I Choose Today...

I Choose Today to Let Grace Overcome Failure

Over and over in my life, I have had a pattern of starting something, then just when it is about to take off or be completed, I quit. There are a variety of reasons why I choose to quit – a disparaging comment from someone; an obstacle that gets in the way; doubt – but the core to all these “reasons” is the heart of the matter: fear of failure. While over the years I have learned how to overcome this pattern, through the power of the Holy Spirit, fixing my mind on what is true, pure, excellent (Phil. 4:8), and having an amazing support system, the enemy is still up to his old tricks and I am battling once again. He doesn’t want me to press on, but to quit. Satan, the deceiver, doesn’t want God’s people to do the will of the Lord, so he uses the same tactics he’s used since beginning of time: he twists the truth, he puts the seed of doubt in our minds, he tells us we are unequipped, unprepared, unworthy of our calling. We are not enough. We have too many obstacles in our lives. Does any of this resonate with you

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I Choose Today to be Fully Accepted

God doesn’t want us to hold anything back from Him—not our imperfections, mistakes, weaknesses, uncertainties, fears, anxieties, or doubts. He cares deeply about all those things because He cares so deeply about you. In fact, He knows the exact number of hairs on your head! “And the very hairs on your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are more valuable to God than a whole flock of sparrows.” Luke 12:7 NLT I used to struggle with this idea of being fully accepted by God. After experiencing the heartbreaking loss of my son to SIDS, I wrestled with overwhelming feelings of inadequacy, doubt, and guilt. I wondered if God could truly love and accept someone like me, with all the pain and brokenness I carried. It felt impossible to give Him my whole heart, soul, mind, and strength when so much of me was wrapped in grief and uncertainty. But it was in that season of brokenness that I discovered just how deeply God accepts us—flaws, fears, and all. I remember sitting in prayer one day, feeling like I had nothing to offer but tears. And yet, in that moment, I felt His presence so clearly. He didn’t

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I Choose Today to be Led Through the Wilderness

What is holding you back from stepping out in faith into your calling? Is it fear of failing? Inadequacy? Uncertainty? Fear of the unknown obstacles, giants, or hills that need to be battled? I have felt all these things. I have also stepped out in faith and, trial after trial, I wondered if I would have been happier or better if I would have just stayed where I was. At least I knew what to expect. But one of the things that I have learned is that when I have stepped out in faith and walked through the wilderness, that is when I learn the most. God did that for the Israelites when they left Egypt: “He brought us out from there in order to bring us in, to give us the land which He had sworn to [give] our fathers.’” Deuteronomy 6:23 AMP God brought them out of oppression, slavery, and captivity and into the wilderness in order to get them prepared for the promised land. “The Lord your God will drive out those nations to make room for you. But He will do it little by little. You won’t be allowed to get rid of them all at

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I Choose Today to Not Fear: part 2

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 Prepare my Heart for Worship

Worship. On Sunday mornings we go to church and worship the Lord when we sing. We may even go to a whole service or concert and worship through song. If you know me at all, I absolutely love praise and worship. Music, words of worship, and harmonious melodies speak to my heart. I’ve even been known to raise my hands when singing. I get lost in it, unabashed in how I appear. But worship is more than just singing; it is an attitude of the heart. The Bible talks a lot about worship, but not just the worship of song. There are many ways and occasions of worship. Over the next couple of weeks, we will discover together the many ways we can worship God. We will learn together, not only pleases God, but how it affects us. When we worship: It allows our hearts to be softened/open Deepens our faith Alleviates fear As we pour ourselves out to God, He pours Himself into us It allows God to move our hearts so we can hear from Him There are more benefits to worship, but you get the point.  Worship means something to God and it means something to us.

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