I Choose Today...

I Choose Today to Stay Close to the Father

I read a story recently about a father who spent a lot of time making things for his daughter. Thoughtful things. Beautiful things. His hands were busy, his heart full of love. But as I sat with the story, something stirred—something deeper. The Holy Spirit nudged me with a gentle question: What if she needed more of him, not more from him? He had limited time—like we all do. And instead of using it to make memories with her, he spent it making gifts for her. Sweet? Yes. But something essential was missed: presence. She would’ve learned more, grown more, and likely cherished more, simply being with her father than receiving all the things he crafted. And just like that, I felt the Lord turn that mirror on me. How often do I long for what God can do for me instead of simply sitting with Him? How often do I run ahead chasing something good and miss out on the One who is better? It reminds me of the choice Abraham and Lot had to make* (credit to Paul Waters). When their herds grew too large to share land, Abraham offered Lot first pick. Lot lifted his eyes and

Read More »

I Choose Today Let God’s Word Fortify My Soul

Sometimes we just need to be reminded of where our real strength comes from. I wrote this reflection a while ago, but it’s one I keep coming back to—especially when I feel drained, uncertain, or just needing a reset. God’s Word doesn’t just encourage me—it fortifies me. I hope these words do the same for you today. ⸻ I love words—maybe that’s one reason I love God’s Word so much! David captures this same love for God’s Word, expressing awe and wonder through his writing. In Psalm 119:175 (MSG), David ends his heartfelt prayer with these powerful words: “Invigorate my soul so I can praise You well; use Your decrees to put iron in my soul.” I love the way this translation puts it: “Invigorate my soul.” To invigorate means to strengthen and give energy. Think about a time you’ve felt invigorated—maybe after spending time at the beach, hearing an inspiring sermon, or listening to a meaningful song. In those moments, you’re energized, ready to take on the world, to fight the good fight, and to step into whatever God is calling you to. David’s prayer is that God’s principles, instructions, and truths would empower him to live with energy

Read More »

I Choose Today to Hope in the Stump: Remnant Series – Part 3

There’s something sobering about the image of a stump. A tree once full of life—cut down. Only the base remains. Silent. Lifeless. Forgotten. Have you ever felt like that? Like everything familiar has been stripped away? Like all that’s left of a dream, a relationship, or a season is a flat, broken remnant of what once was? In Isaiah 6:13, the Lord speaks of Israel being cut down in judgment, saying, “As a terebinth or oak leaves a stump when it is cut down, so the holy seed will be the stump in the land.” It’s easy to read that and feel the heaviness. But tucked into that verse is a flicker of hope: The stump isn’t dead. There’s a seed still alive within it. It may not look like much—but with God, it’s enough. Throughout Scripture, God has a history of bringing life from unlikely places. Sarah’s womb, declared barren. Ruth’s life, marked by loss. David’s forgotten lineage. Jesus’ death and resurrection. Again and again, God begins in places the world calls finished. The stump may look like the end—but with God, it’s the beginning. Isaiah 11:1 says, “Out of the stump of David’s family will grow a shoot—yes,

Read More »

I Choose Today to Go Where Jesus Would Go: The Remnant Series

We often talk about living like Jesus—but are we willing to go where He went? Jesus didn’t confine Himself to temple walls or religious circles. He walked through Samaritan towns. He entered the homes of tax collectors. He let a broken woman anoint His feet while others scoffed. He touched the leper. He defended the adulterous woman. He dined with the very people religious leaders warned against. Not once did He compromise truth. But not once did He withhold compassion either. That’s the tension I’m wrestling with. Because in many church circles today, I see a hesitancy—not to speak truth—but to step into messy places where truth is most needed. There’s a fear that associating with sinners equals agreeing with sin. And so, instead of going out, we pull in. We stay safe. We protect our reputation. We polish our theology and post our sermons—but we forget the simple, radical call Jesus gave: Go. “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” — Mark 16:15 But how do we “go” if we refuse to be present in the places where brokenness lives? Jesus didn’t call us to avoid the world—He called us to love it. To

Read More »

I Choose Today to Be Faithful One Step at a Time Remnant Series – Part 2

Faithfulness. It’s not flashy. It doesn’t always get recognition. But it’s the heartbeat of a remnant life. I used to think that to make a difference in this world, I needed to do something big—start a movement, lead the charge, fix everything. But what I’m learning, step by step, is that faithfulness rarely looks like a spotlight. More often, it looks like quiet obedience in the small things. It looks like saying yes to Jesus on an ordinary Tuesday. It looks like choosing mercy instead of retaliation. It looks like staying rooted in the Word when distractions pull hard. It looks like following Rabboni—my Teacher—as I’m still learning. Because the truth is, before I can go out and make disciples, I have to be one. I have to walk with Him. Watch Him. Learn from Him. Fail and try again. Receive grace and give it away. Step by step. That’s why Micah 6:8 is such a lifeline for me: “And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” That’s it. No 10-step plan. No public platform required. Just justice. Mercy. Humility. One step at a time, with

Read More »