I Choose Today...

I Choose Today to Breathe His Praise

Recently, during a worship service at church, we sang a song that truly spoke to my heart: “Great Are You Lord” by All Sons and Daughters. (I’ve added the link at the end so you can listen if you’d like.) The chorus resonates deeply:  “It’s Your breath in our lungs, so we pour out our praise, pour out our praise… to You only.”   This beautiful truth led me to reflect on the very moment God gave us breath—the moment He brought life into existence. “Then the Lord God formed the man from the dust of the ground. He breathed the breath of life into the man’s nostrils, and the man became a living person.”  —Genesis 2:7 (NLT)   This verse reveals three profound truths about our Creator: 1. We Are Created With Intentionality and Purpose God didn’t just make Adam—He formed him. Every detail was intentional, deliberate, and purposeful. Psalm 139:13 reminds us, “You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.” Have you ever watched someone knit? Each stitch is part of a larger plan, crafted with care. That’s how God made you—yes, you! He chose every detail about

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I Choose Today Let God’s Word Fortify My Soul

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 and purpose. He’s saying that being invigorated by God’s Word gives him the strength to praise God, face challenges, and do the work God has set before him. “Your decrees to put iron in my soul.” To me, iron reflects both a fortification and steel. One represents preparation, and the other, action. Fortifying is about mental and emotional

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I Choose Today to Prepare for Life’s Rainy Days

Have you ever heard the expression, “saving for a rainy day?” The idea is to set aside resources now so you’re prepared for whatever comes later—whether it’s a challenge or an opportunity. Many financial experts advise saving at least six months of expenses to cover any unexpected circumstances. This principle of intentional saving is wise, don’t you think? But what about your heart bank? What are you storing there? According to Psalm 119, David offers wisdom on living a pure life when he says, “How can a young person live a clean life? By carefully reading the map of your Word” (Psalm 119:9 MSG). David continues, “I have stored up Your Word in my heart, that I might not sin against You” (Psalm 119:11 ESV). David wasn’t just saving money; he was banking God’s Word in his heart for those inevitable “rainy days.” He knew that unexpected challenges, opportunities, and hardships would come his way. By storing up God’s teachings, promises, and guidance, David ensured that when those moments arrived, he would know how to respond according to God’s will. God gave similar advice to Joshua, saying, “Study this Book of Instruction continually. Meditate on it day and night so

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I Choose Today to Learn to Listen

In our previous sessions, we’ve explored what to talk to God about and how to talk to Him. Today, let’s dive into the different ways God speaks to us and how we can listen. In any relationship, communication is crucial. We invest time and effort to learn how to speak effectively and, just as importantly, how to be a better listener. Our relationship with God is no different—it requires intentionality to understand how to communicate and listen when He speaks. But how does God speak to us? Here are some ways: Through His Word (the Bible): – 2 Timothy 3:16-17: “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness…” – Psalms 119:105 NLT: “Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” God gives us guidance, step by step, as we spend time with Him. Through Teachers and Pastors: – Ephesians 4:11-12: “So Christ himself gave the apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the pastors and teachers, to equip his people for works of service…” Sometimes, God uses a pastor’s message, a teacher’s insight, or even a blogger’s post to speak to us. Through Other People: – Proverbs 27:17:

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I Choose Today to be Renewed

I am encouraged by a friend today. When she was feeling emotionally and spiritually weak, she chose to fight against that by praying God’s Word over her situations. That is what we are supposed to do. That is what Jesus did. Jesus spoke the truth of God’s Word when met with His own physical weakness in the wilderness. Satan tried to use His weakness to get Him to sin. That is what the devil does, uses our weaknesses (emotional, physical, or spiritual) to get us to sin. My friend did what Jesus did. She spoke the Word of Truth over her problems, over being overwhelmed, over her struggles. What happened after Jesus spoke the Word against the devil? Satan left Him, then angels came to comfort and fed Him. God is our source of comfort, just like David expresses in the 23rd Psalms, “He lets me rest in green meadows; He leads me beside peaceful streams. He renews my strength. He guides me along right paths, bringing honor to his name.” He gives strength; restores our souls. “Thank You, Lord, for renewing our strength and restoring our souls. Thank You for the comfort as we walk through stresses of this

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