Tag: Brokeness

Christianity in America 2025

I have made enemies by simply living my life. A friend texted me this week to tell me all my beliefs and opinions are wrong because they do not fall in line with the Christianity being ingested by so many believers today. So he can no longer call me friend.

We read the same Bible, but his beliefs are not what I see when I study God’s scriptures. But somehow, I am wrong because I choose to let people share their opinions and live their lives without judgement. But based on believing all people matter somehow I am wrong.

I do choose to believe all people matter, while my friend and so many Christians like him today, choose to put certain barriers on whose opinions, beliefs and lives matter. If you do not vote a certain way or worship a certain way, somehow you’re less than and can be cast aside like a worn out pair of shoes.

When did Christianity become a club for a few and stop welcoming everyone to the table? When did Christianity become more about a political party and less about the Gospel of Jesus Christ? So many questions, but few too many Christians willing to welcome a difference of opinion.

It’s 2025 and I am not sure most people know what Christianity in America really is today. Obviously my friend and so many other believers are living a form of Christianity that makes no sense to me.

But I will continue to lean into the true teachings of Jesus. I will strive to be His hands and feet. I will not allow this hijacked form of Christianity I see around me in 2025 be the Christianity that people experience when they think about me. I will continue to love and serve all people as Jesus loves them. Even if that means I lose a few friends along the way. ~OC

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Hope Over Division

Good Morning! The following is something I have been working on the last few days. Yes, it’s long, but I hope you will take the time to read it.

Today’s a new day! The last few days, I have had some friends decide their political beliefs were more important than the Gospel and our friendship. But sadly, this is nothing new.

Over the last few years, I have found it sad that some Christians just do not understand how someone who disagrees with their political beliefs could possibly be a Christian. So much division over something so trivial as politics.

But division among Christians is not new, and is not a surprise to God.

Conflict among God’s people is not isolated to one culture or even one generation. Conflict is inevitable. Opinions will differ. But if we are rooted in the gospel, we should be united in purpose.

As I have surveyed the landscape of America, I have found people from different socio-economic backgrounds, ethnicities, political persuasions, and church denominations pursuing Christ with passion and commitment. I have found people finding unity in Christ, not political parties or politicians.

I have also been blessed to see Christians discover the gift of unity, even in disagreements. Sadly, I have also experienced some Christians allowing differences to end friendships. It is a choice we have to make daily.

I believe when Christians are truly united in the Gospel, we will be united in purpose.

In my journey, I have found that people do not always realize that we can have the same faith and have very different life experiences. In today’s heated culture, we may wonder if Christians can disagree and still remain united. For generations, across all nations and cultures, Christians have asked the same question. Is it truly possible to approach complex issues without losing our love for one another? I believes the answer is yes. It might not be easy, but if we truly put God’s love first I believe we can experience God’s unifying power to overcome our differences.

I also believe these three lessons can help.

Do not confuse differences with division:

In Revelation 7:9, we read inspiring verses about a great multitude gathered in worship before Jesus: 

“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the Lamb. They were wearing white robes and were holding palm branches in their hands.” 

In John’s vision, “every nation, tribe, people and language” praised the living God together. 

This beautiful picture gives us hope for eternity, but Christ-centered unity can feel distant today. When we struggle, I encourages everyone to not let our God-given differences evolve into manmade division. 

When we seek after God to help us guard against division, we can trust that He will work through our differences in His timing and in His way.

I do not look at nations, tribes, and tongues as something to divide us. Those are just characteristics, like someone being tall or short. We have made them into divisions, but God is the one who created those distinctions. It may be visible that people are different, but Revelation tells us we are not divided in the eyes of Christ. I truly believe God works uniquely within the Church through every time and culture. When division threatens God’s people today and leads to disagreement, we can pray for one another. Through individual prayer for others, even those we disagree with, God can soften our hearts and give us renewed patience.

Focus on what draws us together:

Through Revelation 7:10, we are challenged to focus on the One who draws us together:  

“And they cried out in a loud voice: ‘Salvation belongs to our God, who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb.”

It is no surprise that the Bible talks about the diversity of the people while they stand before Jesus claiming Him as the one true God. There is a unity in what they are claiming. They are in agreement that all blessing, glory, wisdom, thanksgiving, and honor belong to Him. They are 100 percent focused on Jesus.

I believe this picture is a reminder that the One who unites His people is stronger than anything that drives us apart. When we seek God through His Word, He gives us a complete picture of His character. Through His Word we find wisdom, courage, and hope.

This picture of God’s people worshipping in unison should be a reminder to all of us to stay in a posture of humility. In today’s society, we are often encouraged to assume the worst about those who disagree with us. But there is room at the table for differences of opinion when Christ is our focus. We do not have to carry the burden of argument or debate. Instead, when we keep our eyes on Him and not others, we can pray, discuss, and enjoy being together.

When we look to Christ, we discover that Jesus gives us the wisdom and strength to navigate our differences without division.  

Put our faith in God’s promises, not people:

In Revelation 7:9-10, God reveals that He is worthy of our worship. The chapter closes with a beautiful picture of what we will experience in eternity under Christ’s authority: 

“For the Lamb at the center of the throne will be their shepherd; ‘he will lead them to springs of living water,’ ‘And God will wipe away every tear from their eyes’” (Revelation 7:17). 

In today’s culture, we are tempted to place our faith in people, denominations, political parties or human solutions. But leaders come and go, and even Christians can disappoint us. Revelation 7:17 reminds us that the Lamb who chose to die for His people is the same Lamb who rules for eternity. Jesus, who stands worthy of our worship, bends low to wipe away our tears.  

That is a promise. Even though we do not know what’s going to happen, we can trust that God is enough. We are reminded in Revelation that when we struggle through disappointment on earth, we can trust God’s promises for the future. With that in mind, we can meet our brothers and sisters in Christ with grace as we trust the Lord to reveal truth in His time.

What God has revealed for the future is enough to give us hope for today.

I pray you will spend some time reflecting on these words today. Walk and live in peace and harmony with everyone. Even those you disagree with. ~OC

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A Friday Morning Prayer

Happy Friday! Here is a prayer for the day. ~OC

Dear God, you are the true hope for this world. I pray in the darkness of this hour, that you would speak a word of hope to our anxious hearts, so that we might wait faithfully for the fulfillment of your promises in our lives and may hope renew us in our hour of need. I pray all of this in the name of the One who is trustworthy in all things and faithful in all that He does. Amen.

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Not From God

Today’s a new day! This is not the America that so many men and women gave their lives for. But sadly, this is the type of hate that so many Americans voted for and support. I must remember that God is still in control. I know that can be hard to believe as we see everything that’s happening in our nation, but nothing we’re seeing right now is from God. This is all man made. Dear God, please help us. ~OC

https://www.nbcnews.com/news/amp/rcna190446

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Unanswered Prayers

Good Morning! Here is another entry from “The Lost Writings of OC.” This was written in 2019.

Today’s a new day! As I reflect back on my life, I am thankful that God said no to some of my prayer request over the years.

In the Garden of Gethsemane, as the cross was getting closer, Jesus prayed to the Father: “He walked away, about a stone’s throw, and knelt down and prayed, “Father, if you are willing, please take this cup of suffering away from me. Yet I want your will to be done, not mine.”(Luke 22:41–42)

Never be afraid to pray the following: Not my will, but Yours be done. By saying that, you are simply saying, God I do not know all the facts. I do not know everything there is to know. My knowledge is limited. My experience is limited. So if what I am praying is outside of Your will for any reason, please graciously, but firmly say no.

I know this can be hard at times. Sometimes we do not understand why God doesn’t give us what we ask for. I am thankful that when I was single, God did not answer my prayers about some of the young ladies I was interested in at the time. If I would have said yes to any of those potential relationships when God was telling me no, I would have missed out on marrying my beautiful bride Laura so many years ago.

As we get a little older, we can look back with 20/20 hindsight, and say, Thank you God for not answering those prayers. Or maybe we can look back and be thankful for all of the prayers He did answer. The point is that God knows what’s best for our lives, even when we do not understand it at the time.

Have you ever forced something to happen? Maybe you even felt that God was saying no to it. You remember how that turned out. . .

Finally, I want to remind you of the words of Jesus and encourage you to remember them: “Your heavenly Father already knows all your needs. Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need” (Matthew 6:32-33). Walk in that truth today. ~OC

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The Battle

Good morning! Here is another post from “The Lost Writings of OC.” This was written in 2019. Have a great day!

I am a Warrior, Fighter, Conqueror and Overcomer. Some people do not like using those terms when talking about their health journey, but I embrace each of them. Because every day that I am blessed to wake up and make it through another day is a Victory. A Battle won.

The words “fighter” and “warrior” are often linked with our response to illness. I think it’s appropriate. I have walked the halls of hospitals, chemo rooms, hospice rooms and believe me each of those individuals were fighting a battle. Waging war against a disease that is trying to destroy every single part of their bodies.

As I have traveled my own crazy beautiful health journey, I have been blessed to meet and become friends with some amazing “Warriors.” I do not think any of us warriors would consider ourselves to be “inspirations.” Even though a lot of people like to put that term on us. No, we are just focused on making it through the tough moments of the day. The weeks. And for some like me, the years. We will leave all the “inspirational” talk to you.

For many the word “fighting” might sound exhausting. And it can be. There are some days I just want a break from this health battle. When this happens, I do not want to be told I’m inspirational and to “just keep going!” or “battle on!” I just want someone to listen. This is where I have found my “people in my boat” to be so helpful. Even though some have never had to walk through a health battle, they have walked through their own battles in life. One of my friends once shared “Just keep swimming, and when you can’t swim, just float.” Some days I just want or need to float for a while.

So I will continue to use terms like Warrior, Overcomer, Fighter and Conqueror. I believe these terms unite those living with chronic health problems. We will fight and overcome together. ~OC

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Peace and Contentment

Good Morning! Life can be full of chaos, but we can still find peace. I hope this “Another Lost Writing from OC” gives you something to think about. This post was written in 2020.

Today’s a new day! The world can often feel chaotic and uncertain. How do you know how to respond to what the world throws at you? Recently, I took a look at Paul’s letter to the Philippians found in the New Testament. This is a letter that Paul wrote while he was in prison. He was living through turbulent times and how he encouraged believers back then directly applies to us still today. In particular, what he wrote in Philippians 4 offers us a beacon of hope today.  

So how can you find peace in these turbulent times? Here are ways Paul encourages us in chapter 4. 

“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” – Philippians 4:4

It is easy to rejoice when things are going well, but how about those tough and turbulent times? Paul calls us to rejoice then, too. He invites us to find joy in our relationship with God, regardless of our situation. It is a choice, a practice, and a powerful testimony to the world around us when we can rejoice in God always.

Don’t worry about anything, but in everything, through prayer and petition with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7

Anxiety often stems from feeling out of control with all that is going on around you. When we feel anxious, Paul provides a practical solution: bring everything to God in prayer, coupled with thanksgiving. This practice shifts our focus from our problems to the Problem Solver. The result of this rejoicing, gentleness, and prayer is a peace that defies all human logic. This peace serves as a reminder that God is protecting us from the onslaught of worry and fear when we trust and rely on Him.

“I don’t say this out of need, for I have learned to be content in whatever circumstances I find myself.” – Philippians 4:11

Paul’s secret to contentment wasn’t found in his circumstances. He was content always because he knew that no matter what situation he was facing, he could rely on God’s strength rather than his own resources.

In conclusion, life can be complex and we live in turbulent times. However, may we take these lessons from Philippians 4 to heart. Let’s choose joy, practice gentleness, pray instead of worry, and find our strength in Christ. In doing so, we may discover a peace and contentment that truly passes all understanding. ~OC

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Leave Your Burdens

Good Morning! Here is another writing from the “Lost Writings of OC.” I wrote this back in 2019.

Today’s a new day! As many get ready to start our day, some are filled with various burdens. Maybe it’s a personal thing in our life. Maybe it’s a strained relationship. Maybe your world has been rocked by a devastating loss. But at this moment, your life is burdened by the heaviness you are carrying.

It seems that these burdens are just too big to handle. In Psalm 55 we read, “Cast your care upon the LORD, who will give you support. He will never allow the righteous to stumble.”

Life seems overwhelming at this moment, but has we wake up on this Sunday morning, today is the best day to cast your fears, burdens, pain, anger, resentment, to the Lord. It’s time to “let go, and Let God.”

There is no better time to leave all your burdens at the feet of Jesus. It is time to release those burdens to the One who will never allow us to stumble. It’s time to unburden ourselves of these problems that have eaten away at us for far too long.

Let today be the day, that you release all of your problems, cares and burdens to the Lord, realizing that you cannot handle them by yourself. Whether at a church or the comfort of your home, make the life changing decisions to release everything to God.

Today, let’s let go and let God. Let’s lay our burdens at the foot of the cross. Take my heart, loving Father as I put it in your hands. Today, I release all my burdens and trust in You. ~OC

“Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” ~Philippians 4:6-7

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Immigration and the Christian Response

Good Morning! More from the “Lost Writings of OC.” I originally wrote this back in 2017, but I feel it’s still relevant in 2025.

I do not know what it’s like to be a refugee. I have never had to flee America out of fear for my life because bombs or beheadings were a very real threat. I have never had to resettle in a foreign land and struggle to assimilate to an alien or hostile culture. I also do not know what it’s like to lose a loved one to an act of terrorism.

I do believe our political leaders must strive to protect innocent lives both by thwarting the plots of terrorists and by creating refuges for people trying to escape their reach. These are not mutually exclusive endeavors.

But how should the Christian Church and Community respond to the immigration crisis in America?

I believe the Christians community should have a special appreciation for the plight of the refugee. Our spiritual heritage is full of refugees: Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, Ruth, Daniel and Jesus were all displaced from their homeland at some point. The earliest Christians in Jerusalem faced persecution that led them to scatter. Throughout the Bible the people of God are described as being exiles, strangers, sojourners, aliens, citizens of a heavenly home. A certain sense of homelessness is part of the cost of discipleship.

The way of Jesus Christ is not closing doors to asylum-seeking refugees or building walls to keep out foreigners. The way of Jesus Christ is not about forsaking the well-being of others in order to protect one’s own livelihood. The way of Jesus Christ is the cross. It is the way of sacrificing one’s own well-being in the name of Iove, however uncomfortable or risky or countercultural that may be.

This is not to say we should be reckless or naive or go looking for martyrdom. Christ warned his disciples not to be unrealistic about their safety in the world; they would be like sheep among wolves, and therefore should be “wise as serpents and innocent as doves” (Matthew 10:16). Our compassion should be tempered by prudence and common sense.

Think about the immigration issue in terms of our witness in the world. The way we Christians respond to refugees presents a unique opportunity to show, in vivid relief, the sort of God we serve.

Ask yourself which reflects the character of Christ more: Refusing to take in a refugee because we are concerned at the possibility that we could be harmed by such charity; or taking in a refugee out of sacrificial love that says “you are welcome at my table even if it costs me something.” Simply because you are a human and bear the image of God, I value your life, show you hospitality, welcome you at my table, even if you are a potentially dangerous stranger.

I think it’s important that Christians push back against the fickle fear and political pendulum that turns the refugee into a concept rather than an image-of-God-bearing human being. Refugees are real people with real hopes and fears, just like you and I. In many cases they are our brothers and sisters in Christ.

The refugees of our world are beloved of God and should be by Christians too. We need to know them, help them, hear their stories. We can learn from them. Let’s not close our borders and our hearts to them out of fear or ignorance. Let’s love them as Jesus loves us: mercifully, generously and sacrificially.

I know this post will be met with various opinions and probably some criticism, but I felt the need to share what’s on my heart. I pray you will respect that these are my thoughts and opinions. Blessings. ~OC

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A New Day. A New Year. A New Perspective.

Today’s a new day! As we walk into a new week and are still navigating a new year, I want to share the following thoughts with you. Peace and blessings to each of you. ~OC

“Peter said to them, “Repent, and each of you be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins; and you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.” -Acts 2:38

Today the Holy Spirit is calling you. He is saying, “I am here my child. I am the Resurrection and the Life. I want to appear Myself to you today in a way you never have encountered me before. I want there to be a collision between Heaven and your world.”

Maybe you are disappointed with church, with pastors, the world or even with God. Maybe you have prayed and nothing changed. Maybe you used to be in love with God but things happened and now you are disappointed, discouraged, and angry. Maybe you had a bad church experience or were hurt by a person who misrepresented God’s heart to you. Forgive them.  The Holy Spirit is calling you today. Return to the Lord with all your heart. He longs for there to be a collision where everything in your life crashes with God’s Kingdom and you are forever changed. You will never be the same. I encourage you to pray this dangerous prayer today and mean it if you want all of God: 

“Holy Spirit, today I surrender my life totally to Jesus Christ. I am done running and living life for myself. I make a fresh decision to follow hard after You. I give you all of my life. I receive forgiveness for my sins and I release forgiveness to those who have hurt me and betrayed me. Heal my heart. Today, show me Your truth. Break every stronghold and addiction. Flood my life with your power and presence so that I will never ever be the same. Fill me with a fresh touch from You. I want to draw nearer to you with all I am. In Jesus name Amen”

“He saved us, not on the basis of deeds which we have done in righteousness, but according to His mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewing by the Holy Spirit “-Titus 3:15

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