Tag: Obedience

Not A Coincidence

Today’s a new day!

There are moments in life when you look back and wonder how you made it through. The nights that felt endless, the heartbreak that cut deeper than words, the battles you thought would surely take you out—but somehow, you’re still here. It’s easy to chalk it up to luck, coincidence, or sheer willpower. But the truth runs deeper than that. You survived everything that was meant to destroy you, and that’s not a coincidence—that was Jesus. In the middle of the chaos, when you couldn’t see a way forward, He was already making one. When you were too weak to stand, He was carrying you. Even when you didn’t recognize His hand, His presence never left your side.

Jesus doesn’t just show up in the good moments; He proves Himself in the fire. Every trial you walked through and came out of wasn’t just something you endured—it was something He brought you through. The pain didn’t have the final say. The enemy didn’t win. Your story didn’t end there. What was meant to break you became part of the testimony that now defines you. So when doubt tries to creep in and tell you that you’re alone or forgotten, remember your own history. Look at the evidence of grace all over your life. You’re still standing, still breathing, still moving forward—and that’s all the proof you need. Jesus has been faithful before, and He will be faithful again. ~OC

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The Story Behind The Music 

Today’s a new day!

People often ask me how I started writing music, and the honest answer might surprise them—I don’t come from some deep well of musical training or natural talent. I’ve never claimed to be a musician in the traditional sense. But what I have always had is an ear for music and a mind full of thoughts that never seem to sit still. For years, those thoughts found their way into blog posts, journal entries, and scattered writings. I didn’t realize at the time that God was planting seeds—words that would one day find a different kind of rhythm and voice.

As time has gone on, I’ve heard people assume that what I write must just be random phrases plugged into some app, especially with how much AI is shaping the world around us. But I want to be clear—every word I share comes from a real place. It comes from my heart, from my experiences, and from what strength I still have to express what’s inside me. These songs aren’t manufactured; they’re lived. They are pieces of my journey, shaped by faith, struggle, and the quiet moments where God meets me right where I am. Yes, the vocals and music are AI generated, but each word, each vocal and style of music comes from God inspired inspiration. And a lot of late nights.

The turning point came during a time of prayer. I felt God speaking to my spirit, nudging me to take those old writings and begin turning them into songs. My first response was hesitation—I told Him plainly, “I don’t know how to write music.” But in that stillness, I felt His answer just as clearly: I do. It wasn’t about technique or training; it was about obedience. So I started, unsure but willing, trusting that if He called me to it, He would carry me through it.

Not long after, I prayed a simple but bold prayer—that God would give me something new to write every single day. And in His faithfulness, He has answered that prayer again and again. Each morning brings a new thought, a new message, a new opportunity to share something He’s placed on my heart. That’s why so many of you receive those daily texts or posts—it’s not routine, it’s provision. This journey isn’t about becoming a great songwriter; it’s about being a willing vessel. And as long as He keeps giving me the words, I’ll keep writing them. ~OC

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Integrity Over Influence

Dear Church and Christian Community,

Be careful about aligning yourself with voices that do not truly reflect the heart of God. Not everyone who speaks in ways that sound righteous is walking in truth. There are those who will use spiritual language, quote Scripture, and appear to stand for Christian values, yet their lives and motives reveal something far different. Discernment is not optional in this hour—it is essential. We must test every spirit, not by charisma or influence, but by the fruit they produce and the truth they uphold. Don’t allow yourself to be drawn in by words that sound good on the surface but are rooted in deception.

There is a dangerous temptation to trade integrity for influence—to get a seat at the political table at any cost. But what does it profit the Church to gain temporary access and lose its prophetic voice? When we entangle ourselves in a web of compromise and half-truths, our witness becomes clouded. The world is not changed by our proximity to power, but by our faithfulness to truth. Your temporary presence in places of influence may feel significant in the moment, but it can leave a lasting stain on your testimony if it is built on alignment with what is false.

Do not fall for the hype that blinds you from seeing clearly. Hype is loud, emotional, and persuasive—but truth is steady, consistent, and grounded in God’s Word. We are called to walk in the light, even when it costs us popularity, position, or approval. The Church must remain anchored in Christ, not swayed by cultural waves or political promises. Stand firm. Speak truth. And above all, guard your heart so that you are not led astray by what merely appears right, but instead remain faithful to what is right in the eyes of God. ~OC

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Stay Rooted

Today’s a new day!

Be careful who you listen to and trust—this simple truth carries deep spiritual weight. In a world full of voices, opinions, and influences, not everything that looks good is good for you. Just as salt and sugar can appear nearly identical at a glance, what we hear can sound sweet, wise, or convincing while actually leading us away from truth. The Bible reminds us to test every spirit and to seek discernment, because deception rarely announces itself boldly—it often comes dressed in familiarity and comfort. If we are not grounded in God’s Word, we can easily mistake something harmful for something helpful.

Trust is a precious gift, and it should not be given lightly. As believers, we are called to anchor our trust in God first, allowing His truth to shape how we evaluate everything else. When we rely solely on human wisdom without seeking divine guidance, we risk being misled. Just as consuming salt when expecting sugar would leave a bitter taste, following the wrong voices can leave us spiritually drained and confused. Stay rooted in prayer, immerse yourself in Scripture, and ask God for wisdom to discern what is truly good. Not everything that looks right is right—but God’s truth will never lead you astray. ~OC

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No Authority

Today’s a new day!

Fear is a powerful emotion, but as a believer, it does not have authority over your life. Scripture reminds us time and time again that God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power, love, and a sound mind. When fear tries to creep in—whether it’s fear of the unknown, fear of failure, or fear of loss—you can stand firm knowing that it does not come from God. Instead, it is something you are called to resist through faith. God’s presence in your life is greater than any anxiety that tries to take hold, and His promises are unshakable even when your circumstances feel uncertain.

Walking in freedom from fear requires trust. It means choosing to believe God’s truth over your feelings. Fear may speak loudly, but it does not have the final say—God does. When you anchor your heart in His Word, you begin to see that fear loses its grip. You are not defined by your worries or limited by your doubts; you are defined by who God says you are: chosen, loved, and secure in Him. As you continue to lean into His presence, you’ll find that courage rises, peace settles in, and fear fades into the background where it belongs—powerless and without authority over your life. ~OC

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Purpose Equals Peace

Today’s a new day! 

For more than two decades, I have walked a road marked by uncertainty, pain, and countless moments where I was told my life might soon end. After hearing over fifty times that I had only hours, weeks, or months to live, I stopped counting. Not out of denial, but out of a quiet realization—life was never meant to be lived under the constant shadow of “what if today is the last day?” Instead, I chose to seek something deeper. In the midst of my storm, I prayed and asked Jesus to show me my purpose within the pain. And He answered.

What I discovered changed everything. My hospital rooms became mission fields. Waiting rooms turned into places of ministry. Conversations with doctors, nurses, and fellow patients became opportunities to encourage, uplift, and share hope. God didn’t remove my storm, but He gave it meaning. Over the years, He has allowed me to walk alongside others in their darkest moments—offering support, listening ears, and reminders that they are not alone. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to be used in this way. And in that purpose, I found something unexpected: peace. A deep, unshakable peace that doesn’t depend on circumstances.

Time and time again, I’ve heard others share a similar testimony. When they begin to understand that God has a purpose even in their suffering, something shifts. The fear loosens its grip. The questions quiet. And peace begins to take root. It doesn’t mean the storm disappears—but it does mean the storm no longer defines them. So today, I want to gently challenge you: what is God revealing to you in your current season? Are you leaning in to listen, or are you overwhelmed by the noise of the storm? Have you allowed your struggle to become your identity, or are you willing to surrender it?

Take a moment today to lay your burdens at the foot of the Cross. In fact, don’t just lay them down—leave them there. Nail your fears, your pain, your questions, and your weariness to the Cross and trust that Jesus will carry what you cannot. I can’t promise that your season of hardship will end quickly, or even in the way you hope. But I can promise this: when you seek God’s purpose in the storm, you will find His peace. Even now, as I continue walking through ongoing health challenges, I do so with hope and a calm assurance that God is not finished.

So the question remains—are you willing to take that first step today? To trust, to seek, and to walk forward in the purpose God has prepared for you? Peace and victory are not found in the absence of storms, but in the presence of Jesus within them. ~OC

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

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Use Wisely

Today’s a New Day!

There are 10,080 minutes in every week—an abundant gift that often slips quietly through our hands if we’re not intentional. Scripture reminds us to “redeem the time,” to be mindful that each moment is an opportunity to draw closer to God and reflect His love in the world. When we begin to view our time not as something to spend, but as something to steward, our perspective shifts. Even the smallest portions of our day can become sacred. A few minutes in prayer in the morning, meditating on God’s Word during a lunch break, or offering gratitude in the quiet moments before sleep—all of these practices help anchor our hearts in Him. Loving God with our time doesn’t require perfection; it requires presence, consistency, and a willingness to invite Him into the ordinary rhythms of our lives.

But our calling doesn’t stop with loving God—it flows outward into how we love and serve others. Within those same 10,080 minutes are countless chances to show kindness, extend grace, and meet the needs of our neighbors. Sometimes that looks like serving in a church or volunteering in the community, but often it’s found in everyday interactions: listening attentively, offering encouragement, forgiving quickly, or simply being available when someone is in need. When we intentionally set aside time to serve others, we reflect the heart of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve. A life well-lived isn’t measured by how busy we are, but by how faithfully we use our time to love God and love people. If we dedicate even a fraction of our weekly minutes to these purposes, we begin to see that every moment holds eternal significance. ~OC

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Betrayal

Today’s a new day! 

As the Church, we sometimes find it easier to point fingers outward. We blame the culture, the media, politics, or the “world” for betraying Jesus. Yet the truth is more uncomfortable than that. The world cannot betray someone it has never truly known. Betrayal requires relationship. It requires proximity. The people who encountered Jesus in the Gospels—who listened to His teaching, walked the dusty roads beside Him, and still chose power, fear, or self-preservation over truth—were not outsiders. They were the ones closest to the story.

In every generation, the Church must wrestle with this reality. Those who have studied Scripture, preached sermons, and claimed the name of Christ carry a particular responsibility. When worldly influence, political power, or tribal loyalty becomes more important than loving our neighbor, telling the truth, or living with integrity, something sacred is lost. Jesus was clear that love of neighbor sits at the heart of faith, and that character matters more than status. When the Church trades these things for influence or control, it risks repeating the same pattern we see throughout history: choosing the kingdoms of this world over the way of Christ.

This is not a call to shame but a call to reflection. Faithfulness has never been measured by how loudly we condemn the outside world, but by how deeply we embody the teachings of Jesus ourselves. The Church’s witness is strongest not when it seeks dominance, but when it chooses humility, compassion, and truth—even when those choices cost us influence. If betrayal comes from those who knew Him best, then renewal must also begin there—with hearts willing to return to the simple but demanding command Jesus gave: love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. ~OC

***You can find the Spoken Word version of this post at my YouTube channel Todd E. Shoemaker Music.

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Lessons Being Learned

Today’s a new day! Here are four things that God has been showing me over the past few months. I guess God wanted to remind me of His love, care and purpose for me, even in the midst of this health journey. I pray they encourage you. 

I Am Precious In God’s Eyes:

Isaiah 43: 4 says, ‘You are precious and honoured in my sight, and … I love you.’

As my body and mind continues to be an issue, I need to remind myself continually that God loves me for who I am not what I can do. The Lord has chosen me to be his treasured possession (Deuteronomy 14:2) and I am still precious to him despite my illness. He knows what he is doing and he is good.

If you are feeling that you have no purpose, the Lord wants to tell you differently. He wants you to know that your purpose is being his child, not what you are able to do.

I Am Blessed:

As I continue to walk through this crazy beautiful health journey, I have periods of sadness,  as I mourn the things I am no longer capable of doing. Some days are harder than others and I feel helpless and upset that I am a burden on Laura and others. Yet, God promises that if I lean on him and trust him, he will give me the strength that I need.

I need to ask God daily to help me remember my blessings. I have so much to be thankful for. Each day is a gift to enjoy being with Laura and friends making memories. I cannot allow myself to constantly be distracted by those friends who have decided to walk away, for whatever reason. 

I am reminded that God’s word says that every good and perfect gift comes from God (James 1:17) and I have been able to find much pleasure in the everyday things around me that I had not noticed before.

When you have a serious illness your world becomes much smaller, but in God’s grace even that can be a blessing. God has opened my eyes to see the little things in life and I can pray about them. I have time to see God answering those prayers and to see how he is interested in the tiny little details of our lives. Sometimes, living in the moment is a real privilege. I don’t need to worry about earning money or running a house because I have to trust that God will give others the strength and wisdom to do that. I know I can trust God in the big things because I can see him working in the little things.

I Am Useful:

It has been very hard not being able to get to church services and have fellowship with people. Zoom, text and phone calls are great but they aren’t the real thing. Often, although I know people pray for me and love me from afar, it can feel very lonely away from the church and everyday life. Yet, wherever I am,  I am still part of God’s family. I am still part of life. I really value people visiting and telling me what God is doing in their lives. It is good to be able to serve the Lord by praying for them and with them.

I can encourage others just by continuing to walk out this health journey, and let people see how He continues to move in the midst of the storm. I continue to learn that you don’t always need to be cheerful and smiling to be an encourager. Just sharing your life and your struggles and letting others see how God sustains you even in the midst of pain and darkness can be an encouragement. God continues to show me that Christian fellowship is about sharing your life with others, the ups, the downs, the differences and the bits in between. True fellowship is precious and points us  to Heaven.

Each day I ask God to help me to be content and to make life as easy as possible for those around me. There are times when I struggle with not being fully involved in daily life, but I know life needs to go on around me. I am still a husband, son, friend and I pray that God will make me the best one I can be.

I Am Being Made New:

I continue to learn that God is bigger than all of my health issues. He is good and his ways are perfect. I sometimes wonder why I am here after all these years, but while He allows me to continue living, I know that he will give me the strength to shine for him. I am reminded almost daily, even a weak and tiny flame can bring much light to a darkened room.

Guess what? God doesn’t see my body as decaying. No, my body is being changed for good and when God sees me as ready, he will take me to be with him, forever. I know that I am more than my illness, I am a child of God and I am loved.

Some days, the enemy tries to put fear in my heart. But on those days, I lean on the words of Psalm 23, which states, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil, for you are with me, your rod and your staff they comfort me.” I know that God will give me the strength to keep going until he calls me home. I continue to learn not to worry about tomorrow, but to be thankful and trust him for today. God knows what is coming and he will be with me when it comes.

I want to encourage you, in whatever storm you might find yourself walking through, that you are precious to the Lord and he will never leave you nor forsake you. ~OC

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Unity

Today’s a new day! It is very rare to find someone who has not experienced church hurt in some way. In a very me society, it is much easier to faze in and out of churches when we like what it teaches or offers (or dislike what it teaches or does). The type of unity that the Bible speaks about and commands is rarely experienced. In fact, when a church tries to move in this direction, it’s easy to be skeptical and defensive.

“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity! It is like the precious oil on the head, running down on the beard, on the beard of Aaron, running down on the collar of his robes! It is like the dew of Hermon, which falls on the mountains of Zion! For there the Lord has commanded the blessing, life forevermore.” ~Psalm 133:1-3

“Until we all attain to the unity of the faith and of the knowledge of the Son of God, to mature manhood, to the measure of the stature of the fullness of Christ,” ~Ephesians 4:13

“May the God of endurance and encouragement grant you to live in such harmony with one another, in accord with Christ Jesus,” ~Romans 15:5

It is both good and pleasant when a church lives its life together in a unified manner. It’s like the anointed blessing of God in so much abundance that it covers us with God’s blessing from the top of our head to the soles of our feet. It is here, in unified fellowship, that God has commanded the very blessing of eternal life. In other words, when we live in a unified manner, we experience a taste of Heaven, where we will live eternally in perfect unity.

I truly believe that if we want to experience a taste of heaven, experience the joy of our Savior, and provide a faithful picture of Christ to the world, we need to pray and work for unity in our local churches. Because the enemy wants nothing more than to divide believers in the local church. As believers we must sit in the love, grace, forgiveness and love of Jesus. Let unity reign! ~OC

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