Tom the Preacher

It's easy to fall into depression after losing a loved one who depended on you. Everyone needs to be needed. You were needed; are you still? Join me for Today's Daily Word & Prayer, where I will share how Scripture advises us to find a new purpose in life.

Everyone needs to be needed. My wife needed me. When she went to her eternal home, she no longer needed me, and a big part of my purpose went with her. When there's no one who NEEDS you anymore, you begin to wonder why you should keep living. And if you can't answer that question with a new purpose in life, you might survive without really living. Join me for Today's Daily Word &amp...

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...

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 Mess...

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...

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...

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 com...

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 pea...

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 grievin...

To be loved by your spouse is a special blessing from God. What about those who never married, or those who lose this source of love through death or divorce? Can God Himself be that direct source of love? Can that lonely person triumph? What part do grief and sorrow play in bring us to this triumphant place? Join me for Today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn more.

Last week I was challenged by a man who asked me why I was embarrassed to cry. And he wouldn't accept a shallow answer. What is it about our culture, our upbringing, our expectations, and most importantly, our understanding of God and our Christian faith that tells a man he must suppress his feelings? Join me for Today's Daily Word and Prayer to learn more.

It's been three weeks since my beloved Roz went home to be with Jesus. I'm grieving, and I'm learning about grief. I believe God has things to teach me, and He has things to teach you through the two most significant experiences we will all have -- birth and death. Join me for Today's Daily Word & Prayer as I share some dos and don'ts I'm learning along my journey...

My wife died suddenly and unexpectedly three weeks ago. The pain of this loss has been unlike anything I've ever experienced. People say my faith will get me through this. I know what they mean, but I prefer saying God will be with me as my life journey continues. Join me for Today's Daily Word & Prayer to learn how God can be with you in your journey through difficult times.

I grieve the loss of my beloved wife, Roz. But I have assurance that she is in heaven with Jesus right now. My spirits are lifted when I see through the grief and consider this reality. I want you to see this same reality; I want you to experience this same hope—the hope of eternal life. Join me for Today's Daily Word and Prayer to discover this hope in a very personal way. Scripture Used in...

Identity. It goes to the core of who we understand ourselves to be. From it flows our purpose in life, our values, our very reason to live. My identity as a husband, second only to my identity as a child of God, is not more. That sacred role and responsibility ended in the blink of an eye. Join me for today's Daily Word and Prayer as we process this grief together.

The sadness is obvious; it takes intentionality to find the kindness of God in the midst of the sorrow. But God is kind. He was kind to Roz, and He has been kind to me... and I'm confident He is kind to you. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to hear how God has shown His kindness in special ways these past two days.

Join me for my Daily Word & Prayer as I process the sudden loss of my beloved wife, Roz. Yesterday, we held her memorial service and buried her. People came from far and wide to honor her and to comfort me. I am so appreciative. But I had some unexpected feelings -- mostly positive that I share with you in this video.

I am grateful to all who are joining me on my journey of grief after losing my beloved wife, Roz. Today, I want to take you to her art studio, which she called her "sanctuary." A sanctuary is a holy place where you meet with God. I'll also read a few select entries from her journal.

I hate to admit it, but I've been finding it difficult to pray since Roz's death. Maybe you feel the same way. Join me for today's Daily Word & Prayer to find out what I'm doing about it. Find out more about my ministry at https://linktr.ee/realtomshort

Jesus invites us to come to Him during times of grief and sadness. We don't have to get better first; He meets us right where we're at. He is a true friend. My dear wife, Roz, suddenly and unexpectedly was called home just days ago. I'm using my Daily Word & Prayer to process my grief, and I invite you to join me on this journey either to help heal your own heart or to understan...

I've been married my entire adult life. Everything I've done, every significant decision I've made, has been in conjunction with Roz. In today's video, I'm contemplating how that will change. I'm using my Daily Word & Prayer to process my grief, and I invite you to join me on this journey either to help heal your own heart or to understand others who are suffering...

Happy Birthday, America! Our country is celebrating in a great way. But can I celebrate this so soon after losing Roz? Is it ok to be happy without her? These are real questions as I face my first holiday without my better half. I'm using my Daily Word & Prayer to process my grief, and I invite you to join me on this journey either to help heal your own heart or to understand others who a...