Tom the Preacher

The Book of 1 Timothy was written to instruct us in appropriate church conduct. "First of all," Paul said, "we are to pray." But he gave specific instructions on who to pray for and why. Do you know what those instructions are? Are you following them? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more about this vital, but often neglected, priority for the church. S...

Why do so many people burn out in life? Maybe they just run out of energy.  The challenges of life run their tank dry and they don't know how to fill it back up. In today's Daily Word & Prayer, we'll discover the true energy source and we'll learn the secret to being filled up with the fullness of God. Scripture Used in Today's Message Ephesians 3:18-19 1 John 4 Romans...

Isn't it great to know God wants our lives to be FILLED with PEACE and JOY? Unfortunately, "peace and joy" is just a wish for many of us. How can these qualities become ours in increasing measure? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer as I will share several important steps you can take toward finding real peace and real joy. Scripture Used in Today's Message Romans...

Jesus said the great commandments were to love God and love others. No wonder Paul placed such an emphasis on love in his understanding of the Christian life. He prayed others would abound in love. We, too, should pray this for others and for ourselves Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to discover HOW to pray for this and WHY it's so important Scripture Used in Today's Mes...

Want an Abundant Life? Start by understanding what it looks like. Then pray for it! And KEEP praying for it. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to discover HOW to pray for this and WHY we need to KEEP praying! Scripture Used in Today's Message Colossians 1:9-11 John 10:10 ************ ALASKAN CRUISE ********* Would like to join Tom & Roz Short on a God-focused, fun-filled cr...

God is our Father, our Daddy,  to whom we can always come. Jesus calls us His "friends." Does that mean God is someone we can just chill with? What about those verses that talk about the "Fear of the Lord" and tell us holy men couldn't even look upon God without falling down as dead men? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more about this paradox Scri...

(Note: This recording had some technical difficulties, but I think it's important enough that I posted it anyway.) Disney has chosen to make the education of young children on transgender issues their top priority. What does this tell you about their company? What does it tell us about the state of our culture? What ought a Christian to do in times like this? Is this the proverbial "hill...

Do you have sincere prayers you're afraid to pray because they might be selfish?  Might your spiritual enemy be the one holding you back from turning those desires into prayers to God? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to discover prayers you're allowed to pray and that you SHOULD pray! Scripture Used in Today's Message 2 Thessalonians 1:11-12 Psalm 37:4 ************...

Do you KNOW the Lord? If so, how WELL and ACCURATELY do you know Him? Don't answer this question flippantly, for it is vitally important. Knowing God for who He really is affects your eternal salvation and your ability to become all that God has created you to be. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to discover more about this vitally important topic. Scripture Used in Today&apos...

Hope for the future can drive our behavior in the present. So many people lack real hope of any significant future. But not those of us who believe in Christ.  In fact, our hope is so amazing we will never comprehend it without the supernatural help of God. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to catch a glimpse of that hope and how if can (must) change our whole outlook on life. Scrip...

We come to God in weakness. But do we stay that way? Hopefully not. Unfortunately, many never become mighty. Paul prayed that every one of us would know the greatness of God's power in our lives. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn how YOU can experience this power. Scripture Used in Today's Message Ephesians 1:15-21 Acts 1:8 Philippians 4:13 Joel 3:10 2 Corinthians...

Here are two incredible realities: 1. God knows exactly who you are; you can't hide from Him 2. He loves you more than anyone has ever loved you.  On Sundays, I like to share a song on our Daily Word & Prayer. Today I introduce you to a contemporary artist whose music ministers to me, and I hope will do the same for you. His name is Tauren Wells and here's a link to the song I'l...

The people were hesitating between two opinions -- or, actually, between two "gods." God sent a mighty prophet to call the people back to Himself. Are there parallels between that day and our day? Absolutely! Are you, your family, and your country hesitating between two opinions?  Is your CHURCH struggling with this? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer as we look at Elijah,...

It may seem like a long way off, but have you ever thought about planning your own funeral? I'm not saying to pick out your. casket and favorite flowers (although that's not a bad idea).  Rather, give some thought as to what you'd like people to say about you when you're gone. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn why this is a good thing to do. Scripture Us...

Having reached the "age of retirement," is it time to call it quits? Is retirement something I should be considering? Is it something YOU should look forward to? There might be good reasons to retire... and there might be some not-so-good reasons. And even if you retire from your job, what should you do with your life? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more. Scrip...

Do you consider loyalty to be a virtue? Do you possess this quality? Do others consider you to be a loyal person? Why is this becoming a rare quality and what might tempt you to be disloyal? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more. Scripture Used in Today's Message Proverbs 20:6 Proverbs 22:1 ************ ALASKAN CRUISE ********* Would like to join Tom & Roz Short o...

We plan our way, but God directs our steps. I've found that He directs us in the path of humility before the path of honor. Sometimes it's difficult to see this in the moment and we can become discouraged. Seeing the big picture over time gives us perspective and reminds us of the goodness of God. Do you need encouragement? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer and I think you...

This week is going to be a bit different for our Daily Word & Prayer. I tend to look forward in life rather than look backward, but this week I'll be reflecting on the past. I start by looking at some predictions I made when I was in my 20's -- including what I thought things would be like when I reach my current age. If you're still young, I hope my story will help you have per...

Do you wish you loved Jesus more than you currently do? The classic hymn, More Love to Thee, O Christ,  is more than a worship song; it's the heart cry of someone who wants to love Jesus more and more. The circumstances in which it was written make this prayer even more impactful for our lives today. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more. More love to Thee, O Christ,...

What are your pronouns? Are you a "He/Him" or a "She/Her"? Does it matter how you identify? Does it matter how you address others? Are there deeper issues you ought to consider? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more. Scripture Used in Today's Message Genesis 1:26-27 Proverbs 25:26 ************ ALASKAN CRUISE ********* Would like to join Tom & R...

Some people have been on both sides of the theism / atheism conflict. Today, in our Daily Word & Prayer, I'd like to introduce you to someone who actually FOUGHT on both sides of this conflict and consequently, has some unique insight into the true nature of this spiritual and ideological battle. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more. Also check out Rich's we...

This question has been around for years, as has the answer. Despite a simple and obvious answer, people still ask it.  Why is that? What is the answer? How can you turn it for the good? And furthermore, IS the Bible really infallible? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more. Scripture Used in Today's Message 2 Timothy 3:16 ************ ALASKAN CRUISE ********* Would lik...

Evolution has so confused our thinking that many people conclude humans are nothing more than an animal. The Bible never refers to us as animals other than in a metaphorical way (i.e. sheep, goats, pigs,  dogs, etc).  But if you're not an animal, what are you? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more. Scripture Used in Today's Message Genesis 1:26-27 John 1014-15 **...

No discussion of modern education, indeed, of modern culture, would be complete without considering Charles Darwin. Who was this man? What drove him? Has he had a positive or negative effect on the world? Many people consider him a hero.  Does God look at him that way? Does it matter, and if so, why? Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more. Scripture Used in Today's Mes...

Discouraged? Wonder what's going on? Never forget: This is our Father's world! Join me for today's Daily Word and Prayer to be encouraged by this reality and by the beautiful hymn by this name. This is My Father's World This is my Father's world, And to my listening ears All nature sings, and round me rings The music of the spheres. This is my Father's world: I rest m...