And when you pray, do not use meaningless repetition as the Gentiles do, for they think they will be heard because of their many words.  So do not be like them [praying as they do]; for your Father knows what you need before you ask Him. Mathew 6:7-8 (Amp.) Have you ever found yourself not wanting to pray, because you don’t know what to say or think you have to sound a certain way? Perhaps you feel that your prayers are not eloquent enough and you have tried to imitate others. Don’t let the enemy play tricks on your mind. God is not concerned about appearances, only what is in your heart. Your prayers don’t have to sound like anyone else. Simply be authentically you in your expression to God. Find comfort in knowing that God knows your heart, before you ever express what’s on your heart. God knows your needs, before you knew you had a need. Bringing it to Him in prayer is a sign of faith that you know where all your needs are met. Be encouraged, know that He is Elohim Shama the God who hears, and He answer when we call. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do. Eph 2:10 (NIV) If you feel as though your life is meaningless, don’t believe the lies of the enemy. You have been uniquely designed for a reason. All that you’ve gone through has prepared you for your purpose. Follow God’s lead and walk in it. Stay the course. ADaubon

Thankful & Grateful

In every situation [no matter what the circumstances] be thankful and continually give thanks to God; for this is the will of God for you in Christ Jesus. 1 Thes. 5:18 (Amp.) Begin this week with gratefulness. Let thanksgiving spring from your heart, as you meditate on the goodness of God. Practicing gratitude helps us to maintain a positive attitude about our life and experiences. It helps us to focus on that which brings us joy and contentment. It keeps us from dwelling on the negative and giving energy to those things and people that bring us down. Be thankful at all times, for there is always something to be grateful for. The fact that you are here to give thought to gratitude is reason #1. Praise God for another day, then don’t waste a second of it entertaining negative thoughts, self-pity, worry or complaining. Count your blessings and attract productivity and positivity into your life. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

Surround yourself with like-minded people. Your inner circle should reflect who you want to be and where you want to go. Make sure that those who are walking with you are headed in the same direction, so you don’t get tangled up or trip and fall. Stay the course! ADaubon

Let Go of The Bondage of Unforgiveness

Love prospers when a fault is forgiven, but dwelling on it separates close friends. Prov. 17:9 (NLT) In every relationship there will be times when those you love may miss the mark. There is no perfect person, so mistakes and misunderstandings are inevitable. Often, we personalize the actions of others when in reality they may have triggered an unmet need from someplace else or there are some unresolved issues that needs to be addressed. Sometimes individuals are authentically trying to love you, but they need to learn how to love you better. Dwelling in the past hinders us from moving forward. There is no friendship or relationship that can prosper where there is no grace. Consider extending forgiveness towards others, because unforgiveness keeps you anchored to that which you are unwilling to let go. Release it so your connections can be strengthened and grow. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity. 1 Timothy 4:12 (NIV) In this text Paul encourages Timothy to walk in his calling without being hindered by what others think or say about him. This is a reminder to us to not let anyone look down on you for any reason. When God called you, He didn’t need permission from anyone. Others’ opinions didn’t matter to Him, and it shouldn’t matter to you. He frequently uses unsuspecting individuals to do great things. Do not allow the words of others to get you down or hold you back. Believe in God’s ability to accomplish His plans in you and through you. Stay the course and live as one who is chosen by God. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

Those who trust in the Lord are like Mount Zion, which cannot be shaken but endures forever. As the mountains surround Jerusalem, so the Lord surrounds his people both now and forevermore. Psalm 125:1-3 (NIV) Firmly believe in God’s ability and strength, then walk as one who is covered under the shadow of the Almighty. No matter what you go through remember God is your protector, Elohim Shomri. He is a shield around us that safeguards us from all harm. Place your trust in Him and don’t waiver in your faith. Know that the Lord is concerned about all that you are going through. He is faithful to be a shield around you, so the fiery darts of the enemy will not penetrate you. Though attacks will come, remember you are steadily secured by the Savior. Have no fear and do not fret. God hasn’t failed you yet. He hasn’t and never will. Remain steadfast in your faith and be still. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

 He gives power to the weak, and to those who have no might He increases strength. Isaiah 40:29 (NKJV) Do you feel like you are losing your stamina physically, emotionally and mentally? Are your responsibilities and life obligations causing you to feel drained and completely overwhelmed? Have you been pouring out so much that you are running on reserve? God is the antidote to all your ailments and the answer to all your concerns. He gives you rest from your frustrations and hope when you feel hopeless. When you are tired and feel like you just can’t go on, He will give you all that you need to keep pressing forward. When you are feeling weak, He revives and restores your power. Find solace in knowing that God will sustain and keep you during the lowest times in your life. Rely on Him to meet you right where you are today. Stay encouraged, He will be your strength. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon

 For who is God besides the Lord? And who is the Rock except our God? It is God who arms me with strength and keeps my way secure. He makes my feet like the feet of a deer; he causes me to stand on the heights. 2 Samuel 22: 32-34 (NIV) God is Yahweh Tsuri (Zsu-REE), which means the Lord is my rock. He is the firm foundation on which we stand. He causes us to rise above all our circumstances. Like a deer we will be able to climb up the rockiest situations and swiftly escape every person, place or thing that tries to keep us bound. In God we find our safety and our strength. His grace is sufficient, and He gives us power when we are weak. As we meditate on the verse of the week, be encouraged that God does not leave you defenseless or ill-equipped. He prepares you and covers you to overcome everything that comes your way. Stand on the rock and walk in victory. Let’s go and grow together. ADaubon