During the happy and joyful times, it’s always easy to praise the Lord. The test comes when the waters get rough and the trials get hard.

As Christians, when we go through hurt and pain, our natural instinct is to sometimes curl up in a ball and cry, “why me?” It is in those times that we need to call on the Lord even more. When circumstances in life shake your marriage, your job, your children, your family, or your health, the first thing many people do is panic.

Jesus promises to be our help and strength in times of trouble and our peace in the mist of the storm. The next time a trial comes and believe me it will come, dont panic, call on your Strength and stand in the shadow of His wings.

Meditate today on the following scripture passages: Psalm 28:7 & Psalm 121:2 & Psalm 91.

Psalm 28:7

New King James Version (NKJV)

Anyone that knows my husband knows that he is an impeccable dresser. He always looks very polished and put together. I asked him one day where he learned to dress so well. He said, “My father always told me to dress how I wanted to be treated.” I thought about what he said and how powerful and useful that piece advice was from his father.

As Christians, the word of God gives us similar advice on how to present ourselves.  Romans 12:1-2 is a great example.

Romans 12:1-2

New International Version (NIV)

A Living Sacrifice

“Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. ² Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

As you go about your day, put your best foot forward, not just in how you dress, but also in how you speak, how you think and how you treat others.

Be vigilant in protecting what you allow in your mind. Is the music you listen to positive or inspirational? Are the people you associate with of good character? Are you conscious of the TV and social media you or your children watch?

We, including myself, all have room to grow. I encourage us all to strive to be the very best versions of ourselves.

Now, Ive got the 1970’s Coca-Cola song in my head. Yes, Im telling my age…

Have a great day today. Send and show love and respect to every sentient being you encounter. I love you with an Amazing Love. ((((Hugs))))

 Ecclesiastes 3 (NKJV)

Everything Has Its Time

To everything there is a season,

Our days are busy and sometimes very long. There is always enough time to tell God, “Thank You.”

Even when things look to be at their worst, God will always find a way to allow love to be victorius. Let us make up in our minds today that we will carry with us the spirit of gratitude. Let us be ready to tell God, “Thank You.”

Below is a link to one of my favorite gospel songs by Walter Hawkins entitled, “Thank You, Lord.”

 Lamentations 3:22-23 (NKJV)

Patient is indeed a virtue. In today’s modern world of instant gratification and right now expectations, patience is a rare occurrence.

However,  when it comes to God doing a work in your life, or a season in your life, patience is a must. The work that God performs in us usually involves a Process. As we know, process takes time. No steps can be omitted or averted.

Today, rest in knowing that God is Faithful to complete the divine work he began in you. (Philippians 1:6)

Be well and abundantly blessed,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Wow, what a year 2016 has been. It’s amazing to think that in three days this year will be in the past. There have been so many changes and shifts on a personal level, as well as a corporate and global level.

The one thing that has remained the same is sureness of God. Whenever there are changes and shifts there tends to be anxiety and fear. The constant factor is that God remains the same. All that is necessary, to rest in the peace of God, is to Be Still and know that the Creator has it all under control.

Psalm 46:10 New International Version (NIV)

The Sacred Journey symbol of the cross, dove and lotus was inspired from my spiritual journey. Like any other relationship, the relationship we have with God has to be nourished and active.

A few years ago, I had a lot of questions regarding my spiritual path. For every answer, it seemed, I had three more questions for God. Those questions led me on the Path to studying the core philosophies of Buddhism. Buddhism, as a philosophy, does not believe in a Higher Power or deity. It forces you to hold a mirror to your face and take responsibility for your actions, without placing blame on anyone or anything else.

Over the months and weeks of studying, it was the act of me taking responsibility for my actions and looking at my life that led to a still small voice in my heart to say, “Marcia, I loved you so much that I paid it ALL.”

It was in that moment that I began to weep and worship at the same time. So what is this post about today, you ask? Never forget the Grace, Majesty and Power of the Cross. Jesus paid it ALL. I am grateful to God for using Buddhism to help me come full circle, back to the Cross.

The chorus from one of my favorite gospel songs says, “Jesus, I’ll never forget what you’ve done for me. Jesus, I’ll never forget how you set me free. Jesus I’ll never how you brought me out. Jesus, I’ll never forget, no never.”

Namaste and God bless,

Rev. Marcia

Matthew 5:16

New King James Version (NKJV)

¹⁶ Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

In the morning, before I leave the house there are three things that I pray:

1. Father, lead me and guide me in your way and in your service.

2. Cover and protect me and my husband from all hurt, harm and danger, both seen and unseen.

3. Help me to make YOU look good today. Help me to put your agenda before mine. I want to have a heart that longs to please you. Let nothing in my life compete for your attention.

AMEN.

What prayers do lift up in the morning?

How do you connect with God, as you know God? What are your spiritual practices?

What keeps you centered?