Tag: Hope

A Flag, Scripture, and a False Dichotomy?

Today’s a new day! Dear Church and Christian Community, let’s have a heart-to-heart. Waving the American flag and quoting scripture can be a powerful expression of faith and patriotism, but it’s crucial to ensure our actions align with the values we claim to uphold. When we selectively cherry-pick scriptures to justify our political agendas, we risk distorting the message of the Bible.

The Bible is clear: we are to love God and love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31). Jesus’ teachings, often highlighted in red, call us to a higher standard – one of compassion, humility, and justice. When we prioritize politics over these principles, we create a false dichotomy. Either we’re living out the red letters of the Bible, or we’re practicing a watered-down, politicized version of faith.

So, let’s strive for authenticity. Let’s read the Bible in its entirety, embracing the hard truths and the beautiful promises. Let’s follow Jesus’ example, loving the marginalized, feeding the hungry, and caring for the least of these. If we do, we’ll create a community that truly reflects the heart of God – not a political ideology. ~OC

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

0

Get Up!

Today’s a new day! There’s a quiet battle that happens before the day even begins — the one between the comfort of staying down and the courage to rise up. For many, especially those walking through sickness or hardship, that battle starts the moment the alarm rings. The temptation to stay in bed all day is real. But the truth is simple: you can’t win the battle lying down. 

Getting up each day — physically, mentally, and spiritually — is an act of faith. It’s a declaration that says, “God’s not done with me yet.” Whether your body feels weak or your spirit feels weary, rising is your way of saying, “I’m still in the game.” It’s less about strength and more about surrender — surrendering to purpose over comfort, hope over helplessness, and faith over fear. 

Every morning is another opportunity to complete another lap in this marathon called life. The running shoes are staring at you, and you have a choice: stay down or put on the shoes and head out the door. Some days, “getting up” might mean physically moving out of bed. Other days, it might mean simply lifting your thoughts toward heaven and whispering, “Lord, help me through this day.” 

Don’t underestimate the power of those small victories. God sees every effort, every struggle, every push against the weight of the day. And in those moments when you rise anyway — even trembling, even tired — heaven applauds, because faith just took another step forward. 

So today, no matter how heavy the storms of life may feel, answer the call. Rise up, not because it’s easy, but because your story isn’t finished. You are still in the race, and the fight is still worth it. 

“For though the righteous fall seven times, they rise again.” — Proverbs 24:16

****If you would like to hear this post in Spoken Word, please check out my YouTube channel at Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

1

Your Mission

Today’s a new day! A lesson learned along this journey: God doesn’t care about your position—He cares about your mission. 

Your position might get applause. 

Your mission will change lives. 

I thought I was built for running many miles and sharing the Gospel. Turns out, I was actually built for running after and winning souls for Jesus. God rerouted my journey -not to punish me, but to prepare me. He took the dreams I had and gave me a purpose I never saw coming. And let me tell you, it’s louder, richer, and more eternal than any finishing medal I ever ran after. 

So if life has benched you, broken you, or blindsided you—don’t panic. That’s often where the mission begins. God specializes in turning detours into destiny. He’ll shift your position to align you with the very people who need your story, your scars, and your strength. 

Joseph didn’t stay in the pit. 

I didn’t throw in the towel. 

And you won’t stay stuck either. 

Your mission is still active. 

Your calling is still valid. 

And your impact is still unfolding. 

Don’t chase titles or medals. Chase truth. 

Don’t pursue applause. Pursue purpose. 

Because when you walk in your mission, you don’t just win—you help others rise up.

And that, my friend, is the real purpose for living. 

 A Scripture Reflection: 

“Many are the plans in a person’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails.” — Proverbs 19:21 

A Word of Encouragement: 

Your mission is always possible. Even when the position changes, the purpose remains. Keep walking. Keep trusting. God’s not done. ~OC

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

1

Rejection

Today’s a new day! What if rejection is God’s redirection? It’s a thought that can be tough to swallow in the moment, but it’s one that can bring a sense of peace and purpose to our lives. Think about it – we’ve all been there, pouring our hearts and souls into something, only to have it rejected. It’s like, what’s the point? But what if that rejection wasn’t a dead end, but a detour to something better? Something that aligns with our true calling or purpose.

Here are some familiar names that faced rejection along their journeys: 

Walt Disney was fired from one of his first animation jobs at Kansas City Star in 1919, because he “lacked imagination and had no good ideas.”

After a performance at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, Elvis was told by the concert hall manager that he was better off returning to Memphis and driving trucks (his former career). 

Michael Jordan, arguably the greatest NBA player of all time, was cut from his high school basketball team. He went on to win six championships. He also has a pretty famous shoe. 

Steve Jobs, was publicly fired from Apple, the company he created, in his 30s before returning years later to make it one of the world’s most valuable and well known companies.

 Harland Sanders, better known as Colonel Sanders and the founder of Kentucky Fried Chicken, was fired from a variety of jobs before he started his chicken business. 

And finally Jesus, rejected by his own people, was ultimately raised to be the Savior of humanity. 

Each of these stories show us that rejection isn’t the end; it’s often the beginning of a new chapter, one that God has been guiding us towards all along. So next time you face rejection, take a deep breath and ask yourself, “What if this is God’s way of redirecting me to something amazing?” ~OC

***If you would like to hear this in a Spoken Word, please check out my YouTube Channel at Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

0

Real Talk

Today’s a new day! 

I’m gonna be real with you. 

Lately, I have hit a wall physically, mentally and emotionally. 

Some days the weight just stacks up heavier than usual, and you feel it in places nobody can see.

But I want you to hear this clearly: 

Hitting a wall doesn’t mean you’re defeated. 

It means you’ve been running hard. 

It means you care. 

It means you’re human.

I am learning that even strong faith-filled people have moments where they need to sit down, catch their breath, and let God hold the weight for a minute. 

I’m doing that right now, resting my mind, leaning on prayer, and letting the people who truly love me love me.

If you’re reading this and you’ve hit your own wall lately- emotionally, spiritually, mentally- don’t beat yourself up. 

Take a Pause. 

Take a Breath.

Don’t be afraid to Reach Out for help.

You don’t have to power through this life alone.

I am grateful for every prayer, every message, every ounce of encouragement family, friends and strangers have sent my way. 

It truly carries me on days when the race feels overwhelming. 

Today, I am:

Still Standing.

Still Believing.

Still Pushing Through. 

Still Running the Race. 

Still Thankful.

Still Blessed. 

I pray everyone has a beautiful and blessed day. ~OC

***If you would like to hear the Spoken Word version of this post, check it out at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

0

Change

Today’s a new day! As we walk through this journey called life, we’re gonna face change – it’s inevitable. But it’s how we respond to those changes that matters. We can choose to move forward with positivity and lessons learned, or stay stuck in the past. The choice is ours. 

Change can be scary, it can be tough

But God’s got a plan, it’s time to trust

Let go of what’s behind and grab hold of what’s next

‘Cause when we move forward, that’s when we’ll be blessed

Staying stuck won’t change the past

But moving forward will shape our future fast

God’s got amazing plans, don’t miss out on the view

Keep your eyes on Him, and the path will unfold anew

So when change comes knocking, don’t be afraid

Open the door, let God’s goodness be displayed

He’s got a purpose, He’s got a plan

Keep moving forward, you’ll see God’s hand.

It’s our choice how we navigate change. Let’s choose to trust God and move forward with faith. ~OC

***If you would like to hear this post done in Spoken Word, check it out at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music

0

In The Stillness

Today’s a new day! In the rush of this journey called life, our greatest act of strength can be the choice to be still. By taking just a few minutes each morning to just sit and have a few moments of stillness, reflection and prayer, before we run out the door to start our day. These quiet moments are not an escape, but a homecoming to the peace that already lives within each of us.

As we sit in the stillness of prayer, reading, or simple gratitude, we can soften the edges of our own hearts so that we may truly hear the whispers of grace. When we hush our own noise, we truly allow God to lead the way.

May our mornings be a gentle dawn for our souls. 

May we find the quiet strength to listen before we speak, 

May the peace we find in those early hours of the morning, carry us through the day with a light and open heart. 

Today, I am praying each of you experiences the  grace and peace of God in every area of your lives. Take the time to be Still. ~OC

****If you would like to hear the Spoken Word of this post, go to my YouTube channel at Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

0

The World Wonders

The world looks at my health, wonders how I’m still alive

Faces scream, “This man should not be alive”

But I point to heaven, say, “God’s not finished with me yet”

My assignment’s not complete, got a purpose to fulfill, you see

Doctors shake their heads, wonder how I’m not depressed

I smile and say, “It’s God’s grace, I’m blessed”

They ask me what’s my secret, how I keep pushing on

I say, “It’s my support system, and choosing to let go”

I choose not to let the negative parts take control

I choose to rise above, let my spirit soar

I’m not defined by my health, I’m defined by my God

He’s the One who’s keeping me, I’m not done yet, I’m on the move

I tell ’em about my wife, my family, my friends

They’re the ones who keep me grounded, keep me on my feet, till the end

And every day I choose to focus on the positives of this journey,

Not the limitations, but the possibilities, God’s got me alive

I point to the sky, say, “It’s only by God’s grace”

That I’m not bawled up under the covers somewhere, lost in a daze,

But I’m still standing, I’m still speaking, I’m still moving forward

‘Cause God’s not done with me, my assignment’s not complete, I’m still on the road

I refuse to let the old man in. ~OC

*****If you would like to hear and see this post done in Spoken Word, please check it out at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music

0

Conviction Over Applause

Today’s a new day! In a world that’s loud and proud, it’s easy to get caught up in the cheers and applause. But what’s the point of standing on a stage if your heart’s not in the right place?

I’d rather stand on conviction than seek the spotlight’s glare

A quiet resolve that echoes, “I’ve got faith, I don’t care”

It’s not about the praise or the crowd’s loud cheer

It’s about standing firm, even when nobody’s watching

Applause is fleeting, but conviction’s strong and true

It’s the backbone of courage, when the world’s pushing back, too

It’s the difference between living for God and living for praise

One brings eternal impact, the other just temporary days

So I’ll take the path less traveled, the one that’s often hard to see

I’ll follow my heart’s conviction, even if it means standing alone with me

For in the end, it’s not the applause that brings true peace

It’s the quiet voice that says, “You’ve done what you were meant to be”

When the noise dies down and the crowd disperses wide

I’ll stand on my conviction, with faith as my guide

For in the silence, I’ll hear God’s voice clear

“Well done, my child, you’ve nothing to fear” ~OC

****If you would like to hear this put to music, check out my YouTube channel at Todd E. Shoemaker Music. Thanks.

0

Lessons From The Rain

As I sit here listening to the rain outside, I’m reminded of the powerful lessons God teaches us through the rain. It’s a reminder that life’s storms can be cleansing, refreshing, and even necessary for growth.

In Psalm 51:7, David prays, “Wash me, and I will be whiter than snow.” Just like rain washes away dirt and grime, God’s forgiveness cleanses us from our sins.

In Matthew 5:45, Jesus says, “He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” Rain is a reminder of God’s universal love and provision, nourishing all of creation regardless of our deeds.

And in Isaiah 55:10-11, “As the rain and snow come down from heaven… so shall my word be… accomplishing what I desire.” Rain teaches us about the effectiveness and power of God’s word in our lives.

Let the rain be a reminder of God’s love, cleansing, and provision in your life. ~OC

0

Blog at WordPress.com.

Up ↑