Tom the Preacher

40 is a significant number in the Bible.
It rained 40 days and nights with Noah's flood.
Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days.
Israel wandered in the desert for 40 years.
Jesus was tempted in the wilderness for 40 days.
And it was 40 days between Jesus' resurrection and His ascension into glory.
It's been 40 days since Roz was taken home to be with the Lord.
I don't want to let a milestone like this go unnoticed in my journey without her. Join me for Today's Dailiy Word & Prayer as we process this together.

We've got to be careful how we handle our difficult times of sadness and grief. That includes being careful who we listen to -- even well-meaning people who care about us, but have not yet made much progress in overcoming their own trauma. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer, where I'll share how I listened to the wrong people this weekend, and it wasn't good.

I'll admit it: losing My Wife Has Shaken Me. Something deep inside isn't the same. Scripture promises that those who trust in the Lord won't be shaken. Does being shaken mean I have no trust in God? If you are shaken by loss, does that mean you don't have faith? Join me for Today's Daily Word & Prayer to see how I am processing this.

Scripture Used in Today's Message
Matthew 7:24-27
Hebrews 12:25-27
Psalm 125:1
Psalm 112:6-7
Psalm 16:8
Psalm 62:2, 6
Psalm 21:7
Psalm 55:22

It's been five weeks since my beloved Roz went to be with God. Every day, people ask how I'm doing. Something happened yesterday to remind me I still have a long way to go. Join me for Today's Daily Word & Prayer as I seek to step back and understand my life over the past five weeks.

Roz was a wonderful person whose love added so much to those she knew. Now that she's gone, it's up to me and my family to preserve her legacy. If we do a good job, her godly impact will contiunue even though she is gone; if we are negligent, as hard as it is to believe, she will soon be forgotten. Join me for Today's Daily Word & Prayer as I discuss Roz's legacy and how I intend to carry it on as long as I can.

Today's message is not for those who are OK with a shallow relationship with God. It will make sense only to those who want to know Him more deeply. In Today's Daily Word & Prayer, we are going onto Holy Ground to discover why God would wound one of His precious children. Roz walked this path as have many true saints throughout history. It's a path I believe God has called me to walk now, and maybe He's asking you to as well.

Scripture used in today's message
Hosea 6:1-3
Hebrews 12:4-11

Do you trust your own thoughts during times of deep grief? Personally, I don't. We have a spiritual enemy who seeks to exploit our pain by whispering lies to us -- lies about God, lies about others, and lies about ourselves. Believing these lies can be devastating. In Today's Daily Word & Prayer, I identify some of the lies I have been tempted to believe. Join me and learn how to combat them.

Some problems can't be fixed. If you are grieving the loss of a loved one, you can't get them back. We can be grateful for the people who show us love and concern (and I am grateful for all those who have done so with me), but there's a grief that can't be spoken; there's a pain goes on and on. It's in these times God wants to do what no person can do. He brings a peace beyond comprehension. Prayer in times of dispair is an important way we experience this grace from God. In today's Daily Word & Prayer, I will pray for people who are suffering grief and need to find the comfort of God

My beloved wife, Roz, passed away 28 days ago. In today's Daily Word & Prayer, I share with you some things I've learned about helping a grieving person (specifically, helping me).

Our heavenly Father took Roz to heaven 27 days ago. It feels a LOT longer than that. Why does time feel so warped during this time of grief?  What is God doing in us during these times? Join me for Today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more.
Also, I am so grateful for your prayers for me. Please also include our five adult children, their spouses, and our 14 grandchildren. They are grieving as well.