Podcasts about making good choices

Guest: Adam Griffin, Lead Pastor at Eastside Community Church, Husband, Father, Author   Loved chatting with Adam Griffin - guys, he's doing it right - take notes! He's going to cover a lot of ground, hit on several different important aspects, so pay attention, lean in and listen, and then get up and get busy putting into action what you heard. Here are a few of his books that should be helpful as you desire to grow in your spiritual walk and help others along the way!   Family Discipleship: Leading Your Home Through Time, Moments, and Milestones by Matt Chandler and Adam Griffin   When Wrong Seems Right: A Kids Bible Study on Making Good Choices by Adam Griffin   The Boy Who Was Bold by Adam Griffin   T4M guys - just a reminder that Training4Manhood is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) ministry and you can make donations either via Zelle (info@training4manhood.com) or by visiting the Training4Manhood website.

How to make dynamic decisions at pivotal points in your life.

Text: Luke 19:1-10Pastor Bub uses Zacchaeus's story as an example to help us look back on our life and then look forward to our future in 2025. Join us in reflecting on new resolutions as we step into the new year!Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.com THIS SERMON CAN BE VIEWED ON OUR YOUTUBE CHANNEL:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCqmshgH0JLqxzRXiEr2QktQ Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) December 29, 2024Worship Service of Bethany Baptist Church (Wendell, NC/Raleigh, NC) Come visit us in person! To learn more about our church visit: https://www.wearebethany.comFollow us on Facebook and Instagram

Are you working for it . . . or is it working for you?

Because your last impression is your lasting impression.

Audio recording of the Sunday morning Bible Teaching given by Andrew Burt at Enniscorthy Christian Fellowship, Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland on 4th August 2024

Hello family! Making Good Choices is back to inspire and encourage you! This is a special birthday episode with what's been on my heart!

Underlying good choices are awareness the awareness to know what you want and the discipline to follow through on it. The 9 Super Habits: Discover the 9 micro-routines and micro-actions that create outsized effects in supporting your energy levels, improved daily productivity, and a strong mindset. ⁠Click here to learn the 9 Super Habits! ⁠

Listen to this segment where Annie is joined by the legendary Lou Holtz!

Today, on Karl and Crew Mornings, we kicked off a new week full of discussion on devotionals. What does your devo life look like? Our Scripture reference was John 16:13. Jesus gave us the right motivation for doing devotionals, instructing us to leave room for the Holy Spirit to speak into our lives. A good devotional will lead us to think differently, act differently, and grow. Our guest this morning was Pastor and Author Adam Griffin. His latest book, When Wrong Seems Right: A Kids Bible Study on Making Good Choices, takes kids through forty Proverbs, providing wisdom for right thinking and living. Finally, we want to thank you for your generous giving during SHARE. If you didn't have a chance to give, it's not too late! You can call 1-800-600-9624 or click the SHARE banner above. You can hear all the highlights of today's program on the Karl and Crew Showcast. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our kids are growing up in a confusing world where wrong seems right. How do you plant godly values in the heart of your child? Today's guest Adam Griffin will help us prepare our kids to live for Christ in a world that doesn't. Even in a hostile culture, our kids can learn to do the right thing and it starts with immersing them in the Word of God. We're talking about Adam Griffin's new kid devotional, "When Wrong Seems Right - A Kids Bible Study on Making Good Choices." You'll hear about: 4:15 Why your child shouldn't “follow their heart” 7:03 How to seek God, not Google, in our families 12:20 How to model being a follower of Christ to your kids 15:55 Getting your kids into studying the Bible when they are not interested 20:13 Explaining the fear of God to your kids 24:28 God gave you your kids for YOU to parent them 28:17 Raising boys who know who they are in Christ Adam Griffin is the lead pastor of Eastside Community Church in Dallas, Texas. He is the host of the Family Discipleship Podcast and the author of several books and resources for families including his newest book, "When Wrong Seems Right - A Kids Bible Study on Making Good Choices." You can connect with Adam Griffin at FamilyDiscipleship.com Great news! The Parents Rising Conference can now be experienced at home! Purchase access to the conference videos and mp3s at happyhomeuniversity.com/conference Have a question for Arlene to address on the podcast? Please email Arlene your questions and the topics you want covered on the show! speaking@arlenepellicane.comEvery girl deserves a faith-filled adventure click here for the NIV Kingdom Girls Bible

“One more 5.14 before I die”In today's episode, we head into the epic ️ mountains of Nuevo León, Mexico

Are you ever confused? The Proverbs are our roadmap to what's right. It can be tough to know right from wrong. Really tough. God knows that. Wednesday on Mornings with Eric and Brigitte, pastor and author Adam Griffin reminds us that the book of Proverbs is a gift to you and me--it's dedicated to helping us know and follow what's best for us. Our kids are growing up in a confusing world with an abundance of messages that are contrary to God's word. This Bible study takes our kids through forty Proverbs, providing wisdom for right thinking and living.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Our kids are growing up in a confusing world with an abundance of messages that are contrary to God's word. This Bible study takes your kids through forty Proverbs, providing wisdom for right thinking and living. Pastor and Author Adam Griffin's latest book, When Wrong Seems Right: A Kids Bible Study on Making Good Choices, will Help kids fall in love with God and His Word as they study the Bible for themselves.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's been said that in the Fruit of the Spirit list, all of them collectively practically define the nature of Christ.   Even David the shepherd knew his Messiah was coming. Remember what he said about his loving God? He said, “Surely goodness and mercy will follow me all the days of my life.” We instinctively know what goodness is. It's a kind touch, a gentle word, a gift that was unexpected.   Micah 6:8 says, “He has told you, o man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you but to do justice and to love kindness and to walk humbly with your God.”   And in life, we understand the distinction between good and evil—these two forces always warring with each other. The key thing to remember in this conflict is that God is good—and infinitely stronger than evil. That's important to remember, as we see injustice.   What did Micah tell us? That goodness is wrapped up in the choices we make. Oppose injustice. Love what is kind. And be humble. The truth is, all of us have been given so much good by our good God, that it should be second nature to model that for those we meet in our journey.   Let's pray.   Lord, thank you for your sweet goodness. Sustain us with that goodness for the journey. In Jesus' name, amen.   

Join Liz Gracia in this transformative episode of 'Your Weekly Dose of Higher Consciousness' podcast as she unveils a potent technique to stabilize your emotional landscape and reinforce your energetic foundation. Discover how to harness the power of your Dominant Dimension, gleaned from episode 191, to cultivate presence, confidence, faith, understanding, focus, and organization. Liz shares her personal journey and practical grounding method to help you embody the higher aspects of your being. Tune in for an enlightening discussion on chakras, dimensions, and setting intentions that can elevate every facet of your life. Plus, stay until the end for a galvanizing calibration that promises to enrich your spiritual practice. If you're ready to choose differently and align with authentic power, this episode is your guide to becoming the change you seek.Explore Qi Medicine for Harmonizing the “Heart-Mind” 12/5Communicate Soul-to-Soul With the Spirit World 12/6Learn Quantum Intention to Manifest Your Desires 12/12Support the showIf you like what's going on here, you can join me on social media here: Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn TheMindBodySpiritNetwork.com

How do you make good choices?Are you making choices based on fear?You're in shark-infested waters here. Making choices here isn't necessarily promising!So how can you make better choices in a new and pioneering way that's pretty darn easy to do?I've discovered something compelling I want to share with you today in this week's 1001 Ways to Being of Higher Consciousness Episode called:Harnessing the Power of Fields: A Simple Method for Making Better ChoicesThat's this month's 1001 Ways to Being of Higher ConsciousnessSo this insight came to me recently, and maybe it's intuition and maybe it's not. But I've decided to choose ways of being based on levels of consciousness.This is what these 1001 ways of Being are all about and making a list of rules to live by is all about.So I put in a priority request over at ComsnciousnessCalibrations.com to test the level of consciousness of this insight I had:T/F: letting the field draw you to a selected LoC is easier than methodically removing the blocks to it 10--- Instead of "suffering through" or the over-mentalization (170) of removing blocks or letting go, I've decided to simply choose and let the powerful fields help dissipate the energy blocks and draw me into the higher fields.Posted to the database Nov 17, 2023. Calibrates as true (470)I then give you metaphors of how to use this powerplay in consciousness to your advantage.Understand what I mean about giant magnetic attractor fields, and pools you are swimming in.Making decisions can be much easier and fruitful if you make good choices in consciousness first to set you up for success.I share a metaphor about you as a pond or river and beavers.Check out this interesting story about beavers here.Explore Qi Medicine for Harmonizing the “Heart-Mind” 12/5Communicate Soul-to-Soul With the Spirit World 12/6Learn Quantum Intention to Manifest Your Desires 12/12 If you are new to this podcast or an avid listener, I have something just for you.I created a landing page with all of my playlists in one place.For new listeners, I created a playlist called "Foundational Basics". For avid listeners, you can find all of these playlists on the website here.Support the showIf you like what's going on here, you can join me on social media here: Facebook Instagram YouTube LinkedIn TheMindBodySpiritNetwork.com

Full team Q&A - what a treat!!!Front squat v back squatMaking good choices when hungrySharon fruit, Puck yes or no &more! ESGfitness.co.uk

Press rewind with Ansen, Kara, and Zoe as they talk about the on-repeat song of the week from Jessica Mauboy and Jason Derulo, pause to discuss why developing healthy habits is so hard, and look forward to a new running challenge!

Join Julia Jeffress Sadler as she takes us on an incredible adventure in Episode 66. Picture the story of David and Saul, where Saul wanted to catch David, but David was too clever for him. Once, when David had the chance to hurt Saul, he chose not to, even though he could have. It shows how important it is to make good choices and forgive others, even when it's hard. Sign up to receive Kids Bible in a Year devotionals in your inbox every weekday: https://www.kidsbibleinayear.com/  Get ready to experience the Bible designed specifically for children with the official KidsBibleinaYear.com podcast, led by Julia Jeffress Sadler. This captivating audio series presents the age-old wisdom of the Bible in an engaging format that will captivate your kids. Each episode Julia translates biblical teachings into real-life applications, making Bible comprehension a breeze for young minds.  And if you want more Christian resources and content, you can download the Pray.com app. Pray.com is the digital destination for faith, offering over 5,000 daily prayers, meditations, bedtime Bible stories, and cinematic stories inspired by the Bible. For more resources on how to live a successful Christian life, visit Julia Jeffress Sadler's website at https://ptv.org/julia/. This episode is sponsored by Little Passports. Visit LittlePassports.com/blessed and use promo code BLESSED to receive 20% off. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Melina Palmer discusses the concept of time discounting, which she calls the "I'll Start Monday Effect." Time discounting refers to the tendency to value immediate benefits more than future benefits. This can lead to procrastination and difficulty in making long-term decisions. Melina explains how time discounting impacts individuals in various aspects of their lives, such as productivity, health, and finances. She also explores how businesses can use this concept to understand and influence consumer behavior. In this episode: Understand the often underestimated role of time discounting in shaping our decisions and influencing business outcomes. Acquaint yourself with powerful strategies to mitigate the effects of time discounting, enhancing efficiency and results in the workplace. Imbibe the importance and implementation of visual aids and cues in combating time discounting - a novel approach to efficient strategizing. Learn to apply principles of behavioral economics to positively steer customer behavior, creating an enhanced customer experience. Absorb how to maximize the benefits derived from conferences and learning tools by effectively managing time discounting. 00:00:00 - Introduction,  Melina Palmer introduces the topic of time discounting, also known as hyperbolic time discounting or as she prefers to call it, the "I'll Start Monday effect." She explains that this concept is important for personal productivity as well as understanding its impact on team members and customers. 00:03:18 - The "I'll Start Monday Effect,"  Melina describes the common experience of setting goals for the future but struggling to follow through when the time comes to take action. She explains how our brain perceives our future self as a different person, making it easier to commit to future plans but harder to follow through with them in the present moment. 00:09:29 - Testing Time Discounting,  Melina presents two hypothetical scenarios to illustrate how our preference for immediate rewards can change depending on the time frame involved. She explains that our brain often prioritizes immediate gratification over delayed rewards, even when the long-term benefits outweigh the short-term gains. 00:12:10 - Overcoming Time Discounting,  Melina offers reassurance that struggling with time discounting is a common experience and not a personal failing. She emphasizes that understanding the concept allows us to "hack" our brain and make changes in our behavior. She also highlights the power of defaults and choice architecture in helping people overcome inertia and make better choices. 00:16:23 - The Challenge of Making Good Choices,  Melina discusses why it's difficult for people to make good choices, especially in overwhelming situations. She suggests alternative approaches to decision-making, such as providing reminders or incorporating choices into annual training. 00:17:29 - Opting In vs Opting Out,  The concept of opting in versus opting out is explored in relation to making better decisions. Forcing people to choose more often can lead to worse decisions, while automatic opt-ins can be more effective. 00:18:09 - Save More Tomorrow Program,  The Save More Tomorrow program, developed by Richard Thaler, is highlighted as an effective way to increase retirement savings. By automatically allocating a portion of future raises towards retirement, individuals are less likely to opt-out and experience significant increases in savings. 00:19:54 - Impact of Save More Tomorrow Program,  The success of the Save More Tomorrow program is revealed, with 78% of people opting to participate and significant increases in average savings rates. This program shows that helping individuals overcome time discounting can lead to better financial outcomes. 00:22:14 - Visualizing the Future Self,  The use of renderings and personalized visualizations is discussed as a means of making the future self more visible in the present. This technique can be applied to various areas, such as retirement planning, to help individuals make better choices. 00:33:25 - Helping Employees Find Blood Drives and Voting Booths,  Provide clear directions and maps to help employees find important locations like blood drives and voting booths. Pre-assigning time slots and providing reminders can make the experience more real and activate mirror neurons. 00:35:20 - Overcoming Time Discounting with Customers,  Time discounting affects customer decision-making, especially for big purchases. Simplify the decision-making process and use present bias to your advantage. Consider offering incentives and reminders to encourage customers to take action today. 00:36:20 - Overcoming Analysis Paralysis in Wedding Dress Shopping,  Wedding dress shopping often leads to analysis paralysis. Offer incentives like discounts for making a decision on the spot. This helps customers overcome time discounting and reduces the pressure to make the perfect choice. 00:39:12 - Using Visual Cues to Overcome Time Discounting,  Use visual cues to keep important tasks top of mind. In a study Melina did with a credit union, participants were given a refrigerator magnet to track their savings progress. Constant reminders help overcome time discounting and keep goals in the forefront. 00:41:26 - Setting Realistic Goals to Overcome Time Discounting,  Set realistic goals to avoid overwhelming clients. Focus on one top priority and provide visual reminders. Incorporate loss aversion to motivate clients to keep their commitments and avoid procrastination. 00:48:38 - Getting the Most Out of Conferences,  Melina discusses the challenge of implementing conference takeaways once you get back to the office due to time discounting. She advises focusing on one important task at a time to make progress. 00:49:21 - Overcoming Procrastination,  Melina emphasizes the tendency to prioritize routine tasks over implementing new ideas. She encourages taking small steps to prevent inspiration from collecting dust. 00:49:54 - The Power of Focus,  Melina emphasizes the importance of focusing on one thing that truly matters. By narrowing our focus, we can make meaningful progress and avoid feeling overwhelmed. 00:50:53 - Conclusion,  Melina teases the next episode of The Brainy Business with Hal Hirschfield discussing his book, Your Future Self. She invites listeners to tune in for an engaging conversation when episode 329 comes out on Friday. Learn and Support The Brainy Business: Check out and get your copies of Melina's Books.  Get the Books Mentioned on (or related to) this Episode: Your Future Self, by Hal Hershfield Simpler, by Cass Sunstein Nudge, by Richard Thaler and Cass Sunstein How To Change, by Katy Milkman Good Habits, Bad Habits, by Wendy Wood Top Recommended Next Episode: The Power of Habit (ep 22) Already Heard That One? Try These:  Memory Biases (ep 48) Present Versus Future Biases (ep 49) Selective Attention Biases (ep 50) Herding (ep 264) Anchoring & Adjustment (ep 11) Habits (ep 256) Defaults – The “D” in NUDGES (ep 20) Intro to Nudges and Choice Architecture (ep 35) Overwhelm and Its Impact on Decisions (ep 32) Loss Aversion (ep 316) iNcentives – The “N” in NUDGES (ep 272) Expect Error – The “E” in NUDGES (ep 39) Mirror Neurons (ep 31) Optimism Bias (ep 34) Other Important Links:  Brainy Bites - Melina's LinkedIn Newsletter Save More Tomorrow: Using Behavioral Economics to Increase Employee Saving Impulsivity and Cigarette Smoking: Delay Discounting in Current, Never, and Ex-smokers. Time Discounting and Time Preference: A Critical Review Increasing Saving Behavior Through Age-Progressed Renderings of the Future Self Golden Eggs and Hyperbolic Discounting Initial Examination of Priming Tasks to Decrease Delay Discounting Unstuck in Time: Episodic Future Thinking Reduces Delay Discounting and Cigarette Smoking Implementation Intentions: Strong Effects of Simple Plans. Procrastination, Deadlines, and Performance: Self-Control by Precommitment The Power of Small Wins

This week's episode features Shannon Lee Simmons. Shannon is a Certified Financial Planner (CFP), Chartered Investment Manager (CIM), life coach, media personality, bestselling author, and founder of the award-winning New School of Finance. She is a personal finance columnist for CBC's Metro Morning and a guest expert on The Marilyn Denis Show, in addition to being a frequent contributor for the Globe and Mail. She joined us today to talk about her book ‘No-Regret Decisions: Making Good Choices During Difficult Times'.Shannon defines the term ‘decision crisis, which she included in her book. We further dive into how hard it is to get back to normal when your life suddenly changes. With the routine you had before the decisions, it's going to be like settling in a foreign country. But with careful steps, you can slowly fit into a normal lifestyle. In this part, we dive into the things people can do to get their lives back on track.So, whether you're navigating a bidding war, making a life-altering decision, or simply seeking guidance on finding financial peace, this episode is packed with valuable advice and practical strategies. Join us as we unlock the secrets to mindful decision-making and reclaiming control over our financial journeys. Let's dive into The Growth Guide with Shannon Lee Simmons.[02.43] Decision crisis – Starting the conversation, Shannon defines decision crisis.[10.02] Getting back to normal – It's hard to get back to normal when your life suddenly changes. We go through Shannon's lists and routine for getting back to normal.[21.21] Circle of care – We talk about the importance of sharing with people who have gone through the same difficulties as you.[31.24] Core values – You are going to enjoy your daily life if the decisions you make are based on your core values.[36.17] Options and outcomes - A solid action with a predictable outcome in the short run can change the course of how things are going to play out for you.[45.45] Panic-based decisions - We discuss how people come to regret panic-based decisions years later.[51.33] Next normal – You can't undo the decisions you've made in the past. But you can make peace with the things that didn't work out.[01.02.32] No-Regret Decisions – Shannon shares the importance of her book for people who are going through transitions in life and for people who like to understand and be ready to go through a transition.ResourcesConnect with Shannon Lee SimmonsWebsite - shannonleesimmons.com/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/shanleesimmonsInstagram - instagram.com/shanleesimmons/ Book by Shannon Lee SimmonsNo-Regret Decisions: Making Good Choices During Difficult TimesBook by Katherine MayWintering: The Power of Rest and Retreat in Difficult Times

Decisions, decisions, decisions. We all make decisions. When we pre-decide what we will do before the situation presents itself, we are strengthened and emboldened to stand firm when the moment of decision-making comes. This week, Pastor Lydia Nimon kicks off our series, CHOICES, by talking about how we can set ourselves up to make the best choices when the moment arises!

July 13, 2023 / Mom &… Podcast Episode 127 / Guest: Shannon Lee Simmons Subscribe and Review wherever you listen to podcasts! Show Summary: A life coach and a financial expert walk into a bar… uh, a podcast. But wait! They're the same person! Shannon Lee Simmons is the founder of The New School of... The post No Regret Decisions: Making Good Choices During Difficult Times appeared first on Mom And Podcast.

Genesis 24 : 34 - 38 , 42 - 49 , 58 - 60

Watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Watch the entire service on our YouTube channel.

Sow where you want to go!

Series: N/AService: Sun PM WorshipType: SermonSpeaker: Clay Cantrell

Fuzz discovers that making the right choices is better than being in the "Cool Club"

Fuzz discovers that making the right choices is better than being in the "Cool Club"

Hi Listeners! I'm so excited to share this episode! I share a story of how I had to hold on to the Word of God in a season and how it changed my life! Let's build on the Word! Make Good Choices! Sarah

He could play it safe—you know, suck up to the religious bigwigs, make friends with the influential political high-rollers. But instead, he seeks out the last, the least, and the lost—because he's not interested in establishing some kind of stable empire where everybody has to come and kiss his ring because he's so important. But instead, he drops any ambitions he might have had about being a big shot, walks down the first dark alley he sees, and starts having theological discussions with the invisible folks everybody else would just as soon forget. But when Jesus ventures down dark alleys looking for those who creep around the edges, he redefines the edges so that the margins are set in the center; and it's the folks who usually occupy the center who risk finding themselves on the margins. Subscribe to us on iTunes! Sermon text: web | doc

Do you struggle to make decisions? You know you have options, but which choice do you make? This episode explains how to make choices that will help you create the life of your dreams.

MK and Courtney are shooketh at the newest guest star in this wild season of Bates Motel. MK also had the basically worst day of life before recording this, so like, apologies, I guess. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

My friend Ingrid joins me on this episode of Making Good Choices. We hope that you walk away from this episode a little more confident in what God has said about you through His Word!

I've been focusing on the importance of the choices we make—our every day choices about small things and the larger ones that make a difference in the direction of our lives. This passage from Jeremiah gives some good advice about making choices: This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it'” (Jeremiah 6:16). Jeremiah is warning us against making decisions too quickly and making them without seeking God's guidance. He says stand and look; think of what this decision will look like down the road. Don't be deceived by the momentary glamor or attractiveness of this choice; what is it going to look like in a week, a month, a year—eternity? Then he advises us to look for the good way, the ancient path. That means take time to pray about it, seek godly advice if needed, ask God where the good way is. Often it's not the way you may be intending to go. Interesting that in that day the people refused to choose the good way. They just said, “Nope, not going to go that way. I'm going my own way.” I can think of choices I've made where, in a real sense, I said the same thing—going to do it my way. And without exception, those choices were harmful; I didn't find rest for my soul Could that be where you are at this point in your life? You're facing a decision—a choice—and you just want what you want and you want it now, so you're not asking for the good way, the ancient path that will lead you to soul rest. If so, I strongly urge you to stand at this crossroad in your life—this decision you are facing—and seek God's way and then walk in it. You'll never regret that choice. Or maybe you're living with the consequences of choosing your way instead of God's way. Let me encourage you to know that God hasn't given up on you. He always has a plan to prosper you and help you, taking you where you are, even as you are living with those consequences, and making a way for you that leads to soul rest, to a renewed relationship with God through Jesus. It's never too late to stand at the crossroads and choose the good way, the ancient path.

I've been focusing on the importance of the choices we make—our every day choices about small things and the larger ones that make a difference in the direction of our lives. This passage from Jeremiah gives some good advice about making choices: This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is, and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls. But you said, ‘We will not walk in it'” (Jeremiah 6:16). Jeremiah is warning us against making decisions too quickly and making them without seeking God's guidance. He says stand and look; think of what this decision will look like down the road. Don't be deceived by the momentary glamor or attractiveness of this choice; what is it going to look like in a week, a month, a year—eternity? Then he advises us to look for the good way, the ancient path. That means take time to pray about it, seek godly advice if needed, ask God where the good way is. Often it's not the way you may be intending to go. Interesting that in that day the people refused to choose the good way. They just said, “Nope, not going to go that way. I'm going my own way.” I can think of choices I've made where, in a real sense, I said the same thing—going to do it my way. And without exception, those choices were harmful; I didn't find rest for my soul Could that be where you are at this point in your life? You're facing a decision—a choice—and you just want what you want and you want it now, so you're not asking for the good way, the ancient path that will lead you to soul rest. If so, I strongly urge you to stand at this crossroad in your life—this decision you are facing—and seek God's way and then walk in it. You'll never regret that choice. Or maybe you're living with the consequences of choosing your way instead of God's way. Let me encourage you to know that God hasn't given up on you. He always has a plan to prosper you and help you, taking you where you are, even as you are living with those consequences, and making a way for you that leads to soul rest, to a renewed relationship with God through Jesus. It's never too late to stand at the crossroads and choose the good way, the ancient path. (Click here to download the devotional for the entire week.)

Have you noticed that the Bible doesn't spare telling us the whole story? We can learn from some of the people in the Bible who made some dreadful choices. David comes to mind, this man after God's own heart. But his choice to call for Bathsheba, commit adultery, have her husband killed—all of those sordid details are in the Bible. I wonder how often David thought about the consequences of that terribly bad choice he made. He paid a very heavy price personally for that choice, and yet God still loved him and used him. On the other hand, think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—those three young Jewish men taken captive to Babylon. They were commanded to worship the pagan statue that King Nebuchadnezzar made or be thrown in the fiery furnace. They had a choice to make. I love how they responded to the King: “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:16b-18). Just as these men chose to take that strong stand for their God, it's possible that you will have to face some similar choices. You may be facing some fiery furnaces even now: instructions from your company that are not compatible with your faith; disrespect from family members or friends who condemn you for not going along with the culture; rejection from people who think you are weird because you stand strong for your biblical convictions. Will you choose, as these three men did, that you will not serve other gods? You will not give in to the pressure to abandon your beliefs, knowing as they did that you may indeed have to live with the consequences of your choice? Are you determined by God's grace to take the “even if he does not” stand for Jesus?

Have you noticed that the Bible doesn't spare telling us the whole story? We can learn from some of the people in the Bible who made some dreadful choices. David comes to mind, this man after God's own heart. But his choice to call for Bathsheba, commit adultery, have her husband killed—all of those sordid details are in the Bible. I wonder how often David thought about the consequences of that terribly bad choice he made. He paid a very heavy price personally for that choice, and yet God still loved him and used him. On the other hand, think of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego—those three young Jewish men taken captive to Babylon. They were commanded to worship the pagan statue that King Nebuchadnezzar made or be thrown in the fiery furnace. They had a choice to make. I love how they responded to the King: “King Nebuchadnezzar, we do not need to defend ourselves before you in this matter. If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to deliver us from it, and he will deliver us from Your Majesty's hand. But even if he does not, we want you to know, Your Majesty, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up” (Daniel 3:16b-18). Just as these men chose to take that strong stand for their God, it's possible that you will have to face some similar choices. You may be facing some fiery furnaces even now: instructions from your company that are not compatible with your faith; disrespect from family members or friends who condemn you for not going along with the culture; rejection from people who think you are weird because you stand strong for your biblical convictions. Will you choose, as these three men did, that you will not serve other gods? You will not give in to the pressure to abandon your beliefs, knowing as they did that you may indeed have to live with the consequences of your choice? Are you determined by God's grace to take the “even if he does not” stand for Jesus?

This passage from Proverbs 8 gives some good advice about making choices: Proverbs 8:10 - 11 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Choosing the instruction of wisdom over riches is both biblical and smart. According to this proverb, nothing you desire can compare with acquiring wisdom. Are you focused and intentional about learning to be wise? And how do you choose the instruction of wisdom? Well, another proverb says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). So, you choose to closely associate with wise people; you are careful who you allow to influence you, who you listen to. As Christ-followers, we don't isolate ourselves from the world, but it is extremely important who we “walk with,” making sure our instructors are biblically wise. Another proverb says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). And, of course, God's wisdom—the words from his mouth—are given to us in the Scriptures and through prayer. In fact, James writes: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Have you ever taken that promise seriously? I remember some years ago when I had to make a rather quick decision about an important matter, and afterwards I remember thinking, Wow, can't believe I made such a good decision. Then the Holy Spirit quietly reminded me that I had been consistently praying for wisdom and God answered my prayers. The Lord gave me wisdom—and continues to when I intentionally look for wisdom in his word and pray for wisdom. Becoming wise is a choice you make. It takes some discipline and effort, but it is one of the smartest disciplines you will ever incorporate into your life. Choosing wisdom keeps you from much regret and heartache.

This passage from Proverbs 8 gives some good advice about making choices: Proverbs 8:10 - 11 Choose my instruction instead of silver, knowledge rather than choice gold, for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her. Choosing the instruction of wisdom over riches is both biblical and smart. According to this proverb, nothing you desire can compare with acquiring wisdom. Are you focused and intentional about learning to be wise? And how do you choose the instruction of wisdom? Well, another proverb says, “Walk with the wise and become wise, for a companion of fools suffers harm” (Proverbs 13:20). So, you choose to closely associate with wise people; you are careful who you allow to influence you, who you listen to. As Christ-followers, we don't isolate ourselves from the world, but it is extremely important who we “walk with,” making sure our instructors are biblically wise. Another proverb says, “For the Lord gives wisdom; from his mouth come knowledge and understanding” (Proverbs 2:6). And, of course, God's wisdom—the words from his mouth—are given to us in the Scriptures and through prayer. In fact, James writes: “If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you” (James 1:5). Have you ever taken that promise seriously? I remember some years ago when I had to make a rather quick decision about an important matter, and afterwards I remember thinking, Wow, can't believe I made such a good decision. Then the Holy Spirit quietly reminded me that I had been consistently praying for wisdom and God answered my prayers. The Lord gave me wisdom—and continues to when I intentionally look for wisdom in his word and pray for wisdom. Becoming wise is a choice you make. It takes some discipline and effort, but it is one of the smartest disciplines you will ever incorporate into your life. Choosing wisdom keeps you from much regret and heartache.

Making Good Choices family! I let loooooose on this episode about all the things I've been convicted about! Enjoy the craziness of what's on my mind and let it encourage you to grow deeper in exploring the Godly things that take up your own thoughts....they might just be directing your next move! Talk to you soon, Make Good Choices! Sarah

Can you think of some choices you've made—maybe even recently—that you would like to do-over? Choices have consequences, that's for sure, so I want to remind you of some biblical principles about choices. This one from Joshua is no doubt the most important choice we make: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Joshua puts it to the people of Israel that they have a choice as to who they will serve, the Lord God or some false pagan god. That was a default choice. If they don't choose to serve the Lord God, they will by default serve a false god. One or the other. We have default choices, too. Failing to make one choice means you are choosing another choice by default. If you have made a choice to be a Christ-follower, to serve the Lord, then that means you are choosing not to serve other gods, gods of your own making, gods of our culture. Jesus made it clear that we cannot serve God and money—or other things that can crawl up on the throne of our heart. Joshua began by saying “if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you” because sometimes it may seem “undesirable”—not easy. For example, serving the Lord on your job could require taking a stand that isn't politically correct, which could have unpleasant consequences for you and your career. So, you have to decide in advance that serving the Lord is desirable—is your choice. Joshua took that stand—"we will serve the Lord,” he said. In our culture today, I believe we as Christ-followers will need to decide in advance—make a determination and commitment in our minds and hearts—that we choose to serve the Lord. We choose to stand true to God's Word. That is the most important choice you and I will ever make. Like Joshua, we should make that a firm decision in our minds, and a choice we reinforce and re-commit regularly. Can you say, “I choose to serve the Lord—no matter what”?

Can you think of some choices you've made—maybe even recently—that you would like to do-over? Choices have consequences, that's for sure, so I want to remind you of some biblical principles about choices. This one from Joshua is no doubt the most important choice we make: “But if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you, then choose for yourselves this day whom you will serve, whether the gods your ancestors served beyond the Euphrates, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land you are living. But as for me and my household, we will serve the Lord” (Joshua 24:15). Joshua puts it to the people of Israel that they have a choice as to who they will serve, the Lord God or some false pagan god. That was a default choice. If they don't choose to serve the Lord God, they will by default serve a false god. One or the other. We have default choices, too. Failing to make one choice means you are choosing another choice by default. If you have made a choice to be a Christ-follower, to serve the Lord, then that means you are choosing not to serve other gods, gods of your own making, gods of our culture. Jesus made it clear that we cannot serve God and money—or other things that can crawl up on the throne of our heart. Joshua began by saying “if serving the Lord seems undesirable to you” because sometimes it may seem “undesirable”—not easy. For example, serving the Lord on your job could require taking a stand that isn't politically correct, which could have unpleasant consequences for you and your career. So, you have to decide in advance that serving the Lord is desirable—is your choice. Joshua took that stand—"we will serve the Lord,” he said. In our culture today, I believe we as Christ-followers will need to decide in advance—make a determination and commitment in our minds and hearts—that we choose to serve the Lord. We choose to stand true to God's Word. That is the most important choice you and I will ever make. Like Joshua, we should make that a firm decision in our minds, and a choice we reinforce and re-commit regularly. Can you say, “I choose to serve the Lord—no matter what”?

How many choices do you think you make in a normal day? You probably would never guess 35,000 choices a day, but various sources estimate that an adult makes 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day. This sounds a bit absurd to me and I'm guessing it does to you as well, but when you think about all the choices you consciously and subconsciously make, you realize it's a lot more than you might guess. You have been given a free-will to make a multitude of choices in life about: what to eat what to wear what to purchase what you believe what jobs and career choices you will pursue who to spend your time with who you will date and marry what you say and how you say it Not to mention all the choices you make for others—as a parent or a manager or a spouse! The list could go on and on, and each choice carries its own consequences—some good, some bad, some neutral. This ability to choose is an incredible power that we have each been given by God and our challenge as Christ-followers is to be sure we are choosing according to biblical principles. Our choices pile up on each other over our lifetime, and if you get into the habit of making poor choices, that can take you to outcomes you really don't want. But the good news is, you can establish good habits of making good choices and that means your life can go in a much better direction. Some things to consider about your approach to making choices: Watch out for impulsive choices. They are often based on emotions or lack of adequate information and end up not so good. Watch out for procrastination—putting off choices that need to be made now. Procrastination is a deadly bad habit that needs to be purged and forsaken. Watch out for making choices to please other people, or choices just because they are popular. Those choices are often not in agreement with biblical principles. Your approach to how you make choices—big and small—is the first important thing to consider because a good approach will lead to good outcomes. I want to point out what the Bible teaches us about making choices, and we'll look at some people in the Bible who make really good choices and others who didn't. It seems like a good thing to consider as we begin this New Year.

How many choices do you think you make in a normal day? You probably would never guess 35,000 choices a day, but various sources estimate that an adult makes 35,000 remotely conscious decisions each day. This sounds a bit absurd to me and I'm guessing it does to you as well, but when you think about all the choices you consciously and subconsciously make, you realize it's a lot more than you might guess. You have been given a free-will to make a multitude of choices in life about: what to eat what to wear what to purchase what you believe what jobs and career choices you will pursue who to spend your time with who you will date and marry what you say and how you say it Not to mention all the choices you make for others—as a parent or a manager or a spouse! The list could go on and on, and each choice carries its own consequences—some good, some bad, some neutral. This ability to choose is an incredible power that we have each been given by God and our challenge as Christ-followers is to be sure we are choosing according to biblical principles. Our choices pile up on each other over our lifetime, and if you get into the habit of making poor choices, that can take you to outcomes you really don't want. But the good news is, you can establish good habits of making good choices and that means your life can go in a much better direction. Some things to consider about your approach to making choices: Watch out for impulsive choices. They are often based on emotions or lack of adequate information and end up not so good. Watch out for procrastination—putting off choices that need to be made now. Procrastination is a deadly bad habit that needs to be purged and forsaken. Watch out for making choices to please other people, or choices just because they are popular. Those choices are often not in agreement with biblical principles. Your approach to how you make choices—big and small—is the first important thing to consider because a good approach will lead to good outcomes. I want to point out what the Bible teaches us about making choices, and we'll look at some people in the Bible who make really good choices and others who didn't. It seems like a good thing to consider as we begin this New Year.

In the final hour of today's show, we play another game of Xs and O's! This week's guests are Laura Michel and Lori Patterson from Laura Michel Insurance. Wiggins adds in a “name that tune” category that throws off the crew! Then, Hannah reads the final results of the daily Youtube poll question to wrap up the show.

Making good choices when your choices aren't good…Sigh. Yeah, that's a tough spot to be in. So let's chat about it!On this episode, Stephani shares her workshop on this topic from On Purpose Live!Here are the five points from the talk:1) Choose Gratifications over Pleasures2) Avoid Relationship Shortcuts3) Make God's Priority your Priority4) Don't Trust Your Feelings5) Choose Daily Whom You Will ServeListen wherever you get your podcasts or use the link in our profile. And as always, we'd love if you'd share this episode with your friends and/or leave us a review. Thank you! ALSO, if you've read our book “What's Your Story? 40 Faith Filled Stories to Inspire and Encourage, please leave us a review! It helps people find us!Here's the review link: https://www.amazon.com/review/create-review/?ie=UTF8&channel=glance-detail&asin=B0BGNCD155Support the showWhat's Your Story on Instagram http://www.instagram.com/whatsyourstory.podcast To connect with Hannah visit http://www.hannahrconway.com To connect with Stephani visit http://www.stephanicook.org