Pastor Ed Bowen was saved on March 24, 1957 at a revival meeting at Horse Branch Church in Turbeville, S.C. at the age of 23. Brother Bowen has been married to his wife, Margaret, for over 54 years. After being ordained in 1960, Pastor Bowen went on to preach in various places until he became pastor of Cherryvale Baptist. Having been there for over 43 years, in 2000, he had to slow down a bit due to prostate cancer.Though unable to do what he used to do, Pastor Ed has just changed venues. For over ten years now, he has been encouraging people via email. He has graciously agreed to be a contributing author to this website. This series of posts entitled, “Heart To Heart” are the fruit of his times with our Lord Jesus! If they mean as much to you as they do me, then EMAIL him and let him know about it!
(Proverbs 3:5-6) “Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding. In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.” (KJV)
Let us beware of the pitfall of an independent spirit… doing only what is beneficial to oneself.
Lot fell victim to this attitude and lost a great deal by doing so. He lost his testimony for the Lord, lost his family to the world, and he lost the spiritual influence of his life. There is deception involved… for often we hold tightly to things we believe to be beneficial to us which are really harmful.
The choices we make are to be put before the Lord for His approval and clear direction. In all our ways, we are to acknowledge Him and He will direct our paths. If we selfishly choose according to our carnal nature, then we will often choose things which do not honor God and do not bring us blessing.
It is a solemn thing to realize that our choices affect not only ourselves but others also… even generations to come. Lot’s choice to move into Sodom affected his entire family and their eternal destiny. He was saved but they were lost.
Pastor Ed Bowen
Conclusion
Pastor Bowen is absolutely correct in his post. We need to be careful about our decisions and their consequences. We must set our motives, desires and ambition before God on a daily basis allowing God’s Holy Spirit to guide us!
Would you consider purchasing…
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Experiencing the Presence of God: Teachings From the Book of Hebrews |
By A.W. Tozer / Regal
Open your heart to one of God’s greatest gifts—his glorious indwelling! Adapted from Tozer’s sermons, this never-before-published collection of teachings on the Letter to the Hebrews explores the epistle’s survey of biblical history, reveals insights into the “hero stories,” and guides you to a new understanding of what it means to be filled with God’s presence. 224 pages, softcover from Regal.
