Choose Wisely A 31 Day Devotional

Have you found that some of the many choices you make on a daily basis have become habits that don't serve you well? We have to become intentional about avoiding those poor choices to experience a better way of life. Do you want to make a positive impact and leave the world around you a bit better than you found it? Then let's choose to make wiser decisions remembering that words matter, character counts and our conduct-what we think, say and do reveals our heart.The purpose of this 31-day devotional series is to help us all focus on godly characteristics and attributes that can become a daily part of our character and equip us to make wise choices.When we make wise choices based on God's Word, they will bring us the satisfaction in life that we all long for, which will gradually transform our lifestyle into one that will be an example for others and point them to Christ. My goal in this series is to help you fall in love with Jesus in a new and fresh way as we discuss all these character qualities that He modeled for us in the Scriptures. As we focus our attention on His attributes and embrace an eternal perspective, imitating what he modeled for us, the more we will think and act like Him. Isn't that awesome? We become like those with whom we spend the most time. The way we think affects how we feel, and how we feel affects the way we behave. If we want to change the way we act, we must go back and change our thoughts and choices.We are only as close to God as we choose to be. Keep in mind, God gives us the freedom to make choices; however, we have to deal with, and don't get to choose the consequences of both the good and bad choices we make.

The Book of Proverbs is a gold mine of divine wisdom. Author and speaker Donna Gaines applies that wisdom in very practical ways to the issues women face. Choose Wisely, Live Fully examines the blessings and curses associated with the choices made by the two women in Proverbs: Wisdom and Folly. Gaines harnesses her two passions—discipleship and literacy—to challenge women of all ages to become “biblically literate.” Biblical illiteracy makes us vulnerable to influences that do not represent biblical truth. This book is a wonderful discipleship tool that will help equip you to: discern the voice of God and follow His path (the path of Wisdom instead of the path of Folly); experience the joy of wholehearted obedience; and let God help you mentor the lives around you in remarkable ways. Exploring the timeless counsel of God’s Word, Choose Wisely, Live Fully is your invitation to embark on the transforming journey of faithfulness as you seek God and boldly choose the path that leads to life. I love the Book of Proverbs. It weaves deep theology with the kind of practical handles a guy like me needs every single day. That’s also why I love Choose Wisely, Live Fully. Donna Gaines does a great job balancing the unvarnished truth of Scripture with real-life application. That powerful combination can change your life—and the lives of those you love. —Dave Ramsey, best-selling author and nationally syndicated radio show host Donna Gaines writes in a way that allows the reader to absorb profound truth deep into the heart, mind, and soul. She is a modern-day Deborah, declaring the Scriptures as the ultimate source of wisdom for every woman who dares to choose a life of no regrets. You will come away from these pages with full confidence in the love and sovereignty of God. —Diane Strack, speaker, teacher, co-founder of Student Leadership University, and author of New Start for Single Moms, Quiet Influence, and co-author of Good Kids Who Do Bad Things Choose Wisely, Live Fully creates a beautiful launching pad from which women can not only learn but also share biblical truths that have the capacity to change their lives and the lives of generations to come. Donna and her daughters share personal stories and godly wisdom that bring the book of Proverbs alive. A teacher at heart, Donna, skillfully equips women with practical tools to help those we love choose the path that leads to the abundant life Jesus promises. The path that will fill them with godly confidence, self-worth, purpose, and direction. —Wendy Blight, Author and writer for the Proverbs 31 Ministries First 5 app The Book of Proverbs is a book of wisdom that I have studied my entire life. Author Donna Gaines takes the lessons of Proverbs and gives anointed, spirit-filled insight on discipleship. Choose Wisely, Live Fully is a book that helps us to understand the wisdom of Proverbs and how to apply it to our everyday lives. This discipleship tool will challenge you personally and will strengthen you to mentor others to walk in wisdom. —Ellen Olford, Director of Women, Central Church Every choice we make has a correlating eternal consequence. In her powerful book, Choose Wisely, Live Fully, Donna Gaines challenges us in a fresh way to make wise decisions, choices that glorify God and yield blessings. Using the two women in Proverbs, Wisdom and Folly, she stirs within us a robust desire to walk in absolute obedience to the Word of God. This book is a must read for women who are ready to be stirred and changed; when you reach the last page, you will not be the same. —Dayna Street, Women’s Ministry Director, Bellevue Baptist Church Donna Gaines is a woman of the Word! In Choose Wisely, Live Fully, we are shown how to walk in obedience to the Lord and His Word in a world that is trying to pull us in the opposite direction. Donna offers practical ways on how to pursue a life of holiness and guides us in how to make wise choices in our everyday life. I look forward to using this book as a resource with discipleship groups in the future. —Kandi Gallaty, Co-Author of Foundations Choose Wisely, Live Fully by Donna Gaines is an eye-opening window to Proverbs for today’s generation. Donna’s teaching, inspired through the Holy Spirit, is simply stated yet life changing. I personally have read through the Book of Proverbs more times than I can count, however, Donna’s insights have given me a brand-new perspective with applications I had never considered. She has a gift of bringing truths to a new light, and that light points straight to our Creator. —Shari Falwell

Do you ever wonder, "Where is God" when going through challenging times? Does He seem distant, or even non-existent? What is the biggest crisis you are experiencing right now?Fear is a natural response for humans and has its place to help keep us safe. However, living in fear is counter-productive and is not an option if we are going to get through any difficult circumstances. We cannot allow ourselves to get stuck there and dwell on these negative issues. Believe it or not, there is a way to experience peace in the midst of all of this and that is what I will be unpacking in this book. We will take a hard look at fear, anxiety, and depression. I define them, discussing the symptoms and causes of each, and how to overcome them. One cannot read this book without being changed from the inside out if the shared truths are taken seriously, acted upon, and allowed to permeate and become a reality in the reader's heart and mind.

Discover the eternal value of your finite time—and intentionally choose the meaningful over the urgent every single day. Our culture makes it so that even the most organized and efficient among us feels the pressure of the ticking clock and the possibility and regret of missing out. Modern life has evolved in a way that sets us up for stress, pressure, and overload. New norms and attitudes tap into deeply-wired psychological impulses that make it harder than ever to take control of your time. Many of us also have innate personality traits that make the struggle even worse. No wonder time can become a tyrant that leaves us chronically stressed and discontented. Unlock an approach to life that bestselling author Valorie Burton calls “living timelessly.” You will come to understand 1) the gradual changes that have led us to a place where having too much to do and too little time to do it is the norm, 2) the vision for what it could look like if you were free from the stress of time and how to blast through the obstacles to those possibilities, and 3) the practical steps to choosing the meaningful over the urgent so that your life is unhurried yet purposeful and reflects the values and impact that are unique to you. It’s About Time helps you reimagine a life that is meaningful, at a pace that is natural, with a load that is doable and equips you with the tools to make it happen.

In the middle of the pain you didn't cause, the change you didn't want, the reality you didn't know was coming . . . your life can still be beautiful. We all have stories full of sorrow and celebration. But with God, there's always more going on than what we see. New York Times bestselling author Lysa TerKeurst encourages you to hope again through 50 devotions that will help you find redemption in every part of your story. Lysa, president of Proverbs 31 Ministries, assures us that the aching pain we feel is proof there's a beautiful remaking already in process if we don't give up. Through these 50 devotions, Scriptures, prayer prompts, and personal notes from Lysa, you will: Gain healthier ways to process your pain Learn to see your situations through truth-based perspectives Disempower the lie that how you feel about your life is the full story by Remember that with God there's always something more true, lovely, and good right now Stop feeling alone in your struggles by spending guided time with God each day While there's no denying there are parts of our story we'd love to edit out, what if those circumstances are the unlikely ingredients God is using to weave together a greater good we'd never want to miss out on? Together we'll discover the indescribable gift of our God, who breathes life into even the shattered pieces of our stories, creating something new and more beautiful than ever before. Look for additional bestselling books from Lysa TerKeurst: Forgiving What You Can't Forget It's Not Supposed to Be This Way Uninvited The Best Yes

Every day you have choices to make in life. The choice to get out of bed, what you will eat, if you're going to exercise, what you will wear, what time you will leave for work, etc. But you also have choices when it comes to your spiritual life. This 31 day devotional is a simple reminder of the choices you have been given. I challenge you to set aside 5 minutes and read one each day as you strive to live out that choice with the help of the Holy Spirit. You will notice that word being played out in multiple ways thru your day if you allow it. Each day as you read truth from God's Word, let it soak in and saturate all that you are. It is then that you will be able to make these God honoring choices. My desire is for you to see more of who Jesus is as you strive to imitate Him. "He must become greater; I must become less." John 3:30 (NIV)

This is a 31 day devotional in which I pray encourages and blesses all those who read it. Each day is packed with a practical message that will inspire and get you fired up to live your best life one day at a time.

This year, learn to see Scripture in a whole new way as you embark on a deeper understanding of its history--and your faith's deep roots in the land, events, people, and faith of Israel. The One Year Holy Land Moments Devotional contains 52 weeks of reflections from both a Jewish rabbi and a Christian theologian, demonstrating the timeless and universal themes in both the Hebrew Bible (Old Testament) and New Testament. Each day offers a fascinating glimpse into the Jewish faith, history, and perspective, while exploring the Christian interpretation of beloved biblical verses, places, people, and events. Spend a reflective moment each day contemplating the history of God's work in the world, celebrating his word and love for you.

Keeping Your Balance looks at the challenge that Christians face in maintaining a biblical balance in seven key areas of life.

These include the following: family and ministry; self-denial and liberty; patience and confrontation; the temporal and the eternal; the inner man and the outer man; reality and hope; and striving and trusting.

In each of these categories, the author first highlights the balance that is clearly set forth for the believer in Scripture. Second, a discussion is presented of the symptoms that may be manifested when an individual loses balance in a particular area. The practical life consequences of that imbalance are also examined. An understanding of these tensions is absolutely vital for living a life to the glory of God.

The sun rises, the day begins, and the world begins clamoring for your time. But the whisper of God calls you to be with Him?and it's the best part of your day. Beloved pastor Charles Stanley has been teaching the Word of God for forty years?lovingly, reverently explaining the wonders of Christ's Good News from the pulpit, in his internationally acclaimed radio program, and in more than thirty-five best-selling books. In I Lift Up My Soul, Dr. Stanley's inspirational gems?filled with personal wisdom and words of encouragement?will lead you to your heavenly Father day after day. Each day in I Lift Up My Soul, you will find a verse from Scripture, recommended reading, a guided prayer, and an inspirational and instructional message designed to lift your heart and soul from the earthly to the eternal. Your day will be transformed.