The Lord is near to the brokenhearted, and saves the crushed in spirit. Psalm 34:18 (NRSV) We will have ups and downs in life, but through it all God goes before us, stands beside us and catches us when we fall. There is hope for us when we are experiencing grief, loss, extreme disappointment or difficulties that weigh heavy on our heart. God’s word promises us that in our darkest times He is ever-present. When we are at our lowest points, He uplifts us. His love surrounds us and His mercy comforts us. God’s presence is a shield that encompasses us. If you feel alone today and think no-one understands what you are going through, find comfort in knowing you are not forsaken. He will provide you with the love and care that you need. He will save you from the pit of despair and give you the strength to keep moving forward. Don’t give up and don’t throw in the towel. You are not forgotten; the Lord is near. He is faithful to deliver you. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon
The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord. Lam: 3:25-26 (NIV) Pursue God with all your heart. Lay your concerns before Him and wait with expectation that God will deliver. You can rely on God for everything that you need. Trust and believe that God will take care of you. As we meditate on the verse of the week, ask yourself are you placing ALL your hope in God? Whatever you are going through, God is more than able to help you. There may be times that things may seem too much to bear. God hears your prayers and He knows the desires of your heart. Find strength in staying connected to your power source. Be still, stay calm and rest in the peace of God. Stay encouraged! Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. To our God and Father be glory for ever and ever. Amen. Phil 4:19-20 (NIV) In this text Paul expresses his gratitude for the gifts he received from the church in Philippi. The Philippian church was often used as a model for other churches. In this passage they again set an example of giving to the work of the ministry of Paul in greater numbers than other churches. It was Paul’s prayer that God bless them for supporting him. This week challenge yourself to give to your local ministry or organizations that are serving the community. Consider donating to a food bank, shelter or local church. Seek opportunities to be a blessing to someone else. Maybe there is a family member or friend who needs your assistance. There are many ways to give, just give with a sincere heart. Do it all for the glory of God. As you sacrificially give to the needs of others, God is faithful to meet your needs in abundance. May your cup run over as you pour into the life of others. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon
Guard my life, for I am faithful to you; save your servant who trusts in you. You are my God; have mercy on me, Lord, for I call to you all day long. Bring joy to your servant, Lord, for I put my trust in you. Psalm 86:2-4 (NIV) In this passage David cries out to God to hear his petitions and prayers. He sought God for protection, deliverance from his enemies and inner comfort. He desired God’s mercy. Mercy means to show kindness or concern for one during their time of need. It is an act of divine favor and compassion. Take comfort in knowing His loving-kindness never fails. His tender and benevolent affection is ever-present in our life. Wherever you are today, place your trust in Him with all your heart and soul. He will give you joy for your sadness, strength for your weakness, peace for your unrest, clarity for your confusion, and victory instead of defeat. He will keep you in the midst of the stormy seas of your life, as He lovingly guides you safely to shore. God is with you and He hears your prayers. As you meditate on the devotion for the week, give God all your concerns and receive His peace and comfort that soothes the inner being of your soul. I encourage you to lay down your burdens before God, and receive rest and peace. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon
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
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