Tag: respect

We Are…

Today’s a new day! 

We are, as C.S. Lewis once observed, far too easily pleased. Not because life offers us too much joy, but because we settle for far too little. We cling to temporary comforts—success, approval, material things—as if they could satisfy the deep longing of our souls. Yet Scripture reminds us that we were created for something far greater: communion with God. When we trade eternal joy for fleeting pleasures, it is not that our desires are too strong, but that they are too weak. We are like children content with playing in the mud, unaware that an ocean of glory has been prepared for us.

In our daily walk with Christ, this truth challenges us to lift our eyes higher. The world constantly offers substitutes for fulfillment, but none can compare to the richness of knowing Jesus. When we pursue Him wholeheartedly—through prayer, Scripture, and obedience—we begin to experience the deeper joy we were made for. God is not trying to withhold happiness from us; He is inviting us into a joy that surpasses understanding. Let us not settle for what is easy or immediate, but press on toward the fullness of life found only in Him. ~OC

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A Prayer To Live Out What We Profess

Dear Jesus, 

We speak Your name easily,
but too often we resist Your way.

You told us to love our enemies,
yet we hold on to anger.
You told us to forgive,
yet we keep score.
You told us to serve the least,
yet we chase comfort and recognition.

Forgive us for the gap between our words and our lives.
Forgive us for using faith as identity instead of obedience.
Forgive us for hearing Your teachings
and admiring them,
but not doing them.

Give us courage to take You seriously.
Not just in what we believe,
but in how we live, speak, spend, and love.

Break our pride when it keeps us from humility.
Interrupt our routines when they ignore the hurting.
Convict us when we justify what You clearly commanded.

Teach us to love when it’s inconvenient.
To give when it costs us.
To forgive when it feels impossible.
To choose truth over comfort,
and mercy over being right.

Make us people who reflect You—not just in church,
but in our homes, our work, our relationships, and our thoughts.

Let our lives become living prayers,
where Your words are not just spoken,
but seen.

We don’t want to only call You Lord—
we want to follow You as Lord

Change us, challenge us, and lead us.

We pray all of this in the powerful and matchless name of Jesus. Amen

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Words Matter

How can you call yourself a leader and use such foul language? Words matter. They reveal what is in the heart, and they shape the tone of entire communities. When those who claim to lead—especially in spaces that influence people of faith—speak with harshness, vulgarity, or cruelty, it creates confusion and disillusionment. How can Christians support such rhetoric like it’s acceptable or even admirable? This tension is deeply troubling, because it sends a message that character is secondary to power, and that witness can be compromised for the sake of loyalty or influence.

This is why I can never call myself an evangelical Christian. The phrase, once rooted in the proclamation of good news, is sadly an embarrassment to God since it has become associated with behavior that contradicts Christ’s teachings. Jesus modeled humility, compassion, and truth spoken in love—not insults, not degradation, not prideful speech. 

How can a lost world look to the Christian community for help, for hope, for love, when so many within it appear to endorse language and attitudes that push people away rather than draw them in? If we are to reflect Christ, then our words must align with His heart, and our witness must be one that invites, heals, and restores rather than divides and wounds. ~OC

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More To Life

Today’s a new day!

Is there more to life than more? It’s a question that cuts through the noise of our everyday lives. We live in a world that constantly tells us to chase after more—more success, more money, more achievements, more recognition. We are taught that if we just keep striving, keep climbing, keep accumulating, then eventually we will arrive at a place of fulfillment. But if we’re honest, many of us have reached milestones we once dreamed of, only to find ourselves still longing, still restless, still asking, “Is this it?”

The truth is, “more” was never meant to satisfy the deepest parts of our souls. That longing inside of us is not a call to gather more things—it’s a call to draw closer to God. Ecclesiastes reminds us that God has set eternity in the human heart. That means there is something within us that this world can never fully satisfy. No matter how much we gain, it will never be enough if we are disconnected from the One who created us with purpose and intention.

So what if the answer isn’t found in speeding up, but in slowing down? What if we paused long enough to allow Jesus to meet us in the quiet? In a culture that celebrates busyness, slowing down can feel uncomfortable, even unproductive. But throughout Scripture, we see Jesus often stepping away from the crowds, withdrawing to quiet places to pray, to commune with the Father. If the Son of God made space for stillness, how much more do we need it?

When we slow down, we begin to notice things we’ve been missing. We become aware of God’s presence in ways that get drowned out by the noise of constant activity. We start to hear His voice more clearly—not because He wasn’t speaking before, but because we were too distracted to listen. In that stillness, Jesus gently begins to reshape our understanding of what truly matters. He shifts our focus from outward success to inward transformation, from temporary gain to eternal purpose.

Jesus invites us into a different kind of life—not one defined by endless striving, but one marked by rest, trust, and relationship with Him. He says, “Come to me, all who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” That rest is not just physical—it’s spiritual. It’s the deep, soul-level peace that comes from knowing we are held, known, and loved by God.

So is there more to life than more? Yes—but it’s not the kind of “more” the world offers. It’s more peace, more purpose, more joy, more of God’s presence. And we don’t find it by chasing harder—we find it by surrendering, by slowing down, and by turning our hearts toward Jesus.

Today, you have an invitation. Step out of the rush. Quiet your heart. Make space for Him. Because when you do, you’ll discover that what you’ve been searching for isn’t found in having more—it’s found in knowing Him. ~OC

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

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Grace Over Judgement

In a world where news travels faster than ever, it didn’t take long for headlines and social media feeds to light up after the news broke that a famous golfer had been arrested on a DUI charge. Within minutes, opinions flooded in—many of them harsh, judgmental, and unforgiving. It’s striking how quickly people can shift from admiration to criticism, often acting as though they themselves have never stumbled, never made a poor decision, never had a moment they wish they could take back. The reality is, we are all human. We all have flaws, struggles, and chapters of our lives we’d rather not have put on public display.

What’s often forgotten in moments like these is that behind the fame, the trophies, and the public persona is a real person—someone who may be dealing with deep personal challenges. Instead of rushing to condemn, perhaps this is a time to reflect inward. How would any of us feel if one of our worst moments became front-page news, dissected and debated by millions? It’s easy to judge from a distance, but empathy requires us to pause and consider the full picture. Fame should never strip someone of their humanity or make them an easier target for criticism.

Today, rather than adding to the noise of negativity, I encourage each of us to choose compassion. Lift Tiger Woods up in prayer—for his health, for his healing, and for his family. Life has a way of humbling all of us at different times, and when it does, what we need most is grace, not judgment. Let’s be mindful of the words we share and the attitudes we carry, remembering that kindness and understanding will always speak louder than criticism. ~OC

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

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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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Stand Up. Speak Truth.

Today’s a new day!

What will you stand up for today? Not tomorrow, not when it’s convenient, not when the crowd finally agrees—but today. There comes a moment in every believer’s life when silence feels easier, safer, and more socially acceptable than truth. Yet the call of Christ has never been about comfort; it has always been about conviction. When will you say enough is enough to the noise, the compromise, the slow drift away from what is holy? The world will always offer trends dressed up as truth, but trends fade. Truth does not. Truth stands when opinions crumble, when platforms shift, and when the applause disappears. The question is not whether truth will endure—but whether you will stand with it.

When will you speak truth over trend, even when it costs you something? Living out the words of Jesus—the “Red Letters”—is not a poetic idea; it is a daily decision. It means loving when it’s hard, forgiving when it feels impossible, and choosing righteousness when no one is watching. It means rejecting the temptation to trade eternal purpose for temporary influence. When will you decide that the Gospel is more important than political power, more valuable than popularity, more urgent than fitting in? Because the Gospel does not need to be rebranded to remain relevant—it needs to be lived. Boldly. Faithfully. Without apology.

Today is the day. Not to blend in, but to stand apart. Not to echo culture, but to reflect Christ. Not to soften truth, but to embody it with grace and courage. Enough waiting. Enough hesitating. Enough negotiating with conviction. The world doesn’t need more comfortable Christians—it needs committed ones. So Stand Up. Speak Truth. And let your life answer the questions your heart can no longer ignore. ~OC

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

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Greatness

Today’s a new day! As we walk into a new week, I wanted to share the following with you. 

Greatness just doesn’t happen. In our walk with Christ, greatness is not measured by fame, wealth, or recognition, but by faithfulness, obedience, and a heart devoted to God. Growing spiritually takes time, prayer, discipline, and dedication. Just as an athlete trains their body, believers must also train their hearts and minds through God’s Word, prayer, and daily commitment to living out their faith. Greatness in God’s kingdom is built through humility, perseverance, and trust in His plan.

Greatness also requires sacrifice. Following Christ means we may have to let go of things that distract us from God’s purpose. It may mean giving up comfort, pride, or personal desires in order to serve Him more fully. 

Scripture reminds us that true discipleship comes with a cost, but the reward of walking closely with God is far greater than anything we could ever give up. Spiritual growth often happens in difficult seasons, when our faith is tested and our reliance on God grows stronger.

So ask yourself: are you willing to put in the hard work? Are you willing to make some sacrifices? Are you willing to dedicate your time, sweat, and tears to pursuing the purpose God has placed on your life? A life of faith is not always easy, but it is always worth it. God often works through our struggles to strengthen our character and deepen our trust in Him.

If you desire to live a life of greatness, then keep pushing through those hard moments. Keep pushing past the hurdles that try to shake your faith. Keep dreaming about the plans God has for your life, and keep believing that He is working in you and through you. Stay faithful, stay prayerful, and keep moving forward, knowing that with God’s strength and guidance, true greatness in His kingdom is always within reach. ~OC

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

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Jesus Is Not A Republican Or A Democrat

Dear Christian Community,

Jesus is not a Republican or a Democrat. I know that may sound like shocking news to some, but it’s an important truth we need to remember. Sadly, too many Christians have allowed politics to become an idol in their lives. What began as civic participation has, for many, turned into a deep allegiance that rivals their devotion to Christ. This thirst for political power has done little more than divide us and create a constant “them versus us” mentality, both inside and outside the Church. Instead of being known for our love, grace, and unity in Christ, we are too often recognized by the political labels we defend.

Far too many Christians have chosen a political party or a politician over the red letters of the Bible. We passionately defend platforms, candidates, and ideologies while sometimes neglecting the very teachings of Jesus that call us to humility, compassion, forgiveness, and sacrificial love. When our political identity becomes louder than our Christian identity, something has gone out of alignment. The truth is that the Kingdom of God was never meant to fit neatly into earthly political systems. Jesus did not come to build a party—He came to redeem hearts and transform lives.

The reality is that politics is temporary, but the Kingdom of God is eternal. Governments rise and fall, parties shift and change, and cultural battles come and go. Yet the message of the Gospel remains the same yesterday, today, and forever. When we become more emotionally invested in winning political arguments than in sharing the love of Christ, we risk losing sight of our true mission. Our calling is not to conquer opponents but to love our neighbors and represent Christ faithfully in a broken world.

So today, I challenge every Christian reading this to step back for a moment. Spend time in God’s Word. Spend time in prayer. Ask God to search your heart and reveal what truly matters. Ask Him to show you where your priorities may have drifted and where your trust may have shifted from Him to something else. When we sincerely seek God, He has a way of realigning our hearts with what is eternal.

And I can pretty much guarantee you this: when God reveals what is most important in life, an elephant and a donkey will not be at the top of the list. What will matter most is loving God with all your heart, loving your neighbor as yourself, and faithfully living out the Gospel in a world that desperately needs hope. ~OC

***You can listen to the Spoken Word version of this post on YouTube at Todd E. Shoemaker Music .

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Selective Judgment

Today’s a new day! 

Dear Christian community,

It’s time for us to take an honest look at our hearts. Too often we find ourselves making excuses for politicians, pastors, or public figures we like, while harshly judging those we don’t—even when their actions are the same. When someone we admire fails, we rush to defend them, explain away their behavior, or minimize the harm. Yet when someone outside our circle makes the same mistake, we quickly condemn them. This kind of selective judgment weakens our witness and distracts from the very message we claim to stand for. Scripture calls us to something higher. Jesus warned about noticing the speck in someone else’s eye while ignoring the plank in our own.    

Integrity in the Christian life means applying the same standard of truth, accountability, and grace to everyone—friend or foe. If we truly want to reflect Christ to the world, we must stop protecting our favorites and start pursuing humility, repentance, and consistency. Our loyalty should never be to personalities or political sides, but to the truth and character of Christ. ~OC

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