Cornerstone

2 Tim 2:20-26 (24)

Dr. C. E. Cowen was a big man. Not only was he of large frame physically but he was also large in spiritual and intellectual impact. He was an influential man and moved freely among the holiness peoples of different movements. He was respected and loved. Something that should not be overlooked, however, is that he was faithful in service. After pastoring for a time Dr. Cowen became the president of Kansas City College and Bible School where he served effectively for 25 years. His life had a powerful impact upon many ministerial students who went out to influence their world. Even after Dr. Cowen left Kansas City College and Bible School he did not pause in service. He started another school while pastoring and continued to be used of God until the Lord called him home. Faithful in service. Who invented the notion that people called of God ever retire except for health or extenuating circumstances. Dr. Cowen understood what Paul meant when he said, “I press toward the mark. . . ” (Ph 3:14) He did not stop until he could say with Paul, “I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith.” (2 Ti 4:7) The work is great and it is incomplete. Today we need more pace setters like Dr. Cowen who will remind us that we are saved to serve not to sit.

Dr. Gayle Woods

1 Peter 2:11-15 (12)

Another one had come to our door. I looked up at my mother as she talked to the bedraggled man through the screen door. I heard him say, “I’m hungry. Could you spare some food for me?” Without hesitation she answered, “Yes. Sit down on the porch while I prepare you a meal. It will be a little while.”

It was not a sandwich that my mother prepared for those men. No, she cooked a full hot meal each time one of those men would come to our house. The delicious smelling meal was then delivered to the man sitting on the porch step along with a drink. I watched him from the window as he attacked the hot meal and cleaned up every drop on his plate.

It was this early example which made it easy for me to understand the concept of good works in the Christian life. Although every recipient of our good works may not understand our purpose is not only to relieve the hurts and right the ills of society but foremost to bring glory to God. When you do some thing for someone in need in Jesus name it is as if you were doing it for Him.

Dr. Gayle Woods