John 16

New International Version (NIV)

 “All this I have told you so that you will not fall away. ² They will put you out of the synagogue; in fact, the time is coming when anyone who kills you will think they are offering a service to God. ³ They will do such things because they have not known the Father or me.⁴ I have told you this, so that when their time comes you will remember that I warned you about them. I did not tell you this from the beginning because I was with you, ⁵ but now I am going to him who sent me. None of you asks me, ‘Where are you going?’ ⁶ Rather, you are filled with grief because I have said these things. ⁷ But very truly I tell you, it is for your good that I am going away. Unless I go away, the Advocate will not come to you; but if I go, I will send him to you. ⁸ When he comes, he will prove the world to be in the wrong about sin and righteousness and judgment: ⁹ about sin,because people do not believe in me; ¹⁰ about righteousness, because I am going to the Father, where you can see me no longer; ¹¹ and about judgment, because the prince of this world now stands condemned.

¹² “I have much more to say to you, more than you can now bear. ¹³ But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all the truth.He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come. ¹⁴ He will glorify me because it is from me that he will receive what he will make known to you. ¹⁵ All that belongs to the Father is mine. That is why I said the Spirit will receive from me what he will make known to you.”

The Disciples’ Grief Will Turn to Joy

¹⁶ Jesus went on to say, “In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me.”

¹⁷ At this, some of his disciples said to one another, “What does he mean by saying, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me,’ and ‘Because I am going to the Father’?” ¹⁸ They kept asking, “What does he mean by ‘a little while’? We don’t understand what he is saying.”

¹⁹ Jesus saw that they wanted to ask him about this, so he said to them, “Are you asking one another what I meant when I said, ‘In a little while you will see me no more, and then after a little while you will see me’? ²⁰ Very truly I tell you, you will weep and mourn while the world rejoices. You will grieve, but your grief will turn to joy. ²¹ A woman giving birth to a child has pain because her time has come; but when her baby is born she forgets the anguish because of her joy that a child is born into the world. ²² So with you: Now is your time of grief, but I will see you again and you will rejoice, and no one will take away your joy. ²³ In that day you will no longer ask me anything. Very truly I tell you, my Father will give you whatever you ask in my name. ²⁴ Until now you have not asked for anything in my name. Ask and you will receive, and your joy will be complete.

²⁵ “Though I have been speaking figuratively, a time is coming when I will no longer use this kind of language but will tell you plainly about my Father. ²⁶ In that day you will ask in my name. I am not saying that I will ask the Father on your behalf. ²⁷ No, the Father himself loves you because you have loved me and have believed that I came from God. ²⁸ I came from the Father and entered the world; now I am leaving the world and going back to the Father.”

²⁹ Then Jesus’ disciples said, “Now you are speaking clearly and without figures of speech.³⁰ Now we can see that you know all things and that you do not even need to have anyone ask you questions. This makes us believe that you came from God.”

³¹ “Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. ³² “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me.

³³ “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. 

In this world you will have trouble. 

But take heart! I have overcome the world.”

Rev. Marcia Davis

Good morning, Beloved Family:

I greet you with abundant love, peace and joy in the name of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.

Family, I pray that since we last talked that all is well in your heart, mind and soul.  

This morning, I came downstairs, in preparation to head to work. I took a moment and just sat on the couch and I began to tell the Lord, “Thank You.” In my prayer, this morning, I asked God to show me how I could love Him more. I want to be able to bring God joy.

Family, can you imagine a lifestyle of wanting to put a smile on God’s face. Not because of anything that we get out of it, but simply because of the Awesome Wonder of who God Is. 

Exodus 3:14-15 

The Message (MSG)

¹⁴ God said to Moses, “I-AM-WHO-I-AM. Tell the People of Israel, ‘I-AM sent me to you.’”

¹⁵ God continued with Moses: “This is what you’re to say to the Israelites: ‘God, the God of your fathers, the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob sent me to you.’ This has always been my name, and this is how I always will be known.

John 8:58 

New International Version (NIV)

⁵⁸ “Very truly I tell you,” Jesus answered, “before Abraham was born, I am!”

Father, God:

Thank you for allowing us to call you, “Daddy.” There have been many days in my life where you have not only been my Father, but you have been my Mother, my Sister, my Brother, my Counselor, my Advisor, and my Husband. In every circumstance you were the “I Am” that I needed in that moment. I love you. I glorify you, and more than anything, God, I Thank You.” 

Teach me, every day, how I can show my gratitude to you. Whatever you ask of me, I will do with abundant joy. 

Your grateful servant, 

Rev. Marcia Davis

Good Friday morning, Family:

I pray that all is well and at peace in your heart, mind and soul. This week, I was meditating on a particular passage from the bible and as I read it, the Holy Spirit just said, “Heart Transplant.”

The passage is Ezekiel 36:26 and it reads:

Ezekiel 36:26 

Living Bible (TLB)

²⁶ And I will give you a new heart—I will give you new and right desires—and put a new spirit within you. I will take out your stony hearts of sin and give you new hearts of love.

Asking God to come into our heart is asking God to perform a spiritual heart transplant. We are inviting God to have his way, on the surgery table, and allowing him to take our old stone heart away.

Are you on the heart transplant waiting list? Have you invited God into your heart?

If not, I invite you to pray this prayer with me:

“Father God, I invite you into my heart. I believe that Jesus Christ is your one and only begotten Son and that he was crucified on a cross, died, and was buried. I believe that Jesus rose from the dead and that He conquered death and sin, so that I may have eternal life. I accept Jesus, as my Lord and Savior, and I want to give my life to you today and forever. Teach me and guide me,  as I learn to walk with You. In Jesus name, Amen”

If you prayed that prayer, CONGRATULATIONS!!!! You are now a member of the Body of Jesus Christ. You have officially asked God into your heart. If you don’t have one already, I pray that you would find a bible-based church that can help you learn and grow.

I would love to hear from you, if you gave your life to Jesus today. Please write me a note and let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.

Be blessed and know that I love you with an amazing and everlasting love.

Rev. Marcia Davis

Psalm 34:1-3

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Happiness of Those Who Trust in God

I will bless the Lord at all times; His praise shall continually be in my mouth.

² My soul shall make its boast in the Lord; The humble shall hear of it and be glad.

³ Oh, magnify the Lord with me, And let us exalt His name together.

Good morning, Loved Ones:

I greet you this morning, in the name of the One who saved and redeemed us from eternal separation from the Father, Jesus Christ, our Lord.

The finished work of the Cross and the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, has allowed us access to the Throne of God, where we also get to cry, Abba Father. 

This morning, I woke up with such gratitude in my heart. Thank you, Lord, for your unending faithfulness to us. May we always remember the grace and mercy of your faithfulness and love towards us. 

Psalm 33:1-5 

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 33

¹ Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous;
    it is fitting for the upright to praise him.
² Praise the Lord with the harp;
    make music to him on the ten-stringed lyre.
³ Sing to him a new song;
    play skillfully, and shout for joy.

On the Edge of a Season

Marcia Davis

On the edge of a season, I sit. Not sure what paths are ahead. I keep my eyes fix and focused on the One who called me, created me and ordained me. My fears are real, in my head, but my heart tells me that it is Well with my Soul. I now stand at the edge of this season, I take a step of blind faith, as I hold my Daddy’s hand. 

Good morning, Family:

This morning, before I close out today’s devotional, I want to honor two great human beings. Senator John McCain and Aretha Franklin. Both of these incredible people have lived a life doing what they loved. 

Senator Mccain loved this country. He knew that the flag stood for something. He was willing to do whatever it took to make sure that our flag was honored. Senator Mccain loved his family and was a wonderful family man. Today, I honor his life, his work and his heart. May your walk into your next season be peaceful and blessed. Go with God. 

Aretha Franklin had a calling on her life from a very young age. Raised in the church, with a voice that could crack open heaven. Aretha’s gift touch millions and millions of lives over her lifetime. Thank you for your dedication to your craft and your calling, Ms. Franklin. May you enter into your next season singing a heavenly New Song. Go with God. 

Go with God,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Zechariah 13:1

King James Version (KJV)

13 In that day there shall be a fountain opened to the house of David and to the inhabitants of Jerusalem for sin and for uncleanness.

Romans 3:21-24 

Living Bible (TLB)

^21-22 But now God has shown us a different way to heaven—not by “being good enough” and trying to keep his laws, but by a new way (though not new, really, for the Scriptures told about it long ago). Now God says he will accept and acquit us—declare us “not guilty”—if we trust Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, by coming to Christ, no matter who we are or what we have been like. ²³ Yes, all have sinned; all fall short of God’s glorious ideal; ²⁴ yet now God declares us “not guilty” of offending him if we trust in Jesus Christ, who in his kindness freely takes away our sins.

Beloved Family,

There are no words that can convey how much God loves us.

What A Love.

What A Power.

What A Sacrifice.

There is  Fountain Filled with Blood

Written by William Cowper

1. There is a fountain filled with blood,
   Drawn from Immanuel’s veins,
   And sinners plunged beneath that flood
   Lose all their guilty stains:
   Lose all their guilty stains,
   Lose all their guilty stains;
   And sinners plunged beneath that flood
   Lose all their guilty stains.
2. The dying thief rejoiced to see
   That fountain in His day;
   And there have I, though vile as he,
   Washed all my sins away:
   Washed all my sins away,
   Washed all my sins away;
   And there have I, though vile as he,
   Washed all my sins away.
3. Dear dying Lamb, Thy precious blood
   Shall never lose its pow’r,
   Till all the ransomed church of God
   Are safe, to sin no more:
   Are safe, to sin no more,
   Are safe, to sin no more;
   Till all the ransomed church of God
   Are safe, to sin no more.
4. E’er since by faith I saw the stream
   Thy flowing wounds supply,
   Redeeming love has been my theme,
   And shall be till I die:
   And shall be till I die,
   And shall be till I die;
   Redeeming love has been my theme,
   And shall be till I die.
5. When this poor, lisping, stamm’ring tongue
   Lies silent in the grave,
   Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
   I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save:
   I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save,
   I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save;
   Then in a nobler, sweeter song,
   I’ll sing Thy pow’r to save.

There is a love that encompasses all of our sins and faults. The grace, mercy and yoke-breaking Blood of Jesus.

There is no sin so great that God cannot forgive you.

There is not a scar so deep that Jesus cannot heal you.

There is not a distance too far that God cannot reach you, with His arms of Love open wide.

I love you with an amazing and everlasting love. 

Rev. Marcia Davis 

Good morning, Family:

I hope this morning finds you doing well and at peace in your heart and soul. I pray that the sound mind of Christ, and the Holy Spirit, would lead you and guide you in all that you do. 

My heart is somewhat heavy this morning. As a worshipper of God, my highest desire is to be pleasing to Him. Above all else, I dont want anything from God, I just want God. His presence is the most precious treasure.

My heart hurts because God’s heart hurts. God desires nothing more than to fellowship with His creation. That is why we were made. We were created to worship and walk with God. God’s heart hurts because, in the times that we are in now, people are turning their hearts away from God, unless he gives them what they want.

If you were a parent, how would you feel if your children never wanted to spend time with you unless they wanted something from you? What happens when they dont get their way? Do they pout while slamming doors, screaming, crying, and possibly even running away? How does their reaction make you feel? Now, imagine God’s heart when we do it to Him. 

As I have matured, in Christ, over the years, I have learned that there is big difference in one aspect of how people see God. In one group, people either want access to God for what He can do for them. Or, in another group, they want access to God for who He Is. 

Please hear my heart. One group is not better than the other. Growing in the knowledge of God, for who he is, takes time. It means building a relationship through intimate worship, prayer and learning. As a matter of fact the act of Praise and Worship is thanking God for all He has done AND WORSHIPPING HIM just for who he is. Its important that we praise God, but even more important that we Worship God just for who He Is. 

The bible says that God knows our hearts. He knows when we ONLY want what he can give, and have no desire to know him intimately. 

The bible encourages us, as Christians, to seek and chase after God. When we chase God and desire to be in His presence, the result is that God wants to bless us and give us the desires of our heart, as long as it lines up with His will for our lives.

What is the desire of your heart. Is your desire what God can give or is your desire for God Himself?

Lets read Psalm 37. 

Psalm 37:1-11 

Living Bible (TLB)

37 Never envy the wicked! ² Soon they fade away like grass and disappear. ³ Trust in the Lord instead. Be kind and good to others; then you will live safely here in the land and prosper, feeding in safety.

⁴ Be delighted with the Lord. Then he will give you all your heart’s desires. ⁵ Commit everything you do to the Lord. Trust him to help you do it, and he will. ⁶ Your innocence will be clear to everyone. He will vindicate you with the blazing light of justice shining down as from the noonday sun.

⁷ Rest in the Lord; wait patiently for him to act. Don’t be envious of evil men who prosper.

⁸ Stop your anger! Turn off your wrath. Don’t fret and worry—it only leads to harm. ⁹ For the wicked shall be destroyed, but those who trust the Lord shall be given every blessing. ¹⁰ Only a little while and the wicked shall disappear. You will look for them in vain. ¹¹ But all who humble themselves before the Lord shall be given every blessing and shall have wonderful peace.

Father, God, we love you. May our hearts’ desire be for you and you ALONE. To be in your presence, in the beauty of your holiness.

Your dwelling place is my heart’s desire.

Humbly bowing, in your presence,

Your Daughter…

Good morning, Beautiful Family:

Its Monday Morning!!!!

I hope all is well with your soul and you are  at peace.

I’m here drinking my coffee, as I prepare to begin writing today’s devotional.  I just keep seeing a light bulb and hearing the words, “You Light Up My Life.” 

If you are old enough, most people think of the popular song by Debbie Boone with the same title. However, when I say the “Light,” I’m speaking of the Light of Christ. We are called to be Lights, in this dark time and place. Now, more than ever, the world needs the Light that offers love, hope, and peace. 

Matthew 5:14-16 

English Standard Version (ESV)

¹⁴ “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. ¹⁵ Nor do people light a lamp and put it under a basket, but on a stand, and it gives light to all in the house.¹⁶ In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that^[a] they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.

1 John 1:5-7 

English Standard Version (ESV)

Walking in the Light

⁵ This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. ⁶ If we say we have fellowship with him while we walk in darkness, we lie and do not practice the truth. ⁷ But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.

Be blessed in all you do, today. See yourself as a Light, walking, all throughout the day. People wont know exactly what it is about you, but I’m sure someone will say, “I’m not sure what it is about you, but there is something different about you.” Allow God to shine in and through you today and every day. Use that opportunity to tell others where your “Light” comes from.

Walk in the Light, Family!!

Shine Bright in Jesus,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Good morning, Loved Ones:

If you didn’t already know, I’m an adult student at Ohio Christian University in Morrow Georgia.  Last night, in class, we were going over the devotional passage for class. 

The passage came from Hebrews 12:1-3. And it reads as such:

Hebrews 12:1-3 

New King James Version (NKJV)

The Race of Faith

12 Therefore we also, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us lay aside every weight, and the sin which so easily ensnares us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, ² looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.

The Discipline of God

³ For consider Him who endured such hostility from sinners against Himself, lest you become weary and discouraged in your souls.

We talked at length about what the passage meant to each of us. For me, I said the passage encourages us to get rid of anything that would slow us down, as we run this Christian race. 

I asked the class if they remember the scene from the movie Forrest Gump when young Forrest had braces on his legs. Forrest was trying to run with the braces and brackets on his legs, but it was very awkward for him. What happened next was amazing. Forrest began to run faster, and as he did, the hardware on his legs began to break apart and fall apart. He began running so fast and free that he began to run everywhere throughout the rest of the movie. 

We are encouraged to look to Christ. He has already finished the race and as our Wayshower, he has given us both instructions and an example of how to run. He went through every trial and snare, but he finished his race victoriously and is seated at the right hand of God, The Father, interceding on our behalf. 

Jesus is saying, “Follow Me,” I have already left you a road map of the race route. 

I encourage you, brothers and sisters, in Christ, to keep running unencumbered. Be encouraged by my favorite gospel song from the New Jersey Mass Choir entitled, “Follow Me.”

I love you with an amazing and everlasting love. Run well and keep the faith!!

Rev. Marcia Davis