Tez Brooks's Blog: TezBrooks.com

Last of a 3-part interview with Tez Brooks,Author of The Single Dad Detour: Directions for Fathering After Divorce    The Single Dad Detour: Directions for Fathering After Divorce (Kregel/February 27, 2015/ISBN: 978-0825443602 /$14.99). 

Q: Why are some men tempted to become absentee fathers? What are some of the consequences for their children if they do so? As I interviewed men in my research for The Single Dad Detour I ran into guys who said they were tempted to be absent. I think this comes from the insecurity men can develop as a single dad. There’s already an expectation from the world that they are going to fail, coupled with just the normal low esteem that comes with a failed marriage. It can make a guy feel like maybe their child would be better off without him in their life.

 What happens is actually the opposite. Studies show more boys end up in prison who don’t have a father around. And little girls are more apt to be promiscuous teens without the influence of a dad. It’s imperative we encourage dads to cast down those lies the Devil tells us and to be intricately involved in our kid’s lives. Q: Some believe the court system can be unfair to men in divorce and custody decisions. What advice do you have for those men on fighting resentment and bitterness? While many states have become more progressive and friendly toward the father having custody, there are still many judicial systems that are old-fashioned. When that happens we can fight for our rights as fathers and still have a Christ-like manner about us. Especially when dealing with our ex-spouse. Jesus was angry when he knocked over the merchant’s tables in the temple…yet he was without sin. Too often we forget to model Christ in the midst of defending our rights. Our anger toward the courts can get misdirected to others. We often need to lay down our rights…Christ did this too. That being said, when bitterness and resentment rise up—and it will—we must fight that with prayer and forgiveness. Easier said than done. It’s so important we throw ourselves at the foot of the cross every day. Q: Men are “fixers” by nature, but it can be tempting for them to fix parenting problems without the Lord’s help. You had one such moment after Christmas shopping with your daughter once. Tell us about that.I had been shopping with the kids and had my fill of the holiday crowds and traffic. I just wanted to get home. My daughter was crying in the back seat because she didn’t get to have her photo taken with Santa at the mall. My impatience was building but I didn’t expect it to boil over like it did. Her whining wouldn’t stop so in a moment of exasperation I screamed out “Be quiet! “Santa’s not real, he’s dead!” The crying stopped as she blinked in disbelief. I knew I had messed up as soon as I said it. I could see by the look in her eyes, my words slapped her in the face. No Father of the Year Award this year I suppose. My daughter started her crying again but this time it was more of a high-pitched squeal. “Nooo, Santa’s not dead!” I remained silent all the way home. Considering how I might cover over my mistake. But there was no hiding my outburst and all I could do to make it right was apologize. When we got home I hugged her and asked for forgiveness. She sunk into my chest as we rocked back and forth. I realized that night I must make it a habit to initiate an apology when I screw up. Even more, I learned I’m a pathetic father without God’s grace
and help.    Q: How can a dad have a strong spiritual impact on their children even when not living when them all the time?Your kids are watching you no matter where they live. For kids who watch their fathers, there’s no mistaking what their dad is passionate about. It’s going to be obvious. Kids observe when you react to things in your flesh, rather than respond with Christ’s character. I messed up a lot. I showed my anger, my selfishness my pride…but I tried to live a life of repentance. I think if we make the Lord part of our every day conversations our kids will be able to discern that our Christianity is more than a hobby, it’s a relationship with the Creator. Q: What is the number one thing you want single dads to get from reading The Single Dad Detour? I’d like them to walk away encouraged to keep going strong. That the Lord is on their side. I want to challenge them to step up yet still offer hope and the grace to be able to laugh at themselves when they aren’t perfect. There’s too much pressure as it is. If dads can celebrate what they’re doing right, while still leaning desperately on the Savior for hope, it will make the road they’re navigating much easier. QUESTION FOR READERS: Tell us what you feel like you are doing right as a single dad. 

The post Are Absent Fathers Doomed to Fail Their Kids appeared first on tezbrooks.com.

Christians have always found themselves championing two causes: following the Carpenter with a cross and cheering the candidate with a crown. But what if trying to build God’s kingdom through politics becomes the very thing that keeps us from it?

I hear the phrase Christian Nationalist being thrown around a lot lately. Do we really understand that phrase? Living in a Christian nation sounds ideal, but is it? Perhaps the fiercest battles for God’s kingdom aren’t fought at the polls, but in the human heart.

Lately I have pondered, if the Son of God left his throne to become a fragile, ordinary man, then humility isn’t just something he asks of us—it’s something he modeled.

Think about it; the Creator of galaxies wrapped himself in skin, walked dusty roads, and ate meals with fishermen. That means our calling isn’t to climb higher, but to bow lower. To cry out, “Come, Lord Jesus!” For he is our only hope; it’s surely nothing else.

Am I suggesting that embracing adversity means we should cower and tolerate mistreatment? No, we should stand for what’s right, even in the face of persecution. What outspoken Christians do is inspiring to me and millions of others. But let’s clearly define the difference between a “nationalist” and a “Christian nationalist.”

Nationalism is an ideology centered on patriotism and loyalty, but Christian nationalism is a specific form of religious dominance that advocates fusing Christian and national identities. A key difference is the role of religion: while a nationalist merely loves his country, a Christian nationalist (much like Islamic leaders) believes the nation should be defined by and be governed according to religious principles. 

While this might sound nice for us believers, we must understand that Christ’s kingdom doesn’t come through voting or military victories. It doesn’t grow by legislating morality or seizing political office. In fact, Jesus told His disciples the opposite: the greatest in his kingdom will be the servant of all. He flipped the script. The first will be last–the last will be first.

So, when we hear teachings about Christian dominionism—the belief that Christians must control government, culture, and society to establish God’s rule on earth—we should pause. It may sound bold, even patriotic. But Scripture tells to merely influence our culture by being salt and light to bring about change. The Bible consistently shows us that Jesus initiated his kingdom and said it’s like a mustard seed that grows. Christ will complete his kingdom at his second coming. Until then, we are living in the now and the not yet. Meaning the kingdom is already here in our hearts (Luke 17:20-21), not as a physical territory. But it can’t be finalized until he comes to reign. Until then, we are to serve, not dominate.

Can we vote against ungodly laws? Of course, and we should. We are not meant to passively embrace every pagan legislation in the name of love and acceptance. But we also don’t want to create a nation that fines or imprisons those who don’t obey God–that’s what some Middle Eastern nations do. It’s about a heart change (being born-again), not Christian Nationalism.

Without the gospel and salvation, we are merely asking the nation to mimic the children of God rather than become children of God. When we replace heart transformation with demands for morality, we undermine the gospel. It’s a foreign gospel. No one is getting saved; they are just forced to comply. 

A Kingdom Not of This World

Pilate once asked Jesus if he was a king. If there was ever a moment for Jesus to rally his followers and declare an earthly revolution, this was it. Instead, he answered, “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight… but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36). When the Pharisees asked him when this kingdom would come, Jesus replied, “The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).

Those verses dismantle the domineering dream of ushering in God’s reign on earth through policies or political systems. It’s very prideful and points people to us and our self-righteousness rather than pointing people to Christ. If Jesus wanted his followers to seize control, he would have said so then. Instead, he pointed away from earthly kingdoms and toward a spiritual one.

You can’t map it on a globe. You can’t point to a Capitol building and say, “There it is.” The kingdom is spiritual—it begins in the hearts of believers.

In the Old Testament, Israel was a theocracy ruled directly by God. But when Jesus came, everything shifted. Under the New Covenant, believers live under earthly governments. Paul told the church in Rome, “Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1).

Keep in mind, Paul wrote this under Nero, a violent persecutor of Christians. Yet he never told believers to overthrow the empire. His counsel was to respect leaders unless they directly opposed God’s commands. That’s when we can stand up and refuse to do so. That’s an individual act we are to do, to show our devotion to God’s precepts. (See the story of Rahab in Joshua chapter 2,  or Daniel chapters 3 and 6, or Peter in Acts 4 and 5).

We are to fear God more than human authorities, and if this leads to a quiet and peaceful disobedience, so be it. But be prepared to accept the consequences of your disobedience and suffer in the name of Christ. Yes, we do need to get godly leaders into places of high authority, not to create a bubble of moral uprightness but to be a light to the world that points to Jesus as the answer.   

What Jesus Actually Commanded

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus made His mission clear, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20).

As a full-time missionary for the past 24 years, may I remind you that our mission is disciple-making, not empire-building. Paul echoed this when he urged Timothy, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Notice the verbs: preach, teach, baptize, love, serve. You won’t find “seize power” anywhere in Jesus’ commands. When asked about paying taxes, Jesus answered, “Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). This wasn’t political wordplay. It was a dividing line. Governments belong to this world, but God’s kingdom is eternal.

I try to live this out well by paying my taxes and respecting the law, but my hope isn’t in Washington D.C., nor is it in my ministry efforts. It’s in Christ. I’m a citizen of two kingdoms—but I know which one is more important and eternal.

The Danger of Christian Nationalism

Christian nationalism is seductive because it promises security, power, and influence. But it reduces the gospel to a political ideology. While it is a noble cause, it implies that faith is only real if it dominates. It is salvation by another means than Christ, a distraction from truth.

A fellow believer once confessed to me that he felt hopeless because his candidate lost an election. He said, “I just don’t see how Christianity can survive now.” That concerned me, because the gospel has thrived under emperors, dictators, monarchies, democracies—every government system imaginable. But Christians are still around today—even after several attempts of mass genocide. That’s because Jesus doesn’t need a president or a king to validate his kingdom. He already reigns.

The early church had no voting rights, no lobbyists, no political parties. Yet their influence transformed the Roman Empire. How? By radical love. Even earlier than that, God’s people in the Old Testament rescued abandoned babies, cared for the sick, forgave their enemies, and showed kindness when cruelty was the norm. We can do the same today. Love your neighbor. Pray with a co-worker. Forgive those who wrong you. Your quiet faithfulness speaks louder than any political rally.

Citizens of Two Worlds

Paul reminded us: “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). That doesn’t excuse us from earthly duties. We still vote, pay taxes, and pray for leaders. But our ultimate allegiance is to Christ.

I think of some of the public school teachers I know. They don’t always agree with district policies, but they view the classroom as their mission field. They pray over the students’ desks before they arrive. These teachers offer encouragement and model Christ’s love. Their influence doesn’t come from power—it comes from God’s presence in their lives.

Christian dominionism is not biblical. The gospel doesn’t need government endorsement. It doesn’t need power to thrive. The teachings of Jesus point us to humility, servanthood, and spiritual transformation.

So, if your ministry is in the limelight, use it! Count the cost but don’t stop, don’t cower (even if it means certain death). People desperately need a Savior and you know the only solution. Proclaim it!

My prayer for us is “Lord, help us remember your kingdom is not of this world. Forgive us if we have placed too much hope in human leaders or systems. Help us stop trying to create heaven on earth but to live faithfully as aliens, your ambassadors—humble, loving, and bold in sharing the gospel. May our actions reflect your reign in our hearts. Teach us to trust that your return will set all things right—we humans cannot. Until then, make us a floodlight in a world that desperately needs you.”

Ballots, presidents, or armies will not bring the kingdom of God. It will come when Christ returns in glory to make everything new. Our calling is clear: live humbly, love deeply, and share the good news boldly while crying out, “Come Lord Jesus. Our only hope!”

Reflection Questions

In what ways are you tempted to put more hope in politics than in Christ’s return?How might you live as “salt and light” in your workplace, school, or community this week?When you think about Jesus’ words, “My kingdom is not of this world,” how does that change the way you view current events?What small act of humility or service could you offer someone today that reflects Christ’s kingdom?How might you change what you post on social media, knowing that 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 teaches us to live quietly and mind our own affairs?

The post Is Christian Nationalism Biblical? appeared first on tezbrooks.com.

Christian Nationalism is quite controversial isn’t it? It sounds ideal, but is it?

If the Son of God left His throne to become a fragile, ordinary man, humility isn’t just something He asks of us—it’s something He modeled first. The Creator of galaxies wrapped Himself in skin, walked dusty roads, and ate meals with fishermen. That means our calling isn’t to climb higher, but to bow lower.

Before I continue, please understand this has nothing to do with Charlie Kirk’s recent martyrdom. I’m deeply saddened by his loss, and angry at the devil. I guess we shouldn’t be surprised. Jesus warned that the world would hate us. Still, it always catches me off guard when tragedies like this occur. I cry out “Come Lord Jesus!” For he alone is our only hope, it’s surely nothing else.

What Charlie did was inspiring to me and millions of others. I loved his knowledge of scripture when using apologetics, especially when dealing with how the church should respond to the LGBTQ+ community. I supported almost everything he stood for. He was a Christian and a nationalist, but not a Christian Nationalist. That’s where his followers and his enemies often got confused.

Nationalism is an ideology centered on the loyalty and interests of a nation, while Christian nationalism is a specific form of religious nationalism that advocates fusing Christian and national identities. A key difference is the role of religion: while a nationalist might be motivated by shared beliefs, a Christian nationalist believes the nation is defined by and should be governed according to Christian principles. 

We must understand that Christ’s kingdom doesn’t come through ballot boxes or military victories. It doesn’t grow by legislating morality or seizing political office. In fact, Jesus told His disciples the opposite: the greatest in His kingdom will be the servant of all. He flipped the script. The first will be last. The last will be first.

So when we hear teachings about Christian dominionism—the belief that Christians must control government, culture, and society to establish God’s rule on earth—we should pause. It may sound bold, even patriotic. But Scripture tells a different story. The Bible consistently shows us that Christ Himself will bring His kingdom at His second coming. Until then, we are called to serve, not dominate.

Can we vote against ungodly laws? Of course, and we should. We are not meant to passively embrace every pagan legislation in the name of love and acceptance. But we also don’t want to create a nation that fines or imprisons those who don’t obey God. That’s what Islamic nations do—it’s about a heart change (being born-again), not Christian Nationalism.

Without the gospel and salvation, we are merely asking the nation to mimic the children of God rather than become a child of God. When we replace heart transformation with demands for morality, we undermine the gospel. It’s a foreign gospel. No one is getting saved, they are just being forced to comply. 

A Kingdom Not of This World

Pilate once asked Jesus if He was a king. If there was ever a moment for Jesus to rally His followers and declare an earthly revolution, this was it. Instead, He answered,“My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight… but now My kingdom is not from here” (John 18:36).

That single verse dismantles the dominionistic dream of building God’s kingdom on earth through political systems. If Christ wanted His followers to seize control, He would have said so then. Instead, He pointed away from earthly kingdoms and toward a spiritual one.

And when the Pharisees asked Him when this kingdom would come, Jesus replied,“The kingdom of God does not come with observation; nor will they say, ‘See here!’ or ‘See there!’ For indeed, the kingdom of God is within you” (Luke 17:20-21).

You can’t map it on a globe. You can’t point to a capitol building and say, “There it is.” The kingdom is spiritual—it begins in the hearts of believers.

In the Old Testament, Israel was a theocracy ruled directly by God. But when Jesus came, everything shifted. Under the New Covenant, believers live under earthly governments. Paul told the church in Rome,“Let every soul be subject to the governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God” (Romans 13:1).

Keep in mind, Paul wrote this under Nero, a violent persecutor of Christians. Yet he never told believers to overthrow the empire. His counsel was to respect leaders unless they directly opposed God’s commands. That’s when we can stand up and refuse to do so. More on that later.

What Jesus Actually Commanded

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus made His mission clear, “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations…” (Matthew 28:19-20).

As a full-time missionary for the past 24 years, may I remind you that our mission is disciple-making, not empire-building. Paul echoed this when he urged Timothy, “Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season” (2 Timothy 4:2).

Notice the verbs: preach, teach, baptize, love, serve. You won’t find “seize power” anywhere in the list. When asked about paying taxes, Jesus answered,“Give to Caesar what is Caesar’s, and to God what is God’s” (Mark 12:17). This wasn’t political wordplay. It was a dividing line. Governments belong to this world, but God’s kingdom is eternal.

I try to live this out well by paying my taxes and respecting the law, but my hope isn’t in Washington, nor is it in my ministry efforts. It’s in Christ. I’m a citizen of two kingdoms—but I know which one is more important and eternal.

The Danger of Christian Nationalism

Christian nationalism is seductive because it promises security, power, and influence. But it reduces the gospel to a political ideology. While it is a noble cause, it implies faith is only real if it dominates. It is salvation by another means than Christ, a distraction from truth.

A fellow believer once confessed to me that he felt hopeless because his candidate lost an election. He said, “I just don’t see how Christianity can survive now.” That concerned me, because the gospel has thrived under emperors, dictators, monarchies, democracies—every government system imaginable. But Christians are still around today. That’s because Jesus doesn’t need a president to validate His kingdom. He already reigns.

The early church had no voting rights, no lobbyists, no political parties. Yet their influence transformed the Roman Empire. How? By radical love. They rescued abandoned babies, cared for the sick, forgave their enemies, and showed kindness when cruelty was the norm. We can do the same today. Love your neighbor. Pray with a co-worker. Forgive those who wrong you. Your quiet faithfulness speaks louder than any political rally.

Citizens of Two Worlds

Paul reminded us: “Our citizenship is in heaven” (Philippians 3:20). That doesn’t excuse us from earthly duties. We still vote, pay taxes, and pray for leaders. But our ultimate allegiance is to Christ.

I think of some of the public school teachers I know. They don’t always agree with district policies, but they view the classroom as their mission field. They pray over the students’ desks before they arrive. These teachers offer encouragement and model Christ’s love. Their influence doesn’t come from power—it comes from God’s presence in their lives.

Christian dominionism is not biblical. The gospel doesn’t need government endorsement. It doesn’t need power to thrive. The teachings of Jesus point us to humility, servanthood, and spiritual transformation.

My prayer for us is “Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding us that your kingdom is not of this world. Forgive us if we have placed too much hope in human leaders or systems. Help us stop trying to create heaven on earth but to live faithfully as aliens, your ambassadors—humble, loving, and bold in sharing the gospel. May our actions reflect your reign in our hearts. Teach us to trust that your return will set all things right—we humans cannot. Until then, make us salt and light in a world that desperately needs you.”

The kingdom of God will not be ushered in by ballots, presidents, or armies. It will come when Christ Himself returns in glory to make all things new. Until then, our calling is clear: live humbly, love deeply, and share the good news boldly. And may we continue to cry, “Come Lord Jesus! Our only hope!”

Reflection Questions

In what ways are you tempted to put more hope in politics than in Christ’s return?How might you live as “salt and light” in your workplace, school, or community this week?When you think about Jesus’ words, “My kingdom is not of this world,” how does that change the way you view current events?What small act of humility or service could you offer someone today that reflects Christ’s kingdom?How might you change what you post on social media knowing that 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 teaches us to live quietly and mind our own affairs?

The post Why Can’t The Kingdom Come Now? appeared first on tezbrooks.com.

 

Part of a 3-part interview with Tez Brooks,

Author of The Single Dad Detour: Directions for Fathering After Divorce   The Single Dad Detour: Directions for Fathering After Divorce (Kregel/February 27, 2015/ISBN: 978-0825443602 /$14.99). 

Q: Divorce often leaves a man feeling broken and depressed, yet pressured to put on a brave front. How can a dad authentically lead his children during such a dark time?

You know authenticity is important, especially when you’re trying to lead your kids through some tough transitions. There’s a certain amount of safety and refuge a child experiences from seeing their dad strongly brave the storms. Conversely, when they see a parent falling apart and becoming an emotional basket case, it does nothing to nurture a sense of security. Still yet, they need to know we are human. I need to model for my kids that I’m nothing apart from God and that Im not capable of doing anything without Christ. So here’s the thing: the problem about a stoic “front” is it’s exactly that…a front that’s not real. It’s inauthentic. A mask, to hide behind. But true faith in God, which comes from your heart, the core of your beliefs…that’s what produces peace. That peace from God is what gives us men the strength to move forward without falling apart and crying like a baby. Trusting God is going to help us as dads. That’s the thing kids need to see….the courage and stoicism that comes from a heart that believes God has got this.  Q: The Single Dad Detour is also filled with practical advice on topics from what food to keep in your fridge to how to decorate your new house or apartment. Why are these things important? Kids need a sense of home and I talk about this in The Single Dad Detour.  There’s a reason why Hollywood portrays us as clueless single dads whose fridge contains nothing but sour milk. It’s because they know it’s often true to life. Now I know a lot of single dads out there have found real freedom in being able to display their Mad Max posters and their beer can lampshades. But our kids need photos of grandma and a living room floor that’s not cluttered with tools. One of the easiest ways we can create a sense of home for our loved ones is to learn to cook and provide a safe environment for them to live in. In the early months following my divorce I hadn’t learn this valuable lesson yet. I made the mistake of buying my son a dog bed. Yep you heard me right. You know the big round ones for German shepherds? I know I’m an idiot. But it seemed like a great idea at the time. And my son Caleb loved it! It took me about 30 seconds to hit me….My son’s sleeping in a dog’s bed. I got him a real bed the next day. Q: It’s common for single dads to feel overwhelmed by their financial and relational responsibilities. How is The Single Dad Detour designed to bring meaningful change to a busy dad’s life? I wanted to be intentional in addressing this very issue. That’s why I developed an interactive element at the end of each chapter so they’d have some take-aways. Readers have an opportunity to reflect by answering some hard questions, reading a scripture passage, then planning some next steps. They can even quote a suggested prayer before moving on to the next chapter. These things are key to going beyond just reading a book, to discovering lasting change. Q: You have now been remarried for 23 years and have two more children. How did navigating the difficult years of single parenting prepare you for the challenge of a blended family? I found I grew in several ways. First of all I was stripped bare of all my pride, arrogance, selfishness and more. Then the Lord spent those next 7 years re-building me into more of what he wanted me to be. My wife Christine has always said she would not have been attracted to the kind of man I was before. I can’t say that I blame her, God’s timing is perfect. As far as being a better father. I’m still learning. I consistently see how my single years changed me spiritually, emotionally and relationally so I could be grow in that area, for all my kids kids. It’s difficult to see that in the midst of your valley. Now that they are all grown, hindsight clears that up a lot.  QUESTION FOR READERS: When emotions arise in front of the kids about the divorce (sadness or anger) how do you deal with it?

The post How Single Dads Can Overcome Parenting Anxiety appeared first on tezbrooks.com.

a guest blog by Bob Wheatley

There’s a certain longing that only single people know. Many question arise when it comes to relationships. How do we navigate our years of singleness as believers? How should a Christian approach biblical dating?

Maybe for you, it is the void that you feel when you’ve had a long day. You walk into your apartment, tired and hungry, once again ready to eat dinner alone. Or maybe it’s when your phone doesn’t light up, with no one calling or texting to see how you’ve been.

What’s wrong with me? Am I destined to walk this journey alone?

The silence begins to speak, louder and louder. It begins to accuse us of being unworthy of love. Before long, we believe it. I can speak from experience.

I used to think of singleness as a time of delay, or even worse, something we had to escape, like the boogie man. Once marriage arrived, I reasoned, I would finally experience wholeness.

But as my season of singleness continued, I took on a different view. My transformation started when I was confronted by 1 Corinthians 7, and the timeless wisdom of the apostle Paul. In that New Testament epistle, he says this to singles:

“To the unmarried and the widows I say that it is good for them to remain single … to secure your undivided devotion to the Lord.” —1 Corinthians 7:8, 35 (ESV)

It is good for us to remain single? How could this be?

Paul’s words sounded impossible the first time I read them, so I ignored them and moved on with my life. But as time went on, I always thought back to his words of encouragement: I wish you could remain as you are.

The deeper I went with God, the more Paul’s words came alive to me. Suddenly, I did not see singleness as a lesser season. It was a divine assignment from a Father who loves me. I decided I would no longer be consumed with seeking a wife. Instead, I simply would focus on Jesus.

A season of singleness is not always easy, but it can be rich in blessings. Day by day, I have seen my character changed from the inside out. What once felt like torture has revealed a great purpose.

Here are the three top advantages that I’ve found in my singleness, and I pray that you find them as well:

1. MORE TIME FOR GOD

The unmarried man is anxious about the things of the Lord, how to please the Lord. But the married man is anxious about worldly things, how to please his wife, and his interests are divided.” —1 Corinthians 7:32-34 ESV

My newly-married friends have affirmed this truth. Sometimes, they simply don’t have the time to read their Bibles in the morning. They lose out on quiet time. They can’t pray as much as they used to. The single Christian­—although potentially facing more loneliness—certainly has more time to seek the Lord. The question is: Are we taking advantage of the time that we have?

2. MORE TIME FOR YOU

“For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” —Ephesians 2:10 ESV

Relationships take up a lot of time. In both dating and marriage relationships alike, our time must be shared with the person at our side. When our interests are divided, we have less time in the day to serve our church, discover our passions, advance professionally, or wait on the Lord to reveal His will. In our season of singleness, we have the unique ability to discover your gifts, talents, passions, and burdens.

3. MORE TIME FOR SUFFERING

For the moment all discipline seems painful rather than pleasant, but later it yields the peaceful fruit of righteousness to those who have been trained by it. —Hebrews 12:11 ESV

Make no mistake, it is actually suffering, not pleasure, that develops our character into holiness. In fact, Hebrews 2:10 even says that Jesus Himself was made perfect through suffering. By walking through our seasons of singleness, God is molding and shaping us into His image. All pain is painful, but not all pain is harmful. We can trust our Father to make the most of this season.

Nowadays, I am learning to ask myself better questions. What if our singleness is not a pause, a delay, or a time to be “endured”? What if, on the contrary, God is giving us a blessing that we should actually cherish? What if God is less interested in changing our relationship status—and more interested in shaping our souls?

If you find yourself in an unmarried season, hear me on this: You are not falling behind. You are not invisible, and you are not forgotten. You are right where God wants you to be—single, available, and receiving His blessings.

Here is the truth that God wants us to find: We find Hope in our seasons of singleness. Now seek Him with all that you are!

Bob Wheatley is the #1 Bestselling Author of Single-Minded: Finding Purpose & Strength in Your Season of Singleness. His work has been featured on Way-FM, THE FISH, KCBI Christian Radio, ESPN, Fox Sports, and various other international outlets. After playing professional baseball for the Toronto Blue Jays and St. Louis Cardinals, he moved to Nashville, Tennessee, where he now works as an author and speaker. You can visit Bob’s website at www.bobwheatley.com.

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Hear why Tez wrote “Debriefing” on Radical Abundance with Teresa Janzen.

The post Helping Police Find Hope on the Radical Abundance Podcast appeared first on tezbrooks.com.

Most schools are out for the summer. It’s time for vacations and resting.
Wrong! Not for single parents.
For singles with kids, no school could mean no rest while they try to entertain the kids or keep them from boredom and trouble.
Single moms and dads have to worry about the cost of childcare and balancing the kids’ time off with a work schedule.
Do you know a single mom or single dad you can help during the upcoming months?Here are a few suggestions for how you, your church or small group can help:
1. Offer to take the kids for a day. Not only does this remove the cost of childcare for a day (which can be up to $200 a week!), but also the stress of having to get them there on time and pick them up.
2. Buy groceries or make a meal. Approximately 25% of single father homes and 50% of single mother homes live in poverty.
3. Offer to do some chores around the house. This removes one more thing from an already overwhelming day. Clean the house, mow the lawn, do a little fixing up on areas that need it.
4. Take the whole family somewhere. Whether it’s just to the park or beach for the day, or even a week camping, this will be a tremendous blessing.
Single moms and single dads need downtime just like the rest of us (even more so); bless them with an opportunity they may normally feel guilty taking or unable to do themselves?
Whether relaxing or stressful, it’s easy to get caught up in our own lives. Still, there is always someone in greater need than us—we just need to keep our eyes, ears, and heart open for the opportunities God places in our path.
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them… –Matt 7:12 (ESV)

Portions adapted from a post at “A Father’s Walk” on June 2, 2018

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Pay at the door or now with Venmo. Pizza/drink is provided for another $5

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