Greetings, Precious Ones:

The song lyrics to “Softly and Tenderly” are lyrics that hold a special place in my heart. The heart of God is that no one, not one soul, would be lost.

The heart of God holds more love than many of us can really fathom or imagine. I have had the pleasure and grace to have experienced the sweet and tender love of Jesus through a personal encounter after a time of fasting and prayer several years ago.

I was in a season of seeking God because it felt like I was just “going through the motions” of church. I dont know where or at what point I began to fill distant from God. I just knew that I had to find a way back to my first love. My pastor at the time suggested that I go into a season of fasting and prayer. On the 30th and final day of my fast, something amazing happened.

Instead of reading scripture that day, I felt led to worship and sing a new song to God. While I was singing, it felt like I was going into some type of trance, but at the same time, I knew that I was at home and sitting on my bed.

The whole story would take too long to tell here, but the love that wrapped its arms around me that day was a love that I had never experienced before or since. The love that radiated through me instantly disintegrated any darkness, shortcomings, or fear. I experienced true, pure, unfiltered love. I knew in that instant what it meant to be born again.

It is my prayer that everyone would have that same encounter with God so that they would know what is waiting for them in heaven…and here on earth, as the Kingdom of God is within us.

The encounter I had birthed my desire to teach the Word of God. My worship from that day was never the same. Every song I sing to God is full of gratitude and thanksgiving.

Scriptures of Hope

1 Peter 1:3-5

English Standard Version

Born Again to a Living Hope

³ Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ! According to his great mercy, he has caused us to be born again to a living hope through the resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead, ⁴ to an inheritance that is imperishable, undefiled, and unfading, kept in heaven for you, ⁵ who by God’s power are being guarded through faith for a salvation ready to be revealed in the last time.

Invitation to Worship

Family, I love you all with the amazing and everlasting love of our Lord, Savior, and Redeemer Jesus Christ.

Your sister,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Covington, GA