Today’s a new day! Dear God, as we celebrate another day of living we marvel at your love for us. Even on our worst days you still show us love and grace. Thank you Lord, that you would give us your very Word, written down to study and feast upon, that it might become to us the very words of life. This morning as we spend time reading your Word, would you quicken each of us by your Spirit to understand it, to trust it, and to live it out in our daily lives. Make us doers of the Word, not hearers only. Would you speak to each of us through the scripture you lead each of us to this morning. We come before you today with great expectation, knowing that the only true life is your life. Reveal that life to each of us and draw each of us into it, we pray … in your name and for your sake, Dear Father. Amen. ~OC
Waiting
Today’s a new day! How many people like to wait? I am sure most do not. We live in a world where we want immediate results. Instant gratification. When we pray we want God to answer our prayers immediately. Sometimes people can get discouraged when they do not receive an immediate response that they stop praying. We tend to be a right now society. But that’s not how God works most of the time. Oftentimes, prayer is an exercise in patience. Today, if you’re waiting on God to answer a prayer, here are four verses to meditate on as you wait.
“I wait for the Lord, my whole being waits,and in his word I put my hope.” ~Psalm 130:5
Sometimes it’s hard to wait. It may feel, as the Psalmist writes, that our “whole being” waits in anguish. Psalm 130 was clearly written by someone walking through the storms of life. But in those tough moments was someone who knew that in God there is love and hope.
“Be patient, then, brothers and sisters, until the Lord’s coming. See how the farmer waits for the land to yield its valuable crop, patiently waiting for the autumn and spring rains. You too, be patient and stand firm, because the Lord’s coming is near.” ~James 5:7-8
James teaches us how to overcome suffering—by remembering that whatever happens, we know that God is coming back to make everything right. To make everything whole and complete. That the storms we face in this life is not the end of the story. Be encouraged that what is coming is more wonderful than we could imagine.
“But do not overlook this one fact, beloved, that with the Lord one day is as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” ~2 Peter 3:8-9
In this scripture, Peter reminds us to be patient because God’s timing is not our timing. What seems like years to us is nothing to God. He is timeless and has amazing plans for us. I encourage you not to lose hope. God always knows what’s best for us.
“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. ~Matthew 7:7-8
In the above word, God encourages us to ask, to seek and keep knocking. To be persistent and faithful in our prayers. To keep lifting our prayers up to Him. God will answer our prayers, but sometimes in a way we never imagined. So keep knocking on the door. God is always faithful.
Waiting can be hard. Especially when you have been waiting for a long time. But by relying on the promises of God and staying in prayer, we can turn frustration into faith. Don’t ever give up! Wait on the Lord, and He will answer you. ~OC
Daily Goals
Today’s a new day!
My Ten Daily Goals:
*Love Jesus
*Pursue Jesus
*Live out the gospel
*Love my bride
*Love people. All people
*Serve others
*Die to self
*Surrender all to Jesus
*Encourage people
*Show forgiveness
Real Life
Today’s a new day! One of my favorite verses is “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” – John 16:33.
What does that verse really mean? One of the biggest lies many Christians fall into when they start following God is everything will be perfect and they will never deal with the storms of life. That if God is on our side, nothing can go wrong, and all it takes is a quick prayer to get us out of a sticky situtation. Just like a sitcom on tv. All is good in 30 minutes. But we live in reality and we know that’s far from the truth.
Nowhere in the Bible are we promised a perfect life on earth. Life will be filled with struggles. We will all experience challenges along our journey. Those challenges will look different for each of us. Some will deal with health issues. Sometimes those health challenges will last a lifetime.
The point is that even though we all experience challenges in this journey called life, Jesus has overcome the sins of the world by taking them on himself. As I mentioned earlier, we will encounter painful moments in this world, but there is a world beyond this world. A place called Heaven, where we will experience peace and wholeness. A place where there is no pain, disease, war, hatred or confusion. Heaven is paradise.
When I experience moments of hopelessness with my own health, I take a moment to think about God’s goodness and promises. I also take time to remember that I need God more today than I did yesterday. I may not understand everything going on in my crazy beautiful journey, but God does. And for that I am thankful.
I am often asked why would God allow me to walk through so many years of suffering? Of course I do not have all the answers, but I have chosen to trust God in the mist of the storms. To look for every opportunity to help encourage everyone walking through their own challenges. I have decided not to spend all my precious moments researching Google or looking for the latest natural cures.
I’ve accepted that I will never fully understand every inner working of my body at every given moment. No one has it all figured out. Not even the medical world. That doesn’t mean I shouldn’t do everything in my power to pray and strive for better health. It just means I will not become consumed by my current health challenges. They are not my true identity.
Nothing gives me more peace and comfort than my relationship with God. Just like any personal relationship takes work and trust the same goes for our relationship with God. It’s a daily commitment. In life we so often stumble for answers. We jump from different diets, different relationships and different careers looking for the answer and looking for a way to make us feel good and worthy. There is nothing wrong with any of those things, but nothing will ever give us as much peace and purpose than a relationship with God and the knowledge that even though the storms of life can be hard, He has already overcome the world.
I know this was a long post, but I pray it brings you hope as you walk through the ups and downs of life. Blessings to all. ~OC
Mental Health
Today’s a new day! This morning I want to discuss a tough issue for many in the Christian community. Mental Health. Unfortunately, many believers have made it difficult for those dealing with mental health issues to share and get the help they need.
Mental health issues can still be a highly stigmatized topic in the church. Although many Believers know the trial of occasional anxiety or having the blues, people with a diagnosed mental illness face unique challenges. Some our confronted by Christians who espouse false doctrine that health issues are a sign of unresolved sin or lack of faith. This is a big Lie!
I want to encourage anyone dealing with mental health issues or any health issue to get the necessary medical care you need. There is nothing wrong with taking medications, having a therapist and loving Jesus all at the same time. There should be no shame or condemnation.
The same biblical truths that have encouraged Christians for centuries can encourage those who suffer with mental health today. I pray those walking through the trials of mental health will cling on to these words of encouragement.
- You Are Not Alone
God’s people have suffered—mentally, emotionally, and physically—since the fall in the garden. Even Jesus cried out in despair on the cross, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matt. 27:46), When we suffer, we are never alone. Never be afraid to reach out for help. Speaking openly about your mental health issues allows those around you to share their own struggles. This allows us to come together and care for one another.
2). Stop Blaming Yourself. Also stop listening to those who may try to put a spiritual guilt trip on you. Mental health issues are not a punishment for sin or lack of faith. As you walk through this journey, I encourage you to keep your eyes on God. He has some amazing plans for your life. Keep leaning into that beautiful promise.
3). Remember, God sees you, loves you and is always with you. Thankfully we have a wonderful Savior who experiences emotions. As you walk through effects of mental illness, remember the nearness of Christ. He weeps with you. God knows how He is going to work in and through each of our lives and is with us in the midst of it. By the amazing grace of God, he sent the Holy Spirit, our comforter and counselor, to be with you, to help you. The Holy Spirit intercedes for us (Romans 8:27). He is there for us when we do not have the words.
4). God’s Word Speaks to us.
The word of God isn’t afraid to talk about mental and emotional issues.
Keep the truth of God’s words close. Share them with a close friend, family member, or accountability partner who can remind you when you forget or when you don’t have the energy or willpower to remind yourself.
The truth is some will deal with mental health issues for a lifetime. But remember, we can all rejoice in the greatness and sovereignty of our loving Savior. I pray that God will make known his strength in our struggles. ~OC
Today
Today’s a new day! As I scrolled through social media this morning and watched the news, my heart broke with all the hate I saw. A lady in Atlanta trying to burn down the childhood home of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. All the antisemitism and hate against Muslims. The hate against Christians. As I scrolled through all this hate, I realized the as Christians we have to step up and act by shining God’s love and light on this hate and violence. We need to pray, to be sure. But those prayers must also be met with peaceful steps of action that respond to this unconscionable violence and evil with a resounding No.
This is not a call to activism per se. This is a call to truly be the hands and feet of Jesus. He provides an example of love for all, and commands that we do the same (Matthew 22:36-40.) But love is not only an emotion we feel for individuals, it is the basis and fuel for action. If we truly love all of our neighbors, it stands to reason that we must act when they come under attack.
The love of God never fails (1 Cor 13), but too often our love does. It fails each time there is an act of racism or hatred perpetrated and we remain silent. In those moments, when we choose not to speak up, to pray, to advocate for change and to educate ourselves and our sphere of influence, we are complicit. Our love does fail at times, and we have the power to change that.
As each of us watch the news or scroll through social media we see the evil of bigotry and racism. The violence we are seeing is where bigotry and racism lead. We need to speak up. Today, we have multiple ways to peacefully make our voices heard. We can talk to our families, speak with our children and co-workers about the realities of hatred and racism. We can engage in thoughtful dialogue online and make posts on social media. We can take steps in our own lives to demonstrate Christ-like, action-oriented love to everyone, and to our neighbors who may be the subject of this violence.
Let’s come together on these issues and decide in our hearts to take some step of action, right now. Today we can make a difference. ~OC
Hope
Today’s a new day! Hope. A simple four letter word that carries so much meaning and power. Hope is beauty. This word inspires images of joy. Images of a more peaceful, loving world. The word hope brings Images of a world filled with people who genuinely care for each other; regardless of culture, ethnicity or the color of their skin. Regardless of political beliefs. Hope brings to mind a brighter future—filled with less of the problems that we see in the world today. There is a reason politicians, businesses and charities use the word hope to try and grab our attention. We all long for a world filled with hope. Deep down, we all know that hope is what this world truly needs.
However, for many of us, hope is something that seems out of reach in the world today. A dream. When we turn on the news, scroll through social media we see images that do not bring us a lot of hope. Everyone is dealing with their own struggles in this journey called life.
I have always been affected by the stories that I hear around me. If someone mentions they’re struggling with something, I want to jump in to help and encourage them. I want to bring them hope. I am sure you can relate. As humans, we are naturally affected by the stories we hear in the world around us. As humans, we are affected by those whose situations look hopeless. However, as Christians, we also posses the one thing that can truly bring change to the lives of those hurting around us. Hope.
I remember when my crazy beautiful health journey first started, I did not want to share my struggles. I did not want to burden anyone. Then a few years into my health journey, God shared with me how our stories can help encourage others walking through their own experience. Our testimony. The power of our testimonies can be life changing. But only if we are willing to share our story. I must admit, when I first started sharing my health battle with others it was a little scary. How would people react? Would people treat me differently? But as I began sharing my story, people began to ask how they could help. People began to pray for me. People started sharing my story with others. People started contacting me and sharing that my story and the way I was living it out brought them encouragement. Brought them hope. I was overwhelmed by the sheer number of people who seemed lost, broken and struggling with their own problems. I thought how can my little story make a difference? As more and more people began to reach out to me for help, I was tempted to shrink back. To escape. Thankfully, instead of escaping, I began to lean into this crazy beautiful journey God has me on. And what a ride it has been.
As Christians, we have the hope that this world is desperately longing for.
It is far too easy to be silent. To let fear dictate us and stop us from doing the one thing that we have been placed on this earth to do. To believe that this world is too broken, too far gone, too far beyond hope. To forget the words of John 1:5, which says, “The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” I don’t know about you, but I want to bring hope to the broken and light to the darkness in this world. I want my life to point back to the One who has put breath in my lungs and given me life.
I want to exude joy, hope, and love even in places that seem to lack all three of these. I desire to be everything that God has called me to be, and never miss an opportunity to share His love with the people He has placed around me.
At your job, at school, and in your community, I want to encourage you to live with hope in your sphere of influence. In the places where God has led you. To never be afraid to step out in boldness, and share the love of God with those around you. I want to encourage you to love your fellow students, neighbors, co-workers and bosses in such a way that it points back to God—and “work as if you’re working unto the Lord” (Colossians 3:23). Wherever we go and whatever we do, let us never be afraid to reflect the hope that lives within us. Let us never let fear hold us back from sharing the hope of God. Let us never let fear hold us back from sharing this amazing love. ~OC
“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot. You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a bowl. Instead they put it on its stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. ~Matthew 5:13-16
What Is A Good Friend?
Today’s a new day! As we celebrate this Christmas season, hopefully we will be surrounded by good friends. Which begs the question, What is a good friend?
We all have heard the saying “You don’t know who your true friends are until life smacks you in the face.” True friends will reveal themselves during the storms of life.
As I have traveled my crazy beautiful health journey, I have been blessed with a few friends who have never left the boat. Friends who have truly went to battle with me.
Here are a few lessons I have learned about holding on to the real, ride or die friendships.
First, who are the true friends sitting in the boat with you during the toughest times? Take time to think back on the worst times in your life and who are the friends that never left your side? Also think about those friends you expected to be by your side, but ultimately they were not. Do not spend too much time dwelling on those friends. Let it go.
Second, think back on those true friends who have walked through the fire with you. Give those friendships the time and nurturing they deserve. Embrace them. I love 1 Thessalonians 5:11 which states “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up.” Are we doing this?
Third, never take those true friendships for granted. Sadly, too many people take friendships for granted. True friendships are a beautiful gift from God. He designed each of us for relationship. Never overlook the importance of genuine friendship.
When you find God-ordained relationships hold on to them. Embrace them. Treasure those friends who treasure you. Build into those friendships that will bring enrichment to both parties.
Have you been blessed with real ride or die friendships? If so let them know. Give thanks for each of them. ~OC
Promises
Today’s a new day! Even during the toughest moments in life, scripture tells us God will never leave or forsake us. That is a wonderful promise to hold on to. During the hardest moments, God gives us peace and comfort. He is the God of new beginnings. Nothing is impossible with the King of Kings. Whether your at the beginning of this journey called life or your somewhere in the middle, you can trust in Him because with God it’s always just the beginning.
Today, you might find yourself in the middle of a storm that forces you to start all over again. Perhaps the loss of a relationship, a financial setback, a health battle or whatever might force you to begin all over again. Maybe just maybe that storm is the beginning of something new. Putting our trust in God during difficult times forces us to seek His guidance, and put our cares at His feet.
Trusting God through uncharted waters takes faith and courage, but believe me it’s worth the effort. The path God has chosen for us leads to true happiness, true peace and true joy. What a beautiful promise to cling to. ~OC
Those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint. ~ Isaiah 40:31
Precious Peace
Today’s a new day! Do you ever wake up with thoughts already racing through your mind? How in the world does that happen so early in the morning? I find myself laughing about the different ways my brains works. I have to remind myself to slow down and focus.
This morning, I spent time in Philippians 4. How many times have I looked over these verses? Probably hundreds of times. But on days I struggle with focus, these words take on a new meaning. Philippians 4:7 reminds us that the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard our hearts and our minds in Christ Jesus. God’s amazing peace is so precious, that it is beyond our ability to truly comprehension. Yet on our toughest days we can experience God’s refreshing peace by simply asking for it.
This morning, my eyes kept going back to verse 7 and that peace. Even though I consider myself a pretty strong person, I have moments of feeling vulnerable. I love that in the moments of vulnerability, God surrounds me with His strength. His protection. His peace. Philippians 4:7 reminds us that this peace of God will guard our hearts and minds, but not our bodies, it seems. I find this interesting because it suggests that regardless of what’s happening within our bodies during health struggles, we can still experience the peace of God that passes all understanding.
I live with multiple health issues that brings constant discomfort. The idea that this beautiful peace is available to me despite what’s happening to my body is beyond amazing news. It reminds me that the gospel is good news. Even during the many struggles we face in life, God provides us a way to have peace through Him. Life might be throwing you some haymakers at this moment, but God has this amazing love and grace for each us, and in that, we can find a peace that guards our hearts and our minds. ~OC
The Blessed Overcomer 