Tag: Gospel

Be Kind

Today’s a new day! BE KIND, OR BE QUIET.

This is a Kindergarten rule, you guys. It’s the most basic of the basics. Either choose your words with kindness, or keep your mouth shut and just listen.
Fear and anger and hate are already running high, friends. There is no room for more.

And honestly, there should be no room for any of it. Not within the body of Christ. As Christians, our hope does not lie in the law of the land. Our hope lies in Jesus, his crucifixion and his resurrection. This is a hope that is firm and secure, an anchor for our souls. Is not this the hope that we should be sharing with everyone we come in contact with? Regardless of religious, social, economic or political differences.

Instead of arguing with one another, I suggest we focus our efforts on something that actually furthers the Gospel of Christ.

*We love our neighbor by baking cookies, inviting them over for a meal, or stopping to talk with them in the yard, and get to know them better.

*We serve our communities by offering our time and our gifts.

*We listen, we watch, we pray, and then we reach out in kindness and love.

*We immerse ourselves in the Word of God so that we can grow in knowledge and discernment.

*We treat all people with love and respect.

*We remember that life is not all about us.

*And for goodness sakes be kind. Or just keep our sweet mouths shut.

And all God’s people said…Amen. ~OC

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Not in the Bible

Today’s a new day! There is a saying in the Church and the Christian Community that has always bothered me. Maybe it’s rubbed you the wrong way too.

“Love the sinner, hate the sin.”

Not a fan.

As Christians, we can repeat that phrase quicker than we can recite John 3:16, Romans 6:23 or Psalm 137:9. I encourage you to check them out.

Here’s the problem. Jesus never said it. The Apostle Paul never wrote it in any of his letters. Moses never carved it into a tablet. King David never used it in a song.

“Love the sinner, hate the sin” is not a Bible verse. Surprise! Surprise! You can look from Genesis to Revelation, but you will never find it.

To be fair, maybe the phrase draws on some different scriptures. But you will never find the phrase “Love the sinner, hate the sin.”in the Bible.

I guess somewhere in church history, the phrase evolved into being a neatly packaged quip ready for quick and easy use.

It is like opening a packet of instant hot chocolate or preparing a cup of instant coffee; here, though, we have instant judgment.

Yes, of course, I love you, but … And off we go on the long judgment train.

It appears some Christian’s consider the saying more authoritative than what Jesus actually does say in the Bible (things like not judging others. Check out Matthew 7:1-5).

One of the issues with “love the sinner, hate the sin” is that the second part of the saying always gets in the way of the first part.

The second part of this phrase gives people the license to judge others, to hold something against someone else. That doesn’t seem like love to me.

When people use the phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin” it blocks their ability to love people God loves. This phrase brands someone as less than, not good enough or worthy enough for God’s unconditional love.

The phrase “love the sinner, hate the sin” puts condition on our love for others. I will love you, but only so far; there are limits. It makes people unable to see beyond what they consider faults or sins in someone else’s life. It makes people unwilling to see anything more than what they do not like about an individual or groups of people.

In my flawed Christian life, I will never be able to love people as God loves them, or as God loves me.

But something that Jesus really does say is, “Do not judge, and you will not be judged; do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven; give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap; for the measure you give will be the measure you get back.” Luke 6:37-38

In the Gospels according to Matthew and Luke, Jesus says we should pay attention to the big oak tree growing in our own eyes and distorting our vision.

We get all worked up about something that looks like a speck in someone else’s eye, but, truthfully, we cannot see much of anything with that big ole red wood tree sticking out all over our face and blocking our view.

If we actually looked at our own lives, we might discover that what we thought was a horrible speck of dirt in another person’s eye in need of removal was really just a harmless eye freckle.

So today, let’s not get so fixated on the things we do not like and make a conscious decision to just love people. Warts and all. ~OC

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Purpose

Today’s a new day! We all need purpose; it tells us who we are and how we’re to live. Purpose propels us, gives our lives meaning, and shapes our decisions. Living with purpose is important. As a young man, I longed to know what my purpose was, who God created me to be. So, I read the books, did the Bible studies, men’s events and the different retreats. Unfortunately, I wasn’t learning very much about who I was created to be. Instead, I was absorbing a lot about what I was supposed to do.

Have you ever felt that? That our purpose depends upon doing more or trying harder? Have you ever felt like you had to exhaust yourself to do all the right things and check all the right boxes to succeed at being a godly person? If you have, the good news is you’re not alone. The better news is there’s hope.

God’s purpose for us is not to work hard trying to measure up. It’s not to burn ourselves out trying to do more in hopes that one day we’ll have done enough. God doesn’t have a checklist for us, and we don’t have to earn more of his love. Our purpose is not even about us at all; it’s about Him. God created us to be image-bearers of himself, and that is the highest purpose of them all.

To be made in the image of God means that he created us with infinite value, dignity, and worth. It means we are his reflections on this earth. He made us to represent him, to display his character, and to fill the earth with his glory; he created us to be imitators of him. But here’s the important part: being made in the image of God is not something we do or earn or even have to work at. It is simply what God has declared to be best.

I don’t know about you, but I have spent so much of my life trying to do enough. But the truth is, our purpose isn’t about what we do-it’s about who God is. Before we did anything, before we earned it in any way, apart from any abilities or actions, God created us as his images on the earth. And though sin damaged our ability to bear his image, in Christ, we are being restored. In him, we can live as the images of God he created us to be. We are exceedingly valuable, not because of what we can bring or contribute, but simply because God has declared that we are. Walk in that truth today. ~OC

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Christian Nationalism and The Big Lie

Today’s a new day! I have been part of the Christian Church since I was ten years old. The church has played a major role in my life. A positive role. But for the last nine years or so, I have seen so many Churches, Pastors and Christian Leaders, become more concerned about political power and less concerned about the gospel of Jesus Christ. The Gospel has been forsaken for a Big Lie. That big lie is Christian Nationalism.

I personally believe there is no greater threat to the democracy of the United States than Christian Nationalism. Sadly, it’s on display at so many political rallies and in so many churches. This bold expression of Christian nationalism- the conflation of nationalism and faith, American flags and crosses, in which giving to Caesar and giving to God is made easy because they’re seen as the same thing. No one can tell them apart. Sadly, some Christians in this country, have turned America into a god. Their primary devotion is to country. But that’s not patriotism; that’s nationalism. And to God, that is idolatry. ~OC

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Dear God,

Today’s a new day! Dear God, It’s time for us to stop pretending that everything is okay. Hurting people need to see they’re not alone. That there is Hope.

This very moment, someone’s pain is breaking through their mask. Someone is on the brink again, facing a choice, perhaps for the millionth time. To open the door of hope or to give up.

My prayer is that we will see them in moments when they feel the farthest from a helping hand. During these tough moments, let the hurting see you dear God. Lord, give them courage and hope, Lord, to trust You with the secrets of their heart.

Dear God, even in the moments of isolation, help the hurting hear the sound of Your gentle knock at the door of their hearts. Show them that this is precisely where You will enter, if only they would open up their hearts to you.

Broken and weary are strange qualifications for Your chosen ones; still Your loving invitation still stands: “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.” (Matthew 11:28-29)

The Cross broke Your body, and our sins break Your heart daily, yet You still call us into a relationship with You. More than that, Jesus, You did what it took to make that possible. Thank You. ~OC

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We Pray

Dear God, we bow before You for Who You are. You are God and there is no one who compares to you. We adore You oh Lord and love You this day.

Dear God, throughout this day I pray that You will continue to fight for us throughout this journey…

Forgive us Lord and let us be found acceptable before You this moment. May we find favor and acceptance in Your presence oh Lord.

Let Your loving hand never leave our lives. Continue to guide us oh God.

I pray that the power of the blood of Jesus that works in our lives even right now be extended to many lives in the mighty name of Jesus. Let Your name be exalted in our lives this day and Lord usher us into our next level of anointing in the matchless name of Jesus.

The plans you have for us who love You supersedes the evil plans and wicked traps of the enemy. Nothing catches you by surprise oh God and it is not a coincidence that we lean into you at such a time as this. We need you God. Oh how we need You.

Holy Spirit intercede on our behalf this very hour. Guide us. Instruct us. Teach us in the way we should go. Teach our hearts to be sensitive to Your leading and Your presence and to always be discerning what season and what times we are entering. Times and seasons are in your precious hands oh Lord.

Your face shine upon our life throughout this day.

You have been faithful from the beginning of time and You are faithful enough to bring us through this day, faithful enough to walk us through the storms and trials of this journey called life.

Let us not take Your mercy and love for granted dear God. Thank You for who You are even in our lives.
You are forgiving.
You are loving.
You care about us.
You are full of grace.
You call us into holiness into Your Holy presence.
You restore us to obey Your Word.
You are God.
Your are faithful.
Who is like You oh God among the gods? Who is like You in Holiness?
You speak and it is done. You command and it stands!

Thank You Jesus!

We confess our everlasting love for You!

As we walk through the trials of the day by faith, Lord silence every voice of fear and doubt as Your presence goes with us even before us.

Dear God, you have not given us the Spirit of fear, but of power, love and of sound mind.

Fear of disease and sickness is defeated in the mighty name of Jesus. Every demonic fear is rendered powerless in the mighty name of Jesus. As we enter this day with You, we declare and command it as being The day the Lord has made.

No weapon that is formed against us shall prosper.
Every heavy spirit from hell sent to hinder us will be defeated in the name of Jesus.
Every spirit from hell sent to hinder us will be exposed and rendered powerless in the name of Jesus Christ.

Intimidating spirits, and every demonic schemes sent to hinder us in any way we declare you have no power over us or the amazing plans God has for us. We pray all of this in the name above all names. The powerful and matchless name of Jesus. Amen.

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No Exceptions

Today’s a new day! As I study scripture here are some things I have never read:

Love only those who look and act like you

Love and care only for those who speak English

Love only those who vote like you

Love only those who where born in America

Love and feed only those with proper paperwork

Love and educate only those with documentation

Love and care for people only if it’s convenient

Love and care for only those who love you back

Love and care for only those who can help you

Love and care only for those you like or need

No, when I study the scriptures I read we are to love and care for everyone. No exceptions. ~OC

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Joyful Warriors

Today’s a new day! Are you a joyful warrior? Would you like to be? I hope so. That’s who we are called to be as we run this crazy beautiful journey. We are called to love God above all else and others like ourselves. It’s not as easy as it sounds, but the benefits are truly out of this world.

Be joyful. Grow to maturity. Encourage each other. Live in harmony and peace. Then the God of love and peace will be with you (2 Corinthians 13:11).

A joyful warrior is someone who’s fighting the storms of life with joy, not only in their own battles, but helping fight the battles that their family and friends are walking through. Because when we walk through a storm with someone else, we cannot help but experience the presence of hope and joy.

And isn’t that our purpose in life? To love others with God’s love. Most of the time these acts of love are very small and we might not even notice them ourselves. But the impact can be tremendous. As we walk through difficult moments with friends and loved ones, we can be conduits of great joy and deep refreshment.

Yes, ultimately our lives are in God’s hands, but we also need other people to walk with us on this journey called life. We are called to live in peace, unity and love. It does matter how we treat each other. We can be joyful warriors by helping those in need. Because it truly takes a village to spread hope and live with joy. But it can be done. Because God is always with us. His supply of joy is unlimited. Besides loving to pour out that sweet joy, God also loves sharing his hope, love and grace.

God is the ultimate joyful giver. But we are also called to be joyful givers. God has more joy than we can ever use in a lifetime. Our joy cup will never run drive. The more joy we pour out, the more joy we have. This is one of the beautiful mysteries of God. But it works. And it makes us victorious joyful warriors. And for that I am grateful.
 
Dear God, Thank you for the gift of joy
and the gift of joyful warriors in our lives. Today, allow us to be beautiful joyful warriors. Help us to bring hope and joy in the midst of the storms. Let us fight division with the amazing gift of peace, grace and joy. In the craziness of this world, help us to be joyful warriors. ~OC

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Storms

Today’s a new day! Living in Florida means we deal with a lot of storms. In the summer it can be sunny out, but around 3 or 4 o’clock a storm can come out of nowhere. Some days it can be raining hard in the front yard, but sunny in the back. Of course then there are the hurricanes. Some hurricanes move quickly through, while others just stall over us.

On this crazy beautiful journey called life, we will face many different storms. Sometimes there will be a light rain that comes and goes in a minute.
Then there are storms that blow in, causing havoc for everyone and everything in its path.

We don’t like walking through the storms of life. Who does? We love the sunny beach weather. But unfortunately that is not the world we live in. We will all walk through a storm or two during this life. We will all face days of blowing winds and flooding rain. But stop for just a minute and be still. In that minute, I am sure you can think of one person who is currently walking through a storm. The storms of life are hitting them from every direction. Maybe that person is you. I often hear pastors share we are either walking in a storm, just coming out of a storm or about to walk through a storm. How true. If you are currently walking through a storm, I encourage you to take hold of the strong hand of God. He will lift you up as you face the raging seas.

When we walk through a storm, that doesn’t mean God doesn’t love us or isn’t listening to our prayers. On the contrary, the scriptures tell us in this life we will all face troubles. We like to skip over those scriptures. But that doesn’t change the fact that we will all face trials in life. Even when we walk through a storm, we can take heart because God has overcome this world. That means He will never leave or forsake us. That should bring peace and comfort to everyone.

I have walked through many storms in my life. I have come to learn these storms have a purpose. That may not always be clear as we are walking through a raging storm. But if we will take the time to listen, God will reveal the lessons he has for us as we walk through those turbulent storms. I have learned God never wastes a storm. God can use a storm to show us the purpose for our lives or to reconnect us to our true purpose in life.

Hopefully this will bring you peace as you walk through your storm. Especially if you have walked through a storm for many years. You have been praying and crying out to God, but it appears he is not listening. Believe me I have been there. I have been walking through a stormy season for the last 22 years. I have been hit by one storm after another. So I get it my friend. Life can be hard. But in the mist of my storms, I have seen God grow my faith in a life changing way. God has allowed me to share His story with many as I walk the halls of the hospital, during treatments and medical appointments. As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, God continues to show me that my worth and value are not tied to my health, career, success or whatever I might achieve in life. No, my value and worth are found in being a child of God. In being chosen by him, called by him, and equipped by him for a purpose. Even during the storms.

Sometimes our lives are rocked by the storms of life, so that we can rebuild on a stronger foundation. On the firm foundation of God. ~OC

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Be Still

Today’s a new day! I love the song “Be Still.” Various artists have covered the song over the years. But as I sit here this morning, the version that keeps playing in my mind is from the artist Travis Greene. The second part of the first verse says:

“But when the noise is over, a still, small voice you will hear. I hope that you believe me, when I tell ya
That I’ll handle all of your cares, just wait on me.”

Those words remind me of times in my own life when I have been busy, stressed and all God wanted me to do was trust in Him. He had everything under control. My relationships, my finances and my health issues are all in God’s hands. All I needed to do was be still.

I was reminded of the story of Jesus rebuking the wind and waves. He gave a simple, yet powerful command: “Peace, be still” (Mark 4:39), and they had to obey. My stress and worry were like wind and waves tossing me to and fro, coming against me to get me off course. Yet, just as Jesus reminded the wind and the waves of Who was really in control, God was using the song “Be Still” based on His Word to silence the worry and fear raging in my mind and heart. God is still in control and sometimes I need to be reminded of that truth.

Just stop and think, God has the authority to silence any challenge, any trial coming against us. The problem is we have to learn to trust Him. The song Be Still speaks of a “still, small voice” reminding us that God is in control. So many times, the worries of this journey seem to drown out that voice but it is there, we just need to pay attention to it, to listen to it. As the chorus of the song says:

Be still and know, that I am God
Be still and know, that I am God
Just trust and know, that I am God,
And I’m in control, I am still … God
            
The lyrics remind us to simply be still, to trust and know that God is in control and that no matter what storm comes our way, God can and will handle it.

The song “Be Still” comes from the powerful words in Psalm 46:10, “Be still, and know that I am God. I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth!”

So today, as you face the storms and challenges of life, I encourage you to take a moment and just be still. ~OC

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