Temporary Privilege

Today’s a new day! Spoiler Alert: Facing struggles in our Christian walk is normal. In 1 Peter 4:12 we read the following, “Beloved, do not be surprised at the fiery trial when it comes upon you to test you, as though something strange were happening to you.”

Throughout the Bible, we read story after story of Christians facing tough times and struggling. But we also read, that those struggles produced growth and many invaluable lessons were learned. As we walk through the tough times in life, it’s our choice how we respond to those challenges. Our struggles shape us. God wants to give us more than ease and comfort in life. He desires that we become more like Him. In order for that to happen, we must walk through seasons of suffering.

As I continue to walk through this very short journey called life, I have come to realize that this is the only time I will have the opportunity to glorify God in the midst of my struggles.

Here are a few questions God has put on my heart over the years, as I have walked my crazy beautiful health journey:

*Do I look at my current health struggles as a privilege and opportunity to grow and possibly help someone else walking through their own struggles?

*As I face trials and hardships, do I look at them as opportunities to honor God? To actually live by faith and not by sight. To truly be His hands and feet.

The pain I suffer as I deal with my current health issues is not fun, but through it all I am excited to hopefully honor God during this journey. Over the years, I have learned to count it a privilege to struggle well.

So today, as you reflect on this post and more importantly on your own life, do you consider the struggles you face in your Christian walk as a temporary privilege? ~OC

August 13, 2025 0

Boldness

Today’s a new day! ~OC

“This was according to the eternal purpose that he has realized in Christ Jesus our Lord, in whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him.” ~Ephesians 3:11-12

What a wonderful privilege, that we can approach God with confidence. We are not begging servants, but we are His children.

Because of what Jesus did on the cross and through His blood, we have the right and the joy of stepping into His presence. Do not hesitate, come boldly and with confidence, His arms are wide open.

PRAYER: Dear God, may we know more of Your presence in our daily lives. May we have the courage and the boldness to approach You at all times and in every situation. In Your powerful and matchless name we pray. Amen.

August 11, 2025 0

No Limits

Today’s a new day! There are no limits to what God can do when you’re planted exactly where He has called you to grow. Where you plant yourself matters. ~OC

August 10, 2025 0

Walk With a Limp

Today’s a new day! As I continue to walk out my faith journey, I have experienced wilderness moments on more than one occasion. Those moments when life just beats you up. During those seasons, I am always reminded that I am not God. During the tough seasons in life, I am thankful that God still wants to have regular face to face encounters with me. He wants to hear about my thoughts and concerns. God desires to hear from us and to speak to us. As I continue to walk this journey called life, I am often reminded that my thoughts and opinions cannot compare to the divine, sacred and loving wisdom of our amazing Savior.

As I continue to walk out my faith journey, I no longer walk straight. No, these days I walk with a limp. A beautiful reminder of everything God has brought me through. The struggles I have overcome. As I write this post, I am reminded of the quote by well-known Christian pastor and author, A.W. Tozer, who wrote, “Beware of any Christian who doesn’t walk with a limp.”

Dear Friends, our world does not need more people screaming from the rooftops and declaring that their opinions are the only ones that matter. No, we desperately need more limping Christians, who have walked through the wilderness and encountered God in a powerful and life changing way. We need more Christians walking with a limp, who are more passionate about helping those individuals who are currently walking through their own wilderness experience and who are less concerned about their own opinions.

I believe as we look at today’s headlines and the world around us, we need to stand up and speak out for what is right—to seek justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with God. I also believe these days are ones to walk with a limp in humility, kindness, love and grace. I pray we will spend more time seeking God’s purpose for our lives and less time screaming that our opinions are the only ones that matter. Today, I pray we walk with a limp. ~OC

August 7, 2025 0

Dear Men of God,

Today’s a new day! My apologies to all the ladies today. The following post is geared towards men and the importance of men having solid friendships with other men.

Today, I write from a position of painful experiences. Today, I believe God is calling me to be transparent as I share the following message.

I have tried for years to be involved in Christian men’s groups. Unfortunately, most have never produced much fruit. Several have caused pain, loss and mistrust. Even with that said, I am still open to being part of a Christian men’s group. But not one that is more concerned about a man’s social status in society than they are about the man’s heart. Not easy to find. I definitely do not want to be part of any men’s group that preaches we need to be a man’s man in the likeness of John Wayne.

In a society that celebrates rugged individualism, Christian men are often left searching for and craving connection, but unsure how to or where to find it. Men, the Bible calls us to community. In Ecclesiastes 4:9, we read that “two are better than one.” Yet so many men are struggling to forge deep, meaningful friendships with other men. I am one of those men.

The consequences are real. Loneliness among men are at their highest rates in decades. Loneliness can lead men to make some poor choices, which can ultimately lead to brokenness.

I believe for men to be better husbands, fathers and friends, we need to be surrounded by not just mere acquaintances, but by brothers who sharpen each other “as iron sharpens iron” (Proverbs 27:17).

The Bible is full of scriptures that tell us that we are all created for relationships. Even men. In Genesis 2:18 we read, “It is not good for the man to be alone.” While often shared at wedding ceremonies, this verse actually speaks about our need for companionship. Jesus himself modeled friendship, calling his disciples “friends” (John 15:15).

For Christian men, friendships should not be a distraction from our faith but a cornerstone of it. Men, we need to be surrounded by other Christian men offering accountability and encouragement.

Yet men often pursue other gods—careers, social status, or some type of hobby before seeking out true friendships.

True friendship are a beautiful gift and I believe, an important part of living a life that honors God. In Proverbs 18:24, we read those life changing words “a friend who sticks closer than a brother,” a bond that mirrors Christ’s sacrificial love. Such friendships require intentionality and spending quality time together. And not being afraid to leave the shallow end of conversations and dive into deep, sometimes hard conversations. True brotherhood is also about laughing together and enjoying life.

Men of God, the stakes are high. Loneliness and brokenness are stealing our peace, our joy and our witness. But I believe true brotherhood, rooted in God’s love, can restore each of us. ~OC

August 6, 2025 0

The Joy Robber

Today’s a new day! The Challenge for the day is: Stop comparing yourself to others.

Living a life of comparison is tiring and a big fat lie. When we look at someone else’s life, all we usually see is the surface. We usually do not see what is behind that amazing smile or what we consider a perfect life.

When we compare someone’s outside appearance with our current situation we do them and ourselves a disservice. Living a life of comparison is hurtful to everyone. I am convinced that comparison is one of the biggest joy-robbers and dream-destroyer in a person’s life.

The Joy Robber wedges its ugly self right in the middle of what God is calling us to do: write a book, apply for a new job, go on that mission trip or start a Bible study. Nothing will kill a dream faster than looking at the life of someone who’s already living your dream, then believing it’s too good for you.

When we compare ourselves to others we forget the value of our own lives. We forget that God created each of us in a unique and beautiful way. There is only one you.

If we truly want to live a life full of joy and purpose, we have to stop comparing ourselves to others. Life is not a competition. Life is so much better when we’re living out the gifts and talents God has given each of us. When we’re living out our purpose and not trying to be someone else.

So today, make the decision to start living out the life God created just for you and stop comparing yourself with someone else. Make it a great day! ~OC

August 5, 2025 0

Sacrifice

Today’s a new day! In John 3:16, we read that God so loved the world that he gave his only son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life. Think about that for a moment. What do you love so much that you would sacrifice your only child for? This question speaks to who we are and what we’re willing to sacrifice. I encourage everyone to spend some time reflecting on this question today. ~OC

August 3, 2025 0

I’m Blessed

Today’s a new day! This morning God led me to read Psalm 63. What a beautiful and encouraging chapter. I encourage each of you to take the time to read over this amazing chapter.

In Psalm 63, we read about God’s love and David’s response. It is filled with some amazing lessons. Here is one that God brought to my mind.

Have you ever said or heard someone make the statement, “I’m Blessed.” Most of us have uttered those words at least once in our lives. I do not use this phrase much, but it came to me as I was studying the scriptures this morning. So how would you describe being “blessed?” I’m glad you asked.

As I continue to run this crazy beautiful health journey, I am blessed that God is present in my struggle. Knowing that I am not alone facing the uncertainties of this journey is a blessing. Feeling God’s love and kindness is a blessing. Living with the hope that my health issues are not the end of my story is a blessing.

Have you experienced God’s blessings in your own life? Think carefully. When have you felt alone, and a sudden thought or call reminded you of God’s presence? When have you been walking through a tough situation in your life and God reminded you that you’re not alone? When have you felt forgotten like nobody cares about you, and suddenly something happened that reminded you of God’s loving kindness? Each of those moments are blessings.

Remembering the ways that we have been blessed should give us a desire to give blessings. Remember in Psalm 63, we read that David chose a lifetime of singing God’s praises.

God’s blessings should transform us in such a way that they change our understanding of ourselves and of Him. Our lives should be filled with caring for others and passing on God’s blessings. Every time we take a breath, every time we speak and every time we serve.

So here is today’s challenge for each of us:

Take in a deep breath and give God praise. Allow him to remind you of all the ways he has blessed you in each area of your life. Carry those beautiful memories with you, as you go about your day and face the different challenges the day might bring. And take time to bless someone else today. ~OC

July 31, 2025 0