Tag: Praise

Romans 8:1

Today’s a new day! I am currently studying Romans and here are some thoughts from Romans 8:1:

In Romans 8:1, we read “There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus.”

The power of Paul’s words are very strong. There is absolutely no possibility of condemnation coming from God towards believers. Once you are in Christ you are uncondemnable by God.

But what is condemnation? It is an unfavorable or adverse judgment made about us. God makes no unfavorable or adverse judgment about his children.

Now, we might condemn ourselves. We might not yet feel and experience the grace of God upon our lives. We might roll around in our feelings of guilt and shame for past mistakes but this is not from God. There is no condemnation from him.

We might feel condemnation from the world. Others might point and criticize and judge. Being a disciple of God’s will raise the bar of expectation. Condemnation might flow from others, but this is not from God. There is no condemnation from him.

And condemnation might come from the enemy of our souls. A shadowy feeling of failure is a great weapon of the enemy. The enemy loves to convince us of God’s dissatisfaction in our lives, but this also is not from God. There is no condemnation from him. ~OC

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Jesus is Enough

Good morning. I want to share a story with you this morning. A true story. A story about a man we still talk about today. Here is a little of his story.

This man was never baptized.
This man never took communion.
This man never spoke in tongues.
This man never attended a Bible study.
This man never gave a tithe to the local church.
This man never went on a mission trip.
This man never volunteered.
This man never said the sinners prayer.
This man could not even bend his knees to pray.
This man was a criminal.

Jesus didn’t lay hands on this man.

This man was broken and beat up by the world. But today, this man is sitting at the feet of Jesus, the same way anyone can by simply believing that Jesus was who He said He was and did what He said He did.

This man had nothing more to offer other than his belief that Jesus was who He said He was.

-No spin from a gifted speaker.
-No ego or arrogance.
-No shiny lights, skinny jeans, or crafty worship.
-No fog machine, donuts, or a latte in the lobby with a cool name.

Just a thief on a cross who was unable to even fold his hands to pray.

For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son so that WHOEVER believes in Him will not perish but have everlasting life. ~John 3:16

Because in the end….Jesus is enough. ~OC

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Fourth of July and Church

Today’s a new day! A lot of churches will celebrate the 4th of July today. I love America, but I have never liked when a church makes the 4th the main event of the service. I tend to skip that service in person and try to find a church service online that might acknowledge Independence Day, but not make it the main focus.

I believe acknowledging the Fourth of July should not require devoting the whole service to it. Churches might consider setting aside a special time of prayer for the nation and its leaders, in accordance with I Timothy 2:1-2. Pastors can thank God for the positive aspects of America and then move on to a service that shares the gospel and celebrates God.

One of the most useful exercises when thinking about the Fourth of July at church is imagining that you have Christians in attendance from across the world. For many churches this will not be difficult since they have a diverse community of believers. Americans, like citizens of all nations, have a natural fondness for the land of their birth. But as Christians we know that our ultimate citizenship is in heaven.

Therefore, churches should do nothing that would give our global brothers or sisters reason to feel like they don’t belong in your Fourth of July service. Such things could include the indiscriminate blending of worship songs with patriotic anthems, making it unclear whether we’re supposed to praise God or the American flag. Another would be to suggest that America is a nation uniquely favored by God, as if it is the latter-day biblical Israel.

By all means, let’s thank God for the good things he’s given us in America. Foremost among those things is the freedom to practice our faith without the fear of persecution. Let’s pray for our leaders to possess and employ godly wisdom.

On this Fourth of July, let’s remember that America is not a believer’s eternal home. ~OC

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Where’s Your Hope?

Today’s a new day! When the Christian community believes it needs a political party or leader to protect its existence, it no longer believes Jesus is the hope, truth and light. ~OC

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Let Go To Grow

Several people have inquired about Todd taking an indefinite break from social media and sharing his daily thoughts. He wanted to share a few thoughts about his decision to take some time away from the world of social media.

Today’s a new day! When I hear God speak to my heart, I have learned that it serves me well to listen.

So a few weeks ago, I heard God share that it was time to take a break from social media. Then I started questioning the role of social media in my life, comparing and contrasting the pros and cons of it. I have taken breaks before so I thought about those times, too. Then it pretty much dawned on me as the following words were impressed upon me in a real way:

I was not created to spend so much time on social media. These platforms should not take away from time reading, journaling, praying and most importantly spending quality face to face time with real people.

There are some beautiful benefits about social media. They allow us to interact with old friends and meet some amazing people from all over the world. To stay in touch with loved ones. To read and hear about their life experiences. To pray for people. All amazing things. The problem is that social media always demanded more than I truly wanted to give.

The different social media platforms offer us endless opportunities to share our everyday lives, to pose questions, share world events, our opinions and photos of our favorite foods. There is always something to post or respond to. For me, it never stopped. If I missed a day of posting, I would have multiple people reaching out to me asking why I did not post. Not necessarily a bad thing, but a lot of pressure.

The good and bad thing with social media for me personally, is that I really tried to use my accounts to encourage and love on people. I could probably sit around all day long and just be corresponding with people. People feel comfortable sharing their life journey with me. So many people feel like they’re stuck or they’re hopeless. So they would reach out to me. I found myself pouring so much of myself out into so many people. Not complaining because it’s always my honor to connect with people willing to share their amazing life experiences with me. But a few weeks ago, I realized if I truly wanted to help and serve people, I needed to make sure that I was taking care of myself. Which was not always the case.

So, I have officially been off social media and not sharing daily thoughts for about a week. I have used that time to focus more on the truly important things in my life. I have enjoyed a quieter and less hectic week. Being off social media has given me the beautiful gift of rest and peace.

Will I return to social media at some point? I am not really sure. As I have taken a break from social media, God has given me this simple phrase “Let Go to Grow.” ~OC

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A Cost

Today’s a new day! As I reflect on this crazy beautiful health journey, there has been a cost. Physically my body has been beat up. Mentally I have lost a step or two. Emotionally, I have had to run through a lot of loss. Financially, life took a turn when I had to retire years before I was ready. Spiritually, I have been challenging and taught so many lessons. But through it all, I believe I have gained more than I have lost. The friendships made have been a beautiful blessing. Watching my body deteriorate has made me rely more on the promises of God. This health journey, has allowed me experience life in a different, but life changing way. Even though this journey has not been easy, I would not change a thing. This journey has given me purpose. To hopefully encourage others walking through their own journey. To challenge people to step out of their comfort zones. To truly live out the teachings of God and be his hands and feet. As this journey continues to bring challenges, I will continue to choose to be an Overcomer. I will finish strong! ~OC

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Me Without You

Running this morning and got caught by the red light. Saw a homeless man staring at me
He was holding a sign that read Need A Little Help and God Bless
A sign of the times

As the light changed and I started running again, I looked back and couldn’t help but think I knew that man
That thought pierced my heart

Later that day on my way home
I noticed another man sitting on the side of the road talking to himself
He looked lost, sad and angry
He was not in a good state of mind
As I drove by, I looked back
I couldn’t help but think I knew that man
That thought pierced my heart

In the middle of the night as I tossed and turned, I thought about those two men, then truth hit me and pierced my heart
I sat up and cried out to God

That could be me without You
Only by the grace of God am I sleeping in a comfortable bed and not under a bridge or wondering around in a lost state of mind
God, I praise you for your blessings and grace

I saw a man on the news
He looked like a regular guy, but his life had taken a different turn, he was going to spend the rest of his days locked away surrounded by prison walls
As the story ended, I couldn’t help but think I knew that man
That thought pierced my heart

All day, I thought about that man from the news and wondered what led him astray
Then it hit me straight in my heart
I looked up to Heaven and cried out to God

That could be me without You
Only by the grace of God am I living in freedom and not locked away in a prison cell
God I praise you for your blessings and grace

As I travel around town and see all the pain and broken dreams, I close my eyes and realize how different my life would be and I look up to Heaven and give praise

Dear God, those could be my stories without you
Thank you for saving me
And praise You for your blessings and grace ~OC

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Keep Overcoming

Today’s a new day! I have been running this crazy beautiful health journey for 22 years. On multiple occasions, I have been told I did not have much time left. To get my affairs in order. This health journey has been filled with many twist and turns. But throughout this journey, I have had the peace of God to carry me through. On many occasions, I have asked God what are you up to? But I knew God was in control and had a beautiful plan for my life. I knew something amazing could come out of this journey. I just didn’t know what that was at the time. But I put my trust in God to get me through this and never let fear control my life. The hope I have as a Christian helps me overcome the biggest challenges, along with the amazing support of my family and friends. Also I have a passion for life. A passion to love on, care for and encourage people. That passion is greater than any health battle I could ever face. I have been blessed that the story God has given me has been shared around the world and has encouraged so many people get through their own crazy beautiful journey. Because of the hope I have in the promises of God, a journey that looks hopeless has become a story of hope, encouragement and overcoming. As I continue running this race, I have no regrets for the adversities God has allowed me to run through. If you look at me, you could think, wow, have pity on me for having to endure such a long health battle. But I invite you to look at it as something beautiful. God has taken something negative and turned it into something incredibly amazing. I’m I’m a husband, a friend and a overcomer who God has chosen to life out this incredible adventure. I wake up every morning with joy and purpose and seek to honor God in all I do. Sometimes I fall short, but His grace is sufficient for me. Today, I encourage you to make the choice to overcome the challenges in your life. To live an authentic and unstoppable life through God. If you need someone to run along side you, just reach out to me. Let’s run this beautiful life together. Keep Overcoming! ~OC

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The 4th Quarter. Finish Strong!

As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I look at my race like a football game. A football game is made up of four quarters. As Laura and I discuss the current state of my health, we both believe I have entered the 4th quarter of my health journey. We do not believe there will an overtime. This is not us giving up, but being up front and honest about my current situation. We are so excited to see how God is going to use this 4th quarter.

A side note: Laura and I have to laugh when my medical team continually makes the comment “Todd you look really good for someone who is dying.” It reminds us of the promise God made years ago that I would never act or look sick.

As I run this 4th quarter, I want to make the most out of whatever time I have left. Not a second wasted. I want every moment to matter.

I believe I am in the most important quarter in life. The 4th Quarter. It does not matter how I started the game, but how I finish is what truly matters.

A lot of people look at my current health condition and encourage me to slow down. But that is not what I am hearing from God. No, what I am hearing from God is to keep running. To keep playing the game. To press in even more to share the story God has given me with more urgency. To continue making champions for God.

So, I will continue to run the race God designed for me. I will continue to spend time with family and friends. I will continue to have beautiful moments of conversations. I will continue to invite friends over, to sit on the balcony and hear their stories. I will continue to share love and encouragement with everyone God brings my way. I will embrace the beautiful interruptions of life.

Though my body may be quickly declining, my faith is growing stronger every day. I am spending more time in prayer and God’s word. I am excited to see how the Holy Spirit is working like a skilled surgeon and digging out any junk I might be holding onto. I continue to pursue righteousness and purity. I am more dedicated to prayer. I am thankful for those friends who chose to run the race with me. I continue to desire good fruit. I still desire for God to use every part of my life. To continue sharing the hope and love of Jesus with everyone.

I believe God is most pleased to use a willing heart. A willing vessel. My hope and prayer is that I finish the 4 Quarter strong. With nothing else to give. Amen. ~OC

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Communion

A friend asked me to write down some thoughts on communion. I thought I would share them with you. ~OC

Time seems to stand still. The moment is quite as I hear God whisper, “Come before me and empty your heart. Pour your sins, frustrations, and needs at My feet. And I will fill you with My light, My glory, and presence.” These are the words I hear God share as I prepare my heart for communion. It makes the moment even more special. Even more holy. It makes the moment even more sacred.

As we prepare ourselves for communion, allow God to speak to your heart. Let His worship flow over and through you. Allow the Holy Spirit to reveal all He has for you in this moment.

Why do we take communion?
Communion is a soul stirring experiences that cause us to reflect on the holiness of Christ embodied in the gift of salvation. To remember and give thanks that Jesus took our place on the Cross. Stop and think about that for a moment. Jesus took our place.

Jesus established communion on the night he was betrayed as he ate a meal with His disciples. The Sacraments symbolize and guarantee God’s promises to us via the bread and juice which symbolize Jesus’s body and blood. These are tangible reminders of Christ’s love and sacrifice on the cross.
In the early church, it was known as the “eucharist,” or as the giving of thanks found in Matthew 26:27.
The entire account of the first Lord’s Supper is found in the Gospels of
Matthew 26:26-29, Mark 14:22-25, Luke 22:19-25 and a portion of the account is also found in
1 Corinthians 11:24-26.

Jesus told us to “Do this… in remembrance of me” (1 Corinthian 11:25). Just as we depend on food and drink to physically sustain us, we can only live spiritually through Christ. We take communion because we believe Jesus is really, truly, spiritually present in the bread and the juice. Meaning that when we eat and drink these things, we are receiving the promises Jesus makes to us in faith. Those promises help us come face to face with our humanity. It also reminds us that Christ promises to forgive our sins (Matt 26:28). Jesus will strengthen us, grow us, and help us persevere as we continue to follow Him (John 6:53-58). It also reminds us just how precious the gift of salvation is.

A Prayer after Communion:
Dear God, we praise you for the sacrifice of your one and only Son that you so lovingly and freely gave us. Lord Jesus, what a privilege it is to be able to come before your throne of grace and partake of the precious sacraments of bread and juice in remembrance of your atoning sacrifice on the Cross. You lovingly feed us at your holy table through your body and blood. By your Word and Supper, we are set free. We rejoice that we get to call you Father. Thank you for taking our place. Thank you for covering us with your love, grace, and the enormous price of taking away our sins so that we can experience your freedom. May we never forget the price you paid on our behalf. As we continue to run this race called life, may this moment be on our minds, and may we hold your heavenly presence in our hearts. May we live in remembrance of how your body was broken and how your blood was spilled for us. Dear Jesus, thank you for the ability to carry in our hearts the riches of your eternal goodness. May we be a living vessel and light to others you allow us to come in contact with, lighting up the darkness with your truths. What a joy and a privilege it is to fellowship with you Dear Jesus and to commune with you. No matter where we are or who we are with, we know that You are with us, indwelling us. Help us to live in a way that glorifies you and reflects the work of how you broke your body for us and how you took our place on the Cross. We rejoice in the blanket of your grace as we rest in the arms of your sacrificial love. Amen.

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