Hope

Today’s a new day! To be honest, there are moments when I would like nothing more than to walk away from battling the storms of life. Walking away can sound so much better than this journey of building endurance, character, and hope. How many storms do I need to face in life? But in those tough moments, hope reminds me that I am not its source. The hope I walk in does not come from me, but from God who is compassionate, loving and faithful.

Opening up my eyes, God encourages me to look at the world with more hope. To look deeper and see more than what is and more of what could be. To hope.


Taking a deeper, more honest look at the realities of a hurting world can also become an act of hope. I believe in the power of love and peace. My hope is in God who is filled with love, mercy and compassion. My faith always leads me back to hope. This hope is real and available to each of us. Today, I encourage you to take a step towards Hope. ~OC

Hope

Today’s a new day! As we walk through the storms of life, hope is something we must continue to hold onto. Hope is not based on our circumstances. It is a firm conviction, a way of living out this journey called life. Hope sustains us through difficult times. We know God is always walking beside us, regardless of what our current circumstances might lead us to believe. We trust suffering is temporary and that God will use our storms for good. Even during our biggest storms in life, we boldly proclaim that God is in control. He never leaves the boat.

Many times in the last 21 years, I’ve found encouragement in reading in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, where Paul talks about the thorn in his side. God responded by saying these powerful words, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Those words give me hope. Those words give me strength. Those words guide me to encourage others as they walk through their own crazy beautiful journey.

I do not know what my future holds health wise, but I do know who holds my future in His strong nail scarred hands. I will continue to believe God’s love and grace is sufficient. It’s enough for me. I pray it’s enough for you. ~OC

You Are

Today’s a new day! You are Worthy. You are Valued. You are Favored. You are Loved. You are Chosen. You are Called. You have Purpose. You are Equipped. You are Qualified. You are Enough because God Loves you and Chose you before the creation of the world. ~OC

Are You Ready For Revival?

As I continue to reflect on my time at the Asbury Revival, the fire for revival in my community as grown stronger. But what does that look like? As I have been praying, here are some things God has placed on my heart.

*Before revival can come to any community, there must be an increase in prayer. You might say a Revival of Prayer. We must make prayer a priority. Stay in prayer.

*We must sacrifice some things in our life. Instead of binge watching a tv series, take that time to pray. Sacrifice some worldly pursuits to truly hear from God. Stay in prayer.

*Make a new commitment to reaching a lost and hurting world. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zone. Lean into Jesus. Stay in prayer

*Ask God to reveal the sin in your life and then truly repent. Stop carrying your sin around like a backpack. Leave your sin at the Cross. Stay in prayer.

*Ask God to transform your life. Seek His purpose for your life. Walk it out. Stay in prayer.

*Stop being so busy with the things of this world. We are easily distracted from praying. Now is the time to pray and hunger after the things of God. Stay in prayer.

*Believe in the power of God. Expect Him to answer your prayers. Believe that God wants to bring revival to your community. Stay in prayer.

*Revival starts with us. It starts in our hearts. Be serious about praying and seeking God’s guidance. God wants to move in his churches and communities. Stay in prayer.

Are You Ready For Revival? ~OC

My Asbury Revival 2023 Experience

When revival broke out at Asbury University, I watched with excitement from my home in South Florida. The more I watched, the more I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to attend. So I texted several people and asked who was up for a road-trip. Thankfully one friend responded and we quickly planned our trip. My friend and his youngest son jumped in a SUV on Sunday morning February 19th and made the 14 hour drive to Asbury. My friends wife joined us later that evening. We were excited to see how God was moving in Wilmore, Kentucky. We wanted to experience what God was doing at Asbury. I am grateful we did.

On Monday February 20th, we drove over to Asbury University. Once we entered the campus, you could feel the power of the Holy Spirit. So many people from around the world had already come to experience the revival and Monday was no different. The lines to enter Hughes Chapel went on for miles. As the four of us got in line, the power of God’s presence was overwhelming. We all started sharing what brought each of us to this quaint little town in Kentucky. Like me, most people felt called by God to make the trip. We each wanted to experience the power and love of God. One key theme I kept hearing was Unity. Those I met in the line and those I met as I walked around the grounds talked about the importance of unity. No one cared about your denominations or political beliefs. Everyone wanted to hear why you attended the revival and how God was working in your life. As much as I enjoyed praising God inside Hughes Chapel, the stories in the line touched me in a powerful way.

As I reflect on my experience at the Asbury Revival, God put a few things on my heart. I believe over time, God will reveal more from this amazing experience.

  1. Revival truly did break out at Asbury. God was very present.
  2. Those of us who attended the Asbury Revival have a responsibility to share our experience and pray for revival in our own communities.
  3. This was not just another religious event. God was moving in a powerful way at Asbury. This was a life changing experience for all who attended.
  4. We must continue to pray that revival spreads across America and the world. We cannot let this moment slip away. We must lean into God and see how He wants to use each of us in the coming days, weeks, months and years.
  5. As Christians, we have to stop using excuses. God wants each of us plugged into our local churches, ministries and communities.
  6. Our worship should never be a performance. Worship should be glorious and simple.
  7. As Christians, we cannot be confined to the four walls of the church. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus outside those four walls.
  8. Every Christian has a role in God’s Kingdom. He blessed each of us with different talents.
  9. We must step out of our comfort zones. I am sure a lot of people stepped out of their comfort zones to attend this revival.
  10. Never be afraid to tell your story. Hearing the people in line was the highlight of the experience for me. It encouraged and strengthened my faith.
  11. The only way Christians can reach people with the Gospel, is to be truly unified. We must be One Church Family.

We must continue to pray for our churches and the and people in our city. Cry out for the Holy Spirit to move as never before. Seek revival personally and fervently. Ask God to search your heart and remove anything that is quenching the flow of His Spirit. Ask God to breakdown all barriers that are keeping you from being all that God created you to be.

Pray that God would allow revival to spread throughout His churches. Pray for a Mighty Awakening in your church and city. Pray that as revival spreads across the world, that millions will experience Jesus in a new and life changing way.

Are you ready for Revival to spread across your city? As believers we must be ready for the move of God. We must be ready to pray for and serve all those that God will bring to our communities. ~OC

Living In Hope

Today’s a new day! I throw off the covers and give praise for another day. Avoid the tv because the news will try and steal my hope. Same bad news they been pushing for a week or two. Listen too long and you might buy that fear and doubt. They might just steal your hope along the way.

No, I will start my day soaking in the Good News. Allow those words to flow through me and give me strength for another day. If you don’t watch out this world will try and steal your hope. Better stay in the Word and strengthen your heart and mind. It’s a cruel world out there looking to kill and destroy.

It’s hard to hear that still small voice, when the world is feeding your head with all that noise. Climb the corporate latter and you’ll finally be satisfied. Break the glass ceiling and you’ll finally be satisfied. Get that house in the gated community and you’ll finally be satisfied. Keep living for the world and pretty soon you’ll be looking for your hope. Never allow the world to steal your hope.

Living in hope means the storm will get better.
Living in hope means I still have purpose.
Living in hope means God’s still writing my story.
Living in hope means I can still be His hands and feet.

Dear God, help me to stand strong and never lose hope. Help me to keep leaning into your promises. Keep my eyes on the prize. I believe your not finished with me yet. Let me keep soaking in your hope. ~OC

19th Mile Moments

Today’s a new day! During my marathon running days, mile 19 was when I hit the wall. When I just felt like giving up. Thankfully, God always gave me extra strength to push through and finish the race. So as I have walked this 20+ health journey, I often refer to the tough moments as my 19th mile.

During this crazy beautiful health journey, God continually reminds me that His love and grace are sufficient. Throughout my health journey, God has taught me several important 19 mile lessons. I have learned to trust in God’s plan for my life despite how I feel on any particular day. To turn to Him for strength, peace and wisdom during my darkest moments. God has also taught me to humble myself and ask for help when needed (not always easy for me) and most importantly, that all my hope is in Jesus alone.

I long for the day to see Jesus face to face, to receive my glorified body, and walk the streets of Heaven without pain or disease. Totally healed! Until then, I will walk by faith and keep leaning into the beautiful promises of God.

I pray this post brings you some encouragement as you walk your own crazy beautiful journey. Keep running the race and never let mile 19 break you. Stay Focused. Finish Strong. ~OC

Healing

Today’s a new day! As I was praying early this morning, I felt God saying this was going to be a week of healing. If you or a loved one needs healing, I encourage you to keep leaning into God. Blessings. ~OC

Shine God Shine

Hello. God put this on my heart. Hopefully it encourages someone today. ~OC

Shine God Shine:

Dear God, as we walk through this journey, let your light shine through us. Destroy all the darkness and negativity around us. Dear God, let the warmth of your light, the brightness of your love, the sweetness of your joy, the beauty of your hope shine through us.
Dear God, let your light be our guide through the storms. Let your light brighten our path. Continue to let your light shine through us. Shine God Shine!

Storms, Trials and Sorrows

Today’s a new day! I love that Jesus doesn’t simply say we will have storms, trials and sorrows and then leaves it to us to try and figure out. No, he promises peace and reminds us that he has overcome the world. Which means our hardships are not without purpose.

This is why the Apostle Paul who experienced much pain and difficulty during his life can boldly declare these beautiful words in Romans 8:28:

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.”

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑