Tag: love

Between the Dash

Today’s a new day! How do you want to be remembered? Another way to ask this question is what do want your life to stand for beyond the dash between your date of birth and the day you leave this world? This may sound like a depressing post, but actually thinking about how you want to be remembered could make a huge difference in the way you live your life.

Most people shy away from talking about death; it feels morbid. But one thing that is for sure in this life is -unless Jesus comes again soon to rapture his people —all of us will face death and all of us will leave behind a legacy. It should not be morbid or depressing to think about how you want to be remembered; it’s smart, and it could be life changing.

How would you choose to live your life if God revealed to you the day, month, and year when you would pass from this life into eternity? How would it affect your daily routine?

In the Bible, Psalm 90 is titled “A prayer of Moses the man of God,” and here’s part of that prayer:

Teach us to number our days, that we may gain a heart of wisdom(Psalm 90:12).

And in Psalm 39:4, King David prayed:

Show me, O Lord, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting my life is.

These two were on the same page, even though centuries apart. They were not asking for a gift of prophecy, but rather, they were asking God to help them live like they were dying—to live in the reality that their days were numbered, and that this life is fleeting.

How often have we prayed such a prayer: Dear God, show me how fleeting—how brief, how short, how transient—my life is? Suppose we began each of our days with this type of prayer, asking God to help us number our days. We would then begin to live in the knowledge that this world is temporary, but eternity is forever.

As I have run this crazy beautiful health journey, I have probably spent a little more time thinking about my mortality. Today, I want to encourage you to give a little more thought to the truth that you will leave this life one day and enter eternity. Are you living with eternity’s values in mind? I believe this is a good question for all of us to consider. ~OC

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Deep Roots

Today’s a new day! I shall not be moved; I shall not be shaken. How many times have I repeated these familiar Bible verses in my mind, thinking that as long as I am truly rooted in God, nothing will ever rock my world.

I have set the Lord always before me; because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. (Psalm 16:8)

But this world can be like a roller coaster, full of twist and turns. And sometimes no matter how hard we cling to the grace of God, we can find ourselves overwhelmed by the storms of life.

There are times we still shake when life throws us a curveball. No one is immune to the unsteady waves of this broken world.

So how do we stay rooted?

Having been born and raised in South Florida, I have lived through many storms and hurricanes. Life can be a little unpredictable during hurricane season. As I reflect on all the hurricanes I have lived through, I realize that I had it all wrong just asking the question above.

During a hurricane, the trees can violently sway back and forth. I think to myself, there is no way those trees can withstand the strong winds. At any moment, they are going to fly away in the storm. But I marvel as the trees sway and rock, but are not uprooted.

Steady they hold on, anchored in the ground by an invisible root system designed to protect them from life’s raging storms.

We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain. (Hebrews‬ ‭6‬:‭19‬)

Life will shake us. It will move our earthly bodies and minds in ways that feel almost impossible to recover from. But when we anchor ourselves in the love and salvation of God, we find that our eternal soul and spirit can never be moved.

Just like those trees, we have an invisible root system that anchors us in the Kingdom of God. This allows us to walk confidently through the storms of life, knowing that God is always holding onto us.

Though the earth give way and the mountains be cast into the midst of the sea, we remain rooted in God. Although life and the choices we make may move us, God always has us right where He wants us.

I want to encourage you to remember that we always have an anchor in the unsteady waves of this world.  I pray you remember how all that we are is secured in the loving arms of our Heavenly Father. ~OC

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Keep Pressing Forward

Today’s a new day! Life is full of hard times. I do not think that is breaking news to anyone. The nightly news point to it. Our neighbors and coworkers talk about it. Our hearts feel it. So many people are going through hard times right now. Let’s face it: Life is hard, even in the best of times. Disappointments, illnesses, loss, broken relationships, dashed dreams. As we walk through these difficult moments, what does the Bible say about getting through adversity?

Plenty, actually! God knows we’re living in a broken world, but He has not left us to suffer alone.

First, when we’re in the midst of hard times, it can be difficult to remember that nothing happens without the knowledge of God, who “works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose” (Romans 8:28). You are not victim of random occurrences; you are a child of a Heavenly Father who wants to turn adversity into opportunity.

We also need to keep uppermost in our minds that hardships don’t last forever—but the things we learn from them do. The Apostle Paul writes the following words in 2 Corinthians 4:16-18,

“Therefore we do not lose heart. . . . For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. So we fix our eyes not on what is seen, but on what is unseen, since what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal.”

Adversity in God’s hands can help us refrain from our self-dependency and pride. It can push us into deeper intimacy with Jesus. It can redirect our paths toward our greater good, and toward God’s greater glory.

Tough times also can reshape us. Think about Romans 5:1-5, in which Paul says that “suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope… Or 1 Peter 5:10, in which the apostle Peter teaches that “the God of all grace … after you have suffered a little, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm, and steadfast.”

Who doesn’t want to be a person of character, full of hope, strong and steadfast?

It’s all in how we react to those tough moments in life isn’t it? A good place to start is to discern the source of the adversity. Is it just circumstances? Maybe you’ve lost your job due to the budget cuts, or your chronic illness is currently getting the best of you. You could be suffering from physical, mental or emotional exhaustion from the current trials you’re facing. Life is hard!

As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey and study God’s word the overall message I continue to hear is to turn to Him and trust Him. Persevere! That’s what Hebrews says: “You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised” (Hebrews 10:36).

Don’t give up! Don’t give in! Don’t opt out! Remember, “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength” (Philippians 4:13).

You aren’t going through hard times alone.  No matter what, remember to Keep Pressing Forward. Stay Focused. Finish Strong. ~OC

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A Peacemaker

Today’s a new day! Would you consider yourself a peacemaker? Or maybe an aspiring peacemaker? Let’s talk about truly becoming a peacemaker.

First we must look at the difference between a peacemaker and a peacekeeper. There is a big difference. A peacekeeper dodges conflict, while a peacemaker creates peace through action. It’s about actively pursuing peace, not just avoiding conflict.

Steps to becoming a Peacemaker: We must cultivate the Fruit of the Spirit by tending to the garden within our soul. As each fruit blossoms, the transformation into a peacemaker becomes increasingly evident. 

Peacemakers follow a heavenly blueprint – The Fruit of the Spirit.

*Love – The journey to becoming a peacemaker starts with love. Not the mushy kind we see in a Hollywood Romcom, but the enduring, selfless love that the Spirit plants in our hearts. Cultivate this love by surrendering to Jesus daily. Let His love fill us, making it the driving force behind our pursuit of peace

*Joy – Peacemaking isn’t a cheerless task; it’s an adventure filled with joy. Seek joy in the process of reconciliation. Find delight in seeing broken relationships mended. Joy is the fuel that propels us to actively engage in conflict, knowing that the end result is worth the effort.

*Peace – Before extending peace to others, let it rule in our own heart. As we reflect on Philippians 4:7, we see God’s promises that His peace, surpasses understanding and guards our hearts. We have to make the decision to surrender our worries to Him and let His peace reign within. We must embrace the truth that God’s peace is eternal and not dependent on external circumstances.

*Patience – Peacemaking is a process, and patience is a virtue we must hold onto. Understand that conflicts may escalate before we experience a resolution. We must plant seeds of peace, and be patient as God orchestrates growth in His time. A harvest of reconciliation is sown in patience, trusting God’s timing. Peacemaking is usually a marathon, not a sprint.

*Kindness – Peacemakers wield the tool of kindness. Actively listen, understanding the perspectives of those in conflict. We must be kind in our response, even when disagreements arise. Kindness bridges gaps and creates an environment where reconciliation can flourish.

*Goodness – We must stand firm in goodness as we navigate conflicts. Uphold moral excellence, seeking God’s truth before diving into the messy work of peacemaking. Goodness ensures that our efforts align with the principles of righteousness found in God’s Word.

*Faithfulness – Peacemakers are faithful in their commitment to reconciliation. Standing by those in conflict, supporting them through the journey. We must be faithful to God’s truth, allowing it to guide our actions as we actively pursue peace.

*Gentleness – Picture a peacemaker as a gentle boat captain navigating through turbulent waters. Be slow to speak, quick to listen, and respond gently. Disarm hostility with grace, creating an atmosphere where reconciliation can thrive.

*Self-Control – Finally, self-control is the steering wheel of peacemaking. In the heat of conflict, we must exercise self-control. We must resist impulsive reactions, and let the Holy Spirit guide our responses. Self-control ensures that our actions align with the path of peace.

A Peacemaker acts like a gardener tending their garden. Let me explain.

Love serves as the fertile soil, nourishing the roots of empathy and compassion.

Joy becomes the sunlight, infusing our spirit with positivity and resilience amidst conflicts.

Peace, the central fruit, exhales as a vibrant bloom, calming the storms within and radiating tranquility to those around us.

Patience acts as the steady hands pruning away haste, allowing relationships to flourish in their own time.

Kindness and goodness become the petals, adorning our character with grace and moral excellence.

Faithfulness is the sturdy stem anchoring our commitment to reconciliation.

Gentleness unfolds as the delicate touch, smoothing over rough edges and fostering understanding.

Finally, self-control acts as the vigilant gardener, ensuring that our responses align with the path of peace. In this transformative process, the Fruit of the Spirit becomes the essence of our peacemaking journey, blossoming into a radiant garden of harmony and unity.

So there you have it: The Fruit of the Spirit as the blueprint for becoming a peacemaker. Let love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self-control be the seeds we plant in the garden of conflict, trusting God to bring forth a harvest of peace. May our journey be fruitful, and our efforts bring glory to the ultimate Peacemaker…Jesus.

Let me finish with a simple prayer:

Dear God, We come to you today asking for your guidance on our journey towards becoming a peacemaker rather than a peacekeeper. Help us grow in the Fruit of the Spirit so that we can actively contribute to creating lasting harmony. Fill our hearts with a love that seeks reconciliation and understanding.

We pray for your strength, wisdom, and grace as we navigate the path of peace. Guide our thoughts, words and actions. May they come from you. Amen. ~OC

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Do These Words Still Ring True?

As I read the powerful words on the Statue of Liberty that millions of beautiful immigrants have proudly read when entering America, I wonder if they’re words that people fleeing horrible situations in their native countries can truly read and believe in. My heart breaks for all of the amazing immigrants who are waking up every morning, not knowing if this will be their last day in America. It saddens me that so many families have no idea when law enforcement personnel will knock on their door, be waiting for them outside of their place of employment or worship. To be escorted to a plane and taken away without any due process.

I will continue to pray for all of the immigrants that have come or will come to America with the hopes for a better life. I pray these words will be lived out by our political leaders and the citizens of America. May we always be a welcoming and bright light for the world. May the following words always ring true. ~OC

Welcome All
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A Friend

Today’s a new day! I am always so encouraged when I asked someone how they are getting through the storms of life and I hear them answer “I have a really good friend(s).”

This brings joy to my heart, because I know that a friend isn’t required to stand with someone in their toughest moments. A friend doesn’t have an obligation to a person like a family member might.

A friend chooses to stand with you.

I also know that it can be incredibly tough to walk alongside someone in their pain as a friend, because… what do you say? How can you possibly help? It can feel really heavy to be around someone in their toughest days.

As a friend, it can feel a whole lot easier to just stand back until they’re feeling better.. or more like “themselves”… (which depending on what they’re dealing with, that version of them may never exist again).

So, when a friend chooses to stay in the boat during the toughest moments, it’s an incredible blessing.

I know many people will say, “I’ve never had a friend like that”. Oh how I wish everyone did.

But I will say, even if you haven’t had a friend like this, you can be one to someone else.

I just wonder what this world would be like if we all decided to be the kind of friend who outlasts the storms of life.

The friend who sees their friend through their suffering and doesn’t look for the quickest exit.

The friend who is as present in the bad as they are in the good.

The friend who truly mourns when their friend mourns, and rejoices when they rejoice.

The friend who points back to Jesus as the healer. Like the friends of the paralyzed man in the Bible, we can carry our hurting friend to Jesus because we know He can heal. Sometimes it’s our faith that can help inspire them to dig deep for theirs, too.

The friend who is a friend even when it’s not convenient. But knows friendship isn’t supposed to always be convenient.

A friend’s job is not to save. But God did design friendship so we wouldn’t have to walk through the good, bad or excruciating times without a friend to lean on, arms to receive a hug from, or words of encouragement to help us through the day.

I believe a good friend can change a person’s life.

A good friend, with the help of God, can impact the path’s of a person’s life.

Friendship can be fun, easy and light.

Friendship can also be messy, hard and uncomfortable at times.

But a friend who stands through the storm until the sun comes back out or not is…

A truly wonderful gift. ~OC

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Beautiful Interruptions

Today’s a new day! I wrote the following early this morning.

I pray Jesus keeps your eyes, ears and hearts open to experiencing some beautiful interruptions today. Do not allow the distractions of this world keep you from these amazing opportunities and blessings. Do not miss the really important things in life. Have a great day! ~OC

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Our Calling Card

Today’s a new day! I believe love is our calling card.

Some may be surprised or shocked by this statement, but look around at some portions of the Church today.  You don’t have to go far on the internet to see pastors preaching with such anger and hatred, what comes across is ugly and lacking in power.  There are others who are doctrinally sound but so intellectually focused that the Gospel that they preach is cold, detached and forbidding.  They have the truth of the Bible but without the love of God, it is creating a really confusing picture. Some have lost sight of God’s love so they have completely lost the message brought to us by Jesus Himself.  For God so loved the world He sent His one and only Son.

God is love. Jesus is God and therefore is love. He was sent into this world as a common man because God deeply loved the world. Jesus said that the greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbors. Jesus said that the world will know us as disciples by our love. Not by our biblical knowledge which is important, but love is essential to who God is and who we’re supposed to be as Believers. Without love, Christianity is nothing. We can never lose sight of love and still live the life that Jesus has for us in Him. God is love. A life without love is a life without God prominently in it.

So if you have gotten so far down a path that looks like Christianity but is not filled with love, you must turn around. Make that turn this very moment. If we are working really hard for the church but are doing it in anger and resentment, turn around this very minute. If we are so busy with serving or complaining that we have no time to love the people we are supposed to be serving…just stop. Treat this moment like a red light or stop sign. It profits us nothing and creates a jarring and unpleasing sound if we are trying to live the Christian life without love. We should only be serving and loving others when we are able to say for certain that it is the love of Jesus compelling us and the love of the Holy Spirit working through us. Of course we will all have moments where it is hard to love and serve others. Face it, we are all human and will make mistakes along the journey. So please do not beat yourself up. Just stop and seek God. Allow Him to redirect you to get back on the path He has laid out for you.

No matter what it looks like to our eyes, if we do not have love we are nothing. Why? Because if there is no love then Jesus is not with us.  He is love and brings love wherever He goes. I hope and pray we all want to do something for the Body of Christ. Right? So make the choice to love and love generously. And being generous, doesn’t always mean our finances. Loving generously includes are time, talents and gifts.

Let the following words sink in:

And if I were to have the gift of prophecy with a profound understanding of God’s hidden secrets, and if I possessed unending supernatural knowledge, and if I had the greatest gift of faith that could move mountains, but have never learned to love, then I am nothing. And if I were to be so generous as to give away everything I owned to feed the poor, and to offer my body to be burned as a martyr, without the pure motive of love, I would gain nothing of value. ~1 Corinthians 13:2-3

So today, make the choice to love. It could be life changing for you and someone around you. ~OC

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