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Count it All Joy…

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James 1:2-5

New King James Version (NKJV)

Profiting from Trials

My brethren, count it all joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.

Be Encouraged….

No one said the Christian lifestyle was easy.
Some days my flesh wants one thing and my spirit wants another.

Some days I have a spiritual temper-tantrum because I want MY WAY.

However, I always remember the abundant peace that is waiting for me, when I surrender my will to God’s way.

Truthfully, some days I cry, but I count it ALL JOY. God has proven Himself/Itself to be faithful to my heart’s cry.

Usually when my flesh is struggling its because there is an area of my life that I have not placed on the “ALTER”.

Once I give up the struggle and take my hands off, GOD gives me more in return than what my heart longed for initially.

His way comes wrapped in perfect timing and perfect peace.

Be still and wait on the Lord…
He knows ALL ABOUT IT!!!
Be Encouraged. Dont Give Up.

I love you with an amazing and everlasting love. Rev. Marcia Davis

Yes, Lord, Yes…

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Good morning, Friends of God:

I greet you this morning with joy, peace, goodwill and victory in Christ.

This morning, posture your heart, mind and body into a place of worship and submission. As you posture yourself, do so with a smile on your face and in your heart.

Each morning, tell the Lord, “Yes!!!”

If God puts something on your heart, saying “Yes” is simply coming into agreement with what has already been ordained. We are agreeing with God and believe, in faith, that  whatever we are going to face, a provision has already been made by God. Every “Yes” will not be easy, but it will bring great rewards in the Kingdom of God. 

Joshua 1:9

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

I’ve commanded you to be strong and brave. Don’t ever be afraid or discouraged! I am the Lord your God, and I will be there to help you wherever you go.

Saying “Yes” requires our heart to be ever sensitive to His voice, His Word and His Spirit.

Before you start your day, hold your head up, put your shoulders back and take a deep breath. YES, LORD, I WILL OBEY.

Here is a  list of others who have also said, “Yes”:

  • Jesus
  • Noah
  • Moses
  • Mary
  • John the Baptist
  • The Disciples
  • Abraham
  • Jonah
  • The prophets
  • Joshua
  • You!!!

Be blessed today in all that you do. Remember to tell the Lord, “Yes.”

I love you with an amazing and everlasting love. 

Rev. Marcia Davis

Carpe diem, Seize the day…

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Psalm 118:24

New King James Version (NKJV)

24 This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it.

Today’s devotional is interactive. Not between me and you, but between you and God, the Universe and the Cosmos. 

Today, and each day you wake up, find three reasons, each hour, for saying “Thank You” to God, the Universe, the Cosmos, Infinite Intelligence. (I say God/Jesus/Holy Spirit, but I understand that we are each on different places in and on our sacred journey).

The more you give Thanks, watch to see what changes take place in your life. It will be hard to remember each hour, so you may want to set a “Thankful Timer.” 

Ok, ready set… Seize the Day!!!! 

I love you with an amazing and everlasting Love. Rev. Marcia Davis

 

Your Temple, His Dwelling Place…

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1 Corinthians 6:12-13

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Honor God with Your Body

12 Some of you say, “We can do anything we want to.” But I tell you that not everything is good for us. So I refuse to let anything have power over me. 13 You also say, “Food is meant for our bodies, and our bodies are meant for food.” But I tell you that God will destroy them both. We are not supposed to do indecent things with our bodies. We are to use them for the Lord who is in charge of our bodies.

I know in this new year that many people make resolutions so that they can fit into a certain size outfit. 

This year, I am making a resolution to make my temple the best dwelling place for the Holy Spirit to use for years to come. 

I don’t want my misuse and abuse of my body to take any time away from how God may want to use my life for His glory. 

I will learn to eat, not just to take off a few pounds, but to make more time, in days, months and years, for God to use me.

Lord, let me life be a Living Sacrifice, pure and holy for you. Prepare me, to be a sanctuary for you. 

I love you with an amazing and everlasting love.

Rev. Marcia Davis

Grieving the Holy Spirit…

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Good morning, Beautiful Friends of God:

Everyday, I wake up with the intention of pleasing God. I remember, when I first became truly intimate with God, that the one thing I never wanted to do was to break God’s heart. 

I first read about grieving the Holy Spirit when I began studying the bible.  

Ephesians 4:29-32

New International Version (NIV)

29 Do not let any unwholesome talk come out of your mouths, but only what is helpful for building others up according to their needs, that it may benefit those who listen. 30 And do not grieve the Holy Spirit of God, with whom you were sealed for the day of redemption. 31 Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. 32 Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

The Holy Spirit leads our lives in such a way that we have peace and clarity of mind, through our heeding His direction. We can also grieve the Holy Spirit when we do not obey the voice and direction of God. 

John 16:12-15

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

12 I have much more to say to you, but right now it would be more than you could understand. 13 The Spirit shows what is true and will come and guide you into the full truth. The Spirit doesn’t speak on his own. He will tell you only what he has heard from me, and he will let you know what is going to happen. 14 The Spirit will bring glory to me by taking my message and telling it to you. 15 Everything that the Father has is mine. That is why I have said that the Spirit takes my message and tells it to you.

Today, ask God to speak to your heart, through his Word and Spirit. Be willing to be open and obedient. I wake up in the mornings now and the first question I ask the Lord is, “How can I please you and make you smile today?”

I love you with an amazing and everlasting love.

Rev. Marcia Davis

 

 

Hiding in Plain Sight…

wheat-tares-textGood morning, Saints of our Most High God:

This morning, I encourage you to meditate on this passage this weekend. Use it to edify yourself and others in the faith. Stand firm in your faith, as these days are proving to be an all out attack on everything that is good and holy. 

Don’t forget your duty to pray for the body of Christ. The Power of your prayers can change so many things, both seen and unseen. Never allow your mind to be taken captive by the enemy. Be vigilant, the enemy is walking, in plain sight, mingling in with the body of Christ. Test the spirit by the Holy Spirit of God. God has set a standard and it shall not be moved.

1 Peter 5:1-11

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

Helping Christian Leaders

Church leaders, I am writing to encourage you. I too am a leader, as well as a witness to Christ’s suffering, and I will share in his glory when it is shown to us.

Just as shepherds watch over their sheep, you must watch over everyone God has placed in your care. Do it willingly in order to please God, and not simply because you think you must. Let it be something you want to do, instead of something you do merely to make money. Don’t be bossy to those people who are in your care, but set an example for them. Then when Christ the Chief Shepherd returns, you will be given a crown that will never lose its glory.

All of you young people should obey your elders. In fact, everyone should be humble toward everyone else. The Scriptures say,

“God opposes proud people,
but he helps everyone
    who is humble.”

Be humble in the presence of God’s mighty power, and he will honor you when the time comes. God cares for you, so turn all your worries over to him.

Be on your guard and stay awake. Your enemy, the devil, is like a roaring lion, sneaking around to find someone to attack. But you must resist the devil and stay strong in your faith. You know that all over the world the Lord’s followers are suffering just as you are. 10 But God shows undeserved kindness to everyone. That’s why he appointed Christ Jesus to choose you to share in his eternal glory. You will suffer for a while, but God will make you complete, steady, strong, and firm. 11 God will be in control forever! Amen.

Today’s worship video is performed Byron Cage. As you go throughout your day, sing this song entitled, “The Presence of the Lord is Here.” Watch the atmosphere change around you. Use your voice and FIGHT!!! There is POWER in your Praise!

I love you with an amazing and everlasting love.

Rev. Marcia Davis

Working and Walking in Unity…

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Ephesians 4

New International Version (NIV)

Unity and Maturity in the Body of Christ

As a prisoner for the Lord, then, I urge you to live a life worthy of the calling you have received. Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. There is one body and one Spirit, just as you were called to one hope when you were called;one Lord, one faith, one baptism; one God and Father of all, who is over all and through all and in all.

Unity in Christ is essential in every aspect of our lives. In our friendships, family circles, business relationships and intimate relationships, our walk and lifestyle as followers of Jesus Christ and his teachings should be the nucleus of our makeup. 

The Word says to make, “Every Effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” To me that includes every aspect of life. 

This week, we recognized the Martin Luther King, Jr. Holiday. Dr. King would always say he emmulated his philosophy on violence from Ghandi and his spiritual philosophy from Jesus. 

I, in the same way, along with my Christian foundation, I take my actions of walking and talking from Thich Nhat Hanh, who is a Zen Master of a Buddhist monastic village in France. Plum Village began in 1982 as a small, rustic farmstead, and has today grown into Europe’s largest Buddhist monastery, with over 200 resident monks and nuns, living and practising in four hamlets spread out across the French countryside.

Dr. King nominated Thich Nhat Hanh for the Nobel Peace Prize.  https://www.mindfulnessdc.org/mlkletter.html. 

Do all that you can to walk in peace and love every day. I love you with an amazing and everlasting love. 

Walk with us Lord…

 

 

We’ve Come This Far By Faith…

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When God starts a person on a new journey, a person never knows what may lay ahead. There will be good days and bad days. There will be mountains and hills to climb. There will also be days of victory and jubilation.

The main thing to hold on to, during the journey, is knowing that God is always there. One of my favorite books is written by Hannah Hurnard and is entitled, “Hinds Feet on High Places.” It is a beautiful description of the journey a character named Much Afraid. I would recommend this book to anyone facing nervousness or fear leading up to embarking on a new journey.

As Christians, we have experiential knowledge of God’s faithfulness in walking with us. It is that same faith that we must hold on to, as we begin each day in knowing that God is faithful to complete the work that he started in us before we were born.

Remember, you are not alone. As the classic gospel song lyrics says,

“We’ve come this far by faith,  leaning on the Lord, trusting in His Word, He’s never failed me yet.

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

Rev. Marcia Davis

 

Walk in the Light…

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1 John 1:5-10

New International Version (NIV)

Light and Darkness, Sin and Forgiveness

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.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, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Everyday we fall short, as Children of God. We also fall short as mothers, fathers, husbands, wives, sisters, brothers and even as friends.

This weekend especially, I had to come humbly to the Throne of God and to those I love. I had to confess my wrong and try to make amends.

I know that when I confess my sins to God that Jesus intercedes on my behalf to the Father.

One thing we have to realize is that even though we have been forgiven, there may still be a ripple effect due to our wrong decisions. At that point is when we have to understand the hurt and damage we have caused and then be willing to do everything in our power to let those we hurt that we are truly sorry for our actions and that it will never happen again.

We have to understand the feelings and emotions that were affected due to our choices and realize that rebuilding trust takes time.

We all know that no one is perfect, except God, but as Children of Light, it is our job to stay away from darkness.

Meditate on today’s worship song performed during the Gaither Vocal Hour, lead by Jesse Dixon and Guy Penrod. 

Walk in the Light….

I Love you with an amazing and everlasting love.

Rev. Marcia Davis

Confessing and Forgiveness…

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1 John 1:5-10

New International Version (NIV)

Light and Darkness, Sin and Forgiveness

This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.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, purifies us from all sin.

If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. 10 If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.

Everyday we fall short, as Children of God. We also fall short as mothers, fathers, husbands and wives, sisters and brothers and even as friends.

This weekend especially, I had to come humbly to the Throne of God and to those I love. I had to confess my wrong and try to make amends.

I know that when I confess my sins to God that Jesus intercedes on my behalf to the Father. One thing we have to realize is that even though we have been forgiven there may still be a ripple effect due to our wrong decisions.

At that point is when we have to understand the hurt and damage we have caused and then be willing to do everything in our power to let those we hurt know that we are truly sorry for our actions and that it will never happen again.

We have to understand the feelings and emotions that were affected due to our choices and realize that rebuilding trust takes time.

We all know that no one is perfect, except God, but as Children of Light, it is our job to stay away from darkness.

Meditate on today’s worship song. As you attend church service today, walk in the sanctuary with a heart of humility and thankfulness.

Walk in the Light….

I love you All with an amazing and everlasting love.

Rev. Marcia Davis