I Choose Today...

I Choose Today to Ask Why

I am a project manager by trade. One of my favorite things to do when faced with an unknown challenge is to find the root cause.  Then I can strategize and make a plan to solve the problem. Project management methodology has several ways to find the root cause, but my favorite is the 5 Whys. The 5 Whys involves repeatedly asking ‘why’ when faced with a problem, aiming to uncover the root cause by moving beyond surface-level symptoms. This method not only applies in professional settings but also holds significance in our personal interactions. Let’s face it, we tend to judge the symptom rather than finding out the root cause of the symptom. For example, serval weeks ago, I told you about a gentleman I met who found himself addicted to drugs and living on the street. When we encounter people who are living that reality, we tend to judge them instead of getting to know the why: the root of their pain. God knew the root cause of people’s problems; the reason for their despair, hopelessness, animosity: sin and the separation from God because of the sin. But God had compassion on His creation, so He had a

Read More »

I Choose Today to Reflect

The beginning of a new year sparks excitement – fresh opportunities, challenges, adventures, and resolutions waiting to unfold. You might be thinking, “I don’t like making New Year’s resolutions; I always end up breaking them.” That sentiment resonates with me too. Until last year, I shared the same perspective on resolutions; they felt like setting myself up for failure amid life’s inevitable challenges. Then, a challenge from a church member, to fall deeper in love with God, altered my mindset. I resolved to deepen my connection with God, a resolution that changed my world. My journey led me to fall even deeper in love with God’s Word – a craving that drove me to explore its depths. I discovered that His Word is His breath, His very essence. My understanding of God’s nature deepened, revealing His genuine love, mercy, grace, and being the ultimate source of hope. Most profoundly, I developed a deeper personal relationship with God – the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. The joy of knowing they delight in me transformed my perspective. Words can’t capture the impact of this resolution on my life. As I gear up for 2024, my resolutions include fervent prayer, living

Read More »

I Choose Today to share the gift of light!

”Then God said, “Let there be light.” The Light changed everything; absolutely everything! Every night I get up a couple of times and make my way to where I need to go. It is really dark because we live in a place where there are no streetlights or city lights to light up the room. So to keep me from stumbling as I walk around at night, I use the tiny light that is illuminated on our robot vacuum housed in the hall right outside our door. That little light, shines brightly in the darkness and makes all the difference in the world; just like the true Light made all the difference in the world when He came and to this very day! From the beginning of time, Jesus has been the true Light: ”In the beginning the Word [Jesus] already existed. The Word was with God, and the Word was God. The Word gave life to everything that was created, and His life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.“ John‬ ‭1‬:‭1‬, ‭4‬-‭5‬ ‭NLT‬‬. Isaiah tells us why the Light makes a difference for the world when he proclaimed,

Read More »

I Choose Today to know love

This morning I woke up and this verse was playing on a repeat in my mind, ”So the Word [Christ Jesus] became human and made his home among us…”. I got to thinking about this verse and asked “why?”. Why would Jesus come down from heaven, from His throne and place of honor, to live among us as a mere human? Well to get my answer, I only had to read the rest of the passage! “…God’s unfailing love and faithfulness came through Jesus Christ. No one has ever seen God. But the unique One [Jesus], who is Himself God, is near to the Father’s heart. He has revealed God to us.“ John‬ ‭1‬:‭17b-‭18‬. Jesus came to reveal God to us. Since God is love (unfailing love), Jesus came to show us His true nature: loving kindness, gentleness, goodness, sweetness, delight. Not legalism; not condemnation; but to save; to know God’s perfect love; to have a real relationship with the Creator of the universe; to give life abundantly now and for eternity. Who wouldn’t want that life? Who wouldn’t want the guarantee to live forever in constant relationship with God? Why would anyone chance that for hoping they are right

Read More »

I Choose Today to give the gift of love

”Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.“ ‭‭1 John‬ ‭4‬:‭7‬ ‭NLT‬‬ Love others…that is how we will draw near to God. We draw near by expressing to others God’s true nature of love. When Christ came, He demonstrated God’s true nature of love. “For God so loved the world that He gave His only Son…” Since we are a byproduct of that expression of love, and have that love living in and through us, how can we not share it with others! So how can I share the gift of love with someone? WOW, that is a loaded question, with a lot of answers. I can love others through my words: of encouragement, words of edification, words of kindness, words of forgives. I can share the gift of God’s love by my actions: acts of kindness, acts of generosity, active and effective listening, acts of mercy. So let us be intentional in embodying love in both our words and actions. Whether through uplifting words of encouragement or selfless acts of kindness, let’s extend the love we’ve received to those around us. Remember,

Read More »