It’s been three years since I moved into my apartment here at Countryside Village, in Stokesdale, NC. Or maybe I should say, this is where God planted me. Was it really, I moved or was it, God planted me? Actually, it doesn’t really matter. Mur and I made some tentative plans a number of years ago to get closer to at least one of our kids. We actually put $1200 down at another Senior place to get on their waiting list. It was a good deal, because if we chose a different place, they would return $1,000. Anyway, after my hospitalization with pneumonia, I needed to do something fast, and I didn’t get a text from God. What do you do then? You make a decision that seems best to you at the time and “Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed” (Proverbs 16:3). Then go for it. But??? What if???
Now, three years later I’m reminded of Paul’s instructions in 1st Thessalonians 5:16-18, “Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” Two times in Proverbs 16:9 and 19:21 Solomon makes the same point and then points out in Proverbs 20:24, “A man’s steps are directed by the Lord. How then can anyone understand his own way?” So, as I get up each day, I ask God to enable me to rejoice and bloom where I am planted.
By the way, I shared almost two years ago about praying with a resident here as she asked Jesus to save her and then I baptized her in our community pool. She recently, with joy, peace and thanksgiving, moved to her heavenly home. That is one of the highlights of my three years here!
Another recent blessing is that my radio program is as of January 1, 2026, being broadcast in Portuguese three times daily over four stations in Brazil, South America.
Also, please pray for my grandson Zack, who serves as CEO of Sightline, the new name for Josh McDowel Ministries. He shared, “I’m extremely excited to visit our field partners from some of the most difficult countries to reach with the gospel. We’ll start in Cairo, visiting a book fair where Josh McDowell books are distributed and an estimated 3 million people pass through in 3 weeks. We’ll also visit with other partners to check in on our collaboration. Then I’ll transit Turkey for a couple of days on my way to Kenya for a conference for leaders from the 29 countries in North Africa, the Middle East, and Central Asia. We’ll have 15-20 meetings to hear reports of how God is working through the books and digital resources we provide for local ministry strategies.” Please pray for safety and wisdom to make the most of connecting with our field partners.
Here is an email exchange with a listener to the program here in USA
Dear Pastor Golz,
I am a devoted listener to your program. First via radio, then via podcast once I realized that I could hear the broadcast consistently. I enjoy your method and approach to Bible study. Frankly, I wish you had more than two minutes per broadcast!
Recently I read your January blog where you invited people to get in touch with you, so I am writing. I will take some time to examine your website to see what resources are available.
If I can be of assistance to you or the ministry in any way, don’t hesitate to contact me. Sincerely, JA
Hi JA, Thank you for your gracious email. I am so glad that you have found my program, Getting God’s Message, beneficial to your Bible reading and study. If you go to my website, you will find you can download a copy of my booklet on Bible Study Methods. Also, check out the Christian Resources link. We offer my books free. Thank you for your prayer support. May God continue to bless and use you. Lud
Good morning, Pastor Golz, Thank you for your kind reply. I will examine the Bible Study Method booklet and the Christian Resources before requesting any printed materials. Nevertheless, I am truly impressed that you send printed materials for free, with no donation required. Often a donation is “suggested” which feels like a sale. Please include my email on your Update list: I will add you and your ministry to my prayer list. Blessings, JA