SPIRITUAL THOUGHT

Starbucks is famous for allowing patrons to “customize” their drinks. This means you are not limited by the menu. You have a choice to add extra shots of espresso, flavored syrup, soy milk, or even whipped cream – the possibilities are endless!

Every day we make thousands of choices. Some are profound, such as what career to focus on or which person to marry. Some are as mundane as what extras to put in our coffee. With so many things to choose from it’s easy to feel overwhelmed – what choice is best?

Another choice we make has a serious impact on our lives. In fact, it’s the most important choice there is. It’s the choice to choose God – to trust Him as our Father and put Him first in our lives. This isn’t always an easy choice to make. We have to purpose in our hearts to spend time with Him. We have to make an effort to pray and read our Bibles. We can choose to follow His will and to be obedient to all He commands. God is waiting to bless us for choosing Him. He wants us to know that a choice for Him is a choice for life. Make a choice to put God first and to spend time with Him each and every day!

BIBLE PROMISE

Kick off your shift with this Bible verse. Commit it to memory or place it on a white board.

“Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!”  (Deuteronomy 30:19, NLT)

PERSONAL QUESTIONS

Do you get anxious before making decisions? Do you find it difficult to decide what direction is best for your life? Do you really believe you can trust God to help you make the best choices? Remember that God has given you the power to choose, and He offers guidance in His Word.

SMALL GROUP QUESTIONS

• Do you agree that choosing God is the most important choice we make with our lives? Why or why not?
• How can you have peace in the choices that you make?
• Is there something you’re avoiding in your life because of fear or worry? What choice can you make today to alleviate those feelings?

PRAYER

Father, thank You for giving each of us the power to choose. Help us to make wise decisions as we go through our days and to choose the abundant life that You offer us, to get plenty of restorative rest, to do all we can to improve our surroundings, to be active both physically and mentally, to trust You with our lives, to nurture our relationships with friends and family, to see the world as a beautiful gift You have given us, and to choose to eat good and healthy food. Thank You for all Your gifts of love and grace. Help us spread that love to those You have placed around us. I ask this in Your name, Amen.