OwensMinistries.org

Some Principles Observed, by Patricia

admin — Thu, 26 Feb 2009 20:21:00 +0000

Copies of Manley Beasley: Man of Faith, Instrument of Revival are on their way to many folks who have ordered them. While Ron and I have been busy these last several weeks with the final details of the book’s release, I have found myself reflecting on Manley’s walk of faith and his influence upon me. Because we knew Manley and ministered with him in different venues over a period of years, there were many occasions to hear him speak about faith. In looking back through some personal journal entries made several years ago, I spotted his influence especially in one entry I made. I found myself reviewing and reflecting upon what had taken place during a particular twelve month period. It had been a challenging year in many ways, and especially in terms of finances. Since many people are facing similar challenges right now, I thought I’d share some insights that helped me at that time. Here are some observations I recorded in my journal.

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Pressing On

admin — Sat, 03 Jan 2009 21:14:41 +0000

2008 is already history and another year lies ahead, a year into which we now enter with gratitude for God’s sustaining grace over the past 12 months. 2009 is a year upon which we have yet to write another chapter of our history, and as we press on with new goals, both temporal and eternal, we do so with the prayer for ourselves and for you, that this will be a year inspired with fresh faith; a year in which feeble knees will be strengthened; a year in which we will find our delight in those things that are eternal. May we daily place our lives into the security of God’s hands, trusting in His promises, confident that His Word will never fail. And in the words of a Puritan’s prayer,

God, give us a hope that makes us not ashamed, a love that excites to holy obedience, a joy in You that is our strength…Help us to submit our preferences to Your wisdom and will, resign our enjoyments if You should require it as our absolute Proprietor and best Friend…May we know the blessedness of those whose strength is in You and in whose hearts are the highways to heaven.

Notice: We are grateful to announce that Manley Beasley: Man of Faith–Instrument of Revival has been released. A website, www.beasleybiography.com has been created to service book purchases, as well as other general information about Brother Manley’s story.

A Christmas Remembered - by Patricia

admin — Mon, 22 Dec 2008 00:23:10 +0000

The unexpected happened—heavy fog enveloped a large area around Chicago, slowing trains, grounding planes, bringing all travel to a halt. It was Christmas break time, and as a 19 year old student traveling to my home town in Jackson, MS, I had boarded a train around 10:30 that evening in Rochester, NY. It had been snowing, which wasn’t unusual for that area of the country. I felt wiped out after studying for exams and was hoping I could manage to sleep some on a journey that was supposed to take about 24 hours. The train I boarded was scheduled to make a stop at a sub-station just east of Chicago where I would change to a different rail line for the remainder of the trip. And now, the unexpected fog changed everything. It caused my train to be late in reaching the Chicago area, I missed my connection, I was exhausted and had no idea what to do.
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Change

admin — Sun, 07 Dec 2008 03:24:35 +0000

CHANGE: This is a word that has been headlined a great deal over these past several months, especially in the context of the recent presidential election campaigns. Ironically, in a seeming contradiction to the meaning of the word, you might say that change is a “constant” factor as we go through life. From the moment of our birth we undergo changes–physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually. Some of the changes are celebrated as good, healthy and desirable, such as the normal growth of a child. Taking a vacation is seen as a welcome change from our usual routine. Yet there comes a time when, as adults, we begin to see some changes that appear to us to be undesirable and fearful. An unexpected change in health, in a work situation or in personal finances can make us feel vulnerable and anxious. Change may become something dreaded.

In times like these in which we are now living, when change can have a most unwelcome meaning, we are especially comforted to know that there is One who majestically says to us:

I the Lord do not change (Malachi 3:6)

That makes all the difference in the world! Scripture also tells us that, “Jesus Christ is the same, yesterday, today and forever” (Hebrews 13:8). What He was for us yesterday as Counselor and Provider, He will be for us today and for each tomorrow. The sting is taken out of “change” when we know and rely upon the One “who changes not.”

Why Did Aslan Have To Die?

admin — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 21:25:04 +0000

In light of the soon release of the next C. S. Lewis, Chronicles of Narnia film, Prince Caspian, I thought I would post the following answer that was written by C. S. Lewis in response to a letter from a nine year old girl in which she asked,

Why did Aslan have to die?

This letter is highlighted on the The Searcher, the C. S. Lewis Centenary Sculpture in downtown Belfast, created by Ross Wilson, one of N. Ireland’s best known artists.

We have been privileged to visit this memorial on several occasions with Ross. As you read the following you will see what a powerful witness this piece of art is, a witness to the message Lewis was attempting to portray in his writing of the Chronicles. For additional information about Mr. Wilson go to his web site, www.rosswilsonartist.com.

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John Newton’s birthday

admin — Fri, 21 Dec 2007 20:59:20 +0000

On December 21, 1725, a boy was born in London whose life would ultimately impact the world. I have been thinking of John Newton all day today, and the loving, pursuing God who rescued a drunken slave trader from the depths of sin and raised him up to become one of His choicest trophies of grace. His influence reached far beyond his hymn, Amazing Grace, as his life and preaching touched lives from the lowest to the highest of society including parliamentarian, William Wilberforce, who was used to change the laws regarding slavery and child labor.

Interestingly, there are parallels in John Newton’s life to the life of Manley Beasley whose biography I am now writing. At the early age of fourteen Manley took to the high seas and and by his 16th birthday had circumvented the globe twice. Alcohol, gambling, jail, and all that went with the life of a sailor were part of these years of running away from God. But he could not escape the eye of a sovereign God who eventually brought him to a halt in the Port of Mobile. He would never look back and the impact of his life is still felt by many, some of whom paid tribute to him at a “Friends of Manley” gathering at First Baptist, Euless, Texas two days ago, the 18th of December.

He Is Here!

admin — Sun, 16 Dec 2007 17:54:49 +0000

As I write this “post” I am listening to the inspiring and beautiful carol, Angels from the Realms of Glory that climaxes with the words, Gloria in excelsis Deo! Though such songs are usually only sung during the Advent season, for those who know the Messiah as more than just a name, it is a reminder that not only was He fleshed out among us in the form of a baby in history, but that He lives in the now, birthed into the hearts of every “believer.” He is here!

He is here, He is here, the Messiah/It’s the fulness of time, He has come/ Heaven’s treasure, the brightest of jewels/ He is with us, the Savior, God’s Son!! Hallelujah, all glory to Jesus/Hallelujah, all praise to His name/Heaven’s light invaded sin’s darkness the night the Savior came!

As we look back on another year we do so with deep gratitude for the goodness and grace of our Savior which has been expressed in a myriad of ways, the least not being the encouragement and love we have received through many of you. May God return to you, many times over, the blessing you have been to us.

Though sadly, for some Americans, it is not the politically correct greeting to make, we do wish you a MERRY CHRISTMAS, filled with all the wonder of what did take place when God was fleshed out among us. And though, due to the trials we may be going through it may not make human sense to do what the Psalmist admonishes—”Rejoice always…,” we can, in light of what God has done, is doing and will do in the days ahead as we anticipate what awaits us just over the horizon.

The bottom line is that Christmas, for us, is knowing that not only can we celebrate God’s plan of redemption but we can experience a peace that only He can provide. So, our true Christmas wish for you is that you will be comforted and encouraged and that the “joy of the Lord” will be your strength now and throughout the coming year.

Grace, peace and love…

Ron and Patricia

Manley Beasley Project

admin — Thu, 11 Oct 2007 18:36:38 +0000

At this point in life we ought not to be surprised at being surprised, yet that is exactly what has happened. It has fallen to our “lot” to write the biography of a man whose life and message has, and still does, impact the lives of scores of people across this land and beyond. (Update: the biography is now complete - www.beasleybiography.com).As I said in an earlier biography, They Could Not Stop The Music, about the life of a Russian violinist, writing a biography is like the assignment given to Spring; to bring to life again. It is the attempt to recover the heartbeat of someone whose life has already been lived. When it comes to a man like Manley Beasley, one is faced with an individual whose life was his message and whose message was his life. The message of prayer, faith and revival that Manley lived and preached was forged in the foundry of experience which included the terminal diseases he carried in his body for years, the hospitalizations, the months spent in intensive care, all of which drove him to an ever increasing dependence upon and understanding of the ways and workings of God. This would, for the rest of his life, shape the message he preached, the things he wrote and the myriad of ways he was used of God to minister.At his memorial service, evangelist and brother-in-law, Mike Gilchrest, said: “Manley’s whole heart was set on glorifying God in his mortal flesh and his union with his Master. It was like a marriage intimacy and relationship that was so unique it was mystical. And this relationship was for better or for worse, in sickness and in health, until death took him into the presence of God.”If anyone reading this post has a special remembrance or testimony to what Manley meant in your life that you would like to share, I would appreciate hearing from you. I have already received many inspiring and touching testimonials from many whose lives he impacted over the years. The best way to send any comments would be by email at ronowens3@gmail.com

In Grateful Remembrance

admin — Tue, 28 Aug 2007 00:42:39 +0000

Major W. Ian Thomas went home to be with the Lord early Wednesday, August 1. In our hearts we stop to salute him and to give thanks to the Lord for his life. Like so many, we were blessed and privileged to meet him and to be ministered to through his life and message. He impacted our lives in the early 70s when, in the providence of God, we were thrown together with him in ministry in a church in Barrie, Ontario, Canada. Later, after the publishing of our first musical, “Alive Again,” the Major became aware of its emphasis on the indwelling life of Christ and asked if we’d be open to having Capernwray arrange a UK tour presenting the work in all four “countries.” This was done some months later with a choir of 100 voices during which we experienced God’s blessings upon each of the presentations.

Subsequently we had the honor and privilege to minister with him on a number of occasions. This statement of the Major’s still resonates in our hearts and minds:

I can’t, He never said I could. He can, He always said He would.

And so, like him, our hope ever rests on the indwelling life of Christ who abides in our hearts. He will be missed, but how much richer our lives have been for having been touched by his.

LOUD…

admin — Sat, 11 Aug 2007 00:10:35 +0000

“We’re sorry. We forgot to tell you to bring your earplugs.” This is what we were told by friends who had invited us to attend a Sunday AM worship service at their church. They actually were in the habit of carrying earplugs with them to church, and we would soon find out why.

I am in the process of writing another book on worship. I think I will title one of the chapters, “When Did God Go Deaf?” This is in no way meant to trivialize God, but rather to look at something that has been happening in many churches in recent years.

I expect we would all agree that worship is for God; that He is the object of our worship, that He is the audience. This being the case, why is it that sound systems must be turned up so high as to hurt the ears? It didn’t used to be that way. What has changed? Why is this happening? What are we to conclude? The only answer I can presently come up with is, either God is losing His hearing or, what we are doing is no longer primarily for Him but for the feeling/emotion it provides the participants who must be getting some kind of lift off of “loud.”

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