I Choose Today

Sometimes life presents questions we can’t answer and circumstances we wouldn’t choose. In this encouraging episode, Mo shares how faith isn’t about having all the answers—it’s about trusting the character of God when the path ahead doesn’t make sense.In This Episode:Why trust is often forged in uncertaintyThe difference between understanding and faithBiblical examples of trusting God through difficult circumstancesHow to choose faith when emotions and circumstances conflictToday’s Step:Identify one area where you’re struggling to trust God and intentionally surrender it to Him in prayer today.Scripture References:Proverbs 3:5–6Isaiah 55:8–9Habakkuk 3:17–19Romans 8:28Hey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more! Get it here: https://www.bible.com/app

How well does your soul really know that you are wonderfully made?In this deeply personal episode, Mo reflects on Psalm 139 and the powerful truth that God didn’t create us randomly or carelessly. He formed us intentionally, intimately, and with purpose. But many of us struggle to truly believe that about ourselves.Using the imagery of knitting and craftsmanship, this episode explores the difference between intellectually knowing Scripture and allowing our souls to fully rest in it. Together, we’ll talk about identity, value, comparison, striving, and what it means to finally see ourselves through the eyes of our Creator.This episode also serves as a gentle doorway into Mo’s upcoming sabbatical season—a season of slowing down, reconnecting with God, and remembering that our worth was never rooted in productivity, but in belonging to Him.If you’ve ever questioned your value, compared yourself to others, or struggled to believe God intentionally created you, this conversation is for you.Scripture ReferencesPsalm 139:13–16Ephesians 2:10Genesis 1:26–27In This EpisodeWhat it means to be “fearfully and wonderfully made”The difference between knowing Scripture intellectually vs. knowing it in your soulThe intentionality behind God’s designWhy comparison disconnects us from our God-given identityHow resting in God’s workmanship changes the way we liveA personal reflection on slowing down and reconnecting with God during sabbaticalToday’s StepTake five quiet minutes today and ask the Lord:“Where have I believed lies about my value, identity, or purpose?”Then slowly read Psalm 139:13–16 aloud—not as a passage about humanity in general, but as God’s intentional truth spoken over you.Pay attention to any words or phrases that stand out, and write them down.Connect with Mo / I Choose TodayPodcast & Blog: I Choose TodayListen to more episodes: I Choose Today PodcastInstagram: @i.choose.todayHey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more! Get it here: https://www.bible.com/app

In this episode, I’m sharing some of what God has been stirring in my heart as I prepare for a sabbatical season this summer.This isn’t about walking away from ministry or stepping back from faith. It’s about intentionally slowing down to reconnect with my first love and return to deeper communion with God.Together, we talk about:contemplative prayer and what it actually means,David being formed in hidden places before becoming king,how God uses wilderness and waiting seasons to shape us,why intimacy with God cannot survive indefinitely on leftovers,and how transformation happens through abiding in God’s presence, not striving harder.This episode is ultimately an invitation:to slow down,to listen,to be still,and to respond when God says,“Come and talk with Me.”Maybe your response today can simply be:“Lord… I’m coming.”Scriptures ReferencedPsalm 27:81 Samuel 13:141 Samuel 16:11–13Psalm 19Psalm 23Psalm 139:23–24Psalm 51:10Psalm 46:10Luke 2:192 Corinthians 3:18Resources MentionedThe Deeply Formed Life by Rich VillodasToday’s StepSet aside a few quiet minutes this week to simply be with God. No agenda. No performance. Just presence.Read Psalm 27 slowly and honestly pray:“Lord… I’m coming.”Thank you for listening to the I Choose Today podcast.If this episode encouraged you, would you take a moment to leave a rating or review and share it with someone who may need this reminder today?You can listen to past episodes, read blog posts, and find additional resources at:I Choose TodayHey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more! Get it here: YouVersion Bible App

Sometimes perseverance isn’t hard because of suffering…Sometimes it’s hard because things just feel… slow.In this final episode of the Perseverance Series (Part 4), Mo talks about what it looks like to keep going when growth feels delayed, progress feels invisible, and results don’t come quickly.Through Scripture, real-life reflection, and the powerful picture of unseen growth, this episode reminds us that slow does not mean stagnant, and just because we don’t see it, doesn’t mean God isn’t working.If you’ve been feeling discouraged by slow progress…If you’re wondering if anything is really happening…If you’re tempted to give up because you don’t see change…This episode will encourage you to keep going.Because perseverance isn’t about visible progress,It’s about trusting that God is working beneath the surface.Scriptures ReferencedPhilippians 1:6Hebrews 10:36(Plus biblical examples referenced: Joseph, David, Jesus’ early life)Key TakeawaysSlow does not mean stagnantGod often works beneath the surface before we see resultsDeep growth takes time and produces lasting strengthPerseverance means continuing even when progress isn’t visibleGod is more concerned with who we are becoming than how fast we growToday’s StepIf you’re in a slow season right now…Take a moment to thank God for the work He is doing, even if you can’t see it yet.Ask Him to help you trust the process.And choose to keep going… one step at a time.Because slow growth is still growth.Connect with I Choose TodayWebsite: https://ichoosetoday.orgInstagram: https://instagram.com/i.choose.todayShare the PodcastIf this episode encouraged you, consider sharing it with someone who may feel discouraged by slow progress. You never know who needs this reminder today.YouVersion BlurbHey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more! Get it here: https://www.bible.com/app

In this episode of the Identity series, we explore one of the most personal and healing truths of who we are in Christ: we are chosen and known by God. After learning to receive identity and rest from striving, the next question many hearts carry is whether we truly belong. Scripture reveals that we were fully known and intentionally chosen before we ever tried to prove ourselves. Through biblical truth and the story of Hagar — the woman who encountered “the God who sees me” — this episode reminds us that we are not overlooked, forgotten, or barely tolerated in God’s family. We are wanted.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:What it means that God knows you personally (Psalm 139)How being chosen in Christ is rooted in love, not performance (Ephesians 1:4–5)The story of Hagar and the God who sees (Genesis 16; Genesis 21)Why feeling unseen in life can make this truth difficult to believeHow identity in Christ is secure before calling or usefulness (Jeremiah 1:5)What it feels like to live as someone known and wanted by GodKey Truth from This Episode:God’s knowledge of you is compassionate and complete, and His choosing of you is intentional and secure. You are not an afterthought in His story. You belong in His heart.Signature Line:“You are not tolerated in God’s family — you are wanted.”Scripture References:Psalm 139Ephesians 1:4–5Genesis 16:7Genesis 21:17–19Jeremiah 1:5What Being Known and Chosen Feels Like:Not having to perform to keep God’s attentionBeing seen in weakness without losing your placeComing to God honestly, not rehearsedBelonging without auditioningResting in a love that is not reconsidering youToday’s Step:Ask God, “Where in my life do I still feel unseen or overlooked?”Bring that place into His presence and invite Him to remind you that you are known and chosen.Closing Prayer Summary:A prayer asking God to help us believe we are chosen in love, to heal places that still feel unseen, and to rest in the security of being known and wanted by Him.Study God’s Word with Me:Hey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more.Get it here: https://www.bible.com/app

In this second episode of the Identity series, we move from why receiving is hard to how we actually learn to receive. Mo shares a personal story from her teenage years that revealed her struggle to accept even simple compliments — a struggle that mirrors how many of us approach God’s grace.This episode explores what we truly receive in Christ — His rest, His glory, and intimate relationship — and why learning to receive is not just for our own healing, but essential to loving others well. As Jesus said, “Freely you have received; freely give.” If we have not learned to receive freely from God, we will struggle to give freely to others.This is an invitation to stop striving, rest in Christ’s finished work, and practice opening the door of your heart to receive what God has already given.In This Episode, You’ll Hear:Mo’s personal story about learning to take a complimentWhat it means to receive Christ’s finished work rather than striveWhy receiving is relational, not transactional (John 1:12)What we receive in Christ: His rest, His glory, and intimate relationshipWhy receiving is difficult — and holyHow “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8) shapes our ability to love othersKey Takeaway:Learning to receive is not just about your own healing — it shapes how you love, serve, and give to others. We receive freely so that we can give freely.Signature Truth from This Episode:“My identity is not something I achieve — it’s something I receive in Christ.”Today’s Step:Practice opening the door to receive one small gift today — a compliment, help, kindness, or even a quiet moment of rest. Resist the urge to deflect or return it. Simply say, “Thank you.”Later, ask God:“Where am I still working instead of resting in Your finished work?”Closing Prayer:Father God,We confess that receiving can be hard for us. Sometimes we are more comfortable striving than resting, and more willing to work than trust.Thank You that Your love is safe. Thank You that Your gifts are freely given. Thank You that Your finished work is enough.Teach us how to receive — not just with our minds, but with our hearts. Help us open the door when You knock. Help us rest in what You have already done and live from Your grace instead of our effort.We surrender our striving to You today and choose to receive Your peace, Your presence, and Your love.In Jesus’ name, Amen.Study God’s Word with Me:Hey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more.Get it here: https://www.bible.com/app

This brief Christmas reflection centers on the humble way Jesus entered the world—and the heart He calls us to reflect today. Born not in power or grandeur, but in humility and nearness, Jesus came close to the lowly, the overlooked, and the ordinary. As we remember His birth, we’re invited to imitate His heart through humility, gentleness, love, and unity.Scripture References:John 17 (Jesus’ prayer for unity)Ephesians 4:2–3 (NLT)Listener Encouragement:As Christmas gatherings and conversations fill our days, may we choose to reflect the heart of Christ—walking in humility, extending grace, and pursuing unity in love.A Note from Me:After this episode, I’ll be taking a short two-week pause from the podcast for rest and recovery. Thank you for walking this journey with me. I’ll be back in the new year, expectant and grateful for what God has ahead.Closing Encouragement:Keep choosing today to be transformed—one moment of peace, one step toward unity, one day at a time.

When life feels loud, uncertain, or overwhelming, peace can feel like something you have to chase. But in Scripture, peace is not something you pursue — it’s something you allow to rule. In this episode, Mo shares how the peace of Christ becomes the governing voice in the middle of real-life pressures, noise, and internal battles.Drawing from Colossians 3:15, Isaiah 26:3, and John 14:27, Mo explores how peace is not the absence of chaos but the presence of Jesus. She walks through the practical movements that help you shift from anxious thoughts to a surrendered mind anchored in God’s truth.If you’ve been feeling stretched thin or pulled in twenty directions, this episode will remind you that peace is possible right where you are — not someday, not when life quiets down, but today.Referenced Scriptures:Colossians 3:15Isaiah 26:3John 14:27Key Themes:Peace as a ruling forceTransforming your thought lifeResponding instead of reactingSurrendering loud thoughtsLetting Christ’s peace make the callToday’s Step:Choose one loud thought and surrender it to Jesus. Pray, “Jesus, I give You this thought. Let Your peace rule here instead.”And keep choosing today to be transformed — one moment of peace, one surrendered thought, one day at a time.YouVersion:Hey! I love using YouVersion, and I think you will, too. You can study God’s Word, read and watch daily devotionals, pray with friends, and more. Get it here: https://www.bible.com/app