Tag: God

Happy Father’s Day!

Happy Father’s Day! I want to take a moment to recognize you.

Thank you to all the men who have stepped up and embraced the responsibility of being a father. In a world that often celebrates self-interest and personal comfort, you have chosen sacrifice, commitment, and love. You have chosen to put the needs of others before your own, and that deserves to be honored.

Thank you for the early mornings, the late nights, the hard work, the prayers, the guidance, and the countless unseen sacrifices that come with raising children. Thank you for being present when it would have been easier to walk away. Thank you for choosing faithfulness when the road became difficult.

I also want to offer a special thank you to the men who are raising children who do not share their DNA. Biology may make someone a father, but love, commitment, and sacrifice make someone a dad. There are countless men who have opened their hearts and homes to children who needed someone to believe in them, protect them, encourage them, and love them. Your impact reaches far beyond what you may ever fully realize.

Throughout Scripture, we see examples of men who stepped up when God called them. Men like Joseph, who faithfully raised Jesus even though he was not his biological son, remind us that fatherhood is about far more than genetics. It is about obedience, character, and love.

Our world desperately needs godly fathers and father figures. We need men who are willing to lead with humility, love with compassion, stand for truth, and point the next generation toward Jesus. We need men who understand that true strength is not found in power or position, but in serving others.

To every father, stepfather, adoptive father, grandfather, foster father, mentor, coach, teacher, and father figure who has invested in the lives of children and young people: thank you. You are making a difference, even on the days when it may not feel like it.

Your words matter. Your example matters. Your prayers matter. Your presence matters.

Today, we celebrate you and thank God for you.

May the Lord continue to strengthen you, encourage you, and bless you as you fulfill the incredible calling He has placed on your life. May you continue to be a bright light in a world that often feels dark, showing the love of Christ through your actions, your character, and your faith.

Happy Father’s Day to all the men who have stepped up, stood firm, and loved well.

Thank you for making a difference. I pray you each have a wonderful Father’s Day. ~OC

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Hope And Class In A Culture Of Insults

Today’s a new day! 

Several people have asked me what I think about the disgusting comments a UFC fighter recently made about former First Lady Michelle Obama. I know his name, but I have chosen not to give him any further publicity by repeating it here.

My thoughts on the matter are actually very simple.

Queens do not step off their thrones to deal with court jesters.

Strong men do not have to put down women to feel powerful.

In a world that seems increasingly driven by outrage, insults, and attention-seeking behavior, I believe we have a choice. We can join the noise, or we can rise above it.

Unfortunately, our culture often rewards the loudest voice, the harshest insult, and the most controversial statement. Social media has created an environment where some people believe that tearing others down is a pathway to relevance. But true character is revealed not by how loudly we criticize others, but by how respectfully we treat them.

Real strength is not found in mocking someone. Real strength is found in showing dignity. It is found in self-control. It is found in refusing to surrender our values simply because someone else abandoned theirs.

Whether we agree with someone’s politics, beliefs, or life choices should never determine whether we treat them with basic human decency. Respect is not a reward reserved only for those who think exactly like we do. Respect is a reflection of our own character.

As followers of Christ, we are called to something higher. Jesus never taught us to build ourselves up by humiliating others. He taught us to love our neighbors, bless those who curse us, and treat others the way we would want to be treated.

The world has enough anger.

The world has enough division.

The world has enough people trying to score points at someone else’s expense.

What our communities need are people who choose grace over outrage, wisdom over mockery, and hope over hate.

And as for me, I will continue to choose hope over bitterness, dignity over insults, and class over chaos.

Life is simply too short to live any other way. ~OC

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Walking Our Neighborhoods: Spreading Hope

Today’s a new day!

If we’re honest, we are living through some difficult times in America and around the world.

Many families are afraid to walk through their own neighborhoods. Some are wondering where their next meal will come from. Others are carrying burdens that few people know about—grief, sickness, financial struggles, broken relationships, depression, anxiety, and fear about the future.

We live in a world that seems increasingly divided. Political divisions, racial tensions, economic struggles, and constant bad news can leave people feeling exhausted and hopeless. Everywhere we look, people are searching for answers, searching for peace, and searching for hope.

As Christians, we know where true hope is found.

Our hope is not found in politicians, governments, bank accounts, social media, or the latest headlines. Our hope is found in Jesus Christ.

The world doesn’t need more arguments right now. It needs more prayer.

That is why I want to encourage every believer to do something simple but powerful: start walking your neighborhood and praying.

Take a walk down your street. Pray for the homes you pass. Pray for the families behind those doors. Pray for the single mom trying to make ends meet. Pray for the elderly couple dealing with health challenges. Pray for the teenager battling depression. Pray for the family facing financial hardship. Pray for the child who needs encouragement. Pray for the first responders, teachers, business owners, and community leaders.

You may never know their names, but God does.

Imagine what could happen if thousands of Christians across America began walking their neighborhoods and praying regularly. Imagine communities covered in prayer. Imagine people feeling seen, loved, and encouraged. Imagine churches stepping outside their walls and becoming the hands and feet of Jesus in practical ways.

Prayer changes things.

Prayer changes hearts.

Prayer changes communities.

Prayer changes us.

As we walk and pray, we begin to see people the way Jesus sees them. We become more compassionate. We become more aware of the needs around us. We become less focused on our differences and more focused on God’s love for every person.

Jesus told us that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbors. One of the simplest ways to love our neighbors is to pray for them.

Our communities do not need more division. 

They need unity.

They do not need more fear. They need hope.

They do not need more hate. They need love.

They do not need more people pointing fingers. They need people willing to kneel in prayer.

The Church has an incredible opportunity in this moment. We can choose to be carriers of hope in a hopeless world. We can choose to be peacemakers in a divided culture. We can choose to bring light into places that seem dark.

So I encourage you today: lace up your shoes, step outside, and start walking. Pray over your neighborhood. Pray over your city. Pray over your schools. Pray over your businesses. Pray over your local churches. Pray over the people you encounter.

You may never fully see the impact of those prayers this side of Heaven, but God hears every single one.

Let’s unite our communities through prayer.

Let’s love our neighbors intentionally.

Let’s be the hands and feet of Jesus

And let’s bring hope to a world that desperately needs it.

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” — Galatians 6:2

Our neighborhoods may be changed one prayer at a time. ~OC

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Why As A White Man In America, I Celebrate Juneteenth

Today’s a new day! ~OC

Why, as a white man in America, do I choose to celebrate Juneteenth. Every year when Juneteenth arrives, I see some people asking why they should celebrate a holiday that commemorates the end of slavery in America. As a white man, I have a simple answer: because freedom is worth celebrating.

Juneteenth marks June 19, 1865, the day when enslaved people in Texas finally learned they were free—more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued. It is a day that reminds us of both the painful chapters of our nation’s history and the triumph of freedom over oppression.

As a Christian, I believe every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). That means every life has value, dignity, and worth. Slavery violated that God-given dignity. It treated human beings as property rather than as precious creations of the Lord. Because of that, the ending of slavery is something every follower of Christ should celebrate.

I do not celebrate Juneteenth because of guilt. I celebrate Juneteenth because of gratitude.

I am grateful for the men and women who stood against injustice. I am grateful for those who courageously fought for freedom. I am grateful that our nation moved closer to the biblical truth that every person is equal before God.

Juneteenth also reminds me that freedom is one of God’s greatest gifts. Throughout Scripture, we see God delivering people from bondage. He freed the Israelites from slavery in Egypt. He sent Jesus to set captives free. The Gospel itself is a story of liberation—freedom from sin, shame, and death through Jesus Christ.

When I celebrate Juneteenth, I am celebrating more than a historical event. I am celebrating the principle that no human being should live in chains. I am celebrating the truth that every person deserves to be treated with dignity and respect. I am celebrating the progress that has been made while recognizing there is always room to grow in loving our neighbors better.

As believers, we should never be afraid to acknowledge painful moments in history. Doing so does not weaken our faith or our love for our country. Instead, it helps us appreciate how far we have come and inspires us to continue pursuing justice, mercy, and compassion.

The Church should be a place where people from every background come together as one family in Christ. Scripture tells us that in Heaven there will be people from every tribe, tongue, and nation worshiping before the throne of God. That beautiful picture should encourage us to celebrate the diversity of God’s creation here on earth.

As a white man in America, I celebrate Juneteenth because freedom is worth celebrating.

I celebrate because God’s heart is for justice.

I celebrate because every person bears His image.

I celebrate because Jesus came to set people free.

And I celebrate because when one group of people experiences greater freedom, it is something that benefits all of us.

May Juneteenth remind us of the value of every human life, the importance of learning from history, and the hope that is found in Jesus Christ—the One who offers true freedom to all who call upon His name.

“Therefore if the Son makes you free, you shall be free indeed.” — John 8:36

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Either Way I Win

In 2019, after almost eighteen years of major health battles and being told on multiple occasions that I only had hours left to live, I experienced a beautiful miracle from God.

At that point in 2019, doctors believed I only had weeks remaining. The situation looked impossible. The circumstances seemed hopeless. Yet Jesus stepped into the middle of the story and reminded me that He always has the final say.

It was a true miracle.

Since that miracle, however, my journey has not been without additional challenges. I have endured multiple serious battles with COVID and also suffered a stroke. Today, my health journey has entered its twenty-fourth year.

Over those years, countless people have prayed for my complete healing. I am deeply grateful for every prayer, every encouraging message, every act of kindness, and every person who has stood beside me during difficult seasons. Those prayers have meant more than I could ever adequately express.

But as I have prayed about my health and spent time talking with Jesus, I have found myself reflecting on this journey from a different perspective.

I think about the many patients I have met over the years.

I think about the hospital rooms.

I think about the waiting rooms.

I think about the difficult conversations.

I think about the opportunities God has given me to pray with people, encourage people, and remind people that they are not alone.

Some Christians have viewed my health journey as something negative. They have looked at the diagnoses, the treatments, the setbacks, and the ongoing battles and wondered why God has not completely removed them.

But I have never viewed my journey that way.

I have always seen it as an opportunity.

An opportunity to share the love of Jesus.

An opportunity to share the hope of Jesus.

An opportunity to remind hurting people that God is still faithful even when life is difficult.

As I think about this, I am reminded of others whom God has used powerfully despite significant challenges.

I think about the Apostle Paul, who prayed for the “removal of his thorn in the flesh”, yet God told him, “My grace is sufficient for you, for My power is made perfect in weakness.” Paul went on to impact the world with the Gospel despite his ongoing struggles. 

I think about Joni Eareckson Tada, whose life and testimony have inspired millions around the world.

I think about Nick Vujicic, who was born without arms and legs yet continues to share the Gospel with millions across the globe.

I think about Billy Graham, who faithfully preached Christ throughout seasons of physical weakness and aging.

I think about Eric LeGrand, whose courage and faith have encouraged countless people through adversity.

None of these individuals allowed their struggles to define them. Instead, they allowed God to use them right where they were. 

Their stories remind us that God’s power is not limited by our circumstances.

Throughout my own health journey, God has repeatedly shown me that my willingness to continue sharing the love and hope of Jesus during difficult seasons has encouraged others who are walking through storms of their own.

Sometimes we assume that our greatest ministry will happen after God removes our struggle.

But what if God wants to use us in the middle of the struggle?

What if the very battle we are asking Him to remove is the place where He is doing some of His greatest work?

What if our pain becomes a platform for His glory?

What if our scars become evidence of His faithfulness?

I still believe Jesus heals.

I still believe miracles happen.

After all, I am living proof that they do.

And maybe Jesus will choose to perform another miracle in my life on this side of Heaven.

Maybe He will completely restore every area of my health.

I certainly welcome the prayers everyone continues to pray for my healing.

But perhaps God is using this season exactly as it is.

Perhaps there are people I can reach because of this journey that I could never reach otherwise.

Perhaps there are conversations that happen because of these challenges that would never happen without them.

Perhaps Jesus has me planted exactly where He wants me.

So if God leads you, please continue praying for my healing.

But also pray that Jesus continues to use me.

Pray that I remain faithful.

Pray that I continue to encourage others.

Pray that I continue sharing His love and hope wherever He opens a door.

Because whether I receive another miracle here on earth or whether God continues to use me in the middle of this battle, my victory is already secure in Christ.

If He heals me completely here on earth, I win.

If He uses my story to bring hope to others, I win.

If He uses my struggles to point people toward Jesus, I win.

And one day, whether through healing here or perfect healing in Heaven, I will stand in the presence of my Savior completely restored.

Either way, I win.

“For to me, to live is Christ and to die is gain.” (Philippians 1:21)

And that is a victory no illness can ever take away. ~OC

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A Prayer For The Cancer Support Group

Dear Heavenly Father,

Today I lift up every member of the Cancer Support Group into Your loving hands. Lord Jesus, surround each person with Your perfect peace that surpasses all understanding. Strengthen them for every challenge they face, renew their hearts and minds, and grant wisdom to them, their families, and their medical teams.

I pray for Your healing touch to rest upon each life. Bring comfort where there is fear, hope where there is discouragement, and courage for each new day. Remind them that they are never alone, for You walk beside them through every appointment, treatment, and trial.

Help them continue to lean into Your promises, trusting that You are faithful, good, and present in every season. May they find rest in Your presence, strength in Your Word, and confidence in Your unfailing love.

In the mighty and healing name of Jesus, I pray. Amen. ~OC

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Wake Up, Christian: Why I Write About Tough Topics

One of the questions I get asked quite often is this:

“Why do you write about such tough topics?”

Sometimes the question is phrased a little differently:

“Why don’t you just stick to the nice,

encouraging, less controversial subjects?”

My answer is usually very simple:

Because that is what God has placed on my heart at that moment.

I don’t sit down and ask myself, “How can I make people uncomfortable today?” I sit down and ask, “Lord, what do You want me to say?”

Sometimes He leads me to write about hope, healing, miracles, and encouragement. Other times He leads me to write about difficult issues that many people would rather avoid.

The truth is, I believe too many Christians have become comfortable.

Far too many believers want to walk through life with blinders on, roast marshmallows, eat s’mores, and pretend everything in the world is just fine.

But it isn’t.

Look around.

People are hurting.

Families are broken.

Addictions are destroying lives.

Human trafficking continues to victimize millions.

Abuse is often ignored.

Depression and anxiety are everywhere.

Suicide rates remain alarming.

Loneliness is growing.

The world is facing some very real and very difficult challenges.

As followers of Christ, we cannot afford to pretend these issues don’t exist.

Jesus never ignored pain.

Jesus never looked away from suffering.

Jesus never avoided difficult conversations.

He stepped directly into the brokenness of humanity and brought truth, hope, healing, and redemption.

As Christians, we are called to be a bright light in a dark world. Sometimes that means encouraging people. Sometimes it means comforting people. Sometimes it means speaking difficult truths and confronting evil when we see it.

The world doesn’t need a thirty-minute sitcom version of Christianity.

The world doesn’t need believers who pretend life is perfect.

The world doesn’t need another polished sermon that makes us feel good on Sunday but leaves us spiritually empty by Monday morning.

What the world desperately needs is genuine Christianity.

People want authenticity.

They want to see believers who are honest about their struggles.

They want to see Christians who admit they don’t have it all together.

They want to see followers of Jesus who are willing to show their scars, their failures, their lessons learned, and how God carried them through.

They want to see faith that is real.

The Gospel was never meant to simply make us comfortable.

It was meant to transform us.

Growth rarely happens when we stay comfortable.

Growth happens when God challenges us.

Growth happens when we wrestle with hard truths.

Growth happens when the Holy Spirit convicts our hearts and calls us to something greater.

That is why I will continue sharing messages that challenge people.

Not because I enjoy controversy.

Not because I think I have all the answers.

But because I believe God often uses uncomfortable moments to produce spiritual growth.

If a message makes us stop and think, examine our hearts, or see the world through God’s eyes, then perhaps that discomfort is exactly what we need.

Now, don’t worry—I won’t write only about difficult subjects.

I’ll still sprinkle in plenty of encouraging posts about faith, hope, healing, miracles, worship, and God’s goodness.

After all, encouragement is important too.

But I will not shy away from the hard conversations when God places them on my heart.

The Church doesn’t need less truth.

The Church doesn’t need less courage.

The Church doesn’t need less conviction.

The Church needs believers who are awake, engaged, and willing to shine the light of Christ wherever darkness exists.

So my encouragement today is simple:

Wake up.

Look around.

Pray.

Pay attention.

Love people.

Speak truth.

Show grace.

Confront evil.

Offer hope.

And above all else, point people to Jesus.

Because this world doesn’t need comfortable Christianity.

It needs Christians who are willing to follow Jesus wherever He leads—even when the conversation gets difficult. ~OC

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Two Questions Every Christian Should Ask Themselves

Today’s a new day! 

There are two questions that have been on my heart recently, and honestly, they are questions I need to ask myself as much as anyone else.

Question #1: When someone looks at your life, would they want to be like you?

Not because we’re perfect.

Not because we have all the answers.

Not because we’ve never failed.

But when people see our lives, do they see something different? Do they see the peace of Christ in the middle of chaos? Do they see grace when others are harsh? Do they see hope when circumstances seem hopeless? Do they see a faith that remains steady when life gets difficult?

The Apostle Paul boldly wrote, “Follow my example, as I follow the example of Christ” (1 Corinthians 11:1).

That is a challenging statement. Could we honestly say the same?

When people watch how we treat our spouses, our children, our neighbors, the cashier at the grocery store, or even those who disagree with us, are they seeing Jesus reflected in us?

The truth is that our lives may be the only Bible some people ever encounter. Every conversation, every action, every response to adversity is an opportunity to point people toward Christ—or away from Him.

None of us get it right all the time. I certainly don’t. But our goal should be to live in such a way that others are drawn not to us, but to the Savior living within us.

Question #2: Do you have a passion to praise and serve Jesus?

Christianity was never meant to be a once-a-week activity.

It was never meant to be a religious checkbox.

It was never meant to be a routine without relationship.

Jesus gave everything for us. He carried our sins to the Cross, conquered death through His resurrection, and offers us eternal life. How can we not respond with passionate praise and wholehearted service?

Praise isn’t just singing songs on Sunday morning. Praise is thanking God when life is good. Praise is trusting Him when life is hard. Praise is lifting His name when the diagnosis comes, when the bills pile up, when the storm refuses to leave.

Service isn’t just what happens inside church walls. Service happens when we encourage someone who is hurting. It happens when we pray for others. It happens when we meet needs, show compassion, and become the hands and feet of Jesus in a broken world.

The question isn’t whether we attend church.

The question is whether our hearts burn with a love for Jesus.

Do we wake up looking for opportunities to honor Him?

Do we seek ways to serve others in His name?

Do we long to know Him more deeply today than we did yesterday?

A Personal Reflection:

As I ask these questions of my fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I must also ask them of myself.

When people look at my life, do they see Jesus?

Am I living in a way that inspires others to draw closer to Him?

Do I still have a passion to praise Him through every season?

Do I still have a desire to serve Him with whatever time, talents, and opportunities He has given me?

These aren’t questions meant to bring condemnation. They are questions meant to bring reflection and renewal.

Perhaps today is a good day for all of us to pause and ask God to search our hearts.

May our lives be a testimony of His goodness.

May our words point people toward His truth.

May our actions reflect His love.

And may we never lose our passion to praise and serve the One who gave everything for us.

Lord, let my life be a reflection of You. Help me live in such a way that others see Jesus in me. Rekindle my passion to praise You, serve You, and follow You faithfully every day. Amen. ~OC

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America Needs A Better Gospel Than Christian Nationalism

Today’s a new day!

In recent years, many Christians have wrestled with an important question: What happens when faith becomes too closely tied to politics?

As followers of Jesus, we should love our country, pray for our leaders, and seek the good of our communities. Scripture encourages us to be engaged citizens and to pursue justice, mercy, and righteousness. But there is a difference between loving our nation and confusing our nation with the Kingdom of God.

America needs a better gospel than Christian Nationalism.

The Gospel of Jesus Christ was never about elevating one nation above all others. It was never about political power, cultural dominance, or winning elections. The Gospel is the good news that Jesus Christ came to save sinners, reconcile humanity to God, and establish a Kingdom that transcends every border, language, ethnicity, and political system.

Jesus was not crucified because He sought political office. He was crucified because He proclaimed a Kingdom that challenged the powers of this world. His message was not “Take control.” His message was “Follow Me.”

Throughout Scripture, we see that God’s love extends to all people. From Genesis to Revelation, God’s redemptive plan includes every tribe, every tongue, and every nation. The Church is not called to represent one earthly kingdom. The Church is called to represent Christ.

When Christians place their ultimate hope in political movements, parties, or national identity, they risk exchanging the Gospel for something far smaller. Political victories may come and go. Nations rise and fall. But the Kingdom of God endures forever.

Christian Nationalism often asks, “How can we make America Christian again?” The Gospel asks a different question: “How can we help people know and follow Jesus?”

One focuses on power. The other focuses on transformation.

One seeks cultural control. The other seeks changed hearts.

One can create insiders and outsiders. The Gospel invites everyone to the foot of the Cross.

The Church’s mission has never been to conquer a nation. It has always been to make disciples. Our calling is to love our neighbors, care for the poor, defend the vulnerable, welcome the stranger, forgive our enemies, and proclaim the saving grace of Jesus Christ.

America does not need a gospel wrapped in a flag.

America needs the Gospel of Jesus.

The Gospel that calls us to humility rather than pride.

The Gospel that teaches us to love rather than hate.

The Gospel that values truth over tribalism.

The Gospel that reminds us our citizenship is ultimately in Heaven.

The Church is at its best when it looks less like a political movement and more like Jesus. The world does not need Christians who merely win arguments. It needs Christians who reflect the character of Christ.

May we never trade the Cross for political influence.

May we never confuse patriotism with discipleship.

And may we remember that our greatest hope has never been found in a nation, a party, or a politician.

Our hope is found in Jesus Christ alone. ~OC

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SURRENDER

Here is a acronym I created for the word S.U.R.R.E.N.D.E.R.

S – Seek God first in all things
U – Understand that His ways are higher than ours
R – Rest in His promises during every season
R – Rely on His strength instead of your own
E – Embrace His grace and mercy each day
N – Nurture your faith through prayer and Scripture
D – Deny yourself and take up your cross daily
E – Encourage others with the love of Christ
R – Remain faithful until the end

Faith Journey Reflection:

SURRENDER is not giving up—it is giving everything over to God. It is seeking Him, trusting Him, relying on His strength, and remaining faithful as He leads us step by step on our journey of faith.

“Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.” ~ Proverbs 3:5-6 

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