Tag: Encouragement

Invitation

Today’s a new day!

As we move through Holy Week and draw closer to Easter, I pray you will look at this sacred time as an invitation into something new. Not just a remembrance of what Jesus has done, but a personal opportunity for new seasons, new opportunities, and new growth in your own life. The journey to the cross reminds us that even in suffering, uncertainty, and waiting, God is always at work—preparing, refining, and restoring. Easter is not only about resurrection in history, but resurrection in our hearts today. It is a reminder that no matter where you’ve been or what you’re facing, new life is always possible through Him.

In this season, I encourage you to fix your eyes on Jesus and remain faithful in the place where He has you planted. It can be easy to compare, rush ahead, or feel restless for change—but there is deep purpose in your present moment. Be obedient in the small things, trust Him with the unseen, and learn to be content right where you are. Growth often happens quietly, beneath the surface, before it ever becomes visible. As you walk through this Holy Week, let your heart be anchored in His presence, your spirit strengthened in obedience, and your mind renewed with hope. God is working, even now, and this season may be the very ground where something beautiful begins. ~OC

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Holy Week

Holy Week and Easter are at the very heart of the Christian faith, and understanding them can offer a meaningful glimpse into what Christians believe about love, sacrifice, and hope. Holy Week begins with Palm Sunday, recalling Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem, and moves through deeply significant moments like the Last Supper—where He shared a final meal with His disciples—and Good Friday, the day Christians remember His crucifixion. To a non-Christian, this might seem like a somber sequence of events, but for believers, it represents something profound: the idea that God chose to enter into human suffering and injustice rather than remain distant from it.

Easter, which follows, is the celebration of Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. This is not just a symbolic moment in Christianity—it is the foundation of Christian faith. As Christians we believe that through His resurrection, Jesus conquered sin and death, opening the door to forgiveness and new life for all people. Even if you don’t share that belief, the message behind Easter can still resonate: that renewal is possible, that love can overcome hatred, and that even in the darkest moments, there is the potential for transformation. For many, Holy Week and Easter are not only religious observances but also an invitation to reflect on themes of grace, redemption, and the possibility of a fresh start. ~OC

You can check out the Spoken Word version of this post at my YouTube channel Todd E.Shoemaker.

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More To Life

Today’s a new day!

Is there more to life than more? It’s a question that cuts through the noise of our everyday lives. We live in a world that constantly tells us to chase after more—more success, more money, more achievements, more recognition. We are taught that if we just keep striving, keep climbing, keep accumulating, then eventually we will arrive at a place of fulfillment. But if we’re honest, many of us have reached milestones we once dreamed of, only to find ourselves still longing, still restless, still asking, “Is this it?”

The truth is, “more” was never meant to satisfy the deepest parts of our souls. That longing inside of us is not a call to gather more things—it’s a call to draw closer to God. Ecclesiastes reminds us that God has set eternity in the human heart. That means there is something within us that this world can never fully satisfy. No matter how much we gain, it will never be enough if we are disconnected from the One who created us with purpose and intention.

So what if the answer isn’t found in speeding up, but in slowing down? What if we paused long enough to allow Jesus to meet us in the quiet? In a culture that celebrates busyness, slowing down can feel uncomfortable, even unproductive. But throughout Scripture, we see Jesus often stepping away from the crowds, withdrawing to quiet places to pray, to commune with the Father. If the Son of God made space for stillness, how much more do we need it?

When we slow down, we begin to notice things we’ve been missing. We become aware of God’s presence in ways that get drowned out by the noise of constant activity. We start to hear His voice more clearly—not because He wasn’t speaking before, but because we were too distracted to listen. In that stillness, Jesus gently begins to reshape our understanding of what truly matters. He shifts our focus from outward success to inward transformation, from temporary gain to eternal purpose.

Jesus invites us into a different kind of life—not one defined by endless striving, but one marked by rest, trust, and relationship with Him. He says, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” That rest is not just physical—it’s spiritual. It’s the deep, soul-level peace that comes from knowing we are held, known, and loved by God.

So is there more to life than more? Yes—but it’s not the kind of “more” the world offers. It’s more peace, more purpose, more joy, more of God’s presence. And we don’t find it by chasing harder—we find it by surrendering, by slowing down, and by turning our hearts toward Jesus.

Today, you have an invitation. Step out of the rush. Quiet your heart. Make space for Him. Because when you do, you’ll discover that what you’ve been searching for isn’t found in having more—it’s found in knowing Him. ~OC

You can find the Spoken Word version of this at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Grace Over Judgement

In a world where news travels faster than ever, it didn’t take long for headlines and social media feeds to light up after the news broke that a famous golfer had been arrested on a DUI charge. Within minutes, opinions flooded in—many of them harsh, judgmental, and unforgiving. It’s striking how quickly people can shift from admiration to criticism, often acting as though they themselves have never stumbled, never made a poor decision, never had a moment they wish they could take back. The reality is, we are all human. We all have flaws, struggles, and chapters of our lives we’d rather not have put on public display.

What’s often forgotten in moments like these is that behind the fame, the trophies, and the public persona is a real person—someone who may be dealing with deep personal challenges. Instead of rushing to condemn, perhaps this is a time to reflect inward. How would any of us feel if one of our worst moments became front-page news, dissected and debated by millions? It’s easy to judge from a distance, but empathy requires us to pause and consider the full picture. Fame should never strip someone of their humanity or make them an easier target for criticism.

Today, rather than adding to the noise of negativity, I encourage each of us to choose compassion. Lift Tiger Woods up in prayer—for his health, for his healing, and for his family. Life has a way of humbling all of us at different times, and when it does, what we need most is grace, not judgment. Let’s be mindful of the words we share and the attitudes we carry, remembering that kindness and understanding will always speak louder than criticism. ~OC

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

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Purpose Equals Peace

Today’s a new day! 

For more than two decades, I have walked a road marked by uncertainty, pain, and countless moments where I was told my life might soon end. After hearing over fifty times that I had only hours, weeks, or months to live, I stopped counting. Not out of denial, but out of a quiet realization—life was never meant to be lived under the constant shadow of “what if today is the last day?” Instead, I chose to seek something deeper. In the midst of my storm, I prayed and asked Jesus to show me my purpose within the pain. And He answered.

What I discovered changed everything. My hospital rooms became mission fields. Waiting rooms turned into places of ministry. Conversations with doctors, nurses, and fellow patients became opportunities to encourage, uplift, and share hope. God didn’t remove my storm, but He gave it meaning. Over the years, He has allowed me to walk alongside others in their darkest moments—offering support, listening ears, and reminders that they are not alone. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to be used in this way. And in that purpose, I found something unexpected: peace. A deep, unshakable peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances.

Time and time again, I’ve heard others share a similar testimony. When they begin to understand that God has a purpose even in their suffering, something shifts. The fear loosens its grip. The questions quiet. And peace begins to take root. It doesn’t mean the storm disappears—but it does mean the storm no longer defines them. So today, I want to gently challenge you: what is God revealing to you in your current season? Are you leaning in to listen, or are you overwhelmed by the noise of the storm? Have you allowed your struggle to become your identity, or are you willing to surrender it?

Take a moment today to lay your burdens at the foot of the Cross. In fact, don’t just lay them down—leave them there. Nail your fears, your pain, your questions, and your weariness to the Cross and trust that Jesus will carry what you cannot. I can’t promise that your season of hardship will end quickly, or even in the way you hope. But I can promise this: when you seek God’s purpose in the storm, you will find His peace. Even now, as I continue walking through ongoing health challenges, I do so with hope and a calm assurance that God is not finished.

So the question remains—are you willing to take that first step today? To trust, to seek, and to walk forward in the purpose God has prepared for you? Peace and victory are not found in the absence of storms, but in the presence of Jesus within them. ~OC

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

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Building Up or Tearing Down

Today’s a new day!

Are you building people up or tearing them down? It’s a simple question, but one that carries eternal weight. Every word we speak and every sentence we write has the power to either breathe life into someone’s spirit or quietly diminish it. In a world driven by quick reactions and the pursuit of likes, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Are your words encouraging others to pursue a life of significance—one rooted in purpose, faith, and love—or are they merely crafted to gain temporary approval? As followers of Christ, we are called to be intentional, to speak with grace, and to reflect His heart in all we do.

Take a moment to consider the impact of your presence. Are people better off after spending time with you, or do they leave unchanged? Are you attracting others through kindness, truth, and encouragement, or unintentionally pushing them away? The beauty of these questions is that they are not meant to condemn us, but to refine us. Each day is a new opportunity to grow, to choose words that uplift, and to live in a way that points others toward something greater. I pray that your life today encourages everyone you encounter to live a life of significance—one marked by faith, hope, and love that leaves a lasting impact. ~OC

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Stop Working For God

Today’s a new day! 

Many years ago during my quiet time, I felt God challenging me to stop working for Him and instead truly realize what a gift it was to serve and be in His presence. Here a little of the story.

Because I quit working for God and simply said, “I will join you for the rest of my days,” something in my life began to change. For a long time, my faith felt like a long list of tasks—things to accomplish, prayers to say the right way, expectations to meet. I thought devotion meant striving harder, proving my commitment through effort and discipline. But surrender came quietly when I realized that what Jesus seemed to desire most was not my performance, but my presence. When I stopped trying to impress God and instead chose to walk with Him, faith became less about pressure and more about relationship.

Since then, Jesus has continued teaching me in small, ordinary moments. He keeps inviting me into the simple gift of living in the present moment—the place where grace actually happens. The past no longer needs to define me, and the future does not need to be controlled. Instead, I learned to notice the sacred in what was right in front of me: a conversation, a breath of gratitude, a quiet moment of prayer. Following Him was no longer about constantly doing more for God; it was and is about learning to live with God, moment by moment. In that space of companionship, life begins to feel less like a burden to carry and more like a gift to receive. ~OC

You can listen to the Spoken Word version of this post at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Walk In Victory

Today’s a new day! 

The world around us is often filled with noise, pressure, and uncertainty. Every day we hear of conflict, fear, and hardship, and if we are not careful, the troubles of this world can begin to steal the peace that God has placed within our lives. But as believers, we are called to live differently. Jesus never promised a life without challenges, yet He continually invites us to walk in His peace, His grace, and His love even in the middle of life’s storms. His peace is not fragile or temporary—it is steady, unshakable, and stronger than any chaos we may face.

Jesus also calls us to walk in victory, not in defeat. Victory does not mean that everything around us is perfect; it means our hearts remain anchored in Him. When we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and the hope He has placed in our hearts, we begin to see our circumstances differently. Instead of being overwhelmed by fear or discouragement, we remember that God is still working, guiding, and strengthening us each day. The victory we walk in comes from trusting Him and believing that His promises are greater than the problems we face.

So today, guard your heart and refuse to allow the troubles of this world to steal what God has planted within you. Hold on to the peace He has given you, extend grace and love to those around you, and remember that you are not walking this journey alone. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and let His presence fill you with courage and hope. Today, choose to walk in victory. ~OC

***You can listen to the Spoken Word version of this post at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Facing Your Giants

Today’s a new day! 

Every morning on this crazy, beautiful health journey, I’m faced with a decision. I can wake up and allow the giants called my health issues to define me and dictate the direction of my day, or I can choose something greater. I can face those giants head on by placing them in God’s hands and trusting that His plan is bigger than my fears, my pain, and my uncertainty. Some days the giants feel loud and overwhelming, but faith reminds me that they are never bigger than the God who walks beside me.

So today, I choose to fight. I choose to be the warrior Jesus created me to be. I refuse to live like a person who is dying when God has filled me with life, purpose, and strength. I am a person very much alive, with a lot of fight left in me. Every step forward—no matter how small—is a declaration that hope is still winning. God didn’t create us to surrender to fear; He created us to stand firm in faith and trust Him in the battle.

As you face your own giants today—whether they are health struggles, fear, loss, or uncertainty—I pray you will place them in God’s hands and let Him fight for you. You don’t have to carry every burden alone. When we release our battles to Him, we find strength we didn’t know we had and peace that only He can provide. Stay focused on His promises. Stay strong in your faith. And keep running your race knowing that through Him, you are running in victory. ~OC

***You can listen to the Spoken Word of post on my YouTube channel at Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Comfortable, But Miserable

Today’s a new day! We are living in one of the easiest eras in human history. With a few taps on a screen, we can access more information than entire generations before us could gather in a lifetime. We enjoy conveniences that kings and queens once could not imagine—climate-controlled homes, instant communication, endless entertainment, and medical advancements that have extended life expectancy across the globe. In many parts of the world, particularly here in the United States, comfort and accessibility are woven into daily life. Yet despite all this ease, anxiety, depression, burnout, and emotional exhaustion are rising at alarming rates. We are informed, connected, and comfortable—yet deeply weary.

This contrast reveals a spiritual truth: comfort does not equal peace. Information does not equal wisdom. And constant connectivity does not equal true community. Scripture reminds us in Ecclesiastes that “the more knowledge increases, the more sorrow increases.” We are bombarded with news, opinions, crises, and comparisons every single day. Social media invites us to measure our lives against curated highlights. Work follows us home through emails and notifications. Our souls were not designed to carry the weight of the entire world’s problems at once.

Jesus offers a different way. In Matthew 11:28, He says, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” Notice that He does not promise more information, more productivity, or more control. He promises rest. True rest is not found in better algorithms or more efficient schedules—it is found in surrender. It is found in laying our anxious thoughts before God and trusting that He is sovereign even when the world feels overwhelming.

Perhaps the reason mental health struggles are at an all-time high in the most comfortable age is because we have tried to replace dependence on God with dependence on convenience. Comfort can numb us, but it cannot heal us. Technology can connect us, but it cannot restore our souls. Only Christ can do that. As believers, we are invited to slow down, to unplug, to pray, and to remember that our worth is not measured by productivity or performance but by the unchanging love of God.

In the easiest of times, may we choose the deeper path. May we seek not just comfort, but communion. Not just information, but transformation. And may we find that even in an anxious age, the peace of Christ is still available—steady, unshaken, and freely given. ~OC

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

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