The Craig T. Owens Audio Blog

Journaling is more than just something for women in rom-coms, it's a practice that has been utilized by many important people throughout history. In our country the journals of the Founding Fathers are full of writings that became the basis of the government we still have today. While your journals might not be the beginnings of a new country, they are still a valuable tool that can help enhance your leadership. Join Greg and me as we discuss the leadership-enhancing power of journaling. Watch the video version of this conversation.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

There is an incredible assurance and boldness when God confirms His word to our hearts. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

This may be the single most well known word in the world!  Watch the video version of this episode. The Scriptures I reference in this video are Matthew 5:18; 1 Peter 4:11; 5:11, 18; 2 Corinthians 1:20.  Learn more about my book of prayers called Amen Indeed by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jesus gets this cycle of power started for us so that we can live increasingly effective and productive lives that bring God more and more glory.  Watch the video version of this sermon.  Here are all of the Scriptures referenced in this message.  Please check out the other messages in the Friends of the Faith series by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

It's a good question: Why would I put all of this effort into writing yet another book? The simple answer: This book basically wrote itself!  Watch the video version of this interview.  In their book Spiritual Leadership, Henry and Richard Blackaby wrote, "Biblical praying can be the most challenging, exhausting, laborious, and yet rewarding thing leaders do. … More than any other single thing leaders do, their prayer life determines their effectiveness." This is exactly why I wrote Amen Indeed—I wanted to help shepherd leaders with this laborious yet rewarding discipline. You can pick up a copy by clicking here. And if you also want to check out the book that Jim Wiegand held up during this interview, get your copy of When Sheep Bite here.

There are 3 very important words Jesus gives to His servants who are looking forward to His second coming. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

There are two amazing gifts Jesus gives His saints so that they can continue to grow in their intimate knowledge of His goodness.  Watch the video version of this sermon. Check out the other messages in this series from 2 Peter called Friends of the Faith. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

All uncertainty is made certain in the One and Only Jesus. You may also want to check out: The powerful name of Jesus The Advent "nicknames" of Jesus ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The world finishes the well-known cliche "With friends like these" in a rather somber way. Christians must find a different way to complete this phrase, and the apostle Peter gives us four places to start. Watch the video of this sermon.  Check out all of the message in this series from the book of 2 Peter by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

It seems like many people put business and faith in two separate boxes, considering them entirely different topics of discussion. Greg and I completely disagree—the Bible is a resource for all areas of our lives, from the board room to the living room. That's why we wrote our Business By The Book series. This is a guide to help you apply biblical principles to the corporate world. In today's episode we preview the first book in this series: Business by the Book: What the Bible says about a CEO's vision-casting. Watch the video version of this conversation. Order your copy today!  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

If the answer you hoped for—prayed for—has been so long in coming that you now fear the answer may never come, here is a story that will renew and unleash your faith to believe for a miracle.  Check out my book on prayer called Amen Indeed.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Coming into the king's presence can be a fearful activity. Through the life of King David, we can see how we can approach the throne of King Jesus without fear of judgment.  Watch the video version of this sermon.  Here are all of the Scriptures referenced in this message.  If you've missed any of the other Royal Psalms we've discussed in this series, you can check them all out here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

When it comes to leaders being hurt by those under their care, it is not a matter of if but when. How leaders respond to these attacks reveal three key attributes that must be addressed. On the Ailbe Podcast, T.M. Moore and Rusty Rabon asked me what attributes pastors needed to develop to respond to sheep bites in a God-honoring way.  Watch the video version of this interview.  Watch more videos based on my book When Sheep Bite here.  Pick up a copy of my book for yourself or for your pastor here. 

Although Jesus didn't lash out at those who reviled Him, He did have a very important conversation.  My book When Sheep Bite is all about seeking to respond supernaturally when we have been treated unfairly and unkindly. This book is especially for pastors, but I also shared several posts and videos for all Christians in a series called When Sheep Bite Sheep. You may also want to check out these related blog posts: What Jesus didn't say Sometimes your silence says a lot Eloquent silence Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Alexander the Great startled a dozing soldier on guard duty and learned that his name was also Alexander. Clearly, this soldier's conduct was not representative of his leader who had the same name.  Watch the video version of this clip.  The full sermon from which this clip came is here. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

When I would be struggling with stick-to-it-iveness, my Mom would say to me, "Anything worth having is worth working for." From a young age, she was encouraging me to grind through the tough work to get to the payoff on the other side.  This is a great leadership principle, not only for leaders but for the teams they lead as well. Check out this clip where Greg and I talk about the grind necessary to achieve greatness. Watch the video version of this clip.  My book When Sheep Bite will help pastors who are trying to grind through the painful experience of biting sheep. This book has helped so many pastors see the factors that led up to the bite, the biblical responses to bites, and the resilience we can discover to help these shepherd leaders stay faithful to God's calling. Check it out! ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

There are only two ways for a leader to cast vision for their personal life and for the organization they lead: Your way or God's way. Please pick up a copy of Business by the Book: What the Bible says about a CEO's Vision-casting today. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

What's more impactful: living a good life or doing good deeds? Let's talk about that on this episode of The Podcast. Watch the video version of this episode.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Psalm 98 is a call to worship because our King is coming to judge the world. Does that seem like cause for rejoicing? It certainly is when you consider how our King will carry out His judgments.  Watch the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed and of the other messages on these Royal Psalms, you can find them all here.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Even Charles Spurgeon—a man called "the prince of preachers"—recognized the heavy responsibility of God's call on someone to serve as a pastor. The best resource a pastor can tap into is prayer, and I would suggest that the first person a pastor should pray for is himself. This is where my book Amen Indeed can be a huge blessing. This is a book that helps pastors turn the Scriptures into prayer. If you are a pastor who has been wounded in your ministry work, you may also want to check out my book When Sheep Bite.

Andrew Murray claimed that a careful study of the longest chapter in the Bible is a key to unlocking the study of the rest of the Bible. Here he gives us six things to notice in Psalm 119.  I took time with my congregation to look at each 8-verse section individually, and then see how those sections amplified the entire 119th Psalm. You may want to use this series as a means of helping you study this amazing chapter.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Being reminded and assured that Jesus is the all-powerful, all-knowing King of kings should give Christians a sense of security like nothing else will. Living from this place of security becomes a powerful testimony to the world. Check out the video version of this sermon. Here are all of the Scriptures referenced in this message → http://bible.com/events/49643192 If you've missed any of the other messages about the Royal Psalms, check out our series All Hail King Jesus by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The longer someone is a Christian the more they should look like Jesus.  Watch the video version of this sermon clip.  You can check out the full sermon that this clip came from by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

A sneak peak at Chapter 1 of our "Business by the Book" book for CEO's in their role as vision-casters.  You can check out this episode of The Craig and Greg Show where we talk more about this project. And then pick up a copy of Business by the Book: A CEO's Vision-casting.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens 

King David composed a psalm of praise in which he expressed his desire for all nations and all people to know the King of kings personally. That is still the invitation Christians should be extending today. Watch the video version of this sermon.  If you've missed any of the other messages on the Royal Psalms, you can find them all here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

An insidious killer may be stalking your organization. As you look around at your team some of them may have already resigned. They might be showing up every day, but mentally and spiritually they have already quit trying. Join Greg and I as we discuss how resignation can creep in, and how your example of resilience can help stave it off. Check out the video version of this leadership conversation.  Greg and I have co-authored the first book in our new series Business By The Book. Get your copy today.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Screwtape, the wily demon in C.S. Lewis' book about the strategies used to tempt Christians, knows the importance of getting Christians to yell "Mine!" about their daily agenda.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

An outstanding year-long read for both those who are already fans of G.K. Chesterton and for those who have never before heard of this amazing author. Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

There is no finish line for you while God still has you on earth. If you're still here, He's still working on you so that He can work through you. So take a deep breath. If you're still breathing, God still has a plan for you. Don't worry about the finish line (God will take care of that), but keep learning, growing, and serving all the way to the end.  Watch the video version of this sermon.  Check out all of the verses in this sermon → http://bible.com/events/49636879 Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Is it really true that practice makes perfect? And if so, what exactly does perfection look like? Check out this episode of The Podcast.  Watch the video version of The Podcast.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The "Hall of Fame of Faith" in Hebrews 11 tells us about people who saw and heard what God promised them long before those things came to be.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Psalm 95 is both an invitation and a warning, and it's important that we heed both of them. Watch the video version of this sermon.  Here are all of the Scriptures referenced in this message.  If you've missed any of the other royal psalms which we have already explored, you can find them all by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Gentleness is both a safe word and an unsafe word, which makes gentleness such an indispensable trait for shepherd leaders. Check out this clip from my time on the Leading from Alignment podcast. Watch the video version of this conversation.  Please check pick up a copy of When Sheep Bite today. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The Bible has much to say to those who talk about others, and none of it is good.  You may also want to check out a couple of related posts: Exposing the bitterness of gossip Slander don'ts and dos [Video] Goals instead of gossip Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The clothing of King David not only points us to the clothing of King Jesus, but also the clothing of the saints as well.  Watch the video version of this sermon.  Here are all of the Scriptures referenced in this message → http://bible.com/events/49631557  If you would like to check out the other Royal Psalms that we've already looked at, you can find those here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

A storm is coming. What are you going to do: brace for it or run for cover? Watch the video version of this episode.  The Scriptures I reference in this video are Proverbs 27:12; Matthew 6:8, 32; James 1:2-4; and Romans 5:3-5. I also mentioned a previous related blog post entitled Faith Over Fear. One of the storms many leaders face is the attack from those whom they lead. I address this topic extensively—and a better alternative to a fight-or-flight response—in my book When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

As our lives are transformed, we become living, breathing testimonies to others of the life-changing power of God's love in us and through us.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

This prayer of King David not only points to the advent of King Jesus, but it outlines a pattern for the servants of the King to live out every day.  Watch the video version of this sermon.  If you would like to check out the other Royal Psalms we have already unpacked, please click here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Greg and I promise we aren't here to nitpick your grammar, but in some instances understanding the full meaning of words can help us to realize how they are affecting our patterns of thinking. In today's episode we are discussing cooperation and collaboration—two words that are often used interchangeably. However, a deeper examination reveals that their differences can be the deciding factor between a surviving team and a thriving team. Watch the video version of this conversation.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

This is a vital book to helping you live in a way that brings God glory and fills you with a sense of purpose and satisfaction. Check out my review of " Why Is Greater Than What" by Jim Wiegand.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

A righteous father who came on the scene some 2800 years ago is still speaking valuable lessons for men (and especially fathers) today.  Watch the video version of this sermon.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Charles Spurgeon, the man called the Prince of Preachers, knew how important it was for his congregation to be praying for him. Check out the video version of this episode.  Order a copy of Amen Indeed today for your favorite pastor. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Our King wants our lives to be valuable currency for His kingdom.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

The Book of Proverbs anticipates the role of the Holy Spirit who will bless us with "skillful and godly Wisdom" and help us "get understanding...from God's Word and life's experiences."  Watch the video version of this sermon.  Check out all of the verses in this sermon → http://bible.com/events/49621450 Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

One of the most difficult—but rewarding—decisions a leader will ever make is to honestly confront themselves on their part in a relationship or organizational problem. Check out the video version of this conversation.  Check out the full conversation Greg and I had on the Craig and Greg Show episode called Growth from the Hard Road. And you may also want to check out a whole series of messages I shared in the series Thankful in the Night. Get more information on my book When Sheep Bite by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

As the writer of Hebrews instructs saints on how they should interact with their leaders. But what if we flip the script to see how leaders should live in a way that allows others to follow them.  This is part 88 in my series on godly leadership. You can check out all of my posts in this series by clicking here. And you may also want to check out my books for church leaders—Shepherd Leadership and When Sheep Bite. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Jesus was sustained in doing His Father's work by the joy that He knew would be realized in the completed work. This joy in the Holy Spirit is the same thing that keeps Christians delighted in their duties today. Watch the video version of this sermon.  Check out all of the Bible verses in this sermon.  Check out all of the messages in this series about the power of the Holy Spirit in our lives by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

If you are reading the Gospels with the words of Jesus printed in red, there is one place where the red ink virtually disappears: When Jesus is on trial before Pilate, Herod, and the Sanhedrin. There's an important lesson here for us.  Check out the video version of this clip.  This clip was from a sermon entitled The Essential Confession. The Scripture I reference in this clip is Matthew 16:24-27. I allude to three related blog posts: The point of the Gospel Eloquent silence Should Christians debate? My book When Sheep Bite addresses some biblical responses to the attacks that come our way. I encourage you to check it out. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

A true-life story that reads like a fictional crime story. Check out my book review of "Night of the Assassins." Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

Temptation isn't sin, but it's an invitation to allow the Holy Spirit to help us overcome temptation's pull, just as He helped Jesus when He was tempted.  Check out the video version of this sermon.  Check out all of the other messages in our series We Are: Pentecostal by clicking here. ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎

When some sort of chemical or toxin is spilled in the environment it doesn't just stay put, it spreads, corrupting everything around it. The same principle is true in our organizations—toxic behaviors that are allowed to fester will spread until they consume your entire team. So put on your hazmat suit and join Greg and me as we address common toxic behaviors and offer strategies on how to root them out before they can take hold. Check out the video version of this conversation.  Check out my blog, my other podcasts, my books, and so much more at http://linktr.ee/craigtowens  ►► Would you please prayerfully consider supporting this ministry? My Patreon supporters get behind-the-scenes access to exclusive materials. ◀︎◀︎