Tag: Stand Up

Significant Life

Today’s a new day! What is a “significant life?” That is a question many will be asking as we move into a new year. I believe a significant life can be measured by having great worth and value–forged by carefully chosen crossroads leading to the sum of a life well lived. It is a life whose moments are not wasted on the material or ordinary, but excavates the ordinary as sacred because God is there.

I am eternally grateful for meeting God at a early age; that He pulled me close and began to open my eyes to eternal matters–but I regret the times I’ve wandered through the “ordinary” days grumbling and complaining as I waded through the difficult days, and frivolously moved carefree through seasons which could have been spent with more purpose.

As five decades of life are closely coming to a close, the brevity of life as described in Psalm 90 bears heavy on my heart and one thing I know: All that matters is living for Christ.

I do not want to waste another single day of my life. I desire to truly live my life for God until I breathe my last breath. I desire to live all out for His glory–whatever that may look like in this journey called life.

As a young man, I am not sure I took seriously the warnings of the wise men of God, “Don’t miss out on God’s will for your life!” I wasn’t exactly sure what His will was for me, and I am sure at times I missed it. Now that I’m older, His will seems more clear, single-focused, and less complicated. I can sum it up in three words: Simply Glorify Him.

The driving passion of my life is expressed by God in Numbers 14:21:

Indeed, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord.


But what does that look like? For me, I believe Jesus gives us the answer in John 15:8 “My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be my disciples.”


As I write this post, emotions are swirling all around me. Tears, Missed Opportunities and Regret to name a few. But one emotion burst through like a ray of sunshine… Hope. That deep down hope that feels me with peace and promises for a great and exciting life. A hope that sustains me through the toughest storms

I want to challenge you to stop what you are doing right now and consider these questions:

Is my life significant?

Am I wasting my God given gifts and talents?

Am I bearing fruit?

What is the driving passion in my life?

How can I best use my remaining days to live out the purpose God has created for me in the remaining time I have on earth to bring Him glory?

I believe the answer to those six questions can lead us to living a significant life. ~OC

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Never Give Up

Today’s a new day! Life can be hard. There are times when we feel like giving up. The weight and challenges of the world can feel overwhelming. But never forget, you are stronger than think. We read in Philippians 4:13, that we can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. This isn’t just a feel good verse; no it’s a promise. No matter how hard life gets, you have the strength to keep moving forward. Every challenge you face is an incredible opportunity for growth. The journey might be hard, but it’s forming you into a stronger, more resilient version of yourself. Keep moving forward, even when life is difficult because every step forward brings you closer to your breakthrough. To your purpose in life. Keep holding onto hope. Keep the faith and the strength that you were created with. Remember, you have what it takes to keep persevering. Better days are ahead. Do not miss the lessons during the tough times of your life. Never give up! ~OC

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Here For You

Today’s a new day!

When the nights are long and sleep is a distant memory and your days are full of dark cloudy memories, I will be here for you

When the world feels like it’s moving a million miles an hour and you want to jump off, I will be here for you

When the world seems to have forgotten you and moved on, I will be here for you

When the doctors give you little hope your friends can’t be found, I will be here for you

When you feel alone in this broken and dark world, I will be here for you

When the rest of the world calls you crazy because you go against the grain, I will be here for you

When you decide to question everything you been taught and your friends and church question your faith, I will be here for you

When your lifestyle doesn’t align with those of your family and friends, I will be here for you

When you decide to speak up and be bold, I will be here for you

When the rest of the world misses out on your beauty and promise, I will be here for you

When you need to laugh or cry, I will be here for you

When the world thinks your ideals are but a pipe dream, I will be here for you

When your journey takes you down a winding and uncertain road, I will be here for you

When you need a second or hundredth chance, I will be here for you

You never have to walk this journey alone, I will walk with you anyway you need me to

I never want to miss a chance to show you, I will always be here for you

It’s gonna be okay, I will be here for you

I’ll be here, I’ll be here

Anyway you need

I’ll be here for you

~OC

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Moving Forward….

Today’s a new day! We are a few days removed from the 2024 election. So as Christians, how should we handle what was a contentious political season moving forward? Here are three things I believe as Christian we should do moving forward:

1). Be Careful With Your Communications: Guard your words and actions. Including what is shared on social media. (Check out Galatians 5:26, Job 31:29-30, Romans 12:15, Ephesians 4:3). We need to ask ourselves the following question before speaking or posting something on social media. Are our words or post bringing a sense of unity or disunity? Our words and post should follow the words found in Colossians 4:6, “Let your speech always be gracious, seasoned with salt, so that you may know how you ought to answer each person.”

2). As Christians We Must Put Our Faith In God: This should not be just a tired old cliché. As Christians we must remember to never put our hope or trust in a political party or candidate. (Check out Psalm 146:3-5, Jeremiah 17:5-7, Psalm 118:8-9, Isaiah 2:22). We need to trust God during these moments because we know who He is. God is unchanging as Malachi 3:6 reminds us, “For I the LORD do not change;utherefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.”

3). Live With A Eternal Perspective: My Dear Brothers and Sisters, we must always live our lives with an eternal perspective. Remember we are just passing through. This world whether you’re a Democrat, Republican or Independent is not our home. Living with that mindset gives us a proper view of what is happening around us in this broken world. (Check out Philippians 3:20-21, Colossians 3:1-2, 2 Corinthians 4:17-18, Romans 8:18).

Please know, I am not wearing a pair of rose colored glasses. I realize the United States and the world are dealing with some major issues. Sadly, we live in a divided and broken world. I realize there are days we all just want to stay under the covers in our comfortable and safe beds. But God did not call us to hide under our covers. No, He called us to be lights in a dark and lost world. We need to pray for our political leaders as hard as that might be to do (1 Timothy 2:1-2). Pray that God would guide their hearts, words, steps and actions. We must also pray that God would give each of us His strength, courage, wisdom and boldness to stand up for what’s right. That we would not conform to the ways of this world (Romans 12:2). I may not be wearing rose colored glasses, but I will choose to put on my love glasses as I venture out into the world or jump on social media. Stay grounded. Stay focused. Let your light shine. ~OC

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The “Hypothetical Game”

Today’s a new day! A few weeks ago, I wrote about the “What If” game (10/22/24). Today as our nation votes for a new president, I want to write about the “Hypothetical Game.”

As most of you know, the abortion issue will be a major factor for many as they head to the polls today. That is the only reason some people are voting for former President Trump and against Vice-President Harris. But let’s play the “Hypothetical Game.”

But before we play this game, I have to share I believe life matters from the womb to the grave. But I am also concerned about the women who have to make one of the toughest decisions they’ll ever have to make in life. Their lives matter too. And as a man, I will never have to make that tough decision.

I also want to speak to the Christian community about our part in this abortion debate. As I heard many of my Christian friends celebrating the overturning of Roe v. Wade, this question came to my mind. “How many babies are you going to adopt, since Roe has been overturned?” Pretty much complete silence and as of 11/5/24, still mostly crickets.

Then we have the foster care system in the United States. It continues to grow. I believe those number will only get bigger in the coming years. I have a few friends who have stepped up and fostered or adopted children out of the foster care system. They are true heroes to me. But I have to be honest. I have more friends and acquaintances, who continue to complain about the evils of abortion and how sad the foster care system is, but have not stepped up to foster or adopt one of those precious children they love to talk about.

But let’s get back to the “Hypothetical Game.”

If the former president wins, a national abortion ban could follow (I do not believe Trump is being honest when he says he won’t sign it). The ban could establish criminal penalties for women who get abortions. And that’s not all.

It’s not a stretch to see each state begin to add language or emphasis to mandatory reporter laws – which require people in certain professions to report to authorities reasonable suspicions of child abuse and neglect – to include reporting women who have had abortions or who are contemplating having an abortion.

Pastors are mandatory reporters, so anything that falls under that statute is exempt from confidentiality.

So, let’s say a woman comes into a pastor’s office and she’s grieving over recently having an abortion. She doesn’t know if God will forgive her, and she’s seeking counsel on how to move forward in her faith. In this scenario, instead of ministering to her, the pastor would have to notify the authorities and report the woman as a criminal. If a pastor chooses their calling over the legal mandate, they could face civil or criminal penalties.

If that’s not government overreach into the role of a church, I don’t know what is.

Likewise, health care workers are mandatory reporters.

So, let’s say a woman walks into a faith-based pregnancy care center, an act that by its very nature indicates she is open to keeping her baby or discussing adoption. During her visit, she tells a nurse she has seriously consulted someone about having an abortion. By law, in this scenario, the nurse might have to report that.

As a consequence, it would be easy to see how illegal, and unsafe, abortions would rise as faith-based pregnancy care centers shutter and churches become less effective as a refuge.

So a vote for someone other than Trump looks pretty “pro-life” by comparison.

When the fate of the Constitution is on the ballot, nothing else should matter. A vote for the so called “pro-life” candidate could tremendously jeopardize the legitimate faith community’s ability to function – not to mention upend everyone else’s basic civil rights. A win for Vice-President Harris, even if she is pro-choice will uphold the Constitution and work within the strictures of our institutions.

In short, Vice-President Harris keeps Christians in the ballgame to minister to the poor, needy and heavy-laden without fear of government interference, not riding the bench as so many in America continue to suffer. ~OC

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Embracing Our Differences

Today’s a new day!

For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” ~1 Corinthians 12:12 

I love hearing people’s stories. I love hearing what God is stirring in their hearts, and talking to them about God’s beautifully thought-out and purposeful design for them as individuals. I love the realization people have when God reveals this to them. We are all unique and different. How exciting is that! However, lately I have really been thinking more about this as it pertains to those in the Christian community.

How many Christians really take the time to think about diversity? Just for a moment, I want you to take some time, look around and asked yourself is my life full of diversity or not? If so, great. If not, ask yourself why not? Because a world filled with diversity is truly beautiful. A life full of diversity is a beautiful mosaic of amazing colors, gifts and talents. Throughout 1 Corinthians 12, the Apostle Paul talks about the many spiritual gifts that we have been given by the Holy Spirit. These gifts all vary person to person. My gifts and personality are not the exact same as yours. We are all different and we were made like this on purpose for a purpose. God did not create us all to be the same old boring carbon copies of each other. Praise God! Nor should we strive to be like each other. We should be living out who God called us to be and strive to be like Jesus. Together, we have unity in Jesus Christ.

Even so, our flawed human nature wants things our own way. A lot of times we see our differences, and they cause pain and dissension. But, is that really what God intended? Did God design us to be different and then fight one another to make the other fall in line behind us? No! We should not be calling for everyone else to be like us, we should be calling on Jesus to show us, together in unity, the way we should move forward. Together we can find a better way. Two minds are greater than one. Our differences make us stronger. Not weaker.

As Believers, we have a great opportunity to approach our differences and conflicts in a God-honoring way. Here are some lessons I have learned over the years. 1). To recognize that people are invaluable. They are children of God. He created them with love and intentionality. 2) To recognize that people might see things differently than I do, so I want to understand and see how they see. 3). To look to God and pray for wisdom. How do we move forward towards a common good for all? What is God’s best for this situation? 

There will be times that we’re in a tough spot and can’t see eye to eye, that might be a bigger discussion for another time. We cannot take control or responsibility for other people’s actions. However, we can control and take responsibility for how we approach the differences. 

Reflection:

Think about your current circumstances: What conflicts are currently in front of you?  Are you approaching them in a Godly way?  If not, what steps can you take to change your perspective, conversations, and actions?

Prayer:

God, we are incredibly thankful that you have created each of us uniquely and perfectly in your own image. We praise you today, that we have brothers and sisters who think and see the world differently, because together we are stronger. Help us to see this truth in every situation and conversation. We pray for your wisdom, your guidance, and your grace – that our words and actions are a reflection of who you are and what you have already done for us in Christ Jesus. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen. ~OC

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Be A Champion!

Today’s a new day! God did not bring you this far to lose. Keep your head up and keep fighting. You are strong enough. God knew when he chose you, that nobody would run harder for him than you. When the enemy showed up at God’s door, and shared he wanted a fight, God needed someone on the frontline and he chose you. God didn’t choose you by accident. He chose you because he knew when things got tough you would not run away. No you would run to a the battle. No retreat. There is no quit in you. You have been through battles way tougher than anything the enemy could ever throw at you. And you continue to overcome. So stop complaining and step up! God has brought you through bigger battles than this. God will not settle for the world’s second best for you. You have to choose to step up and out for your God given purpose. Stop just passing through life. Every hater and naysayer will try to hold you down, but you are a child of God’s. So keep fighting. Never give up! Choose to be all that God created you to be. A Overcomer! Don’t stop running until you receive your prize. Anything standing in your way will be defeated. So get up and be the Champion God created you to be. Go get it! ~OC

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Our Choice

Today’s a new day! We can choose to stand up for truth and justice or we can continue to walk in the excuses of “It’s always been that way.” Our choice. ~OC

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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

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Drop Your Stones

Today’s a new day! With all the division in the world, it’s easy to throw stones at those we disagree with. My hope and prayer is we will learn to love and respect everyone God allows us to meet on this journey called life. I pray we will drop our life destroying stones.

Drop the stone of Hate.

Drop the stone of Fear.

Drop the stone of Division.

Drop the stone of Unforgiveness.

Drop the stone of Racism.

Drop the stone of Selfishness.

Drop the stone of Pride.

Drop the stone of Comparison.

Drop the stone of Political Parties.

Obviously I could add more, but I believe you get the point. Drop any stone that is distracting you from showing the love and peace of God. Blessings. ~OC

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