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

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.

What Day Is It??!!!!

IT’S HIGH PRAISE FRIDAY!

Good morning, Ambassadors of Light:

Today Is Friday and every Friday, at The Sacred Journey, we set aside the morning to give our highest, most energetic, and best praises to God. So, if you are at home, move the furniture, wake up the family, the pets, and get ready to dance like David danced before the Lord. If you are at work, or in the car, give your praise the best way you can, safely. Or just pull over and get out of your car and dance!!!

Today’s devotional has a great message. First, whom the Son sets free is free indeed. (John 8:36). Secondly, the devotion answers the question of how to experience true freedom and deliverance. 

Do you remember your “GDD” Grave Deliverance Date? 

When Jesus called forth Lazarus from the grave, three important things took place. They also take place EVERY TIME we call on Jesus to set us free from a bondage or sin that is stealing from the freedom that we rightfully have in Christ. Remember, God is the same yesterday, today and forever. If he can deliver Lazarus, he can deliver me and you from ANYTHING?

Let’s take a look at the steps Jesus took:

1. Jesus Identified and acknowledge the type of bondage that Lazarus was in at the time. (In this case the person was in bondage to the grave)

2. Jesus calls the person in bondage by name. (Lazarus, come forth)  And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth.

3. Jesus completely removes the chains of bondage, from the person’s life,  and the person(s) is reborn into a new life of freedom with Christ. (Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”)

So the question today is, when did God deliver you into a new life of freedom? How did it feel when you stepped out of your “Grave of Bondage”?

Note: If you would like for me to pray for you, and stand in agreement for your deliverance from ANY bondage, send me a message and I would be honored to pray.

John 11:38-44

New King James Version (NKJV)

Lazarus Raised from the Dead

³⁸ Then Jesus, again groaning in Himself, came to the tomb. It was a cave, and a stone lay against it. ³⁹ Jesus said, “Take away the stone.”

Martha, the sister of him who was dead, said to Him, “Lord, by this time there is a stench, for he has been dead four days.”

⁴⁰ Jesus said to her, “Did I not say to you that if you would believe you would see the glory of God?” ⁴¹ Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead man was lying.^[a] And Jesus lifted up His eyes and said, “Father, I thank You that You have heard Me. ⁴² And I know that You always hear Me, but because of the people who are standing by I said this, that they may believe that You sent Me.” ⁴³ Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!” ⁴⁴ And he who had died came out bound hand and foot with graveclothes, and his face was wrapped with a cloth. Jesus said to them, “Loose him, and let him go.”

Have a safe and happy Labor Day Weekend.

Rev. Marcia F. Davis

Enjoy the praise and worship video today entitled, “Glorious Day” performed by Passion. Listen closely to the lyrics, while you are dancing.

Philippians 2:5-11

Living Bible (TLB)

⁵ Your attitude should be the kind that was shown us by Jesus Christ, ⁶ who, though he was God, did not demand and cling to his rights as God, ⁷ but laid aside his mighty power and glory, taking the disguise of a slave and becoming like men. ⁸ And he humbled himself even further, going so far as actually to die a criminal’s death on a cross.

⁹ Yet it was because of this that God raised him up to the heights of heaven and gave him a name which is above every other name, ¹⁰ that at the name of Jesus every knee shall bow in heaven and on earth and under the earth, ¹¹ and every tongue shall confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

So many times I wonder, in amazement, why God would have so much love for us.

What would make God strip himself of his Throne and decide to take the form of a lowly human. Not only did God become a human,  but out of all of the posh life-style choices he could have made, he chose to come in the form of a servant.

He, even though completely Divine, Jesus humbled himself to the point where he died the most agonizing death, a crucifixion. A punishment set aside for criminals. However, Jesus wasn’t the criminal, WE WERE. He died for our crimes. He died for our sins. HE TOOK OUR PLACE. IT SHOULD HAVE BEEN US ON THAT CROSS.

Jesus loved us so much, that while the earth was full of sin and criminals,  his deepest desire was to have relationship with us.

When people ask why I trust God so much, I always respond with this statement, “Because he loved me enough, even when I wasn’t worthy. He paid the price just to have an intimate relationship with me. THAT IS LOVE.”

Be blessed today and know that I love you ALL with an AMAZING AND EVERLASTING LOVE.

Rev. Marcia F. Davis

Please enjoy the worship video today performed by Trinity Worship entitled, “Tis So Sweet To Trust in Jesus.”

(If you can, close your eyes and truly listen to this worship song. I still can’t stop crying.)

Good Wednesday morning. I prayed for you last night. May God comfort all of your broken pieces. May his everlasting love bring you to a place of wholeness and healing.

Your heart will begin to long more and more for God’s presence. As you spend more time learning, studying the word, and developing an intimate time with God, you will long for the presence of God even more, just as the deer in Psalm 42. Seek him and chase him with all of your heart.

The two most important commands given to the children of God are to love God with all of your heart, soul, mind and strength. Secondly, to love your neighbor as you would want to be loved (even on your not so loveable days).

Be patient with yourself and allow God to complete the work he began in you, before you were even born.

Psalm 139:1-14

New International Version (NIV)

Psalm 139

For the director of music. Of David. A psalm.

Remember, I love you. God loves you….and there is nothing you can do to change our mind.

Rev. Marcia F. Davis

Enjoy the worship video today performed by Donnie McClurkin entitled, “I Need You.”

 

 

 

Good morning and Divine Blessings to you.

I pray this morning’s devotion finds you in a state of hope instead of despair.

Many of us have things that we could complain about. Many of us have things in our past that may cause us to cry… in pain, in shame or in sorrow.

Praise be to God, we have more blessings than we have curses. There are abundantly more reasons for us to say, “Hallelujah and Thank You, Lord.”

When the enemy, or even when we, try to bring up the shame and pain of our past, remind the devil, and remind yourself, that God has been  so good, so faithful, so loving, so forgiving, so gracious and so merciful!!!

Speak to the atmosphere and speak to yourself. Get your flesh in submission to your spirit. The flesh is linked to the cravings and desires of this world, but the spirit is linked to God.

Use your words and use The Word.

Go with God today and allow him to do great things in you and through you. Even through the storm. 

I love you with an AMAZING Love.

Rev. Marcia F. Davis

Please enjoy the worship video today performed by Casting Crowns entitled, “Praise You In This Storm.”

Psalm 97:9-11

New International Version (NIV)

Good morning, Beautiful Ones:

HAPPY Monday morning. We start each Monday with a prayer to God. Please join me as we enter the Throne Room humbly, with thanksgiving and praise.

Father God, Everlasting King, we come to you first to always say that we love you and adore you. You are worthy of 10,000 praise and more. Hear us today as we lift up the thousands of people affected by Hurricane Harvey. Protect, cover and encircle them with your arms of love. Watch over the rescuers and their families as they usher people into safety. 

Father, be with us today, and this week, as we know that we will have  many opportunities to shine for you and your kingdom. May we be your ambassadors of love, hope and peace. 

Father, you have so many names. Allow us to have intimate knowledge of how vast and deep you are, as characterized by your names. We love you and lift you higher than any other. 

In the precious and powerful name of your Son, Jesus Christ. Amen, Amen and Amen. 

May we all enjoy the worship video today by Tye Tribbet entitled, “You Are The Most High God.”

 

WHAT DAY IS IT??!!!!

It is Praise Friday.

At The Sacred Journey, Praise Friday is the day we set aside to give God a radical, hysterical, and full-bodied praise. If you are at home, move the furniture, wake up the family and start the day off giving God your BEST PRAISE. If you are at work just dance in your cubicle or work area. You never know, your praise may be contagious and jump on someone else, Amen.

Today’s devotional is about setting our mind, heart, and spirit on the great things of God.

I serve a Great and Powerful God. Nothing God does is mediocre. When I go to God in prayer, I don’t pray expecting God to fail. I pray in agreement with God’s Word and I leave it at the alter. I walk away expecting miracles and blessings.

Read below about Paul’s thoughts on the greatness of God. The letter was written to the Ephesians, but it could Have just as easily been written to you and me.

Ephesians 3:14-21

New International Version (NIV)

A Prayer for the Ephesians

¹⁴ For this reason I kneel before the Father,¹⁵ from whom every family in heaven and on earth derives its name. ¹⁶ I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, ¹⁷ so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, ¹⁸ may have power, together with all the Lord’s holy people, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, ¹⁹ and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.

²⁰ Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, ²¹ to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Expect Great Things from God, today, because he is expecting great things from you.

Enjoy today’s praise song performed by Jonathan Nelson entitled, “Expect The Great.”