Tag Archives: Herbert G. Bowen Jr

07.09.14
by

Speech as Soft Velvet

Deuteronomy 32:2- Let my teaching fall on you like rain; let my speech settle like dew. Let my words fall like rain on tender grass, like gentle showers on young plants. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

It took 6 months and 5 days for me to realize that my words were falling like hail, which dented the countenances of all who were close to me. It took 6 months and 5 days to realize that my gentle mist was more of a torrential downpour on the ripening plants. It was then that I saw the color fade from their leaves, which was coupled alongside a wilted stem. My words were drowning the very essence out of the roots of those plants. Therefore, like a gardener, I sought to prune what was trying to die. Like a gardener, I sought to tie a stick to the stem to provide support. Like a gardener, I lightly dampened the soil and gave the young plant heat. I watched that young plant spruce up and become resuscitated. It was then that I knew that gentleness bred strength and chastisement bred weakness. 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.

07.07.14
by

Two Better Than One

Ecclesiastes 4:7- I observed yet another example of something meaningless under the sun. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

When we’re alone our minds run adrift. When we’re alone our thoughts begin to multiply. When we’re alone we seek comfort in an effort to quell the echoes that ricochet within our heads. For our thoughts of being single excite us, but the reality of lying awake to the voice of nature depresses us. Our determination to succeed fuels us, but the reality of partaking in the God-given spoils by ourselves, depletes us. Our ability to witness for Christ is met with no hindrances, but after we have given our hearts, bodies, and souls to the cause of Christ, who will be there to restore the proverbial electrolytes we have lost during the journey? Therefore, let us ask a question ‘cuz if we obtain every dream, and accomplish every goal, and complete every mission in life, who will you have throwing a celebratory party for you? It’s this question that’ll lead you to uncovering the recipe for true happiness. 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.

06.30.14
by

Tread Carefully

Ephesians 5:10 & 11-Carefully determine what pleases the Lord. 11. Take no part in the worthless deeds of evil and darkness; instead, expose them. (New Living Translation) 

Romans 3:23 For everyone has sinned; we all fall short of God’s glorious standard. (New Living Translation)
Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Hence, we begin with a coupling of two significant verses that when paired together create a magnificent lesson. See, our determination is usually flawed, our determination is usually swayed, and our determination can usually be misguided. For our mindsets are stuck within our desires and wants, which stifles the truth from receiving oxygen. Therefore, if truth cannot breathe how can we resuscitate it? Will it be through our own volition? Are we independent from the Father, who breathed life into our bones? The answer is no. In that we fall short everyday of our lives only to crawl back to Christ to ask for his aid. Why? Because we are imperfect creatures with many faults. The reason we seek his strength. The reason we were given companions.  The reason why negative outcomes usually lead to glorious epiphanies. The reason why true happiness, is found within discernment. 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.

06.27.14
by

Nixing the Nefarious: Ending Sex Trafficking

Note: Our Voices Against the Grain team has been discussing ways to eradicate the evil of sex trafficking. It’s a modern day global slavery that has emerged with a brutality beyond what’s visible in the physical. It breaks the spirit. We stand with our ministry partner, pureHOPE,  to review strategies and tactics to put a nix to the nefarious (“nefarious” meaning “vile, diabolical, heinous, evil”). To restore hope to the hopeless through the love of Jesus Christ. Thank you to our devotional writer Herbert Bowen Jr., who is also a pureHOPE advisory board member, for writing the message below. Following his message below, please view the 6-minute preview of the documentary “Nefarious” which gives more  insight into the dark underworld of sex trafficking and its victims.  As God’s people and concerned citizens, we are called to make a stand today.

Proverbs 12:1- To learn, you must love discipline; it is stupid to hate correction. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

What a blessing it is to be in the presence of the Lord. What a blessing it is to see his plan unfold before our very eyes. What a blessing it is to commune with role models like my friend Noel Bouché from our ministry partner, Purehope. It’s through his consistent and avid guidance that gives me hope for today. It’s through his discipline and persistence to enact change in a world dominated by the perversion of men. It’s through hearing the Lord’s voice to remain faithful to the laborious task of ending the trafficking of women. Therefore, may we sympathize with this cause as if our sister, mother, son or daughter were showcased within this arena. For the spotlight is too refulgent for us to see the dire need of change. The reason we must shield the glare in order to uncover the atrocities cached within obscurity. Thus, let our eyes be opened to what lies before us and stand united as brothers/sisters against this nefarious evil. 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.

06.23.14
by

Don’t Believe? Just Watch

2 Corinthians 5:7 For we live by believing and not by seeing. (For we walk by faith, not by sight).  

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

If you have ever heard “you can’t do it,” or “that is impossible” I urge you to recite this phrase: Don’t believe me, just watch… Us as we climb the mountain of improbability. Don’t believe me, just watch…Us as we corner the elusive fly of ill-repute and crush it beneath our boot. Don’t believe me, just watch…Us as God multiplies our territory to serve His purpose in order to maximize our greatest potential. Don’t believe me, just watch…Us as we shun every fear of failure, even when the world tells us we should give up. Don’t believe just watch…Hence, our faith is the lamp to which we will illuminate our path. It is the essence that breeds hope and ensures confidence in the journey we were set on. For the concerns of success and the likelihood of Tom’s forecast are placed in his hands, instead of our own. Thus, may we stand with the patience of Job and the courage of Daniel, as God works everything out for our good (Romans 8:28). 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.

06.16.14
by

Wait Patiently and Confidently

Romans 8:25-But if we look forward to something we don’t yet have, we must wait patiently and confidently. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

If we “wait patiently and confidently”… two words that bear righteous fruit in the eyes of the Lord. If we are impatient and doubtful… Well, we have put our trust not in the Lord, but in the circumstances this world lays before us. Therefore, may our actions be rash and indecisive. May our countenance reflect the image of a person stranded on the side of the road with no car or phone. May God look down upon us and see an organic machine calibrated to rely on their own strength. For God has moved into the shadows to observe his creation. Fortunately, for us these statements are false. Why? Because God is AAA/Triple A when we need a tow. Why? Because God is the 5 hr energy needed to complete our day. Why? Because God is the author and finisher of our faith. Thus, when our minds are saturated in the marinade of doubt, let us look toward the SON and soak in the heavenly rays. 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.

06.09.14
by

Your Heart: Can You Find It?

Matthew 6:21-Wherever your treasure is, there the desires of your heart will also be. 

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

If my heart was buried 10,000 leagues under the sea, could a diver find it? If my heart was covered by the multiple layers of an avalanche, could the snow patrol find it? If my heart became shipwrecked on a desert island, only to be washed over by the tide, could excavators find it? For if they cannot locate the origin of my heart’s whereabouts, so shall it be lost forever.

 

Hence, where is your heart? Is it lost beneath the rubble this world seeks to heap on your body? Is it too unbearable to deal with the cravings of your inhibitions? Is the glint and glimmer of the watch, car, or diamonds robbing your sensibility? Thus, may we look to store our treasure within a place that is eternal, to which no man/woman could steal from nor could rust or deterioration destroy. For if my treasures are stored within heaven, then my eyes are focused on HIM and there the desires of my heart shall be. 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.

06.02.14
by

Don’t Exchange a Forever God for Fleeting Fame

Job 8:13-The same happens to all who forget God. The hopes of the godless evaporate. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

When we began we had nothing. When we began we marinated ourselves in hope. A hope that gave way to an attainable dream we deemed to hard to grasp. When the dream fell into our possession we held onto it tightly. We thanked God for the success, but our grip grew stronger. In fact, we placed indents in the dream, due to the fear of it slipping through our fingers. Our God who we praised was now a shadow amongst the limelights. Our friends who believed in us when we had nothing, were now spectators placed on the sidelines. Where did the time go? When did our commitment to truth and humility take a backseat to overall gain? For the transitory life of glitz and glamour lasts only but a while, but the endeavors of the godly last forever. Thus, if we have forgotten this creed, here is our wake up call because “only what we do for CHRIST SHALL LAST.” (Thanks Grandma) 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.

05.31.14
by

When God Is In Our Midst, We Become One

1 John 1:4 We are writing these things so that you may fully share our joy. (New Living Translation)

Herbert Bowen, Jr. Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

Herbert Bowen, Jr.
Voices Against the Grain Devotional Writer

We write. We talk. We laugh. We cry. We congregate. We disperse. We live. We die. We learn. We forget. We discern. We sympathize. We breathe. We… A powerful collection of verbs that require others, not just ourselves, to make an impact within our respective communities. “For where two or three gather together as my followers, I am there among them” (Matt 18:20).

Hence, when God is in the midst of our endeavors we flourish. When God is in the midst of our outreach we touch one more person. When God is in the midst of our relationships the roots grow deep within the bonds of eternity, instead of chaff that blows in the wind. Ultimately, we become stronger. We become wiser, but most importantly we become one. Amen

 

(Listen to the Voices Against the Grain radio show where we celebrate our 1st yr anniversary)

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.
05.28.14
by

1 Year Later: Blessings, Joy, Service Continues

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Nicole D. Hayes, Creator of Voices Against the Grain

Today, May 28, 2014, is the one-year anniversary of Voices Against the Grain media ministry. The blog launched on May 28, 2013, followed by the radio show’s first episode that aired on September 4, 2013.  In March 2013, the Holy Spirit prompted me to launch this bold platform where we are “advancing God’s Kingdom in a ‘do your own thing’ society.” A platform that allows God’s people to share the messages He has placed on their hearts to equip others in Christ and free those enslaved by the deceptions and bondage of this world. To bring clarity amidst confusion. To bring truth where there is deception. To bring healing where there is brokenness.

Within this past year, God has blessed us to be connected with more Kingdom-minded people, including our devotional writers, show guests, supporters and others. He has given us favor in areas and territories unexpected. He has allowed us to touch lives in ways I had not conceived. It is a joy to serve with the Lord and His people, as we equip and empower others to stand as Christ’s light and truth in a fallen world.

The blessings continue to come, as witnessed in the following post below. Our devotional writer Ana Martinez, through the almighty power of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, was freed this year from 22 years of shame, self-hatred and brokenness brought on by sexual abuse and rape that occurred in her youth. Voices Against the Grain served as part of that healing when Ana bravely and authentically shared her testimony during our February 12, 2014 episode. After the show, many people contacted her and us to thank her for inspiring them to seek their healing. Today, she continues to share her testimony to help free others and remind them how the Lord will restore what was stolen from us. He will break the chains that enslave us.

I invite you to read her post, “Loss of Innocence, A Future Restored” published on the blog of pureHOPE, a ministry that envisions a world free of sexual exploitation and brokenness by providing Christian solutions in a sexualized culture. pureHOPE and Voices Against the Grain became partners in January 2014, with a passion to combat porn and other forms of sexual exploitation. During the February 12, 2014 radio show, we were grateful to be joined by pureHOPE president Noel Bouché. We thank pureHOPE for publishing Ana’s story.

We also invite you to listen to today’s radio show as our team reflects on the past year in “Still Punchin’: Voices Against the Grain 1-Year Anniversary.”

We have more work to do, but stay encouraged and stay staunch. Keep moving. We have the victory through Christ! We are excited to continue serving with you. Thank you for your support and prayers.

God Bless You,

Nicole