As we begin a new year, many of us feel pressure to redefine ourselves—to be better, stronger, more confident, or more put together. But what if identity in Christ isn’t something we strive to achieve, but something we slowly learn to receive?

In this foundational episode of the Identity series, we talk about why receiving our identity in Christ can feel so difficult—especially for those who have experienced conditional love, withheld affection, or broken trust. This episode isn’t about fixing yourself or forcing belief. It’s about creating a safe starting place to let God gently show you who He is and who you are in Him.

If receiving God’s love has ever felt hard, you’re not alone. And you’re not broken.

In This Episode, You’ll Hear:

• Why identity in Christ is received, not achieved
• Why truth can feel unsafe to receive after relational wounds
• How God builds trust like a good Father—slowly and patiently
• An invitation to begin receiving without pressure or performance

Key Takeaway:

You don’t have to figure out who you are. God already knows.

And He’s not asking you to strive—He’s inviting you to receive.

Signature Truth from This Episode:

“My identity is not something I achieve—it’s something I receive in Christ.”

Today’s Step:

Take one quiet moment today and ask God this simple question:

“What part of my heart feels guarded when it comes to receiving Your love?”

Don’t fix it.

Don’t judge it.

Just notice—and invite God into that space.

Receiving doesn’t happen through effort.

It happens through trust.

And trust grows over time.

Closing Prayer:

Father God,

You see every place in us that feels guarded.

You know where love once felt unsafe, where words were withheld, or protection never came.

Thank You that You don’t rush us.

Thank You that You don’t demand what our hearts aren’t ready to give.

Teach us—slowly—to trust You as You truly are.

A good Father.

A patient Father.

A safe Father.

We invite You into the places we’ve kept protected,

and we trust You to build safety there—one step at a time.

In Jesus’ name, Amen.

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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.

Our words carry weight. They build or they break. They plant hope or plant fear. And for many of us, the way we speak today is shaped by what we longed to hear years ago.

In this episode, Mo shares why speaking life matters so deeply to her — shaped by her own childhood longing to be seen, noticed, and encouraged. She reflects on how silence formed her, how coming to Christ taught her to receive encouragement, and why words flowing from the throne of grace can become a powerful gift to others.

Drawing from Proverbs 18:21 and Jesus’ reminder that our words overflow from the heart, Mo invites listeners to examine the atmosphere their words create. Life-giving speech isn’t about pretending everything is okay. It’s about choosing words aligned with God’s heart, peace, and truth.

If you’ve ever longed to be seen… or ever wondered whether your words make a difference… this episode will remind you that God can use your voice to breathe hope, healing, and courage into someone’s day.

Referenced Scriptures:

Proverbs 18:21

Luke 6:45

Colossians 3:15

Romans 12:2

Key Themes:

The creative power of words

Longing to be seen and encouraged

Speaking life vs. speaking from chaos

How renewed minds and peace shape our speech

Using ordinary moments to build others up

Today’s Step:

Speak one life-giving word to someone before the day ends. One encouragement. One affirmation. One sentence of hope.

And keep choosing today to be transformed — one word, one response, one day at a time.

YouVersion:

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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 3:15

Isaiah 26:3

John 14:27

Key Themes:

Peace as a ruling force

Transforming your thought life

Responding instead of reacting

Surrendering loud thoughts

Letting Christ’s peace make the call

Today’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

Have you ever felt like you were standing at the edge of something new — but completely overwhelmed by everything you’re carrying? In today’s episode, Mo shares a deeply personal reflection on what it means to trust God in the middle of life’s flood-stage moments. Using the powerful story of Joshua 3, we explore the truth that God often begins the miracle long before we see evidence of it… sometimes as far as sixteen miles upstream.

If life feels too heavy, too much, or too fast, this is an episode that will breathe hope into your heart. God isn’t late. He’s already moving in places you cannot see.

In this episode, Mo shares:

• A vulnerable story from her own ministry overwhelm

• A pivotal moment of wisdom from her mentor

• Why “flood stage is God’s stage”

• The stunning biblical detail that the Jordan stopped 16 miles upstream

• How to step forward in faith even when nothing looks possible

• Why God often moves before we ever see the evidence

• A simple, powerful prayer for the overwhelmed heart

Scripture Referenced:

Joshua 3:7–17

Isaiah 54:2

Today’s Step:

Name one thing you’re carrying that feels too heavy and pray:

“Lord, I release this into Your hands. I choose to trust You. I believe the miracle may already be upstream.”

Resources & Connect:

• Blog version available at ichoosetoday.org

• Join Mo on Instagram @i.choose.today

• Share this episode with a friend who needs encouragement today!

YouVersion Mention:

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 Thanksgiving reflection, Mo shares how gratitude has been reshaping her quiet time and renewing her perspective. Drawing from Scripture, personal practice, and the surprising benefits of intentional thankfulness, this episode invites you to slow down, breathe, and recognize the goodness of God in the middle of real life.

Gratitude is more than a feeling. It is a spiritual practice that shifts the heart, rewires the mind, calms emotions, strengthens the body, heals relationships, and opens us to the presence of God. Mo walks through biblical truths from Psalms, 1 Thessalonians, James, and Romans to remind us that every good and perfect gift comes from God and that thanksgiving is a posture we choose, even in difficult seasons.

You will also hear a moment of personal gratitude for the listeners who have encouraged and supported the I Choose Today ministry. As Mo reflects on God’s faithfulness, she shares her heartfelt thanks for every person who has helped this podcast reach and encourage one heart at a time.

In this episode:

• Why Mo begins her quiet time with gratitude
• What Scripture teaches about thanksgiving
• How gratitude affects us spiritually, mentally, emotionally, physically, and relationally
• Why recognizing goodness helps anchor us in hope
• A simple Thanksgiving practice you can begin today
• A special moment of gratitude for the I Choose Today community

Today’s Step:

Open your door, literally or symbolically, and acknowledge one good thing God has placed in your life today. Name it. Thank Him for it. Then tell someone why you’re grateful for them. Gratitude multiplies when it is shared.

Scripture references:

1 Thessalonians 5:16–18

James 1:17

Psalm 107:1, 22

Psalm 26:7

Psalm 100:4

Romans 8:28

Mentioned:

Insights adapted from a recent message on the spiritual and practical benefits of gratitude.

If today’s episode encouraged you:

Share it with someone who could use a renewed perspective this week.

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

Website: ichoosetoday.org

Your mind is a battleground—and a holy place.

And every day, thoughts come knocking at the gate, asking for access to your heart, your peace, your identity, and your purpose.

In this episode, Mo walks us through what it really means to guard the gate of our thoughts, why Scripture calls us to be watchmen over our minds, and how to recognize when a thought is from God… or when it’s an unwelcome intruder trying to lead us off the path God designed.

This episode is rooted in truth, grace, and practical tools for taking back mental ground the enemy has tried to claim.

• What it means in Scripture to guard your mind — the watchman, the sentinel, the gatekeeper
• Why every thought has a source, and how to identify if it’s from God, your flesh, or the enemy
• Louie Giglio’s powerful insight about restricting access to destructive thoughts from Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table
• The difference between condemnation (from the enemy) and conviction (from the Holy Spirit)
• How one whispered lie can derail your calling — unless you stop it at the gate
• A personal moment when Mo had to confront destructive, condemning thoughts after a speaking event
• How to speak truth to rogue thoughts and reclaim your mental space
• Why protecting your mind is essential for spiritual transformation

• 2 Corinthians 10:5 — “Take every thought captive…”
• Romans 12:2 — “Be transformed by the renewing of your mind…”
• Romans 8:1 — “There is now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus…”
• Philippians 4:8 — The filter for what gets access to your thoughts

Louie Giglio, Don’t Give the Enemy a Seat at Your Table

An excellent resource on identifying lies, rejecting toxic thoughts, and aligning your mind with God’s truth.

Pause and examine one persistent thought you’ve been dealing with.

Ask:

• Where did this thought come from?
• Does it align with God’s character?
• Is it truth or torment?
• Would Jesus say this about me?

Then speak truth out loud — in Jesus’ name — and shut the gate on every lie.

Listen wherever you stream podcasts — and now on YouTube Podcasts!

https://www.youtube.com/@IChooseToday

Please take a moment to rate + review the podcast.

It helps more people discover hope, encouragement, and practical steps to walk closer with Jesus — one day at a time.

Summary:

What if renewal isn’t something you achieve, but something you receive? In this gentle “pause” episode, Mo invites you to rest your mind and allow God to do what only He can do in the stillness. Transformation doesn’t just happen in movement, it’s birthed in the quiet places where peace takes root.

Through personal reflection, Mo shares how even in busy seasons of ministry, God uses moments of pause—often through her husband’s gentle reminders, to shift her focus from the to-do list to the true, lovely, and praiseworthy things of Philippians 4.

If you’ve been feeling weary or stretched thin, this episode is your reminder that rest isn’t weakness, it’s obedience. Renewal requires stillness. And sometimes, the most spiritual thing you can do is rest your mind.

Scripture References:

• Matthew 11:28–29
• Philippians 4:6–9
• Psalm 46:10

Today’s Step:

Take ten quiet minutes today to rest in the renewal.

No phone. No music. No multitasking. Just breathe.

Ask God:

Even in the quiet, God is still speaking.

Listen to this episode wherever you get your podcasts, or now on YouTube Podcasts!

 ichoosetoday.org/listen

 youtube.com/@IChooseToday

YouVersion App Link:

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!

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Real transformation doesn’t begin when our circumstances change—it begins when our thinking does.

In this episode, Mo unpacks how God transforms us from the inside out by renewing our minds. Drawing from Romans 12:2 and Philippians 4:6–9, she shares how to identify and replace the lies we believe with God’s truth, how to experience peace that guards our hearts and minds, and how to practice fixing our thoughts on what is true, honorable, and lovely.

Through a deeply personal story of overcoming insecurity and comparison, Mo reminds us that transformation isn’t about trying harder—it’s about thinking higher.

Whether you’re battling anxious thoughts, struggling with imposter syndrome, or simply feeling worn out, this episode will encourage you to pause, pray, and let God do His renewing work in your mind.

In this episode you’ll hear:

• How transformation begins with our thoughts, not our actions
• Why the enemy attacks your mind with shame, fear, and comparison
• Mo’s turning point moment of realizing she was right where God placed her
• A practical look at Philippians 4:6–9 and how to exchange anxiety for peace
• How to “fix your thoughts” on what is true, honorable, right, pure, lovely, and admirable

Scriptures mentioned:

Romans 12:2

Philippians 4:6–9

Matthew 6:30–34 (MSG)

Today’s Step:

Write down one thought you’ve been believing that doesn’t align with God’s Word.

Then, replace it with what He has said.

Let His truth reshape your thinking—one thought at a time.

Listen to “I Choose Today to Be Transformed by the Renewing of My Mind” wherever you get your podcasts—or now on YouTube Podcasts. YouTube: @IChooseToday

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

Have you ever felt like you’re wandering in a spiritual wilderness—uncertain, unseen, or running on empty? The wilderness can feel like the place where God is silent, but in Scripture, it’s actually the place where He speaks.

In this episode, Mo explores the Hebrew meaning of midbar—the “place of speaking”—and how God uses wilderness seasons to meet us, refine us, and prepare us for what’s next. Through the story of Hagar, Moses, and her own journey across the country, Mo reminds us that God never wastes a wilderness.

Whether you’re in a season of waiting, transition, or quiet obedience, this episode invites you to slow down, listen, and find that God’s presence is closer than you think—even here.

Key Scriptures:

Genesis 16 & 21 · Exodus 3 · Matthew 4 · Deuteronomy 8 · 1 Kings 19

Today’s Step:

Take ten minutes of stillness today—no music, no noise. Ask God to meet you in your own midbar and pray:

Listen now: [ichoosetoday.org/listen]