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!
(Psalms 37:1-2) “Fret not thyself because of evildoers, neither be thou envious against the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, and wither as the green herb.” (KJV)
If the prosperity of the wicked has gotten your attention and overrun your mind with fretting and envying, then take a good lesson from the shortness of man’s life on earth. His prosperity will soon be over because he is standing in a slippery place and will soon slip off into eternity. Another alternative is that you will not be long taking note of it yourself, for man’s days on earth are few compared to eternity. There is really little time to spend on such a useless endeavor.
We are told that “they spend their days in wealth and in a moment go down to the grave.” (Job 21:13); and that “they are set in slippery places and are suddenly destroyed.” (Psalm 73:18); and that “they shall soon be cut down like the grass and wither as the green herb.” (Psalm 37:2)
What good does their prosperity do them? It does but hasten their ruin, not their reward.
It is a serious error to believe that godliness is material gain. Let us not be deceived by uncertain riches. It is possible to lose our gold, but we can never lose our God! Let us trust Him wholeheartedly. If the Lord blesses us materially, then let us maintain a quiet humility and seek to honor Him whether in poverty or plenty.
Pastor Ed Bowen
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.
