"But I do not count my life of any value to myself, if only I may finish my course and the ministry that I received from the Lord Jesus, to testify to the good news of God’s grace." Acts 20:24 (NRSV)
Can you believe it? Jesus is petitioning for forgiveness for those who were crucifying him. Wow, in the midst of all the physical pain and anguish, he was advocating for others, better yet the very ones inflicting the suffering. He laid down his life with a forgiving heart for us. While fulfilling his purpose of being a living sacrifice to bring reconciliation between God and man, he exemplifies what forgiveness looks like. What a display of compassion and mercy. Let us take a pause today and celebrate the forgiveness that has been awarded to us. Truly appreciate what was done on your behalf and pay it forward. Thank you Lord for the sacrifice you made. Today and everyday we celebrate you. ADaubon
After Christ washed the feet of the disciples, he encouraged them to follow his example. This lesson in humility, is still one we can learn from today. Always remember to remain humble, regardless of your position, status or gifting. Display unconditional love that is no respecter of persons. Desire to positively touch the life of all whom you come into contact with. Jesus touched and washed what was considered to be the dirtiest part of the disciples, their feet. His cleansing power is still effective today. He wants to reach you in the places that others may have deemed too unclean to touch. All that you’ve done, that one would consider you unclean to walk in their presence, he has washed away. Know who you are in Christ and remember to love the way he loves you, without conditions or condemnation. Spread the love. ADaubon
God is faithful in every season you go through. We should look to him and rely on his providential care. When you are at your lowest, He strengthens your faith. When your heart is broken and you are in the middle of the storm, he will encourage you from deep within. In spite of what you encounter, with him you are able to withstand everything that comes your way. When fear and doubt attempts to overtake you, he lifts your bowed heads. Let your trust in him increase in the times when you need him the most. Even when you don’t understand why things are occurring, keep your faith anchored in him. Make up in your mind that you will love God and trust him, no matter what. Remain steadfast, don’t give up now. ADaubon
God we pray for all those with broken hearts that are full of grief and pain from the loss of a loved one. We love you and place all our trust in you to uplift all those who need you today. Let your love overflow in their lives and fill every empty space. Occupy the places of unfulfilled hopes and dreams with your compassion. Send your peace and inner serenity to calm them and help them navigate through the waves of emotions. When they feel as though they cannot make it through this time, give them the strength to keep going. Hold them up when they feel as though they are sinking deep into despair. Surround them with your love and remind them that you care. Give them a will to continue to live, in spite of their loss. Replace their sadness with hope and wipe away every tear. Embrace them in your loving arms and erase all their fears. Help them to cherish the memories and let go of all regrets. Send your power where they feel weak and fortify them for the journey ahead. For those who feel lonely, assure them that that they are not alone. Provide the comfort that can only be found in you. Thank you God for all that you’ve done and all that you intend to do. Thank you for your supernatural healing power. In Jesus name, Amen. ADaubon
God came into the world and into our life to bring us out of darkness. Our thoughts, actions and lives should be a reflection of His goodness. There will be many things and people during the course of your life that will attempt to draw you back into darkness, but don’t allow yourself to be absorbed by the temptation to indulge in that which seeks to blind you. When faced with temptation, doom, negativity or gloom, hold onto the light of the world. Let it grow in you, then glow through you to light up the atmosphere. Receive the light and be the light. As we begin holy week, let our life be an expression of the one who rescued us from darkness. ADaubon
The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing. Zephaniah 3:17 (NRSV). When you are in the middle of a battle, know that God is at the center of all that surrounds you. You are not alone, He is omnipresent. He is your front guard and your rear guard. He goes before you and fights all your battles. He props you up when you feel like you are falling. When you are at your weakest, His power proves to be greater. When you fear what is ahead, He goes before you and paves the way. He will lead you into safety. The Lord will fight for you and bring you complete victory. You will overcome all that comes against you, because He will bring you through. His love, grace and mercy, will renew and restore you. He will awaken your hopes and dreams that have been stifled by the attacks against you. Let His love and protection sustain and maintain you. Keep the faith and don’t give up hope. ADaubon
God nourish our faith and increase our stamina, so we will not faint under pressure. Protect and fortify us to withstand any trials and tribulations that come our way. In you we find our strength and might. With you we can weather the storms of life. Let your compassion and consolation comfort us like a warm blanket. Silence our fears and give us your power. We rest in your presence and find serenity under your shelter. Keep us calm and anxious free. Thank you for providing power and peace. We receive it today. In Jesus name, Amen. ADaubon
I believe that I shall see the goodness of the Lord in the land of the living. Wait for the Lord; be strong, and let your heart take courage; wait for the Lord! Psalm 27:13-14 (NRSV) In this text we are encouraged to maintain our hope and wait on the Lord, no matter what is going on in our lives and around the world. Be still and don’t allow your faith to waiver. Remain in Him and trust Him to rescue and restore you. Hang in there and don’t give up. Expect God to show up. Anticipate His intervention and interruption of the plans of the enemy. Believe that He is still on the throne, no matter what you hear and see. God will show Himself to be mighty and strong. He has done it before and He will do it again. Don’t allow yourself to be consumed with worry, fret or fear. Be bold, fearless and courageous. You will see His goodness in the land of the living. Wait on the Lord, I say, wait on the Lord! ADaubon