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!
(John 20:19-20) “Then the same day at evening, being the first day of the week, when the doors were shut where the disciples were assembled for fear of the Jews, came Jesus and stood in the midst, and saith unto them, Peace be unto you. And when he had so said, he shewed unto them his hands and his side. Then were the disciples glad, when they saw the Lord.” (KJV)
“The disciples in that upper room were glad when they saw the Lord. Their fears were calmed! There is a look that has gladdened the hearts of all of His children down through the ages… when they SEE the Lord in all of their circumstances. There is also a Book that gladdens the hearts of His children… we call it The Bible. There is also a place that gladdens… it is the place where the Lord has promised to assemble with His church as they meet in His name. This meeting turns us from the sad world around us… a place of moral decay… a place bold indecency… a place of mental instability.
Many blessings are ours and many needs are met when we do not neglect this assembly. The Apostle, Thomas, was absent on this occasion and missed seeing the Lord. Unbelief was the result.
When we forsake the assembly, we fail to enrich ourselves with His presence for He has promised to be “in the midst” of His church when they meet… even if they number only two or three. We will miss the encouragement of His people too. God’s people encourage and edify one another when they meet. It is like a family reunion on each Lord’s Day. No doubt, every Christian can testify of being encouraged by brothers and sisters in Christ at just the right time when they came together in the assembly. The message from God’s servant, the lifting of our voices in songs of praise and the warm greetings of God’s wonderful people give us wonderful peace and joy.
Our daily communion in our closets of prayer is all-important. We would be weakened greatly if we neglected it, but the assembly gives us an opportunity to bless the lives of others who need it. To be in fellowship with the Lord and His people brings the joy of fulfillment. It has been to me, and to many others, a classroom of learning of God’s will and ways. Let us not forsake this assembly “as the manner of some is,”! There seems, however, to be “many” today who are “forsaking” it.”
Pastor Ed Bowen
Conclusion
Indeed, every pastor can identify with this devotional post. The opportunity to meet in the house of God certainly GLADDENSthe heart like nothing else! May God bless you today as you venture into the fellowship of the Saints!
