I was pushed back and about to fall, but the LORD helped me. Psalm 118:13 (NIV) Sometimes things that happen to us in life is a setup to make us implode. Seek God’s face when your enemies forcibly come against you to move you physically, spiritually or emotionally. Don’t let your troubles or your adversaries bring you down to the ground. Whenever you feel like you are falling from the heavy blows of life, God will sustain you. He will uphold you with His mighty right hand. He will not let you stumble. As we meditate on the verse of the week, always remember you have 24/7 access to the greatest support system that ever existed. He’s faithful to help you and bring you through every situation that concerns you. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

O my people, trust in him at all times. Pour out your heart to him, for God is our refuge. Psalm 62:8 (NLT) There are many people who have trust issues due to past trauma, hurts and disappointments. Too often we carry pain from earthly relationships into our connection with God. For example, if you’ve never been able to trust anyone; you hesitate in trusting God. God is not like man; He loves you with an everlasting love. We can confidently place our hope in Him because He cares for us, more than man ever could. With full transparency we can pour our hearts out to God. His loving arms is the safest place to be. He will protect your emotions with genuine love and affection. His peace will guard your heart and mind. Give Him your pain and all your worries. Rely on Him to rescue you from every form of despair. No matter what you are facing today, remember that God hears you when you cry out to Him. When your heart is overflowing with cares and concerns, pour it out to Him. He will fill you with His love, joy and peace. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

Our Lifeline

Then you will call, and the Lord will answer; you will cry for help, and he will say: Here am I… Isaiah 58:9 (NIV) Have you ever felt like you were backed into a corner? Perhaps you’ve been trying to manage many challenging life circumstances at one time. You may need assistance, but don’t know where to turn. Today’s scripture reminds us that God hears us when we reach out to Him for help. He is right there with you when you call, because He’s never left you. Wherever you are, find comfort in knowing God is with you. He is Yahweh Shammah and His presence is with His people. In His presence we can overcome anything that comes our way and be carried through the most tumultuous seasons of our life. He’s faithful to respond to your moans and groans in despair. He sees the burdens on your heart and will attend to all your concerns. With His sovereignty and love He answer every prayer and petition. You can count on Him, because He never drops a call. May God give you strength, peace and rest today and always. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

Am I now trying to win the approval of human beings, or of God? Or am I trying to please people? If I were still trying to please people, I would not be a servant of Christ. Gal. 1:10 (NIV) During life’s journey we all have to come to the realization that we are not here to satisfy others, but rather fulfill the call of God on our life. It is hard to stay focused on your assignment from God if you are constantly trying to please people. You can’t fulfill your greatest potential in Christ being a people pleaser. When your path is determined by what people want you to do or what they think of you, you can easily get distracted. When your mood, actions and goals fluctuate based on how others feel about you, you can become stagnant. If you try to live up to someone else’s standards, you can neglect your true calling.

When your identity is wrapped up in God and who He says you are, you will not be swayed by the opinions of others. Stay the course and don’t be derailed by the distractions of individuals who are not privy to God’s plans for you. Live for an audience of one and seek to do His will, rather than bend your will to the fancies of the world. You feel different because you are different, and there is a path uniquely designed for you. Seek God’s face and when He speaks follow His instructions. Stay encouraged and remember you are set apart for a purpose. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength. Phil. 4:12-13 (NIV) In this text, Paul expresses that his source of power, effectiveness, and sustainability was all due to God. While the gifts from others often supported his ministry, Paul was certain that his ability and capability was due to God and God alone. He knew what it was like to suffer and go without, but even in these moments God was ever-present, giving him the resources and vigor to keep going. As we meditate on the verse of the week, remember that no matter what you are going through God will provide you with all that you need to thrive physically, spiritually, and emotionally. God is Jehovah Jireh, our provider. He is our ultimate source of all resources. Whatever you are in need of today, rest in the assurance that God will sustain you. In this you can be confident and content. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 2 Cor. 12:9 (NIV) There will be times in our life when we may feel like we are running on empty, especially in times of great sorrow or difficulty. Sometimes we run to the wrong sources for help, then get disappointed when they can’t fulfill our needs. Try turning to God first, seek His face for all that you desire and receive His divine assistance. In your weakest moments, God is ever-present. When challenges beyond your control seem to overwhelm you, stop and ask God to give you strength to carry on. He will give you the power to press forward. If you are going through a rocky season, be encouraged and know that God will uphold you. He won’t let you succumb to the weight of your problems. Be encouraged, He will keep you with His loving mercy, healing grace and providential care. He is El Shaddai, God Almighty! Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

Avoid the Pitfall of Anger

Do not be quickly provoked in your spirit, for anger resides in the lap of fools. Ecc. 7:9 (NIV) It is very important to be cautious of the pitfall of anger. We are all human and anger is a normal emotion. However, you have to control anger, rather than allow it to control you. Never let your anger cause you to act in a way that is harmful to yourself or others. Being angry is never an excuse to abuse others with your words or actions. Be mindful of your emotional triggers. When you are aware of who or what usually provokes you to anger, you can develop a plan to respond differently. Abandon all foolish responses and practice self-discipline to manage your emotions appropriately. As we meditate on the verse of the week, consider all that easily provokes you and make a conscious effort to control your emotions. May the discernment and wisdom of the Holy Spirit guide you today and always. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Psalm 23:1-3 (NIV) The Lord sustains you and supplies all of your needs. If you’re in the valley, He is with you. He will uplift you and encourage your heart. If you’re on the mountain top, He is with you. Wherever you are the Lord’s providential care is ever-present. He is the great shepherd who attends to His flock with love and compassion. He nurtures you with tender loving care. He guides and directs your path according to His will and purpose. No matter what comes your way, the Lord is a shield around you. When you go through challenging times do not fret, the good shepherd watches over you. As you meditate on the verse of the week find comfort in knowing the Lord cares about you and everything that concerns you. He knows everything that weighs heavy on your heart, surrender it all to him. He will not leave you in despair. His love for you covers you like a blanket day and night. Rest in His loving arms and live with confidence that the Lord is taking care of you, today and always. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

Surely the righteous will never be shaken; they will be remembered forever. They will have no fear of bad news; their hearts are steadfast, trusting in the Lord. Psalm 112:6-7 (NIV) Sometimes when we hear things, it can disturb our spirit. Trust that God will keep you steady and not allow you to be shaken. Whatever the news is believe that God knew what was coming before it arrived to you. He has prepared you to be able to withstand anything that comes your way. He will uphold you in spite of any report you receive. Always remember you have a safety net, God’s loving arms. So, whatever you are facing today, remember God is with you. He remembers you and HIs promises towards you. There is nothing that you will encounter that He cannot carry you through. As we meditate on the verse of the week, know that God will keep you when you receive bad news. It may shock you, but it won’t rock you. Trust God with unwavering faith. He is with you. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon