I CHOOSE

It’s dark outside. The world is still asleep. The new day is coming.

In a few moments the day will arrive with the rising of the sun. The stillness of dawn will soon be broken by the noise of traffic. The calm of the morning will be invaded by the days commitments. 

In the stillness of the morning, I start by meditating on God‘s word for today. Thereafter, most days I go for a 4 km walk to the nearby beach and think on the Word, and communicate with the Lord.

There are a number of choices to make in life and so I am free to choose as I am led by the Lord. 

Jesus’s practice was to rise early in the morning, go to a quiet place and communicate with His Father in heaven.

I try to follow that model, and have committed myself to use the passage in Galatians 5:22-23 as a blue print to guide me. “But the fruit of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self control” 

To these, I commit my day. If I succeed, I will give thanks. If I fail I will seek His grace.

So, each day I choose the following:-

I CHOOSE LOVE.. I choose to love others unconditionally. The greatest command given to us is to love God, love others, and love ourselves. To this I commit myself each day, and will endeavour in all I do and say to honour this commandment.

I CHOOSE JOY… True Joy is not dependent on circumstances but is found in relationship with God through Jesus Christ. I will try to rejoice in the Lord always. It is a decision each day to choose Joy. It is a decision to see the good in others without being cynical and judgemental. I choose Joy rather than being negative and destructive in my feelings for others. I will endeavour to laugh a lot, and be joyful in all my dealings with others.

I CHOOSE PEACE.. I will choose peace by not being anxious about anything. But in everything by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, I will present my requests to God-in this I will experience the peace that passes all understanding.

I CHOOSE PATIENCE… In moments of agro and frustration, I turn to the Lord in prayer asking for patience and understanding, rather than complaining. I try to face these moments patiently with joy and courage.

I CHOOSE KINDNESS… I choose kindness each day as it motivates me to be friendly, generous and considerate towards others. It brings a sense of purpose and meaning to my life, and especially helps me to listen intently to others.

I CHOOSE FAITHFULNESS… Today I choose faithfulness, and will be loyal and reliable in all my commitments, promises and beliefs. I will be true to my Saviour and Lord, and trustworthy in my relationships, obligations and principles.

I CHOOSE GENTLENESS… I choose to be kind considerate with a soft, calm demeanour. Treating others with compassion and tenderness. Speaking gently with others, thoughtful of their feelings and needs.

I CHOOSE SELF CONTROL… I am a spiritual being. Each day I will place myself under the control of the Holy Spirit to guide and lead my life. I will call on the power of my Lord in moments of temptation or mishap, to guide and empower me to act responsibly.

To all the above I commit myself each day, and challenge you to prepare your choices each day.