Today’s a new day! This journey is not about us. It’s not to show people how strong we are, for our strength comes from God. It’s not to show others how great our faith is, for our faith is a gift from God. It’s not to show people how courageous we are, for our courage comes from God…exactly at the time we need it. Anything people see in us that is good is not of our doing… it’s from Heaven. ~OC
Dear Friend
Dear Friend,
As I scrolled through your social media pages, I sense you are struggling. You seem tired. As I read your post, it appears you are being overwhelmed by the storms of life. I have experienced those moments.
So friend, I want you to know I am here for you. There have been times, I have watched other friends walk through storms from a distance because I was not sure what to say. I made their pain about me. I wish I had just showed up. Just listened.
As I have walked through my own storms, I realize how important it is to have friends walk with you. I am thankful for those who did not jump out of the boat when the seas got rough.
I am done letting fear keep me from staying close. I will not be perfect when I reach out to you. I may not always say the right thing. I am okay with that. The most important thing is, I will always be there for you. No judgment. No quick fixes. Just me standing in the gap.
Friend, you will get through whatever storm you are facing at this moment. It will not be easy. There will be some rough days. You might even feel like giving up. You might lose hope. When you lose hope, I will hope for you. We will get through this journey called life together. We will finish strong. ~OC
Life Moment Lessons
Today’s a new day! As we walk through life we will all face storms. As we walk through the storms of life, we make the choice what lessons we learn. Here are just a few lessons I have learned during my journey.
Life Moment Lesson 1: I could not do life without my faith. As a 10 year old boy, I gave my life and heart to God. There have been some ups and downs along my faith journey, but God has never left me. As with any relationship, I have taken the time to get to know Him better. I have taken the time to listen to God as he has spoken to me. l have seen God move mountains, perform miracles and heal relationships that people said were dead. I have felt the beautiful peace and presence of God in every area of my life.
Life Moment Lesson 2: Do not take any moment or person for granted. Life can change in a single moment. So share grace and forgiveness. Do not hold onto anger or grudges. Let it go.
Life Moment Lesson 3: Family and friends are a beautiful gift. Hug them often. Never miss a chance to say I love you. Treasure the time together. Cherish the laughter and memories. Be present.
Life Moment Lesson 4: Never make life about you. Make life about serving others. Every experience we encounter, has a beautiful God purpose if we only stop and embrace the moment. Stop rushing through life.
Life Moment Lesson 5: God is in every moment. But we must stop to see God’s beautiful presence. It doesn’t matter what storms we are facing. God is always there. If we look closely, we can see God’s fingerprints on everything. Slow down.
Life Moment Lesson 6: Be thankful and grateful in everything. I have learned when my focus is on God and everything He has brought me through, I can only praise Him and say Thank You. Take time to be thankful.
Of course there have been more lessons learned along the journey, but these are the ones God wanted me to share today. I am Blessed. ~OC
Three Words
Today’s a new day! Since 10/27/19, God has woken me up every morning with these 3 words Healings, Miracles & Revival. ~OC
Miracles
Miracles still happen. Check out this award winning inspirational documentary http://www.deadmanrunningmovie.com
Reach Out
Today’s a new day! As we scroll through social media, we see smiling faces, positive/uplifting post and some people with thousands of friends. It’s easy to think life is going so well for them. But when’s the last time you reached out to them? When’s the last time you responded to their text or phone call? Behind all those encouraging post and social media friends could be a lonely person, who is just holding on. Let’s not be deceived by what we see on social media. Pick up the phone and call that friend who has been on your heart. Meet up in person to catch up. That friend or loved one who seems to have everything going for them, could actually be drowning. Reach out. ~OC
A Loving Warning
Today’s a new day! People are not abandoning Jesus. People are abandoning churches that use Jesus to push political agendas, choose tithes and numbers over relationships and choose which sins are acceptable. That is just unacceptable to an unbelieving world. It is also unacceptable to a believing world. The Church needs to not only preach the Gospel, but live out the Gospel in words and action.
Even as I write the words above, I love the Church because Jesus loves the Church. This is not an attack on the Church. No, this is a loving warning to those churches who are more concerned about their own agenda than the truth of the Gospel. This loving warning comes from someone who has spent more than half my life in the church. This is a loving warning from someone who has seen the beautiful and ugliness of the Church. This is a loving warning from someone who desires for everyone to find a beautiful, amazing church home. ~OC
Prayer
Today’s a new day! In the past as I prayed for people and their needs, I would often find myself looking at my clock or thinking about other things. Rather than truly talking with Jesus or listening for his voice, I would find myself talking at Jesus. Those times of prayer often felt burdensome, empty and tiring.
Over the years, my prayer habits have thankfully changed. I have come to see prayer as a chance to embrace those beautiful moments with Jesus. Now my time with Jesus is my favorite part of the day. A sweet time I approach with beautiful anticipation. ~OC
#RelationshipOverReligion
Step Up Men!
Good morning. God put this on my heart.
Step Up Men! I think one of the biggest problems in our society today are passive men. Men who want authority with no accountability. Our problems are not the result of what is going on in the world. Even though so many men like to use that as an excuse. No, I would say that most of our problems are the result of men who refuse to embrace their God given role in our society and will not be the husband, father and man that God has called us to be. Men, it’s time to step up and stop making excuses. ~OC
