"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)
There will be many things that influence us in life. Experiences that impact us and cause us to respond and react in certain ways. If we are not careful, overtime events and circumstances can wear and tear on your heart. Some hearts become hardened and others too soft. The condition of your heart directly impacts how you live your life. It determines how you respond and treat others. It alters your ability to feel and give compassion. When your heart is filled with regret, remorse, pain, anger, resentment and is compounded by negative thoughts and emotions, you will leave a trail of hurt and pain as you journey through life. You can become cold and uncaring. The damage you cause can be insurmountable. When your heart is filled with the love of God, forgiveness, acceptance, empathy, gratitude, patience, and a genuine desire to be an example and conduit of God’s grace, your life will be a reflection of Him who created you. There is so much in this world that will tempt you to harden your heart and distance yourself, but He overcame the world, so you can overcome the world. Don’t let the world influence your heart. Let your heart influence the world. It’s time to do a heart check. Pray to God to heal your heart and remove from the root anything that hinders you from displaying authentic Godly love, so your life can produce the right fruit. ADaubon
We have been commissioned to love one another with the love of God. God’s love is unconditional, selfless and forgiving. It promotes reconciliation and restoration. God loves us when we are at our best and at our worst. He loves us even when we don’t deserve it or want it. His love is always flowing towards us in spite of ourselves. As we embrace and bask in His love, don’t forget to pass it on. Be so filled with His love that it overflows from you into the world. Don’t let the actions of others cause you to compromise your ability to love as instructed by God. In your own strength it is hard to love others the way God loves us. That is why we must completely rely on Him to display His love on earth. Simply reflect on His love for you, then be a reflection of that love in the world. Be the light. ADaubon
Center your heart, mind and emotions on the Lord. Set your sights on Him and Him alone. Give Him your undivided attention. Let your affection and admiration be fixed upon Him. Let Him be the center of your world and watch Him handle everything around you. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted or discouraged by the cares of the world. No matter what you see with your natural eye, don’t begin to doubt. He knows and sees everything that you will ever encounter. He will sustain you and cause you not to fall. He will keep you steady and stable. Your will not fold under the pressures you face. Trust Him to protect you and save you at all times. He is more than able to shield you and make you stronger. He will preserve and protect you. He will take care of all that concerns you. There is no need to shiver, you are safe and secure in the Master’s hands. As long as you have God, you have more than you will ever need. You will not be shaken, because He is forever by your side. Him with you, is greater than the whole world against you. Stay encouraged. ADaubon
When my heart feels overwhelmed and anxious thoughts arise, you are faithful to calm the storms that rage around me. Your encouragement sets me free. Freedom from worry and all that seeks to consume my heart and mind. In you, relief and restoration I always find. You display your compassion and reassure me deep within. In you is where the source of my joy and true happiness begins. The jubilation you provide is not dependent on my circumstances or anything that I will ever face. You give me the strength I need and desire to continue to run this race. Your comfort and support fortifies my life. It helps me to stand strong, in the face of any tribulation or strife. I walk unbound and liberated from all the attempts to bring me down. I am completely dependent on you, for your consolation will always abound. Because of your everflowing grace I will rise above every obstacle and cares of the day. You are my God, the source of my peace of mind, today and always. ADaubon
Be encouraged, know that God’s protection surrounds you. He goes before you, clearing the way and secures your path. He stands behind you protecting and shielding you from all attacks. He will deliver you and keep you safe from your enemies. You need not fear, because wherever you go, His sovereignty keeps you. He is Elohim, who possesses incredible and unbeatable power. All dominion and authority belongs to Him. Do not be intimidated. You have the greatest and most secure protection plan that ever existed. ADubon
It is good to hear the words I love you. It is even better when you truly feel loved. Love is more than an expression or a declaration. It is a genuine heartfelt care and concern for someone that is demonstrated through your actions. It is standing by them when everyone else falls away. It is being there during the good and bad times. Love can heal every hurting place and fill every empty space. True love that is authentic and genuine will stand the test of time. It will recover from any storm. Let your actions match what you profess. Don’t just say it, show it. Our greatest example of love is, God’s unconditional love towards us. God loved us so much, that He gave His only begotten son to us as a living sacrifice. God put His love into action. He continuously displays His love towards us. Be a mirror image of the love that you have so graciously received. ADaubon
Do not quit before you get your breakthrough. If we judge by what we think, see and feel, we can become disheartened. Don’t give up, what may seem impossible for you is God’s opportunity to do the miraculous. Don’t allow anyone to set limits on you, don’t set limits on yourself, and never put God in a box. God can breathe life back into all that you have considered to be over. It is not over until God says it is over. God can open doors that appear nailed shut. He can bring to pass what some have told you would never happen. He can extend your life when all the medical opinions say otherwise. He can confound the doctors and leave all the doubters dumbfounded. Those that counted you out will be in awe of what the Lord does on your behalf. Give God the most challenging circumstances and struggles in your life and watch God move. Declare and believe God will do the unimaginable in your life. He is faithful. In your darkest moment, He will be the light. He can turn any situation around. Keep the faith. Hold on and don’t let go. Watch God do the impossible. ADaubon
There will be many people who try to attach themselves to you for various reasons. Some may be sincere, but others may be seeking personal gain. There are people who are on assignment in your life by God to uplift and support you on your journey. Others may be on a whole different mission and are allowing the enemy to use them to wreak havoc in your life. Be prayerful regarding the company you keep and those whom you allow in your personal space and inner circle. Stop entertaining relationships that you know are not beneficial to your spiritual or emotional growth and overall well-being. Be careful who you allow to pour into your life with their words or actions. Take inventory of those whom you give your time and energy. Don’t allow yourself to be led astray by the snares of the enemy. Refuse to be lured into activities that are in opposition to who God desires you to be. By no means does this imply that you act like you are better than anyone. Simply make better choices. ADaubon
“No one is like you, Lord; you are great, and your name is mighty in power.” Jeremiah 10:6. You are great because you serve a great God who dwells on the inside of you. He has called you to make your mark in the world and do great things. Don’t doubt your capabilities because of negative thoughts or comments. Don’t dwell on your disappointments to the point where they paralyze your potential. Don’t compare yourself to others. You are a designer’s original. Be who God has called you to be. Be confident in the great God who called you and go forth and do extraordinary things. Find your passion and live with purpose. Don’t delay, there is greatness inside of you. A.Daubon