O Lord, hear me as I pray; pay attention to my groaning. Listen to my cry for help, my King and my God, for I pray to no one but you. Listen to my voice in the morning, Lord. Each morning I bring my requests to you and wait expectantly. Psalm 5:1-3 (NLT) In this text David cries out to God in distress, with an expectation that He would deliver him. Have you ever felt like your enemies were winning and the attack was too great to withstand? Have you ever been overwhelmed by your present situation that it left you groaning and moaning deep within? Well the good news is, God is your very present help in the time of trouble. He hears your prayers and cry for help. As you lay down your burdens before the Lord He will fight your battles. He will give you strength for the journey and hold your enemies at bay. The devices that were designed to take you out, God will use to take you to another level. You will walk in victory.

You will be delivered instead of defeated. You will be blessed instead of banished. You will overcome instead of being overtaken. When you call on the Lord, He will answer you. His eyes are upon you, His ear is inclined towards you and His salvation is promised to you. You will not succumb to the plans of the enemy against you. God will hold you by His mighty right hand. It is the Lord’s plan that will prevail in your life. Have no fear and do not fret. Acknowledge God’s sovereignty in your life and over your situation by shifting your focus from what is before you and center your heart and mind on God in prayer. When you pray wait with a spirit of expectation for God to deliver you.

When you give your burdens and concerns to the Lord, trust and believe that He has you and everything that concerns you in the palm of His hand. He is bigger than your problem and stronger than your adversary. As we meditate on this passage this week, let us remember to have faith in God. There is nothing man can do to you with God on your side. Be encouraged, trust God and keep pressing forward. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

Embrace The New Season

For I am about to do something new. See, I have already begun! Do you not see it? I will make a pathway through the wilderness. I will create rivers in the dry wasteland. Isaiah 43:19 (NLT) By the grace of God we made it to see another year. As we forge ahead, remember to let God steer. Move at His pace and don’t rush. Believe that God has great things in store for us. During this season, unwavering faith is a must. Put your hands in His hands and simply trust. A new day is dawning, catch a glimpse, can’t you see? God is raising a mighty army, so the enemy has to flee. He’s making a way out of no way, and bringing light to every dark place. If you need direction and guidance, just seek His face. Embrace this new day and watch God move beyond all that you could imagine. It has already begun, all you need to do is walk in. There’s no time to press replay or rewind. Step into the newness and leave the old behind. Focus on the here and now with a spirit of expectation. His promises will come to pass, for He is faithful from generation to generation. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

The Lord will guide you continually, and satisfy your needs in parched places, and make your bones strong; and you shall be like a watered garden, like a spring of water, whose waters never fail. Isaiah 58:11 (NRSV) God will lead and direct your path in life. Along the journey believe that God will make a way for you, even during challenging times. He will provide for you in every situation, regardless of how formidable it seems. No matter what it looks like, trust God to be Jehovah Jireh. As we meditate on the verse of week, have faith that God will take care of you. Faith it until you make it! Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when they see the love you have for each other.” John 13:34-35 (Message) As we celebrate the love of Christ, remember to share his self-sacrificing love with others. Let your words and actions be a witness of the unconditional love that you have so graciously received. Embrace the love of Jesus, until it overflows from you into the world. Let your words be seasoned with grace and your actions be full of authentic godly love. As you search for the right gifts for your friends and family, give them the gift of true love. A love that will pursue peace, forgives others, attends to those in need, shows compassion for everyone and is never ending. During this time, celebrate the love of Christ by sharing it with the world. May your holiday season be full of peace, joy and love. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Psalm 46:11 (NRSV) Have no fear and do not be dismayed, The Lord is on your side. No matter what it looks like or what you are going through, God is with you. He will be your shelter in the storm. In times of uncertainty, trust God to lead the way. He is consistent and faithful. In times of persecution, have faith that the Lord will protect you. When you need shelter, run into the arms of God. He will be your shield and deliverer. This week reflect on the times the Lord has been there for you. Believe in your heart that He will do it again. He will never abandon you. He is your help in the time of trouble. Be encouraged and don’t give up. You are covered! Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

He who answers before he hears [the facts]—It is folly and shame to him. Prov. 18:13 (Amp.) Have you ever heard the phrase “God gave us two ears and one mouth for a reason”? There are many scriptures regarding the impact of our words. It is very important to think carefully before you speak. Too often we respond impulsively, without much thought or consideration. When you are provoked don’t respond when you are not emotionally ready.

In conversation with others, listen with an open mind. Try to understand the other person’s point of view. Don’t be defensive or eager to prove a point. Avoid being hasty. in your response. It is wise to get the facts before you react. This week as we meditate on this scripture, remember to be slow to speak and willing to listen. Your words have the power to bring peace or war, pain or joy, build or tear down, cut or heal. You can decide to be a tool of the enemy or an agent of the Lord. The choice is clear because God gave you two ears to hear. Listen and respond wisely. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

Your Words Matter

The words of the reckless pierce like swords, but the tongue of the wise brings healing. Prov. 12:18 (NIV) When we speak impulsively, without any concern for the feelings of others we can cause a lot of damage. Our words should never cut people down, but rather build them up. Use your words to encourage, uplift and bring healing to individuals and environments. Think before you speak and pray before giving a quick response. When you are provoked, pursue peace. When you are tempted to lash out, practice self-control. In the heat of the moment, try separating yourself from the one who is causing the agitation. You can revisit the conversation when you and the other person calms down. When given the opportunity to say a kind or unpleasant word, choose wisely. Be led by love, use discernment and have compassion. This week make a conscious decision to use your words wisely. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

What’s In Your Heart?

Deceit fills hearts that are plotting evil; joy fills hearts that are planning peace! Prov. 12:20 (NLT) This week’s verse reminds us to be careful not to entertain trickery or misleading tactics. Take no pleasure in evil plans, schemes or deeds. Rather, let the joy of the Lord penetrate you to maintain peaceful intentions and thoughtful actions. Let all that you do be done with fairness and integrity. This week ask God to search your heart and remove anything that is not like Him. Ask Him to guard your mind and resist every evil thought. Examine your conduct and abandon all acts that are not rooted in the principals of God. Let your actions reflect the love of God. Let the abundant joy of the Lord flow in you and through you. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

Love Your Enemies

But love your enemies, do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return. Your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High; for he is kind to the ungrateful and the wicked. Luke 6:35 (NRSV) It is easy to love those who are kind to you and love you back. It is a challenge to love your enemies and those who are ungrateful. This text reminds us of the importance of sincerely loving everyone, even our foes. Greet hostility with kindness. Meet hatred with agape love. Show generosity to anyone in need, whether a friend or foe. Give mercy without conditions. Sow seeds of goodness, without seeking anything in return, and God will reward you for your good deeds. Have compassion for your enemies. Lift them up in prayer and speak blessings over their life.

Remember God’s unconditional love and grace that He so freely extends towards you. He loves us even when we don’t deserve it. Reflect God’s love, grace and mercy in the world. Loving your enemies is a challenge you can accomplish with the love of God. If you struggle in this area, ask God to love others through you and watch Him use you mightily. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon