Tag: Rev. Dr. Ken Crawford

Inspirational Words

“This is our time on the history line of God. This is it. What will we do with the one deep exhale of God on this earth? For we are but a vapor and we have to make it count. We’re on your team. Direct us, Lord, and get us on our feet.”
– Beth Moore

Today’s Word

Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.
— Romans 12:11 NIV

Thoughts on the Word

Do you even feel like your faith is cooling? We are supposed to be full of energy and eager all the time, but it is true that sometimes we grow weary. The phrase “keep your spiritual fervor” is the meaning of an idiom in Greek that literally says “to boil in the spirit.” We are to be on fire with the Holy Spirit! That fire is the key to “never be lacking in zeal” and “serving the Lord.” Inspired, empowered, and filled with the Holy Spirit, we can be passionate for Jesus.

Prayer for Today

God of Heaven and Earth, I want to honor you in all I do. I want Jesus to be seen in my actions and speech. I want to reflect your righteous character and your gracious compassion, and I know that without the Spirit’s cleansing and power, I can’t do it. So fill me with your Spirit, cleanse my heart, and make it yours. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

Inspirational Words

“There is no one who is insignificant in the purpose of God.” – Alistair Begg

Today’s Word

[Paul wrote,] For by God’s grace, I am a special messenger from Christ Jesus to you Gentiles. I bring you the Good News so that I might present you as an acceptable offering to God, made holy by the Holy Spirit. So I have reason to be enthusiastic about all Christ Jesus has done through me in my service to God. — Romans 15:15b-17 NLT

Thoughts on the Word

There are moments when we recognize that we are in the center of God’s will, doing what he would have us do, exactly when and where he wants us to do it. Paul is at that place when he writes today’s passage. However, underneath his confidence in what he is doing is an even greater confidence — confidence that the Holy Spirit will take his offering of people and make it holy and acceptable to God. As we live our lives and as our lives interact with and influence other people, let’s pray that the Holy Spirit will make our entire lives holy and acceptable offerings to God. Let’s also pray that we can live in such a way that our words, actions, and influence invite others to come to Jesus!

Prayer for Today

Most Gracious Father God, thank you for the influence you have given me. Please forgive me for the times I have squandered that influence or used it wrongly. Jesus, help me as I seek to lead people ever closer to you. O Holy Spirit, please present my efforts and the people I influence as holy and acceptable offerings to God. I ask all of this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

Inspirational Words

“Life is wasted if we do not grasp the glory of the cross, cherish it for the treasure that it is, and cleave to it as the highest price of every pleasure and the deepest comfort in every pain. What was once foolishness to us—a crucified God—must become our wisdom and our power and our only boast in this world.” – John Piper

Today’s Word

Make it your goal to live a quiet life, minding your own business and working with your hands, just as we instructed you before. Then people who are not believers will respect the way you live, and you will not need to depend on others. — 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 NLT

Thoughts on the Word

As Jesus’ followers, we want to live exemplary lives that bless others and glorify God. We must do our best to be good examples trying to live in peace with all people and want to win the respect of others as we use the golden rule in our relationships. God wants us to be busy doing good deeds, not being busybodies who unsettle others and stir up conflicts.

We must never forget that God wants us to influence unbelievers lovingly “with gentleness and respect.”  We should bless and intercede for our lost friends as we demonstrate and proclaim God’s goodness and grace and use our good influence to make disciples and help others learn to live obediently in God’s grace.

Prayer for Today

Precious and Holy God, there is none like you. There is nothing comparable to you. Thank you for letting me seek you and draw near to you. Thank you for redeeming me and choosing to live inside me through your Spirit. Please lead me and guide me by your Spirit to be transformed to be like your Son, conformed to your will, and fully living out your mission for my life. In Jesus’ name, I pray. Amen.

And when the Chief Shepherd appears,
you will receive the crown of glory
that will never fade away.
1 Peter 5:4 (NIV)

Everyone needs direction in life and God provides the very wisest and most trustworthy people to guide our path. What a wonderful blessing it is to be led by godly, loving shepherds. But as much as we love them and show them respect, they will receive even greater appreciation in heaven!

Glorious God, please bless every faithful and concerned leader in your Church with a clear sense of your blessing and appreciation. Please use me to show this love to your faithful servants as well. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
Psalm 105:4 (NIV)

Most people would admit that life is full of stress and that there is never enough time for the things we enjoy. Our vocations, families and hobbies consume so much of our daily schedule. We must prioritize and actively think about the most important tasks at hand. A form of triage becomes so necessary so we may faithfully follow a routine of activities in order to get through each day in an organized and productive manner. When we honestly evaluate where we use our time, how we spend our money, what we think about most often, and where we put forth our best efforts, what do we find? Is God our consuming passion? Is he our first love?

O mighty Lord, it is hard not to be able to see your face, yet I know my imperfection makes that impossible in light of your awesome holiness. Until that Day I see you face to face in heaven, please make your presence known in my life as I seek you with all of my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Look to the LORD and his strength;
seek his face always.
Psalm 105:4 NIV

Most people would admit that life is full of stress and that there is never enough time for the things we enjoy. Our vocations, families and hobbies consume so much of our daily schedule. We must prioritize and actively think about the most important tasks at hand. A form of triage becomes so necessary so we may faithfully follow a routine of activities in order to get through each day in an organized and productive manner. When we honestly evaluate where we use our time, how we spend our money, what we think about most often, and where we put forth our best efforts, what do we find? Is God our consuming passion? Is he our first love?

Mighty Lord, it is hard not to be able to see your face, yet I know my imperfection makes that impossible in light of your awesome holiness. Until that Day I see you face to face in heaven, please make your presence known in my life as I seek you with all of my heart. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

But Jesus said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God to the other towns also, because that is why I was sent.”
Luke 4:43 NIV

The need for the gospel is greater than ever in our broken world. When you think about the large cities of our modern world, what do you think about? Jesus sees them, and passionately yearns for the lost people in those great cities to be saved!

Most holy and loving God, revive in us, your Church, a passion to reach the lost people of the world’s great cities with the gospel and grace of your Son. In the name of the world’s only true Lord and Savior, Jesus, I pray. Amen.

We pray this so that the name of our Lord Jesus may be glorified in you, and you in him, according to the grace of our God and the Lord Jesus Christ.
— 2 Thessalonians 1:12

I can’t think of a more lofty goal for today than that the name of Jesus be glorified in what we do and say. But then Paul takes it a step further — that we find our glory by being identified with him! As the famed old hymn “Beneath the Cross of Jesus” says it, “my glory all the cross.”

Father of majesty and might, please help me as I strive to plan what my daily activities will be and then prioritize those activities so that my focus and passion are on bringing you glory in all that I do, think, and say. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom, and knowledge of the Holy One is understanding.
— Proverbs 9:10

We look for wisdom in so many worthless and futile places. But ultimate wisdom is found only when we intentionally humble ourselves before our incredible God, giving him the reverence and worship he deserves. Seek the answers to your life in the Word of God.

Magnificent and awesome God, the great expanse of space and the incredible intricacies of the things in your creation that are so small humble me to silence. Please forgive my lapses into ignorant arrogance and lead me in the way of your wisdom. In Jesus name. Amen.