Tag: faith

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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Today’s Prayer

Dear God, you are merciful and kind, we asked that you would protect us this day from the hate and division of this world. Dear Lord, allow us to be bright lights in a chaotic and dark world. Let us spend more time embracing our commonalities and less time fighting over our differences. Let us truly live out your commandments to love, care and serve others today. We pray all of this in the name of Jesus, the Prince of Peace. Amen

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Hope

Here is a morning prayer for Monday 2/10/25. Have a beautiful day! ~OC

Dear God, you are the hope for this world. Today, I pray you meet us in the darkness of our despair and speak a word of hope over our anxious hearts. Give us the strength to faithfully wait for your promises for our lives and to find hope in our hour of need. We pray all of this in the name of the One who is the true hope and love of this world. Amen!

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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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A Difference of Opinion

Today’s a new day! On occasion, I post things that some people disagree with. There are times some of my friends post things I do not agree with. Guess what? It’s okay.

If we could only accept one another in all the different views and opinions that are out there, what a different place this world would be.

We all have an opinion. Nothing wrong with that. Nothing wrong with stating our opinion. What is bad is when we expect everyone else to go along with our opinion.

That is when all kinds of arguing and hard feelings can happen.

We are all free to have our opinions yet we should accept the fact that not everyone will agree. Keep in mind our opinions may not be right and our opinions may change over time.

Everyone is entitled to an opinion and being free to state their opinion, but remember it is only one opinion. We should not expect everyone to go along and we should not get mad when others have differing opinions.

Accept one another and the unique ways God created us. Love and accept those who see things differently. That does not always mean we agree or condone what others do, but we are not going to always agree on everything anyway.

As we read God’s word in the Bible, we are instructed to love and serve others. To live a life where God is glorified.

We should not spend so much time worrying that others see things differently than us on certain topics. We should not get mad and fight and argue trying to convince people to see things our way.

As a follower of Christ , I follow him the way feel I believe he is leading me. Did you catch that? The way He is leading me. Not the way He might be leading you or someone else. If you happen not to believe in God, or follow another faith or do not believe in a god at all, follow your heart and do not try to force your views on others.

I believe God is big enough to work in each of us as He sees best. Rather than worry about forcing our opinions and views on others, accept the fact that we are all different. Love others and respect one another despite those differences. What a wonderful world that would be. ~OC

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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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Paying Attention

Today’s a new day! Since the inauguration of the current administration, many people are either alarmed or are at least paying attention at what has transpired.

We wonder how putting flawed inexperienced people in charge of our government agencies will make our lives better. We see one of the main issues that got him elected — inflation — take a back seat to revenge and retribution. We see the destruction of the rule of law and allowing a unelected out of control billionaire actually run the country.

One of my biggest fears is the loss of checks and balances in a president who appears to have no ethical compass. I wonder what our deceased men and women of the military, who gave their lives fighting for our freedom would think of our current gutless Congress who are willing to throw out our democracy and cower in fear of being primaried from our billionaire overlords.

I think the American people need to hold these compromised representatives accountable for the sake of this generation and generations to come. Thanks for listening. ~OC

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Takeaways

Good Morning! Here is another entry from “The Lost Writings of OC.” This is from 2021.

Today’s a new day! It has been my experience that God uses what seems to be our weakest moments to propel us to the next chapter in His plan and purpose in our lives.

During this crazy beautiful health journey, God has given me the strength and motivation to take steps forward each day. Here are three takeaways.

1). Pray – This is sadly usually the last resort. We as believers usually pray; however, we pray after we have done everything that we can do in our own strength. In Matthew 6:33, it says seek first His Kingdom and His righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Go to Him, talk with Him and invite Him into your situation.

2). Listen – Over the years, I have spent a ton of time telling God what my next steps are, and sometimes I picture Him looking at me, shaking His head and saying… “Are you done yet?” I have historically been terrible at this. I’ve wanted my relationship with God to be very transactional. However, I have learned over time that this isn’t how He tends to work. We must lean in and listen. I also try to write in my journal what I feel God is speaking to me at the time and what the next steps are in my situation that I am struggling with. Pausing to write has been a very important way for me to allow God to work in my life.

3). Act – What if we truly walked out the Scriptures that look good on a t-shirt or bumper sticker, such as Matthew 19:26…with man this is impossible, but with God all things are possible. What would happen if we lived with the mindset of “do the next right thing?” Today, just take one step forward. Just a small applicable steps in the right direction allows roots to take hold, grow and build a strong foundation rooted in God.

I am not sure what season you might be walking through right now. It could be something as small as what cereal to buy, or it could be some huge life-altering situation that you just don’t know what to do with. Give them to God and let His strength shine in these moments. I know that this is counterculture but remember another promise from Scripture in Matthew 11:28-29…

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.”

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Tuesday Prayer

Good Morning! Here is my morning prayer for you. Have a great day! ~OC

Dear God, I pray my family and friends experience the peace that comes from a heart filled with gratitude. Your Word reminds us in Philippians 4:6, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.” Help each of my family and friends to cultivate a grateful heart, finding joy in the blessings You have bestowed upon each of them. May gratitude be the foundation of their inner peace. Allow them to walk in victory today. Amen

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Dear Christian,

Hello again. I am loving going through old journals and finding these writings that I have entitled “The Lost Letters of OC.” I wrote this back in 2019.

Dear Christian Brothers and Sisters,

I have wanted to write this letter for a long time, but I wasn’t sure it would do any good. Like you, I’m on my own journey.

I have been frustrated because it feels like Christians have stopped listening to the needs of others, unless it fits their agenda. Do you really care what non- Christians or people from other faiths really think or care about ? Do you truly care about your neighbor or coworker that feels like their life is filled with roadblocks? How about the neighbor who is struggling to just pay their bills? How about that neighbor who votes differently than you?

You talk about truth and the Bible in such a way that it seems like you’re shoving your faith down people’s throats. You often judge those around you. What you believe in appears more important than what the scriptures have to say. You make living out the Christian faith seem like an impossible task. I doubt anyone including other Christians could ever measure up to your standards.

To be honest, your religion seems to make you angry all the time. It’s a real downer when you continuously point out everything you find to be wrong in this world. You seem so against everything, it’s hard to believe you could really have anyone’s best interest in mind. Your complaints don’t exactly inspire anyone to give their life to Christ.

Dear Christians, stop rolling out this angry type of religion, and ask that neighbor or coworker about their life. People want to know you truly care about them. People are looking for Christians to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus.

Life is tough. Some people are feeling empty and lonely. They’re feeling excluded by a group of people who should be making them feel loved and welcomed. So when you say, “Jesus is the answer,” your words ring hollow. People do not want to want hang around people who are always judging them or trying to set them straight.

What people really want to know is if you care about them as a human being. They need real friends who stand by them when they’re alone, afraid, or hurt. If you want to influence people, just act like a decent, kind and caring person.

Your Brother in Christ,

~OC

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