Tag: Scriptures

Hope

Today’s a new day! As we walk through the storms of life, hope is something we must continue to hold onto. Hope is not based on our circumstances. It is a firm conviction, a way of living out this journey called life. Hope sustains us through difficult times. We know God is always walking beside us, regardless of what our current circumstances might lead us to believe. We trust suffering is temporary and that God will use our storms for good. Even during our biggest storms in life, we boldly proclaim that God is in control. He never leaves the boat.

Many times in the last 21 years, I’ve found encouragement in reading in 2 Corinthians 12:8-9, where Paul talks about the thorn in his side. God responded by saying these powerful words, “My grace is all you need. My power works best in weakness.” Those words give me hope. Those words give me strength. Those words guide me to encourage others as they walk through their own crazy beautiful journey.

I do not know what my future holds health wise, but I do know who holds my future in His strong nail scarred hands. I will continue to believe God’s love and grace is sufficient. It’s enough for me. I pray it’s enough for you. ~OC

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Still Standing

Today’s a new day! I am still standing. On 3/20/09 after having what doctors thought was a cold, my wife Laura was informed she needed to take me to the emergency room. I was having trouble breathing and was extremely weak. My cold actually ended up being Myasthenia Gravis. I was in a Myasthenic Crisis. Some doctors were concerned I would not make it through the the night. Most thought I would not make it through the year. Here we are 14 years later and I am still standing. Still fighting. Still thriving.

This twenty-one year crazy beautiful health journey has not been easy. On more than one occasion, Laura has been told by doctors that my condition was critical and things did not look promising. Throughout this journey, Laura and I have looked to God for guidance, strength and wisdom. He has never failed us. We do not know what the future holds for me health wise, but we know who holds our future. Laura and I will continue to make beautiful memories. We will continue to encourage people with our story. I will continue to fight. After all these years, I am still standing. Still praising God. ~OC

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My Jimmy Carter Experience

In September 2019, doctors had given me just months to live. It was time to knock some things off my bucket list. So Laura and I made our way North to Plains, Georgia, home of the 39th President of the United States. We were not going to experience a political speech by the former President. No, we were going to hear President Carter teach Sunday School at Maranatha Baptist Church. Something the former President has been for close to 50 years.

So as Laura and I walked around the beautiful street of downtown Plains, we met some of the nicest people. As we interacted with people, I kept asking what’s the best time to arrive at the church to hear President Carter? We heard everything from 4pm on Saturday to 6am on Sunday. So, Laura and I headed back to our hotel and decided to get some sleep. Then for some reason, we both woke up around 11pm. Since we could not sleep, we decided to go check out the line at the church. Let the adventure begin!

As we drove to the church, I prayed we would be in the top ten of people arriving and we would meet Mr. George. During our day in Plains, we kept hearing about this guy named Mr. George. Also everyone in town told us to say hello to Mr. George. I was excited to meet the man everyone called Mr. George. Now, let me explain the tickets. As you enter the church parking lot, Mr. George greets you and hands you a ticket. After receiving that ticket, your vehicle is unable to leave the premises. Why is this? Mr. George shared tour buses used to come by, pick up a ticket and then return on Sunday morning with a bus load of people. Definitely not fair to those who hung out in the parking lot all night.

So as we pulled up to get our ticket before midnight, we were able to meet the famous Mr. George. He asked were we were from and welcomed us to the church. Oh by the way, the number on our ticket was number 10. Praise God! As Laura and I settled into our parking spot, I decided I needed to talk with Mr. George. I am so glad I did.

I made my way over to Mr. George and asked if I could sit for awhile. I explained based on my health issues, I did not sleep much. I explained I might be up all night visiting. Not sure Mr. George believed I would make it an hour. Mr. George and I had the best conversations. He shared how he had known President Carter since they were youngsters. We talked about my health and Mr. George prayed over me. He even let me pass out some tickets. Around 4am Sunday morning, Mr. George looked over at me and said you really don’t sleep. Told you Mr. George.

Around 9am. Mrs. Jan, Mr George’s wife gave us instructions about what we could bring into the church and a few rules. I was a little concerned about walking through security. At that time, I had my voice amplifier, my feeding tube and my gastro pacemaker. Would this be an issue? As we got up front, security looked at my fluid from my feeding tube and shared I was good to go.

As we entered the church, Mr. George led us to seats. Third row middle aisle seat. Laura and I were so excited. A few minutes later, part of President Carter’s security detail asked us to come with him. We thought what’s going on? The Secret Service Agent led us to the front row. Are you kidding me! This trip just kept on getting better.

Not long after that President Carter and Mrs. Carter entered the church. President Carter engaged with the large crowd for a few minutes and started his lesson. I am sorry I cannot share word for word what the former President shared, but I do remember he spoke about loving, caring and serving others. Something the former President has truly lived out. After the service, Laura and I were able to say hello to President and Mrs. Carter and take a picture. It was a special moment An experience we still talk about today.

I have to be honest here. Meeting President Carter and Mrs. Carter was a wonderful experience, but I have to say meeting Mr. George and Mrs. Jan was the highlight of the trip for me. A few months after my miracle, Laura and I returned to Plains to see this incredible couple. Mr. George and Mrs. Jan are a special people. We still stay in touch with Mr. George and Mrs. Jan. Hoping to see them again soon. ~OC

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Are You Ready For Revival?

As I continue to reflect on my time at the Asbury Revival, the fire for revival in my community as grown stronger. But what does that look like? As I have been praying, here are some things God has placed on my heart.

*Before revival can come to any community, there must be an increase in prayer. You might say a Revival of Prayer. We must make prayer a priority. Stay in prayer.

*We must sacrifice some things in our life. Instead of binge watching a tv series, take that time to pray. Sacrifice some worldly pursuits to truly hear from God. Stay in prayer.

*Make a new commitment to reaching a lost and hurting world. We must be willing to step out of our comfort zone. Lean into Jesus. Stay in prayer

*Ask God to reveal the sin in your life and then truly repent. Stop carrying your sin around like a backpack. Leave your sin at the Cross. Stay in prayer.

*Ask God to transform your life. Seek His purpose for your life. Walk it out. Stay in prayer.

*Stop being so busy with the things of this world. We are easily distracted from praying. Now is the time to pray and hunger after the things of God. Stay in prayer.

*Believe in the power of God. Expect Him to answer your prayers. Believe that God wants to bring revival to your community. Stay in prayer.

*Revival starts with us. It starts in our hearts. Be serious about praying and seeking God’s guidance. God wants to move in his churches and communities. Stay in prayer.

Are You Ready For Revival? ~OC

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My Asbury Revival 2023 Experience

When revival broke out at Asbury University, I watched with excitement from my home in South Florida. The more I watched, the more I felt the Holy Spirit telling me to attend. So I texted several people and asked who was up for a road-trip. Thankfully one friend responded and we quickly planned our trip. My friend and his youngest son jumped in a SUV on Sunday morning February 19th and made the 14 hour drive to Asbury. My friends wife joined us later that evening. We were excited to see how God was moving in Wilmore, Kentucky. We wanted to experience what God was doing at Asbury. I am grateful we did.

On Monday February 20th, we drove over to Asbury University. Once we entered the campus, you could feel the power of the Holy Spirit. So many people from around the world had already come to experience the revival and Monday was no different. The lines to enter Hughes Chapel went on for miles. As the four of us got in line, the power of God’s presence was overwhelming. We all started sharing what brought each of us to this quaint little town in Kentucky. Like me, most people felt called by God to make the trip. We each wanted to experience the power and love of God. One key theme I kept hearing was Unity. Those I met in the line and those I met as I walked around the grounds talked about the importance of unity. No one cared about your denominations or political beliefs. Everyone wanted to hear why you attended the revival and how God was working in your life. As much as I enjoyed praising God inside Hughes Chapel, the stories in the line touched me in a powerful way.

As I reflect on my experience at the Asbury Revival, God put a few things on my heart. I believe over time, God will reveal more from this amazing experience.

  1. Revival truly did break out at Asbury. God was very present.
  2. Those of us who attended the Asbury Revival have a responsibility to share our experience and pray for revival in our own communities.
  3. This was not just another religious event. God was moving in a powerful way at Asbury. This was a life changing experience for all who attended.
  4. We must continue to pray that revival spreads across America and the world. We cannot let this moment slip away. We must lean into God and see how He wants to use each of us in the coming days, weeks, months and years.
  5. As Christians, we have to stop using excuses. God wants each of us plugged into our local churches, ministries and communities.
  6. Our worship should never be a performance. Worship should be glorious and simple.
  7. As Christians, we cannot be confined to the four walls of the church. We must be the hands and feet of Jesus outside those four walls.
  8. Every Christian has a role in God’s Kingdom. He blessed each of us with different talents.
  9. We must step out of our comfort zones. I am sure a lot of people stepped out of their comfort zones to attend this revival.
  10. Never be afraid to tell your story. Hearing the people in line was the highlight of the experience for me. It encouraged and strengthened my faith.
  11. The only way Christians can reach people with the Gospel, is to be truly unified. We must be One Church Family.

We must continue to pray for our churches and the and people in our city. Cry out for the Holy Spirit to move as never before. Seek revival personally and fervently. Ask God to search your heart and remove anything that is quenching the flow of His Spirit. Ask God to breakdown all barriers that are keeping you from being all that God created you to be.

Pray that God would allow revival to spread throughout His churches. Pray for a Mighty Awakening in your church and city. Pray that as revival spreads across the world, that millions will experience Jesus in a new and life changing way.

Are you ready for Revival to spread across your city? As believers we must be ready for the move of God. We must be ready to pray for and serve all those that God will bring to our communities. ~OC

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Remnant

Today’s a new day! With people a remnant is like a leftover, waste material, material for which there is no plan, purpose, or intended use. With God it is exactly opposite. God’s remnant is a beautiful scrap. The remnant of God is that for which all things were planned and purposed. Without that piece of remnant, everything else would be useless. ~OC

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I Didn’t Lose My Miracle

Today’s a new day! Words have power. We can choose to speak words of encouragement or words of judgment. As Christians, our heart’s desire should be to build people up and speak words of hope and love into their lives. But it seems challenging for some Christians to share those encouraging words of hope when someone is suffering from a chronic illness and they don’t seem to be getting any better. Or maybe a person experienced a healing miracle only to have another health battle hit them.

That has been my experience, as I walk through my crazy beautiful health journey. As I shared above, our words are powerful. The tongue is a mighty weapon. It can be used to share love and hope or it can be used to hurt and destroy. I have experienced both over the years. Especially in the last few years.

In November of 2019, I experienced a beautiful healing in the name of Jesus. Not to toot my own horn, but I became the toast in many Christian circles. Everyone wanted to hear my story and have me pray for them. I was blessed with many speaking engagements. Heck, a documentary was even made about my story. Everyone wanted to hang out and spend time with me. Then came February 2021. I was diagnosed with Covid and my health took a turn for the worse. Today, my health is still a major issue. Things are also different in my social life.

Some who celebrated my healing back in 2019, are now the ones who send me messages questioning my faith because I am sick again. What sin caused me to lose my healing? You must have doubt about your healing. That is why God took it away. Todd, you are not praying correctly. Sadly, I am not making this up. Let me assure you, I do not fall for any of these false teachings.

I am not invited or included in many social or ministry gatherings these days. That’s okay. I am a big boy. I am thankful for the few who look past my health issues and just see me. Those that actually live out their faith.

Here are some things God has shared with me as I continue to walk in this crazy beautiful health journey. I will continue to walk in victory.

*Keep sharing the story He has given me.

*The miracle He performed in my life on November 3, 2019 was real.

*I did not lose my miracle.

*Be bold in sharing the true Gospel.

*God will continue to use me at the hospitals, doctors offices and infusion centers to bring hope and encouragement.

*God does not owe us anything. Everything we receive from him is a gift.

*Listen for the lessons God has for us during the trials of life.

*Suffering is part of our journey, but do not let it become our identity.

*Jesus suffered most of his life. Why do some Christians believe they should be exempt from suffering?

*I am not dealing with new health issues because of sin in my life.

*Some people will not receive their healing on this side of Heaven. That doesn’t mean you have done anything wrong. That doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t hear your prayers. That doesn’t mean you don’t have enough faith. That doesn’t mean Jesus doesn’t love you. Stop listening to people who would tell you those lies.

*I will not experience another miracle on this side of heaven.

*Who suffered more than Jesus ?

As Christians we need to be speaking words of hope and love over everyone and truly stand with them regardless of what our eyes see or how long they need us. As God brings someone to mind who is dealing with long-term health issues, take a moment and pray not just for them but about your responses to this person. Is it loving, caring and nonjudgmental? Are you speaking life and hope over them? ~OC

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Men and Friendships

Today’s a new day! Hello men. This post is for us. I want to get real about friendships. Based on my own experience and talking with other men, we are mostly failing in the area of friendship. Most men I have talked to share they have many surface friendships, but lack deep meaningful friendships. Can any other men relate?

I personally want to have intentional friendships that have meaning and depth. It appears so many men are happy with surface friendships. They fear deep intimate friendships. The casual version of friendship is sadly repeated over and over again and not just with guys outside the church. Men in the church are not doing much better. From my own observation, most men lack true friendships and happily settle for less. We use phrases like he’s my buddy or bro. These are not bad relationships, but just other men who do not understand the importance of having intentional friendships.

I could go into deep reasons why so many men lack deep friendships with other men, but so many of them are just excuses. Most of the time it comes down to laziness. Men like to use the excuse of being too busy. But that doesn’t fly. Go check with your wife or girlfriend. Their schedules are just as busy if not busier than yours, but they still find time for deep and meaningful friendships. As men we settle for less because we do not want to put in the time and effort.

Where are your friends that you can lean on and that can lean on you? Can you pray with them? Can you talk about real life with them? Your failures and successes. Over the years, I have observed too many men are scared to share their wounds, emotions, or real life issues with other men. The best example of a man we have is Jesus. He cried, he got angry, he had a tender heart. He chose to invest in real relationships with 12 other men. He dared to hold those men accountable. To walk through life together. The good and bad. To serve together. Do you have those type of men in your life? We all need men we can challenge and men who will challenge us to be better men. We need to be intentional in our friendships with other men.

So I want to encourage you and myself to do the following:

*Chose to take a risk and open up to some of the men in your life. See what happens. Jesus was not afraid to be vulnerable.

*Chose to be a better friend. Start to be intentional and sacrificial for other men. Asked the tough questions. Listen without interrupting or trying to fix the problem. Share your hopes, failures and dreams. Pray together.

*Chose to pray that God places Godly men into your life, then be on the lookout for them.

Notice how Jesus chose to be open and honest with the disciples. He chose to serve them and together serve others. Jesus chose to be intentional with these 12 men. Are we willing to do that with the men in our lives? It might not be easy, but I promise it will be life changing if we choose to put in the time and effort. No more excuses men. ~OC

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Living In Hope

Today’s a new day! I throw off the covers and give praise for another day. Avoid the tv because the news will try and steal my hope. Same bad news they been pushing for a week or two. Listen too long and you might buy that fear and doubt. They might just steal your hope along the way.

No, I will start my day soaking in the Good News. Allow those words to flow through me and give me strength for another day. If you don’t watch out this world will try and steal your hope. Better stay in the Word and strengthen your heart and mind. It’s a cruel world out there looking to kill and destroy.

It’s hard to hear that still small voice, when the world is feeding your head with all that noise. Climb the corporate latter and you’ll finally be satisfied. Break the glass ceiling and you’ll finally be satisfied. Get that house in the gated community and you’ll finally be satisfied. Keep living for the world and pretty soon you’ll be looking for your hope. Never allow the world to steal your hope.

Living in hope means the storm will get better.
Living in hope means I still have purpose.
Living in hope means God’s still writing my story.
Living in hope means I can still be His hands and feet.

Dear God, help me to stand strong and never lose hope. Help me to keep leaning into your promises. Keep my eyes on the prize. I believe your not finished with me yet. Let me keep soaking in your hope. ~OC

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Adversity

Today’s a new day! We will all face adversity in our lives. I pray as we face the challenges of life, we take the opportunity to set an example of the love, peace and grace of God. When those around us see us facing the storms of life with unwavering love and patience, they see a true example of a Christian walking out their faith. ~OC

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