Category: #devotional

Stay the Course…

Sacred Journey Devotionals: A Journey To WholenessLeave a comment

Greetings Precious Family,

I have enjoyed seeing so many friends and family members post graduation pictures from Elementary Schools, Middle Schools, High Schools, colleges and universities. What an amazing adventure. The joy of crossing over from one season in your life to another.

All of these graduates have one thing in common. They are leaving the known and stepping into a new unknown season. This time is exciting, but it can also be a little scary. Most people are a little apprehensive about change, even if it’s positive.

No matter what, I encourage you to be strong and sure, knowing that if God has walked with you this far he will continue to do so. One thing my husband always says is, “God hasn’t brought me this far to leave me.”

Scriptures of Hope

New International Version

Joshua 1:1-8

Joshua Installed as Leader

1 After the death of Moses the servant of the Lord, the Lord said to Joshua son of Nun, Moses’ aide: 2 “Moses my servant is dead. Now then, you and all these people, get ready to cross the Jordan River into the land I am about to give to them—to the Israelites. 3 I will give you every place where you set your foot, as I promised Moses. 4 Your territory will extend from the desert to Lebanon, and from the great river, the Euphrates—all the Hittite country—to the Mediterranean Sea in the west. 5 No one will be able to stand against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you. 6 Be strong and courageous, because you will lead these people to inherit the land I swore to their ancestors to give them.

7 “Be strong and very courageous. Be careful to obey all the law my servant Moses gave you; do not turn from it to the right or to the left, that you may be successful wherever you go. 8 Keep this Book of the Law always on your lips; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.

Songs of Worship and Hope

Maverick City Music

Be encouraged, Family. God has prepared a place for you. You have trained, studied, and have been tested. You have graduated from the level you were on. Take a deep breath and Trust God.

I encourage you to spend a few minutes with God, every day, during the most peaceful and quiet time of your day. Ask the Lord how he wants to be worshipped through you. Stay close to his heart, so that you can hear the whisper of his voice.

Your sister,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Covington, GA

Awesome God

Sacred Journey Devotionals: A Journey To WholenessLeave a comment

Good morning, Precious and Beloved family:

I have a question for you. When you hear the word “awesome,” what attributes do you think of? The Oxford dictionary says, “stunning, amazing, breathtaking, astounding, extremely impressive, inspiring great admiration, and amazing.“

Scriptures of Hope

Psalm 47:1-7

New International Version

Psalm 47

For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm.

1 Clap your hands, all you nations;
    shout to God with cries of joy.

2 For the Lord Most High is awesome,
    the great King over all the earth.
3 He subdued nations under us,
    peoples under our feet.
4 He chose our inheritance for us,
    the pride of Jacob, whom he loved.

5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy,
    the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets.
6 Sing praises to God, sing praises;
    sing praises to our King, sing praises.
7 For God is the King of all the earth;
    sing to him a psalm of praise.

Song of Praise

Family, when I think about the goodness of God and ALL He has done in my life, I have to pause and just say, “Thank You, Lord.”

Your homework this week is to find scripture passages in the Bible that let God know you feel.

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

Your sister,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Lean Not…

Sacred Journey Devotionals: A Journey To WholenessLeave a comment

Good morning, Precious Family:

Since last Wednesday’s Devotional, there has been a reoccurring theme in the conversations I’ve had with several close people in my life.

The topic that the Holy Spirit keeps bringing up is regarding leaning NOT on our limited understanding but instead to trust God and the instructions he is giving us, no matter how they may sound. The Word of God is very clear when it comes to our understanding and God’s infinite wisdom.

Word of Instruction

Proverbs 3:5-6

New International Version

5 Trust in the Lord with all your heart
    and lean not on your own understanding;
6 in all your ways submit to him,
    and he will make your paths straight.[a]

Trust and independence are two attributes that tend to bump heads. Typically, a person that is very independent, likes to be in control of the world around them. One of the hardest things for most people is to release control to someone else.

The main reason why there is so much hesitation in trusting God is that the person can not be in control of the outcome. However, trusting in the Lord and surrendering our will to His is a true faith walk as well as a daily act of worship.

We must understand that God’s Word is full of amazing blessings and promises when we put our whole trust in him.

Our prayer today needs to be a prayer of trust and faith. We must understand that the Holy One, who knew us even before we were in our mother’s womb, is the same Holy One that knows us now. We were created with a purpose. Trust God and believe that if you ask in faith, Jesus will…

Homework

Over the next week, study the Bible for passages about trusting in the Lord and having faith in the Lord. If you feel led, share with me what passages you read and how they helped you.

Song of Worship and Faith…

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

Your sister,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Covington, GA

Mission 007…

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Good morning, Precious and Beloved Family:

On my drive into work this morning, I was listening to my favorite radio station. A song by Zauntee came on entitled “Oxygen.” The words of the song just washed over me.

There is so much truth and testimony in that song. Jesus is the Breath of Life and I can’t live without him. My purpose and identity are  completely wrapped up in my relationship with the Lord and the calling and purpose he placed on my life.

In the Gospel of John, Jesus appeared to the disciples after his resurrection. He had them in a room and breathed his spirit into them and gave them instructions on how to live. It is His breath that gives us purpose and direction. Without God’s direction and Holy Oxygen, how will we know how to please Him? That is why I love Zauntee’s song so much.

Scriptures to Live By…

John 20:19-22

New International Version

Jesus Appears to His Disciples

19 On the evening of that first day of the week, when the disciples were together, with the doors locked for fear of the Jewish leaders, Jesus came and stood among them and said, “Peace be with you!” 20 After he said this, he showed them his hands and side. The disciples were overjoyed when they saw the Lord.

21 Again Jesus said, “Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.” 

22 And with that he breathed on them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit.

Songs of Thankful and Praise…

Zauntee

Family, our identification is in Christ alone. Ask the Lord to breathe His Holy Spirit inside of you so that you may work in unison with the will of God.

There is nothing more frustrating that to feel like your life has no purpose or direction. It is the Holy Spirit that is holding your life’s mission and direction if you choose to accept it.

I love you with the amazing and everlasting love of our Lord and Savior, Jesus, The Christ. It is in His name that I lift up this devotional. May we walk in obedience and love. Amen

Your sister in Christ,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Covington, GA

Why or Thank You…

Sacred Journey Devotionals: A Journey To Wholeness2 Comments

Good morning, Precious Family:

I sometimes chuckle at how the Holy Spirit brings me the message for each week. This week, the Holy Spirit was showing me a video game. In the game, the avatar was collecting certain required items and placing them in a basket tied to her waist as she made her way along a marked path.

Initially, I didn’t understand the purpose of getting all of the items along the path. I knew where the path was heading. I wanted to just run as fast as I could to get to the end goal, which was a beautiful castle.

The game would not let me skip past the required stops along the way. With a lot of frustration and attitude, I completed my first few tasks. Shortly after, I continued my journey along the path when a creature jumped out at me. I panicked, at first, and then I heard the Holy Spirit say, “Your weapon is in your bag.”

I quickly began to see where this vision was taking me. The Holy Spirit reassured me that everything I have gone through had two purposes. Growth and Glory are the lesson twins. God allows every lesson we encounter for two reasons. The lessons are for OUR GROWTH or for HIS GLORY.

I know that we are sometimes tempted to ask God, “Why?” Several years back, I learned an invaluable lesson. I learned that if I changed my “Why” to a “Thank You” I was able to get through the lesson or season much easier. What will your answer be? How will you respond when life throws a curveball your way? Will you say, “Why” or “Thank You”?

Scripture Reading of Edification

Ephesians 4:1-6

The Message

To Be Mature

4 1-3 In light of all this, here’s what I want you to do. While I’m locked up here, a prisoner for the Master, I want you to get out there and walk—better yet, run!—on the road God called you to travel. I don’t want any of you sitting around on your hands. I don’t want anyone strolling off, down some path that goes nowhere. And mark that you do this with humility and discipline—not in fits and starts, but steadily, pouring yourselves out for each other in acts of love, alert at noticing differences and quick at mending fences.

4-6 You were all called to travel on the same road and in the same direction, so stay together, both outwardly and inwardly. You have one Master, one faith, one baptism, one God and Father of all, who rules over all, works through all, and is present in all. Everything you are and think and do is permeated with Oneness.

Song of Worship and Praise

Sean Feucht

Family, I pray your strength in the Lord, as you walk the Path. Walk graciously and humbly with love for one another, in the name and authority of our Lord and Redeemer, Jesus The Christ. Amen.

Your sister,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Covington, GA

No Shortcuts…

Sacred Journey Devotionals: A Journey To WholenessLeave a comment

Good morning, Precious Family:

I hope this week’s devotional finds you filled with peace, hope, love, and joy. I pray all four things are a part of your life as a result of your walk with Christ Jesus. Peace, hope, love, and joy, not as the world gives, as the world’s ways are fleeting and temporary.

In today’s desire for instant gratification and satisfaction of the flesh, many people sound like Veruca Salt from Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory singing, ‘I Want It Now.’ When instead we should sound more like Men of Standard singing, ‘In Your Will.’

What does it mean to know the Lord’s will? There are no shortcuts. Knowing the Lord’s will requires time spent together with the Lord by reading the Word of God, praying, and becoming sensitive to the voice and moving of the Holy Spirit.

Words of Thankfulness and Hope

Psalm 86:11-13

New International Version

11 Teach me your way, Lord,
    that I may rely on your faithfulness;
give me an undivided heart,
    that I may fear your name.
12 I will praise you, Lord my God, with all my heart;
    I will glorify your name forever.
13 For great is your love toward me;
    you have delivered me from the depths,
    from the realm of the dead.

Song of Worship

Men of Standard #MalacoRecords

Family, I pray for your strength, daily, in the Lord. Ask the Lord to teach you how to love. Ask the Lord to teach you how to be pleasing in His sight. Ask the Lord to teach you how to be a living sacrifice that puts His needs before your own. #NoShortCuts

Your sister in Christ,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Covington, GA

Continuous Praise…

Sacred Journey Devotionals: A Journey To WholenessLeave a comment

Good morning, Precious Family:

I hope you are peacefully dwelling in the love and shadow of God. This morning, I think about the fact that so many things are happening in the world around us and directly to us.

I remember a good lesson that I’ve heard several times over the years. What matters most, in any situation we may find ourselves, is whether we respond or react. I know reacting with emotions is easy to do in a stressful situation. I think that most of the time, most of us respond with love, grace, and patience.

No matter what you are faced with this week, I pray that you would pause to make sure that love is leading and guiding your thoughts, will, and emotions.

Song of Hope and Praise

Alan Jackson

Scriptures of Hope

Psalm 91

New International Version

Psalm 91

1 Whoever dwells in the shelter of the Most High
    will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.[a]
2 I will say of the Lord, “He is my refuge and my fortress, my God, in whom I trust.”

3 Surely he will save you
    from the fowler’s snare
    and from the deadly pestilence.
4 He will cover you with his feathers,
    and under his wings you will find refuge;
    his faithfulness will be your shield and rampart.
5 You will not fear the terror of night,
    nor the arrow that flies by day,
6 nor the pestilence that stalks in the darkness,
    nor the plague that destroys at midday.
7 A thousand may fall at your side,
    ten thousand at your right hand,
    but it will not come near you.
8 You will only observe with your eyes
    and see the punishment of the wicked.

9 If you say, “The Lord is my refuge,”
    and you make the Most High your dwelling,
10 no harm will overtake you,
    no disaster will come near your tent.
11 For he will command his angels concerning you
    to guard you in all your ways;
12 they will lift you up in their hands,
    so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.
13 You will tread on the lion and the cobra;
    you will trample the great lion and the serpent.

14 “Because he[b] loves me,” says the Lord, “I will rescue him;
    I will protect him, for he acknowledges my name.
15 He will call on me, and I will answer him;
    I will be with him in trouble,
    I will deliver him and honor him.
16 With long life I will satisfy him
    and show him my salvation.”

Family,

I love you with the everlasting and never-ending love of Jesus, the Christ.

Your sister,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Covington, GA

Training and Discipline…

Sacred Journey Devotionals: A Journey To Wholeness1 Comment

Good morning, Precious Family:

I pray that this week’s Devotional finds you in a place of peace and abundant joy. Joy, not in the earthly sense, but rather joy that comes from the inside of your deepest belly. A Godly joy and peace that’s in your innermost being, letting you know that everything is going to be alright.

This week’s devotional centers around discipline and training. Most of us have heard or read the Proverb that speaks of training a child in the way that they must go.

Do you know that as Children of God, there is no age limit in regards to discipline and training. If God sees that there is something in us that needs to be corrected or instructed, God, as our Father, loves us enough to prepare us and mature us in the faith. Whether we are 8 years old or 80, we are still eligible for training and discipline, Amen.

Scriptures of Wisdom

Proverbs 22:1-6

Living Bible

22 If you must choose, take a good name rather than great riches; for to be held in loving esteem is better than silver and gold.

2 The rich and the poor are alike before the Lord who made them all.

3 A prudent man foresees the difficulties ahead and prepares for them; the simpleton goes blindly on and suffers the consequences.

4 True humility and respect for the Lord lead a man to riches, honor, and long life.

5 The rebel walks a thorny, treacherous road; the man who values his soul will stay away.

6 Teach a child to choose the right path, and when he is older, he will remain upon it.

Song of Praise

Vanessa Bell Armstrong

Family, in the same words of the Apostle Paul, I pray that you would prosper, even as your soul prospers. Stay in a teachable and pliable place, for this is a position of worship and honor to God.

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

Your sister,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Covington, GA

How Great!!!

Sacred Journey Devotionals: A Journey To WholenessLeave a comment

Good morning, Precious Family:

I pray this week finds you in mindset of thankfulness and gratitude. We have so much to be thankful for each day.

One of the hardest lessons I had to learn years ago was that no matter the circumstance, I had to have an attitude of thankfulness and gratitude.

When life seems that it can not possibly get any more challenging or trying, that is the time to give God thanks. I know what I’m saying sounds completely backward, but it doesn’t make it any less true.

The purpose of having a spirit of thanksgiving is because it is a posture of worship. Worship is a second by second and minute by minute active posture. Our posture tells God that we trust the process of the perfect work of the cross being completed in us until we see God face to face.

Scriptures of Hope and Promises

Philippians 1:6

Amplified Bible, Classic Edition

6 And I am convinced and sure of this very thing, that He Who began a good work in you will continue until the day of Jesus Christ [right up to the time of His return], developing [that good work] and perfecting and bringing it to full completion in you.

Song of Worship and Praise

Family, I am confident in God’s love. It gives me hope and peace. May this same hope and peace be with you at all times and in every circumstance.

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

Your sister in Christ,

Rev. Marcia Davis

Sacred Journey Devotionals

Covington, GA

His Banner…

Sacred Journey Devotionals: A Journey To WholenessLeave a comment

Greetings to my Precious Family:

This week has been filled with ups and downs and twists and turns, but God has been with me every step of the way.

There is something so magical and special about the peace that comes from God. It is a reassurance that no matter what circumstances look like, God is there with you.

God’s Banner over me and over you is love. God’s love can break down walls and calm the deepest of fears. God’s love can help lead, guide, and direct our footsteps. The Love of God is the most powerful force. God’s love transcends both time and space.

Scriptures of Hope and Love

Song of Solomon 2:4

New King James Version

The Shulamite to the Daughters of Jerusalem

4 He brought me to the [a]banqueting house,
And his banner over me was love.

Songs of Worship and Thanksgiving

Vineyard

If you are anything like me, you have so many reasons to tell God, “Thank you” for being our covering and our banner. Walk your path and journey knowing that you are loved. Share the love and peace of God with those you meet. Don’t just tell people that God loves them…show them.

Be blessed, family. Always know that I love you with the everlasting, never-ending, overflowing love of God. Go in peace, while praising and serving the Lord.

Your sister in Christ,

Rev. Marcia Davis