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

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.

 

A Time to Be a Prayer Warrior

John 9:10- They asked, “Who healed you? What happened?” (New Living Translation)
Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

(I would like to lift up Mrs. McLain, a light to many and a rose amongst the thistles.)

You are never alone. You are always in our hearts and minds. You are part of a body of Believers. Throughout the distress you never lost hope. Throughout the tests you sat patiently with the tranquility of God’s spirit to fight the fear seeping into your mind. Throughout it all you stood secure within the eye of the storm because you know God has supplanted you with the faith to stay the course. Your courage is insurmountable. Your incandescence is unrivaled. For your smile tells a story: one of joy, one of pain, and one of privilege. Three items afforded to you by the mighty hand of God. Thus, it comes as no surprise that you are overcoming a roadblock that has stopped four lanes of traffic. It was here that you improvised to pull onto the shoulder, in order to cruise by the wreckage down a clear road to a new life just over the horizon. (#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.

Street Sweepin’ Machine

Colossians 3:23- Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Work, faith, love, if we operate efficiently in these three categories we shall overcome any listless situation. Therefore, “If a man is called to be a street sweeper, he should sweep streets so well that the hosts of heaven say, ‘Here lived a great street sweeper who did a job well”(MLK). Hence, “Don’t let the enemy cause you to lose motivation, operate as if nothing is wrong and continue along the path God set you on” (Curtis).

Moreover, a million dollar dream means nothing, if you do not have a minimum wage work ethic. Thus the reason why our mindsets must prepare us each day to depend on God, while placing our fears in the rearview mirror. A mindset tuned to channel God’s love through the airwaves so we can remain tranquil within any circumstance. This mindset is uniquely different, for its origin is derived from the Holy Spirit the Lord shared with us when He died for our sins. Amen

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.

 

Fill in the Blanks, Dear Lord

Psalm 139:23- Search me, O God, and know my heart; test me and know my anxious thoughts. (New Living Translation)

 

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

We are destined to be conflicted… We are destined to fail… We are destined to disappoint… From our thoughts, to our actions, to our spiritual warfare, we are too weak to continue this journey. Therefore, “point out anything in me that offends you, and lead me along the path of everlasting life” (Psalms 139:24). What offends you dear Lord? What is it within us that causes us strife when your intention is meant for good? Why do we organically rebel against the deity that shed his blood for you and me? Hence, the prognosis: selfishness; pride, and arrogance. Factors, which eventually lead to solitude, hard lessons, and brutal truth, which are the byproducts of God’s correcting hand. So, it should come as no surprise that our hearts remain in unrest. For walking this journey alone is too dangerous to bear, the reason God gave us part of himself, which is the Holy Spirit that we share. Amen

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.

 

Confessions of a Weak Mind

2 Timothy 2:13- If we are unfaithful, he remains faithful, for he cannot deny who he is. (New Living Translation)
Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Here are some phrases that describe the frailty of the human disposition: God is not with me; God does not hear me; God is too busy to care about me. Next, are some questions to describe the lack of faith within the human spirit: If God is so loving, why would he allow this? If God hates greed, why is money given to those who have turned their backs to you? If God loves me, why must I suffer? Lastly, are statements that seem to stoke the rebellious flame within all human beings: God can’t expect me to follow this, it’s too hard; When things get rough, then I will turn to God; Everything I obtained was through the work of my own hands. Thus, may we realize that each scenario carries with it an endless supply of forgiveness and grace to which no individual could comprehend. So let it no be known that the God who is, will remain faithful even when we follow our own path contrary to His will. Amen (#God’s way)

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 50/50 Chance

Proverbs 18:18- Flipping a coin can end arguments; it settles disputes between powerful opponents. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Give us a 50/50 chance to settle this dispute. Give us a 50/50 chance to remain in good graces with you. Give us a 50/50 chance to come to the rationalization that winning is futile, as we know God decides the victor. Therefore, let’s end this argument so we might live in peace. Let’s end this argument for the God who is omnipotent would rather us reach others together, than apart. Let’s end this exasperating charade of personal pride that leaves us puffed up with no needle to deflate our chests. Let’s stop. For arguments like life can be positive or negative, encouraging or depleting, passionate or listless. Hence, may we keep in mind that “avoiding a fight is a mark of honor; as only fools insist on quarreling” (Proverbs 20:3). It’s the reason our countenance should reflect the image of a decorated soldier, one who fought for what they believed in and triumphed over their circumstances. Amen

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.  Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. 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.

Instinctual Habits

Jeremiah 8:7-Even the stork that flies across the sky knows the time of her migration, as do the turtledove, the swallow, and the crane. They all return at the proper time each year. But not my people! They do not know the LORD’s laws. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

May God be placed at the forefront of our decision making, while our instincts stand still within the rear view mirror. What does this mean? It means that we are quick to be angry, fast to speak loudly, and hard of hearing. It means that our man-made solutions are nothing but a tawdry excuse to rely on our own understanding. It means that our self-control is linked to what and how we feel based on the freedom God afforded us. Thus, does our freedom entitle us to be without restraint? Are the instinctual habits attributed to humans so strong that reason is an ancillary option to ignorance? If this is the case may we look toward the birds in the sky, for they know when to leave and when to return. A feat guided by direction to which we must follow. Amen

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.  Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. 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.

Blueprints for Success

Proverbs 16:3- Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

In life there are many challenges. Each challenge is a reflection of a God-ordained lesson that will derive an experience for your life. These challenges will be the calling card to test your spirit and faith as you proceed through life’s journey. Therefore, when the smooth road turns into unpaved gravel don’t seek to turn around, but continue the path that is in front of you. For those experiences will build your character to stay the course as life throws their abandoned cars, tires, and debris your way to deter you from God’s vision. Thus, we are human. We make mistakes and become discouraged. We seek pity, while groveling in the solitude of our own denial. We revert back to our instincts to seek out a way we believe is correct. We fail, for our vision had more holes than Swiss cheese. It was here that we decided to commit ourselves to God’s will and it was there that we located the keys for success. (#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.  Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. 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.

Trust Who?

Proverbs 25:19- Putting confidence in an unreliable person in times of trouble is like chewing with a broken tooth or walking on a lame foot. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

“My trust is in you dear friend. My trust is in you dear family member. My trust is in you dear partner.” Does anyone notice a pattern? For the same phrase, “my trust is in you,” is being recited in repetition, while the latter part of the phrase changes. In each scenario “my trust” was being directed toward the wrong person. Hence the latter part of the phrase, but be dropped and replaced with “dear God.” Then and only then will we find consistency in a disagreeable world. Then and only then will our confidence be cemented in the foundation that erected the fortified walls of our Spirit. Then and only then will the pain subside so we might feel the joy of living. Therefore, may we utter the phrase “my trust is in you, dear God” to usher in an unshakable faith that will never be vexed, never be replaced, and most importantly never be broken. Amen

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.  Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. 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.

Endurance is From the Lord

Revelation 2:3-You have patiently suffered for me without quitting. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Our experience tells us that endurance is a vital learning tool for life. For endurance is the brainchild of our physical, spiritual, and mental sense that supersedes our wants and desires to quit. This in fact is the glue that holds our spirit intact when the world brings us heartache. Hence, endurance is nothing more than the sweat traveling through our pores to cool our bodies from a strenuous workout.

Endurance is nothing more than the focus needed to forgo tomorrow’s worries, to tackle the tasks of that present day. Endurance is nothing more than the gut wrenching conviction that enlivens our soul to proceed forward and to never turn back. With these attributes we run with the swiftness of gazelle and speed of a cheetah. We run with a consistent stride unencumbered by lactic acid that seeks to slow us down, for God has slowed man’s feeble attempts to impede our success, while simultaneously directing us home.   Amen

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.  Herbert is the youngest board member on the United Negro College Fund (UNCF) Leadership Council, where he serves to lessen the costs of tuition for African American students. 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.