Mourning a Loss

Psalm 77:11- But then I recall all you have done, O lord; I remember your wonderful deeds of long ago. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

W.E. you are in our prayers as we mourn your loss with you.

Remember the life lived and not the life lost. Remember the times of joy and not the present sadness swelling within your heart. Remember the conversations that will last an eternity within the caverns of your mind, for celebrating the memory of all the great things done will stretch farther than any amount of tears could ever accomplish. However, we are human and when the burden becomes heavy know that WE will be there to pick you up. For you will never see 1 pair of feet in the sand, but many, as we walk alongside you to aid in completing the journey with you. WE will be there every step of the way. WE will be the strong foundation needed to keep you stable amidst the storm. Thus, when the rain falls, WE will be the umbrella to keep you dry. Why? Because WE are a body of believers under God, who care about you. 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.

 

What Lives On?

1 John 2:16- For the world offers only a craving for physical pleasure, a craving for everything we see, and pride in our achievements and possessions. These are not from the Father, but are from this world. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

One and done. Satisfied with a pep in the step to go about our day. Joy, immense joy for the happiness we attained bore no consequences. Comfortable, real comfortable in the life we have provided ourselves. Haughty to a degree of narcissism for if everything is about us, how can we appreciate the nuances of anyone else? Hence, who cares! If our appetites are now satiated, then why crave more? Perhaps the reason lies in what we have eaten. In that our stomachs have begun to rumble, our countenances have changed and our bodies are now queasy. With food rising like a geyser, we picture the spew of unsightly material exiting our negatively affected bodies. But God…provided us the Pepto with a piece of Daily Bread to settle our stomachs and keep us from ever feeling sick again. 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.

Dispel Fear through Faith in God

Joel 2:6- Fear grips all the people; every face grows pale with terror. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Hush, silence your phone, stop the car, and listen. Go to a quiet place to which you can hear your heart beating. Now relax… For living in the moment of tranquility creates rational beings. Now assess… What is the situation God has brought upon me? In the same breath, remember the situations God has brought you through. This in turn will aid in forgoing the pessimism that seeks to invade your mind. Now observe… What happened to your heart beat? Did it slow down? If it did, then you are now operating out of faith. In that fear is nothing more than an inundated raft trying to float amongst the rapids, which leads to the rapids overtaking us. Our lungs are now filled with the very liquid that kept us alive. But God… Saw our lifeless bodies and said, “Look! I am going to put breath into you and make you live again” (Ezekiel 37:5). Thus, fear cannot harm us when we have the Lifegiver, or God on our side. 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.

Together…

Amos 3:3- Can two people walk together without agreeing on the direction? (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Together… Together as one body, one nation, and in heart. Together as a unit or a carefully placed cog in a wheel. Together… A picture that is reminiscent of our country watching the U.S. play in the World Cup. A picture that is reminiscent of our country standing up against social injustice and domestic abuse. A picture reminiscent of a united front to push back the terror that is ISIS. Together is the only way a decision can be made. Together is the catalyst for change, to which the impossible becomes possible. For if together becomes only, our country, our church, and our personhood will be derailed, thwarting our mission, only to see it fall deep within the mire of selfishness. Thus, the time is now to stand as one within the confines the world uses to restrict us. For alone we are feeble, but together we stand formidable. So from hand to hand pass that key and watch as God looses us free. 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.

Who’s Got the Wood?

Isaiah 50:11- But watch out, you who live in your own light and warm yourselves by your own fires. This is the reward you will receive from me: You will soon fall down in great torment. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Through the endurance of self, you located some kindle wood. From the sweat of your brow you struck two stones together to create a spark. After some effort, that spark fell onto the wood and began to smolder, but alas no fire. You tried again and after some effort, that spark fell onto the wood and caught a little flame. In your excitement, you rushed to get some foliage to place around the light. However, in your excitement, the flow of wind behind you blew out the flame. With frustration building, you kicked the controlled fire site and struck the rocks together. Without a moment’s notice, the spark hit the ground and a massive conflagration ensued. You are now consumed by the very creation you began. All because you destroyed the controlled site, instead of exhibiting patience through God’s timing. 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.

Seek Ye First? No, Seek Him First

Haggai 1:6- You have planted much but harvest little. You eat but are not satisfied. You drink but are still thirsty. You put on clothes but cannot keep warm. Your wages disappear as though you were putting them in pockets filled with holes! (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

We believe that a person, job, or material possession can fix our hearts and change our souls. We believe that hard work and the sweat of our brow will put a damper on the loneliness. We believe that forcing ourselves to date will calm the echoes of previous relationships, where our hearts were broken. We believe in things and people who are no different than a strainer. For the more we pour into them, the less we keep in return. However, all is not lost as God catches the essential pulp that bears all the nutrients. It’s there that we find strength to quiet our inner fears. It’s there that we wait patiently for God to deliver our bride/groom. It’s there that we trust in the eternal God, who will deliver us from all hurt, harm and danger. 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.

Walk Tall

1 Samuel 12:16-“Now stand here and see the great thing the LORD is about to do.” (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Stand…Chest out, shoulders back with your head held high. Walk…Firm, without fear like a lion in the brush seeking to pounce on its prey. Peer… Into the unknown with complete assurance that God has run the race you are trying to finish. Seek…HIM over yourself to accomplish feats you believed were impossible. Master…The commandments and hold them dear to your heart for obedience is the rod that saved the child, instead of the divisive tool that corrupted them. Wait…Patiently on him as he did not bring you this far too abandon you. Praise… The Lord, who granted us our heart’s desire while delivering us from a difficult situation. Therefore, may we stand and walk with faith, so we might peer into the life we currently seek. For when we master the patience necessary to accomplish the goals God would have us do, then we might “see the great things the Lord is about to do.” 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.

The Daily Increase

Psalm 69:32- The humble will see their God at work and be glad. Let all who seek God’s help be encouraged. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Their God, my God, your God will be seen at work through “decreasing ourselves in order to magnify HIM” (Nicole Hayes). Thus, what matters most: our own name in lights, or HIS name in lights? What matters most: the praise WE receive, or the praise GOD is given? What matters most: the efforts we deserve credit for, or the body he gave us to utilize our talents?

Therefore, may we decrease ourselves in order to magnify HIM. For time is of the essence and this world is in no need of self-centered individuals. We must seek humility to dial down the desires of our own ambitions so we might correctly address the needs of others. It is there that God will bless. It is there that God will provide. It is there that hope will overtake disappointment. For flashes of pride and idolatry will pop up at every turn, but through modesty and contempt we will walk the straight path. 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.

Every Praise Is to Our God

Luke 17:19-And he said unto him, Arise, go thy way: thy faith has made thee whole. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

We have been healed. We have been blessed. We have been granted life through Christ. All of which are treasures to be stored in heaven where no rust can decay it. Moreover, we must not forget the goodness of these gifts, treating them as ancillary items. Don’t let the primary gifts of wealth, materials, and love become the scales by which we measure gratitude. For example, the Lord healed 10 lepers, but only one returned to give glory to the Divine Healer. Thus, may the actions and general sentiment of this man be mimicked, in order for us to maximize our thankfulness for the life we were given, instead of the life we fantasize about. May we find joy in the eternal, instead of the temporal. For in the end, this world will fade away and our soul will live on. Hence, ARISE and give God some praise. For the life you were blessed with was uniquely designed FOR YOU, so don’t take it for granted. 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.

Tunnel Vision

Hebrews 10:36-Patient endurance is what you need now, so that you will continue to do God’s will. Then you will receive all that he has promised. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr.  Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

What is tunnel vision? Well, it is an immense determination predicated upon absolute focus. This focus is the calling card to living a well balanced life. This focus is the moniker, a.k.a God, who allows us to accomplish our goals even when the road becomes flooded. However, this notion doesn’t bear immediate return. Why? ‘Cuz most live their lives out of appeasement. Most of society categorizes us by status, creed, or breeding. Mostly everywhere are mundane reminders that we simply don’t measure up. Thus, this outside world can’t be of concern to us. The actions of the immoral can’t be of concern to us, for the Lord never said this life would be easy. But God helps us activate our tunnel vision to run down the track like a horse with blinders—in an effort to aid us in staying steady on him, so we might endure until the end. 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. He provides business expertise to help others start their businesses.