Sacred Intent by Brent Crowe

This book is not for the stars of the Christian world. Rather, it is for everyday Christians who are living seemingly normal, mundane lives yet want to make a difference. Crowe provides encouragement in figuring out how that influence can be generated.

Don't expect this to be a productivity book. It is devotional in nature and is a good source for us to look at our lives and how we live them out with sacred intent.

Crowe likens all of life to seven days. Each day relates to a theme he covers. Monday is the start of a new work week and the theme is influence. He reminds us that God designed us for influence and leadership. We learn lessons from Moses/Joshua and Paul/Timothy. Tuesday is a good day to realize time is limited and we are reminded what happens to our time when we are not intentional with it. Crowe wants us to live each day on purpose with purpose.

Wednesday is about our calling – what gives us purpose. He looks at four aspects: church, family, citizen, and contributor. He emphasizes living in connection with Jesus and having our identity in Him. Thursday is about engaging the world and how God wants our life to be saturated with salt and light. Friday covers relationships, both friendships and collaborative efforts. Saturday is a good day for thinking about motivation. Motivation produces focus resulting in obedience to God's call on our lives. “Sunday is the perfect day for believing the impossible.” (205) It's the day to dream of ideas that would turn the world upside down.

This would be a great book to read on a week vacation or retreat. Crowe helps us think through many issues in our life and encourages us to live each moment with sacred purpose. He gives great examples from his own life and the lives of others. He offers insight from Scripture too. He includes practical advice, like how to choose a mentor. He has included an Appendix with positive statements about each day's topics and a prayer as a review and aid for transforming our lives.

My favorite section was the one on time. “How we use our time is a reflection of our understanding, or misunderstanding, of God's purpose for our lives.” (62) Ouch.

I recommend this book to those who have the desire to see their lives make a difference but just don't know how to go about it. You'll get some great encouragement as you think through your life and decide to live with sacred intention.

My rating: 5/5 stars.

Brent Crowe is currently serving as vice president for Student Leadership University and is a popular speaker across the U. S. and abroad. He is the author of several books. He has a doctorate in philosophy and two masters degrees from Southeastern Baptist Theological Seminary. He and his wife have three children and live in Florida. You can find out more at www.brentcrowe.com and www.slulead.com.

Worthy Publishing, 272 pages.

I received a complimentary digital copy of this book from the publisher for the purpose of an independent and honest review.