Tag: Praise

Lessons Found In Suffering

Today’s a new day! If we’re being honest, suffering is not fun. None of us wake up in the morning and say, “I hope I suffer today.” We don’t ask for pain, hardship, sickness, loss, or trials. We naturally seek comfort, peace, and stability.

Yet suffering has a way of finding all of us.

As I have walked through my own health journey, I have come to a simple conclusion: if I have to walk through suffering, I am going to do it with Jesus by my side.

The reality is that suffering can either draw us closer to God or push us away from Him. We can become bitter, or we can become better. We can focus solely on our pain, or we can allow God to use that pain to shape us into the people He is calling us to be.

While I would never choose suffering, I have discovered that some of life’s greatest lessons are learned in the valleys, not on the mountaintops.

In the difficult seasons, we learn dependence. We learn patience. We learn endurance. We learn that God’s presence is often most real when everything else around us seems uncertain. The fruit that grows during suffering is often fruit that could not have grown any other way.

One of the greatest examples of this is found in Acts chapter 7.

Stephen, a faithful follower of Christ, was falsely accused and brought before religious leaders. He boldly proclaimed the truth of God’s Word and testified about Jesus. His reward was not comfort, applause, or promotion. Instead, he faced persecution and ultimately martyrdom.

As stones were thrown at him, Stephen displayed something remarkable. Rather than responding with hatred, he responded with grace. Rather than seeking revenge, he prayed for those who were attacking him. Scripture tells us that he looked into heaven and saw the glory of God and Jesus standing at the right hand of the Father.

Even in the middle of unimaginable suffering, Stephen’s eyes remained fixed on Jesus.

What a powerful lesson for us today.

Our suffering may look different. It may be a health battle, financial hardship, broken relationships, grief, disappointment, or uncertainty about the future. Yet the same principle remains true: when our eyes stay fixed on Jesus, suffering does not have the final word.

God often does some of His deepest work in our lives during our hardest seasons.

The suffering we face today may be producing a stronger faith tomorrow. It may be teaching us compassion for others. It may be preparing us for a ministry we never imagined. It may be revealing God’s faithfulness in ways we would never have recognized otherwise.

I would never say I enjoy suffering. I don’t.

But I can say this: when suffering comes, I want to walk through it with Jesus.

Because sometimes the sweetest moments of God’s presence, the greatest growth in our character, and the most valuable lessons of our lives are found right in the middle of the struggle.

If you are suffering today, don’t walk through it alone. Lean into Christ. Talk to Him. Trust Him. Hold on to Him.

Like Stephen, keep your eyes on Jesus.

The suffering may be real, but so is the Savior who walks beside you through it. ~OC

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Jesus Is Not An Add-On Or An Accessory

In today’s world, accessories are everywhere. We add things to our lives to enhance our appearance, improve our image, or make life a little more comfortable. Accessories are optional. We can put them on when we want and take them off when they become inconvenient.

Unfortunately, many people treat Jesus the same way.

Jesus was never meant to be an add-on to our lives. He is not a spiritual accessory we wear on Sundays and remove on Monday. He is not a good-luck charm we call upon when life gets difficult. He is not a decoration for our social media profiles or a label we attach to ourselves when it is convenient.

Jesus is Lord.

When Jesus called His disciples, He did not invite them to simply add Him to their existing lives. He called them to leave everything and follow Him. Their careers, plans, comforts, and ambitions became secondary to their relationship with Christ. Following Jesus was not a part of their lives—it became their lives.

Too often we try to fit Jesus into our schedules instead of building our schedules around Him. We ask Him to bless our plans rather than surrendering to His plans. We want the benefits of salvation without embracing the daily surrender that discipleship requires.

The Gospel calls us to something deeper.

Jesus doesn’t want a portion of our hearts; He wants all of our hearts. He doesn’t want to be one voice among many voices competing for our attention. He wants to be the foundation upon which every decision, relationship, and dream is built.

When Christ becomes the center of our lives, everything changes. Our priorities change. Our perspective changes. Our purpose changes. We begin to see our jobs as opportunities to serve Him. Our homes become places of ministry. Our struggles become opportunities to trust Him more deeply. Our victories become reasons to give Him glory.

The truth is that Jesus is either Lord of all, or He is not Lord at all.

This does not mean we live perfectly. We all stumble, fail, and fall short. Yet even in our failures, we continue to run toward Him because our relationship with Jesus is not an accessory we can set aside. He is our Savior, our Shepherd, our King, and our source of life.

As believers, may we examine our hearts and ask an important question: Is Jesus simply a part of my life, or is He the center of it?

The world offers countless accessories to make life look better on the outside. Jesus offers something far greater—He transforms us from the inside out.

Jesus is not an add-on.

He is the way, the truth, and the life.

He is everything. ~OC

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If The Twelve Disciples Applied For Church Membership Today

“Think about this for a moment: the twelve disciples of Jesus could not pass a background check to get into most churches today.”

That statement may sound shocking at first, but take a closer look at the men Jesus chose to change the world.

Peter was impulsive and publicly denied Christ three times.

James and John earned the nickname “Sons of Thunder” because of their fiery tempers and desire to call down judgment on people.

Matthew was a tax collector, viewed by many as a traitor and a sinner.

Thomas struggled with doubt.

Simon the Zealot was associated with a radical political movement.

And Judas would eventually betray Jesus.

If these men submitted applications to many modern churches, some would likely be rejected before ever making it through the front door.

Yet these are the very people Jesus chose.

Jesus did not build His ministry around people with perfect resumes. He built it around people whose lives would be transformed by grace.

The Gospel has never been about finding people who have it all together. It has always been about redeeming people who know they don’t.

Too often, we can be tempted to evaluate people based on their past failures, mistakes, addictions, broken relationships, or reputation. We forget that every saint has a past and every sinner has a future when Christ enters the story.

The church was never meant to be a museum displaying perfect people. It was meant to be a hospital where broken people encounter the healing power of Jesus.

Imagine if Jesus had looked at Peter’s denial before calling him. Imagine if He had focused on Thomas’ doubt instead of his potential. Imagine if He had rejected Matthew because of his profession.

The early church would have looked very different.

Thankfully, Jesus sees beyond our failures. He sees who we can become when His grace takes hold of our lives.

This doesn’t mean sin doesn’t matter. It doesn’t mean character is unimportant. Transformation is real, and discipleship matters deeply. But we must remember that transformation is often a process, not an instant event.

The disciples were not finished products when Jesus called them. They were works in progress.

So are we.

So is everyone who will walk through your church doors. 

The next time you encounter someone whose past makes you uncomfortable, remember the men Jesus chose. Remember that the kingdom of God has always been built by redeemed sinners who encountered extraordinary grace.

After all, if God can use fishermen, doubters, hotheads, tax collectors, and former rebels to turn the world upside down, He can certainly use us.

The church should never become a place where people are judged solely by where they have been. It should be a place where people discover who they can become through Jesus Christ.

Grace saw something in the disciples that the world could not see.

May we learn to see people the same way. ~OC

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Seasons

Today’s a new day! Yes, I am still on a break from sharing daily post, but sometimes God puts something on your heart that you feel compelled to share. This is one of those moments. The following is a collection of thoughts God has shared with me the last few days. I pray it speaks to your spirit.

There are seasons in life when the presence of God feels especially near. Seasons where you can see His hand moving in ways that are undeniable. Moments where prayers seem deeper, peace feels stronger, and hope begins to rise again. I believe I am walking through one of those seasons right now.

In this season, I can feel and sense God doing a mighty work in my body, bringing healing, strength, and renewal. I can see Him moving within my marriage, drawing us closer together and reminding us that His love is the foundation we stand upon. I also see Him working in the lives of our family and friends, opening doors, restoring hearts, and surrounding people with His grace and mercy.

Sometimes God moves quietly, like a whisper in the night. Other times, His presence feels overwhelming, powerful, and impossible to ignore. This season feels like one of those moments where Heaven is touching Earth in a fresh way. It is a reminder that God never stops working, even when we cannot always see it immediately.

Because of this, I want to encourage everyone reading this to lean into God a little closer. Spend time with Him in prayer. Open His Word. Worship even in the middle of uncertainty. Trust that where He has you planted right now is not an accident. There is purpose in this season, even if you do not fully understand it yet.

God knows exactly where you are. He knows the battles you are facing, the prayers you are praying, and the dreams hidden within your heart. And just as He is moving in my life, I believe He desires to move in yours as well.

So embrace the season you are in. Stay rooted in faith. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus. The same God who brought healing, miracles, and revival throughout Scripture is still moving today. And I truly believe we are living in a time where His presence is drawing people closer to Him once again.~ OC

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A Country Divided

Today’s a new day! I debated on whether to share the following or not. But after praying about it, I decided it was time to share the newest writing. Well, new for you, but I have been holding on to it for some time. 

As I have watched the news, scrolled social media, and had conversations with family and friends, I have been heartbroken. The division, the cruelty, the “us versus them” mentality… it literally makes me sick to my stomach. I have watched the name-calling. I have watched politics turn human beings into teams, tribes, targets, and enemies. 

People ask me all the time if I’m a Democrat or a Republican. My answer is simple: I vote for whoever I believe will do the least harm in that moment. That’s it. Politics has taken on a level of hatred I want no part of. 

A house divided cannot stand. 

 And I am afraid this country is tearing itself apart piece by piece. 

The last time I remember seeing this country truly united in my lifetime was when those towers fell on September 11th. For a brief moment, we were not White, Black, Democrat, Republican, Rich, Poor, Blue State, Red State Left or Right. 

We were simply Americans. 

We cried together. We prayed together. We held each other up. And as tragic as that moment was, the unity that followed was a beautiful thing to witness. 

I miss that. 

Now everybody wants to be right, but not enough people want to be righteous. 

My health issues have taken a lot from me over the years. But at the same time, it’s allowed me to see life with a whole new perspective. So I do not share to gain anything. I am not afraid of backlash. I’ve got nothing left to lose except my place in heaven, and I refuse to give that up. 

I don’t agree with sin — any sin — but I will always love the person. 

That’s what Jesus did. 

When the woman caught in adultery was thrown at His feet, the crowd wanted to stone her. They wanted punishment. They wanted to feel righteous by destroying someone else. 

But Jesus didn’t join the mob. 

He protected her dignity first. 

Then He said, “Go and sin no more.” 

He corrected the sin without crushing the soul. 

That’s the example I try to follow. 

And look at how Jesus treated immigrants and strangers. 

He said, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”  

He praised the Good Samaritan — a foreigner — as the true neighbor. 

He never taught us to fear people crossing borders. 

But today, we treat immigrants in ways we wouldn’t treat our dogs. 

We act like every one of them is a criminal. 

We forget they’re human beings — fathers, mothers, grandparents, children — many running from danger, hoping for a chance to do things the right way. 

Not all of them are criminals. 

Not all of them are threats. 

Every one of them deserves dignity and a chance to become a citizen the right way. 

This is who I try to be: 

Someone who chooses decency even when it costs something. 

Someone who refuses to join the outrage machine. 

Someone who speaks up for people being dehumanized — whether they’re immigrants, LGBTQ, disabled, poor, or simply different. 

I do not have a platform. 

I do not have a microphone. 

I have a body that doesn’t work very well anymore. 

But I still have eyes. 

I still have a conscience. 

And I still have a responsibility to speak the truth as I see it in the scriptures.

When God finally calls me home, I want to leave it knowing I stood on the side of compassion — not cruelty. On the side of humanity — not division. On the side of Jesus — not the crowd with the stones in their hands. ~OC

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Keep Going

Today’s a new day!

There are moments in life when the journey feels too heavy for words. Doctor appointments, setbacks, unanswered prayers, victories nobody else sees, and quiet tears in the middle of the night can shape a person in ways the world may never fully understand. Health battles have a way of stripping life down to what truly matters. They teach you what strength really looks like. They teach you who stays. They teach you how deeply you need God.

And through my own crazy, beautiful health journey, there are two words I have learned to live by:

Keep Going.

Not because every day is easy.
Not because every prayer gets answered overnight.
Not because fear magically disappears.

But because God is still God in the middle of the struggle.

Sometimes “keep going” looks heroic.
Sometimes it looks like worship music playing softly in a hospital room.
Sometimes it looks like praying through tears.
Sometimes it looks like simply getting out of bed when my body wants to quit.

The world often celebrates dramatic victories, but heaven also sees the quiet endurance. The days when nobody applauds you for surviving. The moments when faith is not loud, but stubborn. The seasons where all you can do is whisper, “Jesus, help me make it through today.”

That still counts as faith.

Health journeys are strange because they are both painful and beautiful at the same time. Painful because suffering changes you. Beautiful because God meets you there in ways comfort never could.

When life is going well, it is easy to say God is good.
But when your body hurts, your plans collapse, your future feels uncertain, and you still choose to trust Him anyway — that kind of faith becomes refined like gold.

I have learned that healing is not always instant. Sometimes healing comes in layers. Sometimes God heals physically. Sometimes He heals emotionally. Sometimes He heals spiritually first while your body is still fighting a battle.

And sometimes the miracle is not that you escaped the storm.
Sometimes the miracle is that you did not lose your faith inside it.

“Keep going” became more than motivation for me. It became survival. It became worship. It became a declaration that sickness would not have the final word over my life.

Because Jesus always has the final word.

There were days I questioned everything. Days I was exhausted from being strong. Days where I wondered why the road felt so long. But every single time I thought I had reached the end of myself, God reminded me that His strength begins where mine ends.

That is the beauty of grace.

Grace carries you when your legs are weak.
Grace holds you together when your emotions fall apart.
Grace reminds you that your identity is not found in a diagnosis, limitation, or medical chart.

You are still loved.
You are still chosen.
You are still called.
You are still valuable.

The enemy wants suffering to make you bitter, isolated, and hopeless. But God can use suffering to make you compassionate, authentic, and deeply rooted in Him.

Some of the most powerful people I have ever met are people who have suffered deeply yet still carry kindness in their hearts. People who know pain but still choose love. People who understand weakness yet continue encouraging others.

That is real strength.

Maybe your own journey feels messy right now. Maybe you are waiting for test results, fighting chronic illness, battling exhaustion, or carrying silent struggles nobody else understands.

Keep going.

Even when progress feels slow.
Even when your prayers feel repetitive.
Even when fear tries to speak louder than faith.

Keep going because God is still writing your story.

One of the hardest lessons health struggles teach us is surrender. We like control. We like plans. We like certainty. But faith often grows strongest in uncertainty.

Sometimes God calms the storm.
Sometimes God calms His child while the storm still rages.

Either way, He remains faithful.

Looking back, I can honestly say this journey has changed me. It has forced me to slow down. It has humbled me. It has deepened my prayer life. It has made me appreciate small victories. It has taught me to stop taking ordinary days for granted.

And strangely enough, in the middle of all the pain, I have found beauty.

Beauty in quiet mornings with God.
Beauty in people showing up unexpectedly.
Beauty in learning that weakness is not failure.
Beauty in realizing that hope can still exist in hard places.

This crazy, beautiful journey has taught me that life is fragile, but faith is strong. Bodies may struggle, but God’s promises remain unshaken.

So if I could leave you with anything today, it would simply be these two words:

Keep Going.

Not because you have all the answers.
Not because you never feel afraid.
But because Jesus walks beside you every step of the way.

And sometimes the greatest testimony is not a person who never struggled.

Sometimes the greatest testimony is the person who went through the fire and still chose to trust God. ~OC

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The Kingdom

Today’s a new day! I want to share a poem I wrote a few years ago. It’s entitled “The Kingdom.” ~OC

They can empty my pockets,
strip the paint from my name,
close doors in my face
and leave me standing in the cold of rejection.

They can take the title,
the comfort,
the applause of crowds
that fade like smoke in the wind.

They can break my body with sickness,
bury my dreams beneath ashes,
and tell me I am forgotten.

But there is one thing
this world will never touch.

It cannot steal the crown
prepared by nail-scarred hands.
It cannot silence the promise
spoken by the risen King.
It cannot chain eternity,
cannot lock Heaven’s gates,
cannot erase my name
written in the Book of Life.

For my treasure is not built
from the dust of this earth.
My hope is not hanging
on the fragile thread of tomorrow.
My inheritance is guarded
beyond the reach of thieves,
beyond the power of kingdoms,
beyond the grave itself.

So let the storms come.
Let mountains crumble
and fortunes disappear.
Let the world take all it can carry.

Because when the final shadow falls,
I will still stand redeemed,
still held by mercy,
still clothed in grace.

The world may take everything from me,
but it cannot take away
the Kingdom of Heaven from me.

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Microwave Waiting

Today’s a new day! 

Waiting is one of the hardest parts of the Christian life. We pray. We cry out to God. We ask for direction, healing, provision, or restoration, and deep down we often expect an immediate answer. We live in a world of instant downloads, fast food, overnight shipping, and microwave solutions, so naturally we sometimes expect our prayers to work the same way.

We pray about a job and hope the phone rings tomorrow. 

We pray about a relationship and expect immediate reconciliation.


We pray about a health issue and long for instant healing.

And sometimes God does answer quickly. Sometimes doors swing wide open almost immediately. Sometimes healing comes fast, provision appears unexpectedly, and breakthrough arrives sooner than we imagined. Those moments remind us that God is powerful, loving, and fully able to move in an instant.

But other times… God’s timing feels like forever.

There are seasons when heaven seems quiet. Seasons where the prayer has been repeated hundreds of times. Seasons where tears have become part of the daily routine. In those moments, it can be tempting to believe God has forgotten us, ignored us, or moved on from our situation.

But the silence of God does not mean the absence of God.

Often, the waiting season is where God does some of His deepest work in us. While we are focused on the answer, God is focused on our heart. While we are praying for a destination, God is shaping our character during the journey.

Waiting teaches us trust.

Anyone can praise God when the answer comes quickly. But faith grows stronger when we continue trusting Him before we see the outcome. Waiting teaches perseverance. It teaches surrender. It teaches us to seek God not only for what He can give us, but simply for who He is.

Sometimes God delays the answer because He is protecting us. Sometimes He is preparing us. Sometimes He is arranging circumstances we cannot yet see. And sometimes He wants us to learn to hear His voice more clearly in the quiet place of dependence.

The Bible is filled with people who had to wait.

The Book of Psalms is full of cries from David asking, “How long, O Lord?” Abraham waited years for God’s promise. Joseph waited through betrayal and prison before stepping into purpose. Even the disciples had to wait after the resurrection before the Holy Spirit came at Pentecost.

The waiting was never wasted.

Neither is yours.

If you are praying today for a job, a relationship, healing, direction, or peace, do not give up because the answer has not arrived yet. Keep pressing in. Keep praying. Keep opening God’s Word. Keep worshiping when it is hard. Keep listening for His voice.

Sometimes God speaks through open doors.
Sometimes He speaks through closed doors.
And sometimes He speaks through the waiting itself.

Do not let delay destroy your faith. God is still working even when you cannot yet see the evidence. A seed underground looks invisible before it becomes a harvest.

God’s timing is not microwave timing. It is holy timing.

And when the answer finally comes, you may discover that the greatest miracle was not simply what God did for you, but what He did inside of you while you waited. ~OC

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Alive, Awake, Alert

Today’s a new day!

As I continue walking this journey, I do so alive, awake, alert, and enthusiastic for Jesus. Life has a way of trying to wear us down. There are days filled with uncertainty, storms that seem relentless, and moments when exhaustion tries to silence our praise. Yet through it all, Christ continues to breathe fresh life into my spirit. He reminds me that faith was never meant to be passive or lifeless. Following Jesus is an active, living relationship that transforms the way we walk, speak, love, and endure.

To be alive in Christ means my heart still burns with purpose. To be awake means I refuse to sleep through the calling God has placed on my life. To be alert means I recognize that every conversation, every trial, and every blessing is an opportunity to reflect His light. And to be enthusiastic for Jesus means I will never apologize for celebrating the One who saved my soul, carried me through valleys, and never once abandoned me in my darkest hours.

This journey is not always easy, but it is always worth it. Jesus never promised a life free of hardship, but He did promise His presence. Even on difficult days, there is joy because Christ is still King. There is hope because the tomb is still empty. There is peace because God is still on the throne. The enemy may try to discourage believers, but discouragement does not define us. Our identity is found in Jesus Christ alone.

So I will continue forward with passion and expectancy. I will continue loving people, speaking truth, extending grace, and pointing others toward the Savior. I want my life to reflect a heart that is fully surrendered and fully alive in Him. This world desperately needs believers who are awake to the movement of God and enthusiastic about sharing the Gospel without fear or hesitation.

Today, I choose joy. I choose faith. I choose worship. And above all else, I choose Jesus. ~OC

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Not In The Storm

Today’s a new day!

There comes a moment in life when you realize the journey is not about pretending to be strong every second of every day. It is about learning how to walk honestly with God through both the beautiful moments and the painful ones. As I continue walking this crazy beautiful health journey, I am jumping into the deep end of life.  I am choosing to live fully, love deeply, and embrace every moment God places in front of me. I am taking trips with my bride, cherishing the laughter, the quiet moments, and the memories we are building together. I am having deep and meaningful conversations about real life, real struggles, real faith, and real hope. No sugar coating. No masks. Just honesty wrapped in grace.

Some days are incredibly good. Some days feel light, hopeful, and full of strength. Then there are days that are really tough. Days where the storm feels loud and exhausting. But through every high and every low, I refuse to let the storm become my identity. My diagnosis is not my identity. My struggles are not my identity. My difficult moments are not my identity. My identity is found completely in Christ, and that is the only identity that truly matters.

The world often tries to define people by what they are going through.   God defines us by who we belong to. We belong to Him. We are loved by Him. We are redeemed by Him. We are sustained by Him. Storms may shape parts of our story, but they do not get to name us. Jesus does.

What this journey has taught me more than anything is this: life is too precious to spend buried under fear, hesitation, or regret. Too many people are waiting for “someday” to start living. Someday they will take the dream trip. Someday they will say “I love you.” Someday they will forgive. Someday they will have the hard but healing conversation. Someday they will step out in faith and pursue what God placed in their heart. But someday is never promised.

So my encouragement to everyone reading this is simple: live life to the fullest. Trust God enough to truly live. Take the trip. Make the phone call. Sit down and have the real conversation. Laugh loudly. Love deeply. Pray boldly. Stop allowing fear to keep you trapped in a life of “I wish I would have.” The storm may still rage around you, but there is a way to live beyond the storm.

Living beyond the storm does not mean pretending the storm is not real. It means refusing to let the storm steal your joy, your purpose, your faith, or your ability to truly live. It means understanding that even in the middle of pain, God is still writing beautiful chapters. It means choosing to see every breath as a gift and every day as an opportunity to love God and love people well.

At the end of our lives, most people will not regret loving too much, believing too much, or trusting God too deeply. They will regret the moments fear kept them from fully living. So live courageously. Live gratefully. Live authentically. And no matter what storm comes your way, never forget who you are.

Your identity is not in the storm.

Your identity is in Christ. ~OC

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