I Choose Today

I Choose Today...

I Choose Today to Not Fear: part 2

Molinda Hern July 18, 2024

Last time we were here, we discussed fear. I mentioned what a friend of mine said, “fear says can’t, but hope says can.” But why is it, by even knowing this, we get stuck on fearing over hoping? We have all heard what the letters of FEAR stand for – False Evidence Appearing Real. Sit with that for a moment, the evidence we imagine is false; however when we think on it so much, it seems to become real! One of the ways we can play the fear game is by using conjecture and “what-ifs.” What if I don’t get that job? What if I get into an accident? What if God doesn’t answer my prayer or answers it in the way I want? What if I don’t get better? I find when I play the “what-if” game, my fear grows and grows. Even though there is no evidence for the fear, it is made more real by thinking about all the worst case scenarios. Another thing that happens as a result of what-ifs is it steals our ability to dream, to hope, to thrive! Just like the story mentioned last time about the spies who let fear rob them

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I Choose Today to Not Fear: part 1

Molinda Hern July 13, 2024

A friend reminded me that “fear is all about can’t, and hope is all about can,” which is so true! That statement gave me an aha moment. When we let fear overtake our thoughts and actions, we are saying we can’t, or worse yet, God can’t! Which we know is a lie! God can do all things; His abilities are unlimited and transcend time and space. We can do all things through Christ (Phil 4:13), and without Christ, we can do nothing (John 15:5). But fear of the unknown is so paralyzing. That is what happened to the Israelites when the spies went into the Promised Land and said the people were too big and strong to overcome. That was true if they relied on their own power and abilities, but not with God’s. He promised (and repeatedly demonstrated) to take care of all the obstacles in their way. But they didn’t believe God and chose to give in to their fear. Thus, that generation was kept from their Promised Land. How true that is for us too! We encounter obstacles, the impossible, the unknown, and let fear overtake us at the enormity of it and our ability to engage

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I Choose Today to be an Apprentice

Molinda Hern July 11, 2024

A few weeks ago, I discussed the importance of being Jesus’ apprentices. But what does it mean to be an apprentice? Historically, apprenticeships required individuals to meet several key expectations to ensure they successfully learned and mastered their chosen trade: Commitment and loyalty to their master Obedience and respect in following instructions/rules Willingness to learn and spend time developing their trade Hard work and diligence even in menial tasks Perseverance and patience with challenges Good behavior and ethical conduct Personal sacrifice and full commitment to training These expectations ensured that apprentices could eventually become skilled practitioners and possibly masters themselves, contributing to the continuity and quality of the craft. So how does the historical account of what an apprentice looked like correspond to being Jesus’ apprentice? Jesus told us in Luke 9:23-24 what is required: “Then He said to the crowd, “If any of you wants to be My follower, you must give up your own way, take up your cross daily, and follow Me. If you try to hang on to your life, you will lose it. But if you give up your life for My sake, you will save it.” Let’s break it down into a few key

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I Choose Today to Have Balance

Molinda Hern July 9, 2024

How often do you and I get so busy doing normal things, that we neglect our relationship with Jesus and others? I know I am guilty of this. Luke shares a situation that addresses this predicament: “…Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, “Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.” But the Lord said to her, “My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.”” Luke 10:39-42 NLT As I was reading the story of Mary and Martha, a thought came to me. Was Jesus telling Martha to not get caught up doing everything for everyone and find balance (like Mary had)? He was pointing out what is best for us all, regardless of whether we are men or women, that the best thing for us is to have balance. Taking time to take care

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I Choose Today to Remember Freedom

Molinda Hern July 4, 2024

Today is the Fourth of July. We celebrate the freedom we have because we live in a country that has fought for that right. Many have chosen to sacrifice for the sake of their country, the love of their countrymen, and for the freedom of all. While all sacrifice for our sakes, some pay the ultimate sacrifice with their lives for the love of the people. We also have another kind of freedom—the freedom Jesus died to give us. But what are we doing with that freedom? Paul tells us what we ought to be doing with our freedom when he states, “For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.” Galatians 5:13 NLT Serve one another in love. As we celebrate the freedom many men and women died to give us, and Jesus died to give us, let us imitate them by serving one another in love. Today, take a moment to reflect on the freedoms you enjoy. How can you use your freedom to serve others? Consider volunteering in your community, helping a neighbor,

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