People can tame all kinds of animals, birds, reptiles, and fish, but no one can tame the tongue. It is restless and evil, full of deadly poison.  Sometimes it praises our Lord and Father, and sometimes it curses those who have been made in the image of God.  And so blessing and cursing come pouring out of the same mouth. Surely, my brothers and sisters, this is not right! James 3:7-10 (NLT) Often we don’t realize how powerful our words are. No matter how strong you think you are, real strength is displayed when you are able to bridle your tongue. No matter how wise you consider yourself, true wisdom knows when to speak and when to be quiet. Do not be easily provoked and avoid inciting others. If you are angry take the time you need to approach a conversation with respect and in love. Sometimes it is not what you say, but how you say it. Some things just don’t need to be said at all. May God give you discernment. Strive to be emotionally healthy, because our words reflect what is in our heart. May your heart and your words be filled with the love of God. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

People may be right in their own eyes, but the Lord examines their heart. The Lord is more pleased when we do what is right and just than when we offer him sacrifices. Prob. 21:2-3 (NLT) It is not the appearance of what you do, but rather the motives behind why you do them. It is better to be sincere than seen. Seek authenticity, rather than accolades. Let your daily practices reflect what you profess. Stand up to all that is wrong, even if it is within yourself. Allow your heart to truly heal, so you can be genuine and real. Remember God knows you through and through. The world may see your representative, but God sees the real you. The good news is He loves you unconditionally and desires for you to be all that He created you to be. Surrender to Him and let the virtues of faith, hope and love guide you daily. Let’s go and grow together. ADabuon

The Lord upholds all who fall and lifts up all who are bowed down. Psalm 145:14 (NIV) It is comforting to know that the Lord does not leave us in our broken places. When you feel like you have fallen so low that you are unreachable, He meets you right where you are and restores you. In those moments when you’re tired and don’t think you can go any further, He encourages you to continue to press on. When you feel like you can’t make it and you begin to lean into despair, the Lord’s love uplifts you. When you feel like throwing in the towel and giving up, the Lord will sustain you and give you support on every leaning side. When you are bowed down by the weight of life and you feel like no one cares, our compassionate savior will help you. Know today and every day that God is with you, and He will be all that you need to survive. When you go through difficult seasons always remember you are not alone. He will lift you up when you’ve fallen. He will give you strength with His love, mercy, grace and providential care. Humble yourself and reach out to Him, He will always be there for you. Be encouraged! Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

No, dear brothers and sisters, I have not achieved it, but I focus on this one thing: Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead, I press on to reach the end of the race and receive the heavenly prize for which God, through Christ Jesus, is calling us. Phil 3:13-14 (NLT) New Year, New You! This year make a declaration that you will be free in 2023. Move forward free from toxicity, anxiety, worry, shame, guilt, depression, anger, pride, unforgiveness, feelings of unworthiness, busyness, lack of focus, and anything that keeps you from being your best self or living your best life. Put aside every hinderance and heavy burden that weighs you down. Shed the dead weight of those things, individuals and thought patterns that seek to keep you bound or hold you back from your peace, purpose and steady pace of moving forward. Stop looking back and let it go so you can grow. It is your time to press forward and embrace all that God has for you. Maintain your focus in the direction that you are going. The only way for you to truly be free is to follow God completely. Humble yourself and be willing to check your baggage in the never pick up again zone, so you can move forward and claim all that’s rightfully yours in Christ Jesus. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. John 3:16 (NIV) The best gift that God ever gave us was Jesus Christ. In Him we have the gift of eternal life. Embrace God’s gifts of everlasting life, salvation, forgiveness, redemption, peace, joy, love, comfort, protection, provision, grace and mercy. There is no greater gift than the love of God. There are no limits to how far and wide God’s love will reach to cover you completely. His gifts towards us are immeasurable and meant for our good. As we enjoy the many gifts we have received, remember the greatest gift of them all. Let us never forget the many blessings from God. Walk in appreciation and gratitude daily. You are blessed, redeemed and so valuable to God that He gave you His best. Now give Him your best, your life, service and devotion. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

My comfort in my suffering is this: Your promise preserves my life. Psalm 119:50 (NIV) While seasons of suffering may come in all of our lives, know that we do not face these times alone or without help. The Lord supports us during times of hardship, distress and adversity. There is no agony or pain too deep for Him to reach. There is no trauma too painful for Him to heal. He is able to help you through every tribulation or sorrow. Find solace in knowing that God will be there for you in your darkest moments. Have hope in God and maintain a steady assurance in His ability to keep you from being overwhelmed by your present circumstances. There is strength in knowing that God is faithful to keep all HIs promises towards you; not one will come back void. Hang in there. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

The Lord is good, a strong refuge when trouble comes. He is close to those who trust in him. Nahum 1:7 (NLT) Truly the Lord is good. His very nature is full of love, grace and mercy. While some of our life experiences may not feel good at the moment, God is still good. Trust in God in every season. Our hearts, emotions, circumstances and situations are secure in His arms. In Him we find our safe place. Position your hope and faith in Him to restore, heal, comfort, and keep you all the days of your life. Always remember that no matter what you go through you are never alone, for God is ever-present. His love surrounds you and His compassion engulfs you. His presence in our life and love towards us is the cure for all our concerns. Lean on Him and allow Him to support you. Lean into Him and allow Him to fill you. Embrace His lovingkindness as it sweeps over you and penetrates you through and through. Stay encouraged, the Lord will be strong for you. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

Hope In The Lord

We put our hope in the Lord. He is our help and our shield. In him our hearts rejoice, for we trust in his holy name. Let your unfailing love surround us, Lord, for our hope is in you alone. Psalm 33:20-22 (NLT) As your life unfolds you learn to trust God more and more. Check His track record in your life and recall all that He’s done before. With great expectation have faith in God to meet you where you are. Don’t give into thoughts of doubt that you have strayed too far. Whether on the mountain top or in the valley low, the Lord will hold you up and never let you go. He will cover you and keep you from all harm. Cast your cares upon Him and rest in His loving arms. His love will stretch over you like a warm blanket on a cold night. Receive serenity now as He holds you tight. While the world is ever changing, and life events unfold in unexpected ways. Trust the one who is in control of all your nights and days. Have faith and believe that He will keep you through any stormy weather. Hang in there as we go and grow together. ADaubon 12//05/22

The Lord said to Moses, I have heard the grumbling of the Israelites. Tell them, at twilight you will eat meat, and in the morning, you will be filled with bread. Then you will know that I am the Lord your God. That evening quail came and covered the camp, and in the morning, there was a layer of dew around the camp. Ex. 16:11-13 (NIV) The Lord hears your concerns and is faithful to provide. The Israelites complained of lack of food and God gave them daily manna. This text reminds us that God will give you what you need to survive each day. The lesson to them and to us is we should trust God daily to be our provider. Many of us spend too much time reminiscing on the past, worrying about the present and toiling over the future. There is an unexplainable rest that comes from trusting in God to provide for you one day at a time. Oh, what stress you can avoid by believing that God knows what is ahead of you and allowing Him to supply all that you need. God wants us to depend on Him. So, in all our planning, plan to trust God for everything. During seasons of uncertainty take one faith step at a time and watch God lovingly send you all the help and resources you need to make it through this time. What seems overwhelming for you is light weight for God. What appears impossible for you is an opportunity for a miracle. He will do it for you because He loves you and to confirm who He is in your life, Lord God Almighty! Hang in there, God is making a way. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon