I Choose Today...

I Choose Today to Be Refined in the Wilderness

What’s holding you back from stepping out in faith toward your calling? Maybe it’s fear of failing. Maybe it’s that quiet whisper of inadequacy or the uncertainty of what’s ahead, the unknown giants, obstacles, or uphill battles waiting in the distance. I’ve felt all of those things. There have been moments when I stepped out in obedience, only to find myself in a wilderness season wondering if I had made a mistake. I missed the predictability of what I left behind, the comfort of knowing what to expect. But every time, it’s been in that wilderness where I’ve learned the most about who God is and who He’s shaping me to become. God did the same for the Israelites when He brought them out of Egypt: “He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to our fathers.” — Deuteronomy 6:23 (AMP) He didn’t take them straight from slavery to promise. He led them through the wilderness first. The desert was the classroom where dependence, trust, and transformation took root. And even when they reached the edge of the promise, God said: “The Lord your God will drive

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I Choose Today to See Beauty from Chaos (Transformation Series)

Last week, I wrote about how the Spirit of God brings order from chaos — how He doesn’t leave us in the dark, but hovers close, bringing light and life where there was once confusion. But God doesn’t stop at order. He always takes it further — He makes it beautiful. When I look back at my life, I can see moments that felt like pure chaos—messy, unformed, out of control. But every single time, God was doing what He’s always done: shaping something beautiful from what I could only see as broken. Genesis 1 tells us that once God brought order, He began filling creation with beauty — color, texture, variety, light. Everything He made was called good. In the book, Terra Nova, Julian Adams explains that the Hebrew word ṭôv—translated as “good”—doesn’t just mean morally right; it carries the sense of beauty, delight, and excellence. When God said creation was good, He was admiring its beauty. He was taking pleasure in what He made. That insight changed how I see Him. Because God’s goodness has never been only about function — it’s about flourishing. Genesis 2:9 says the trees in the garden were “pleasant to the sight and

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I Choose Today to See What’s Surrounding Me

Recently during worship at church, we sang the familiar song “Surrounded (Fight My Battles)” by Michael W. Smith. As we repeated the words, “It may look like I’m surrounded, but I’m surrounded by You,” the Holy Spirit brought to mind a passage of Scripture that beautifully captures that truth. It’s the story of when the king of Aram (Syria) sent his army to capture the prophet Elisha. Every time the king planned an attack against Israel, Elisha would warn the king of Israel in advance because God had revealed the plans to him. This enraged the Aramean king, who decided to send a massive army with horses and chariots to surround the city where Elisha was staying (2 Kings 6:8–17). The next morning, Elisha’s servant went outside and saw the enemy forces encircling them. Terrified, he ran to Elisha crying, “Oh no, my lord! What shall we do?” (v. 15). To him, it was hopeless — two men surrounded by an army. But Elisha responded calmly: “Don’t be afraid. Those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” Can you imagine the servant’s confusion? He could only see what was in front of him — a

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I Choose Today to Let God Use the Little Things

Romans 8:28 tells us, “And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to His purpose for them.” We usually think of this verse in light of the big stuff—job loss, illness, grief, tragedy. But what about the little things—the everyday interactions, the words we speak in frustration, the way we respond when we feel misunderstood? Not long ago, I was on the phone with a customer service rep about a shipping mistake. Her response came across as accusatory, and before I knew it, my defenses went up. My words followed quickly after. The call ended with tension instead of resolution, and I felt the sting of conviction. I had not been a good witness for Christ. Shame whispered that I was a failure. But God… He reminded me that even my shortcomings can become places of growth. The Holy Spirit gently uncovered the deeper reasons for my reaction and gave me the opportunity to invite Him into those places. That moment became a lesson—a reminder of what not to do, but more importantly, a call to let Him transform me so my light can shine brighter

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I Choose Today to Worship Through My Work – Avodah (Episode 20)

Have you ever felt like your everyday work doesn’t matter to God? Like only the “big” or “spiritual” things count as worship? The Bible paints a different picture. In Hebrew, the word Avodah is used to describe both work and worship. It appears throughout the Old Testament, connecting the act of labor and the act of honoring God as one beautiful offering. When we see our daily tasks—laundry, emails, teaching, building, serving—as Avodah, our perspective changes. Ordinary moments become sacred because we are doing them for Him. I’ve experienced this deeply in my own ministry work. Preparing podcast episodes and writing blog posts often feels hidden and unseen. There’s no applause, no instant feedback—just quiet obedience in my office. But every time I sit down to create, I take off my shoes, pray, and dedicate it to God as an act of worship. Even in the unseen, this work is holy ground. Maybe your Avodah looks like caring for your family, working at a desk, or volunteering where no one notices. Whatever it is, remember: Your hidden work is not hidden from God. Let your work be worship today. Invite God into the ordinary and watch Him transform it into

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