Good Tuesday evening, Beautiful Beams of Light:

I know that I am coming to you later than usual, but a hurricane and power outages hindered me from writing this morning. We still have no power, but even in the coming  darkness, I want to bring you a word of hope and encouragement.

The on-line devotional, that I write each morning, has NEVER been about me. This devotional is all about the God-head that I serve, which I refer to as the Trinity (Father, Son, Holy Spirit — 3 in 1)

So before I lose power on my cell phone let me leave you with this word.

John 1:1-5

Contemporary English Version (CEV)

The Word of Life

Today is Monday. We begin every Monday with prayer.

Father God,

Thank you for watching over us. We love you and praise you for your continous care. Continue to hide us under the shadow and protection of your mighty wing. Be our guide and our shelter. May every family affected by the hurricanes find hope in you. May we, your people, be your ambassadors of love as we help our brothers and sisters around the world. We love you, Lord. We thank you for your faithfulness toward us. Continue to remind us who we are in You, in Jesus name. Amen. 

Sixteen years ago today was the terroristic attacks of September 11, 2001. During the tragedy, the country joined together as one nation and every stranger became our brother and sister. 

This month, parts of the country has been ravaged by hurricanes. Once again every stranger has become our brother and sister. 

This tells me two things…

1. Hate is a learned behavior.

2. We have the capacity to love on a great scale.

John 13:34-35

New International Version (NIV)

³⁴ “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. ³⁵ By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”

Genesis 1:27

New International Version (NIV)

Galatians 5:22-23

English Standard Version (ESV)

²² But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness,²³ gentleness, self-control; against such things there is no law.

Happy Friday, Everyone. 

I hope you had a good week. I also hope that you have a wonderful day and a great weekend.

I encourage us all to plant good seeds as we go along our day today.

Today Is Praise Friday, so we get to up and get moving for the Lord. Give God your best praise this morning.

Let’s praise God to the tunes of Zach Williams as he performes, “Old Church Choir.”

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.”