Tag: Scriptures

In Difficult Times

Today’s a new day! 

I do not believe it is very presidential to celebrate the death of another human being. Even more so, it is not Christ-like to use harsh or mocking words when a family is suffering loss. As followers of Christ, we are called to a higher standard—one marked by compassion, humility, and reverence for life. When we see public figures model behavior that contradicts these values, it should not become an excuse for us to follow suit. Instead, it should prompt reflection. Sadly, many who identify as Christians are quick to celebrate alongside such attitudes, justifying cruelty in the name of loyalty or politics. This is a dangerous place for the heart to dwell.

Scripture speaks clearly to moments like these. In Proverbs 24:17–18, we are reminded: “Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice.” God sees beyond outward actions—He examines the posture of our hearts. When we take joy in the suffering or death of others, even those we may strongly disagree with, we step outside the character of Christ. It is a sobering call for believers to pause, to examine their hearts honestly, and to spend time in prayerful conversation with God. Our witness to the world should not be marked by cruelty or childish behavior, but by grace, truth, and love—even in the most difficult moments. ~OC

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

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Sheep’s Clothing

Dear Christian Community, scriptures warn us to be careful of wolves in sheep’s clothing. That warning isn’t just about obvious deception—it’s about the subtle kind that feels familiar, agreeable, even comforting. It’s about the politician who boldly claims the name of Christ, yet whose words lack grace and whose actions contradict the very teachings of Jesus. It’s about the entertainer who profits from darkness, surrounding themselves with symbols that mock holiness, yet casually drops the name of Jesus on a stage—and suddenly the Christian community applauds. It’s about the singer/rapper who’s celebrated for taking a cultural stand we agree with, while ignoring lyrics that glorify sin and exploitation. Too many Christians have learned to lower their discernment in exchange for alignment, trading truth for convenience.

But following Christ was never meant to be convenient. We are not called to endorse people simply because they echo a word we love or stand on a platform we agree with. Jesus said we would know them by their fruit—not their claims, not their moments, not their speeches, but their consistent lives. Dear Christian, it’s time to stop celebrating people just because they mention Jesus when it benefits them. The name of Jesus is not a tool for influence, and it should not be enough to win our loyalty. We must become people who love truth more than tribe, who value holiness over hype, and who are willing to stand apart rather than be swept up in the noise. Discernment is not judgment—it is obedience. ~OC

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Betrayal

Today’s a new day! 

As the Church, we sometimes find it easier to point fingers outward. We blame the culture, the media, politics, or the “world” for betraying Jesus. Yet the truth is more uncomfortable than that. The world cannot betray someone it has never truly known. Betrayal requires relationship. It requires proximity. The people who encountered Jesus in the Gospels—who listened to His teaching, walked the dusty roads beside Him, and still chose power, fear, or self-preservation over truth—were not outsiders. They were the ones closest to the story.

In every generation, the Church must wrestle with this reality. Those who have studied Scripture, preached sermons, and claimed the name of Christ carry a particular responsibility. When worldly influence, political power, or tribal loyalty becomes more important than loving our neighbor, telling the truth, or living with integrity, something sacred is lost. Jesus was clear that love of neighbor sits at the heart of faith, and that character matters more than status. When the Church trades these things for influence or control, it risks repeating the same pattern we see throughout history: choosing the kingdoms of this world over the way of Christ.

This is not a call to shame but a call to reflection. Faithfulness has never been measured by how loudly we condemn the outside world, but by how deeply we embody the teachings of Jesus ourselves. The Church’s witness is strongest not when it seeks dominance, but when it chooses humility, compassion, and truth—even when those choices cost us influence. If betrayal comes from those who knew Him best, then renewal must also begin there—with hearts willing to return to the simple but demanding command Jesus gave: love God, and love your neighbor as yourself. ~OC

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

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Stop Working For God

Today’s a new day! 

Many years ago during my quiet time, I felt God challenging me to stop working for Him and instead truly realize what a gift it was to serve and be in His presence. Here a little of the story.

Because I quit working for God and simply said, “I will join you for the rest of my days,” something in my life began to change. For a long time, my faith felt like a long list of tasks—things to accomplish, prayers to say the right way, expectations to meet. I thought devotion meant striving harder, proving my commitment through effort and discipline. But surrender came quietly when I realized that what Jesus seemed to desire most was not my performance, but my presence. When I stopped trying to impress God and instead chose to walk with Him, faith became less about pressure and more about relationship.

Since then, Jesus has continued teaching me in small, ordinary moments. He keeps inviting me into the simple gift of living in the present moment—the place where grace actually happens. The past no longer needs to define me, and the future does not need to be controlled. Instead, I learned to notice the sacred in what was right in front of me: a conversation, a breath of gratitude, a quiet moment of prayer. Following Him was no longer about constantly doing more for God; it was and is about learning to live with God, moment by moment. In that space of companionship, life begins to feel less like a burden to carry and more like a gift to receive. ~OC

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

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Healing

Today’s a new day! 

Pain changes you. Anyone who has walked through loss, betrayal, disappointment, or hardship knows that suffering leaves a mark on the heart. Scripture never pretends that pain is easy or meaningless. Throughout the Bible we see faithful people—like Job, Esther, David, and the Apostle Paul —who endured seasons of deep sorrow and struggle. Pain has a way of reshaping our thoughts, testing our faith, and revealing what lies deep within us. It can make us guarded, bitter, or fearful. But pain itself does not get the final say in the story of a believer’s life.

Healing does. Through Jesus Christ, God offers restoration that reaches beyond the wound. Healing doesn’t mean pretending the pain never happened; it means allowing God to transform it into something redemptive. When we bring our brokenness before Him, He begins the quiet work of mending our hearts and renewing our perspective. That healing shapes who we become—people marked not by bitterness but by grace, compassion, and resilience.

The truth is that two people can walk through the same kind of pain and become very different individuals. One may carry the hurt like a heavy chain, while another allows God to turn the wound into wisdom. Healing teaches us empathy for others who suffer. It softens our hearts and reminds us of our need for God’s presence daily. In this way, healing becomes a testimony: the pain may have changed us, but God’s love determines who we ultimately become.

If you are in a season where pain feels overwhelming, remember that your story is still unfolding. God is not finished with you. The same Lord who heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds is still at work today. Pain may shape the chapter you are in, but healing—God’s healing—will shape the person you are becoming. ~OC

You can listen to the Spoken Word version of this post 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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Walk In Victory

Today’s a new day! 

The world around us is often filled with noise, pressure, and uncertainty. Every day we hear of conflict, fear, and hardship, and if we are not careful, the troubles of this world can begin to steal the peace that God has placed within our lives. But as believers, we are called to live differently. Jesus never promised a life without challenges, yet He continually invites us to walk in His peace, His grace, and His love even in the middle of life’s storms. His peace is not fragile or temporary—it is steady, unshakable, and stronger than any chaos we may face.

Jesus also calls us to walk in victory, not in defeat. Victory does not mean that everything around us is perfect; it means our hearts remain anchored in Him. When we keep our eyes focused on Jesus and the hope He has placed in our hearts, we begin to see our circumstances differently. Instead of being overwhelmed by fear or discouragement, we remember that God is still working, guiding, and strengthening us each day. The victory we walk in comes from trusting Him and believing that His promises are greater than the problems we face.

So today, guard your heart and refuse to allow the troubles of this world to steal what God has planted within you. Hold on to the peace He has given you, extend grace and love to those around you, and remember that you are not walking this journey alone. Keep your eyes fixed on Jesus, and let His presence fill you with courage and hope. Today, choose to walk in victory. ~OC

***You can listen to 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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Hope In The Chaos

Today’s a new day! 

The world today often feels overwhelming. News headlines highlight conflict, uncertainty, and division, and many people carry personal struggles that add to the sense of chaos around us. As Christians, however, we are reminded that our hope is not rooted in the changing circumstances of the world but in the unchanging character of God. Scripture continually points us to the truth that even when the world feels unstable, God remains faithful. Living with hope means trusting that His plans are greater than the challenges we see and that His presence walks with us through every season.

Christian hope is not simply optimism; it is confidence grounded in God’s promises. Through Jesus Christ, we are given the assurance that darkness will never overcome the light. When chaos surrounds us, hope calls us to remember that God is still at work, bringing redemption and restoration in ways we may not always immediately see. Prayer, Scripture, and fellowship with other believers help anchor our hearts when fear and uncertainty try to take hold.

Living with hope also means becoming a reflection of Christ to others. In a world that often feels discouraged and weary, believers have the opportunity to demonstrate peace, compassion, and faith. Small acts of love, words of encouragement, and a steady trust in God’s goodness can shine brightly in difficult times. When we choose hope, we not only strengthen our own faith but also help point others toward the source of true and lasting hope.

Even in a chaotic world, the promises of God remain steady. Our hope rests in Christ, who reminds us that He has overcome the world and that His love will never fail. By keeping our hearts focused on Him, we can live each day with courage, peace, and the quiet confidence that God is still writing a greater story. ~OC

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