Tag: Christians

Where’s The Iron?

Today’s a new day. And before I say anything else, I want to say thank you to the very few friends who have stayed by my side during this crazy, beautiful health journey. You know who you are. You are definitely in the minority. Your texts, your calls, your presence — not just your emojis — have meant more than you’ll ever know. It’s both funny and heartbreaking how someone can be celebrated as the “flavor of the month” for a season in the Christian community, applauded, platformed, and praised… yet the moment that same person enters a difficult health season, many quietly disappear. Some walk away from the responsibility to love and care as quickly as you can say, “Bless your heart, I’ll be praying for you.”

I’ve seen this especially in Christian men’s circles. Brotherhood is preached. Loyalty is applauded. Accountability is emphasized. But when things get uncomfortable — when illness lingers, when strength looks like weakness, when there’s nothing flashy or impressive to celebrate — friendships often fade. A thumbs up on a post. Prayer hands in a text. Maybe an occasional visit to check a box. And while those gestures aren’t meaningless, they’re not the fullness of brotherhood either. I’m not writing this from a place of anger. I’m writing from disappointment. There’s a difference. Disappointment comes from believing we can do better — that we’re called to do better.

Over the years, I’ve sat in countless men’s Bible studies where words like “iron sharpens iron” and “we’re in this together” are boldly proclaimed. Yet consistent, sacrificial friendship — the kind that shows up over and over again — is rare. And I share this not just for myself, but for the many brothers silently carrying their own battles. Health struggles. Mental strain. Financial pressure. Family heartbreak. So many men are walking through something and feel like they’re walking alone. That shouldn’t be the testimony of the Church.

I truly pray no one ever has to walk the specific health road I’m on. But if you ever do face your own long night, I pray you don’t just receive words — I pray you feel presence. I pray you’re surrounded by brothers who stay. Brothers who check in consistently. Brothers who sit in silence when needed. Brothers who don’t vanish when the spotlight fades.

Today’s a new day. And maybe this is a call for all of us — myself included — to love deeper, stay longer, and live out the brotherhood we so easily preach about.

Thanks for taking the time to read this. May the love and peace of God rest upon each of you. ~OC

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Rise And Live Again

Today’s a new day!
In the silence of the midnight hour,
When the weight of the world feels strong,
There’s a whisper breaking through the dark,
A steady voice, a healing son
When my strength begins to fade away,
And my heart can barely stand,
I remember where my help comes from—
Held in nail-scarred hands.


It’s the power of God’s hope that lifts me,
The power of His unfailing love,
The power of His sweet compassion
Pouring down from above
His grace is more than enough for me,
His peace calms every storm within,
In the power of His forgiveness
I rise and live again.


When regret tries to rewrite my past,
And shame knocks at my door,
His mercy speaks a better word
Than I have ever heard before
He doesn’t see my brokenness
As something to condemn,
He wraps me in His righteousness
And calls me His child again.


In a world that’s torn by hurt and fear,
Where hearts are slow to trust,
His Spirit breathes a deeper truth—
From ashes, beauty comes from dust
He teaches us to love like Him,
To serve and not divide,
To carry hope into the night
With mercy as our guide.


Hope for the weary,
Love for the lost,
Grace that was given
No matter the cost
Peace like a river,
Forgiveness so wide—
All of His power
Now living inside. ~OC

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The Power of Prayer

Today’s a new day!  Prayer is more than a ritual or a religious routine—it is a lifeline. In the middle of ordinary days filled with deadlines, doctor appointments, family responsibilities, and unexpected challenges, prayer anchors us. It recenters our hearts when the world feels chaotic and reminds us that we are not navigating life alone. Through prayer, we exchange anxiety for peace, confusion for clarity, and weakness for strength. It doesn’t always change our circumstances immediately, but it changes us—our perspective, our endurance, and our hope.

The power of prayer is found in its consistency. Daily prayer builds spiritual resilience the same way daily exercise builds physical strength. When we make space each morning to seek God, we begin the day aligned rather than reactive. When we pause in the afternoon to whisper a quiet prayer, we invite wisdom into our decisions. When we end the night in gratitude, we train our hearts to see blessings even in hardship. Prayer shapes our character, softens our responses, and deepens our trust.

Prayer also connects us to something greater than ourselves. It reminds us that our struggles are seen, our tears are counted, and our victories are celebrated in heaven. In moments when we feel isolated, prayer assures us that God is near. In seasons of pain, it becomes a place of refuge. In times of joy, it becomes an overflow of thanksgiving. Over time, prayer transforms from something we do into a way we live—an ongoing conversation with a faithful God who walks with us through every valley and every mountaintop.

In our daily lives, prayer is power—not because of eloquent words or perfect phrases, but because of the One who hears. And when we learn to lean into that power, we discover that even the smallest prayer can carry us through the biggest battles. ~OC

***Check out the Spoken Word version at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Take Our Brokenness

And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him,who have been called according to His purpose.” ~Romans 8:28

Today’s a new day! Sometimes, God allows us to experience broken bodies so that we can realize we have an even greater need—a broken heart. A broken heart that needs Him. If we will let Him, God wants to take our broken hearts, and pour His love in. That is part of the “good” that He wants to work for us in the Scripture verse above. He wants to heal our brokenness, and in so doing, bring good out of it. And then, as only God can do, He wants to work through us to show a world of hurting and broken hearts that He can do the same for them. That is part of what He means when He says that we have been “called according to His purpose.”

God actually has a purpose for each and every one of us. No matter how broken we feel inside, God has a purpose for us. We may not see how, but God can take broken bodies and broken hearts and use them for good in His great purposes. All He needs is a willing heart. 

We often feel, though, that we are too big of a mess for God to accept. But in reality, He desperately wants us to turn to Him in the middle of our mess and lift our arms up to Him, just like when we were a child and we turned to our parents or grandparents in the middle of a mess that was often from our own doing. 

All that God needs is a willing heart. Because if we are willing, even though we may feel like we’re are a total mess, God will honor whatever faith we can muster, and take our brokenness and turn it into something truly beautiful.

 Dear God, I pray that You will take our brokenness and use it for good in your great purposes. I pray that You will use our “I can’t” situations to show us what You CAN do and want to do in our lives. Thank you, God, for hearing our prayer. In Jesus’ great name, Amen.” ~OC

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With Tears

Today’s a new day! Yesterday, as I scrolled through social media, I was struck by a disturbing post shared by the current President of the United States—an image involving a former President and First Lady that many, myself included, perceived as racist and deeply offensive. What troubled me just as much as the post itself was the near-total silence that followed from Christian leaders, organizations and the Christian community as a whole. I looked for statements, condemnations, or even thoughtful reflections grounded in Scripture, but found very little. That silence was deafening. It raises a painful question: how can the Christian community remain quiet—or worse, quietly supportive—when words and actions so clearly contradict the character and teachings of Christ?

This moment exposes a deeper concern that has been growing in my heart for some time. Too many Christians appear to have chosen political allegiance over Gospel faithfulness. When loyalty to a party or a person outweighs our commitment to love, truth, humility, and justice, something has gone terribly wrong. Jesus did not call His followers to power, outrage, or mockery; He called us to love our neighbors, defend the marginalized, and speak truth with grace. When the Church mirrors the cruelty, division, and bitterness of the world, rather than standing apart from it, we lose our witness. It is hard not to imagine Jesus weeping as He watches His Church drift further from His example, trading compassion for convenience and conviction for comfort.

If the teachings and love of Jesus are to remain alive in the Church and the Christian community, we must be willing to speak—even when it is uncomfortable, even when it costs us politically or socially. Silence in the face of injustice is not neutrality; it is a choice. The Gospel demands more from us. It calls us back to Christ-centered courage, where love is louder than hate, truth is stronger than fear, and faithfulness to Jesus outweighs every earthly allegiance. ~OC

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Heart Check

Today’s a new day! As Christians, we’re called to be mindful of our words and actions. What we post, like, and share on social media, how we treat people in public and private, and the voices we choose to amplify all matter. But are we living what we preach? It’s easy to quote scriptures online, but do our lives reflect the teachings of Jesus? 

The disconnect is real. We might share verses about love and kindness, but our actual lives paint a different story. It’s time to take a step back and check our hearts. Are we prioritizing compassion, humility, and integrity? Are we spreading God’s love and peace , or just adding to the noise? As Believers, our words and actions are a reflection of our faith.

Let’s take a moment to reflect on our online presence, our relationships, and our daily choices. Are they aligned with the teachings of Jesus? Let’s strive to be more authentic, more compassionate, and more intentional. Let’s make our faith visible in our actions, not just our words. #HeartCheck #FaithInAction ~OC

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A Flag, Scripture, and a False Dichotomy?

Today’s a new day! Dear Church and Christian Community, let’s have a heart-to-heart. Waving the American flag and quoting scripture can be a powerful expression of faith and patriotism, but it’s crucial to ensure our actions align with the values we claim to uphold. When we selectively cherry-pick scriptures to justify our political agendas, we risk distorting the message of the Bible.

The Bible is clear: we are to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Jesus’ teachings, often highlighted in red, call us to a higher standard – one of compassion, humility, and justice. When we prioritize politics over these principles, we create a false dichotomy. Either we’re living out the red letters of the Bible, or we’re practicing a watered-down, politicized version of faith.

So, let’s strive for authenticity. Let’s read the Bible in its entirety, embracing the hard truths and the beautiful promises. Let’s follow Jesus’ example, loving the marginalized, feeding the hungry, and caring for the least of these. If we do, we’ll create a community that truly reflects the heart of God – not a political ideology. ~OC

***You can check out the Spoken Word version at my YouTube channel Todd E.Shoemaker Music.

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Break Free

Today’s a new day! We have all been there – stuck in the quicksand of guilt, replaying our worst decisions on loop. But here’s the truth: our past doesn’t define us. Not even our worst mistake has the power to dictate our future. Why? Because when we ask for forgiveness and turn it over to God, it’s like a divine delete button – everything’s wiped clean.

The Bible’s got some powerful verses that drive this home:

Psalm 103:12, “As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us.” God doesn’t just move the goalpost; He blows it up and creates a whole new game.

Romans 8:1. “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.” You’re not your worst decision. You’re a child of God, redeemed and free.

Isaiah 43:25, “I, even I, am He who blots out your transgressions for My own sake, and I will not remember your sins.” God’s got a forgetfulness problem – He chooses not to remember your sins. Mind blowing! 

So, what’s holding us back? We cannot let guilt anchor us to our yesterday. We’ve been forgiven, redeemed, and set free. Now, let’s go live the life God has planned for us. ~OC

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Blinders

Today’s a new day! Jesus will not be used, not by false teachers or false ideology

He’s not a trophy to be won, not a prize to be claimed

He’s the Shepherd, searching for the lost, healing the broken

Not cheering on those in power, playing games with people’s lives

You’re trying to fit Him into your politics, your agenda

But He’s the one who’s calling, “Come to me, all you weary”

He’s not pleased with those who use His name

To justify their power, their pride, their prejudice

You’ve hitched your wagon to a politician, a political party

Thinking it’s winning, but it’s leading you astray

Your political agenda’s blinding you, can’t see the truth

God’s love is for everyone, not just those who fit your mold

Dear Pastors , you’re accountable for the lost souls, the ones who never see

The love of God, the light of Heaven

You think you’re winning, but at what cost?

When the broken are still hurting, and the lost are still lost

Time to take off your blinders, see God’s truth

He’s not a Republican or Democrat, He’s love

He’s not a winner of elections, He’s the King of hearts

He’s calling you to love, to serve, to give, not to side with an Elephant or Donkey 

Don’t let your politics, your ideology, be the filter

Through which you see God, through which you love others

Jesus is clear: love God, love your neighbor

Not a political statement, but a love revolution

So, Dear Christian, Dear Church, it’s time to wake up

Time to see the faces, the names, the stories

Of those you’ve left behind, those you’ve hurt

Jesus is weeping, “I was hungry, thirsty, naked, alone”

Will you answer, “Lord, I was blind, but now I see”?

Or will you keep chasing the wind, the power, the fame?

Choose love, choose God, choose the narrow way

Before it’s too late, before the curtain closes. ~OC

****To hear the spoken word go to my YouTube page at Todd E. Shoemaker Music

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True Revival

Today’s a new day! The last several weeks, I have seen many social media post and heard many conversations about how America is in a Revival moment. I hope and pray that is the case, but I am not sure that’s what we are seeing. I desire to experience more than just a moment of Revival. No, I want to see a life changing movement that changes hearts and lives in a radical way.

Since 2019, God has woken me up most mornings with these three words: Miracles, Healings and Revival. But to understand what true Revival actually means, I believe all we need to do is look at the Book of Jonah.

I write the following not as a blog post, but as a prayer for America and the world.

The book of Jonah illustrates for us how God can transform and save an entire city in one day that is entrenched in wickedness, violence, and depravity. Jonah, the prophet of God, is called to go preach against the great city Nineveh, and instead of fulfilling his mandate, he flees to Tarshish aboard a ship. God decides to get Jonah’s attention through a massive storm and Jonah is thrown overboard, but yet is saved by grace in the most unusual and fascinating way…a great whale. We read where Jonah learns that “Salvation is of the Lord” and then is thrown up on dry land and is commissioned to preach a second time to this wicked city Nineveh.

In Jonah Chapter 3, we see five distinguishing marks of true repentance, revival, and spiritual awakening that serve to encourage us as we share the gospel across America and the world and in our desire to see God pour out revival throughout our communities.

The first thing we see is that God is most pleased to use the powerful preaching of His Word to see hearts radically transformed and for people to totally surrender their lives before Him. Jonah’s message was very simple, “Yet forty more days, and Nineveh will be overthrown!” In other words, God would utterly annihilate them if they did not flee the wrath to come by repenting of their sins. In Hebrews 4:12-13 we read, “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” In every great revival in the history of the world, the preaching of God’s Word has been central. Notice how these wicked, violent Ninevites responded in Jonah 3:5: “And the people of Nineveh believed God.” They trusted wholeheartedly in the Lord for salvation because the preached Word had done its amazing effect in their hearts.

Secondly, when genuine revival comes upon a people, it is wide-spread and comprehensive. We see in Jonah 3:5 :“They called for a fast and put on sackcloth, from the greatest of them to the least of them.” The entire city from the highest political leaders to the everyday citizen responded in repentance and faith toward the living God. When God pours out revival, it doesn’t just affect as small few, but impacts an entire community.

Thirdly, when God pours out revival, genuine repentance is evidenced by a heart transformation that is most demonstrated through mourning of sin and prayer. The message so “touched” the heart of the king, that he traded in his royal throne and stripped himself of all pride and position, and mourned in an ash heap. He grieved his personal sin and humbled himself before the Lord. In times of revival, sinners mourn their sin and cry out mightily to God in prayer. The king issues this command in Jonah 3:8, “and let them call out mightily to God.” I looked up the Hebrew word for “mightily” and it means with violent earnestness. Wow! When God grants revival, genuine repentance manifests itself in a wide spread prayer movement where people cry out earnestly to God and desire more of Him.

Fourthly, genuine repentance always bears fruit in that people turn from their sinful behavior. Notice that the king also says this in Jonah 3:8: “Let everyone turn from their evil way and from the violence that is in their hands.” Repentance means more than just feeling sorry for our sins and grieving over possibly getting caught. No, true repentance means that there is a genuine turning from our old ways of living and thinking, to completely trusting in Christ alone for our salvation and everything else in our lives. The Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 7:9-10: “As it is, I rejoice, not because you were grieved, but because you were grieved into repenting. For you felt a godly grief, so that you suffered no loss through us. For godly grief produces a repentance that leads to salvation without regret, whereas worldly grief produces death.”

Lastly, in times of true revival, people come to the full awareness that they are totally dependent on the sovereign grace of God for salvation and cannot demand from Him anything. The king humbly and in brokenness declares in Jonah 3:9: “Who knows? God may turn and relent and turn from his fierce anger, so that we may not perish.” The king doesn’t appeal to his rights as ruler, but totally understands the sovereign right of the living God to show mercy and compassion to whom He wants to show mercy and compassion. All we can do as sinners is to cast ourselves on the mercy of Jesus alone for our salvation.

As I close, I pray that God would pour out His Spirit of revival upon America and the world, where the Word of God is preached with boldness every Sunday in churches across the world. I pray that God would impact America and the world with spiritual transformation that is widespread and life changing. I pray that all of us would mourn the violence, hatred and division we see around us and cry out mightily to God in prayer that a powerful prayer movement would sweep across this dry land like a wildfire. I pray that we would all turn from our sinful ways and trust in the living God and that there would be true radical life change. I pray that God would pour out His mercy upon us in salvation through Jesus and that every single person in America and across the world would love and worship Christ the Lord. ~Amen

Thanks for taking the time to read this prayer. ~OC

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