As usual, you know I like to start these short messages with a question. So why should today be any different? Here's today's question: have you ever noticed how much easier life gets when people choose humility instead of trying to be “the big dog” in the room? I mean, think about the last time you were around someone who had to be right, had to be in charge, or had to make sure everyone knew how important they were. It’s exhausting. It’s like trying to have a conversation with a billboard.

But then there are those people who walk into a room and bring peace with them. They listen. They care. They don’t need the spotlight. They make space for others. And you walk away thinking, “Man… I like people like that. I want to be more like that.”

That’s humility. And Paul says humility is one of the keys to joy.

In Philippians 2:3–4, he writes: “Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”

Now, Paul isn’t saying you should think less of yourself. He’s saying you should think of yourself less often. Humility isn’t weakness — it’s strength under control. It’s choosing unity over ego. It’s choosing kindness over competition. It’s choosing to lift others instead of lifting yourself.

And then Paul gives us the ultimate example — Jesus. He says Jesus didn’t cling to His position, His status, or His rights. Instead, He stepped down, stepped in, and stepped close. He served. He loved. He gave. He humbled Himself.

And here’s the part that hits home for us: Humility creates joy because humility creates peace.

Think about your own life. Think about your home. Think about your relationships. Think about your workplace.

Where there’s humility, there’s harmony. Where there’s humility, there’s connection. Where there’s humility, there’s room for God to work.

And let’s be honest — humility isn’t always easy. Especially when we’re tired. Especially when we’re stressed. Especially when we feel like we’re carrying more than our share.

But humility is one of those choices that pays off immediately. It softens conversations. It calms tension. It opens doors. It builds trust. It reminds us that we’re not the center of the universe — and that’s actually a relief.

Here’s a little humor for you — I once heard someone say, “Humility is like underwear. You should have it, you should use it, but you shouldn’t show it off.” And honestly… that’s pretty accurate.

Humility isn’t about announcing it. It’s about living it.

Where in your life — maybe today — do you need to slow down, take a breath, and choose humility instead of reacting out of frustration, pride, or pressure?

Humility brings joy. Humility brings unity. Humility brings us closer to the heart of Jesus.

Until next time… Keep Choosing Love Today.

Have you ever been in a room where everyone was supposed to be on the same team… but it sure didn’t feel like it? Maybe it was a family gathering, a workplace meeting, or even a church committee where half the people looked like they were preparing for a cage match. You walk in thinking, “We’re all here for the same reason,” and five minutes later you’re wondering if you should’ve worn protective gear.

Unity is beautiful when it’s present — and painfully obvious when it’s missing.

That’s why Paul talks about it so strongly in Philippians 2. He says in verse 2, “Make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and of one mind.”

Paul isn’t asking everyone to think exactly the same. He’s not saying we all need to have identical opinions, identical personalities, or identical preferences. He’s saying we need to have the same heart — the same love, the same purpose, the same commitment to Christ and to each other.

Unity doesn’t mean uniformity. Unity means harmony.

Think about a choir. If everyone sings the exact same note, it’s not harmony — it’s just loud. But when different voices blend together, something beautiful happens. That’s unity. Different people, different backgrounds, different strengths — all moving in the same direction.

And here’s the part that we should all strive for on a continual basis: Unity brings joy because unity brings peace.

When people choose unity:

• conversations soften and dialogue grows

• relationships strengthen

• misunderstandings shrink

• grace grows

• and the whole atmosphere changes

But unity doesn’t happen by accident. It happens when people choose humility, patience, forgiveness, and love — even when it’s not easy.

Paul knew the Philippians had some internal tension. He wasn’t scolding them — he was guiding them. He was saying, “Hey, you’re stronger together. Don’t let small things become big things. Don’t let pride steal your joy.”

And friends, maybe there's a word, or better, a lesson, for us too. Because unity isn’t just for churches — it’s for families, marriages, friendships, workplaces, and communities.

Sometimes unity looks like choosing not to argue about something small. Sometimes unity looks like listening instead of reacting. Sometimes unity looks like saying, “I don’t have to win this one.”

Unity is a choice — and it’s a joyful one.

Where in your life do you need to take one small step toward unity — maybe through patience, forgiveness, or simply choosing peace over being right?

Unity brings joy. Unity brings strength. Unity reflects the heart of Jesus.

Until next time… Keep Choosing Love Today.

Have you ever noticed how serving someone else can change your whole mood? You might start out tired, frustrated, or just not in the right head space, but then you help somebody — maybe you hold a door, carry groceries, check on a neighbor, or even just listen — and suddenly your heart feels lighter. It’s almost like God wired joy straight into the act of serving.

That’s exactly what Paul highlights in Philippians 2. He points us to Jesus, who didn’t come to be served but to serve. Paul writes in Philippians 2:7, “He made Himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant.”

Think about that for a second. Jesus — the Son of God — chose the role of a servant. Not because He had to, but because love expresses itself through service. And Paul says that when we follow that example, something powerful happens inside us.

Serving shifts our focus. Serving softens our hearts. Serving reminds us that life isn’t just about what we get — it’s about what we give.

And here’s the part we really need to focus on: Serving doesn’t have to be dramatic. It doesn’t have to be a grand gesture. It doesn’t have to be a “change the world” moment.

Sometimes serving looks like:

• helping your spouse with something small

• encouraging your kids or grandkids

• checking in on someone who’s struggling

• doing a task no one else wants to do and without having to be asked to do it

• showing patience when you’d rather show frustration

Serving is simply love in motion.

And let’s be really honest here — serving isn’t always easy. Especially when we’re tired. Especially when life feels heavy. Especially when we feel like we’re already carrying more than our share and doing more than anyone else.

But here’s the beautiful part: Serving doesn’t drain joy — it creates joy.

It’s like spiritual physics. When you pour out, God pours in. When you lift someone else, God lifts you. When you choose humility, God fills you with peace.

I heard someone say once, “If you want to feel better, go help somebody.” And you know what? That’s actually biblical. Paul says joy grows when we stop obsessing over ourselves and start looking toward the needs of others.

Serving doesn’t make your problems disappear — but it does make your heart stronger while you face them.

And maybe today, that’s exactly what you need. Not a huge act. Not a heroic moment. Just one small choice to serve someone in front of you.

Who is one person you can serve today — in a simple, meaningful way — that might bring joy to both of you?

Serving brings joy. Serving brings purpose. Serving brings us closer to the heart of Jesus.

It's another way to show you… Keep Choosing Love Today.

Let me ask you a question. Have you ever looked at someone and thought, "I could never do what they do"?

Maybe it's a gifted teacher, a talented musician, a successful business owner, or someone who just seems to have abilities that come naturally. It's easy to look at other people and convince ourselves that God can use them because they're talented, but He can't use us because we're ordinary.

But when you read the Bible, that's not what God seems to be looking for.

In 2 Timothy 2:2, Paul tells Timothy, "And the things that you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others."

Did you notice what Paul didn't say?

He didn't tell Timothy to look for the most talented people. He didn't tell him to find the smartest people or the most charismatic people. Paul told Timothy to find reliable people. Other translations use the word faithful.

Why? Because talent may get someone's foot in the door, but faithfulness keeps them walking through it.

Think about it this way. If you needed someone to water your plants while you were away for a month, would you choose the most talented person you know, or the person you know will actually show up every day? Most of us would choose the reliable person every time.

Faithfulness matters.

The same is true in God's kingdom. God can use talent, but He values faithfulness. After all, many of the people God used in Scripture weren't chosen because of extraordinary ability. Moses struggled with speaking. Gideon struggled with fear. David was the youngest brother and wasn't even invited when Samuel came looking for Israel's next king.

What they eventually had in common was a willingness to trust God and keep showing up.

Sometimes we think our responsibility is to be impressive. God's Word reminds us that our responsibility is to be faithful.

You don't have to have all the answers to be faithful.

You don't have to be the most gifted person in the room to be faithful.

You don't have to have a large audience to be faithful.

You simply have to do what God has placed in front of you today.

So let me ask you a couple of questions.

Have you been comparing your abilities to someone else's?

Are there opportunities God has given you that you've been overlooking because you feel unqualified?

Maybe today is a good day to stop focusing on what you don't have... and start using what God has already placed in your hands.

The truth is, most people won't remember how talented we were. But they will remember whether they could count on us. More importantly, one day we'll stand before the Lord, and I don't believe He's looking for perfection. He's looking for faithfulness.

Take the next step. Keep showing up. Keep serving. Keep trusting. Keep doing the good God has called you to do, even when it seems small or unnoticed.

And that's another way you can focus less on talent and more on faithfulness.

And that's another way to.......Keep Choosing Love Today!

Titus: When Faith Shows Up

What does real faith look like when it steps out of the church building and into everyday life? In this episode, we begin our journey through the book of Titus and discover that faith isn't just something we believe, it's something people can see.

Paul reminds Titus that healthy teaching should lead to transformed living. Whether at home, at work, or in our communities, the gospel isn't just meant to change our minds. It's meant to change our actions, attitudes, and relationships.

Join us as we explore how God's grace shapes the way we live and why authentic faith always leaves a visible footprint. Because when faith shows up, it makes a difference.

Scripture: Titus 1:1-4

Choosing Love Today Challenge: Ask yourself, "If someone only watched my actions this week, what would they learn about my faith?" Then look for one practical way to reflect God's love to someone around you.....

and Keep Choosing Love Today!

What does it take to grow strong in Christ in a world that constantly pulls us in different directions?

In this first episode of our Colossians series, we explore Paul's encouragement to believers who were facing confusion, competing ideas, and pressure from the culture around them. Just as a tree with deep roots can withstand fierce storms, followers of Jesus grow stronger when their lives are firmly rooted in Him.

We'll discover why spiritual growth isn't about trying harder but about knowing Christ more deeply. We'll talk about faith, hope, and love, and how God's truth produces lasting fruit in our everyday lives. Whether you're a new believer or you've been walking with Jesus for years, this episode will encourage you to strengthen your foundation and experience the life-changing power of God's grace.

Join me as we begin our journey through Colossians and learn what it means to be deeply rooted, spiritually healthy, and growing strong in Christ.

Scripture Focus: Colossians 1:1-14

Helping everyday people follow Jesus one step, one choice, and one day at a time.....that's how you Keep Choosing Love Today!

Have you ever had a moment where you realized you were trusting God… until something happened that made you start trusting your own strength instead? Maybe it was a sudden problem, an unexpected bill, a tough conversation, or one of those “life just punched me in the gut” moments. You go from peaceful to panicked in about three seconds, and suddenly you’re trying to fix everything yourself.

We’ve all been there. And that’s why Paul’s words in Philippians 4 hit so deeply.

In Philippians 4:6–7, he writes: “Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God… will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.”

Now, Paul isn’t saying, “Just stop worrying.” If it were that easy, we’d all be floating around like stress free superheroes. What he is saying is this: trust is a choice — and it’s a choice that leads to peace.

Trust doesn’t mean pretending everything is fine. Trust doesn’t mean ignoring reality. Trust doesn’t mean you never feel fear.

Trust means you bring your fear to God instead of carrying it alone.

And friends, here’s the reality in the whole situation: Joy grows when trust grows.

Because when you trust God:

• you stop trying to control everything

• you stop assuming the worst

• you stop carrying burdens that aren’t yours

• you stop living in the “what ifs”

• and you start living in the “God is with me”

Paul wrote those words from prison — not from a beach, not from a retreat, not from a peaceful season. He wrote them while facing uncertainty, pressure, and hardship. And yet he said, “Don’t be anxious. Bring it to God. Let His peace guard you.”

Guard you. Like a shield. Like a protector. Like a steady presence that keeps your heart from spiraling.

And let’s be honest — I know trusting God is easier on some days than others. Some days you feel strong. Other days you feel like you’re hanging on by a thread. But trust isn’t about how strong you feel — it’s about how strong God is.

Sometimes trust looks like praying. Sometimes trust looks like pausing. Sometimes trust looks like taking a breath before reacting. Sometimes trust looks like saying, “Lord, I can’t carry this. I need You to.”

And every time you choose trust — even in small ways — joy grows a little bit more.

So, here's the question of the day....What is one thing you’re carrying today that you need to hand over to God — not later, not someday, but right now?

Trust brings peace. Trust brings clarity. Trust opens the door to joy.

It also makes it easier to....... Keep Choosing Love Today.

Colossians – Episode 2: “Christ Above”

Hi everyone!

Here's a good question to start your day: What’s the one thought that just seems to have taken over your mind “above” everything else in your life lately? Not what should be above… but what actually is?

I was thinking about this the other day while standing in line at the grocery store. You know how your mind wanders when you’re waiting? Mine drifted to all the things that try to climb up the ladder of importance — schedules, responsibilities, worries, expectations, opinions, headlines, and sometimes just plain old stress. And I realized something: none of those things asked permission to climb. They just did.

And if we’re not careful, they end up sitting above Christ without us ever noticing.

Paul writes something simple but powerful in Colossians 3:1–2: “Set your hearts on things above… Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things.” That’s not poetry — that’s instruction. It’s direction. It’s a reset button for the soul.

Because Paul knew something we forget: Life will always try to put something else above Christ. Not because those things are evil — but because they’re loud.

So, let me ask you gently: What’s been loud in your life lately? What’s been climbing higher than it should? What’s been getting more attention, more energy, more emotional weight than Christ?

Sometimes it’s fear. Sometimes it’s frustration. It could be a relationship. With many of you, I'm sure it's work. And sometimes it’s just the noise of life.

And here’s the thing — Paul doesn’t say, “Ignore earthly things.” He says, “Don’t let them sit above Christ”....and there’s a difference.

Putting Christ above doesn’t mean pretending life isn’t hard. It doesn’t mean ignoring your other responsibilities. It doesn’t mean shutting out the world.

It means letting Jesus be the lens you look through… not the thing you look for when everything else falls apart.

It means letting His voice be the steady one. Letting His truth be the anchor. And letting His presence be the calm.

So, let me ask you another question — one that’s meant to settle you, not pressure you: What would shift in your life if Christ sat above everything else today? What would feel lighter? What would feel clearer? What would feel less overwhelming?

Because when Christ is above, everything else finds its place.

Your worries shrink. Your priorities settle. Your heart steadies. Your mind quiets. Your hope rises.

And maybe that’s what you need today — not a dramatic change, not a big spiritual moment, just a gentle reset. A quiet reminder that Christ belongs above everything else… and life works better when He’s there.

So today, as you move through whatever waits for you — work, family, errands, conversations, responsibilities — pause once or twice and whisper this simple prayer:

“Jesus, sit above everything in my life today.”

You’ll be surprised how much peace that brings.

And when you put Him first? You'll find it a whole lot easier to… Keep Choosing Love Today.