Author: Rev Bill Crawford

Pastor of First Presbyterian Church (Houma/Thibodaux) Husband to Julia Father of three Owner of one dog - "Val" Child of God and loving it!
Posted in 40 Days of Blessing Sermons, sermons

Skunks at the Sacrament!

Posted on by Rev Bill Crawford

The text in Titus this week was particularly challenging – especially when paired with the headline out of Sacramento regarding skunks. But out of that challenge comes a true blessing – listen!
ESV Titus 3:1 Remind them to be submissive to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for every good work, 2 to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all people. 3 For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions and pleasures, passing our days in malice and envy, hated by others and hating one another.

Click below to hear:

week 4 Titus 3 Skunks at the Sacarment

Posted in 40 Days updates

God Saves Us

Posted on by Rev Bill Crawford

Titus3:4-7 was this mornings reading (and Sunday morning’s sermon text).

God saves us. We westerners have grappled with the meaning of this for some time. We really struggle with being “helpless” but the fact is the human is helpless to overcome their sins and the only course to salvation is God’s saving us.

This is further expounded throughout the book of Ephesians but specifically covered in the foundational text of the Reformed Tradition:

Ephesians 2:8-10
English Standard Version (ESV)
8 For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.

What does it mean to you today that the God of the Universe, the one who creates all things, knows all things, is all present, and is all powerful created you? and is calling you to a profound and meaningful relationship?

What does it mean to you that God; being in his very nature all knowing and all powerful, could not create Adam without knowing and creating you?

These are profound, awesome, and wonderful thoughts to live with. They should be life changing and life impacting.

Be blessed, bless God, and bless others.

Posted in 40 Days updates

Big Idea

Posted on by Rev Bill Crawford

Tuesday’s big idea is found in John 8:12-51 as Jesus proclaims who he is.

Jesus lights our path.

Jesus gives us the truth.

Jesus is eternal.

These big ideas should shape the Christian’s life. From the big things down to the little things.

Practical Blessing for the day – Drive nice. Do you glorify God in your treatment of your fellow travelers? Its never too late to start.

Posted in 40 Days updates, Uncategorized

Do Something Friday ( A Day Late)

Posted on by Rev Bill Crawford

I’m on the road this weekend so I missed my post yesterday but today’s devotion has a powerful suggestion. Prayer Walking. Walk you neighborhood or another neighborhood and pray over each and every home you pass.

Prayer really is a powerful weapon. If Christians prayed over every home in our city for 40 days would there be a change?

You bet there would be!

God bless and see you Sunday!

Posted in 40 Days updates

Wednesday’s Thought: The House of the Lord

Posted on by Rev Bill Crawford

Isaiah 2:1-5 describes the establishment of the House of the Lord as preeminent upon the earth. This is such an exciting thing to consider, the physical manifestation of God’s reign on earth will occur in such a manner that none can ignore it.

However, Christ has already come to reveal God as preeminent. We are touched by the living God as Christ dwells among us as the Emmanuel – God with Us!

Bless God today by being focused upon him. Cut your fellow humans some slack – they are only human.

I’m amazed how often focusing on God and just ignoring my daily problems is all the solution I need. It really does make me recognize that the only way for me to become a better person is for me to focus on God more. God must be preeminent in my daily thoughts.

Posted in 40 Days updates

Magnifying God

Posted on by Rev Bill Crawford

Is it possible for a human being to magnify God? Apparently; so if we are students of scripture, we will remember a passage commonly called “The Magnificat”:

Luke 1:46-49 46 And Mary said, “My soul magnifies the Lord, 47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior, 48 for he has looked on the humble estate of his servant. For behold, from now on all generations will call me blessed; 49 for he who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his name.

What a glorious thought but theologically I have issues (Oh do I have issues)- God cannot be made larger can he? Of course not. I as a human cannot add to God’s glory.

But we can call attention to him. We can magnify people’s ability to see and hear God in their lives. By example we can show the love he’s given to us. By example we can praise him. Living changed lives we show symptoms of God at work on earth.

So how will you magnify God today? Mary sang of God’s love for the simple, and poor what will you/I do?