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Listen while you read: "Where Cross The Crowded Ways Of Life"1 (Lyrics) |
Colossians 3:23 – Work willingly at whatever you do, as though you were working for the Lord rather than for people. (NLT)
I am a seventy-one-year-old Black man living off a small pension in a small apartment in Ajax, Ontario, Canada. Few people would consider me to have been a successful criminal defence attorney. I'm not married. I don't have any children, and I don't own a car or a house with a white picket fence.
To help pay my law school tuition, I worked as a porter and as a waiter on the trains during the summers and the Christmas holidays. While practicing law, I had to work at different part-time and sometimes full-time jobs as a telemarketer to be in a position to pay my bills.
If anyone had told this cocksure individual in my twenties that my struggles had some divine purpose, I would have scoffed at the idea. In fact, I would have been downright angry.
When I found myself despondent at not practicing law full-time in Montreal, I would think of the fact that one of my clients thought of me as a good enough lawyer to refer me to a person accused of murder. I'd recall that when Paul Robeson's secretary refused to take dictation from a black man, he gave up the practice of law and became a world-renowned bass baritone concert performer and activist.
Looking back, I can appreciate how working and discussing with porters and waiters gave me a better understanding of the struggles that Black porters living in Canada faced in the 1950s and 1960s. Working as a telemarketer has taught me the importance of identifying the market for one's product or service offering. Studying law in French helped me to learn a second language, which has proven to be quite useful.
Emmanuel Swedenborg wrote in his book, The true Christian religion, that no job is insignificant. Each and every job is a spiritual opportunity to express "charity" (love for others) by performing "useful work".
Today, I feel very content. I write in different publications and platforms, and I volunteer as a lector, intercessor, and advocate for seniors and the marginalized. Writing about Christian themes gives me opportunities to be in touch with God and to fulfill His purpose for me.
Romans 8:28 – And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (NLT)
How do we know what God wants us to do with our lives? If we listen with our hearts, we can hear God speak!
We need to trust that God will let us know when we have found the right occupation.
Prayer: Dear God, we pray for Your guidance in securing an occupation which aligns with our skills, desires, and talents, and with Your plans for our lives. Amen.
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Monday, March 24, 2025 – In the Middle East — We recently received a message telling us that one of our dear local friends has passed away. This was so hard, as we are on home assignment which makes it even harder. Please pray with us that the Lord will comfort his family and children and that Christ's name will be glorified. Help them to stay strong in their faith in the face of opposition..
friend: "Update March 21, 2025; Please continue to pray for Hilde who has had dizziness for many months..." 
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Peace.
Thank you. Appreciated your words.
Thanks, Dwight, for the good perspective.
Thank you for your encouraging devotional.
Thank you, sir, for your insight today.
May God bless you!
Hello Dwight,
I enjoyed reading your story. Keep writing!
Mr. Jenkins, thank you for your encouraging devotional.
(Ontario)
Great job!!!!
May God continue to bless you and the work you are doing!
Thank you for sharing this encouraging devotional with us today. To God be the glory! Blessings.
So true, thank you for your words to. God is faithful to those who love and follow his word. God bless.
Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us that God has an important purpose for us all. God bless!
Such an inspiring devotional! There are very few inspirational true-life stories in film today. I wish that your story was one of them.
Thank you, Dwight, for sharing your amazing life story. I also had some experiences with not getting the jobs I wanted and appreciate your thoughts.
Things in this world. You deserve a lot of credit, and you didn’t always get. With God’s help you’ve become person to be admired. Keep up the good work you are doing.
Thank you for today’s devotional, Dwight – very meaningful. I don’t remember reading any other devotionals from you but I certainly hope you will contribute more as time goes on.
Dwight, your honour, this is a compelling story, backed up by Scripture, and finally, a good report. Similarly, in the 1800’s, Albert Pike observed that all work is akin to worship.
Dwight, I enjoyed hearing your testimony. I can see that, through your God-given vocation, Christ has been confronting injustice, infusing goodness, and beauty into our world. Your expression of gratitude is heart-warming.
Thank you for sharing, your path may have been a rocky one, but you have accomplished a lot. You have a roof over your head which many do not have.
May God bless you.
Good writing! We have been focusing on purpose and your words support our
discussion. Thank you for a great way to start Monday.
(Manitoba)
God bless you Dwight
Thank you for this personal reading today. It is amazing how we handle life and how we see God using us.
Have a blessed week.
Hello from, Dwight.
Thank you very much for your thoughtful and thought-provoking devotional today.
May God continue to bless you.
(Airdrie, Alberta)
Dear Dwight,
Thank you so much for sharing your story. I found it uplifting, encouraging and very powerful. It was ointment to my soul, because I am a senior myself. I lost my job last August, and I can’t find anyone to hire me, I think because of my age. But I keep trying. Thank you for this, and my God bless you.
Hi Dwight. Thanks so much for sharing your story. Encouraging to hear how God continues to use your talents, skills, and abilities. My own life has also taken unexpected turns, but I have seen how all things can work together for good. And how our faith sustains us.
God bless you and your ministry.
Thanks Dwight
I’m 75 and have spent my life as a pastor in rural churches… so I’ve known financial struggles, as have you… and drawn similar conclusions about living the Christian life. My struggles helped me to identify with many of my church members and community. Hopefully, it made me a little bit more like Jesus, as you can understand.
Thanks,
(BC)
Good afternoon, Dwight!
I really enjoyed your message today, thank you. It made me smile and reflected on the Windrush Generation the peoples who emigrated from the Caribbean to Great Britain for a better life more than seven decades ago. They were ambitious black people who worked at whatever jobs they could find at the time. Most became successful individuals and like you, have a story to share.
Blessings!
Good morning,
Thank you for writing this devotional.
I read three online devotionals each morning one being Presbycan, different writers each day.
I appreciate your writing and the sharing of your thoughts.
Thanks.
Blessings.
Hi Dwight
I really enjoyed reading your devotional today. You remind me a little of the Apostle Paul. He started off as a legal type guy and then turned to help people with their faith, speaking at places all over. On my of favourite verses from Paul is when he speaks of learning to be content.
That seems to resonate with what You wrote.
Thank you for taking the time to write your devotional Dwight.
Thanks for your thoughts.
White picket fences are overrated… too much work to maintain. Much better to spend that time helping someone.
You do realize that many…if not most…of significant bible characters were likely black or brown skinned. Ethiopia was likely a significant Christian centre long before the gospel moved north.
Blessings.
Greetings Dwight and thank you for your very interesting devotional today.
You are certainly involved in a variety of activities by your volunteer works and your writings of Christian themes. Yes, we may choose certain occupations and never know when the Lord steps in and guides us into something else. Our lives can be guided in some surprising ways when we seek the Lord and follow what He lays out for us. Blessings for sharing about your activities and I look forward to reading future devotional submissions from you.
Hello Dwight,
I am deeply touched by your acceptance now of the consequences of the unacceptable behaviours of the 50’s and 60’s and, for all I know, the 2020’s. And how right you are that porters and waiters, taxi drivers and clerks, all have significant proficiencies to offer as they work “as to the Lord”, as well as spiritual opportunities to show God’s love. May God continue to bless your life with the awareness of His constant presence, purpose, and provision.
Grace and peace to you.
Good morning, Dwight,
Your story encourages all of us of the importance we have in God’s world. We can learn from every experience that God guides us towards. It is wonderful when others share from their hearts part of their faith journey. I am sure many will “listen with our hearts” and share our love with others. Romans 8:28 has a wonderful message reminding us that God is in charge and walking with us as we learn the lessons which will help us to be who God wants us to be. It is wonderful that you are content and still reaching out to help others. Blessings.
Good morning , Dwight. I have been reading the Presbyterian Daily Devotional for many years. We have been members of a Presbyterian Church for years as well. We have met many wonderful people from our moves from the Maritime Provinces, to Ontario, to Alberta.
I have always enjoyed the “Devotions ” but some seem to touch me more than others and your “devotion” did that to me this morning. I am a little older than you but do remember those years of starting out. I became a Nurse, my husband, a Civil Engineer but like you, we worked part time during our days and holidays during our study days but enjoyed it all.
What memories to have to look back on and still be here to reminisce.
Thank you again for sharing your Devotional.
Do take care, God Bless.
Sir, your lesson spoke strongly to me on different levels. You spoke of perseverance, a humble man who serves our God. I am a 77-year-old white woman, mother, grandmother and great grandmother. I was disabled from an accident but when visiting with a retired Episcopalian priest she guided me to work for a mission at their church, feeding the poor and homeless five days a week with home-cooked meals. Anyone who walked through the door was served, no questions asked. In searching for the right place to worship God I found a Presbyterian church in a small rural town in Oklahoma. I had found my home at last and for the first time I felt spiritually fed and still do. As you know our world is in chaos. Our state is a stronghold for white supremists and similar groups. I am at a crucible, feeling the need to organize a peaceful protest march for justice, peace, and human rights but don’t want to let my emotions override God’s purpose. Acts 18:9 says, “do not be silent.” Am I using the scripture correctly? I ask for your prayers and insight.
Thank you.
Dear Dwight – what a story! I feel ashamed of my own mini complaints and financial security and my family and grandkids who all fill my days with caring people. And yet, life can still be lonely and a bit of a struggle. I’m an 81-year-old retired teacher caring for my husband of over 50 years, who needs lots of help, constant supervision, and his ‘fellowship’ and conversation abilities are virtually non-existent. If you spend even half an hour with someone like me, anyone who feels set apart from life, the blessings you bestow are very great indeed. I’ve thought long and hard about what I did and what I might have done for God, for my spiritual/Christian offering throughout my life, and have come to the conclusion that every single interaction with another human being, that has the love of Christ within, is one small step for our loving Saviour.
Your prayer is what has picked me up this morning and I’m so grateful, as always, for the LORD’S intervention into my ‘head talk’ – the talk that can take a person down the wrong path for a day, or more! So thank you so very much.
May the LORD bless you, and keep you, and be gracious unto you, and always, every single day, shower the light of HIS countenance upon you. Amen
What a wise prayer; for these times, too, when adaptability is the key, even if you find your “calling”. Hoping you will continue to find The Way and walk in it!
From a fellow traveller,
(BC Canada)
Dear Dwight
Thank you for your story and continue to enjoy each moment.
As Christian’s we share with and support those around us which is wonderful.
Enjoy the work you do now and keep Him by your side.
Peace, Charles.
Hi Dwight,
I really enjoyed your Devotional today. I also am in my 70’s and often thought I really did not have a good job. I did work at a couple different ones and then found that cleaning for people and especially seniors gave me joy. They looked so forward to the day when I would come. I also was the coordinator for meals on wheels in the town I lived. They loved for me to spend extra time with them when dropping off meals as most were lonely and just wanted someone to care. I learned to realize I did not have to be a teacher, doctor, etc. or an office worker, but found I loved working with seniors.
Thanks again for your writing today. Will look forward to reading more in the future.
Blessings.
(Ont.)
Prayer helps us make difficult life changing decisions good for us and others.