find love within being wronged, experience within tumultuous situations, and passion throughout listless days. Peace is love personified in its ultimate form. For to have peace in spite of chaos, is a rare jewel that can only be manifested through the picturesque gem that gleams with the luminosity of God’s favor. Hence, His grace provides peace and His words “It is forgiven” provide serenity to our eternal lives. (#Godsway)
About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.
Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C. Moreover, Herbert serves on the pureHOPE advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management.
A Good Word
Anxiety in a man’s heart weighs him down, but a good word makes him glad. –Proverbs 12:25 (English Standard Version)
Jason M. Alexandre, Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
It’s disheartening, grievous, but unfortunately true: not every leader of God is living or teaching the true Word of God. Some shepherds are leading their entrusted flock astray. From the country church to the televised mega church, and those in between, the twisting of the “good news” has left many seeking “a good word” to serve as a salve from the pain of being fleeced by false teachings.
This false appearance of godliness is in fact godlessness. The last days are indeed here and God is giving us daily indications that our hearts must be right and focused on the gospel of Jesus Christ! For the Bible says regarding godlessness, “But understand this, that in the last days there will come times of difficulty. For people will be lovers of self, lovers of money, proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, ungrateful, unholy, heartless, unappeasable, slanderous, without self-control, brutal, not loving good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, having the appearance of godliness, but denying its power. Avoid such people.” -2 Timothy 3:1-5
We need a good word! We need the gospel! Not false pipe dreams of attaining riches that may certainly and inevitably put us on a slippery slope to destruction ultimately bringing our hearts farther and farther away from communion with the living God. There is a judgment awaiting false preachers who lead others astray. The Bible says, “Not many of you should become teachers, my brothers, for you know that we who teach will be judged with greater strictness. – James 3:1
Oh how careful we need to be with what we say to others! For their souls are at stake! You say, “Well then. What is a good word? How can I recognize which preaching is really good for my soul?”
The answer is that which the central message focuses on Jesus Christ and the redemption of man through the work of the cross. We only need the word of God to impart this truth to others. For all scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness. –2 Timothy 3:16 “But avoid irreverent babble, for it will lead people into more and more ungodliness.” –2 Timothy 2:16
For the true preacher called by God to present the good news of Jesus Christ, the Bible says to “Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a worker who has no need to be ashamed, rightly handling the word of truth.” -2 Timothy 2:15
People’s hearts are restless and they need an answer. Their hearts need a good word that can save their soul and not deceive them. A good word that can relieve their anxiety and make their hearts glad! Brothers and sisters in Christ, we would be wise in imitating the attitude of the apostle Paul. For the Bible says, “And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified. And I was with you in weakness and in fear and much trembling, and my speech and my message were not in plausible words of wisdom, but in demonstration of the Spirit and of power, so that your faith might not rest in the wisdom of men but in the power of God. -1 Corinthians 2:1-5 Amen. Be blessed!
About Jason M. Alexandre
Jason Melchizedek Alexandre was born in November of 1989 in Brooklyn, N.Y. His family later moved to Philadelphia, Pa., and he now resides in Limerick, Pa. In May of 2014, Jason obtained his Master of Social Work degree at Widener University. Professionally, Jason counsels persons who are homeless, parents, veterans, and others who suffer from various kinds of abuse. Although Jason’s career is Social Work, his spiritual passion is missions. Jason believes in actively answering the Great Commission call Jesus gave all Christians for the Gospel to be spread from person-to-person and nation-to-nation. Annually, Jason travels primarily to Haiti on a mission trip with Haiti Christianity Inc. Each year, Haiti Christianity, Inc., visits cities and/or villages in Haiti bringing children educational supplies, clothing, and medical supplies. They also facilitate conferences in which bible study, budgeting tips, financial planning and most importantly, evangelization takes place. Jason is currently the organization’s public relations director. Jason’s vision is for the gospel to continue to spread throughout the world and believes it is Christian’s responsibility to carry out this mission effectively. To learn more about the organization for which Jason volunteers, please visit www.HaitiChristianity.org.
Wake Up for God’s Message
Ever read a scripture many times, perhaps glossing over its full meaning? A 3 a.m. wake up from the Holy Spirit enabled our ministry founder to understand Proverbs 4:23 in a powerful way that has shifted her walk from here forward. Read her Gospel Today article, “Wake Up for God’s Message.”
Portrait of the Empowered Saint: Is This You?
In a dying and fallen world, God is seeking a peculiar people to accomplish His work—to share His light, love, hope and truth. Particularly those who have said “Yes, LORD, to your will and to your way,” and are empowered. Empowered, they understand and boldly walk in their God-given authority. What does the empowered Saint look like?
- Loves Jesus with their whole heart/worships in spirit and truth (John 4:24)
- Uses prayer, praise, worship and the Word of God as their weapons of spiritual warfare
- Dresses DAILY in their spiritual armor (Ephesians 6:10-17)
- Patient, compassionate and loving toward others, despite their faults or unbelief
- Follower of Jesus forever
- Obedient to the Lord’s will; not swayed by external circumstances, norms or traditions
- Understands they are the righteousness of God; understands their identity in Christ Jesus, despite Satan’s accusations
- Prepared with a word in season and out of season/exhibits great patience and careful instruction of the word (2 Timothy 4:2)
- Directs others to Christ, equips others in Christ in these end times
- Walks in truth and in faith
- Plants the seed, realizing the Holy Spirit gives the increase (only God knows who will indeed receive Him)
- Confidently operates in their spiritual gifts and does not compare or envy others’ gifts (Romans 12:3-8, 1 Corinthians 12:8-10)
- Discerning
- Seeks the Lord’s wisdom to navigate through counterfeit schemes, deceptions
- Spirit of humility
- Possesses a noble, exemplary character
- Dominant thoughts are rooted in how to glorify God and NOT how to increase themselves or their influence
- Operates in the nine fruits of the spirit (Galatians 5:22-23): faithfulness, gentleness, goodness, joy, kindness, love, patience, peace and self-control
- Trusts God as their Source for all things
- Spirit-led and NOT led by their own volition and emotions
- Agile, willing to go where God says “Go,” even when destination is unfamiliar
- Boldly addresses lawlessness by disseminating salt, light, truth and love in the particular territory they’ve been called
- Operates in their God-given authority to confront the enemy and lawlessness
What other traits should be added? When you look in the mirror, does this list describe you? In what traits/areas would you pray that God further develop in you?
A Time to Be a Prayer Warrior (Part 2)
Hebrews 13:18- Pray for us, for our conscience is clear and we want to live honorably in everything we do. (New Living Translation)
Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer
Some things take time. Someone might need more time to revert back from their wilderness journey. Thus, we must provide that someone with ample time to learn, for our lives are not perfect. When we do well, there is no confetti, or people doing somersaults. For our reality, as imperfect creatures is to wither and to fall. However, some way or another we find a lighted arrow that points us in a certain direction. After while, one arrow becomes four, and four arrows become 20, and so on. We begin to gather a confidence likened to lions, who remain kings of the jungle. Why? Because there is somebody interceding for us. In fact, there are many people lighting up arrows to show us the way home. Therefore, wherever we are in life we can remain assured that OTHERS are praying for us. For when we do return from whence we came, we to shall be victorious. (#God’sway)
About Herbert G. Bowen, Jr.
Born in King of Prussia, Pa., Herbert G. Bowen Jr., accepted the Lord Jesus Christ at the tender age of 5. An active member of the Central Church of God in Charlotte, N.C. where he resides, Herbert serves as a youth/discussion group leader, where he has preached and taught Sunday school, as well as Wednesday night service. In addition, he has preached at Second Baptist Church in Pottstown, Pa., Destiny City Church in Salisbury, N.C. Moreover, Herbert serves on the pureHOPE advisory board, where his commitment to “wait until marriage” fits perfectly with PureHope’s mission to bring a Christian solution to an immoral culture.Finally, Herbert through the will of God writes weekly devotionals to combat the decreasing morality in the 18-30 age group a.k.a., “the transition gap.” This is an effort to re-introduce Jesus Christ to this spiritually starved generation. His devotionals go out to 2,000+ people and continues to grow under the Lord’s watchful eye. He is a graduate of Purdue University with a degree in Business Management.
Voices Against the Grain 