Category: Blog

Never thought you would live alone is the thought of many. Sadly, it happens to someone every day. In America, there are 3.25 million men who are widowers. However, the widows outnumber the men; their number is 11.8 million—making the combined total without mates over 15,000,000. These numbers are staggering. 

Widowhood and single parenting are not new phenomena. In biblical times, many were alone, relying on ingenuity and the Lord. Their stories serve as a source of comfort and inspiration for the large group of widows today. 

Naomi, a woman from Bethlehem, and her family moved to Moab due to a famine in Israel. There, her husband Elimelech and two sons died, leaving her with her daughters-in-law. In a twist of fate, Naomi decided to return to Israel with one daughter-in-law, Ruth, following. There, they found comfort and support. 

Jedediah, the wife of King Amon, Josiah’s mom, was widowed when her husband was killed at age 24 (2 Kings 21:19). As a young widow, she raised her son to become one of the honorable kings of Judah.  

Esther’s story, while not mentioning her parents’ names, is a testament to divine intervention. Her older cousin, Mordechai, took her in as his daughter. Through God’s intervention, she became queen of the Persian Empire, a position that allowed her to save her people from a mass massacre.  

The widow of Nain, who had only one son, was on her way to his burial. Jesus stopped the funeral procession, touched the coffin, and the young man arose and spoke to his mom. Relieving this widow’s sorrow. 

The Zarephath widow was down to her last meal during a famine. That’s when God ordered Elijah to go and see her (1 Kings 17:12). Through God’s intervention, she had food for the duration of the famine. 

The Old and New Testaments make strong statements about assisting orphans and widows. James emphatically states, “You must help needy orphans and widows” (1:27 CEV). Exodus orders God’s children, “Do not mistreat widows or orphans” (22:22 CEV). 

As the Bible repeatedly emphasizes, obeying scripture is always the best course of action. When we do, our God keeps a record of such deeds, bringing us a sense of fulfillment and joy. So, take the time to help widows and orphans, knowing you are following God’s guidance and positively impacting their lives. 

Slow down! Those two words will change your life—spiritually.  “But I can’t,” you say. These three words, if left unchecked, will steer your life toward carnal control. It’s a stark contrast to the spiritual freedom that comes with slowing down and listening.  

What’s more important in the Lord’s eyes, your wishes or His? Remember, obedience is the key to unlocking His divine plan for you. 

Moses, a shepherd, was tending his father-in-law’s sheep on the backside of the desert. In this remote and quiet place, he encountered a miraculous sight—a bush was on fire and not burning up. As Moses approached, he heard a voice, the voice of God. There were no distractions, crowds, or frightening sounds, just God, Moses, and the burning bush. Then God spoke. Moses could hear the voice of God. 

The second person is Elijah, an Old Testament prophet God used in many events. For example, Elijah announced there would be no rain for three years, and it didn’t rain for that period. Then the widow Zarephath flour bin, thought empty supplied meal until the drought was over. Later, Elijah challenged the prophets of Baal to call down fire from heaven. They couldn’t. But Elijah later prayed for fire to consume his water-drenched sacrifice, which God did (1 Kings18:38).

Afterwards, Elijah executed the prophets of Baal. Then, he ran at the threat of queen Jezebel for killing her prophets. Forty days later, alone in a cave, God spoke again to the prophet (1 Kings 19:9). You know the conversation. God wasn’t in the wind, earthquake, or fire, but the prophet heard a whispering voice. It was God speaking! 

These two OT personalities demonstrate that our loving God doesn’t shout. He is patient and waiting for His servants to slow down so they can hear His quiet, non-threatening, instructive voice.  

You and I need to remind ourselves that God wants to speak to us in our hearts. We can only hear His instructions if we slow down and situate ourselves in a quiet place. In other words, be available when He’s ready to speak concerning His desires and our needs. He knows when the time is right for His desires to happen. That doesn’t mean God will speak immediately when we sit still for 15 minutes. The Lord has His own timetable. Pay attention to the word “own” in the last sentence. God is in charge, not us. He sets the schedule. He knows when everything and everybody are ready to receive what He’s about to say and do.  

Moses finally listened to the Lord and eventually led Israel out of Egypt. Elijah, however, still would not comply and said he was the only one left to serve the Lord (1 Kings 19:14). God disagreed and commissioned Elisha to take over. 

So, what about you and me? The simple answer is when God speaks—listen. Not only listen but follow His instructions. If we do, we’ll be amazed at what God will do with and through us. 

Being in Christ, we should always be on the spiritual mountaintops. That’s not me. What about you? Spiritual valleys are those low places between the mountains. That’s where you will find me most of the time—struggling with the mundane stuff of life. That’s what I prefer. Don’t shake things up. Keep life on an even keel. Let me sail in the gentle breeze of life. No big waves, just a gentle breeze. Life would be great if we could live in such a tranquil place. 

That’s not God’s plan. He wants us to help those in the storms and earthquakes of life, where things are messy and falling apart, and where people sense the turmoils of life. When life is hurting, that’s our calling. Only a few will venture there. Who wants life to be messy? Not me, maybe you! Give me the plains. NO is God’s answer for me. He shows us the mountains, the rocks, the crevices, and some hard places, but He encourages us to keep climbing. Sure, you will skin your knees and twist your ankle.

Do you quit? It would be better to let yourself heal and then get up and climb some more. Slip on the slippery places again. The climb may become more tremulous and the crowd sparse. No one is within conversation distance, but there you are. You’re talking to yourself. What’s scary is that you’re answering yourself. You may find that you’re arguing with yourself. Then there’s a tap on your shoulders, the voice that says I’m glad you made it this far. The voice is penetrating. This sound is reassuring and encouraging. It’s then you realize that it’s God whispering in your ear. There’s a moment of tranquility, peace, and solitude. 

The Lord reminds you that down below are the ones who have never experienced God’s peace or heard His voice. “Would you go down,” He asks. “Would you share my Son with them,” the Lord says.  

Argue with God if you dare, but make it short. Leave your comfortable abode and go where the hurting people are. “Don’t worry, I’ll be with you. I’ll bring you back up here when you complete the work. But now, go and work where the people are. You will be eternally grateful, and they will be too.” 

Peter failed many times. You may ask, Why? That’s the only way he could learn.

Failure helps you to realize you don’t know it all. Someone else may discover your future before you do. You may even keep resisting doing what God intended for you to do.

Peter almost decapitated Malchus, the servant of the High Priest in the Garden of Gethsemane. He missed and just sliced his ear off. Jesus said, “Put your sword up.” Then Jesus picked up the man’s severed ear and reattached it. Many people observed the miracle of reattachment. Notice that the observing soldiers did nothing—no arrests for the attempted murder.

Later, when Peter witnessed the trials of the Lord, he realized he had denied knowing Jesus three times. When the rooster crowed in the morning, the eyes of the Lord met Peter’s eyes. Peter realized what he said and went where he could privately ask for forgiveness (Luke 22:62).

Peter and six other disciples went fishing after the Lord’s crucifixion and resurrection. They fished all night without a nibble. At daybreak, the disciples saw the Lord standing on the shore. He said, “Move your net to the right side of the boat.” Then, 153 fish swam into their net.

Spiritual success happens when you obey the Lord, not before. When the day of Pentecost came—there was a prerequisite—prayer.

Timing is everything in the Lord’s work. Nothing miraculous happens without His blessings. Think about the previous sentence and reflect on it. You will see the hand of God moving in your life, waiting for you to arrive at the place where you’re willing for God to use you.

Then it happens. All the preliminaries were the times of God’s patience. Waiting for you to submit. Finally, things begin to change when you allow God to control your life. Do your part and let God do His; all will be well for eternity.

Last winter, I decided to keep track of my walks. So, I set my goal. It’s an ambitious one for me, 500 miles in a year. That’s a long way. It takes me more than a tank of gas to drive that distance. What would the distance do to my shoes? Would they last, or should I buy new ones?

As a math person, let’s break the mileage into doable parts. Somehow, 2 miles per day seemed like the trick. Next, I measured the mileage around the neighborhood. The plan seems entirely plausible, at least in my thinking. If I walked 250 times a year, I could do it. Two miles a day for 250 days. The math says 500 miles. The goal was to do 21 monthly walks.

January was cold. Temperatures were below 20° in the morning. It’s too frigid for me. I missed my goal by walking for only 18 days. February didn’t fare much better weather, and appointments conflicted with my schedule. I was really behind my schedule. March and April were cooperating, and I began to make up lost ground. May and June were kind. Finally, I was on schedule. I made the 250-mile mark, and I’m halfway there. July was good. August wasn’t too hot in the mornings. I had to hustle in September. Rainy mornings were disruptive.

Only 100 miles to go, and I still have 3 months. Things are looking good. But I don’t know if the weather, schedule, and health will cooperate.

If your legs work, the lungs expand, and heart beats, you, too, can set a goal of 500 miles. The pace isn’t important, but determination is required. There’ll be good days, and then there will be bad days where it’s an effort to put on your shoes and open the door. You’ll have to push yourself.

October was good, and I got ahead of schedule. Then came November, the goal’s insight. I got to double up some and completed my goal two days early.

I just coasted in December. It felt good. Real good. I would have patted myself on the back, BUT I couldn’t reach it. But I did congratulate myself. I did it!

What’s your goal for this year? If I remember, I’ll ask you in 2026.

Making plans is what we do—always planning. Whether it’s for pleasure or income. Sometimes, we consult others; other times, no one else is involved. Whenever we go or whatever we do, it’s always best to include God. Better yet, let God direct you rather than consulting Him about your plans. 

Listed below are verses to meditate on before you activate your plan. 

We are to “go and learn” (Matthew 9:13). To truly desire to know more about God, we must put forth an effort in going to the Bible. By doing so, everyone learns.

Learning is “work” (Matthew 21:28). One of my earliest learning experiences was tracing the references in the center column of my Bible. Many of the day’s versions don’t include these. Some of the new Bibles include copious notes of background and information. The ESP, CEV, NLT, and NCV the devotional Bible are examples.

The third verse used is Matthew 28:7. This verse encourages us to “go and tell.” Don’t be afraid to share what you know about Jesus and tell what He does for and through you. A Bible scholar you may never be, but you can share your experiences. You’re inspirational and life-changing to your listeners.

Whether you realize it or not, every time you share scripture, even your paraphrase edition, you are making learners of scripture. By doing so, you’re fulfilling scripture (Matthew 28:19), which makes you a proclaimer of God’s Word. Did you realize that?

Not only are we to “go but also do” (Luke 10:37), we are also to show encouragement to those around us. In sharing God’s words, be realistic. If you’re going to mope and be discouraging, do so privately. Even in tough times, there’s a lesson for you and others.

My last thought is in John 8:11. “Go and quit sinning.” As a new creation in Christ, we are to leave our sinful ways behind. That’s impossible for some of your habits, but you can make headway in doing so. Just because you fail in certain areas doesn’t mean you quit on Jesus. You can ask for forgiveness and keep on going. Remember one thing: quitting on God is not in the Bible.

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God, the Father, waited patiently for centuries for Joseph and Mary. Our heavenly Father knew before the creation of Adam and Eve who would raise Jesus properly for His mission. No couple would choose a barn as the birthplace of the Son of God, but God did.

Our Father always chooses the best time to do His will. The circumstances may not be ideal in man’s eyes. The timing may seem inappropriate, as well as the people He chooses. However, our heavenly Father knows how, who, and when is best for all involved. That’s the reason why you are reading this. God has a mission for you. You may not think so, but you’re here. Now is God’s time for you to fulfill His desire.

Joseph pondered the situation with Mary, and the heavenly Father confirmed Joseph’s mission (Matthew 1:20-24). Joseph and Mary fulfilled their mission, and our world is different as a result. When you realize your mission, your circumstances and those around you may change.

One thing is for sure: God’s leading is never wrong! The occasion may seem crazy to you. God chose the time, place, and you to come together for His glory.

Joseph and Mary obeyed. The Savior was born. Jesus changed the world and your life. Christmas happened. God is in control!

As we look at the birth of Christ, take a moment, maybe several minutes, and reflect on how God appointed the right time. Now is your time here on this earth, not a hundred years ago and not a hundred in the future. The lives that touch your life for the Lord were not here decades ago. The resources enhancing your life were unavailable in a previous time. The medication you take was only available recently. The mode of transportation that you use to make your life easier and faster wasn’t here either. Your access to the gospel may not have happened. Twenty years ago, the person who shared the Word of God couldn’t cross your path. The job you do wasn’t around back in the day. The books you read didn’t exist either.

God has you here and now for a particular reason. Your timing is now—it’s the right time for events in your life. Look around, take a good look, take a long look. Can you see why you are here now? Maybe you can, perhaps you can’t. Rest assured: God makes no mistakes. This is your time; the events in your life are no surprise to the Almighty.

Mordecai said it best to Esther thousands of years ago. “Yet who knows whether you have come to the Kingdom… for such a time as this?” (Esther 4:34 NKJV). God has a way of arranging our existence, place, and timing for all things to work out for His good and many times for our good. We’re just a piece of life’s puzzle.

The problem is that we aren’t in agreement with God. Consequently, we wander through life trying to figure out what’s missing. When we allow God to direct our lives, everything works out for His glory.

The calendar says it’s fall, but the temperature says winter. It’s cold outside.

“About the times and the seasons: Brothers and sisters, you do not need anything to be written to you” (1 Thessalonians 5:1 CSB). We’re living in a time when God is not first in the lives of many. All you need to do is just look around. One sign I noticed every Sunday morning—very little traffic. I can drive to church in less than 15 minutes and that includes five stop lights. Monday morning, I may not get past the first stoplight in that amount of time.

During my time with the Lord today, He reminded me of a portion of scripture, “The times and the seasons.” Most people are concerned about giving, that is, giving to others. My question to myself refers to me and me only. What am I doing for God? I could ask you the same question, but that’s your business. 

I know what I do for the Lord, but is it enough? Do my actions please my Savior? It seems much of my time is about writing things relating to Jesus. I expressed this thought to a friend. He reminded me that my writing is reaching people that I will never meet or see. But still, to whom am I speaking? That’s the thought that burns in my mind.

Now that I’ve shared my personal life and vented, what am I going to do? The answer will be evident in the future. But this I do know: yesterday is past, and today will be the same. I better plan for a more productive tomorrow in my service for the King of kings.

I hope my reflections will somehow stimulate you to do what only you can do for Christ.

Maybe we’ll do more sharing for Jesus’ sake.