WHAT DAY IS IT????!!!!

It is Praise Friday.

Today we set aside this morning to give God an all out crazy praise. Not because we feel obligated to, but because we WANT to praise the Lord.

Why do we praise? We praise because our  beautiful relationship with God. We praise because of the faith we have in God to always come through in his perfect timing, under Grace and perfect conditions.

It would be strange if someone gave us a gift and then we said nothing and just walked away.  We would naturally respond to the gift with a grateful and humbled attitude. So it is when we are in friendship with God. Our friendship leads us to put our faith into action.

Meditate on the scripture passage below, this weekend.

James 2:18-26

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

¹⁸ Suppose someone disagrees and says, “It is possible to have faith without doing kind deeds.”

I would answer, “Prove that you have faith without doing kind deeds, and I will prove that I have faith by doing them.” ¹⁹ You surely believe there is only one God. That’s fine. Even demons believe this, and it makes them shake with fear.

²⁰ Does some stupid person want proof that faith without deeds is useless? ²¹ Well, our ancestor Abraham pleased God by putting his son Isaac on the altar to sacrifice him. ²² Now you see how Abraham’s faith and deeds worked together. He proved that his faith was real by what he did. ²³ This is what the Scriptures mean by saying, “Abraham had faith in God, and God was pleased with him.” That’s how Abraham became God’s friend.

²⁴ You can now see that we please God by what we do and not only by what we believe. ²⁵ For example, Rahab had been a prostitute. But she pleased God when she welcomed the spies and sent them home by another way.

²⁶ Anyone who doesn’t breathe is dead, and faith that doesn’t do anything is just as dead!

It is so good to know that we are a FRIEND OF GOD. I hope and pray that by now you know that I have a great love for you. Go with God today and be blessed.

Please enjoy today’s worship video performed by Israel and New Breed entitled, “I Am a FRIEND OF God.”  Rev. Marcia Davis

https://youtu.be/xtPOASI9uiA

There is a name I love to hear, I love to sing its worth; it sounds like music in my ear the sweetest name on earth. Oh, how I love Jesus. Because he first loved me. 

This song always makes my heart so full of love and joy.  It is a precious song that reminds me of God’s great love.

John 3:16

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

I don’t know too many parents that would offer their first born child as a way to show love, but God did just that. He gave the ultimate gift, his life.

When all hope is gone and you can’t seem to make your way through the heaviness, remember how much God cares for you and truly loves you. It will all work out for the good of those that love him

Have a blessed day. Be a blessing to someone else. Keep the light shinning.

Please enjoy today’s worship video performed by Ann Nesby entitled, “Oh, How I Love Jesus.”

Rev. Marcia Davis

James 1:2-8

New International Version (NIV)

Trials and Temptations

² Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, ³ because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. ⁴ Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. ⁵ If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you. ⁶ But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. ⁷ That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord. ⁸ Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all they do. 

When a test comes, how do you respond?

A lot of natural disasters have been happening around the world. Tornados, floods, hurricanes, earthquakes and fires. Do we panic? Do we question God? For some people the answer is yes. I can understand why. I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t understand.

However, if we are anchored in Christ we are called to respond differently.  The Word of God tells us that the trials come to strengthen us.

Where do we go for shelter, for hope, for a place to catch our breath?

I Go to The Rock!!!

https://youtu.be/eubsBeZS79k

Good Tuesday evening, Beautiful Beams of Light:

I know that I am coming to you later than usual, but a hurricane and power outages hindered me from writing this morning. We still have no power, but even in the coming  darkness, I want to bring you a word of hope and encouragement.

The on-line devotional, that I write each morning, has NEVER been about me. This devotional is all about the God-head that I serve, which I refer to as the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit — 3 in 1)

So before I lose power on my cell phone let me leave you with this word.

John 1:1-5

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

The Word of Life

Today is Monday. We begin every Monday with prayer.

Father God,

Thank you for watching over us. We love you and praise you for your continous care. Continue to hide us under the shadow and protection of your mighty wing. Be our guide and our shelter. May every family affected by the hurricanes find hope in you. May we, your people, be your ambassadors of love as we help our brothers and sisters around the world. We love you, Lord. We thank you for your faithfulness toward us. Continue to remind us who we are in You, in Jesus name. Amen. 

Sixteen years ago today was the terroristic attacks of September 11, 2001. During the tragedy, the country joined together as one nation and every stranger became our brother and sister. 

This month, parts of the country has been ravaged by hurricanes. Once again every stranger has become our brother and sister. 

This tells me two things…

1. Hate is a learned behavior.

2. We have the capacity to love on a great scale.

John 13:34-35

New International Version (NIV)

³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Genesis 1:27

New International Version (NIV)

Galatians 5:22-23

English Standard Version (ESV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Happy Friday, Everyone. 

I hope you had a good week. I also hope that you have a wonderful day and a great weekend.

I encourage us all to plant good seeds as we go along our day today.

Today Is Praise Friday, so we get to up and get moving for the Lord. Give God your best praise this morning.

Let’s praise God to the tunes of Zach Williams as he performes, “Old Church Choir.”

Good morning,

Can you remember when you were young and you were out with a parent, big brother or sister, or maybe a grandparent or aunt/uncle?

What is one of the first things they would say as you begin your journey on foot? They would say, “Give me your hand and stay close to me. We don’t want anything bad to happen to you.”

It is such a good feeling to know that we are loved and protected. God still has a plan and a purpose for our lives. However, the enemy of our souls would love nothing better than to derail us from our destiny.

Stay vigilant. Keep watch. Stay close. Just as a small child can be enticed and lead astray so can we. The enemy doesn’t always come as a dangerous growling beast. Sometimes the enemy disguises itself as something you like or desire. Remember, the enemy doesn’t have to kill you to derail you. All it needs to do it move you away from God’s presence, plan and protection. Be watchful. Stay close. Don’t go to far.

The scripture passage for today says the same thing except this time we are taking God’s hand.

1 Peter 5:7-11

J.B. Phillips New Testament (PHILLIPS)

^6-7 So, humble yourselves under God’s strong hand, and in his own good time he will lift you up. You can throw the whole weight of your anxieties upon him, for you are his personal concern.

Resist the devil: you are in God’s hands

^8-11 Be self-controlled and vigilant always, for your enemy the devil is always about, prowling like a lion roaring for its prey. Resist him, standing firm in your faith and remember that the strain is the same for all your fellow-Christians in other parts of the world. And after you have borne these sufferings a very little while, God himself (from whom we receive all grace and who has called you to share his eternal splendour through Christ) will make you whole and secure and strong. All power is his for ever and ever, amen!

Please enjoy today’s worship video. It is a gospel classic performed by Milton Brunson and the Thompson Community Choir entitled, “Safe in His Arms.”

Be blessed today and every day. Know that I love you with an AMAZING LOVE and there is nothing you can do to change my mind.

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version (NIV)

Good morning, Beautiful Lights of God:

Today’s message came to me yesterday. I was hesitant to share it, but the Holy Spirit quickly reminded me that I am a vessel and a messenger, but I am NOT the creator of the message.

Here is the message…

So many times we get in the way. We get in God’s way and also we get in our own way.

I will explain. There are times when we see a problem or a situation that needs to be fixed or addressed. God will clearly tell us to leave the situation alone, but for some strange reason, we believe that we are better decision makers than God. God will graciously  move out of the way and let us handle it the best way our limited minds’ thinks it should be handled.

The ending result is that we end up making things worse for ourselves and for the other person or situation. Now, when a problem arises,  the person you have “helped”  bypasses turning to God for help and now turns to you.

Consequently, instead of just one person being out of order, there are two people out of order. We must be sensitive to the leading and guiding of the Holy Spirit.

Yes, God uses us every day to bless and encourage others, but there are also those days when God clearly says, “BE STILL, GET OUT OF THE WAY, I’VE GOT THIS.”

I am reminded of the conversation that Job had with God, when he was going through so much suffering. He was telling God how he believed things should be handled. I recommend that you read Job 38 in its entirety. Below is an excerpt.

Here is God’s response to Job:

Job 38:1-13

New International Version (NIV)

The Lord Speaks

38 Then the Lord spoke to Job out of the storm. He said:

Good morning, Saints of the Most High God:

I come to you this morning to encourage you and to remind you that God has not given up on you, so please don’t give up on God.

I know sometimes that it is easy to be angry at God, because you feel like you can’t win. My brothers and my sisters, I beg you to hold on. Joy is coming. It is just on the other side of your praise. Keep going. You are almost through it.

Psalm 23

Living Bible (TLB)

23 Because the Lord is my Shepherd, I have everything I need!

^2-3 He lets me rest in the meadow grass and leads me beside the quiet streams. He gives me new strength. He helps me do what honors him the most.

⁴ Even when walking through the dark valley of death I will not be afraid, for you are close beside me, guarding, guiding all the way.^[a]

⁵ You provide delicious food for me in the presence of my enemies. You have welcomed me as your guest;^[b] blessings overflow!

⁶ Your goodness and unfailing kindness shall be with me all of my life, and afterwards I will live with you forever in your home.

I have communicated with several of you and I know that it seems like the hardships of life won’t stop coming.

I want to stand with you and say, “Hold On.”

This morning, we intentionally set the atmosphere for today and this week, as we go to God in prayer:

Father God, Infinite One:

We come to you this morning thanking you for every hill and every mountain that we must face. We know that you are right there with us as we travel this road of life.

Refresh us, Lord, as we continue in this journey. Let our hope and our peace rest in you. Where we have lost our faith and hope, we pray that you would carry us through until we are strong enough to walk on our own.

Allow our lives to be demonstrations of your faithfulness toward us. Let our fruit be good fruit that does not wither. You are The Vine and we are your branches. May we never forget that we are not alone. We love you, God.

We thank you for trusting us enough to allow this storm to come. May Your name be on the lips of everyone who sees your glory and deliverance. In the mighty and matchless name of your Son, Jesus – The Christ. Amen.

Please enjoy the worship video today performed James Bignon entitled, “On the Other Side of Through.”

I love you, with an AMAZING LOVE and there is nothing you can do to change my mind.

Rev. Marcia F. Davis

https://youtu.be/Og65AkHvdig

Hello, Everyone:

I just have to take the time to tell you, “Thank You” for your support and feedback of The Sacred Journey daily devotionals.

People ask me if I write each devotion. The answer is most definitely YES. It is an honor and privilege to be used by God and to share his heart for you. I am simply the vessel that has bowed in obedience to God’s will. If we are willing, God will use our gifts, talent and anointing for His glory.

I am a worshipper, so the reason I end each devotion with a worship or praise video is because the songs support the Word of God. The songs also allows the reader to meditate on the message for the day, all day. You may hear the song on the radio and instantly remember the bible passage that you read just days or weeks earlier.

I pray that you all have a wonderful and safe holiday weekend.

I love you with an AMAZING and Everlasting Love and there is nothing you can do to about it.

Rev. Marcia F. Davis
The Sacred Journey

This worship song means so much to me and it is truly a reflection of my heart. My desire is for God to use ALL of me. My hands, feet, mouth, etc.

The song is entitled, “Use Me” and it is written and performed by Rickie Byars Beckwith.