Today Is a Verb: Choose — Carol McLeod Ministries

A Note from Carol: I am so thrilled to share a glimpse of my new book, Today Is a Verb, with you. I’ve spent my life in awe and wonder at God’s goodness, and every time I get to write a new book, it feels like a miracle. I’m simply pinching myself because this book, just released, is a true reflection of my heart—my heart for a life of intentional joy, of relentless hope, and of purpose that carries us through even life’s hardest days.

Today Is a Verb is more than just words on a page; it’s a blueprint, a guide for living every day with passion and purpose. You see, from a young age, I drank in the sweetness of life—simple joys like dandelions and bike rides. But life isn’t easy, is it? We all face heartbreak and challenges, and sometimes it feels like joy is hard to come by. So, this book is my invitation to you, to anyone who’s feeling weary or just "fine," to say, “No, my friend, you’re meant for more than average.”

In Today Is a Verb, I explore 30 powerful, memorable verbs, each one a choice we can make to live a life that leaves no room for regrets. Each chapter invites you to walk deeper into joy and strength, to embrace verbs like remember, forgive, celebrate, rejoice, and persevere. Yes, life is hard, but we serve a Savior who’s overcome it all—and He calls us to live with intentional, unmatched joy, every single day.

So, as you enjoy this chapter, let it be a reminder that today is indeed a verb. It’s active. It’s alive. I hope it inspires you to grab hold of this beautiful life with both hands and to live with purpose, because my friend, you were made for it.

Perhaps it would be advantageous to spend just a few minutes pondering the life you hope to live. As you dream about this imagined life, intentionally remind yourself that you have been given the power of choice by your Creator. This gift of choice may just determine more aspects of your life than you care to acknowledge. 

Before you question my theology or my sanity, let me share with you what I consider to be one of the most astounding and compelling verses in Scripture written, thousands of years ago: 

My life is continually in my hand, yet I do not forget Your law. Psalm 119:109 

Although the author of Psalm 119 is unnamed, most classic theologians believe that David, the giant killer who became king, wrote this Psalm. These Bible scholars also believe David likely did not write it in one sitting but over his lifetime. We cannot be certain that David wrote this glorious piece of literature but let’s suppose, along with respected theological input, that David did indeed write the longest chapter in Scripture, Psalm 119. 

The psalmist, who was well-acquainted with danger, enemies, and the rugged wilderness, reminds all who will listen that we choose continually what type of life we will live. This valiant man, who brought down Goliath and fought a bear with his hands, is no stranger to the complexities of life. Even though he faced a world we no longer live in today, his admonition ricochets through the hallways of time, and we must seriously consider our intentional contribution to the life we desire to live.

As I consider other biblical heroes and heroines who faced daunting impossibilities and contended with fires, floods, and heartbreak, I must remind myself that each one chose how to respond to the trauma of life. 

• Noah obeyed God and built an ark during a sinful time despite ridicule.

• Esther called a fast when her entire nation was about to be slaughtered.

• Abraham took his son to the mountain and was prepared to offer him as a sacrifice.

• Daniel bowed to the Lord even though he knew the legislated consequences.

• David ran at a giant who laughed at the people of God.

• Ruth faithfully encouraged her mother-in-law and showed kindness every day after both were widowed. 

How you and I respond to unthinkable situations just might determine the type of life we will live. As individuals, and as the children of God, we are often unable to control our circumstances, but we can control how we respond to those circumstances. We can respond in terror or with trust; we can react with joy or with outrage. We can choose obedience, or we can run away from the principles in Scripture. We choose.

• Like Noah, we can build a life of obedience that will protect us from the storms in life.

• Like Esther, we can choose to fast when events have escalated out of control.

• Like Abraham, we can humbly confess, “Not my will, but Your will, O Lord.”

• Like Daniel, we can pray despite the disdain of the government.

• Like David, we must charge giants with an enthusiasm and boldness that comes from knowing the Father.

• And, like Ruth, we must show uncommon kindness and faithfulness even when our heart is broken.

While we must choose how to respond to outrageous and unthinkable situations in life, we can also trust that our heavenly Father will never leave us or forsake us. 

Be strong and courageous, do not be afraid or in dread of them, for the Lord your God is the One who is going with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. —Deuteronomy 31:6 

Every reaction we choose to demonstrate must be based upon His promised presence. God has done His part—He has given us His promises and His presence.

• He has showered us with eternal wisdom found in Scripture.

• He has bestowed upon us the power of the Holy Spirit.

• He has forgiven our past and has offered an abundant life that none of us deserve.

• He has given us new life in Christ.

• He has loved us unconditionally and enthusiastically. 

Knowing God has done His part in the outcome of your life, it will be much clearer for you to facilitate your responses to difficult days. We must make every decision based on the total assurance of God’s perpetual goodness and His endless love.

While the author of the amazing Psalm 119 knew that his life was in his own hands, he was also keenly aware that God’s Word was in his heart and his mind. Are you also assured that the Word of God has taken its rightful place in your mind and in your heart? 

We choose how we invest the hours of our days. The most important discipline you will ever embrace is to place the Word of God in your mind. You must choose to read the Word, meditate on the Word, and hide it in your heart. Nothing—absolutely nothing—will ensure that your life will be a magnificent one if you have not made room for the Bible in the priorities of life. Reading the Bible daily is not a have to but it is a get to for the man or woman who desires to live a life of untold delight and rare nobility. You choose what will be in your heart. You choose. 

LIFE QUOTE: When God comes streaming into our lives in the power of His Word, all He asks is that we be stunned and surprised, let our mouths hang open, and begin to breathe deeply. —Brennan Manning 

VERSE OF THE DAY: The Lord is the one who is going ahead of you; He will be with you. He will not desert you or abandon you. Do not fear and do not be dismayed. —Deuteronomy 31:8 

MEANINGFUL MOMENT: Today, take the time to evaluate your life choices. Is there anything you would like to change about your life? Have you set the proper priorities in place? DAILY 

DECLARATION: “I declare that I will choose God’s Word and His Ways.”

Letting God Use Our Sacred Scars with Dr. Michelle Bengtson

On today’s show, Carol welcomes back another dear friend, ‪Dr. Michelle Bengtson! Michelle is a certified neuropsychologist who lives to break the grip of anxiety and fear, foster regeneration, and renew life in her readers and listeners. From her own personal cancer experience and professional clinical expertise she recognizes in her life and others’ both the brokenness that attends life, and the concrete steps we can take as we walk with Christ. Dr. Bengtson’s newest book is titled Sacred Scars, and is an exploration of the encouraging truth that past pain and brokenness can serve as preparation for what God wants to do in and through his children if we’ll only surrender to and trust in him. Just as Jesus's scars didn't disappear after his resurrection, our scars tell our story and lend credence to our testimony of the love and power of God. If you are ready to turn your past pain into present comfort and future hope, let Dr. Bengtson be your compassionate guide.

Connect with Michelle and order Sacred Scars at https://drmichellebengtson.com/