Tag: Forgiveness

More Than A Trinket

Today’s a new day! 

There’s something almost nostalgic about opening a box of Cracker Jack. You don’t just pour it into a bowl—you reach down, past the caramel-coated popcorn and peanuts, searching for the prize hidden at the bottom. As kids, that little toy felt like everything. It was the reason you kept digging, the reward you were waiting for.

But if we’re honest, those prizes rarely lived up to the expectation. They were small, temporary, and often forgotten within minutes. The excitement faded as quickly as it came.

Sometimes, we treat the Gospel the same way.

We approach God like He’s the prize at the bottom of the box—something extra, something we “get” after we’ve worked our way through life. We chase blessings, breakthroughs, and answered prayers like they’re the real reward, while Jesus becomes the add-on.

But the Gospel flips that idea upside down.

Jesus isn’t the toy hidden beneath everything else—He is the treasure itself.

The Gospel isn’t about digging through life to earn something small and temporary. It’s about receiving something eternal right now. There’s no gimmick, no cheap prize, no fleeting satisfaction. Instead, we’re given grace that doesn’t wear out, love that doesn’t fade, and salvation that doesn’t break.

Where the world offers trinkets, God offers transformation.


Where life hands out temporary pleasures, Jesus gives eternal purpose.

“And where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” (Matthew 6:21)

The question is—what are we really reaching for?

Are we chasing the “toys” of success, approval, or comfort? Or are we holding onto the true treasure—the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ?

Because unlike that Cracker Jack prize, the Gospel will never disappoint. It doesn’t lose its value. It doesn’t break. It doesn’t get tossed aside.

It changes everything.

And the best part? You don’t have to dig for it.

It’s already been given. ~OC

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Idolatry Is Killing the Church: Putting Jesus Above Politics

There is a quiet crisis unfolding within the Church today—one that is not always visible from the outside, yet deeply felt in the spirit. It is not persecution from the world, nor a lack of resources, nor even declining attendance. It is something far more dangerous: idolatry.

Idolatry is not just the worship of carved images or ancient gods. It is anything that takes the rightful place of Jesus in our hearts. And today, one of the most subtle and pervasive forms of idolatry in the Church is the elevation of politics above Christ.

When political identity becomes more important than spiritual identity, something has gone terribly wrong. When believers are more passionate about defending a party than proclaiming the Gospel, we have misplaced our allegiance. When unity in Christ is sacrificed for political agreement, we are no longer building the Kingdom—we are dividing it.

Jesus never called us to be ambassadors of political systems. He called us to be ambassadors of His Kingdom.

In John 18:36, Jesus said, “My kingdom is not of this world.” Yet many in the Church today live as though it is. We cling to earthly power, believing it will accomplish what only the Holy Spirit can do. We justify attitudes, words, and actions that contradict the very teachings of Christ, all in the name of protecting a political cause.

This is not righteousness. This is idolatry.

The early Church changed the world not through political dominance, but through radical love, humility, and unwavering devotion to Jesus. They didn’t have influence in government—but they had the power of the Gospel. They didn’t seek control—they sought surrender.

Somewhere along the way, we traded the cross for a platform, the Gospel for a talking point, and the mission of Christ for the mission of man.

The result? A watching world that no longer sees Jesus clearly through His Church.

If we are honest, many people outside the Church associate Christianity more with political arguments than with the love of Christ. That should grieve us. Because Jesus said the world would know us by our love—not our affiliations, not our opinions, not our ability to win debates.

The solution is not to abandon civic responsibility or ignore the issues of our day. Christians can and should engage in society. But our engagement must flow from our identity in Christ—not replace it.

We must return to our first love.

Jesus must be above every ideology, every platform, every candidate, and every cause. Our hope is not in governments, but in God. Our mission is not to win elections, but to win hearts. Our calling is not to mirror the world, but to reflect Christ.

It starts with humility. Repenting where we have allowed politics to shape our faith instead of allowing our faith to shape how we engage the world.

It continues with realignment. Re-centering our lives on the teachings of Jesus—His compassion, His truth, His grace, His holiness.

And it is sustained by surrender. Daily choosing to lay down every idol, visible or hidden, and declaring with our lives: Jesus is Lord.

The Church does not need more political power. It needs more spiritual authority. It needs believers who are so rooted in Christ that nothing else can take His place.

Idolatry is killing the Church—but it doesn’t have to.

If we lift Jesus back to where He belongs—above all things—we may just see revival begin again. ~OC

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Letter III: To The Church In A Time Of Testing

Beloved Faith Family,

There was a time when the church stood as a moral compass in turbulent waters, offering clarity in moments of confusion and conviction in times of compromise.

Today, I fear that witness has been clouded.

In many places, the church has aligned itself so closely with political identity that it has become difficult to distinguish where faith ends and ideology begins. When this happens, the message of love is overshadowed by the pursuit of influence, and the call to humility is replaced with the desire for control.

Faith was never meant to be a tool of division.

If the church is to be a light in this present darkness, it must return to its first calling: to love without condition, to serve without recognition, and to speak truth without fear or favoritism. 

It must be willing to challenge injustice—even when it is inconvenient, even when it costs something.

For what does it profit a faith community to gain political power, yet lose its soul?

With steadfast hope,

A Servant of the Dream Yet to Be Fully Realized ~OC

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Today’s Prayer (English Version)

Dear Jesus, I begin my day with You. Use me to bring encouragement to everyone I encounter. May my words and actions reflect Your love, wisdom, and compassion in all that I do. Give me strength to be kind, even to those I disagree with, and help me respond with grace instead of pride. May judgment not touch my heart, mind, or lips, but instead fill me with understanding and peace. Use me this day, Oh Lord, as a vessel of Your light and goodness. Guide my steps, order my thoughts, and let everything I do bring glory to You. Amen.

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A Prayer To Live Out What We Profess

Dear Jesus, 

We speak Your name easily,
but too often we resist Your way.

You told us to love our enemies,
yet we hold on to anger.
You told us to forgive,
yet we keep score.
You told us to serve the least,
yet we chase comfort and recognition.

Forgive us for the gap between our words and our lives.
Forgive us for using faith as identity instead of obedience.
Forgive us for hearing Your teachings
and admiring them,
but not doing them.

Give us courage to take You seriously.
Not just in what we believe,
but in how we live, speak, spend, and love.

Break our pride when it keeps us from humility.
Interrupt our routines when they ignore the hurting.
Convict us when we justify what You clearly commanded.

Teach us to love when it’s inconvenient.
To give when it costs us.
To forgive when it feels impossible.
To choose truth over comfort,
and mercy over being right.

Make us people who reflect You—not just in church,
but in our homes, our work, our relationships, and our thoughts.

Let our lives become living prayers,
where Your words are not just spoken,
but seen.

We don’t want to only call You Lord—
we want to follow You as Lord

Change us, challenge us, and lead us.

We pray all of this in the powerful and matchless name of Jesus. Amen

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Through The Eyes Of A Thief

The sky darkens in a way I’ve never seen before, though I’ve spent my life in the shadows. I hang here, condemned, my body wracked with pain, my past heavier than the crossbeam upon my shoulders. I deserve this, I know it. Every selfish choice, every hardened moment has led me to this hill. Beside me, another man curses, demanding rescue, demanding proof. But I have no demands left—only the bitter clarity that comes when there is nothing left to lose. And then I look at Him.

There is something different about the man in the middle. He does not spit back insults. He does not fight for breath with rage, but with mercy. I hear Him pray—not for Himself, but for those who have nailed Him here. “Father, forgive them.” Forgive them? In that moment, the weight of my own guilt presses deeper, yet strangely, hope flickers where despair once lived. If He can ask forgiveness for them, could there be mercy even for me?

With what strength I have left, I speak—not to mock, but to confess. I deserve this. He does not. And then, with a trembling voice, I ask the unthinkable: “Remember me.” Not save me from this cross, not erase my past—but remember me. It is a small plea from a broken man. Yet His reply is immediate, certain, and filled with a grace I have never known: “Today, you will be with me in paradise.” In the shadow of death, I find life. On a cross meant for punishment, I receive a promise.

As the darkness deepens, fear loosens its grip. My circumstances have not changed, but everything else has. The man beside me is not just another condemned soul—He is a King whose kingdom begins where mine ends. And somehow, by His mercy, I am invited in. This is Good Friday through my eyes: not the end of a life, but the beginning of eternity. ~OC

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In Difficult Times

Today’s a new day! 

I do not believe it is very presidential to celebrate the death of another human being. Even more so, it is not Christ-like to use harsh or mocking words when a family is suffering loss. As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard—one marked by compassion, humility, and reverence for life. When we see public figures model behavior that contradicts these values, it should not become an excuse for us to follow suit. Instead, it should prompt reflection. Sadly, many who identify as Christians are quick to celebrate alongside such attitudes, justifying cruelty in the name of loyalty or politics. This is a dangerous place for the heart to dwell.

Scripture speaks clearly to moments like these. In Proverbs 24:17–18, we are reminded: “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.” God sees beyond outward actions—He examines the posture of our hearts. When we take joy in the suffering or death of others, even those we may strongly disagree with, we step outside the character of Christ. It is a sobering call for believers to pause, to examine their hearts honestly, and to spend time in prayerful conversation with God. Our witness to the world should not be marked by cruelty or childish behavior, but by grace, truth, and love—even in the most difficult moments. ~OC

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

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Greatness

Today’s a new day! As we walk into a new week, I wanted to share the following with you. 

Greatness just doesn’t happen. In our walk with Christ, greatness is not measured by fame, wealth, or recognition, but by faithfulness, obedience, and a heart devoted to God. Growing spiritually takes time, prayer, discipline, and dedication. Just as an athlete trains their body, believers must also train their hearts and minds through God’s Word, prayer, and daily commitment to living out their faith. Greatness in God’s kingdom is built through humility, perseverance, and trust in His plan.

Greatness also requires sacrifice. Following Christ means we may have to let go of things that distract us from God’s purpose. It may mean giving up comfort, pride, or personal desires in order to serve Him more fully. 

Scripture reminds us that true discipleship comes with a cost, but the reward of walking closely with God is far greater than anything we could ever give up. Spiritual growth often happens in difficult seasons, when our faith is tested and our reliance on God grows stronger.

So ask yourself: are you willing to put in the hard work? Are you willing to make some sacrifices? Are you willing to dedicate your time, sweat, and tears to pursuing the purpose God has placed on your life? A life of faith is not always easy, but it is always worth it. God often works through our struggles to strengthen our character and deepen our trust in Him.

If you desire to live a life of greatness, then keep pushing through those hard moments. Keep pushing past the hurdles that try to shake your faith. Keep dreaming about the plans God has for your life, and keep believing that He is working in you and through you. Stay faithful, stay prayerful, and keep moving forward, knowing that with God’s strength and guidance, true greatness in His kingdom is always within reach. ~OC

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

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The Gospel

I never want the Gospel to grow old in my heart. I never want it to become background noise—familiar words that pass by without weight or wonder. The message at the center of the Christian faith is not just a story I heard once in Sunday school; it is the living, breathing good news of Jesus Christ—His life, His sacrifice, and His resurrection. It is the reminder that grace was never earned, only given. That mercy met me at my worst. That love chose the cross anyway. When I think about it, really think about it, I’m undone. The Gospel is not basic. It is not entry-level Christianity. It is the foundation, the heartbeat, the reason any of this matters at all.

If I am not careful, familiarity can tempt my heart toward callousness. I can quote verses without trembling. I can sing worship songs without reflecting on the cost. I can speak about the cross as a concept instead of remembering it as a rescue. But the Gospel was never meant to be reduced to routine. It is the power of God to save, to transform, to renew weary souls. It confronts my pride and comforts my shame at the same time. It reminds me that I am more sinful than I want to admit and more loved than I dare to hope.

I never want to outgrow what saved me. I never want to move past the wonder that God would step into human history, bear human suffering, and conquer death so that we could be reconciled to Him. The message of the cross should still stop me in my tracks. It should still soften my heart. It should still bring me to gratitude. If the Gospel ever feels small to me, it is not because it has lost its power—it is because I have lost my perspective. So I pray for fresh awe. I pray for tender ground in my soul. Because the Gospel is not old news. It is eternal good news, and I never want to treat it as anything less. ~OC

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

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Even In The ICU

As I sit here in ICU, my body is struggling. It’s tired from such a long battle. Every breath feels heavier than it used to. The steady rhythm of the beeping machines reminds me just how fragile this earthly body can be. And yet, in the middle of all of it, I feel a peace — a peace that surpasses all understanding, like the kind described in Philippians 4:6–7. 

My journey doesn’t make sense by human standards. Circumstances say fear. The monitors say concern. The weakness says exhaustion. But my spirit says peace. Jesus is here in this room, and that changes everything.

I do not totally understand why God chose me to walk this crazy, beautiful health journey… but He did. And because He did, I can trust that He has purpose in it. In my weakness, I turn to Him for strength. In my uncertainty, I turn to Him for guidance. If He can use these words written from an ICU bed to encourage even one person, then it’s worth it. 

My desire is simply to be a humble servant. I don’t crave a platform. I have no desire to be a social influencer. I’m not chasing fame or recognition. My only desire is to serve Jesus and to love and serve others well. If that service happens from a hospital room in Intensive Care, then I humbly accept the assignment. 

Whether standing on a stage or lying in a hospital bed, my calling remains the same: to reflect His love. This body may be weary, but my spirit is willing. And as long as there is breath in my lungs, I will continue to point people to the One who gives true hope and peace — even in the ICU. ~OC

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